Portable MiniDisc Recorder - Minidisc Community Portal · · 2001-06-19Portable MiniDisc Recorder...

SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

3-798-610-22 (1)

MZ-B31995 by Sony Corporation

PortableMiniDisc Recorder

Operating instructions

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SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

•Consult the dealer or an experiencedradio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes ormodifications not expressly approved inthis manual could void your authority tooperate this equipment.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BELIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,INCIDENTAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OFANY NATURE, OR LOSSES OREXPENSES RESULTING FROMANY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT ORTHE USE OF ANY PRODUCT.

Owner’s RecordThe serial number is located inside thebattery compartment and the modelnumber is located at the bottom.Record the serial number in the spaceprovided below. Refer to themwhenever you call upon your Sonydealer regarding this product.Model No. MZ-B3Serial No.__________________________

WARNING

To prevent fire orshock hazard, do notexpose the unit to rainor moisture.To avoid electricalshock, do not openthe cabinet. Referservicing to qualifiedpersonnel only.

CautionThe use of optical instruments withthis product will increase eye hazard.

InformationFor Customers in the USAThis equipment has been tested andfound to comply with the limits for aClass B digital device, pursuant to Part 15of the FCC rules. These limits aredesigned to provide reasonableprotection against harmful interference ina residential installation. This equipmentgenerates, used, and can radiate radiofrequency energy and, if not installed andused in accordance with the instructions,may cause harmful interference to radiocommunications.However, there is no guarantee thatinterference will not occur in a particularinstallation. If this equipment does causeharmful interference to radio or televisionreception, which can be determined byturning the equipment off and on, theuser is encouraged to try to correct theinterference by one more of the followingmeasures:•Reorient or relocate the receiving

antenna.•Increase the separation between the

equipment and the receiver.•Connect the equipment into an outlet on

a circuit different from that to which thereceiver is connected.

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Welcome!

Welcome to the world of the MiniDisc!Here are some of the capabilities andfeatures you'll discover with the newMiniDisc (MD) Recorder.• Long-time recording in monaural

sound – You can record for up to148 minutes on a 74-minute MD byusing monaural recording. You canrecord in stereo sound for up to 74minutes.

• A microphone and a speaker built inthe recorder – You can record andplay back an MD anywhere you go.

• Digital VOR (Voice OperatedRecording) function – The recorderstarts and stops recordingautomatically in response to thesound. The recorder's memorymakes precise starting of recordingpossible. With this function, youcan dictate easily.

• Fast playback function – You canreduce the listening time. You canplay an MD either 1.6 or 2.2 times asfast as the normal playback speed.

• Two kinds of track marks – You canrecord two different kinds of trackmarks: regular track marks andspecial track marks. You can locatethe special track marksindependently of the regular ones.

• Position indicator – The displayshows you the current location onthe MD.

• Date and time stamp function – Thebuilt-in clock allows you to recordthe date and time whenever youmake a recording.

• Title function – You can see disc andtrack titles in the display while youare playing an MD that has beenelectronically labeled.

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Table of contents

Recording an MD right away! .................................6

Playing an MD right away! ......................................8

Various ways of recording .....................................10Dictating (Digital VOR function) ......................................................... 10Recording in stereo with an external microphone ............................11Recording from other equipment......................................................... 12Track marking while recording ............................................................ 13Tips on recording.................................................................................... 15

To monitor the sound being recorded .......................................... 15To know the recording condition.................................................. 15To protect a recorded MD .............................................................. 15To know the remaining time, etc. .................................................16

Setting the clock to stamp the recorded time .....................................17

Various ways of playback ......................................19Listening at a fast speed ........................................................................ 19Playing tracks repeatedly ......................................................................19Tips on playback .....................................................................................20

To know the time and track name ................................................ 20To lock the controls (Hold function)............................................. 21

Listening with other equipment ........................................................... 22

Editing recorded tracks ..........................................23Track marking a recording .................................................................... 23Erasing a track mark .............................................................................. 24Erasing a track......................................................................................... 25Erasing a whole disc .............................................................................. 26

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Power sources .........................................................27Using on house current .........................................................................27Using on a lithium ion rechargeable battery ...................................... 27

Additional information ..........................................29Precautions ..............................................................................................29Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 32System limitations ..................................................................................34Error messages ........................................................................................35Specifications ...........................................................................................37What is the MD? .....................................................................................38Looking at the controls .......................................................................... 40

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1 Slide OPEN and openthe lid.

2 Insert a recordable MD withthe label side facing up, andpress the lid down to close.

(bottom)

Recording an MD right away!Record an MD through the built-in microphone. The recordedsound is monaural, and you can record for up to 148 minutes ona 74-minute MD or up to 120 minutes on a 60-minute MD.

Install three alkaline batteries.

Insert a recordable MD.

1

2

Three size AA (LR6)alkaline batteries

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Reco

rdin

g an

MD

righ

t away!

To

Pause

Record from theend of thepreviousrecording

Record overpartway throughthe previousrecording

Remove the MD

* Once you open the lid, the point tostart recording will change to thebeginning of the first track. Whenrecording on a recorded MD, check thepoint to start recording on the display.

If the recording does not start• Make sure the recorder is not locked

(page 21).• Make sure the MD is not record-

protected (page 15).

The alkaline batteries' lifeYou can record an MD with new alkalinebatteries for 3 hours.

Display window whilerecording

Record an MD.3

Press

P*Press P again toresumerecording.

END SEARCH,then pressrREC.

