Akai 1721W User manual

STEREO TAPE RECORDER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
THIS MANUAL ISALSO APPLICASLE TO MODEL 1721L STEREO TAPE
RECORDER. 1721W Wooden case
1721L Leather case
E!z!l MANUFACTURED & DISTRIBUTED BY A<Al ELECTRIC CO., LTD./AKAI TRADING CO., LTD./AKAI AMERICA LTD.

INDEX
.....................................
Controls 2
.....................
Voltage & Cycle Conversion 4
...........................
Tape Speed Selection 4
........................
Fast Forward & Rewind 4
-4utomaticShut-Off ............................ 4
................................
Pause Control 4
..................................
Connections 5
..........................
Operating Precawtions 6
................................
Taps Selection 6
Sound Monitoring ............................. 6
.......................
How To Use The Din Jack
6
................................
Head Cleaning 7
Head Demagnetizing ........................... 7
.................................
TdpeLoading 7
.........
4-Track Stereo Recording/Playback System 7
.......
4-Track Monaural Recording/Playback System 7
..................
Playback Of Pre-Recorded Tape 8
....................
Recording Using Microphones 9
............ Recording From An External Amplifier 10
....................
Recording From A Turntable 10
................................ TapeDubbing 10
.................................
TapeErasing 10
.........................
Tape Splicing & Editing 10
..........................
Public Address System 10
................................
Technical Data 11
...........................
Standard Accessories 12
...........................
Optional Accessories 12

CONTROLS
1. CAPSTAN
Transports tape
2. TAPE SPEED SELECITOR
3. SLPPLY REEL TABLE
4. BUIL1'-IN REEL RETAINER
Locks reel firmly into place.
5. BUILT-IN SPEAKEK
6. CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (A)
Out position 50 Hz : In position 60 Hz.
7. HEAL) COVER
Houses Recording/Playback Head and Erase Hcad
8. TAPE GUIDE
lack. ~n; -;: Pi~,,noS\\~itchon rlar panel to MIC position :
Phon.3 . 5~~1'~~: IJI~LCI jacks \vhen recording from magnetic
cartr:;i<r- -ti;:. ~n.i set \lic:Phono Switch on reor panel to
PHOXC, : .!::,r. I,n rii~scase use standard accessory magnetic
carrrid,;: li3prtr for connection). For crystal or ceramic
pi;l;-.~ 1s: 12;. Input Jack, on rear panel.
13. 1 (:ILL \!E I TI I\F CO.YTKOLS (Icft & right)
Fr rr :.r i . \alum? 2onrroli ; Rear knobs : tone controls.
14, Pl\L H 's,, HE L L
Pr:..:. ig-.r': ;ip-i3n ro transport tape.
Ih, I? T \I ;:I ~ :-I 1FI~ I.FX.ER
i?: I,: .'-;:I. 5-ur-Otf procedure.
9. INDEX COUNTER & RESET BUTTOX
18. EL ILT.I\ '.ttL F:ET-\I~\FK
L,:.;--- '
, . .... ::r i rlac?.
10. TAPE SELECTOR SWITCH
Normal position for regular tape : S.R.T. position for Akai's
19. ELlL7.l\ *FL~ AKER,
Super Range Tape or other make low nois? rapes. 20.
RLc,'i:I' .'LC\; :.ch Lt\ tK
-.
11. TRACK StLECTOR Pla:. L;,: 5:: : . - :. 1.9 :.:i,ir~vn Recording : While l~olding
K r' : 2:: 7 2: :?yr?\s?d position, set to REC
12. MICROPHONE/PHONO JACKS tleit h II~~II FOSII: :.
Microphone : When recording from microyhon:j. us? these

