Ampex 2000 Series Operation manual

2DDD / 000
SERIES SERIES
SPEAKERS SP AK RS
2000 series
070
A 185
owner's operating manual
1

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
2050/
2070
2050 / 2080 2070 2080
Average
Guar .
i n·
Average 7 Guar. Min.
Perform. Perform. Perform.
Perform.
Overall Record/Re- l i
ne Input High High
produce Frequency
Impedance:
(470K (470K
Response (Pre-Amplifier ohms) ohms]
only)
7.5
ips ± 2
db
± 3 db ± 2 db ± 3 db
30 cps to 50 cps to 30 cps to
50 cps to Microphone
Input High High
18 KC 15 KC
18 KC 15 KC
Impedance: (I megohm) (I megohm)
33/4 ips ± 3 db ± 4 db ± 3 db
± 4 db
40 cps to 50 cps to
40 cps to 50 cps to
line Input level:
0. 2V min. 0.2V min.
12
KC 9 KC 12 KC
9 KC
2V max. 2V max.
17/8
ips ± 3
db ± 4 db ± 3 db
± 4 db
40 cps to 50 cps to
40 cps to 50 cps to Microphone
Input 3mV min. 3mV min.
6
KC 5 KC
6 KC 5 KC
level:
30mV max. 30mV max.
SIGNAL
TO NOISE (from
peak record level to
line Output
broad band noise) (pre- Impedance :
low (Less low (less
amplifier only)
7'h
52 db 49 db 53 db
50 db
than 1K) than 1K)
3 3/4
48 db 45 db 49 db
46 db
line Output level : 0.3V
1V
1 7/8
43 db 40 db 44 db
41 db
TONE CONTROL RANGE
16 db
Power Amp Out-
Non
Variable at 100 cps
-O to +12
put Impedance: 8 ohms
Applicable
Variable at 10 KC
-4 to + 10
POWER OUTPUT:
Continuous rms
PHYSICAL
DIMENSIONS
per channel.
sw
6W
Size Overall: 19 "x13 1/2"
Peak Voice & Music
x7 1/2
power both channel s
combined.
40W
32W
Mounting Frame
18 5/8"x13"
FLUTTER : (Flutter &
Wow comb. measured
according to ASA stds.) Maximum Depth
7 1/2
0.08%
0.12 %
0.
08%
0.12"/o
behind Mounting
3 3/4 0.12 %
0.15 %
0.12 % 0.15 %
Frame
1
'7/8
0.2 % 0.25 % 0.2%
0.25 %
29 1bs .
Speed Accuracy
7 1/2
± 0.3%
± 1% ± 0.3%
± 1%
Weight :
39 lbs .
3 3/4
± 0.7% ± 2%
±0.7"/o ±
2%
1 7/8
± 1.5 % ± 3%
±1.5 %
± 3 %
Fast Wind Times 115
se c. 130 sec.
115 se c. 130 sec.
(1200' of Tape)
A WORD OF CAUTION- The tape recorder industry today is in a horse-power race, and there
is no standard procedure for obtaining and stating specifications. Therefo re, if y ou wish to
compare Ampex specifications with th.ose of an y other co mpetitor , you mu st ma ke sure that
those specifications were obtained under similar conditions . Otherwise, no val id conclusions
or compari sons can
be obtained . Ampex is proud of th e specifications of its ta pe re corders .
Throughout the y ear s, Ampex tape recorders ha ve set the pa ce for th e indu stry end c ommand ed Subject to
Change Without Noti ce .
2 the biggest in
trad e in value s. They w i ll con ti nue to do so .

