Akai GX-210D User manual
GX·2~DD
STEREO
TAPE
DECK
OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
WARNING:
To prevent tire
or
shock hazard,
do
not
expose this appliance
to
rain
or
moisture.
MANUFACTURED lo DISTRIBUTED
BV
AKAI ELECTRIC CD., LTD./AKAI TRADING CO., LTD./AKAI AMERICA LTD.
;.,.
ALL GLASS & CRYSTAL
FERRITE
HEADS
Akai bas equipped this model with its new and amazing
Glass & Crystal Ferrite Combination RecordingfErase and
Playback Heads
to
bring you unequalled open reel high
fidelity sound. With the Glass & Crystal Ferrite Head,
superbly wider frequencies, with clear highs can
be
recorded
in
all their true fidelity covering 26,000 Hz with low noise
tape. In
other
words, with this completely
new
Glass &
Crystal Ferrite Head, high dynamic range
and
excellent
signal-to-noise ratio are achieved. The secret
of
this success
lies in the head materials, superior processing technique and
the focused-field recording system. The core
of
this quality
head is made
of
single crystal ferrite and is
mounted
and
set in glass. The superior high range characteristics are
contributable
to
the structure
of
the head gap which
focuses the magnetic field into a sharp oblong radius. This
focused-field recording system minimizes. high frequency
Joss, eliminates undue equalizàtion and achieves a wider
dynàmic range.
CEE, CSA, UL
and
LA
Standard
modcls
are
not
equipped
with
a Voltage
Selector
or
Cycle Change
Apparatus.
Therefore,
voltage
and
cycle
conversion
is
not
necessary.
If
your
machine
corresponds
to
any
of
these
standards,
please disregard ali
references
to
voltage
and
cycle
adjustment
throughout
this
manual.
CEE Models:
220V,
50Hz
CSA Models: 120V, 60Hz
UL,
LA
Models: 120V,
60Hz
INDEX
Controls..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Ail Glass & Crystal Ferrite Heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Voltage
&.
Cycle Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Tape Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Tape Speed
Selection...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Fast Forward & Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Automatic Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Pause Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Monitoring . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4-Track Recording{Playback System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Precautions ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Recording From Microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Din Jack
....................................
Il
Tape Splicing & Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Il
Tape Erasing
..........
...........
.
...........
11
Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Head Demagnetizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Standard Accessories
.................
...
.
....
..
14
ID
CONTROLS
REELRETAINER-------------
SUPPLY
REEL
T
ABLt<:------------
PINCH
ROLLER----
--
- -
------
CYCLE
CONVERSION
SWITCH
(A)-------
CAPSTAN----------------
RECORDING
INDICATOR
LAMP--------
TENSION
ARM
(Supply
side)----------
MANUAL
REVERSE
BUTTON
(Reverse direc
MAN.UAL
REVERSE
BUTTON
(Forward
direction)
VU
METER
(Left)-------------
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(
TAPESELECTORSWITCH---
-
-------
TAPESPEEDSELECTOR---
-------
MICROPHONE JACKS
(Left/Right)
--------
~
-
~"'-.
~~:-{;;~;
•
------
-------REEL
RETAINER
------
INDEX
COUNTER
& RESET
BUTTON
-------
----TAKE-UP
REEL
TABLE
-------
-------·TAPE
GUIDE
-------
-----JK~'~UJKU
.
IN~BUTTON
-------
--TENSION
ARM
(Take-up side)
YBACK/RECORD
LEVER
-------
-------PAUSE
LEVER
-------
-------!~TARTBUTTON
-------
t<AST
FORWARD/REWIND
LEVER
-----
-------VU
METER
(Right)
RDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Right)
-----
----------------PO'WERSWITCH
-MONITOR
SWITCH
JACK
E
CONVERSION
SWITCH
(B)
---------VOLTAGE
SELECTOR & FUSE POST
INPUT
JACKS
(Left/Right)
--------DIN
JACK
HIGH/LOW
INPUT
SWIT.CH
-------------------niN
JACK
----------UNE
OUTPUT JACKS
(Left/Right)
----------------~--A.C.CORD
'----Fuse
Post
CD)
OUT50Hz
IN
60Hz
~
A
KAI
~-e·
• •
\__Voltage
Selector Plug
.50Hz
Dt.
