This document provides instructions for operating a 24-channel stereo cassette tape deck. It describes how to insert a cassette and set the tape selector switch based on the tape being used. It also explains how to play, pause, and stop tapes, as well as how to play tapes recorded with the Dolby System. Additional sections cover caring for cassette tapes by removing slack and using protective tabs, and provide other operating tips.
This document provides instructions for operating a 24-channel stereo cassette tape deck. It describes how to insert a cassette and set the tape selector switch based on the tape being used. It also explains how to play, pause, and stop tapes, as well as how to play tapes recorded with the Dolby System. Additional sections cover caring for cassette tapes by removing slack and using protective tabs, and provide other operating tips.
This document provides instructions for operating a 24-channel stereo cassette tape deck. It describes how to insert a cassette and set the tape selector switch based on the tape being used. It also explains how to play, pause, and stop tapes, as well as how to play tapes recorded with the Dolby System. Additional sections cover caring for cassette tapes by removing slack and using protective tabs, and provide other operating tips.
GTI4I4IA OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS KCU WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. PLAYBACK Insert a recorded cassette. Set the tape selector EQ switch for the tape being used. Refer to Table 1. (Page 8) Turn the PB LEVEL controls to MIN. Depress the PLAY button and commence tape transport. T\rrn up the PB LEVEL control until the volume is suitable for optimum listening enjoyment. When the recorded material and the tape come to an end, the auto*top mechanism comes into operation, the tape motion is anested, and the PLAY button returns to its normal position. If playback is to be terminated before the end of the tape, depress the STOP button. If the interruption to playback is to be only temporary, press the PAUSE button. This gives a convenient- ly smooth restart to playback. DOLBY SYSTEM PLAYBACK When playing tapes which have been recorded using the Dolby System ("Dolby-ized" tapes) the DOLBY switch should be depressed. The DOLBY INDI- CATOR will come on. Procedure after this is as detailed above in the PLAYBACK section. NOTES.' 1. When the dech is being used in connection with a Sterco Slstem, the cassette deck pbybach output leuel controla should. be set so that the amplifier uolume control is at the sane setting as b norrnally used for playing recorded discs or radio ptogtam* 2. Selection of a patticulat record.ed item muJt be carried out using the SKIP button duting playback. During an actual performance, etc., it is convenient to be able to set the stereo amplifiet uolume to MIN and search for the start of the next item while listening through head,phones. 3. When listening to conTmercial prerecorded, chrome cassette tapes, onl! set the tape selector EO switch to CHROME if the music tape concerned hu beenrecorded witha TOlJs hEh frequency characteristic. In all other coaea use ihe NORMAL setting of EQ for pre -rec orded chtom e cassette tapes. WHAT IS CHROME TAPE? A recording tape is'composed of a thin film of polyester or acetate to which is applied a coating of magnetic material. The surface of the tape thus becomes coated over with many minute sensitive magnetic partieles. Iron oxide has been the usual material to coat recording tape. The chrome tapes:use chromium dioxide in place of iron oxide. This results in a great improvement of the frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio and .also reduces distortion. The dynamic range is also significantly extended. In terms of frequency response, in particular, chrome tape yields a 2O to 30Vo improvement over conven- tional tape, making it an ideal high-performance tape for hi-fi music recording and playback. POINTERS FOR CARE OF YOUR CASSETTE TAPES EXTERNAL TAPE "SLACKS'' OR SPILLAGE If there is a slack of tape outside the cassette, the tape may not enter the space between the capstan and the pinch roller properly. In such cases, to take up the slack, use a pencil as shown in Fig. 11, inserting it at the center of one of the spools and turning it in the direction indicated. Fis. 11 PROTECTION AGAINST ACCIDENTAL ERASURE One unique feature of cassette tapes is the pair of protective tabs to be found on the back of every cassette case. If these are broken out with a screwdriver as shown in Fig. 12, further recording will no longer be possible, because the REC button cannot be de- pressed if this cassette is loaded, and accidental erasure becomes impossible. Please use this feature to protect your valuable recorded tapes. \? Break out the tabs with a screwdriver. Fig. 12 NO?ES: I. There is one ptotective tab for each sid,e of the cassette (A and B or 7st and.2nd sid.es), so that either or both sides can be protected, 'Idke care that the tab d,oes not enter the cwsette case. Should it d,o so, shahe the case to remoue the tab. If you later wish to rnake a record.ing on a cassette ftom which the tabs lnve been remoued, couer each tab position with adhesiue tape. