Akai X-201D User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
MANUFACTURED & DISTRIBUTED BY AKAI ELECTRIC CO.. LTD./AKAI TRADING CO.. LTD./AKAI AMERICA LTD.
STEREO TAPE DECK

INDEX
Controls................................................................................. 2
Voltage & Cycle Conversion ............................................... 6
Tape Loading........................................................................ 6
Tape Speed Selection & Equalizer ...................................... 7
Fast Forward & Rewind........................................................ 7
Automatic Stop & Shut-Off.................................................. 7
Pause Control........................................................................ 7
Monitoring ........................................................................... 7
4-Track Recording/Playback System ................................... 8
Operating Precautions........................................................... 8
Playback................................................................................ 9
Automatic Reverse Playback................................................ 9
Manual Reverse Playback .................................................... 9
Recording From Microphones.............................................10
Recording From An External Amplifier ............................. 11
Recording From Another Tape Recorder (Tape Dubbing) 11
Recording From A Record Player ....................................... 11
Din Jack...............................................................................11
Tape Splicing & Editing ....................................................11
Tape Erasing........................................................................II
Head Cleaning .................................................................... 12
Head Demagnetizing .......................................................... 12
Technical Data .................................................................... 13
Optional Accessories .......................................................... 14
Standard Accessories ........................................................... 14
Therefore, voltage and cycle conversion is not neces
sary. If your machine corresponds to any of these
standards, please disregard all references to voltage
and cycle adjustment throughout this manual.
CEE Models: 220 V 50 Hz
CSA Models : 120 V 60 Hz
UL Models : 120 V 60 Hz
CEE, CSA and UL standard models arenot equipped
with aVoltage Selector or Cycle Conversion Switches. Cross-Field Head Recording System ................................... 5

CONTROLS
INDEX COUNTER & RESET BUTTON
SUPPLY REEL TABLE
BUILT-IN REEL RETAINER
Locks reel firmly into place.
TAPE SPEED SELECTOR
Set this Selector and the Equalizer Switch to corresponding
speed.
CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (A)
Out position : SO Hz., In position : 60 Hz.
Set this switch and Cycle Conversion Switch (B) to
correspond with are3 power source.
TAPE GUIDE
CAPSTAN
TR ACK SELECTOR
TAPE TENSION LEVER (SENSING POLE)
PINCH WHEEL
RECORDING SAFETY BUTTON
MANUAL REVERSE BUTTONS
RECORDING LEVEL CONTROL (LEFT)
Adjust while observing left VU Meter.
EQUALIZER SWITCH
MICROPHONE JACKS (LFFT/RIGHT)
GS

SENSING POLE
AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF LEVER
Inter-connected with Automatic Stop/Shut-Off Switch for
Automatic Stop/Shut-Off.
TAKE-UP REEL TABLE
BUILT-IN REEL RETALNER
Locks reel firmly into place.
PLAYBACK/RECORD LEVER
Advances tape for playback or recording mode.
AUTOMATIC STOP/SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FAST FORWARD/REWIND LEVER
Advances and rewinds tape at fast speed.
PAUSE LEVER
For temporarily suspending tape travel during recording or
playback.
START BUTTON
Releases Pause Lever.
RECORDING INDICATOR LAMP
RIGHT VU METER
POWER SWITCH
RECORDING LEVEL CONTROL (RIGHT)
Adjust while observing right VU Meter.
LEFT VU METER
HEADPHONE JACK
Fig. 1

UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE SELECTOR
CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (B)
DIN JACK HIGH/LOW INPUT SWITCH
Fig. 2
FUSE POST
AC CORD
DIN JACK
LINE OUTPUT JACKS (LEFT/RIGHT)
LINE INPUT JACKS (LEFT/RIGHT)

Fig. 4
CROSS-FIELD HEAD RECORDING SYSTEM
On conventional recorders, the signal and bias are applied
to the same recording head. Therefore, the frequencies
recorded, especially high frequency signals, tend to be
attenuated or erased by the effect of the bias field.
With the exclusive AKA! CROSS-FIELD HEAD, however,
the signal and bias heads are mounted separately in
opposition with each other with their centers slightly off.
As the recorded signal is entirely unaffected by the
prevailing effect of the bias field, tape can be recorded over
the entire frequency spectrum with maximum fidelity even
at low tape speed.
BIAS
CROSS FIELD HEAD
SIGNAL
Diagram 2. Cross-field recording syatem
SIGNAL & BIAS
Diagram 1. Ordinary recording system