21. PAlSI Ll \ i K
See Pauw Control procedure.
22. S1':iKI HCTTUS
Release? Pause Lever.
23. FASl' I-OKl\.\KD 'RE_\\'I\I)Lt\'EK
See Fast 1.orward & Kewind procedure.
21. iL IO\I il IC SHI T-OF.[ SM I ICFI
See Automat~cSllut-Off procedure
25. POWER SWITCH
26. HEADPHONE JACK
Ute stereo headphone5 of low ~mpedancetype (8 R).
27. VC METERS (left C right)
Indicate5 recording and playback levels
28. LINF OLTPVT J,\C'KS (left C right)
29. SPEAKER SWITCH
Left : (MuteIKt'c' Moni.) Set to this position to cut sp?s::-
output for private headphone listening or monitoring dur:-;
recording : Center : (Normal) Set to this position for sp?i:::-
output ; Right : (PA) Set to this position for public add::.
s! stem.
.:,I. L1.C 1.k. iO\\'ERSlO\ S\+I 1C'ji (Bi
This switch and Cycle Conversion S\vitcIi(A) must he set to
Lorrespondwith area power source.
I \I\ I K\ 11 \ OL1 \(,I 5.1 LtCTOII CC 1 I bI YOSI
>ee Voltage & Cycle Con\ers~onprocedure.
:. pI.Iosi) SWI'I'C 13
5?< item 12.
I: Lll\SiCKHIGH L.O\.\'INPl:IS\$11C'II
\Illen using the Din Jack connection, if the output level of
yclur amplifier is low, set this switch to LOW. and if the
output level is high, set to
HIGH position.
. .
.:. LI\E INPIT J:iCKS (left C right)
?r. PHONO GROC'ND TER,\lINAL
Ise to ground arm of recorder player. If this connection
causes excessive noise, do not use.
I-. DIS JACK
Lnables inter-connection with an external amplifier by means
(of a single Din Cord. Use instead of P.B. Jacks.
:* SPE \KER JACKS (left & right)

VOLT-AGE & CYCLE CONVERSION
;Fuse Post
1 - Fast
1 Forward
.AUTO.MATICSHUT-OFF
One of the exclusive features of ths rr.::?: -5 r:t ;~iomatic
shut-off function of the unit. Fa: r:rr:;r.: shut-off,
thread tape through Automatic Sh~ri'iiL:..tr and set
Automatic Shut-Off Switch to OX p;r::::r. Q:tn rh? tape
.. .
comes to the end, the Shut-Off L:v?r -;.-. :r:; and the
power of the entire unit will be cut of:.
VOLT-ACE
Your niachin: is <qu~pp<dwith a universal voltage selector
offfrlng SIX stl<:tians oivoltage from 100 V to 240 V A.C.,
for
a oild-a ?d< ap<rablhr>..Voltage is preset at the factory
ac'sordlng ro d<sr:ca~;cn.How~ver,the operator is re-
quested to sheik serrlng Fricr ro operation, and if necessary
readjust as follows
: I 1 I Dismnnect power cord and
remove the Fuse Post
t.!
;:r:ninp in direction of arrow.
(2) Remove the \-olrag? S?;?:r~rPlug and reinsert so that
proper srta valrag?
s5::i.s rnrough the Plug cut-out.
(3) Change fus? 7'3 ; ::r+i:r.? u irh voltage and tighten the
Fuse Post.
:ilC 1- :: :3: 1- : -4. 125 V fuse ; 200 V to
240
V : 0.5 A. :isL 1- (-5,
* To maintsir I::.--- ::r:. -?ur;e and prolong the life of your
machin?. I! .. .-r:r;:..: :-A: rh? l~n? voltage be held within a
10% d?v~a[:s?- 1- .:z-:z:: :::j \2113g?.
CYCLE
Correct r;i;- i;::; :~:.r:r b< obtained if the Cycle
Conversioc
5. .. :I ::ti I:: r,ar properly positioned. With a
'L . ..z Conversion Switch (A) on face
screw dri\-2:
r-rr : ~ -
panel coucrrr-..: ...... 1-5 about li8 of a turn and move to
IN or OL-T
I: r - 3: zr 50 Hz operation according to area
-.
power i:.::;: ..-., ST.\-:r:h must be rotated back to its
original
;;i:r.:r :::?r b:ing reset. Cycle Conversion
Switc? 13 Z: r?:r :I :e::rt?r must beset accordingly.
* Do -8:: ;rr:- rr 1: r:::~ :n? C>cle Conversion Switches when
th? .T.:::- ~. - r ---- :i
TAPE <PEEL#SELECTIOL
Th: - :;:-;rr2 rr r..;.~ rpt speeds ; i.e., 3-314 and
7-1 I .:i T :
,i.:.r i;?,:. ;:;at? rhe Tape Speed Selector.
Th< r;~ . - . ~ . - - . . -: . - ---I -r:xg IS00 ft. tape is as follows :
STERE C I -:: I-> 2 .;s . 1.5 hrs., 7-112 ips. MONAU-
R.4L
I :-: - .;i ? 3.ri.. --1 '2 ips.
For
fLi7 : --;:I : T :Z 1 :~<iateFast ForwardIRewind
LC
,: T:L ::z- -:: : ZT- .IS :-?id selections of recordings on
. --
t I - . .r .r ;.:i ~toposition and cannot be
oF<r;:t 1 . :~_= - - ? :. :ri P:;i>-back Lever is in operation
ard -.-I-=-, :r:.~
P.\L SE 1 :"\:: -
_ -.-a
To .: - - - - : ; : -.: .-, . during recording or play-
bat.; if: I _ -:: _: :- r . -f::rg upward. Pause control is
. -
espe;.;-:. . - . --. -- : - ?:.::rg rape during recording (lift
to 51:: yyr. - . .- .-.rr. a certain portion of the
. ?
prog:-
- : - :. L. 1
?:-i- :,nrrol also permits adjust-
mer,: ;: : r ---.: : : --.? re::rding level. Depress Start
But:,::. :: r:.=- :