· 60Hz
AKAI
VOLTAGE & CYCLE CONVERSION
VOLTAGE
Your machine is equipped with a universal voltage selector
offering six selections
of
voltage from 100 V
to
240 V
AC
for use anywhere in the world. Voltage
is
preset
at
the
factory according
to
destination. Please confirm setting
prior
to
operation and
if
readjustment is necessary, proceed
as
follows:
1.
Disconnect power cord and remove the Fuse Post by
turning in direction
of
arrow.
2. Remove the Voltage Selector Plug and resinsert so
that
proper area voltage is shown through the plug eut-out.
3. Change fuse according
to
voltage (please. refer
to
supplied fuse tag instructions).
•
To
maintain
optimum
performance
and
prolong
the
!ife
of
your
machine,
it
is
important
that
the
line
voltage
be
held
within
a
10%
deviation
of
standard
a
rea
voltage.
CYCLE
Correct tape speed cannot be obtained
if
the Cycle
Conversion Switches are
not
properly positioned. Cycle
Conversion Switch (A)
is
located
on
the
upper
center
of
the
face panel and (B) is located at the rear
of
the machine.
Using a screw driver,
rotate
Cycle Conversion Switch (A)
counter-clockwise approximately one-eighth
of
a turn. The
switch can
then
be moved
to
either in
or
out. The switch
must be rotated back
to
its original position after being
reset. Cycle Conversion Switch (B)
must
be set accordingly.
Set
to
50
Hz or
60Hz
to
correspond with area power
source. Tighten screw.
• Do
not
a
ttempt
to
rotate
the
Cycle
Conversion
Switches
when
the
motor
is
not
running
.
TAPE LOADING
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. Lock reels inl:o
place with Reel Retainers provided
on
reel shafts.
RWD
F.FWD
RWD
F.FWD
~
~
TAPE SPEED SELECTION
Tlùs model operates
at
7-1/2 and 3-3/4 ips tape speed.
Select desired speed with Tape Speed Selector.
FAST
FOR
WARD & REWIND
For fast forwarding the tape set Fast Forward/Rewind
Lever to F.FWD position, and for rewinding
of
the tape at
fast speed,
:;et
to
RWD
position. This lever cannot be
operated while the Playback/Record Lever is in operation.
AUTO
MA
TIC STOP
The take-up side tension arro also functions
as
an automatic
stop mechanism. When the tape cornes
to
the end, the
tension arro
will
drop, activating the mechanism
to
effect
Pause Mode.
As
automatic stop functions during any
operating mode, always be sure that the tape
is
threaded
through the tension arro.
PAUSE CONTROL
To momentarily stop the tape during recording or play-
back, set Pause Lever
to
pause position. Pause control
is
useful in editing tape during recording, or
to
adjust input
level. To release depress the Start Button.
• Pause
control
does
not
function
during fast forward or rewind
mode
.
MONITORING
For monitoring, connect stereo headphones
to
Headphone
Jack. Use stereo headphones
of
low (8
il)
impedance. Akai
model ASE-22 or ASE-20 is highly recommended.
4-TRACK RECORDING/PLAYBACK SYSTEM
This model employs a 4-track 2-channel stereo recording
and
play~ack
system.
STEREO RECORDING & PLAYBACK
STEREO
1 1
Track
1 1
Stereo
L
1-
Track
1
Ll-
2
R2-
2 1
1'12-
3 1
Stereo
R1-
3
R1-
4
L2-
4 1
L2-
Stereo recording and playback requires the simultaneous
use
of
two tracks. The first stereo playback and recording
takes place on tracks 1 and 3. The second playback takes
place on tracks 2 and
4,
after
the
machine has been set to
reverse mode
or
the reels have been inverted.
To
record on
tracks 2 and 4, invert reels.
This model does
not
record in reverse direction.
For
reverse
playback, use sensing tape for automatic reverse
or
the
Reverse Button provided on
the
front panel for manual
reverse,
or
invert reels.