(, + or =to find point tostart recording,and press p tostop. Then pressrREC.

p and open thelid.*

Elapsed time ofthe track beingrecordedTrack number

RECMONO

Position indicator(shows the currentlocation on the MD)

Sound sourceMicrophone

Press rREC."REC" and "MONO" appear in thedisplay, and recording starts fromthe beginning of the disc. The levelof the recorded sound is adjustedautomatically.

To stop recording, press p (stop)."Toc Edit" flashes to store data of therecording (the track’s start and endpoints, etc.). Do not move or jog therecorder or disconnect the powersource while the indication is flashingin the display. When the recordercompletes storing the data, the r RECbutton will be released.

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1 Slide OPEN and openthe lid.

2 Insert an MD with the labelside facing up, and press thelid down to close.

(bottom)

Playing an MD right away!

Play an MD you recorded on or a premastered MD. You canhear the playback sound in monaural through the built-inspeaker. For stereo sound, play an MD recorded in stereo, anduse stereo headphones (not supplied).

Install three alkaline batteries.

Insert an MD.

1

2

Three size AA (LR6)alkaline batteries

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Playing

an M

D rig

ht aw

ay!

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VOL (volume)

2 (headphones)

Speaker (monaural)

2 Turn VOL to adjust thevolume.

1 Press (.The recorder starts to play thefirst track.The recorder automaticallyswitches to play in stereo ormonaural according to therecorded sound.

To stop play, press p(stop).

To

Pause

Find thebeginning of thecurrent track

Find thebeginning of thenext track

Go backwardswhile playing*

Go forwardwhile playing*

Remove the MD

Press

PPress P again toresume play.

= once

+ once

keep pressing=

keep pressing+

p and open thelid**

* To go backward or forward quicklywithout listening, press P and keeppressing = or +.

** Once you open the lid, the point tostart play will change to the beginningof the first track.

Elapsed timeof the trackbeing played

Track numberor track name*

To listen in stereo soundConnect stereo headphones (notsupplied) to the 2 jack.

If the play does not startMake sure the recorder is not locked(page 21).

The alkaline batteries' lifeYou can play an MD with new alkalinebatteries for 6 hours.

Display window while playingback

* Appears only with MDs that have beenelectronically labeled.

MONO

Position indicator(shows the currentlocation on the MD)

Play an MD.3

( (play)

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zVarious ways of recording To stop dictating

Press p.The recorder will switch back to normalrecording when you record next time.

Notes• You cannot record with the built-in

microphone while an externalmicrophone is connected to the MICPLUG IN POWER jack.

• This recorder's VOR function isdesigned for dictation, not for recordinginterviews or conferences.

• As long as VOR is on, the batteries areused even while nothing is beingrecorded (the VOR indicator flashes).

Dictating(Digital VOR function)

You can dictate easily using the digitalVOR (Voice Operated Recording)function. You do not have to press anybuttons to suspend recording whiledictating.

1 Insert a recordable MD and startrecording.To record, see "Recording an MDright away!" (page 6).

2 Press VOR ON/OFF.The VOR indicator lights up.

3 Speak into the microphone.Hold the recorder and keep itclose to your mouth – around 4inches (10 cm) from your mouth.The VOR indicator lights up whileyour voice is recorded, and flasheswhile nothing is recorded.

To release the digital VOR functionPress VOR ON/OFF.The VOR indicator goes off, and therecorder switches to normal recording.

Microphone

VORON/OFF

p (stop)

VORindicator

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To record in monaural for doublethe normal recording time of an MDSet MONO/STEREO to MONO. Therecording time will be double the normal.

To record with an external monauralmicrophoneUse a monaural microphone ECM-T140,ECM-T110, etc. (not supplied), and setMONO/STEREO to MONO.

Notes• The MONO/STEREO switch functions

only when an external microphone isconnected to the MIC PLUG IN POWERjack.

• If you connect a stereo microphone andset MONO/STEREO to MONO, themixed sound from both the right andleft channels will be recorded.

• If you connect a monaural microphoneand set MONO/STEREO to STEREO,only the left channel sound of the sourcewill be recorded.

• The MDs recorded in monaural soundcan be played back only with an MDplayer/recorder that has the monauralplaying function.

Stereomicrophone

to MIC PLUGIN POWER

MONO (monaural)/STEREO

Recording in stereowith an externalmicrophone

You can record in stereo sound usingECM-909A, ECM-727P, etc. (notsupplied).You can record for up to 74 minutes on74-minute MD or 60 minutes on 60-minute MD.

1 Connect the microphone to theMIC PLUG IN POWER jack.

2 Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.

3 Insert a recordable MD and startrecording.To record, see "Recording an MDright away!" (page 6).While recording, "STEREO"appears in the display.

To stop recordingPress p.

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Recording from otherequipment

Use a line cable (RK-G134 or RK-G128,not supplied) to connect the recorderto the source equipment.

1 Connect the MIC PLUG INPOWER jack of the recorder to thesource equipment with a linecable.

2 Set MONO/STEREO to STEREO.

3 Insert a recordable MD and startrecording.To record, see "Recording an MDright away!" (page 6).While recording, "STEREO"appears in the display.

4 Play the sound source.

To stop recordingPress p.

To record in monaural for doublethe normal recording time of an MDSet MONO/STEREO to MONO. Therecording time will be double the normal.

To record from a monaural playerConnect the RK-G135, RK-G64, etc. (notsupplied) to the earphone jack of thesource equipment, and set MONO/STEREO to MONO.

Notes• If you connect a monaural equipment

and set MONO/STEREO to STEREO,only the left channel sound of the sourcewill be recorded.

