Akai GX-280D-SS User manual
COCesoD-ss
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
4-HEAD
3-MOTOR
AUTOMATIC
REVERSE
SURROUND
STEREO
ТАРЕ
DECK
WARNING:
To
prevent
fire
or
shock
hazard,
do
not
expose
this
appliance
to
rain
or
moisture.
MANUFACTURED
&
DISTRIBUTED
BY
AKAI
ELECTRIC
CO.,
LTD./AKAI
TRADING
CO.,
LTD./AKAI
AMERICA
LTD.
GX
(GLASS
&
CRYSTAL
FERRITE)
HEAD
Akai
has
equipped
this
model
with
its
new
and
amazing
Glass
&
Crystal
Ferrite
Recording
and
Playback
Heads
to
bring
you
unequalled
open
reel
high
fidelity
sound.
With
the
Glass
&
Crystal
Ferrite
Head,
superbly
wider
frequen-
cies
with
clear
highs
can
be
recorded
in
all
their
true
fidelity
with
low
noise
tape.
In
other
words,
with
the
GX
Head,
a
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
contri-
butable
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
loss,
eliminating
undue
equalization
and
achieving
a
wider
dynamic
range.
4-CHANNEL
SURROUND
STEREO
What
is
all
the
talk
about
4-channel
stereo
and
what
are
the
advantages?
4-channel
stereo
is
equally
as
great
an
achieve-
ment
as
the
advancement
from
monaural
to
2-channel
stereo.
Just
as
2-channel
stereo
sound
reproduction
meant
the
exodus
of
flat
monaural
sound,
this
epoch-making
new
system
eliminates
the
inability
to
pick
up
and
reproduce
pure
concert
hall
sound.
New
4-channel
stereo
uses
4
signal
paths
or
sound
tracks
in
the
program
material
and
in
playback
approximates
the
complexity
of
the
sound
waves
which
reach
the
listener's
ear
when
attending
a
live
concert
hall
performance.
For
playback,
4
speakers
are
positioned
to
surround
the
listener.
The
sound
from
the
front
and
rear
speakers
give
the
listener
an
exciting
“sense
of
presence".
With
the
4
speakers
each
delivering
separate
sound,
you
are
literally
surrounded
with
a
wall
of
sound.
This
4-dimensional
sound
reproduction
makes
conventional
stereo
seem
empty
and
insufficient.
AKAI’s
"SURROUND
STEREO"
supplements
conven-
tional
stereo's
2
front
speakers
with
two
additional
rear
speakers
to
form
the
“2-2
system".
The
listener
is
sur-
rounded
by
two
sets
of
speakers
(left
&
right
front
and
left
&
right
rear).
This
arrangement
does
not
mean,
however,
that
simply adding
two
speakers
to
a
2-channel
system
is
all
that
is
necessary
for
4-channel
playback.
At
recording
time,
4
microphones
are
used
and
sound
is
picked
up
from 4
separate
places.
Four
separate
recordings
are
made
using
4
separate
channels
(four
tracks
in
one
direction).
This
4-channel
stereo
tape
feeds
into
4
pre-amplifiers
and
4
main
amplifiers
to
activate
a
4-speaker
system.
Thus,
at
playback
time,
sounds
from
separate
channels
are
emitted
from
each
speaker
providing
the
listener
with
a
feeling
that
he
is
listening
to
concert
hall
sound
from
the
best
seat
in
the
auditorium.
Model
GX-280D-SS
Stereo
Tape
Deck
is
a
compatible
4-channel/2-channel
model.
For
2-channel
operation,
only
the
front
channels
are
utilized.
For
exciting
4-channel
surround
stereo
playback,
a
4-
channel
external
power
amplifier
or
two
2-channel
ampli-
fiers
can
be
used
to
activate
a
4-speaker
system.
CEE, CSA,
UL,
and
LA
Standard
models
are
not
equipped
with
a
Voltage
S
tor
or
Cycle
Conversion
Switch.
Therefore,
voltage
and
cycle
conversion
is
not
necessary.
If
your
machine
corresponds
to
any
of
these
standards,
please
disregard
all
references
to
voltage
and
cycle
adjustment
throughout
this
manual.
CEE
Models
:
220V,
50Hz
CSA
Models
120V,
60Hz
UL
&
LA
Models:
120V,
60Hz
INDEX
(Glas
hn
Zoi
EEE
аа
4-Track
Recording/Playback
System
...............
4-Channel
Surround
Stereo
Recording/Playback
..
. .
2-Channel
Stereo
Recording/Playback
............
Tape
Loading,
socs
а
ee
ee
Gases
w
sh
oes
Tape
Selector
Switch
......
eee
Tape
Speed
Selection
socrus
ee
Direct
Function
Change
Control
System
.
Fast
Forward
&
Rewind
...........
ays
Automatic
Stop
&
Shut-Off
.
css
cee
coe
or
ees
How
To
Use
The
Pause
Button
,..................
How
To
Use
The
Index
Counter
..................
Remote
Control
о
uu
a
zoe
IM
eaten
dy
NUR
|
Operating
Instructions
...........
Connections
For
Playback
.
.
52.2
ose
sawa
ame
Connections
For
Recording
......
S
aa
4-Channel
Surround
Stereo
Playback
.............
2-Channel
Stereo
Playback
Automatic
&
Manual
Reverse
Playback
.............
4-Channel
Stereo
Recording
2-Channel
Stereo
Recording
10
Sound-On-Sound
Recording
aem
1D
Sound
Mixing
..........
x
12
N
о
со
чо
tn
Un
tn
tn
+
+
+
RR
+
+ +
+
tO
10
Tape
Erasing
.........
12
Tape
Splicing
&
Editing
.
8
13
Maintenance
.................................
13
Heads
Should
Always
Be
Kept
Clean...........--
13
Pinch
Wheel
&
Capstan
Cleaning
................