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. I o. Take up the slack by turning the pencil. \\./ 10 We wish to than k you for your decision to purchase the Pioneer Cassette Tape Deck CT-4'141A. Your CT-4141A is a Cassette Tape Deck equipped with a number of new func- tions which enable you to derive the maximum listening enloyment from various types of cassette tapes ranging from standard tape cassettes to Ihe latest low-noise tape and high-perform- ance chromium dioxide tape. Please read this instruction booklet thorough- ly before operating your new recorder in order to obtain superb tone quality recording and playback. CONTENTS Features of CT-4141A Important information Parts and controls Connections diagram Operational functions Recording Playback Pointers for care of your cassette tapes ........... Pointers for long, trouble free service from your deck ............ Trouble-shooting guide Schematic Diagram Use of the Dolby System ......... Operating principle of the Dolby Svstem Specifications ........................... .) J 4 5 6 8 10 10 11 t2 13 14 15 16 FEATURES OF CT.4141A * DOLBY SYSTEM This top-quality deck has been specifically designed to incorporate Dolby System recording and playback facilities. The Dolby System is effective in reducing cassette tape "hiss" (mid- and high-frequency noise) during high fidelity playback without in any way reducing sound quality. NEWLY DEVELOPED PERMALLOY SOLID HEAD We have succeeded in developing a new Permalloy Solid Top Head with over ten times the abrasive resistance of conventional Permalloy Heads by making full use of the Permalloy features and the development of a special alloy technique, This new Permalloy Head in combination with a chromium dioxide tape gives better response in the high frequency ranges, exhibits excellent playback characteristics and overall superb performance. This quality of sound reproduction is usually only found in open-reel tape decks. TAPE SELECTION FOR ALL TAPES... INCLUDING CHROMIUM DIOXIDE You can use the latest chromium dioxide cassette tapes, with their great improvement over conventional tapes in both frequency characteristics and dynamic range, because the independent bias and equalizer circuits required are available through the tape selector switch. When using chrome tapes the playback equalizer operates at 70 gs, which gives an excellent S/N (signal-to-noise ratio). The other position of the tape selector enables conventional tapes to be used. A WEALTH OF NEW AUXILIARY FUNCTION SUCH AS A TAPE RUNNING PILOT LIGHT, SKIP BUTTON, etc. Many new ideas are incorporated into the auxiliary devices to increase the versatility and ease of operation of your new tape deck: the tape running pilot light that provides at a glance an indication of tape transport in the cassette; the skip button that makes it possible to accurately catch the beginning of material while in the playback mode; and an easy-to-operate pause button. A FULLY AUTOMATIC STOP THAT GIVES YOU WORRY.FREE OPERATION Anyone can operate the deck without worry, since whether in the record, playback, fast forward, or rewind modes, the automatic stop device shuts off the tape deck when the end of the tape is reached. EASY.TO.SEE SOUND LEVEL METERS AND EASY.TO-USE CONTROL PANEL Level Meters, a necessity while recording, are installed in both the left and right channels. Also simple, easy-to-use slide-type level controls are incorpo- rated. For your convenience, microphone jacks which can accept large-size plugs, thus permitting the use of high-quality microphones, and the headphone jack are installed on the same panel. ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DC MOTOR ln order to achieve stable.tape transport under conditionsofvaryingsource voltage and tape load, a DC motor controlled electronically by transistors and diode is emploved. *Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories lnc, The word "Dolby" and [nare trade marks of Dolby Laboratories lnc. 2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION INSTALLATION LOCATION In order to ensure the highest quality of sound and continuous trouble-free performance, do not install your CT-4141A in any of the following locations and conditions. o High temperatures (over 100oF); direct sunlight, the vicinity of heaters, etc., the top of amplifier cabinets which can become overheated, etc. o Low temperatures (lower than 40oF). o Dirty or dusty locations. o Locations where there are severe temperature variations; the vicinity of air-conditioning units, etc. o High humidities. o Locations where strong magnetic fields may be encountered; close to fuansformers, television sets, etc. CASSETTE TAPE Types Cassette tapes are in general classified according to the specified playing time. Cassette construction is shown in Fig. 1. Specifications are universal. Types of tape available are as follows: 1. Ordinary tape. 2. Low-noise tape, low-noise high-output tape (sometimes coded LH). 