• The MDs recorded in monaural soundcan be played back only with an MDplayer/recorder that has the monauralplaying function.

to MIC PLUGIN POWER

Portable CD player,portable MD player,etc.

to 2 orPHONES

Stereo-miniplug

RK-G134(notsupplied)


Cassette-corder,CD player,MD player, etc.

to LINE OUTor REC OUT

L (white)R (red)2 phono plugs


to MIC PLUGIN POWER


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Track marking whilerecording

Track marking to divide arecording

Track marking essentially adds trackswhile recording and enables you toquickly find and play from the markedposition. The track marking feature isuseful particularly when recording adiscussion, an interview, etc.You can add track marks with therecorder or the remote controller. Touse the remote controller, connect it tothe TRACK MARK (REC)/PAUSEjack.

SpeakerA n B n A n C……………

While recording, press TRACK MARKon the recorder or the remotecontroller.A track mark is added and the tracknumber will increase by one. Therecord indicator flashes and "MARKON" appears in the display.

To add track marks after recordingSee “Track marking a recording” (page23).

To erase track marksSee “Erasing a track mark” (page 24).

To find track marksWhile playing, press = or + slightly.

4 4 41 2 3 4

Add track marks whenthe speaker changes.

MONO

MONO

Elapsed timeof the trackbeing playedTrack number

Continue to next page m

TRACK MARK

TRACKMARK

to TRACK MARK(REC)/PAUSE

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Track marking importantpoints

While you record a discussion or aninterview, you can add not onlyregular track marks but special trackmarks. Special track marks can befound independently of the regulartrack marks during playback.You can add special track marks onlywith the remote controller whilerecording.

While recording, press TRACK MARKon the remote controller twice.A special track mark is added and thetrack number will increase by one.The record indicator flashes and"!MARK ON!" appears in the display.

NoteTo add a special track mark, pressTRACK MARK twice within one second.If you press the button secondly aftermore than one second passes, two regulartrack marks will be recorded.

Special track marks cannot be addedafter recordingYou can add special track marks onlywhile recording.

To erase special track marksSee "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).

To find special track marks whileplayingWhile pressing VOR ON/OFF, press =or + slightly.The special track mark indication "TT"appears following the track number.Each time you press =, you can findthe previous special track mark. Eachtime you press +, you can find thesucceeding track mark.

Tips on track marks

Total number of track marksYou can record up to 254 track marks intotal of the two kinds – regular trackmarks to divide a recording and specialtrack marks – on an MD.

Regular and special track marks arerecorded in the same way as thetrack marks on music discs.The two kinds of track marks recordedwith this recorder can be used forplayback operation in the same way asthe track marks recorded on thebeginning of each music track on a musicdisc.

4 4 4¢ ¢ ¢1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Track number


MONO

MONO

Specialtrack marks

Regulartrack marks

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Tips on recording

To monitor the sound beingrecordedConnect headphones (not supplied) tothe 2 jack and adjust the volume byturning VOL. Sound levels are copiedonto the MD automatically andindependently of the volume formonitoring.

To know the recordingconditionThe record indicator flashes accordingto the recording condition.

To protect a recorded MDTo record-protect an MD, slide openthe tab at the side of the MD. In thisposition, the MD cannot be recorded.To record again, slide the tab back sothe tab is visible.

Rear of an MD

Record-protect

Tab

Recordingcondition

While recording

Recordingstandby

Recording withless than 3minutes’recording timeavailable

Record indicator

Flashes accordingto the loudness ofthe source (voicemirror).

Flashes.

Slowly flashes.


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SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

To know the remaining time,etc.

• While recordingPress DISPLAY while recording.Each time you press the button, thedisplay changes as follows.

• While in stop modePress DISPLAY while the recorder isin stop mode.Each time you press the button, thedisplay changes as follows.

DISPLAY

Display window

Track number

Track number

Remaining timefor recording

Current date*

Current time*

*Appears only when the clock is set.

Track number

Track number

Remaining time ofthe recording

Current date**

Current time**

* A disc name appears only with MDsthat have been electronically labeled.

** Appears only when the clock is set.

.

.

.

RECMONO

RECMONO

RECREMAIN

RECMONO

DATE AM

.

Elapsed time of thetrack being recorded

Elapsed time of thetrack being recorded.

Remaining numberof tracks*

Remaining time afterthe current location

DATE AM

MONOREC

REMAIN

REMAIN

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4 Press (.The year is set and the digit of themonth flashes.

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 to enter thecurrent month, date, hour, andminute.When you press ( to set theminute, the clock starts operating.

If you make a mistake while settingthe clockPress p, and set the clock again from step2. You can skip a step by pressing (.

On the clock display• To display the current time

When the recorder is not operating orwhile recording, press DISPLAYrepeatedly until the current timeappears in the display. The timeindication disappears after 10 seconds.

• To display the time in the 24-hour systemWhile setting the clock, press DISPLAY.To display the time in the 12-hoursystem, press DISPLAY again.

DATEPM

DATEPM


DATE AM

=

+

CLOCK SET(on thebottom)

( pBatterycompartment(on thebottom)

Setting the clock tostamp the recordedtime

To stamp the date and time on the MDwhen you record, you first need to setthe clock. When you use the recorderfor the first time or after a long periodof disuse, charge the built-in batteryfor the clock after setting the clock(page 18).

1 Connect the power source.Install three size AA (LR6)batteries.

2 Press CLOCK SET on the bottomof the recorder.Use a pointed object.The digits of the year flash.

3 Enter the current year by pressing= or +.To change the digits rapidly, keeppressing = or +.

Year, month, and date

Current time

DATE AM

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Charging the built-in batteryfor the clockAfter setting the clock, leave therecorder with the dry batteriesinstalled for about 2 hours to chargethe built-in battery for the clock.You can use the recorder whilecharging. Once charged, the built-inbattery should last about a monthwithout connecting to any of thepower sources. The recorder willautomatically charge the built-inbattery while connected to drybatteries, AC power, or a rechargeablebattery.