CONNECTIONS
TAPE
----
STEREO AMPLIFIER

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
If your machine will not record or playback, check to
The conditions listed below do not indicate mechanical
failure of your unit. If your machine exhibits any of the
following, please check for trouble as indicated.
Loss of sensitivity or tone quality.
*
Wrong side of tape facing heads.
* AC power lower than the voltage to which your
machine is adjusted.
*
Duty heads. See Head Cleaning procedure.
*
Magnetized heads. See Head Demagnetizing procedure.
* Defective or worn tape.
* Low recording level.
Irregularity of tape transport
*
Dirty tape surface or oil adhering to capstan.
* Bent take-up reel.
* Tape loaded improperly.
* Old or sticky tape.
Machine does not turn on even when Power Switch
is depressed
* AC plug disconnected.
*
Automatic Shut-Off Switch at ON position.
confirm that connections are correct and controls are
properly positioned. When using Din cord for connections
with
an external amplifier, if recording is satisfactory but
playback cannot be accomplished, check the input of your
amplifier. In some cases, the input and output levels may
not match. Please use an amplifier of which the Din Jack
connection levels match.
* Your machine requires constant voltage for optimum
performance.
* If the sound sources are so far away from the
microphones that the recording level controls must be
turned up to maximum: some hum or noise will
inevitably be rtsorded.
.I test recording is recom-
mended before attempting a final recording.
*
Should therf be a problfm with your machine, write
down the model and serial number and all pertinent
data regarding uirranty coverage as well as a clear
description
o:' :hf fsisting problem and contact your
nearest aurnv?riz:d .-\kai Service Station or the Service
Dept. of
.Il;jl E:t::ric Company,Tokyo, Japan.
'T.APE SELE(ITIO\
This mid?: :r e;..:::;?d n-irh a Tape Selector Switch. Set to
S.R
.T. ; r i::.: : -.;. i.cr ..sing .Ikai's Super Range Tape or
othclr :;-:- :I-.:. rr:sc ri7:i. This feature brings out the
masir-,:.z :ti; : .ir :'r :-.:gh pclrformance low noise tape. In
..,, ;r;; ;- . ;--.- ----.. ..$:. rhs model displays a high fre-
querc:.
re:; r :is - r-- :r:.-.p 18.000 Hz with regular tape, this
. -.~
is - --
, .
. - . . - . . JN:,~:' Hz u-ith low noise tape. When using
reg:;:;ir :-;:. .::..f I:-.:; rn~rchat YORMAL position.
For -1 -:-: r.r, :r ;r.;;:r kadphone listening, set Speaker
Su-:r.- .. -::r ;:::: : : \IUTE'REC'MONI position and
- - ~ -- .~ - ->-
co s '.::-,: ..... 1 tc? Headphone Jack. Use stereo
he:2-'- ,,, ... .~.> ~- . -. .r;s2azce type (8 R).
t10\1 Ti' ict TriE !)I\ JACK
Th: 38.:- ::. . r :: .i~: ::sr:ad of the Rec. and P.B. Jacks
if
h.1 -r >-;..:.:: -:- ;c?r:?~ponding connection. Ths
one-:
I r: : r-5 .: : r i. ,r:- sliminares the necessity of four
* \\-:- -. -< -~: -
~. .
.
. . . -.nccrion. if the output level of
: C,L: >-: . :. .:: :-: Il~n Jack HIGHILOW Switch to
LC:.'. .- r - -: . : -: : 7 - r!,-t. .;?I ro HIGH position.
. -
~.
- .
* D : . . -. . :-..,n f,>r operation with another
re<,:-::-