3. Chrome (i.e. chromium dioxide) tape. Tapes corresponding to (2) and (3) are known as high-performance tapes. However, unless a tape deck designed for their use is employed, not only will they fail to develop their full inherent perform- ance, but they may even give results inferior to ordinary tape. The CT-4141A is fitted with a tape selector switch which can be set to match each of these kinds of tape. Playing times The physical dimensions of the different cassettes are identical: the various lengths of playing time depend upon the thickness of the tape used. Playrng (recording) time (minutes) Nomenclature One side Total 15 30 45 60 30 60 90 720 c-30 c-60 c-90 c-720 The most common types are C-60 and C-90. NOTE: With the C-l20 casette, the.thichness of the tape is only half that of the C-60 tape, and cone- spond,ingly greater care h required in hand.ling it. PIONEER Fig. 1 TTE CASE IDE ROLLER 3 PARTS AND CONTROLS CASSETTE COVER TAPE COUNTER COUNTER RESET BUTTON Push this button to reset the tape counter to "000." FUNCTION BUTTONS EJECT: I Light pressure opens the protective cover. Add itional pressure eiects the cassette. STOP: I Stops all tape movement and operations. FF: )> Fast forward. Moves the tape rapidly from left to right. PLAY: > Depress for playback. For recording: the recording operation starts as soon as the play button is depressed, after the REC button has first been depressed and held down. REW: <{ Rewind. Moves the tape rapidly from right to left. REC: O Recording. Used in combination with the play button to place the deck in the record mode. TAPE RUNNING PILOT The pilot-light pattern revolves as long as the tape is in motion, The pattern turns red when record ing. sKrP BUTTON (SKrP) lf this button is pushed while playing back recorded tape, the sound remains audible, while at the same time the tape speed in creases. DOLBY INDICATOR The lamp lights by pushing the Dolby switch. LEVEL METERS The meters enable the monitoring of the input levels during recording, and output levels during playback. MODE BUTTON (MODE) A change-over switch between stereo and monophonic recording. Push this button for monophonic record ing. TAPE SELECTOR SWITCH (BIAS, EQ) The setting depends upon the kind of tape cassette being used. When using chrome tape, depress both BIAS and EQ at the same time. BIAS ... NORMAL: ordinary tape low noise tape CHROME: chrome tape EQ ..... NORMAL: ordinary tape low noise tape CHROME: chrome tape DOLBY SWTTCH (DOLBY NR) ffih the Dotby System, or when playing back the Dolby-ized tape record ings. MTCROPHONE JAcK (Mtc) The microphone recording input terminals. HEADPHONE JACK (PHONES) A stereo headset can be connected here, for monitoring of record ings and for private liste n ing. POWER SWTTCH (POWER) PLAYBACK LEVEL CONTROLS (p.8. LEVEL) Use these controls to adiust the output signal level while in the playback mode. RECORDTNG LEVEL CONTROL (REC LEVEL) Use these controls to adiust the input signal level while in the recording mode. PAUSE BUTTON (PAUSE: lf) Push this button during recording or playback to stop tape movement for a moment. De- press a second time to resume tape movement at the original speed. 4 CONNECTION DIAGRAM cT-4141 A STEREO AMPLIFIER AC OUTLET rJIONEER Fis.2 rl ll REC/PB c.onnection cord (optional) ll use tnis cord instead of the MON TAPE Rec R'GHt SPEAKER sysrEMs IN CONNECTOR (REC/PB) input and output con- Combines for both nections. LINE INPUT JACKS Used for individual jack-plug input connec- tions. LINE OUTPUT JACKS Used for individual lack-plug output con- nections. GROUND TERMINAL (GND) This terminal should be grounded if externally induced hum, etc., is obtrusive. POWER CORD AND PLUG 5 OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS Please accustom yourself to the operation of your CT-4141A cassette tape deck - the feel of the operational buttons, and the functions of each part - in the following order, checking that each is functioning normally. INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES 1. Gently depress the EJECT button, and the protective cover will open. 2. Hold the cassette with the exposed tape side towards you and push the cassette into the well. It should snap audibly into place. Refer to Fig. 3. 3. Firmly depress the EJECT button, and check that the protective lock is freed, the protective cover is opened, and the cassette pops up so that it can readily be removed, TAPE TRANSPORT AND STOP OPERATIONS Operating in Playback Mode 1. Depress the POWER switch. The LEVEL METER lamps will light, and the TAPE RUN- NING PILOT light will come on (though it will not rotate). At this stage the level controls (REC and PB LEVEL) should be set to minimum. 2. Depress the EJECT button, and insert a cassette, closing the cover afterwards. Check at this point that the spool of tape is on the left hand side. Refer to Fig. 4. 