Akai M-9 User manual

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OPERATOR'S
MANU AL
CROSS -F IELD HEAD
FOUR TRACK STEREOPHONie
TAPE .RECORDER

AKAI M-9 · M-9DX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
' ' •,
I GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Specifications ············..················ 2
2. Controls ······································· 3
3. Cro ss field Head ························ 5
4. Recor
ding / Pla y ba ck
for 4
tr ac k ········· 6
5.
Operationa1 Prec aut ion s ··..··········· 7
6.
Voltage and Cycle Con version······ 8
7. Selection oC Tape Speeds ·· ·· ······ ·· g
8. Pla y back using External Speakers··· 10
9. DI N ( One Multiple Connection)
J
ac k ········· 10
10. Tape Cl ea ner ························ ······ Il
J[ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Thrc:1ding the Tape··· ·················· 12
2. Stereo Pla yb ac k ············ ··· ············ 12
3. Au toma tic Stop /.3hut· Üff ····· ······. 13
4. I nstant Stop Control ··· ············ ·· · 13
5. Ster eo Recordin g ························ 14
6. R
ecor din g from Ster eo Broadcast··· 15
7. Recor din g li · om Stereo Dises········· 15
8.
Mona ur al Rcco rdin g on
Tr acks No. 1- 4 ····· ···· 15
9.
Monaura1 Rec ording on
Track s No. 3 2 · ········ 16
10. Monaura1 Pl aybac k ··· ····· ······· ······ 17
Il. Tape Erasing ······························ 17
12. fast Forward and Rew ind ············ 18
13.
Monitoring ··..····························· 18
1
4. Tape Splicing and Editing ············ 18
15. Cleaning Head ............ ·············.. 19
16 . Head D emagnet i za ti on ...... ......... 21
17 . T ape Dupli ca tion ............ ............ 21
18 . Sound on So und ························ 22
19 . Transistor Pro tccti o:1 ·················· 23
JI[ ACCESSORIES
1. Accessori es Optiona 1· ···· ······· ········· 24
2. Accessori es Standa rd ······ · ········· ····· 25
lV SCHEMATIC

1. SPECIFICATIONS
Tape Speed
Wow
and Flutter
( Playback Only )
Frequency Response
Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio
Input Leve!
Power Output
Equalization
Recording Leve! lndicator
Recording System
Fast Forward and Rewind Time
Recording Capacity
Maximum Reel Size
Head
Mo tor
Speaker
Transistor
Power Supply
Power Consumption
Dimensions
Weight
I GENERAL INFORMATION AKAI M·9 · M·9DX
1-7 / 8, 3-3/ 4 and 7 -1 / 2 ips (15 ip s with 15 ips adap t or kit)
Less
than 0.15% RMS at 7 -l / 2ips
Less than 0.25% RMS at 3-3/ 4 ips
Less
than 0.35% RM S at 1-7 /8 ips
30 to 23,000cps
±3db at 7-l/ 2 ip s
30 to 18,000
ep s ± 3 db at 3-3/ 4 ips
30
to 9,000 eps ±3 db at 1 -7 / 8 ip s
Within 2% 1,000 eps 0 VU
Be tt er th an 50 db
Mie .··.. ..... ... ........ more th an 0.5 rn V
Line
···· ·········· -···· mo re th an 60 mV
15 W maximum per each ch an nel at undistorted power, t ota l 30 W
20 W
maximum per eac h c hannel at mu si c power, tot al 40 vV
Correct equalization for playback of tape s recorded to th e NARTB cu rve.
VU met er x 2
4-track stereo/
inonau ra l, CROSS-FIELD bias system
90 seco
nd s using 1,200 feet t ape at 50 cycles.
75 seconds at 60 cycles.
8
hour s monaur al recording at 1 -7 / 8 ips ( 1, 200 feet tape)
4
hour s stereo rec or di ng at 1- 7/ 8 ips.
7" reel
Recording/
playb ack h ea d· · 4-track stereo/ mo naur al, im pedance 1. 2 K ohm s at 1,000 eps
Bias h
ead ························ ·· 4-track stereo, low i mpedance 50 0 ohms at 60 KC
Erase he ad ·· ···· ··· · ····· ······ ····· 4-track stereo, low impe dance 500 ohms at 60 KC
Hysteresis synchronou s 2-speed mo tor
5" high comp li ance speak er x 2 ( M-9 DX )
4" sp
eaker x 2 ( M- 9)
Transistor x 20
Thermi ster x 4
Rectifier x 4
AC 100 to 240 V, 50/ 60 cycles
lOO VA
20" H x l3" W x 9-1 / 2" D (508 H x3 40 W x 2 400 mm )
4 1. 8 lbs (19 kg) ( M-9 )
45
.1 lbs (20 .5 kg) ( M- 9 0X )