VOLTAGE & CYCLE CONVERSION
Fig. 5
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 cut-out.
3. Change fuse to correspond with voltage and tighten the
Fuse Post. 100 V to 120 V : 2 A 125 V fuse ; 200 V to
240 V : 1 A 250 V fuse.
* To maintain optimum performance and prolong the life of your
machine, it is important that the tine voltage be held within a
10% deviation of standard area 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.
Loosen screw and set to 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Tighten screw.
♦ Do not attempt 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 Tape-Up Reel Table. Thread the tape as
illustrated by the dotted lines in the figure. Lock reels into
place with Reel Retainers provided on reel shafts.

Fig. 8
TAPE SPEED SELECTION & EQUALIZER
This model operates on three tape speeds : 7-1 /2 ips
(19cm/sec), 3-3/4 ips (9.5 cm/sec) and 1-7/8 ips
(4.75 cm/sec). Use the Tape Speed Selector for selection of
tape speed. A Tape Speed Equalizer is also provided for
equalization of the amplifier to correspond with the tape
speed. The setting of the equalizer must always correspond
with that of the Tape Speed Selector. Recording time using
a 1800ft. tape is: (4-track stereo) 6 hours (1-7/8 ips),
3 hours (3-3/4 ips) and 1.5 hours (7-1/2 ips) ; (4-track
monaural) 12 hours (1-7/8 ips), 6 hours (3-3/4 ips) and
3 hours (7-1/2 ips).
Fig. 9
FAST FORWARD & REWIND
For rapid forwarding of the tape set Fast Forward/Rewind
Lever to F.FWD position, and for rapid rewinding of the
tape set to RWD position. This lever cannot be operated
while the Playback/Record Lever is in operation.
AUTOMATIC STOP & SHUT-OFF
The Automatic Stop & Shut-Off functions are also out
standing features of the unit. For automatic stop (to stop
reel movement at end of tape), set the Automatic Stop/
Shut-Off Switch to STOP position, and for automatic
shut-off (to cut off power of the entire unit at end of tape),
set to SHUT-OFF position. CHE models are not equipped
with an automatic shut-off mechanism.
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 £2) impedance. Akai
model ASE-22 or ASE-20 is highly recommended.

4-TRACK RECORDING/PLAYBACK SYSTEM OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
This model employs a 4-track system which can be used for
either stereo or monaural. Select desired track(s) with the
Track Selector.
STEREO RECORDING & PLAYBACK
srtftfo
Stereo recording and playback requires the simultaneous
use of two tracks. For stereo operation, set Track Selector
to STEREO position. 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.
MONAURAL RECORDING & PLAYBACK
MONAUKM
Fig. 12
Monaural recording and playback track sequence is I -4-3-2.
Set Track Selector to 1-4. The First monaural recording and
playback takes place on track 1, and the second on track 4
after the reels have been inverted. Invert reels and set Track
Selector to 3-2. The third monaural recording and playback
takes place on track 3, and the fourth on track 2 after the
reels have been inverted.
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.
Your 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 u*e 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 one before 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 may be due to :
* Dirty erase head. This prevents pre-recorded
materials from being completely erased.
* Dust on recording/playback head. See Head Clean
ing procedure.
* Magnetized head. See Head Demagnetizing proce
dure.
* AC power voltage lower than the voltage to which
your machine is set.
Irregularity in tape transport may be due to :
* Improperly loaded tape.
0 Grime adhering to the heads.
* Oil on capstan.
0 Sticky or dirty tape surface.
0 Bent take-up reel.
If your machine will not record, check the following for
correct position :
* Input plugs and connections.
0 Controls.
The following notes are provided for your convenience.
* Should there be a problem with your machine,
please write down model and serial number and all
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 roust be
turned to maximum, some hum or noise will
inevitably be recorded. In such an instance, a test
recording is recommended before attempting a
final recording.
OB
big. I I