3. If the PLAY button is now depressed, the tape will travel from left to right at the normal speed, and the TAPE RUNNING PILOT will rotate to the left (counterclockwise), and the TAPE COUNTER will begin to function. This is the state in which the playback of recorded tape is normally performed. 4. Push the STOP button to stop tape transport. This action automatically restores the PLAy button to its "up" position, To restart tape transport, merely depress the PLAY button again. Operating in Recording Mode 1. Operation is essentially the same as that for playback. 2. When the PLAY button is depressed with the REC button already down, tape transport from left to right commences, the TAPE RUNNING PILOT turns red (indicating that recording is taking place), and the pattern begins to rotate to the left. PAUSE 1. Pushing the PAUSE button while in recording or playback modes temporarily arrests the tape transport. Neither the PLAY button (in PLAY- BACK) nor the PLAY and REC buttons (in RECORDING) will return to their previous positions in this case, but will remain depressed. 2. Depressing the PATISE button a second time will immediately restart tape transport. 3. The operation of the PAUSE button is only to pull the pinch roller away from the capstan, and interrupts nothing but the tape transport. It does not stop the motion of the motor (or eapstan) nor the operation of the amplifier. SKIP BUTTON 1. Depressing the SKIP button while the tape is in motion causes it to travel at about double the normal speed. Please check this by noting that the TAPE RUNNING PILOT rotates faster than usual. 2. This button only remains operative as long as it is depressed: it is non{ocking. Release it, and immediately the normal speed is resumed. NO?ES: 1. The SKIP button is uery conuenient, ailowing you to ship ouer unuanted materials d,uring pbybach or to edit the tape. Since the tape speed. increases in playbach mode, you can select your prefefted. spot while listeninq to the soilnd. 2. In case you want to record, a different ptogrum starting from the middle of the recorded tape, utiJize the SKIP button. you can easily find the spot uhile listening to the sound.. 3. The SKIP bulton b not operatiue in the recording mod,e. FAST FORWARD 1. Pushing the "FF" button causes the tape to travel at high speed from left to right. 2. To stop the tape, depress the STOP button, and the FF button will be unlocked and return to its normal position as the tape stops. The cassette with the tape fully wound on the left side. Fig. 3 Fig.4 6 REWIND 1. Pushing the REW button causes the tape to travel at high speed from right to left. 2. The fast REWIND operation is terminated by depressing the STOP button. AUTOMATIC STOP When all the tape has been wound onto one side of the cassette, whether in the record, playback, fast forward, or rewind modes, the automatic stop device ul'ill operate to stop tale transport and release the respective buttons, even without depress- ing the STOP button. The time taken for the auto- stop device to function may varj/ slightly from deck to deck, but will not exceed a few seconds. TAPE COUNTER When starting to record, push the reset button on the right to "000." Then the beginning of the material can be easily found during playback (Fig. 7). IMPORTANT! PLEASE OBSERVE 1. While it is possible to switch directly from REW to FF or vice versa with the tape in motion, this is to be avoided, as it imposes undue strain on the tape, or produces slack of tape "spillage." Be sure to first press the STOP button before changing to the next operation. 2. Do not depress the EJECI button while the tape is in motion. Always be sure to depress the STOP button first to arrest the tape transport, before pushing the EJECT button. PIONEEII Fis. 6 Fig.7 *:' L---l I I rl PUSH Stereo and Mono Tapes Fig. 8 shows the hacks used in recording tapes. Each track is fed to a different channel of amplifier used in playback. The CT-4141A is four-track two<hannel stereo cassette tape deck. A is clear from the figure, when recording side A ( first side), traeks L1 and R1 are used, and for side (the second side), tracks L2 and R2. With tapes which have been reeorded monophonicall (mono), the two sets of stereo tracks are each combined to a single track, (L + R) and (L + R respectively. Such cassettes ean be played on stereo deck, and the reverse is also true, for recordings can be played on a monophonic deck. TAPE RUNNING: SIDE B STEREO MONO 2 L2 R, R1 LI TAPE RUNNING: SIDE A Fig. 8 Fig. 5-B RECORDI NG RECORDING FROM RECORDS AND BROADCASTS (LINE INPUT or REC/PB connectors) 1. First insert the cassette you intend to record. Be sure to set the TAPE SELECTOR switch for the type of tape you are using (both BIAS and Ee selection). Please refer to Table 1. NORMAL (do not depress button): Ordinary tape and low noise-tape. CHROME (depress the button): Chrome tape 2. Set the REC LEVEL (recording level control) to MIN. 3. For stereo recording, switch MODE button to STEREO: for monophonic recording, push the button to MONO. 4. Press both the REC and PLAy buttons at the same time. The TAPE RTINNING pILOT will turn red and the tape transport.will commence. Please refer to Fig. 9. 