13
Head
Demagnetizing.
.
2...
оноо
ван
Cuna
t'a
eee
w
Voltage
&
Cycle
Conversion
Technical
Dalasa
o
xg
onset.
жал
SNO
Standard
Accessories
..
.
Trouble
Shooting
Chart
а
dives
es
tunia
ans
CONTROLS
12.
13.
14.
20.
21.
22:
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
INDEX
COUNTER
&
RESET
BUTTON
With
Reset
Button,
set
Index
Counter
to
'*0000"
before
beginning
operation.
SUPPLY
REEL
TABLE
REEL
RETAINER
Built-in
Reel
Retainer
locks
reel
firmly
into
place.
HEAD
COVER
Houses
Full
Track
Erase,
Half
Track
Erase,
and
GX
Recording
and
Playback
Heads.
TAPE
TENSION
LEVER
TAPE
GUIDE/SENSING
PIN
.
PAUSE
BUTTON
Convenient
for
temporarily
suspending
tape
movement
during
operation.
Lock
into
pause
position
by
turning
to
right.
.
AUTOMATIC
SHUT-OFF
BUTTON
Linked
to
Automatic
Shut-Off
Lever.
Refer
to
page
4.
POWER
SWITCH
SPEED
SELECTOR
SWITCHES
(7-1/2
and
3-3/4
ips)
MONITOR
SWITCH
To
monitor
program
source,
depress
to
SOURCE
(in)
position,
To
monitor
recorded
signals
or
for
playback,
set
to
TAPE
(out)
position.
STEREO
SELECTOR
For
2-channel
operation,
depress
to
“2-СН”
position.
For
4-channel
operation,
set
to
“4-CH”
position,
VU
METER
(Left
front
channel)
Indicates
left
Front
Channel
recording/playback
level.
VU
METER
(Right
front
channel)
Indicates
right
Front
Channel
recording/playback
level.
MICROPHONE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Left
front
channel)
Adjust
left
Front
Channel
microphone
input
level
while
observing
left
Front
VU
Meter.
FRONT
CHANNEL
MICROPHONE
JACKS
For
front
channel
microphone
recording.
.
LINE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Left
front
channel)
Adjust
left
Front
Channel
line
input
level
while
observing
left
Front
VU
Meter.
AE
ROPHOBB
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Right
front
channel)
Adjust
right
Front
Channel
microphone
input
level
while
observing
right
Front
VU
Meter.
LINE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Right
front
channel)
Adjust
right
Front
Channel
line
input
level
while
observing
right
Front
VU
Meter.
TAPE
SELECTOR
SWITCH
Depress
when
using
AKAI
Super
Range
Tape
or
other
make
low
noise
tapes.
CAPSTAN
TAKE-UP
REEL
TABLE
REEL
RETAINER
PINCH
WHEEL
Presses
against
Capstan
to
transport
tape.
TAPE
GUIDE/SENSING
PIN
AUTOMATIC
SHUT-OFF
LEVER
For
automatic
stop-shut-off,
refer
to
page
4
.
RECORD
SAFETY
BUTTON
While
holding
this
button
at
depressed
position,
depress
FWD
Button
to
effect
recording
mode.
REWIND
BUTTON
For
rewinding
tape
at
fast
speed.
REVERSE
BUTTON
For
effecting
manual
reverse
playback.
30.
3.
=
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
STOP
BUTTON
Depress
to
stop
tape
travel.
FORWARD
BUTTON
Advances
tape
for
recording
or
playback.
FAST
FORWARD
BUTTON
Advances
tape
at
high
speed.
VU
METER
(Left
rear
channel)
Indicates
left
Rear
Channel
recording/playbzck
level.
VU
METER
(Right
rear
channel)
Indicates
right
Rear
Channel
recording/playback
level.
LINE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Right
rear
channel)
Adjust
right
Rear
Channel
line
input
level
while
observing
right
Rear
VU
Meter.
MICROPHONE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Right
rear
channel)
Adjust
right
Rear
Channel
microphone
input
level
while
observing
right
Rear
VU
Meter.
REAR
CHANNEL
MICROPHONE
JACKS
For
Rear
Channel
microphone
recording.
LINE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Left
rear
channel)
Adjust
left
Rear
Channel
line
input
level
while
observing
left
Rear
VU
Meter.
MICROPHONE
RECORDING
LEVEL
CONTROL
(Left
rear
channel)
Adjust
left
Rear
Channel
microphone
input
level
while
observ-
ingleft
Rear
VU
Meter.
HEADPHONE
JACKS
(Front
and
Rear
channel)
REMOTE
CONTROL
SOCKET
For
connection
of
AKAI
Remote
Control
unit
RC-16
(optional
accessory
).
UNIVERSAL
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
&
FUSE POST
For
adjusting
voltage
input,
refer
to
page
11.
DIN
JACK
INPUT
SELECTOR
SWITCH
When
using
Din
Jack
connection,
if
output
level
of
external
amplifier
is
high,
set
to
High
position,
and
if
low,
set
to
Low
position.
DIN
JACK
(Rear
channel)
Enables
inter-connection
with
an
external
amplifier
by
use
of
a
single
DIN
connection
cord.
REAR
CHANNEL
LINE
OUTPUT
JACKS
Connects
to
Tape
Inputs
of
external
amplifier.
REAR
CHANNEL
LINE
INPUT
JACK
Connects
to
outputs
of
external
source.
CYCLE
CONVERSION
SWITCH
Set
to
50
or
60
Hz
to
correspond
with
area
power
source.
A.C.
CORD
FRONT
CHANNEL
LINE
INPUT
JACKS
Connects
to
outputs
of
external
source.
FRONT
CHANNEL
LINE
OUTPUT
JACKS
Connects
to
tape
inputs
of
external
amplifier.