•
Front
panel
manu
al reverse
buttons
will
not
function
if
the
tape
is
not
threaded
through
the
take·up
side
tension
arm.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Y
our
machine
is
constructed
of
the very finest materials
and with proper care will bring you many years
of
musical
enjoyment.
We
therefore urge you
to
read the following
instructions carefully prior
to
operation.
•
The
use
of
new
tapes will result in
the
best
recordings.
• As
tape
which
has
not
been
used
for
a
period
of
time
may
have
become
sticky,
run
tape
once
bef
ore
using.
•
Operate
machine
on
a
flat
horizontal
surface
in
either
horizontal
or
vertical
position.
The conditions listed below do
not
indicate mechanical
failure
of
your
unit.
If
any
of
these conditions are
exhibited, check for trouble as indicated.
Loss
of
sensitivity and tone quality maybe due to;
•
D?st
on combination recording/erase
or
playback
head. See Head Cleaning procedure.
• Magnetized head. See Head Demagnetizing pro-
cedure.
•
AC
power voltage lower than the voltage
to
which
your
machine
is
set.
lrregularity in tape transport may be due to:
• Improperly loaded tape.
• Grime adhering to the heads.
• Oil on capstan.
• Sticky
or
dirty tape surface.
• Bent supply
or
take-up reel.
If
your
machine will
not
record, check the following for
correct position:
•
Input
plugs and connections.
• Controls.
• Position
of
Pause Lever.
• Is tape threaded through take-up side tension
arm?
The following notes are provided for
your
convenience.
• Should there be a problem with your machine,
please write down model and seriai number and ail
pertinent data regarding waranty coverage, etc.,
and also
as
clear a description as possible
of
the
existing trouble and contact
your
nearest author-
ized Akai Service Station or the Service Dept.
of
Akai Company, Tokyo, Japan.
• Your machine requires constant voltage for
optimum performance.
•
If
the sound sources are so far from
the
micro-
phones
that
the recording level controls must be
turned
to
maximum, sorne hum
or
noise will
inevitably be recorded. In such an instance, a test
recording
is
recommended before attempting a
final recordiÎI.g.
-------------·
~~\
1 .
Tape (Outside)
~
Sensing
Pole
Sensing
Pole
~
PLAYBACK
For playback
of
recorded tapes connect the tine outputs to
the tape inputs
of
your
stereo amplifier and coruiect a pair
of
speakers
to
the amplifier. Connect power cord and load a
pre-recorded tape.
STEREO
PLA
YBACK
(A) Turn on Power Switch.
(B) Set Monitor Switch
to
TAPE position.
(C) Select tape speed.
(D) Set Playback/Record Lever
to
PLAY position
to
begin
playbac
k.
(E) Adjust external amplifier controls.
(F) Depress Manual Reverse Button
1-1
for playback of
tracks 3-2.
*
The
output
leve!
of
this
mode!
is
1.23
V.
Check
your
amplifier
for
proper
connection.
AUTOMATIC REVERSE PLA
YBACK
One
of
the main features
of
this model
is
the automatic
reverse playback mechanism which eliminates troublesome
inverting
of
reels
by
hand. Simple application
of
a piece of
sensing foil
to
the tape at
thé
desired reversing points
is
all
that
is
necessary for continuous playback in both direc-
tions.
(A) Affix about a 2
cm
(3/4")
long piece
of
sensing foil to
the outside
of
the tape at desired reversing point.
(B)
If
continuous reverse between two points
is
desired,
affix another pie
ce
of sensing tape to the inside
of
the
tape
at
desired reversing point.
As
the foil passes the sensing pole (supply side tension
arm), reverse is effected.
RECORDING FROM MICROPHONES
STEREO RECORDING
Connect power cord and load a tape. New tape
.!Pves
best
results.
(A) Turn on Power Switch.
(B) Select tape speed.
(C) Set Tape Selector Switch (S.R.T position when using
AKAI S.R.T
or
other make low noise tape and
NORMAL position when using ordinary tape).
(D) With Reset Button, set Index Counter
to
"0000".
This
Index Counter provides an easy reference for locating
positions
on
the tape.