5. After the tape has been moving for some B to b seconds, press the PAUSE button, and stop the tape. 6. Use the REC LEVEL controls to set the input level. 7. Press the COUNTER RESET button, setting the TAPE COUNTER to "000." This completes the preparations for recording. Press the PAUSE button a second time and release it, and you can commence recording the program source of your choice. To arrest tape transport temporarily, use the PAUSE button; when you have finished record- ing, depress the STOP button. NOTE: The sigrcl to be recorded, can be monitored. with the PAUSE button depressed.. The sound signal can be heatd both uia stereo head.phones or the stereo sy stem speahers. TAPE SELECTOR SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS MANUFACTURERS' TAPES Table 1. NOTE: When using chrome tapes, set both BIAS and Ee switches at the same time. For other tapes, there will be some tdpes which will perform better with a different suitch setting. 8. 9. Start recording by pushing the REC and PLAY buttons. Push the PAUSE button for momentary stopping. BrAS, EQ switching TAPE NORMAL POSITION MEMOREX c-60, c-90 SONY c-60, c-90 c-60HF, C-90HF BASF c-60LH, C-90LH FUJI FM C-60, FM C-90 FL C-60, FL C-90 TDK D C-60, D C-90 sD c-60, sD c-90 ED C-60. ED C-90 scoTcH c-60, c-90 (DYNARANGE) MAXELL c-60, c-90 (LN (LN series) c-60, c-90 (UD series) AGFA c-60, c-90 SUPER C.6O+6 SUPER C-90+6 CHROME POSITION MEMOREX CHROMIUM DIOXIDE C.6O CHROMIUM DIOXIDE C-90 SONY c-60cR, c-9OcR BASF CHROMDIOXID C-60 CHROMDIOXID C-90 FUJI FC C-60, FC C-90 MAXELL CHROME DIOXIDE c-60 (cR) CHROME DIOXIDE c-eo (cR) TDK KR C.60, KR C-90 RECORD BIAS _ NORMAL EQ CHROME PLAY BACK EQ CHROME SONY DUAD C-60 DUAD C-90 Fis.9 a PIONEETI RECORDING BY MICROPHONE For Stereo Recording 1. Insert a stereo microphone or two regular micro- phones into the microphone jacks. When doing this, do not confuse the relationship between the left and right positions of the microphone plug and the jack. Please refer to Fig. 10. 2. The rest of the operations follows the same principle as that of "Recording from Records and Broadcasts." For Monophonic Recording 1. Set the tape and push the MODE button. 2. Insert the microphone into the microphone jack. You can record by using either left or right microphone. 3. The rest of the operations follows the same principle as that of "Recordings from Records and Broadcasts." NO?ESi 1. With the MODE suitch turned, to MONO, one microphone embles the simultaneous record,- ing in both left and right tracks: with the STEREO mode, recording in either left or right trach becomes possible. 2. When not recording through the microphone, be sure to pull out the microphone plug. If it is left unplugged, the signal from nEC/pB terminal or LINE INPUT cannot be record,ed,. 3. Proper microphones (for the we of Mono- phonic Recording) are d,ynamic-type and electret-tlpe. In terms of impedance, a high- impedance type is better suited,. Do not usea microphone cord extend,ing ouer 16.5 ft. Lou-impedance (60)db microphone cord, extending ouer 16.5 ft. is usable, but the use of o matching booster transformer is suggest- ed. DOLBY SYSTEM RECORDING Depress the DOLBY switch, and check that the Dolby indicator lamp comes on. Once this has been done, proceed with recording as detailed in the previorx sections. Please also refer to page 14, ..1hs Use of the Dolby System. " ERASING Previously recorded material is automatically erased before subsequent recordings made with the same cassette. If it is desired to erase the previous material without recording any new material, set the deck to the "record" mode, move the REC LEVEL controls to MIN and run the tape in the normal way. LEVEL METERS Your level meters are, in fact, a kind of voltmeter. They have twin calibrations, dB above the line (figures in black for negative values and in red for positive) and percentages (with) dB corresponding to 70OVo below the line. The dB units are also termed "Volume Units" (LEVEL), and these meters give the same kind of indication as used for monitoring purposes in the VU meters in radio broadcasting stations, etc. LEVEL SETTING The magnitude of record input level is a very important factor in making high quality hi-fi record- ings. Use the REC LEVEL controls to make the settings. The best results are obtained when the above-the{ine meter indication does not exceed a normal average of -3dB. Distortion will occur if the needles remain pegged at full scale while recording is taking place. Optimum pointer deflection will depend upon the nature of the program sources, and can vary very widely. The following is a general guide to suitable levels, but fine adjustment will be necessary, 1. Announcer's voice -10 to -5dB 2. Loud (forte) music passages +1dB 3. Soft (piano) music passages -15d8 4. Average musical sound -10 to -SdB I PLAYBACK 1. Insert a recorded cassette. 2. Set the tape selector EQ switch for the tape being used. Refer to Table 1. (Page 8) 3. Turn the PB LEVEL controls to MIN. 4. Depress the PLAY button and commence tape transport. 