DIN
JACK
(Front
channel)
Enables
inter-connection
with
external
amplifier
by
use
of
a
single
DIN
connection
cord.
SOUND-ON-SOUND
SWITCH
4-track
4-channel
stereo
1
——
Front
CH
left
1
—
Rear
CH
left
3
—
Front
CH
right
4
+
№
Rear
CH
right
4-track
2-channel
stereo
1
pe
Left
CH
2
[
«—
Right
CH
SideA
©
mne
|
Right
CH
-4—
sides
—
4
HEEP
TAPE
SELECTOR
SWITCH
Depress
Tape
Selector
Switch
when
using
Akai
S.R.T.
(super
range
tape)
or
other
make
low
noise
tape.
This
feature
brings
out
the
maximum
response
of
low
noise
tape
and
works
to
change
the
recording
equalization
according
to
the
tape.
Although
the
GX-280D-SS
exhibits
a
good
frequency
response
with
regular
tape,
this
is
further
extended
with
low
noise
tape.
TAPE
SPEED
SELECTION
This
model
operates
on
two
tape
speeds;
i.e.,
7-1/2
and
3-3/4
ips.
Simply
depress
7-1/2
or
3-3/4
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch
according
to
desired
speed.
Recording
time
using
an
1800
ft.
tape
:
(2-channel
stereo)
3
hrs.
at
3-
3/4ips
and
1-1/2
hrs.
at
7-1/2ips.
(4-channel
stereo)
1-1/2
hrs.
at
3-3/4
ips.
and
3/4
hrs.
at
7-1/2
ips.
4-TRACK
RECORDING/PLAYBACK
SYSTEM
The
GX-280D-SS
employs
a
4-track
system
which
can
be
used
for
either
4-channel
or
2-channel
stereo
recording
and
playback.
Select
system
with
the
Stereo
Selector
on
front
panel.
4-CHANNEL
STEREO
RECORDING/PLAYBACK
4-channel
stereo
recording
and
playback
requires
the
simul-
taneous
use
of
all
4-tracks
in
one
direction.
Set
Stereo
Selector
to
4-CH
position
and
use
front
and
rear
channel
controls.
2-CHANNEL
STEREO
RECORDING/PLAYBACK
2-channel
stereo
recording
and
playback
requires
the
simultaneous
use
of
two
tracks.
Set
Stereo
Selector
to
2-CH
position
and
use
only
front
channel
controls.
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.
TAPE
LOADING
1.
Place
a
full
reel
of
tape
on
the
Supply
Reel
Table
and
an
empty
reel
on
the
Take-Up
Reel
Table.
2.
Lock
reel
into
place
pulling
tip
of
retainer
on
reel
shaft
outward
and
turning
to
left
or
right.
3.
Unwind
about
a
75
cm
length
of
tape
from
the
supply
reel
and
then
thread
tape
properly
as
shown
by
the
dotted
lines
in
the
figure.
4.
Insert
end
of
tape
in
slot
of
empty
reel
and
wind
tape
around
the
reel
hub
two
or
three
times.
5.
Continue
winding
tape
onto
take-up
reel
until
all
tape
slack
has
been
taken
up.
DIRECT
FUNCTION
CHANGE
CONTROL
SYSTEM
A
completely
automatic
function
change
control
system
is
employed
in
this
model
for
easy
and
speedy
change
of
operating
modes.
The
necessity
of
depressing
the
Stop
Button
before
changing
modes
is
eliminated.
FAST
FORWARD
&
REWIND
To
effect
fast
forward
or
rewind,
depress
Fast
Forward
or
Rewind
Button
on
control
panel.
Use
Stop
Button
to
stop
fast
forward
or
rewind
operation.
AUTOMATIC
STOP
&
SHUT-OFF
When
the
tape
comes
to
the
end
or
is
accidentally
broken,
the
Automatic
Shut-Off
Lever
is
released
and
reel
move-
ment
is
stopped.
If
the
Automatic
Shut-Off
Button
is
depressed,
when
the
Shut-Off
Lever
is
released,
the
power
of
the
entire
unit
is
cut
off.
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
*
Your
machine
requires
constant
voltage
for
optimum
performance.
The
GX-280DSS
is
equipped
with
a
Universal
Voltage
Selector
and
Cycle
Conversion
Switch.
Voltage
and
Cycles
are
preset
at
the
factory
according
to
destination,
However,
you
are
requested
to
confirm
setting
before
attempting
operation
and
if
necessary,
readjust
as
indicated
on
page
14 of
this
manual,
If
your
local
power
source
is
unknown,
please
ask
your
nearest
electric
company
for
correct
voltage
and
cycles,
As
dirty
heads
and
magnetized
heads
become
the
source
of
loss
of
sound,
distortion,
sound
drop-out,
and
other
recording
and
playback
failures,
the
heads
must
be
kept
clean
and
demagnetized
at
al!
times.
Do
not
place
anything
on
top
of
your
machine
which
will
obstruct
the
ventilator.
Place
machine
on
a
flat
horizontal
surface
and
operate
HOW
TO
USE
THE
PAUSE
BUTTON
For
momentarily
suspending
tape
travel
during
recording
or
playback,
depress
Pause
Button.
Pause
control
is
especially
useful
for
editing
tapes.
Simply
depress
when
certain
portions
of
the
program
are
not
desired.
After
being
de-
pressed,
the
Pause
Button
can
be
locked
into
position
by
turning
in
direction
of
arrow.
*
Pause
control
is
also
useful
for
starting
recording
smoothly
and
quickly.
Depress
Pause
Button
and
set
recorder
to
recording
mode.
Depress
SOURCE
Monitor
Switch
and
adjust
and
balance
recording
input
level
while
observing
VU
Meters.
When
an
optimum
level
has
been
determined,
simply
release
Pause
Button
and
begin
recording.