AMPEX
2000 SERIES
2050 TAPE DECK ONLY
2070 SELF-CONTAINED PORTABLE
2080 TAPE DECK IN WALNUT CABINET
This operator's manua l has been
prepared so that you may realize the
full potential engineered into your
new Ampex tape recorder. The re
corder is designed to provide
the
highest level of performance and de
pendability obtainable in any tape
recorder made for home or semi-
professional
use .
It is suggested that you first read
this manual carefully before at -
tempting to operate your instrument .
Although
there is nothing difficult
about
the recorder's operation , you
will find that when you have read
the manual and become familiar
with the controls you will enjoy
your equipment more thoroughly.
When you are ready to perform the
various operations, the table of con-
tents will provide a convenient
means of locating the pertinent sec-
tions of
this book.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
BASIC TAPE RECORDER KNOWLEDGE . . 4
HOW MAGNETIC TAPE WORKS . .. . . . . .. 5
LOCATION OF CONTROLS AND
INDICATORS ... .. .. ........ . . .. . . . .. 6 & 7
THREADING AND OPERATION . . .. ... . 8 & 9
MODELS 2050 AND 2080 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0
AMPEX SPEAKER SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . 11
HOW TO SET UP YOUR RECORDER . . 12 & 13
PLAYING MONOPHONIC TAPES . . . . . . . . 14
PLAYING STEREO TAPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AUTOMATIC REVERSE SIGNAL .. . .. 16 & 17
RECORDING MONOPHONIC TAPES .. . . . 18
RECORDING STEREO TAPES . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .... .. ... 20
EDITING & SPLICING TAPES ........ . .. 21
ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
RECORDING TAPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
WARRANTY . .. .. . ... . .... . ...... .. .. ... 24
PLAYING TIMES
4-track
2-track 4-track monophonic
stereo tapes stereo tapes tapes
1200' reel, 7 1/2 ips 32 minutes 1 hr 4 min
2 hrs 8 min
3 3/4 ips 1 hr
4 min 2 hrs 8 min 4 hrs 16 min
1 7/8 ips 2
hrs 8 min 4 hrs 16 min 8 hrs 32 min
1800' reel, 7 1/2 ips 48 minutes 1 hr 36
min 3 hrs 12 min
3 3/4 ips 1 hr 36 min 3 hrs 12 min 6 hrs 24 min
1 7/8 ips 3 hrs 12 min
6 hrs 24 min 12 hrs 48 min
2400' reel, 7 7/8 ips 1 hr 4 min 2
hrs 8 min 4 hrs 16 min
3 3/4 ips 2 hrs 8 min
4 hrs 6 min
8 hrs 32 min
1 7/8 ips 4
hrs 16 min 8
hrs 12 min
17 hrs 4 min

4
BASIC TAPE RECORDER KNOWLED GE
HOW A TAPE RECORDER WORKS
The function of the Ampex magnetic tape re-
corder / player is to capture and store sound as
magnetic fields on tape, and to translate these
fields back into sound when desired. The in-
strument incorporates a wide range of control
functions with which it is capable of a level of
performance normally obtainable only with pro-
fessional
equipment.
The recorder / player has been designed to pro-
vide optimum results at any of three standard
operating speeds-7 1/2 ips (inches per second),
3 3/4 ips, and 1 7/8 ips . Most pre-recorded tapes are
now recorded at 7 1/2 ips and the majority of
home audio recordists prefer the 7 1/2 ips speed
for best fidelity. Now, with the Ampex 2000 you
may record or listen to more music on less tape
and still obtain good results using the 3 3/4 ips
speed . Generally , 1 7/8 ips is recommended for
As shown in the illustration Ampex "rigid block" mounted
heads perform the following functions during normal opera-
tions:
Head
1-Piays back only-tracks 2 and 4 .
Head 2-Erase head-erases tracks 1 and 3 or tracks 2
and 4 when tape moves from left to right only.
Head
3-Piays tracks 1 and 3, records tracks 1, 2, 3 and 4.
voice recording only; where long recording time
may be more important than good frequency
response.
Your new Ampex 2000 series tape recorder in-
corporates many design features which make it
the easiest to operate , most convenient tape re-
corder ever offered. Among these features are
automatic threading and automatic reverse play.
How these features work will be explained fully
later in this book. However, it is important to
note that Ampex has made the easiest operat-
ing recorder with no sacrifice in the traditional
Ampex quality . In fact, the new dual capstan
drive system plus the new electronic compo-
nents of the Ampex 2000 provide performance so
superior that 3 3/4 ips recordings can now be made
with a degree of fidelity heretofore possible only
at speeds 7 1/2 ips or higher.
The heart of any recorder is the heads
. . . whose function is either recording,
playback, or both. Many of the processes
used in the manufacture of these heads,
and some of the material used in their con-
struction, are the result of highly refined
Ampex manufacturing techniques.
Ampex, since it first introduced the mag-
netic tape recorder in the United States
over 15 years ago, has produced the finest
heads ever used in a magnetic device -
whether the device is used for audio, video,
scientific or digital recording . Ampex lead-
ership in the technology and engineering
"know-how" of magnetic head manufac-
ture has made Ampex the world's most
EXPERIENCED AND DIVERSIFIED
producer of magnetic recording devices.