HEAD i,'LE.4%ING
Accumulation of dust and magnetic particles on the heads
results
LII poor head-to-tape contact and deteriorates sound
qualit>-and sensitivity. It is, therefore, recommended that
the heads be kept clean at all times. With a stiff cotton
swab dipped in cleaning fluid (Akai Head Cleaning Kit
HC-500 is highly recommended) rub the entire head surface
I do not scratch) until all tape oxide and dust are removed.
The capstan shaft, pinch wheel, tape lifter and other parts
over whchthe tape travels should also be cleaned
TAPE LOADIEG
Place a full reel of tape on the Supply Reel Table and an
empty reel on the Take-Up Reel Table. Thread the tape as
illustrated by the dotted lines in the figure on page
8. If
automatic shut-off is desired, thread the tape through the
Automatic Shut-Off Lever and set Automatic Shut-Off
Switch to
ON position.
I-TRACK STEREO RECORDING PLAYBACK
SYSTEM
This model employs a 4-track stereo recording/playback
system which divides the magnetic tape into four tracks.
two of which are used simultaneously. The first stereo
recording/playback takes place on tracks 1 and 3, and the
second on tracks
2 and 4 after the reels have been inverted.
STEREO
I I
Track 1 I Stereo LI-,
2 R2c
3 I Stereo R14
4 L2-
P
I
Track 1 L1-
Yormally, the steel pole pieces which form part of the
recording and playback head become slightly magnetized.
The effect of magnetization is that it will cause consider-
351s drop out or introduce noise into your recordings. It is
recommended that head demagnetization be performed
2:riodically. This can be accomplished with a bulk de-
3s-gnetizer by bringing it close to the heads and making
lekeral small circ.ular motions over all head surface areas as
bell as the head housing.
Be sure to cut off the power of the unit prior to demagnetizing
the heads.
- Both prongs of the demagnetizershould be covered with masking
rape to prevent the heads from being scratched.
* Do not use magnetized tools in the vicinity of the heads.
* Read the demagnetizer instructions carefully before operation.
4-TRACK XIONAURAL KEC:ORDINGIPLAYBACK
SYSTEM
\ionaural recordingj'playback sequence is 1-4-3-2. The first
monaural recording/playback takes place ontrack 1 and the
second on track 4 after the reels have been inverted. The
thrd monaural recording/playback takes place on track 3,
2nd the fourth on track 2 after thereels have been'inverted.
MONAURAL
I I
Track 1 Mono
T-,
Track 1 Mono 1 +

PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED TAPE
Please read the operating precautions car:iully before
attempting operation.
STEREO
PLAYBACK
Connect power cord and load a pre-recorded 13F:.
A. Turn onPower Switch.
B. Set Track Selector to STEREO position.
C. Select tape speed with Tape Speed Sels:t-i.
D. Set Speaker Switch on rear pans1 ta YORS1.AL
position.
E. Set Record/Playback Lever to
FWD position to begin
playback.
F.
Adjust left and right Volume Controls.
G.
Adjust left and right Tone Controls.
H. To stop playback, return Record Pla) back L:xer to
MONACR.4L PL.4YBACK
For mor.a;?rii playback. substitute the following steps for
steps
B. F. r7.d G si stereo procedure, and add step I.
Tracks 1 61 1
B.
Se: Tr-;h S:le:tor to 1-4 position.
F. .\d::s: ::;r \-olume Control.
G. .\d:i;s: !:fr Tone Control.
I.
lzx-:rr r::ls for playback on track 4.
Tracks
3 6r 2
B.
S:: Trxk Selector to 3-2 position.
F.
.\d:-;si ri$t \-olume Control.
G. .\d:-sr r:ghr Tone Control.
I.
Ir.;.err r--.s ior >la\-backon track 2.
vertical position.
* Although this model is equipped with two built-in jpeakers. a pair
of external speakers can be connected to the Spe~kerJacks to
further enhance the performance of this model. Sote that in this
case the built-in speakers become
in ope rat^\-e.
* If a more powerful output is desired. the Lip.? Gur~utJacks can
be used for connecting toan external ampl~fi?r.