AKAI M-9 • M·9DX 2. CONTROLS

CONTROLS
CD Supply Reel Shaft
@ Cycle Conversion Switch (A)
® Cap sta n Storage Post
@ Tape Cie aner
@ Tape Gu i de
® Cleaner Button
(J) Reset Button
® Index Counter
® Track Selector Knob
If; 'ead Caver (A)
,......
@ Head Cov er (B)
@
Equali zer K nob
@ R ec ording Leve! Control
Kriob (Lefr)
@
Mi cr op hon e J ack (Left)
@
Microphon e J ack ( Right )
@
Volume Control Knob (L eft )
@
Treble Control Knob (L ef t)
@ Recording Leve! Control
Knob ( Ri ght )
@ Tr eb le Cont rol Knob ( Ri ght )
® Volume Control Knob
(Right )
@
VU Met er ( Lef t)
@
VU Meter ( Rig ht)
@
Stereo Hea dphone J ac k (A )
@ Stereo He a dphone Jack lB)
@ R eco rdin g Mode Switch
@ Function Switch
@ Bass Switch
@ Power Switch
@ Record Saf ety Bu t ton
@ Automat ic Stop / Shut-Ofl
Swit ch
AKAI M·9 · M·9DX
@ Record / Playb ac k K nob
@ Fast Forward / Re w ind Knob
@ Start Button
@ Insta nt Stop Lev er
@
Automatic S hu t -Off Lever
@
Pinch Wh ee l
@
Capstan
@ Cap s tan Sh aft
@l T a ke-up Reel Shaft
@ Speed Ch a nge Switch
@ S pea k er Re fl ectors
@ DIN J ac k
@
Line Input J ac k (L eft )
@ Line Output J ac k (Left)
@ External Speaker J ac k
(
Le ft)
@ External Speaker J ac k
I
Right )
@
Line Output Jack ( Ri g ht )
@ Line Input Jack (R ig ht )
@
AC Gord
@ Fuse Post
® Cycl e Conv ers ion Switch (B)
® Vo lt age Con versi on Switc h

AKAI M-9 · M-9DX
3.
CROSS-FIELD HEAD
Cross-field head creates a sensation m the tape recorder world by making a wide range of recording which has never been heard
before of any tape recorder.
Using this cross-field head, Mode! M-9 (M-9DX) provides a surpnsmg recording performance (30-23,000 eps at a tape speed of 7-l/2
ips, 30-18,000 eps at 3-3/4 ips and 30 to 9,000 eps at l-7 j8 ips).
What is superior about cross-field recording? How does it differ from typical recording methods as far as construction is concernee! )
On these, explanation is given below in sequences:
ln the typical recording system, the signal current and the bias current are combinee! together and applied to the recording head.
(Refer to Diagram l. )
It is weil known that the purpose of bias current is recording at high sensitivity with a signal applied on the tape, with no distor-
tion
and minimizing noise generation.
However, the bias current providing such an advantage also has an undesirable character. That is, the wide magnetic field of the
bias current affects the recordee! signal, resulting in weakening or even erasing the signal. This phenomenon is particularly notice-
able at high frequencies.
In the cross-field system, the signal current is applied to the recording head while the bias current is applied to the bias head.
These two heads are located in different positions, as determinee! inter-relatively, so the magnetic field of the bias will not affect
the signal recordee! on the tape, even when a sufficient bias is applied. This allows the recordee! signal to remain on the tape with
high fidelity.
Diagram l. Ordinary recording system
Diagram 2. Cross-field recording system
1
~-----•----~---~~