5. T\rrn up the PB LEVEL control until the volume is suitable for optimum listening enjoyment. 6. When the recorded material and the tape come to an end, the autostop mechanism comes into operation, the tape motion is arrested, and the PLAY button returns to its normal position. 7. If playback is to be terminated before the end of the tape, depress the STOP button. If the intenuption to playback is to be only temporary, press the PAUSE button. This gives a convenient- ly smooth restart to playback. DOLBY SYSTEM PLAYBACK When playing tapes which have been recorded using the Dolby System ("Dolby-ized" tapes) the DOLBy switch should be depressed. The DOLBY INDI- CATOR will come on. Procedure after this is as detailed above in the PLAYBACK section. NO?ES: 7. When the dech is being used, in connection with a Stereo System, the eassette dech pbyback output leuel conttols should be set so that the amplifier uolume control is at the same setting as is normally used for playing recotded discs or rad,io prograrns. 2, Setection of a particular record,ed item msy be carried, out using the SKIp button during playback. During an actual petformance, etc., it is conuenient to be able to set the steteo arnplifier uolume to MIN and search for the statt of the next item while listening thtough headphones. 3. When listening to commercial prerecord,ed, chrome cassette tapes, only set the tape selector EQ switch to CHROME if the music tape concerned hu been record,ed, uith a TOlJs high frequency chamcteristic. In all other c6ea use the NORMAL setting of Ee for pre -rec orded, chrom e casse tte tap es. POINTERS FOR CARE OF YOUR CASSETTE TAPES EXTERNAL TAPE "SLACKS'' OR SPILLAGE If there is a slack of tape outside the cassette, the tape may not enter the space between the capstan and the pinch roller properly. In such cases, to take up the slack, use a pencil as shown in Fig. 11, inserting it at the center of one of the spools and turning it in the direction indicated. Fis, 11 PROTECTION AGAINST ACCIDENTAL ERASURE One unique feature of cassette tapes is the pair of protective tabs to be found on the back of every cassette case. If these are broken out with a screwdriver as shown in Fig. 12, further recording will no longer be possible, because the REC button cannot be de- pressed if this cassette is loaded, and accidental erasure becomes impossible. Please use this feature to protect your valuable recorded tapes. Break out the tabs with a screwdriver. Fis. 12 There is one protectiue tab for each side of the cassette (A and B or 7st and,2nd sides), so that either or both sid,es can be protected. Take care thdt the tab d,oes not enter the cwsette case. Should, it do so, shahe the case to remoue the tab. If fou lnter wbh to make a record.ing on a cassette from which the tabs haue been remoued, couer each tab position uith adhesiue tape. WHAT IS CHROME TAPE? A recording tape is composed of a thin film of polyester or acetate to which is applied a coating of magnetic material. The surface of the tape thus becomes coatd over with many minute sensitive magnetic partieles. Iron oxide has been the usual material to coat recording tape. The chrome tapes use chromium dioxide in place of iron oxide. This results in a great improvement of the frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio and ,also reduces distortion. The dynamic range is also significantly extended. In terms of frequency response, in particular, chrome tape yields a 2O to 3O7o improvement over conven- tional tape, making it an ideal high-performance tape for hi-fi music recording and playback. Take up the slack by turning the pencil. 10 NO?ES: L r,IONErl POINTERS FOR LONG. TROUBLE FREE SERVICE YOUR DECK Precision equipment such as your cassette tape deck, which contains rotating parts, should be given regular attention to maintain it in top condition. A little extra care at this point will repay you with greatly extended service and continued optimum performance. Please be sure to carry out the following suggestions. CLEANING THE HEADS AND TAPE PATH If the deck is used for any considerable length of time without biing cleaned, dirt and dust tends to collect on the heads and the capstan, etc., with consequent loss of sound quality and "drop-outs." To clean the heads and capstan, etc., use the cleaning rod provided with the deck and a soft cloth, working carefully and gently to remove all traces of dirt. Depressing the PLAY button will bring the heads forward and make the operation easier. When cleaning with the power disconnected, depress the PAUSE button to detach the pinch roller from the capstan. Refer to Fig. 13. NOTE: Do not under any circumstances bring a steel screwdriuer or pliers anywhere nedr the heads, or a magnet. Mahe sure that no benzene, thinners, or alcohol get on the case or the operating buttons. TIEAD DEMAGNETIZING If a permanent magnet (for example a magnetized screwdriver, etc.) is brought near the heads, they too will become magnetized, and will generate increased noise at playback. In this case the head should be