HOW MAGNETIC
TAPE WORKS
Magnetic tape is a flexible film coated with
millions of tiny particles of magnetic oxide.
To store a sound on this tape, it is necessary
to convert sound into an electrical current.
This current, flowing through the recording
head on your tape recorder, causes an electro-
magnetic field to vary in accordance with the
fluctuations in the sound. The oxide particles
on the tape , as they pass the recording head,
are magnetized by the varying electromag -
netic field. On playback, the magnetized tape
passes the playback head and induces an
electrical current corresponding to the sound
that the tape "remembered." This current is
amplified
and transformed back into sound
energy finally emerging through the speakers.
Magnetic tape's "memory" does not wear out
or deteriorate with age. The tape remains
magnetized indefinitely, until erased or
brought into contact with a strong magnetic
field. It can be erased and re-recorded with
no loss in its ability to capture and playback
sound or other information which can be con-
verted into electrical signals.
TYPES OF TAPES
Both monophonic and stereophonic record-
ings
can be recorded on the 2000 series record-
ers. A
monophonic recording is one in which
only single channel sound is recorded on the
tape . A monophonic tape is generally re-
corded its full length and then turned over for
recording
on its track back to the beginning
of
the reel. In "four track" monophonic re-
cording this process is repeated again so that
all four tracks are used for four separate
recordings, which provides four times the
available recording time.
The 4 track stereo tape is recorded on alter-
nate tracks so that the first recording goes on
tracks 1 and 3 for the full length of the tape
and is then turned over to record on tracks 2
and 4 back to the beginning of the reel.
HANDLING MAGNETIC TAPE
Tape is a strong , permanent recording me-
dium, unaffected by ordinary handling or
storage. However, it should be kept away
from heat and moisture , and direct contact
with other magnetic materials. Avoid stretch-
ing tape, or you will distort and destroy the
quality of the recording. 5
In MONOPHONIC RECORDING, the tape is re-
corded on one-fourth
its width (MONO 1 position)
4
3
2
1
When the end of the reel is reached, the tape is
turned over, and the second track is recorded in
the opposite direction. (MONO 1 position)
4
When the end of the second track is reached, the
tape is again turned over, and the third track is
recorded in the same direction as the original
recording. (MONO 2 position)
4
3
2
1
The reel is again turned over and the final track
is recorded. (MONO 2 position)
1
l 2
4
In 4-track STEREO RECORDINGS, the two stereo
channels
are recorded on non-adjacent tracks in
one direction (tracks 1 and 3 as shown above),
from one end of the reel to the other.
At the end of the reel, the tape is turned over and
recorded on .the remaining tracks (tracks 2 and
4 as shown above).