4. RECORDING/PLAYBACK FOR 4- TRACK
AKAI M·9 · M-9DX
The Mode! M-9 (M-9DX ) employs the 4-track system, either stereo or monaural.
----
1
First track
1
~
1
1 \
( }
Second track
Third track
Tape width
Track selection is made by the TRACK SELECTOR
KNOB@ .
\
Fourth track
....
-
(A) Recording/Playback for 4-Track Stereo
For stereophonie recording two of these tracks are used
at a time. Set the TRACK SELECTOR KNOB @
in
"ST" position. The first half of stereophonie re-
cording / playback is made on Tracks No. 1 and 3 and
the second half on Tracks No. 2 and 4 after the tape
reels have been turned over.
(B) Recording/Playback for 4-Track Monaural
Recording / Playback of monaural should be performed m the sequence of 1-4-3-2 (tracks).
(!)
Monaural recording / playback on tracks No. 1-4
Set
the TRACK SELECTOR KNOB ® to "1-4" for recording on track No. 1 first, and then on track No. 4 after the tape
reels have been turned over.
(2)
Monaural recording/playback on tracks No. 3-2
Set the TRACK SELECTOR KNOB ® to "3-2" for recording on track No. 3 first, and then on track No. 2 after the tape
reels have been turned over.
CD @ ® ®
Recording head
1 ~4 ~1~4~
2 3 2 3 :.~====----==------~
------~--------------- --------------------
3 ____________________ _
4 ____________________ ___
Tape transport . ~;rection
',......-

AKAI M-9 · M-9DX
5. OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT: READ THE FOLLOWI:'-JG INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERA TING YOUR MACHI NE:
CD THE USE OF A NEW TAPE WI LL RESULT IN THE BEST RECORDINGS.
® THE SYMP TOM S LISTED BEL OW DO NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF YO UR TAPE
RECORDER. IF YOUR MA CHINE EXHIBITS ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, CHECK FOR THE TROUBLE AS
IN DICATED.
(1) Loss of sensitivity and tone quality may be due to:
A. Dirty era~e head. Thi s will prevent prerecorded material from being completely erased.
B. Du st on the reco-ding head. C!ean the head gently with a soft cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or ca rbon
tetr achloride.
C. A.C.
power voltage low er thaa the standard voltage to which your machin e is adjusted.
(2) Irr eg ularity in the tape transp ort may be due to ·
A.
Grime adher ing to the heacls.
B. Oil on the capstan.
C. Sticky or dirty tape surfdce.
D. Bent
take-up reei.
(3) If vour machin e will not record. check the following for correct position.
A. Recorci/
Playback knob.
B. Input plugs.
Note:
(1) Before operatin g your machin e. be Sclt·e to clean the surface of the head.
(2) Unused tape m ay become soft and sticky. It is advisable to run the tape onc e from the supply reel to the take-up reel
before
threading it fJr recordin g.
@ THE FOLLOWI:\/G NOTES ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
(A) If any trouble clevelops. pka se take your machine to the nearest authorized agent in your area or inquire at the Service
Dept. of th e Akai Company in Tokyo, Japan.
(B) Your Akai T ape Recorder M ode ! M-9 !M-9DX) requires the constant voltage for optimum performance.
(C) The standard 1,200 feet length of tape on a 7" reel plays up to 32 minutes at 7- 1; 2 ips speed in one direction.
(D) If the sound sources are so far away f•·om the microphones that the volume control must be turned up to a maximum.
sorne hum or noise will inevitably be recordee!. In such inst ance, a test recorcling is recommended before attempting a
final recording.