(E) Plug
in
microphones
to
Microphone Jacks. Maintain a
distance
of
at
least 2 meters (7 ft) between micro-
phones.
(F) Set Monitor Switch
to
SOURCE position.
(G) Adjùst and balance microphone volume with left and
right Recording Level Controls while observing left and
right
VU
Meters. Normal recording should
not
exceed
"0"
VU
on either meter.
(H) While holding the Recording Safety Button
at
de-
pressed position, set Playback/Record Lever
to
REC
position. The Recording Indicator Lamp will light to
indicate recording mode.
* Tape will
not
travet while
the
Pause Lever
is
at
Iifted position
(Pause
Mod~).
To release Pause Mode, depress
Start
Button.
*
To
compare
the
tone
quality,
volume,
etc.
of
the
tape
with
source,
set
Monitor
Switch to
TAPE
position.
Such
comparison
during
recording will enable
the
operator
to
make precise
adjustments
for
more professional recording results.
RECORDING FROM
AN
EXTERNAL AMPLIFIER
If
an external amplifier
or
tuner amplifier is used, connect
the recording outputs
of
the external amplifier
to
the Line
Inputs instead
of
Step E
of
recording procedure. This
model will record any source which can be selected on the
external source.
RECORDING FROM ANOTHER TAPE RECORDER
(Tape Dubbing)
Connect the line output jacks
of
the playback machine to
the Line Inputs
of
this model instead
of
step E
of
recording
~
procedure.
RECORDING FROM A RECORD PLAYER
To
record from a stereo or monaural dise, a crystal pick-up
(0.5 V
to
1
V)
or
a ceramic pick-up can be connected
directly to the Line
Input
Jacks instead
of
step E
of
recording procedure.
If
a magnetic cartridge
is
used,
it
must
be connected
to
the Line Input Jacks through an external
amplifier.
1
l!
!l
1
CD
/'
1 / , , 1
, ,
1
® v
1
~1
@
L7"
1
//
1
~
DIN
JACK
The Din Jack
at
the rear
of
the unit
is
for inter-connecting
this mode! with an external stereo amplifier. This system
enables easy recording or playback through an external
amplifier
as
the complex connection
or
disconnection
of
4
separate plugs
is
not
necessary. When recording from an
external amplifier,
if
the
output
leve!
of
your
amplifier is
high, set the High/Low
Input
Switch
to
HIGH position, and
if
the
output
leve!
is
low, set
to
LOW
position.
TAPE
SPLICI
NG & EDITING
Cut·tape diagonally with lin overlap so
that
the ends are lined
up (cutting tape on diagonal eliminates detection
of
the
splice
in
.recording). Cover aligned ends with splicing tape.
Press firmly exerting pressure
to
secure ends evel)ly. Trim
off excess splicing tape, cutting into tape very slightly. This
eliminates the possibility
of
a sticky splice.
For
smooth and
easy splicing,
we
recommend Akai's portable Tape Splicer
AS-3.
TAPE ERASING
Any signal information previously recorded
on
a tape will
be erased automatically
as
a new recording is made
on
the
same tape.
For
erasing only, thread the tape and set
recorder
to
normal recording mode. No plugs should be
connected to the
input
jacks and recording
inp~t
leve!
controis should be set to minimum. Akai Mode! ATE-7
Tape Eraser is recommended for fast and complete tape
erasure.
HEAD
CLEANING
While GX heads
do
not
require a great deal
of
cleaning,
if
old tape
or
tape which bas been spliced is used, head
cleaning is recommended.
It
is especially
important
that
the
heads be clean prior
to
recording. Remove
the
Head Cover
and clean
the
heads
with
a stiff
cotton
swab dipped in
cleaning fluid (Akai Head Cleaning
Kit
HC-500 is highly
recommended).
The
capstan shaft,
tape
lifter and
other
parts over which
the
tape travels should also
be
cleaned.
•
Do
not
use
chlorothane
as
the
rubber
parts
will
deteriorate.
HEAD
DEMAGNETIZING
Normally.
the
steel pole pieces which form
part
of
the
recording
and
playback head become slightly magnetized.