LOCATION OF CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
(
6

The following list outlines the items you will be concerned with on the recorder.
Numbers correspond with those in the illustration at the left. Notice that the volume
control
is a double knob; the inside knob and the ring surrounding it are separate
controls.
1. CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH-selects
monophonic or stereo recording and playback.
In MONO 1 position, input to the left channel
(from microphone, tuner, phono, or external
source) will be recorded on the upper track
(track 1 or 4) with the recording light #1 indica-
tor showing the level of signal. In MONO 2
position,
input to the right channel will be re-
corded on the lower track (track 3 or 2) with
the recording light indicator showing the level
of signal. In playback with recorder in MONO 1
or MONO 2 positions both speakers will be sup- J
plied the same signal. In STEREO, inputs to
both channels will be recorded simultaneously,
with record light indicators showing signal level
for
left channel (at 1) or for right channel (at 2).
2. MODE SELECTOR SWITCH-selects play
or record operations and is used to add reverse
signal to tape . In P .A . position the recorder
can be used as a public address system. In
AUTO PLAY position you will hear signal (s)
that IS actually recorded on the tape , and the
recorder will reverse itself when operating in the
left to nght direction. In REPEAT position the
recorder will automatically reverse itself each
time the automatic reversin si nal revious!.Y_
o ta e asses t e a ac ea . n
position t e mstrument IS ready to
receive an input from an external source (see
page for recording procedures). The mode se-
lector switch will not remain in the REVERSE
SIGNAL position. To add a reverse signal to
your tape "the recorder must first be in the RE-
CORD position before switching to REVERSE
SIGNAL (explained fully on page 16 ).
3. RECORD LIGHT INDICATORS-indicates
level of signal being received during record. Left
light (1) is for left channel (tracks 1 and 4)
right light (2) for right channel (tracks 2 and
3) . Adjust appropriate "volume" control until
lower half of appropriate indicator lamp flashes
almost continually. Ideally , the upper half of
the indicator lamps should never flash , however,
a flash now
and then is not unusual.
4. TONE CONTROL- allows you to balance
base and treble or select the most pleasing lis-
tening combination . Pull up to switch recorder
on . Recorder can be operated in PLAY position
with tone control down and will shut itself off
automatically at the completion of a tape.
5. OUTSIDE KNOB- adjusts listening and re-
cording volume for right channel sound signal.
6.
INSIDE KNOB -adjust listening and re-
cording volume for left channel sound signal.
7.
REVERSE LEVER- In right position tape
will move from left to right playing either chan-
nels 1 or 3 or both. In left position tape will
move from right to left playing either channels
2 or 4 or both. Lever may be operated manually
at any time the recorder is in PLAY position.
When tape tension is released, lever will return
to left to right play position. DO NOT AT-
TEMPT TO REVERSE DIRECTION IN
FAST WIND MODE.
8. PLAY RECORD LEVER -When pushed
upward, tape moves at normal speed in direc-
tion of reverse lever. Locks machine in playback
or recording mode of operation. Pull back to
stop tape motion . May be activated with tone
control in off position for automatic shut-off.
9.
FAST WIND - Pushing lever upward will
move the tape rapidly in the direction of the
Reverse Lever . Pull back lever to stop tape mo-
tion . When going from fast wind to play, always
· allow tape to come to a complete stop before
actuating Play Record Lever.
10. TAPE SPEED LEVER-top position for
7lh ips, middle position for 3% ips, bottom for
1 7/8 ips. When changing speeds the recorder
should be out of fast wind or play positions with
the tone control up. To change from 7 1/2 to 1 7/8
or from 17/8 to 7lh, pause slightly at the 33/4
position. Never change speeds while the recorder
is turned o .
11 . DIGITAL COUNTER-Indicates tape posi-
tion , enables you to return to pre-determined
place on tape . Reset button returns counter to
000 and may be depressed at any time.
12.
REEL RETAINER- Holds reel on shaft
when recorder is operated in vertical position. 7