PLAYBACK
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Tape (Outside) Fig. 15
For playback of recorded tapes connect the Line outputs to
the tape inputs of your stereo amplifier and connect a pair
of speakers to the amplifier. Connect power cord and load a
pre-recorded tape.
STEREO PLAYBACK
(A) Turn on Power Switch.
(B) Set Track Selector to STEREO position.
(C) Set Tape Speed Selector and Equalizer .to desired
speed.
(D) Set Playback/Record Lever to PLAY position to begin
playback.
(E) Adjust external amplifier controls.
MONAURAL PLAYBACK
Only the left channel amplifier is used for monaural
playback. Connect the left line output to the left tape input
of the external amplifier. Substitute the following for step
B of stereo playback procedure and add step F.
Tracks 1 and 4
(B) Set Track Selector to 1-4 TRACK position.
(F) Depress Manual Reverse Buttonr^ülor invert reels for
playback of track 4.
Tracks 3 and 2
(B) Set Track Selector to 3-2 TRACK position.
(F) Depress Manual Reverse Buttonf-^lor invert reels for
playback of track 2.
♦ The output level of this model is 1.23 V. Check your amplifier
for proper connection.
AUTOMATIC REVERSE PLAYBACK
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 the 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 piece of sensing tape to the inside of the
tape at desired reversing point.
As the foil passes the sensing poles, reverse is effected.
MANUAL REVERSE PLAYBACK
This model is also equipped with Manual Reverse Buttons
for your convenience. To effect manual reverse, depress
Manual Reverse l-^Él or Normal Play 1^-1 Button.
s
Sensing Tape
Sensing Pole Sensing Pole
Sensing Tape

Fig. 1 7
RECORDING FROM MICROPHONES
STEREO RECORDING
Connect power cord and load a tape. New tape gives best
results.
(A) Turn on Power Switch.
( B) Set Track Selector to STEREO position.
(C) Set Jape Speed Selector and Equalizer to desired
speed.
(I)) With Reset Button, set Index Counter to ‘*0000”. This
Index Counter provides an easy reference tor locating
positions on the tape.
(E) Insert microphone plugs into Microphone Jacks.
Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters <7 ft.) between
microphones.
(F) Set Pause Lever to PAUSE position.
(G) Adjust 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 of the respective meters.
(H) While holding the Recording Safety Button at de
pressed position, set Playback/Record Lever to REC
position. The Recording Indicator Lamp will light
indicating recording mode.
(I) When an optimum recording level has been determined,
depress Start Button to release Pause Lever and begin
recording.
MONAURAL RECORDING
Only the left channel is used for monaural recording
Substitute the following stops for steps B, E and G of stereo
recording procedure and add step K.
Tracks 1 and 4.
(B) Set Track Selector to 1-4 TRACK position.
(fc) Insert microphone plug into left Microphone Jack.
(G) Adjust and balance microphone volume level with left
Recording Level Control while observing the left VU
Meter.
(K) Invert reels to record on Track 4.
Tracks 3 and 2
(B) Set Track Selector to 3-2 TRACK position.
(E) Insert microphone plug into left Microphone Jack.
(G) Adjust and balance microphone volume level with left
Recording Level Control while observing the left VU
Meter.
(K) Invert reels to record on Track 2.

Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
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 disc, 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.
DIN JACK
The Din Jack at the rear of the unit is for inter-connecting
this model 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 level of your amplifier is
more than 60 mV, set the High/Low Input Switch to HIGH
position, and if the output level is less than 60 mV, set to
LOW position.
TAPE SPLICING & EDITING
Cut tape diagonally with an 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 evenly.
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. Akai Model ATE-7 Tape
Eraser is recommended for complete tape erasure.
EI

HEAD CLEANING
Accumulation of dust and magnetic particles on the heads
results in poor head-to-tape contact and deteriorates sound
quality and sensitivity. It is. therefore, recommended that
the heads he cleaned every time you use your recorder.
Remove the Head Cover and with a stiff cotton swab
dipped in cleaning fluid ( Akai Head C leaning Kit HC-500 is
highly recommended) rub the entire head surface (do not
scratch) until all tape oxide and dust are removed. The
capstan shaft, tape lifter and other parts over which the tape
travels should also he cleaned.
• Do not use chlorolhanc as it will damage the rubber wheel.
HEAD DEMAGNETIZING
Normally, the steel pole pieces which form part of the
recording and playback head become slightly magneti/.ed.
The effect of magnetization will cause considerable drop
out or introduce noise into your recordings. It is recom
mended that head demagnetization be performed periodi
cally. This can be accomplished with a bulk demagnetizer
by bringing it close to the heads and making several small
circular motions over all head surface areas as well as the
head housing.
* Be sure tu cut off the power of the unit, prior to demagnetizing
the heads.
* Both prongs of the demagnetizer should he covered with masking
tape to prevent the heads from being scratched.
* Do not use magnetized tools in the vicinity of the heads.
* Read the demagnetized instructions carefully before operation.
Fig. 22
Fig. 23

STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Connection Cord................................................................. 1
Sensing Tape ...................................................................... 1
Spare Fuse........................................................................1 set
Operator’s Manual .............................................................. I
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
m
UM-101 ATE-7
Unt-Dircctional Dynamic Microphone
DM-13
Non-Directional Dynamic Microphone
AH-8
Head Demagnet izcr Head Cleaning Kit
Tape Splicer
Tape Eraser
AS-3

AA-5500
Stereo Pre-main Amplifier Stereo Headphones
ASE-20
Stereo Headphones
Speaker System
SW-155
Speaker System
SW-175
Stereo Pre-main Amplifier
AA-5800

AKAI INTERNATIONAL GmbH
6079 Buchschlag bei Frankfurt/Main
AM SIEBENSTEIN 4, TELEFON: [phone], TELEX: 4-14925
Akai Receiver. Verstärker, Hl Fl Lautsprecherboxen und das Sonder-Zubehör sind passend für Akai Tonbandgeräte konstruiert.
Weiteres Informationsmaterial erhalten Sie von Akai International GmbH, 6079 Buchschlag, Am Siebenstein 4.
Im Sinne einer kontinuierlichen technischen Verbesserung des Produktes behalten wir uns das Recht vor, technische Veränderungen
ohne vorherige Ankündigungen vorzunehmen, ohne daß daraus Regreßansprüche entstehen können.
Gewicht: 17 kg
Abmessungen: Breite 358 mm; Höhe 358 mm; Tiefe 227 mm
Netzspannung: Wechselspannung 100-240 Volt
Aufnahmesystem: 4-Spur-Stereo-Kombikopf mit Crossfield-Vormagnetisierungskopf
Wiedergabesystem : 4-Spur-Stereo oder Mono-Wiedergabe mit Kombikopf
Bandgeschwindigkeiten: 4,75 cm, 9.5 cm und 19 cm/sek
Max. Abweichungen: 0.8 %
Tonhöhenschwankungen: Weniger als 0,08 % RMS bei 19 cm/sek
Weniger als 0,12 °/o RMS bei 9.5 cm/sek
Weniger als 0,20 % RMS bei 4,75 cm/sek
Frequenzbereiche: 30 Hz bis 26 000 Hz bei 19 cm/sek ( ± 3 dB)
30 Hz bis 18 000 Hz bei 9.5 cm/sek ( ± 3 dB)
40 Hz bis 9000 Hz bei 4,75 cm/sek (± 3 dB)
Ruhegeräuschspannungsabstand : Besser als 50 dB
Klirrfaktor: Innerhalb 3 % gemessen bei 1000 Hz und „0" dB
Übersprechdämpfung: Weniger als 65 dB (Mono); weniger als 45 dB (Stereo)
Löschspannungsabstand : Weniger als 70 dB
Line-Ausgänger: 1,23 Volt an 25 kOhm
DIN-Ausgang: 0.4 Volt an 50 kOhm
Line-Eingang: 50 mV (*f 4 dB)
DIN-Eingang: High: 50 mV bei 175 kOhm; Low: 5 mV bei 27 kOhm
Mikrophon-Eingang: 0,5 mV (- 65 dB) bei 4.7 kOhm
Schneller Vor- und Rücklauf: 85 Sekunden für 350 Meter bei 50 Hz; 65 Sekunden für 350 Meter bei 60 Hz
Tonwellenmotor: Hysteresis-Synchronmotor (2, 4 und 8 Pole)
3000, 1500 und 750 Upm (50 Hz); 3600, 1800 und 900 Upm (60 Hz)
Spulenmotoren: Zwei 60polige Eddy-Current-Außenläufer-Motoren
930 Upm bei 50 Hz und 100 Volt; 1120 Upm bei 60 Hz und 110 Volt
Tonköpfe: Aufnahme/Wiedergabekopf: 4-Spur-Stereo und Monokopf
1000 Ohm bei 1000 Hz; Spaltbreite 2/1000 mm
Löschkopf: 4-Spur-Stereokopf; 500 Ohm bei 60 kHz; Spaltbreite 0.2 mm
Crossfield-Kopf: 4-Spur-Stereokopf; 500 Ohm bei 60 kHz; Spaltbreite 0,2 mm
Transistoren: 16
Dioden: 17
Spulengrößen: Max. 18 cm

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