*
Pause
control
does
not
function
during
fast
forward
or
rewind
mode.
HOW
TO
USE
THE
INDEX
COUNTER
Model
GX-280D-SS
is
equipped
with
a
handy
4-digit
Index
Counter
for
easy
indexing.
This
provides
an
easy
reference
for
quickly
locating
positions
on
the
tape.
For
resetting,
simply
depress
Reset
Button.
REMOTE
CONTROL
All
operating
functions
of
the
GX-280D-SS
can
be
remote
controlled
with
Akai
Remote
Control
unit
RC-16
(optional
accessory).
Plug
into
socket
provided
on
rear
panel.
either
horizontally
or
vertically.
*
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
recorded.
A
test
recording
is
recom-
mended
before
attempting
a
final
recording.
Use
good
quality
tapes.
New
tape
gives
best
results.
As
tapes
which
have
not
been
used
fora
period
of
time
may
have
become
sticky,
run
once
before
using.
*
Always
store
tapes
in
a
cool,
dry
place.
Should
there
be
a
problem
with
your
machine,
write
down
the
model
and
serial
numbers
and
all
pertinent
data
regarding
warranty
coverage
as
well
as
a
clear
description
of
the
existing
trouble
and
contact
your
nearest
authorized
Akai
Service
Station
or
the
Service
Department
of
Akai
Electric
Company,
Tokyo,
Japan.
CONNECTIONS
FOR
PLAYBACK
CONNECTIONS
FOR
RECORDING
The
Din
Jacks
at
the
rear
of
the
recorder
are
used
for
inter-connecting
the
GX-280D-SS
with
an
external
amplifier.
This
system
enables
easy
recording
or
play-
back
through
an
external
amplifier
as
the
complex
connection
or
disconnection
of
several
separate
plugs
is
not
necessary.
e
TUNER
AMPLIFIER
г
AKAI
ELECTRIC
CO.,LTD.
MADE
IN
JAPAN
AKA!
ELECTRIC
CO.,LTD
MADE
IN
JAPAN
|
AMPLIFIER
ü
©
—PHONO
o
r
PHONO-
>
|
——
AUX
RIGHT
LEFT
Y
TAPE
2
REC
DIN
PR
E
©
GOlrrow
REAR
J
The
connections
at
left
are
for
4-chan-
nel
surround
stereo
playback.
When
these
connections
are
made
and
2-channel
stereo
playback
is
desired,
depress
front
panel
Stereo
Selector
to
2-CH
position.
^
If
exclusive
2-channel
playback
is
2-channel
stereo
magnetic
4-channel
stereo
tape
deck
2-channel
stereo
crystal
or
É
cartridge
turntable.
If
a
or
recorder.
ceramic
cartridge
turn-
desired,
use
front
channel
connections
4-channel
stereo
magnetic
When
connections:
for
table.
only.
cartridge
turntable
with
4-channel
stereo
recording
2-channel
stereo
crystal
or
built-in
4-channel
playback
is
made
and
2-channel
ceramic
cartridge
turntable.
unit
is
used,
connect
to
the
stereo
recording
is
desired,
Connect
to
front
channel
respective
front
and
rear
depress
Stereo
Selector
to
input
jacks
of
the
GX-
channel
input
jacks
of
the
2-CH
position.
For
ex-
280D-SS.
GX-280D-SS.
clusive
2-channel
stereo
recording,
use
front
chan-
nel
connections
only.
4-CHANNEL
SURROUND
STEREO
PLAYBACK
Connect
a
4-channel
stereo
amplifier/speaker
system
to
the
front
and
rear
channel
Output
Jacks
as
shown
in
CONNECTIONS
FOR
PLAYBACK.
If
a
4-channel
stereo
amplifier
is
not
available,
connect
a
2-channel
stereo
amplifier
each
to
the
front
and
rear
channel
jacks
respectively.
*
Please
read
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
carefully
prior
to
operation,
Load
a
pre-recorded
tape
following
the
instructions
on
page
4.
*
Connect
power
cord
and
turn
on
Power
Switch
(A).
Set
Stereo
Selector
(B)
to
4-CH
position.
Select
tape
speed
with
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch
(C).
Set
Monitor
Switch
(D)
to
TAPE
positon.
Depress
Forward
Button
(E)
to
begin
playback.
Adjust
external
amplifier
controls.
To
stop
tape
travel
during
playback,
depress
Stop
Button
(F).
nmonbBRenc
2-CHANNEL
STEREO
PLAYBACK
*
Connect
a
2-channel
s
eo
amplifier/speaker
system
to
the
front
channel
Output
Jack:
shown
in
CONNECTIONS
FOR
PLAY-
BACK.
In
case
a
4-channel
stereo
amplifier
is
used,
utilize
only
the
front
channel
connections.
*
Please
read
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
carefully
prior
to
operation,
Load
a
pre-recorded
tape
following
the
instructions
on
page
4.
*
1.
Connect
power
cord
and
turn
on
Power
Switch
(A).
2.
SetStereo
Selector
(B)
to
2-CH
position.
3.
Select
tape
speed
with
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch
(C).
4.
Set
Monitor
Switch
(D)
to
TAPE
position.
5.
Depress
Forward
Button
(E)
to
begin
playback.
6.
Adjust
external
amplifier
controls.
7.
'To
stop
tape
travel
during
playback
depress
Stop
Button
(F).
8.
Depress
Reverse
Button
(G)
for
playback
of
reverse
side
or
invert
reels.
Sensing
Pin
AUTOMATIC
&
MANUAL
REVERSE
PLAYBACK
For
automatic
reverse
playback,
affix
about
a
2.5
cm
(1")
long
piece
of
sensing
foil
to
the
outside
of
the
tape
at
desired
reversing
point.