8
ELEMENTS OF THE
TAPE THREADING PATH
A. Supply reel; may be any standard reel up
to
and including 7 inches in diameter.
B. Left capstan (creates holdback tension for
tape moving right- imparts steady for-
ward motion to
tape moving left).
C.
Right capstan (creates holdback tension
for tape moving left-imparts steady for-
ward motion to
tape moving right).
D. Capstan idlers press tape against capstans.
E. Head Cover
F. Takeup slot
G. Automatic stop lever, stops machine when
end
of tape is reached.
H. Digital counter reset button
I. Reverse Lever-controls tape direction
THREADING TAPE
ON THE RECORDER
To place tape on the recorder, ready it for opera-
tion, refer to figs. 1-4
and proceed as follows:
1. Pull tone control up to turn the recorder on.
2. Reverse lever should be pointing to the right.
3.
Place a full reel of tape on the left turntable .
Tape must be coming off the left side of the reel,
with shiny side facing the front of the recorder .
Make sure the slots in the reel are engaged in
the turntable.
4. Without twisting the tape, pull it off the reel and
place it between the 2 capstans and capstan idlers.
5.
Place the tape in the tape take-up slot (without
twisting) and extend it about 1" past the far side
(or top) of
the machine.
6. Push the PLAY-RECORD lever forward to start
take up reel. Tape should start winding into the
tape take-up slot. Pull the PLAY-RECORD
LEVER back to stop tape motion.
7.
When recording, depress the digital counter lever
to set at 000. Tape is now threaded and you are
ready to operate the recorder.
Note: When operating the recorder in vertical posi-
tion be sure to place reel retainer on
the left
shaft. This will hold take reel in place.

4
SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Your recorder has been designed
to eliminate awkward and confusing
operating procedures . In all cases,
excepting record, you need only
one hand to operate the recorder. It
is good practice to follow this sug-
gestion because it allows the re-
corder a slight pause when changing
from one mode to another. This
pause eliminates strain on tape and
recorder mechanisms .
2.
When recording 4 track stereo or
monophonic tapes, replace auto-
matic take-up reel with a standard
7" reel with 2 1/4 hub. To do this,
remove cover
plates 1 and 2, remove
device
holding "automatic take-up
reel," replace reel, making sure new
reel seats on turntable, and thread
recorder manually . Do not replace
cover plates until you have finished
recording and have replaced stand-
ard reel with automatic take-up
reel. (See page 17. )
FAST WINDING
The purpose of the Fast Wind lever is to move
the
tape rapidly from one reel to another. Using
it, a full reel
can be unwound in either direction
in a little over a minute. To check fast winding
operation push
the reverse lever toward the
take-up slot to the right. Push fast winding
lever forward.
The tape should start to wind into
the take-up slot
and increase rapidly in speed.
After a few seconds stop
the tape by pulling
fast wind lever back to its original position.
Note: Always return fast wind lever to stop posi-
tion before turning off the power switch.
If
not, brake will not energize and tape can
"spill."
Now push the reverse lever to the left. With this
done, again
push the fast wind lever forward
and allow the tape to unwind out of the take-up
slot. When
the tape has come completely out of
the slot, pull back fast lever.
When fast winding
in either direction be sure the tone control is in
the up (on) position. This will avoid possibility
of tape spillage.
To place recorder into fast wind,
you must first return PLAY-RECORD
LEVER TO STOP POSITION.
STOPPING TAPE MOTION
To stop the tape from moving either at standard
operating speed or at fast winding speed, merely
return the PLAY or FAST WIND levers to
their original position.
This automatically stops
all tape motion. Never use the on-off switch to
stop the tape motion. Always allow tape to come
to a complete stop when going
into or out of
fast wind mode.
SPECIAL FEATURES
An automatic shut off feature has been
included that allows you
to turn off the
machine (on-off switch) with tape still
playing.
At the end of the tape, the recorder
will automatically shut all mechanical elements
completely off. Automatic shut off is not
activated at the conclusions of fast
wind operations. 9