The
effect
of
magnetization will cause considerable
drop
out
or
introduce noise
into
your
recordings. Therefore,
it
is
recommended
that
head demagnetizing be performed
periodically. This can be accomplished with a bulk de-
magnetizer
by
bringing
it
close
to
the
heads and making
severa! small circular motions over ali head surface areas as
weil as
the
head housing.
• Be
sure
to
eut
off
the
power
of
the
unit,
prior
to
demagnetizing
the
heads.
•
Both
prongs
of
the
demagnetizer
should
be
covered
with
masking
tape
to
prevent
the
heads
from
being
scratched
.
•
Do
not
use
magnetized
tools
in
the
vicinity
of
the
heads.
•
Read
the
demagnetizer's
instructions
carefully
before
operation.
TECHNICAL DATA
Track
System
....
.
..
4-track 2-channel stereo system
Reel Capacity
.....
.
..
Up
to
7"
reel
Tape Speed .
...
..
...
7-1/2 and 3-3/4 ips (±0.8%)
Wow &
Flutter
...
.
...
Less
than
0.08%
RMS
at
7-1/2 ips
Less
than
0.12%
RMS
at
3-3/4 ips
Equalization .
....
...
Correct equalization for p1ayback
of
tapes recorded to
the
NAB
curve.
Frequency Response . .Using low noise tape
30Hz
to 25,000 Hz (±3
dB)
at 7-1/2 ips
40 Hz
to
20,000 Hz (±3 dB)
at
3-3/4 ips
Using regular tape
30Hz
to
23,000 Hz (±3 dB)
at 7-1/2 ips
40Hz
to
18,
000
Hz (±3 dB)
at 3-3/4 ips
Distortion .
.....
.
...
Less
than
1.5% (1,000 Hz, zero VU)
Signal-To-Noise
Ratio
..
.
..
.
..
.
...
Better
than
50
dB
Erase Ratio
.....
.
...
Better than
70
dB
Cross-Talk .
..
...
....
Better than 45
dB
(stereo)
Bias Frequency
..
.
..
. 102 kHz
Heads . . . .
.........
One recording/erase cornbina
ti
on
GX head; one playback GX head.
Motors . . . .
..
.
......
(3): One 4/8-pole self-lubricating
Fast
Forward & Rewind
hysteresis synchronous capstan
drive
motor;
two eddy-current
outer-toror reel drive motors.
Time . .
..
. . .
..
..
.Within
75
secs. using a 1,200 ft.
tape
Recording Capacity .
..
Two hours stereo recording using a
1,200 ft. tape
at
3-3/4 ips
Output
Jacks
..
......
Line(2): 1.23 V (zero VU)/100
il
(Required load impedance: more
than 20
kil)
Phone:
30
mV/8
il
Input
Jacks
...........
Microphone(2): 0.3 mV/4.7
kil
Line(2): 60
mV/500
kil
Din Jack
........
.
..
0.5
V/60
mV (high)/5
rn
V (low)
Semi-Conductors
.....
Transistors: 29; Diodes: 15
Power Requirements . . 100 V
to
240 V A.C.,
50/60Hz
Power Consumption.
..
100 W max.
Dimensions . .
..
.
..
. .371(H) x 368(W) x 227(D) mm
(1
4.6 x 14.5 x
8.9")
Weight
..
..
.
...
. . . . . 15.4 kg.
(33.9lbs.)
•
For
improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject
to
change without notice.
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Connection Cord
...
..
.......
.
..
.
...
.
.....
.
..
. . .
Empty
reel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Spare Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 set
Operator's Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Guarantee Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Service Station List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*Spare fuses are
not
included with CEE, CSA, UL
and
LA
Stand-
ard Models.
MANUFACTURED
&
DISTRIBUTED
BY
AKAI
ELECTRIC
CO.,
LTD.
AKAI
TRADING
CO.,
LTD.
12-14,
2-chome,
Higashi-Kojiya,
"
Ohta-ku,
Tokyo,
Japan
AKAI
AMERICA,
LTD.
2139
E. Del
Arno
Blvd.,
Compton,
Calif.,
90220,
U.S.A.
TELEPHONE:
(213)
537-3880
TELEX:
67-7494
Printed in Japan
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