-
RECORDING USING MICROPHONES
Please read the operating precautions carefully before
attempting operation.
STEREO RECORDING
Connect power cord and load a tape.
A. Turn on Power Switch.
B. Set Track Selector to STEREO position.
C. Select tape speed with Tape Speed Selector.
D. With Reset Button, set Index Counter to 000. This
provides an easy reference for locating positions on the
tape.
E. Insert microphones into left and right Microphone
Jacks, and set Mic/Phono Switch at rear of recorder to
MIC position. Maintain a distance of at least
2 meters
(7 ft.) between microphones.
F.
Set Pause Lever by lifting upward.
G. While depressing Recording Safety Button, set Record
Playback Lever toREC position.
H.
Adjust and balance recording input level with left and
right Volume Controls while observing left and righr
VU Meters. Normal recording should not exceed 0 \.L-
on either meter.
I,
When an optimum recording level has been determined.
depress Start Button to release Pause Lever and beg:
recording.
J.
To stop recording, return Recording/Playback Lever to
vertical position.
Tone Controls have no effect during recording mode.
If microphones are used near the recorder, to prevent acoustic
feedback, set Speaker Switch to
MUTEIREC MONI position.
MONAURAL RECORDING
For monaural recording, substitute the following steps for
sreps
B, E and H of stereo recording procedure and add
step
K.
Tracks 1 & 4
E. Set Track Selector to 1-4 position.
E, lnsert microphones into left Microphone Jack, and set
Mic/Phono Switch at rear of recorder to MIC position.
H. Adjust and balance recording input level with left
Volume Control while observing left VU Meter.
L. Invert reels for recording on track 4.
Track
3 & 2
3. Set Track Selector to 3-2 position.
E. Insert microphones into right Microphone Jack, and set
IliiclPhono Switch at rear of recorder to MIC position.
H. Adjust and balance recoriiag input level with right
Volume Control while observing right VU Meter.
L. Invert reels for recording on track 2.

Connect the line output jacks ot rh? plal-back machine to
the Line Input Jacks of thls mod?l instead of step
E of
stereo recording procedure.
KEciiKI:IfC; FK09i :2h \r;>iTE;KN.-\i :IMPLIFIEK
If an external amplifier or tuner ampli7.eris used, connect
the Line Input Jacks to the line outputs of the external
amplifier instead of step
E of stereo recording procedure.
This machine is equipped with an equalizer circuit and
front panel Phono Jacks for direct recording from a
magnetic cartridge. Use standard accessory Magnetic
Cartridge Adapter and connect the outputs from turntable
cartridge to Mic/Phono Jacks instead of step E of stereo
recording procedure. and set Mic Phono Switch at rear of
recorder to PHONO positioc.
To record from a crystal pick-up
(0.5 V to 1 V) or a
ceramic pick-up. connect the pick-up outputs directly to
the Line Input Jacks of this model instead of step E of
stereo recording pro:-dure.
* Ground Jrrn :u:ntabl? to Ground Terminal at rear of recorder.
If this i'onn?zrl,>n ;~US~S excessive noise, do not use.
T.-IP~ F.F. x~i~i;
Any signal 111.: r:: :-. :I prcviousi!. recorded on a tape will
be erased aura-:~--:11!
33 B new recording is made on the
same tape.
Fc: :;>ins oni!. load tape and set machine to
recording
n~,.~,i: \;. ;ll~i_~b \11o~11db? connected to the
.. .
recorder in;?:;: L.... ;...I :.>lume controls should be kept at
minimuni.
-1:;;. :. 7 17: trdsei .IT€-7 (standard acces-
sor).) is t;.~.:.:. r,. ~ ::.::-.:::,ifJ. for quick and complete
erasur?.
P.I\PE SPLICI\G .i EDITI$C
Cut rap? 5ig~c;:
..iirh n dvfrlap so that the ends are
lined up. C;:rr:rg
1.i;: -2 diagonal eliminates detection of
the jph;:
;L r?c_rJ::g. Csvfr aligned ends with splicing
tape. Pr:si
:~-rn:y exeir!n pressure to secure ends evenly.
Trim oii:I,-sss s?L::rg rjp:. cutting into tape very slightly.
Ths ~1imin;res r.: ?;#ss~bilityof a sticky splice. Splicing
tap?
2sir.g i:sis:sri r:;airei skillful work. With Akai's
special:>-
;i;.i~g.-,t ?szjbl? Tape Splicer AS-3, splicing can
. .
be don? vzr; 57. Ilzrr..).
PUBLIC .I\DDRESS SI'STEM
One of th: rr:- I:irur?s of this model is the ability to
converr it lni? r ?.~blic address system. For operation,
please pro;:-3 3s rl';lsa-s
:
A. Conn:;r ~2,zsr:'1rd and turn onPower Switch.
B.
Set Spzake; 5;~:::: ro P.A. position.
C. Turn i-oltirr,;. C2nirols to minimum and insert micro-
phone(
SJ into .\!!crophone Jack(s).
D.
Set Jlic'Phono Sairch to MIC position.
E. U'hlle d?pr?sjing rh? Recording Safety Button set
Record,Playback Lev?: to REC position.
F.
Adjust output level v\i:k \-olume Controls.