11\
MODEL 2DSD
TAPE DECK
The Ampex Model 2050 provides the same
tape transport system as the Model 2070, but
is not a completely self-contained stereo sys-
tem . It retains all the convenience features
such as automatic loading and automatic re-
versing.
However to fully utilize the Model
2050, it must be integrated into an existing
high-fidelity
system including: power ampli-
fiers
and speakers . Should you wish to oper-
ate the tape deck with Ampex 2000 Series
speakers it is necessary to add power ampli-
fiers.
Operation of the controls is identical to
Model 2070, with one exception. The TONE
control has been eliminated and is replaced
by an ON /OFF switch. Using the 110 volt
line output (AUX 2 AMP) located on back
panel, the recorder may be hooked up to turn
off all components of a system. To do this,
plug power supply cord of the amplifier into
the output socket and operate the recorder
with the ON / OFF switch in the OFF posi-
tion.
At the completion of the tape, all units
will be shut off. Switch is also used to silence
speakers during record. External speakers
will play, allowing you to monitor incoming
signals, if
the recorder is operated in the
ON !OFF position. They will not play with
the switch in MONITORING OFF position.
MODEL 2DBD
TAPE DECK
Identical to Model 2050 in features and per-
formance . Comes mounted in a handsome
walnut cabinet suitable for table top use.
For cnmplete
mounting instructions write:
AMPEX CORPORATION
SERVICE DEPARTMENT

2DDD SERIES
Ampex 2000 series speakers are specifically
designed to be used with Ampex 2000 Series
Tape Recorders. Walnut speaker cabinets
measure 18%" x 13%" x 7%" and come com-
plete with wall mounting brackets. Each 2000
speaker enclosure contains an 8" extended
range speaker and a 3" tweeter speaker with
an Ampex engineered 2000 cps cross over net-
work for optimum speaker efficiency. Speak-
ers are batHed and ported in a unique fibre
glass filled
cabinet. On the back of each en-
closure is a high frequency attenuator switch
which compensates for the varying acoustical
characteristics encountered in different sur-
roundings. Many rooms tend to absorb high
frequencies, while others tend to increase
them. The switch should be positioned to suit
your listening preference. Speakers come
complete with 15' cord and jack ready to plug
into the back of the 2000 series recorder.
Ampex 2010 speaker system with oiled
walnut cabinet and charcoal grille
cloth. Model 2011 identical with cane
grille cloth.
~CDC SERIES
Ampex 1000 series speakers are extremely
low priced, but perform exceptionally well
throughout the normal human hearing range.
They are similar in appearance to the 2000
series speakers, measuring 181/
2" x 13" x 4%".
Within the walnut enclosure are a 5lf2" woof-
er speaker, a 5112" wide-range speaker and a
2lf2"
tweeter speaker . The system is Ampex
engineered with a 2000 cps cross over net-
work. On the back of the unit is a 2 position
high frequency attenuator to compensate for
varying room acoustical characteristics.
Ampex 1016 speaker set with cane
grille cloth. Model 1015 similar with
oiled walnut cabinet
and charcoal
grille cloth.
Both speakers come complete with 15' cord
which plugs into the back of the 2000 or
1000 series recorders,
and include wall
mounting brackets. Model 1010, a portable
version
of model1015, available after January
1, 1965. 11