If
continuous
reverse
between
two
points
is
desired,
affix
another
piece
of
sensing
tape
to
the
inside
of
the
tape
at
desired
reversing
point.
As
the
foil
passes
the
sensing
pole(s)
reverse
is
effected.
Model
GX-280D-SS
is
also
equipped
with
a
Manual
Reverse
Button
for
manual
reverse
playback.
To
effect
manual
reverse,
depress
Manual
Reverse
Button
on
control
panel.
4-CHANNEL
AUTOMATIC
REWIND/SHUT-OFF
Apply
a
piece
of
sensing
foil
to
the
outside
of
the
tape
at
desired
reversing
point
and
depress
Shut-Off
Button.
When
the
tape
reaches
the
place
at
which
sensing
foil
is
affixed,
it
will
automatically
rewind.
After
the
tape
has
been
re-
wound,
the
shut-off
mechanism
will
be
activated
to
cut
off
the
power
of
the
unit.
4-CHANNEL
AUTOMATIC
REWIND/
CONTINUOUS
PLAYBACK
Apply
sensing
foil
to
the
outside
of
the
tape
for
normal
playback
to
rewind
and
inside
for
rewind
to
repeat
at
desired
repeating
point,
and
confirm
that
Shut-Off
Button
is
at
OUT
position.
When
the
tape
reaches
the
place
at
which
sensing
foil
is
affixed,
it
will
automatically
rewind
to
starting
position
(point
at
which
sensing
tape
is
applied)
and
playback
will
continue.
The
tape
will
be
played
and
rewound
over
and
over
until
the
unit
is
manually
turned
off.
2-CHANNEL
AUTOMATIC
REVERSE
PLAYBACK/SHUT-OFF
Apply
a
piece
of
sensing
foil
to
the
outside
of
the
tape
at
desired
reversing
point
and
depress
Shut-Off
Button.
When
the
tape
reaches
the
place
at
which
sensing
foil
is
affixed,
reverse
playback
is
effected.
At
the
end
of
reverse
playback,
the
shut-off
mechanism
will
be
activated
to
cut
off
the
power
of
the
unit.
2-CHANNEL
AUTOMATIC
CONTINUOUS
PLAYBACK
Apply
sensing
foil
to
the
outside
of
the
tape
for
normal
to
reverse
playback
and
inside
for
reverse
to
normal
playback
at
desired
reversing
points,
and
confirm
that
the
Shut-Off
Button
is
at
OUT
position.
When
the
tape
reaches
the
place
at
which
the
sensing
foil
is
affixed,
reverse
playback
will
be
effected.
At
the
end
of
reverse
playback
(point
at
which
sensing
foil
is
applied)
palyback
will
continue
in
the
opposite
direction,
thus
providing
continuous
playback
in
both
directions.
4-CHANNEL
STEREO
RECORDING
*
Connect
desired
4-channel
program
source
to
the
appropriate
inputs
of
the
GX-280D-SS
as
shown
in
CONNECTIONS
FOR
RECORDING.
*
Please
read
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
carefully
prior
to
operation.
Load
tape
following
instructions
on
page
4.
*
1.
Connect
power
cord
and
turn
on
Power
Switch
(A).
2.
Set
Stereo
Selector
(B)
to
4-CH
position.
3.
Select
tape
speed
with
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch
(C).
4.
With
Reset
Button
(D),
set
Index
Counter
to
“0000”.
This
Index
Counter
furnishes
a
quick
reference
for
locating
positions
on
the
tape.
5.
Set
Monitor
Switch
(E)
to
SOURCE
position.
6.
Adjust
and
balance
Recording
Level
Controls
(front
and
rear
channel
left
and
right)
(F)
while
observing
corresponding
VU
Meters.
Normal
recording
level
should
not
exceed
“0”
VU.
7.
When
an
optimum
level
has
been
determined,
while
holding
Record
Safety
Button
(G)
at
depressed
position,
depress
Forward
Button
to
begin
recording.
8.
To
stop tape
travel
during
recording,
depress
Stop
Button
(H).
2-CHANNEL
STEREO
RECORDING
*
Connect
desired
2-channel
program
source
to
the
appropriate
inputs
of
the
GX-280D-SS
as
shown
in
CONNECTIONS
FOR
RECORDING.
*
Please
read
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
carefully
prior
to
operation.
*
Load
tape
following
instructions
on
page
4.
Connect
power
cord
and
turn
on
Power
Switch
(A).
Set
Stereo
Selector
(B)
to
2-CH
position.
Select
tape
speed
with
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch
(C).
With
Reset
Button
(D),
set
Index
Counter
to
“0000”.
This
Index
Counter
furnishes
a
quick
reference
for
locating
positions
on
the
tape.
5.
Set
Monitor
Switch
(E)
to
SOURCE
position.
6.
Adjust
and
balance
Recording
Level
Controls
(front
channel
left
and
right)
(F)
while
observing
correspond-
ing
VU
Meters.
Normal
recording
level
should
not
exceed
“0”
VU.
7.
When
an
optimum
level
has
been
determined,
while
holding
Record
Safety
Button
(G)
at
depressed
position,
depress
Forward
Button
to
begin
recording.
8.
To
stop tape
travel
during
recording,
depress
Stop
Button
(H).
9.
Invert
reels
for
recording
on
reverse
side.
=
NOTES
FOR
YOUR
CONVENIENCE
*
When
using
Line
Input
Jacks
for
connection
with
the
external
source,
the
input
level
is
adjusted
with
the
Line
Recording
Level
Controls.
When
using
Din
Jacks
for
connection
with
an
external
amplifier,
or
the
Microphone
Jacks
the
input
level
is
adjusted
with
the
Microphone
Recording
Level
Con-
trols.
Microphones
must
not
be
placed
on
top
of
or
too
close
to
the
recorder.
Preferably,
the
microphones
should
be
placed
on
a
separate
table
to
prevent
vibrations
of
the
recorder
motor
from
reaching
them.