6. VOLTAGE AND CYCLE CONVERSION
POWER VOL T AG E ADJUST ME NT
The Mode! M-9 (M-9DX) is operatable anywhere in the world. With the
built-in stepdown power transformer, the user can easily readjust the recorder
to any one of the six stages of power voltage from 100 to 240 volts A.C.
Generally,
the recorder's input voltage is preset for the forwarding territory.
The user is requested to check the previously set voltage before operation.
This can be seen at the rear of the recorder.
If another voltage is required, readjusting of the voltage can be made in ac-
cordance with the following instructions.
(1 ) Take off the ventilator panel by removing four mounting screws as shown
in Fig.
A. Then, pull out the VOLTAGE CONVERSION SWITCH @>
gently and reset the knob so that the desired voltage will appear on the
ventilator panel. (S ee Fig. B)
(2)
The voltage conversion switch is a plug-in type movable in six steps, 100 /
110 / 120 /200/220/240. For example, if the power voltag e distributed in
your area is 220 volts A.C., reset the switch to 220 mark.
(3) Change fuse according tu voltage.
Fuse: IOOV~l20V 21\, 200V~240V 1A
CAUTION: Disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet before readjust-
ing power voltage. To mai ntain optimum performance and to prolong the
!ife of your machin e, it is important that the line voltage be held within 10
percent deviations from the standard voltage.
POWER CYCLE CHANGE
Correct tape speed is not obtainable if the CYCLE CONVERSION
SWITCHES are not properly adjusted. The CYCLE CONVERSION
SWITCH (A) ® is located at th e center of the deck top panel and the
CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (B) ® at the r ear of th e recorder. Us-
ing a screw
driver, rotat e the CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (A) ®
counter clockwise approximately one-ei ghth of a turn. The switch can then
be moved e ither OUT or IN. 50 cycle operation is obtained by moving
th e s witch OUT (Fig. C), and 60 cycle operation, by the switch IN (F ig. D).
Th e switch ® should be rotated back to its original positi on after it has
be
en mov ed either OUT or IN. The CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH
Œ) ® should also · be reset.
CAUTION : Do not att e mpt to rotate the CYCLE CONVERSION
SWITCHES when the motor is not running .
AKAI M-9 · M-9DX
IN
r
©MOUT 50 .Cio
1

AKAI M-9 · M-9DX
Tape Speed
1
Inches per Second
1-7/8
3-3/4
7-1/2
15
7. SELECTION OF TAPE SPEEDS
Position of Speed
1
1
Caps tan
RECORDING TIME
Change Switch
1
1
4-Track Stereo
Slow
0
0
Fast
1
Y es
1
No
0
-- -- - 0
0 0 i
0 @ 1
The M-9 (M-9DXJ operates on 4 tape speeds, 15, 7-1/2,
3-3/4 and 1-7/8 ips.
Refer to the chart above for selecting an adequate tape
speed. Tape speed is determined by the motor speed and
by the capstan on the tape drive capstan shaft.
Tape 1 Tape Speed
Length __ _ ,_- -,-- -
--- ~ ~ 3-3/4 1 ~
::f~ l += += i ~
4-Track Mono
1200 1 8 1" 4 1
• 2
- --·-1--
1800 12 .1· 6 . 3
24oü - .- 1-6- 8_ 1_ 4_
1-7/8 ips. This tape speed is obtained by setting the SPEED CHA!\ GE SWITCH @ in "SLOW"
position. The capstan is not used but is left on the storage post.
3-3/ 4 ips.
This tape speed is obtained by setting the SPEED CHANGE SWITCH @ also in "SLOW"
position. The capstan is mounted on the capstan shaft and is locked automatically in posi-
tion by
the notches.
7-l/2ips. This tape speed is obtained by setting the SPEED CHANGE SWITCH@ in "FAST"
15 ips. position.
The capstan is used.
This tape speed is provided for convenience. The SPEED CHANGE SWITH @ is set
at "FAST" and use of an accessory 15 ips. caps tan ts required, which is indicated in the
chart by the double circle. Also replace the pinch wheel with the smaller one.