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Listening at a fastspeed

You can reduce the listening time byusing the fast playback function. Theplayback speed can be set to 1.6 or 2.2times as fast as the normal playback.

Press FAST PLAY."FAST" appears in the display, and fastplayback starts at a speed of 1.6 timesnormal.To change the speed to 2.2 times, pressFAST PLAY again.

To suspend fast playbackPress P.

To find track marksPress = or + during fast playback.

To switch to normal playbackPress (.To return to fast playback, press FASTPLAY.

Playing tracksrepeatedly

You can play tracks repeatedly in threeways – all repeat, single repeat, andshuffle repeat.

Press PLAY MODE while the recorderis playing an MD.Each time you press PLAY MODE, theplay mode indication changes asshown in the next page.

PLAY MODE

zVarious ways ofplayback

FAST PLAY


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MONO

FAST

Fast playback indication

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Tips on playback

To know the time and tracknameYou can see in the display window thename, number, remaining time, andrecorded time of the track beingplayed.

Press DISPLAY while the recorder isplaying an MD.Each time you press DISPLAY, thedisplay changes as shown on the nextpage.

Displaywindow

DISPLAY

Play modeindication

Track numberor track name*


”(none)” (normal play)A whole disc (all the tracks) isplayed once.

.”f” (all repeat)A whole disc (all the tracks) isplayed repeatedly.

.”f1” (single repeat)A single track is playedrepeatedly.

.”fSHUF” (shuffle repeat)All the tracks are playedrepeatedly in random order.

Z

MONOSHUF

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To lock the controls (Holdfunction)To prevent the buttons from beingaccidentally operated while carryingthe recorder, use this function.

Slide HOLD in the direction of thec.The controls on the recorder arelocked.

HOLD

Track number or name*

Elapsed time of thetrack being played

Track number or name*

Remaining time ofthe current track

Remaining numberof tracks

Recorded date**

Recorded time**


** The indications show the date andtime when you started recording oradded the track mark.If you record without setting the clockor play an MD that has no recordeddate, "- - y - - m - - d" and "- - : - -"appear.

.

.

MONOREC DATE AM

MONO

MONO

REMAIN

MONO

REMAIN

.

Remaining time ofthe recording

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Listening with otherequipment

Connect the 2 jack of the recorder to atape player or an amplifier with a linecable (RK-G134, or RK-G129, notsupplied).You can listen to an MD with yourstereo system or record on a cassettetape, etc.

Stereo tape recorder,portable MD recorder,etc.

to MIC


to 2(headphones)

Adjust the volumearound "6".

Stereo system,cassette-corder, etc.

to LINE IN2 phono plugs

R (red) L (white)


to 2(headphones)

Adjust the volumearound "6".

Stereo-mini plug

To listen with a monaural playerConnect the RK-G135 line cable (notsupplied) to the MIC jack of the sourceequipment.

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While the recorder is playing an MD,press TRACK MARK on the recorderat the point you want to mark.A track mark is added and the tracknumber will increase by one.

NoteTRACK MARK on the remote controllerdoes not function during playback.

To add track marks while recordingSee "Track marking while recording"(page 13).

To erase track marksSee "Erasing a track mark" (page 24).

Notes• When you press p after adding track

marks, "Toc Edit" flashes and therecorder starts writing the new data tothe MD. Do not move or jog therecorder while "Toc Edit" is flashing inthe display.

• You cannot add track marks on an MDthat is record-protected. Before addingtrack marks, close the tab on the side ofthe MD.

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41 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5

Track numbers increase

Track marking

zEditing recordedtracks

You can edit your recordings byadding or erasing track marks, orerasing tracks.Premastered MDs cannot be edited.

Track marking arecording

You can add track marks so that youcan quickly find and play from themarked position.The track numbers will increase asfollows.

.

MONO

MONO

Track number


TRACK MARK

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3 Press TRACK MARK on therecorder to erase the mark.The track mark is erased and thetwo tracks are combined.

To erase other track marksRepeat steps 2 and 3.

Notes• When you press p after erasing track

marks, "Toc Edit" flashes and therecorder starts writing the new data tothe MD. Do not move or jog therecorder while "Toc Edit" is flashing inthe display.

• You cannot ease track marks on an MDthat is record-protected. Before erasingtrack marks, close the tab on the side ofthe MD.

. Erase a track mark

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

4

Erasing a track mark

You can erase a track mark to combinethe tracks before and after the trackmark. You can erase regular trackmarks and special track marks in thesame way.The track numbers will change asfollows.

1 While the recorder is playing anMD, press P to pause.

2 Find the track mark you want toerase by pressing = or +slightly.The track number and "MARK"appear in the display.For example, to erase the thirdtrack mark, find the beginning ofthe third track.

Appears for about 2 seconds

MONO

MONO

MONO

Track numbers decrease

TRACK MARK

=/+

P (pause)

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ERASE

To erase a part of a trackAdd track marks at the beginning andthe end of the part you want to erase,then erase the part.

Notes• When you press p after erasing a track,

"Toc Edit" flashes and the recorder startswriting the new data to the MD. Do notmove or jog the recorder while "TocEdit" is flashing in the display.

• You cannot erase a track on an MD thatis record-protected. Before erasing atrack, close the tab on the side of theMD.

p(stop)((play)

Erasing a track

Note that once a recording has beenerased, you cannot retrieve it. Checkthe track number before erasing.

