This standard defines operational pattern 2b for the exchange of an MXF file which represents a playlist of ganged (synchronized) essence containers. The essence containers may be internal or external to the file. This standard defines the operating restrictions, structural metadata objects and individual attributes that shall be applied to the MXF file format specification to achieve interoperability when exchanging an MXF file as a playlist of ganged essence containers.

Operational pattern 2b is intended to meet the requirements of acquisition, storage and interchange applications where more than one essence component is required and it is wished to carry these in four or more essence containers. Operational pattern 2b does require the use of body partitions for Internal essence containers. Subdivision of each essence container by using body partitions is optional.