12
Though there is nothing critical about placement
of the units in your Ampex stereo system , a few
general suggestions are noted here . In the average
room,
speakers may be placed against a wall, sepa-
rated by a distance of Va to 1h the width of the
room. Corner placement is not recommended, nor
should the speakers ever face inward .
Packed with each Ampex speaker is a packet con-
taining wall mounting brackets. Inside the packet
are instructions for affixing mounting brackets to
speakers and then to the wall. Most people will find
it more convenient to operate the recorder in the
horizontal position, but where space is at a premium
it can be mounted horizontally on a wall with no
harm to the unit.
2000 and 1000 speakers require no external
power source. They are plugged directly into the
recorder (see illustration left) when this is com-
pleted plug in main power source to standard llOV
60 cycle wall outlet and your recorder is ready to
operate. Pull up the tone control and all units are
now being supplied with power . When the recorder
is operated in the automatic shut off mode at the
completion of the tape the entire unit and speaker
system will be shut down, just as surely as you
would pull the plug out of the wall.
CHECKING STEREO BALANCE
Although volume control is matched at the
factory; if you would like to determine that your
system is in balance , follow this procedure :
1. Turn on system power, set CHANNEL SELEC-
TOR to MONO 1.
2. Set both listening volume knobs to the same set-
ting,
at approximately mid level. Place the re-
corded tape on the machine and play it back in
accqrdance with instructions on page 14.
3.
Stand in front of the speakers at a point of equal
distance from both. Have someone adjust the
volume controls until it sounds as if it origi-
nates midway between the two speakers .
4.
The volume controls are friction loaded and will
retain their relative positions when one or the
other is turned in either direction . Use the same
relative settings whenever you regulate the vol-
ume of the tape recorder.
Note: You may wish to experiment with HIGH
FREQUENCY CONTROL on speakers,
when unit is first installed. This is easily
done before speakers are
mounted on the
wall.
l

-
MODEL 2070
Upper portion of drawing
shows the r ecorder / repro -
ducer used in conjunction
with 2010 speakers. When
used with self-contained
speakers Model 2070 is a
completely portable stereo
system in itself. However, for
opt imum performance Ampex
external speakers ore rec-
ommended . When external
speaker jacks ore inserted in-
to recorder, built
in speake rs
are automatically silenced.
MODEL 2050
OR 2080
Pictorial drawing, of a com-
pletely
integrated hi-li system
showing hook-ups for
phone,
radio, external ampl ifiers , and
speakers .
.~ ... t
".;, .. -r
For a complete schematic diagram of your 2000 Series
recorder, write
AMPEX CORPORATION, Service Department. 13

14
HOW TO PLAY
RECORDED
TAPES
0
Before playing tapes on your recorder it is particularly im-
portant that you be familiar with the proper use of certain
operating controls. Until you have thoroughly mastered your
recorder's controls
and operations it will be helpful to refer
to page 6 from time to time. Never press the RECORD but-
ton unless you are actually recording.
NOTES: (1) See Page 8 HOW TO THREAD TAPE
(2) Do not attempt to add reverse signal until reading
page 16.
Never add signal over previously recorded program.
Most pre-recorded 4-track monophonic tapes are recorded as fol-
lows: track 1, track 2, track 3, track 4. (See page 5.) To play
back these tapes set the controls as shown in the photograph at
the left. Push the PLAY -RECORD LEVER to start. Play the first
track until recorded material is completed but some tape still
remains on left reel. Reverse tape direction to play back track 2.
At the completion of track 2, reverse tape direction again, and
switch CHANNEL SELECTOR to MONO 2. Track 3 will then
play. Finally, reverse tape direction at the conclusion of track 3
and you will hear track 4.
This rather lengthy process can be eliminated if you record your
own 4 track monophonic tapes. This will be fully explained under
HOW TO RECORD 4-TRACK MONOPHONIC TAPES. To
eliminate reel changing you simply record track 1, track 4, track 3
and then track 2. You may add automatic reversing signals on
track 1 and on track 4. This allows you to set selector switch on
MONO 1 and play track 1 to completion. The recorder will then
reverse itself and play back track 4. Again the recorder will reverse
itself and play back track 3. However, going from track 3 to track 2
you must manually push the reverse lever to the left . Going from
channel 4 to channel 3 you must remember to switch channel
selector switch to MONO 2 position .
NOTE: You may add an automatic reverse signal at completion
of track 1. Machine will then reverse itself and play channel 2 if
you change the channel selector switch to the MONO 2 position.
SUMMARY
1. Thread recorder
2.
Select proper speed
3. Select MONO 1
4. Push PLAY RECORD LEVER forward
5. Adjust listening volume
6. At completion of track 1 push reversing lever to left-hand posi-
tion and recorder will play track 2.
7. At completion of track 2 reverse lever right~ change selector
switch to MONO 2. Track 3 will then play.
8. At completion of track 3, reverse lever left and play to comple-
tion of tape.
9. With TONE control down instrument will automatically shut
off.