1 Play the track you want to erase.

2 Press ERASE while playing thetrack."Erase OK?" and "PushErase"appear in the display alternately,and the recorder plays the selectedtrack repeatedly.To cancel erasing, press p.

3 Check the track number in thedisplay and press ERASE again.The track is erased from the MDand the remaining tracks arerenumbered. The recorder thenstarts to play the succeeding track.If you have erased the last track ofthe MD, the recorder pauses at theend of the preceding track.

To erase other tracksRepeat steps 1 to 3.

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p(stop)

ERASE

Erasing a whole disc

You can quickly erase all the tracksand data of the MD at a time. Notethat once a recording has been erased,you cannot retrieve it.

1 Play the MD you want to erase.Check the contents of the disc.

2 Press p to stop.

3 While pressing ERASE, pressrREC."AllErase?" and "PushErase"appear in the display alternately.To cancel erasing, press p.

4 Press ERASE again."Toc Edit" flashes in the display.When erasing finishes,"BLANKDISC" appears.

Notes•Do not move or jog the recorder while

"Toc Edit" is flashing in the display.•You cannot erase recordings on an MD

that is record-protected. Before erasing,close the tab on the side of the MD.

rREC

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zPower sourcesYou can use the recorder on drybatteries, house current, or a lithiumion rechargeable battery.

Using on house current

It is preferable to use the recorder onhouse current when recording for along time.

Connect the DC IN 4.5V jack of therecorder to a wall outlet with the AC-E45HG AC power adaptor (notsupplied).

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Using on a lithium ionrechargeable battery

Before using the LIP-12 lithium ionrechargeable battery (not supplied) forthe first time, charge it with theACP-MZ60A battery charger (notsupplied).

1 Attach the battery case (supplied).

2 Insert the charged battery LIP-12(not supplied) into the batterycase.

NoteYou cannot charge the battery while it isin the recorder.

Rechargeable


to DC IN 4.5V

to wall outlet

AC-E45HG ACpower adaptor(not supplied)

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When to charge or replace thebatteriesYou can check the battery condition withthe battery indication displayed whileusing the recorder.

∫ Used batteries

v

b Weak batteries.Charge the rechargeable battery,or replace all the dry batteries.

v

n The batteries have gone out."LOW BATT" flashes in thedisplay, and the power goes off.

Battery lifea)

Batteries

Size AA (LR6)alkalinebatteries

Lithium ionrechargeablebattery(LIP-12)

Size AA (LR6)alkalinebatteries anda lithium ionrechargeablebattery(LIP-12)

Notes on a rechargeable battery• When you use the battery for the first

time or after a long period of disuse, thebattery life may be shorter. In this case,charge and discharge the battery severaltimes. The battery life will be restored.

• If the rechargeable battery capacitybecomes half the normal life, replace itwith a new one.

Notes on dry batteriesIncorrect battery usage may lead toleakage of battery fluid or burstingbatteries. To prevent such accidents,observe the following precautions:• Install the + and – poles of the batteries

correctly.• Do not install new and used batteries or

different kinds of batteries together.• Do not try to recharge the batteries.• When the recorder is not to be used for

a long time, be sure to remove thebatteries.

• If a battery leak should develop,carefully and thoroughly wipe awaybattery fluid from the batterycompartment before inserting new ones.

a) The battery life may be shorter due tooperating conditions and thetemperature of the location.

b) When you record, use new drybatteries or a fully chargedrechargeable battery.

c) When played using the built-inspeaker

Playbackc)

Approx.6 hours

Approx.3 hours

Approx.10 hours

Record-ingb)

Approx.3 hours

Approx.2 hours

Approx.6 hours

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Precautions

On safetyDo not put any foreign objects in theDC IN 4.5 V jack.

On power sources• Use three size AA (LR6) batteries,

the house current, or a lithium ionrechargeable battery.

• For use in your house: Use the AC-E45HG AC power adaptor (notsupplied). Do not use any other ACpower adaptor since it may causethe recorder to malfunction.

• The recorder is not disconnectedfrom the AC power source (mains)as long as it is connected to the walloutlet, even if the recorder itself hasbeen turned off.

• If you are not going to use thisrecorder for a long time, be sure todisconnect the power supply (drybatteries, AC power adaptor, or arechargeable battery). To removethe AC power adaptor from the walloutlet, grasp the adaptor plug itself;never pull the cord.

On heat build-upHeat may build up in the recorder if itis used for an extended period of time.In this case, leave the recorder to cooldown.

On installation• Never use the recorder where it will

be subjected to extremes of light,temperature, moisture or vibration.

• Never wrap the recorder inanything when it is being used withthe AC power adaptor. Heat build-up in the recorder may causemalfunction or injury.

zAdditional informationWhile carrying the recorderKeep personal credit cards usingmagnetic coding or spring-woundwatches, etc., away from the recorderto prevent possible damage from themagnet used for the speaker.

On the headphonesRoad safetyDo not use headphones while driving,cycling, or operating any motorizedvehicle. It may create a traffic hazardand is illegal in many areas. It can alsobe potentially dangerous to play yourrecorder at high volume whilewalking, especially at pedestriancrossings. You should exerciseextreme caution or discontinue use inpotentially hazardous situations.

Preventing hearing damageAvoid using headphones at highvolume. Hearing experts adviseagainst continuous, loud and extendedplay. If you experience a ringing inyour ears, reduce the volume ordiscontinue use.

Caring for othersKeep the volume at a moderate level.This will allow you to hear outsidesounds and to be considerate of thepeople around you.

On the MiniDisc cartridge• Do not break open the shutter.• Do not place the cartridge where it

will be subject to light, temperature,moisture or dust.