For
best
results,
a
distance
of
at
least
2
meters
should
be
maintained
between
microphones.
The
use
of
the
Monitor
Switch
during
recording
enables
correct
adjustment
of
the
sound
source
input
level
as
well
as
comparison
of
the
sound
source
and
the
recording.
For
monitoring
sound
source
depress
Monitor
Switch
to
IN
position,
and
for
monitoring
recording
depress
to
OUT
position.
To
momentarily
suspend
reel
movement
during
record-
ing,
use
the
Pause
Button.
For
monitoring
sound,
use
stereo
headphones
of
8
2
impedance.
Connect
headphone
plug
to
the
Headphone
Jacks
on
front
panel.
The
Din
Jacks
are
used
for
inter-connecting
the
GX-280D-SS
with
an
external
amplifier.
This
system
enables
easy
recording
or
playback
through
an
external
amplifier
as
the
complex
connection
or
disconnection
of
several
separate
plugs
is
not
necessary.
The
GX-280D-SS
is
also
equipped
with
a
Din
Jack
Input
Selector
Switch.
When
recording
from
an
external
amplifier,
if
the
output
level
of
the
amplifier
is
high,
set
Selector
Switch
to
HIGH
position,
and
if
low,
set
to
LOW
position.
For
easy
check
of
input
level
when
using
Din/Din
connection
cord,
after
connection
has
been
made,
turn
input
level
to
maximum.
If
VU
indicator
movement
is
limited,
set
switch
to
LOW
position.
If
indicator
moves
excessively,
set
Selector
Switch
to
HIGH.
In
case
the
indicator
shows
no
movement
at
either
position,
use
opposite
ends
of
the
Din
cord.
11
SOUND-ON-SOUND
RECORDING
The
Sound-on-sound
feature
is
utilized
for
transfer
of
previously
recorded
material
from
one
channel
to
another
for
language
training,
fun
or
professional
use.
First
Recording
1.
Confirm
that
there
are
no
connections
to
the
Input
Jacks.
2.
Set
Stereo
Selector
to
4-CH
position.
3.
Plug
in
microphone
to
rear
channel
left
Microphone
Jack.
4.
Depress
Monitor
Switch
to
SOURCE
position.
5.
Adjust
rear
channel
left
Microphone
Recording
Level
Control
while
observing
corresponding
VU
Meter.
6.
Depress
Reset
Button
and
set
Index
Counter
to
“0000”.
7.
While
holding
Record
Safety
Button
at
depressed
position,
depress
Forward
Button
to
begin
first
record-
ing;
i.e.,
A-B-C.
8.
When
the
first
recording
is
completed,
rewind
tape
to
starting
point.
Second
Recording
9.
Confirm
that
the
Monitor
Switch
is
at
SOURCE
position
and
set
Sound-On-Sound
Switch
at
rear
of
unit
to
ON
positon.
10.
Set
Stereo
Selector
to
2-CH
position.
11.
Plug
in
microphone
to
front
channel
right
Microphone
Jack.
12.
Increase
front
channel
right
Line
Recording
Level
Control
to
approximately
maximum.
13.
Connect
stereo
headphones
to
front
channel
Stereo
Headphone
Jack
for
monitoring
the
first
recording.
14.
Adjust
front
channel
right
Microphone
Recording
Level
Control
while
observing
corresponding
VU
Meter.
15.
While
holding
Record
Safety
Button
at
depressed
position,
depress
Forward
Button
to
begin
second
recording;
ie.
A’-B’-C’.
As
the
second
recording
A'-B'-C'
is
being
made,
the
first
recording
A-B-C
is
monitored
through
headphones.
The
two
recordings
will
be
completely
merged
on
front
channel
tracks.
...
A-A'-B-B'-C-C'.
16.
For
playback,
rewind
tape
to
starting
point,
depress
Monitor
Switch
to
TAPE
position
and
set
both
recorder
and
external
amplifier
to
front
channel
playback
mode.
12
SOUND
MIXING
Model
GX-280D-SS
is
equipped
with
independent
Line
and
Microphone
Jacks
and
input
level
controls
for
mixing
signals
from
two
separate
sources
simultaneously.
Record
your
own
voice
accompanied
by
your
favorite
combo,
orchestra,
etc.
1.
Connect
power
cord
and
turn
on
Power
Switch.
2.
Set
Stereo
Selector
to
2-CH
or
4-CH
position
as
desired.
3.
Select
tape
speed
with
Tape
Speed
Selector
Switch.
4.
With
Reset
Button,
set
Index
Counter
to
“0000”.
This
Index
Counter
furnishes
a
quick
reference
for
locating
positions
on
the
tape.
5.
Plug
in
microphone(s)
to
Microphone
Jack(s)
and
connect
line
output
of
external
source
to
Line
Input
of
the
GX-280D-SS.
6.
Set
Monitor
Switch
to
SOURCE
position.
7.
Adjust
and
balance
microphone
input
level
with
Microphone
Recording
Level
Control
and
line
input
level
with
Line
Input
Level
Control
while
observing
corresponding
VU
Meters.
Normal
recording
level
should
not
exceed
“0”
VU.
8.
When
an
optimum
level
has
been
determined,
while
holding
Record
Safety
Button
at
depressed
position,
depress
Forward
Button
to
begin
recording.
9.
To
stop
tape
travel
during
recording,
depress
Stop
Button.
See
AUTOMATIC
STOP
&
SHUT-OFF.
10.
If
recording
is
made
in
2-channel,
invert
reels
for
recording
on
reverse
side.
*
Mixing
can
also
be
accomplished
by
using
the
Din
Jack
and
Line
Input
connections
simultaneously.
*
For
playback,
operate
the
Stereo
Selector
according
to
channels
used
in
making
recording.