TECHNICAL DATA
Track System .......4-track 2-channel stereo/
monaural system
Reel Capacity
....... Up to 7" reel
Tape Speed
......... 7-112 and 3-314 ips (f2%)
Wow & Flutter ...... Less than 0.14% RMS at 7-112 ips
Less than 0.18% RMS at 3-314 ips
Equalization
........ Correct equalization for playback
of tapes recorded to NAB curve.
Frequency Response 30Hz to 21,000Hz (k3 dB)
at 7-11? ips (Akai SRT Tape)
40 Hz to 15,000Hz
(f 3 dB)
at 3-314 ips (Akai SRTTape)
30 Hz to 18,000Hz
(f 3 dB)
at 7-112 ips (regular tape)
40 Hz to 13,000 Hz (k3 dB)
at 3-314 ips (regular tape)
Distortion.
......... Less than 2% (1000Hz "0" VU)
Output Power
....... 10Wtotal music power (5 W/5 W) at E .".
6 Wcontinuous power (3W/3 W) at E -?
Signal to Noise Ratio . Better than 50 dB
Erase Ratio
......... Better than 70 dB
Cross-Talk .........Better than 60 dB (monaural)
Better than 45 dB (stereo)
Bias Frequency ......63 kHz
Heads
............. (2) : One recording/playback
head & one erase head
Motor ............. (1) : 2-speed induction motor
Fast Forward
&
Rewind Time ..... .80/ 100sec. using a 1200 ft.
tape at 60150 Hz
Recording Capacity .
. 3 hours stereo recording using
a 1800ft tape at 3-314 ips.
....... Output Jacks Line (2) : 1.23 V ("0" VU)/30 R
Required load impedance : more
than 10
kR
Phone (1) : 100mV/8 52
Speaker (2) : 5 W/8 R each
.........Input Jack Microphone (2) : 0.5 mV/ 100kR
Line (2) : 150 mV/330 kR
........... Din Jack 1V/ 15 mV
Speaker ...........2 built-in 5 x 7" speakers
....Semi-Conductors Transistors : 16
Diodes
: 4
Pswer Requirements . 100V to 240V A.C., 50160 Hz
Power Consumption .
. 50 W
D~mensions ......... (1721W) 358(W)x360(H)x248(D)mm
(14 x 14.1 x 9.8")
(1721L) 359(W)x366(H)x249(D)mm
(14.1 x 14.4 x 9.8")
U'elght ............(1721W) 13.2 kg (29 lbs)
(1721L) 14kg (30.8 lbs)
* For improvementpurposes, specifications and design are subject
tochange without notice.