demagnetized with a commercially avail- able demagnetizer unit. It may also be advisable to use a head demagnetizer on the heads after long periods of frequent use. NOTE: When using a dernagnetizer, be sure to disconnect the power supply to the tape dech, and, consult the demagnetizer iretruction booh for the nethod, of use. Push the PAUSE button press the pLAy button PINC CAPSTAN 1'l TROUBLE.SHOOTING GUIDE Your unit may become inoperative from not only mechanical or electrical problems, but also from poor maintenance, defective tapes, and lack of familiarity with the operating procedures. Check and make full use of the following trouble-shooting checklist of non-mechanical problems. FAULT PROBABLE CAUSE REMEDY No tape transport 1. The power cord is unplugged. 2. The tape is fully wound up. 3. The PAUSE button is down. 4. The cassette tape is not loaded properly. 1. Plug the cord in firmly. 2. Rewind the tape. 3. Press and release the PAUSE button. 4. Re-insert the cassette. Poor high frequency response 1. Dirty heads. 2. The correct TAPE SELECTOR setting was not made. 3, Dolby circuit on for playback of tape recorded normally. 1. Clean. 2. Re-record with the correct set- ting. 3. Switch off the Dolby circuit. Playback sound is distorted. 1. PB LEVEL is too hish. 2. The recorded tape itself iS distort- ed. 1. Reduce playback level. 2. Check sound quality with another cassette. The playback sound is unsta- ble ("quivering"). '1. The capstan is dirty. 2. Tape is wound too tighrly. 3. The tape has stretched. 1. Clean. 2. Try with a different cassette. 3. Try with a different cassette. Noise level is high. 1. The cassette tape is old. 2. The head is magnetized. 3. Dolby circuit not used to play back "Dolby-ized" tape. 1. Try a new cassette. 2. Demagnetize the head. 3. Put the Dolby switch ON. Record ing impossible The protective tabs on the cassette have been broken out, Replace with a different cassette, or cover the tab opening with adhesive tape. Record ings are d istorted, 1. lnput level too high. 2. The heads are dirty. 1. Reduce the recording level. 2. Clean. The tape is fully wound, but the automatic stop does not work. PAUSE button is depressed. Push PAUSE button once more. 1e r r t ( l N e E r l S C H E M A T I C
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r , r N a 7 , ( J . / t 6 l 4 E 3 G o = d t d o U & a u - d i c U V - { E i d l f t I L t - , r l L N 1 3 USE OF THE DOLBY SYSTEM . The Dolby system offers an effective means of reducing the noise arising from the tape playback process. This system is now used throughout the world. The noise which this system effectively reduces is mainly that which originates in the tape itself, The Dolby system will not reduce noise inherent in the program source. To appreci- ate the Dolby effect to the full, selection of recording sources should exclude scratchy records and noisy FM broadcasts, etc. CHOICE OF TAPES o Strictly speaking, to obtaiu nraximum benefit from the Dolby effect, tape selection is also important. The only tapes unlikely to be fully effective with the CT-4141A are C-120 cassettes (unless they carry an indication of high perform- ance) and low-noise, high sensitivity cassettes. The ordinary cassettes, low noise cassettes, and the latest chrome cassettes, although there will be some variation from tape to tape, will all be satisfactory. RECORDING LEVELS o Basically, recording levels should approximate to those used in normal (non-Dolby) recording. However, when using a microphone for live performances, where the dynamic range is very wide, that is when both very loud and very quiet sounds are to be recorded, it is probably better to reduce the settings somewhat. This is because a lower level will reduee the fear of over-loading the input circuits during the loud sounds, and the signal-to-noise ratio for the quieter sounds will be improved by the Dolby effect. A slightly ,,low" setting thus gives you the advantage of a wider dynamic range. PLAYBACK o Pre-recorded music tapes which have been recorded using the Dolby system (Dolby-encoded or "Dolby-ized" tapes) can be enjoyed - with their freedom from noise and their superior audio quality - using the Dolby system playback of the CT-4141A. e lhe reduction in noise offered by the Dolby system can only be achieved with tapes which have been both recorded and are played back in the Dolby mode. Otherwise the true frequency characteristic of the signal source will be destroy- ed. Please do not play normal tapes in the Dolby playback mode (in which case noise will be reduced, but at the expense of poor high frequency response), or Dolby-ized tapes in the normal playback mode (when highs will be falsely accentuated). PRINCIPLE OF THE DOLBY SYSTEM Magnetic tapes for tape recorders all have a certain amount of inherent tape noise. Mid- and high-range noise is especially objectionable, and is known as tape hiss. This noise is apparently imputed to the size of the magnetic particles which go to make up the tape. Hiss decreases with decreasing particle size, but can also be reduced