On cleaning• Clean the recorder casing with a soft

cloth slightly moistened with wateror a mild detergent solution.Do not use any type of abrasive pad,scouring powder or solvent such asalcohol or benzene as it may mar thefinish of the casing.

• Wipe the disc cartridge with a drycloth to remove dirt.


Polarity ofthe plug

Pow

er sou

rces

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For Customers in the USA

DISPOSAL OF MANGANESEDIOXIDE LITHIUM BATTERY ANDLITHIUM ION BATTERY.

MANGANESE DIOXIDE LITHIUMBATTERY AND LITHIUM IONBATTERY.DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwantedmanganese dioxide lithiumbatteries and lithium ion batteriesto your nearest Sony ServiceCenter.Note: In some areas the disposal oflithium ion batteries andmanganese dioxide lithiumbatteries in household or businesstrash may be prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearestyou call 1-800-222-SONY (UnitedStates only)

Caution: Do not handle damagedor leaking lithium ion battery andmanganese dioxide lithium battery.

To remove the manganesedioxide lithium batteryOn disposal of this product, removethe manganese dioxide lithium batteryin the battery compartment and treat itas mentioned above.

• Dust on the lens may prevent theunit from operating properly. Besure to close the disc compartmentlid after inserting and ejecting anMD.

Note on mechanical noiseThe recorder gives out mechanicalnoise while operating, which is causedby the power-saving system of therecorder and it is not a trouble.

Notes on recordingMechanical shock or vibrationDo not subject the recorder to strongmechanical shock or continuousvibration while recording. The soundmay be skipped or recording may stop.After you stop recording, "Toc Edit"flashes while the data of the recordingis being stored. Do not move or jog therecorder while the indication isflashing in the display.

Noise while recordingWhen you record with the built-inmicrophone or an externalmicrophone, the sound is sent as ananalog signal, converted to a digitalsignal, and recorded on an MD.During these processes, noise may berecorded. And when you record withthe built-in microphone in a quietplace, mechanical noise of the recordermay be recorded. These are notproblems.

You cannot record using a timer.If you press the rREC button with thepower off or not connected, the buttonwill stay pressed down. But as soon asthe power is turned on, the button willbe released automatically. For thisreason, you cannot record using atimer.

Remove thebattery.

Remove theblack sheet witha pointed object.

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Do not remove the black sheet unlessyou are disposing of this product, or itmay not work properly.

If you have any questions or problemsconcerning your recorder, pleaseconsult your nearest Sony dealer.

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Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearestSony dealer.

Cause/Solution

•Moisture has condensed inside the recorder.b Take the MD out and leave the recorder in a warm

place for several hours until the moistureevaporates.

•The dry batteries or rechargeble battery are weak (b "LOW BATT" flashes).b Replace the dry batteries or recharge the battery

(page 6 or 27).

•The dry batteries have been installed incorrectly.b Install the batteries correctly (page 6).

•You pressed a button while the disc indication wasrotating quickly.b Wait until the indication rotates slowly.

•The AC adaptor was unplugged during recording or apower outage occurred.

•Audio sources may not be securely connected.b Disconnect the audio sources once and connect

them again (pages 12, 22).

•While operating, the recorder received a mechanicalshock, too much static, abnormal power voltagecaused by lightning, etc.b Restart the operation as follows:

1 Disconnect all the power sources.2 Leave the recorder for about 30 seconds.3 Connect the power source.

•Volume is too low.b Adjust the volume by turning VOL.

•Disc playing stopped before it came to the last track.b Press = repeatedly or open and close the lid

once to go back to the beginning of the disc, andrestart playing after checking the track number inthe display.

•The recorder is placed where it receives continuousvibration.b Put the recorder on stable place.

•A very short track may cause sound to skip.

Symptom

The recorder does notwork or works poorly.

No sound comesthrough the speaker.

An MD is not playedfrom the first track.

Playback sound skips.

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Cause/Solution

•Strong magnetism from a television or such device isinterfering with operation.b Move away from the source of strong magnetism.

•You pressed the REC button while the recorder wasnot connected to the power source.b Install dry batteries or a rechargeable battery. Or

connect to house current with the AC poweradaptor (page 6 or 27).

•You tried to erase the track marks after pressing =or + and pressing P.b Press P before pressing = or +, then erase

the track marks.

•The built-in battery for a clock is weak.b Connect the power source to charge the built-in

battery. After charging, set the clock again. Notethat the clock normally loses about 2 minutes permonth (page 18).

•The time indication flashes.b Set the clock again (page 17).

•When a lot of short tracks are recorded on a disc, thetotal recording time may be shorter than themaximum recording capacity.

•You recorded over a previous recording repeatedly(page 33).b Erase all the tracks of the disc, then start recording

(page 26).

Symptom

Sound has a lot ofstatic.

The REC button stayspressed down.

Cannot erase the trackmarks.

The clock loses time orthe display flashes.

The recording date wasnot stamped onto thedisc.

Cannot record forthe maximumrecording time of adisc.

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System limitations

The recording system in your MiniDisc recorder is radically different from those usedin cassette and DAT decks and is characterized by the limitations described below.Note, however, that these limitations are due to the inherent nature of the MDrecording system itself and not to mechanical causes.

Symptom

"TR FULL" appears even beforethe disc has reached themaximum recording time (120or 148 minutes in monaural, 60or 74 minutes in stereo).

"TR FULL" appears even beforethe disc has reached themaximum track number orrecording time.

Track marks cannot be erased.

The remaining recording timedoes not increase even aftererasing numerous short tracks.