TAPE
ERASING
Any
signals
previously
recorded
on
the
tape
will
auto-
matically
be
erased
as
a
new
recording
takes
place.
For
erasing
only,
load
a
tape
and
set
recorder
to
recording
mode.
Model
GX-280D-SS
is
equipped
with
separate
2-channel
and
4-channel
erase
heads.
For
full
track
erase,
set
Stereo
Selector
to
4-CH
position
and
for
2-channel
erase,
set
to
2-CH
position.
No
plugs
should
be
connected
to
the
input
jacks
and
input
volume
should
be
kept
at
minimum.
TAPE
SPLICING
&
EDITING
Cut
tape
diagonally
with
an
overlap
so
that
the
ends
are
lined
up.
Cover
aligned
ends
with
splicing
tape.
Press
firmly
exerting
pressure
to
secure
ends
evenly.
Trim
off
excees
splicing
tape
cutting
into
recording
tape
very
slightly
to
eliminate
the
posibility
of
a
sticky
splice.
Tape
splicing
using
scissors
requires
skillful
work.
Akai
Tape
Splicer
Model
AS-3
is
recommended
for
smooth
and
easy
tape
splicing.
TENANCE
HEADS
SHOULD
ALWAYS
BE
KEPT
CLEAN
For
quality
performance,
it is
imperative
that
the
head
block
be
kept
clean
at
all
times.
Dust
and
magnetic
particles
tend
to
deposit
on
the
heads
after
prolonged
use
of
the
unit,
deteriorating
sound
quality
and
sensitivity.
The
GX
Heads
do
not
normally
require
cleaning.
However,
if
old
tapes
or
tapes
which
have
been
spliced
are
used,
head
cleaning
is
recommended.
Clean
by
rubbing
the
entire
head
surface
(do
not
scratch)
with
a
cotton
swab
stick
soaked
in
Akai
cleaning
fluid
(from
HC-500
Head
Cleaning
Kit)
or
alcohol.
PINCH
WHEEL
&
CAPSTAN
CLEANING
If
magnetic
particles
from
the
magnetic
tape,
oil,
or
other
foreign
matter
is
allowed
to
accumulate
on
the
Pinch
Wheel
and
Capstan,
irregularity
in
tape
transport
may
occur
deteriorating
sound
quality.
It
is,
therefore,
recommended
that
these
parts
be
wiped
clean
occasionally.
For
cleaning,
use
Akai
Cleaning
Kit
HC-500,
or
if
Akai
cleaning
fluid
is
not
available,
use
alcohol.
*
Do
not
use
chemicals
such
as
chlorothane,
etc.,
as
the
rubber
wheel
will
deteriorate.
HEAD
DEMAGNETIZING
Normally,
the
steel
pole
pieces
which
form
part
of
the
recording
and
playback
heads
become
slightly
magnetized.
The
effect
of
magnetization
is
that
it
causes
considerable
drop-out
or
introduces
noise
into
your
recordings.
It
is,
therefore,
recommended
that
head
demagnetizing
be
per-
formed
periodically.
This
can
be
accomplished
with
a
bulk
head
demagnetizer
by
bringing
it
close
to
the
heads
and
making
several
circular
motions
over
all
head
surface
areas
as
well
as
the
head
housing.
*
Be
sure
to
cut
off
the
power
of
the
unit
prior
to
demagnetizing
the
heads.
*
Do
not
use
magnetized
tools
in
the
vicinity
of
the
heads.
*
Do
not
bring
the
prongs
of
the
demagnetizer
close
to
the
VU
Meters.
(13
^6
N
А
P.
"i
i
ЖИ
Selector
Plug
Fuse
Post
<=
TECHNICAL
DATA
Track
System
.......
4-track
4/2-channel
compatible
stereo
VOLTAGE
&
CYCLE
CONVERSION
CEE,
CSA,
and
UL
Standard
models
are
not
equipped
with
a
Voltage
Selector
or
Cycle
Conversion
Switch.
Therefore,
voltage
and
cycle
conversion
is
not
necessary.
If
your
machine
corresponds
to
any
of
these
standards,
please
disregard
all
references
to
voltage
and
cycle
adjustment
throughout
this
manual.
VOLTAGE
Equalization
Your
machine
is
equipped
with
a
universal
voltage
selector
offering
six
selections
of
voltage
from
100
V
to
240
V
A.C.,
for
worldwide
operation.
Voltage
is
preset
at
the
factory
o
Ф
Frequnecy
Response
.
(Using
low
noise
tape)
according
to
destination.
However,
the
operator
is
re-
20
Hz
to
25,000
Hz
(+3
dB)
quested
to
confirm
setting
and
if
readjustment
is
necessary,
à
at
7-1/2
ips
proceed
as
follows
:
(1)
Disconnect
power
cord
and
remove
30
Hz
to
20,000
Hz
(+3
dB)
the
Fuse
Post
by
screwing
in
direction
of
arrow.
(2)
at
3-3/4
ips
Remove
the
Voltage
Selector
Plug
and
reinsert
so
that
(Using
regular
tape)
proper
area
voltage
shows
through
plug
cut-out.
(3)
Change
30
Hz
to
23,000
Hz
(+3
dB)
Maximum
Reel
Capacity:
гае
7"
reel
Tape
Speed.
.
.
7-1/2
and
3-3/4
ips
(+0.5%)
Wow
&
Flutter
Less
than
0.10%
RMS
at
7-1/2
ips
Less
than
0.15%
RMS
at
3-3/4
ips
Voss
tee
Correct
equalization
for
playback
of
tapes
recorded
to
the
NAB
curve.
fuse
according
to
voltage
(please
refer
to
supplied
fuse
tag
at
7-1/2
ips
instructions).