by increasing tape speed, which reduces the apparent effective size of the particles. Tape speed in cassette tape recorders is necessarily low, and they are, to that extent, prone to hiss. The Dolby "8" s5rstem employed in the CT-4141A is designed primarily to eliminate the bulk of inherent tape hiss. There is also an "A" system, designed for removing effectively all tape noise, but its use is confined to certain professional equipment. The content of the noise reduction in both systems varies with the frequency at which it is measured, but can reach 10dB under favorable conditions (a reduetion to one tenth in terms of the sound). The B-type system operates to reduce noise as follows. When the input recording signal falls below a certain level (the Dolby level - indicated by the special m mark on the meters), the levels of the mid- and high-range components are boosted progressively before being recorded. Tapes recorded in this way are, during playback, subjected to exactly the reverse process, the mid- and high- frequency components being progressively supress- ed, restoring them to their initial values, and at the same time reducing the background tape noise (hiss). The effect is most pronounced where it is most needed; at the lower input levels. r'IONEER OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF THE DOLBY SYSTEM (B TYPE} Conventional Tape Deck Tape Deck with Dolby Input signal Input level Small to large input level Small input level -/ J m Large input level m Mediura input ln the Dolby system, recording and playback amplifier characteristics change in ac- cordance with the treble signal level. Noisg reduction is effective at low signal levels where noise would otherwise be particularly i rritating. Recording amplifier characteristic Recorded tape Playback amplifier characteristic Output signal ln conventional Ep. decks, recording and playback character- istics remain constant, regardless of high or low signal Ievels. Therefore, when the signal level is low, the signal-to-noise ratio in playback drops, meaning that noise is more npticeable. llilillilllllllllllllllllllllllllffi ilillilililililtililllllilllllllilil lllllllllllllllllllllililillililiill + lllllllllililililililililililililril ilililililililililililIilililililil + ilililililil1ililil1ililIililililil + lllllllllllllllililililililillilil i ilililil ililtiililllllllllllllllllll + 1ililililililililililililil1iltil lt ilililr ililililiillllllllllllllllll + ilililililIililililililil iliilil r llllllliltilillililtiliillillilillill + il1ililililililililililil1111111 ll lllillt ilililililllllililillilllt iil + lllllll lllllllt,',',',,,,',',,,,,' lllllll lllllililililtiiltililllillilr + llllllllllllr- rrloNeErt S PECIFICATIONS System , Compact cassette, 2-channel stereo/mono RecordingSystem. .... ACbiasS5kHz Erasing System . . . AC erasing push-pull Head .. ..... Permalloy Solid REC/PB head x 1 Ferrite erasing head x 1 Motor . ..,. ElectronicallycontrolledDCmotor Wow and Flutter . , . . . Less than 0.1 3% (WRMS) Signal to Noise Ratio . . . 48dB (regular tape 333H2, max' rec. tevel, weighted) 58dB (regular taPe 5kHz, max. rec. level, DOLBY NR' ON weighted) Frequency Response .. '.. 30to 12'500H2(regulartape, 63 to 1 0,000H2, 13dB) 30 to 15,000H2 (chromium dioxide tape, 63 to 1 2,000H2' 13dB) Fast Forward and Rewind Time. . '. . . Approx. 80 seconds (c-60) lnput Terminal . MIC INPUT 0.5 to 90mvi 20kQ (standard 1mV), 6{mm Jack Suitable microphone impedance 600 O to 20 kS, LINE INPUT 50mV to 7Vl300kO (standard 300mV) Pin Jack Recording/Playback 1 5 mV to 2.2Vl1 0kS) (standard 30mV) DIN Jack OutputTerminal ........ LINEOUTPUT300mV/50kSl Load impedance 50kfl with Pin Jack Record in g/Playback 300m V/50kQ Load impedance 50kS}over DIN Jack PHONES 40mV/8Cl Load impedance 4 to 16S2 Circuit Semi-Conductors Transistors 28 Thyristor 1 Diodes 22 (2 transistors, 1 diode for motor speed control) Subfunctions ......Tape selectorswitch (NORMAL/CHROME) (B IAS/EQ independent switchover type) Dolby B-system ON'OFF (with lamplight indicator) Full automatic stoP device SkiP button MODE switch (MONO/STEREO) Large size tape running light, also used for recording indicator 3'digit taPe counter Pause button (ON, OFF) PowerRequirements,.. ....120V60H2 PowerConsumption. '.... 13W(max) Overall Dimensions . ...... '. 15-1 9/32(W) x9'17132(Dl x 3-2si32fH)in. 396(w) x2a2(D) x 96(H)mm Weight . . 13 lb. (4.7kg) Furnished Parts . . One head cleaning kit Two recording, playback stereo connection cords (pin'plug tYPe) NOTE: Specification and the design subiect to possible modiftcation without notice due to imprcvements. t I ;l I + I I i FIC,NEEFI ELECTFIGINIC CG'FII'G,FIATIG,N 4-1 , 1 -Chome, Meguno, Meguno-ku, Tokyo 1 53, Japan U.B. FIGINEEFI ELECTFIG,NICI CCIFIPG,FATIG'N 'l 78 commence Road, Canlstadt, New Jensey O7O72, U.S.A. PIGINEEFI ELECTFIGINIC'ElJFIcltrE' N.V. Mein-Centen, Mein 21, 2OOO ,Antwenp, Belgium FIGINEEFI ELECTFIC'NICA AUSTFIALIA FTY. LTEI. 256-A City Road, South Melbounne, Victonia 3205, Austnalia Printed in Japan <BR8-044-0> <74D03Y01E>