The total recorded time and theremaining time on the disc maynot total the maximumrecording time (120 or 148minutes in monaural, 60 or 74minutes in stereo).

The edited tracks may exhibitsound dropout during searchoperations.

Cause

When 254 tracks have been recorded on thedisc, "TR FULL" appears regardless of the totalrecorded time. More than 254 tracks cannot berecorded on the disc.To continue recording, erase unnecessarytracks.

Repeating recording and erasing may causefragmentation and scattering of data.Although those scattered data can be read,each fragment is counted as a track. In thiscase, the number of tracks may reach 254 andfurther recording is not possible.To continue recording, erase unnecessarytracks.

When the data of a track is fragmented, thetrack mark of a fragment under 12 secondslong cannot be erased.

Tracks of under 24 seconds in monaural (12seconds in stereo) in length are not countedand so erasing them may not lead to anincrease in the recording time.

Recording is done in minimum units of 4seconds (2 seconds in stereo) each, no matterhow short the material. Even if the last unit ofrecording is less than 4 seconds, it is counted asa unit of 4 seconds. Then 4 seconds’ space isput before recording starts again to prevent thelast unit of the previous track from beingerased.The contents recorded may thus be shorterthan the maximum recording capacity.

The fragmentation of data may cause sounddropout while searching because the tracks areplayed at higher speed than normal playback.

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Error messages

If the following error messages flash in the display window, check the chart below.

Error message

BLANKDISC

BUSY

CANNOT

DISC ERR

DISC FULL

Hi DC in

HOLD

LOW BATT

NO DISC

PB DISC

PROTECTED

Meaning/Remedy

•An MD with no recording on it is inserted.b Insert a recorded MD.

•You tried to operate the recorder while it was accessing therecorded data.b Wait until the message goes out (in rare cases, it may take

2–3 minutes).

•You tried to erase a track mark while playing the MD or at thebeginning of the first track.

•You tried to erase a track mark to combine tracks the recordercannot combine. (This is caused by system limitation.)

•The recorder cannot read the disc (it's scratched or dirty).b Reinsert or replace the disc.

•There is no more space on the disc (less than 24 secondsavailable in monaural).b Replace the disc.

•Power supply is too high (The recommended AC poweradaptor is not used).b Use the recommended AC power adaptor.

•The recorder is locked.b Slide HOLD against the allow to unlock the recorder

(page 21).

•Batteries are weak.b Replace the dry batteries or charge the rechargeable

battery (page 6 or 27).

•You tried to play or record with no disc in the recorder.b Insert an MD.

•You tried to record or edit on a premastered MD (PB meansplayback.)b Insert a recordable MD.

•You tried to record or edit on a MD with the tab in the record-protect position.b Slide the tab back (page 15).


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Meaning/Remedy

•Heat has built up in the recorder.b Leave the recorder to cool down.

•There is no more space for new data when you are editing theMD.b Erase unneccessary track numbers or tracks (page 24 or 25).

•You tried to record or edit on a track that is protected fromerasing.b Record or edit on other tracks.

Error message

TEMP OVER

TR FULL

TRprotect

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Specifications

SystemAudio playing systemMiniDisc digital audio system

Laser diode propertiesMaterial: GaAlAsWavelength: l = 780 nmEmission duration: continuousLaser output: less than 44.6 µW(This output is the value measured at adistance of 200 mm from the lens surfaceon the optical pick-up block.)

Recording and playback timeMaximum 148 minutes (MDW-74,monaural recording)Maximum 74 minutes (MDW-74, stereorecording)

Revolutions400 rpm to 900 rpm (CLV)

Error correctionAdvanced Cross Interleave ReedSolomon Code (ACIRC)

Sampling frequency44.1 kHz

CodingAdaptive TRansform Acoustic Coding(ATRAC)

Modulation systemEFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)

Number of channels2 stereo channels1 monaural channel

Frequency response20 to 20,000 Hz ± 3 dB

Wow and FlutterBelow measurable limit

InputsMicrophone: stereo mini-jack, minimuminput level 0.44 mVRemote controller: mini mini-jack

OutputsHeadphones: stereo mini-jack, maximumoutput level 5 mW + 5 mW, loadimpedance 16 ohm

Power outputDC operationSpeaker 220 mW (at 10% harmonicdistortion)

GeneralPower requirementsThree size AA (LR6) alkaline batteries(not supplied)Sony AC Power Adaptor AC-E45HG (notsupplied) connected at the DC IN 4.5 Vjack120 V AC, 60 HzLithium ion rechargeable battery LIP-12(not supplied)

Battery operation timeSee “Using on a lithium ion rechargeablebatteries” (page 28).

DimensionsApprox. 135.3 × 30 × 80.5 mm (w/h/d)(5 3/8 × 1 3/16 × 3 1/4 in.)

MassApprox. 305 g (10.8 oz) the recorder onlyApprox. 405 g (14.3 oz) incl. a recordableMD, remote controller, and three size AA(LR6) batteries

Supplied accessoriesRemote controller (1)Battery case (1, for LIP-12 Lithium ionBattery)Recordable MD (1)Carrying case (1)


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What is the MD?

How MiniDiscs workMiniDiscs (MD) come in two types:premastered (prerecorded) andrecordable (blank). Premastered MDs,recorded at music studios, can beplayed back almost endlessly.However, they can't be recorded on orover like cassette tapes. To record, youmust use a "recordable MD".

Premastered MDsPremastered MDs are played likeregular CDs. A laser beam focuses onthe pits in the surface of the MD andreflects the information back to thelens in the recorder. The recorder thendecodes the signals and plays themback as music.