30
Hz
to
19,000
Hz
(+3
dB)
*
To
maintain
optimum
performance
and
prolong
the
life
of
your
at
3-3/4
ips
machine,
it
is
important
that
the
line
voltage
be
held
within
a
i š
“б?”
10%
deviation
of
standard
area
voltage.
“t
ia
LO
Ost
1:000:Hz
#0
уп)
ignal-To-Noise
Ratio
...
.
55
dB
CYCLE
. i
Erase
Кайо...
.
Better
than
70
dB
Correct
tape
speed
cannot
be
obtained
if
the
Cycle
Bias
Frequency
110
kHz
Conversion
Switch
located
on
the
rear
panel
of
the
Heads...
Е
(4)
СХ
recording
and
playback
GX-280D-SS
is
not
properly
positioned.
Disconnect
power
cord
and
set
to
50
Hz
or
60
Hz
according
to
area
power
source,
heads,
full-track
erase,
2-channel
erase
heads.
Motors
............
(3)
One
servo-motor
for
direct
capstan
drive
and
two
6-pole
STANDARD
ACCESSORIES
"
outer-rotor
motors
for
supply
Connection
Сога!
vous.
«мл
e
seti
fe
а
кайлы
a
1
set
o
@
and
take-up
reel
drive.
Demonstration
Tape
o
popes
aus
tre
rtm
mr
eS
XS
1
Empty
Metallic
Reel
«22:22
Tow
А
EO
hee
1
Sensimp
Шарен.
е
аа
mapu
dyes
oso
oe
eeu
etico
1
Spare
Fuse
.....
Operator's
Manual
.
*
Spare
fuses
are
not
included
with
CEE, CSA,
UL,
and
LA
Stand-
ard
models.
Fast
Forward
&
Rewind
Time
.....
Within
90
seconds
using
a
1,200
ft.
tape.
Recording
Capacity
..
2-channel
stereo
:
2
hrs.
(1,200
ft.
tape,
3-3/4
ips)
4-channel
stereo
:
1
hr.
(1,200
ft.
tape,
3-3/4
ips)
Output
Jacks
.......
Line
(4):
1.23
V
(*0"
VU)/
100
22;
Required
load
impedance
:
more
than
25k
Phone
(2)
:
40
mV/8
Q
InputJacks.......
es
Microphone
(4)
:
0.5
mV/10kQ
Line
(4)
:
0.1
V/150
kQ
Din
Jacks:
2...
(2)
:
0.4
V/60
mV
(High)
10
mV
(Low)
Semi-Conductors
....
68
silicon
transistors,
У
52
diodes
Integrated
Circuits
...
4
Power
Supply
.......
100
V
to
240
V
A.C.,
50/60
Hz
CEE
models:
220
V,
50
Hz
CSA
models:
120
V,60
Hz
UL
&
LA
models:
120
V,60
Hz
Power
Consumption
..
140W
Dimensions.........
435(W)
x
505(H)
x
250(D)
mm,
(17.4
x
20.2
x
10")
Weight
ласа
we
22.4
kg
(49.5
Ibs)
*
For
improvement
purposes,
specifications
and
design
are
subject
to
change
without
notice.
TROUBLE
SHOOTING
CHART
The
conditions
listed
below
do
not
indicate
mechanical
failure
of
your
unit.
If
your
machine
exhibits
any
of
these
conditions,
check
for
trouble
as
indicated.
SYMPTOM
TROUBLE
REMEDY
16
Loss
of
sensitivity
and
tone
quality.
*
Dirty
Erase
Head.
*
Wrong
side
of
tape
facing
the
heads.
A.C.
power
lower
than
the
voltage
to
which
your
machine
is
adjusted.
*
Magnetized
head.
*
Tape
Selector
Switch
is
set
incorrectly.
See
HEADS
SHOULD
ALWAYS
BE
KEPT
CLEAN.
See
VOLTAGE
&
CYCLE
CONVERSION.
See
HEAD
DEMAGNETIZING
Machine
will
not
record
or
play.
Check
positions
of
controls
and
input/output
connections.
Check
position
of
the
Pause
Button.
Check
positions
of
the
Stereo
Selector.
Irregularity
in
tape
transport.
Oil
or
magnetic
particles
adhering
to
the
Capstan
or
Pinch
Wheel.
Sticky
or
dirty
tape
surface.
*
Improperly
loaded
tape.
*
A.C.
power
lower
than
the
voltage
to
which
your
machine
is
adjusted.
Sensing
tape
is
affixed
improperly.
See
PINCH
WHEEL
&
CAPSTAN
CLEANING.
See
TAPE
LOADING.
See
VOLTAGE
&
CYCLE
CONVERSION.
See
AUTOMATIC
&
MANUAL
REVERSE
PLAYBACK.
Tape
will
not
run.
Blown
fuse.
*
Power
is
not
being
supplied.
Machine
is
set
to
pause
mode.
Twisted
or
sticky
tape.
Check
power
cord,
Power
Switch,
and
Shut-Off
Button.
Previous
recording
will
not
erase.
Erase
head
is
dirty.
See
HEADS
SHOULD
ALWAYS
BE
KEPT
CLEAN.
Distorted
or
noisy
sound.
Recording
level
is
too
high.
Check
external source
controls
and
connections.
Normal
recording
level
is
“0?
VU.
“Surround
Stereo”
used with
permission
of
Vangard
Records.
MANUFACTURED
&
DISTRIBUTED
BY
AKAI
ELECTRIC
CO,
LTD.
AKAI
TRADING
CO,
LID.
12-14,
2-chome,
Higashi-Kojiya,
Ohta-ku,
Tokyo,
Japan
AKAI
AMERICA,
LTD.
2139
E.
Del
Amo
Blvd.,
Compton,
Calif.,
90220,
U.S.A.
TELEPHONE:
(213)
537-3880
TELEX:
67-7494
Printed
in
Japan
M6572ADS22/B5MY2975
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