・MZ-B3

022　｜　Sony　｜　'95  06.30

夢想的可能

MD自誕生以來即將邁入第三年，似乎為MD拓展更多不同的可能，Sony本次推出了不太一樣的機型~

與一般音樂錄音機型不同目的，作為首款商務型MD，MZ-B3設定為訪談、會議和語言學習用途，內建喇叭及MIC無須外接任何設備可即錄即放，也支援外接MIC錄音。搭載Mono REC，能以單聲道錄音讓74分光碟↑200%的148分，在MD空白片高價的初期解決了錙銖必較的錄音容量痛點。Sony並為其推出獨享的殺手級功能：

• 2段速設定，搭載x1.6 / x2.2的撥放速度，可依需求效率地聽取錄音內容
• Digital VOR，於一定的音量下自動感知並啟動 / 暫停錄音，解決於攏長會議中頻繁錄音開 / 關，或避免錯失發言開頭的錄音時機
• 2種類Track Mark，可分別設定兩種不同類型的曲目標記，易於在繁多的錄音中快速找到特定內容

長條液晶螢幕同時顯示曲目、時間、光碟狀態、電量等，新功能"Position Pointe"以點列的Bar顯示光碟容量便於掌握使用進度~

配備了極端簡潔造型的線控，能操控的功能也非常簡潔。編輯上僅能執行Trak Mark / Erase / All Erase，其他如文字輸入與曲目移動等功能都不具備。

機能性大加分的兼容電池機身，可使用AA x3供電，無須額外攜帶佔位的外接電池盒。只是高昂的¥69,000卻極其簡陋的配備(充電池、充電器為選購)，看來不優的C/P值似乎註定不理想的銷售，登場5年後的型錄竟還看得到其身影...

Dreams of Possibility

As MD approaches its third year since birth, it seems that Sony is exploring different possibilities for MD with the introduction of a unique model.

Unlike typical audio recording models, the MZ-B3, positioned as the first business-oriented MD, is designed for interviews, meetings, and language learning purposes. It comes with built-in speakers and a microphone, eliminating the need for external equipment for recording and playback. It also supports external microphone recording. Equipped with Mono REC, it allows for single-channel recording, doubling the capacity of 74min discs to 148min, addressing the initial challenges of limited recording capacity in the early days of MD blank media. Sony has also introduced some exclusive killer features for it:

• Two-speed settings with x1.6 and x2.2 play speeds for efficient listening to recorded content as needed.
• Digital VOR (Voice Operated Recording) that automatically senses and activates/pauses recording at a certain volume, solving the issue of frequent recording start / pause during long meetings and ensuring no missed recording opportunities at the beginning of speeches.
• Two types of Track Mark settings, allowing for the designation of two different types of track markers, making it easy to quickly locate specific content within numerous recordings.

A long bar LCD screen that simultaneously displays track information, time, disc status, battery level, etc. The new "Position Pointe" function displays disc capacity using a bar chart for easy monitoring of usage progress.

It comes with a minimalistic line control that offers straightforward functionality. Editing capabilities are limited to Track Mark, Erase, and All Erase functions, with no features like text input or track rearrangement.

One of its notable features is the compatibility with AA, eliminating the need to carry an additional bulky external battery pack. However, with a high price of ¥69,000 and minimal accessories (rechargeable batteries and charger sold separately), its less-than-ideal cost-effectiveness may have hindered its sales prospects. Surprisingly, even five years after its release, you can still find this model in catalogs.

XM-R1