Recordable MDsRecordable MDs, which use magneto-optical (MO) technology, can berecorded again and again. The laserinside the recorder applies heat to theMD, demagnetizing the magnetic layerof the MD. The recorder then applies amagnetic field to the layer. Thismagnetic field corresponds exactly tothe audio signals generated by theconnected source. (The north andsouth polarities equate to digital "1"and "0".) The demagnetized MDadopts the polarity of the magneticfield, resulting in a recorded MD.

Optional accessoriesAC-E45HG AC power adaptorLIP-12 Lithium ion rechargeable batteryACP-MZ60A* AC Power adaptor/Battery chargerECM-909A, ECM-727P, ECM-717 StereomicrophonesECM-T140, ECM-T110 MonauralmicrophonesMDR-E747, MDR-E535 Stereo dynamicearphonesMDR-D55, MDR-D33 Stereo headphonesRK-G134, RK-G128 Line cablesMDW-74/74A, MDW-74L/74R/74Y,MDW-60/60A Recordable MDsCK-MD4 MiniDisc carrying caseCK-MD10 MiniDisc filing box

* ACP-MZ60A can only be used as abattery charger. It cannot be used as anAC power adaptor with this recorder.

Your dealer may not handle some of theabove listed accessories. Please ask thedealer for detailed information about theaccessories in your country.

US and foreign patents licensed fromDolby Laboratories LicensingCorporation.

Design and specifications are subject tochange without notice.

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Shock-Resistant MemoryOne major drawback of optical readsystems is that they can skip or mutewhen subjected to vibration. The MDsystem resolves this problem by usinga buffer memory that stores audiodata.This feature allows you to enjoyplayback while carrying the recorder,record while holding the recorder, andso on.

How the MiniDisc got so smallThe 2.5-inch MiniDisc, encased in aplastic cartridge that looks like a 3.5-inch diskette, uses a new digital audiocompression technology calledATRAC (Adaptive TRansformAcoustic Coding). To store moresound in less space, ATRAC extractsand encodes only those frequencycomponents actually audible to thehuman ear.

Quick Random AccessLike CDs, MDs offer instantaneousrandom access to the beginning of anymusic track. Premastered MDs arerecorded with location addressescorresponding to each music selection.Recordable MDs are manufacturedwith a "User TOC Area" to contain theorder of the music. The TOC system issimilar to the "directory managementsystem" of floppy disks. In otherwords, starting and ending addressesfor all music tracks recorded on thedisc are stored in this area. This letsyou randomly access the beginning ofany track as soon as you enter the tracknumber (AMS), as well as label thelocation with a track name as youwould file on a diskette.

Contains the order andstart/end points of thetracks.

Music Data(recorded data)

User TOCArea

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Looking at the controls

See pages in ( ) for more details.

The recorder

1 END SEARCH button (7)2 DISPLAY button (16, 20)3 TRACK MARK (REC)/PAUSE (for

the remote controller) jack (13)4 Display window (7, 9, 16, 21)5 DC IN 4.5 V jack (27)6 OPEN button (6)7 CLOCK SET button (on the bottom)

(17)8 FAST PLAY button (19)9= (search/AMS) button (7, 9)0( (play) button (9)!¡+ (search /AMS) button (7, 9)!™ p (stop) button (7, 9)!£ HOLD switch (21)

!¢ TRACK MARK button (13, 24)!∞ Record indicator (15)!§ ERASE button (25, 26)!¶ Speaker (9)!• PLAY MODE button (19)!ª 2 (headphones) jack (9, 22)@º VOL (volume) control (9)@¡ Microphone (7)@™ Battery compartment (on the

bottom) (6, 8)@£ MIC PLUG IN POWER jack (11, 12)@¢ MONO (monaural)/STEREO

switch (11, 12)@∞ VOR indicator (10)@§ r REC (record) button (7)@¶ VOR (Voice Operated Recording)

ON/OFF button (10)@• P (pause) button (7, 9)

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The display window

1 STEREO indication (11, 12)2 REC indication (7)

Lights up while recording. Whenflashing, the recorder is in recordstandby mode.

3 MONO (monaural) indication (7)4 Play mode indication (20)

Shows the play mode of the MD.5 Battery indication (28)

Shows battery condition.6 Level meter

Shows the volume of the MD beingplayed or recorded.

7 FAST playback indication (19)Lights up while playing at a fastspeed.

8 Character information displayDisplays the disc and track names,date, error messages, tracknumbers, etc.

9 REC DATE (recorded/currentdate) indication (16, 17, 21)Lights up along with the date andtime the MD was recorded. Whenonly "DATE" lights up, the currentdate and time are displayed.

0 AM/PM indication (17)Lights up along with the timeindication in the 12-hour system.

!¡ Time display (16, 17, 21)Shows the recorded time, currenttime, elapsed time of the track orMD being recorded or played.

!™ Position indicator (7, 9)Shows the current location on theMD. The point under recording orplaying flashes. The recordedportion lights up.

!£ REMAIN (remaining time/tracks)indication (16, 21)Lights up along with the remainingtime of the track, the remainingtime of the MD, or the remainingnumber of tracks.

!¢ Disc indicationShows that the disc is rotating forrecording, playing or editing.

Current location

0% 50% 100%

Recorded portion

Disc length

REC STEREOMONO

1SHUFFAST

REC DATE AM

PMREMAIN


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Remote controller

1 TRACK MARK button (13, 14)Used to add track marks whilerecording. Adds a regular trackmark when pressed once. Adds aspecial track mark when pressedtwice.

Carrying case

2 P (pause) button (7, 9)

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SONY MZ-B3 (E) 3-798-610-22(1)

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