For quick location of important sound clips the B3 employs a dual track marking system. Both allow the journalist to mark sections of the recording for later retrieval. A single MiniDisc can store 254 of any combination of the two. By pressing a button on a tiny wired remote control as a recording proceeds, a reporter can highlight a certain sound segment. Later, using the resulting numbered track marks, the machine can quickly search for the preselected clips.
Access time is almost instantaneous.
MiniDisc recordings can also be edited by adding or erasing track marks, or erasing entire tracks. The tracks, coupled with the B3's position pointer and graphic display, keep the operator from getting lost in what can quickly become an expansive sound landscape. The Sony B3 is the first MiniDisc recorder to include a built-in microphone and speaker. The mini stereo mic connector offers 2.71 volts that can be used to phantom power one or more professional quality lavaliere condenser microphones. The recorder also has a fast playback function that allows either 1.6 or 2.2 times normal speed, a feature that dramatically reduces listening time.