How to use the control setting photographs:
Accompanying each mode of operation is a control setting
photograph showing
the proper position for every control.
Before performing
any .operation check to make sure your
controls are set exactly as those in
the illustration .
... TO PLAY ~TRACK STEREO TAPES .
Set controls as noted in photo at right, making sure the speed
selector switch is set in accordance with the speed at which your
tape has been recorded. Push PLAY-RECORD lever forward
(towards the speed change lever) to start. Let the recorder play
to the conclusion of the final selection as the tape plays from left
to right. At the conclusion of this selection, pull back the PLAY-
RECORD lever to stop the reels and consult page 16 on HOW
TO ADD THE REVERSE SIGNAL. When this operation is
completed , push the PLAY-RECORD lever forward to start tape
motion and then push the reverse lever to the left. Your recorder
will then play from right to left, to the completion of your tape.
Once the reverse signal has been added to a tape , the mode selector
switch
can be placed on REPEAT and the recorder will automat-
ically reverse itself and allow you to play a complete 4-track stereo
tape without interruption.
THERE IS NEVER ANY NEED
TO SWITCH REELS
OR REWIND DURING PLAYBACK
SUMMARY
1. Thread recorder
2. Select proper speed
3. Push PLAY RECORD LEVER forward
4. Adjust listening level
5. At completion of tracks 1 and 3 move reverse lever to left posi-
tion.
6. Continue playing to completion
of tape.
7. With tone control down instrument will automatically shut off.
15

16
........
e·
ci
Your Ampex 2000 series recorder is equipped to apply
a 20 cycle (inaudible) signal to your tapes. This signal
will,
in subsequent playing, automatically trigger the
automatic reverse mechanism and cause the tape to
move in the opposite direction. Normally, you will
want to add this signal to your pre-recorded tl}pes to
allow you to listen to a full4-track stereo tape without
reel changing or other attention to the recorder. How-
ever, you may if you wish, add this signal to any por-
tion of the tape which has not been previously recorded.
Note:
When reverse signal is applied, previously re-
corded material
is erased.
Where repetitive programming is desired, you may
add a rever&e signal to both ends of your tape. Thus,
when your recorder is operated in REPEAT mode it
will play left to right, reverse itself automatically, play
back right to left and then re-cycle itself indefinitely.
NOTES: 1. Reverse signal is added to tracks 1 and 4,
permitting continuous stereo program-
ming, however, 4-track mono tapes can-
not be programmed
for continuous opera-
tion.
2. Reverse signal can be erased at any time
just like
any other signal.
The following steps outline how to add
the reverse signal:
1. Thread recorder and proceed to the area
of the tape to which you wish to add the
reverse signal.
2. Turn MODE SELECTOR SWITCH to RE-
CORD.
3. Depress SAFETY LOCK and at the same
time place recorder in play. Safety lock
will remain
in down position.
4. Turn MODE SELECTOR briskly to REVERSE
SIGNAL and hold in this position for a
count of three, then release.
5. Pull PLAY LEVER back to stop tape motion.
6. Put MODE SELECTOR on ~ LAY.
7 . Change REVERSE LEVER lb'~~ te direc-
tion and rewind a small amount of tape.
8. Stop, put recorder in play and change
reverse lever to opposite direction.
Whenever you play a tape with reverse
signal on
it and you wish to have the
automatic feature
in operation, merely
set your recorder on
REPEAT ••. That's
all there is to it. Should you wish to re-
verse the tape · where
an audible signal
has
not been applied, you may do so
manually
by moving the reverse lever
right to left or left
to right. Reverse lev-
er cannot be changed during fast wind
operation.
.._-J

The procedures outlined at left on how
to add a reverse signal when your re-
corder is playing from left to right,
should be used whenever you wish to
add a reverse signal at the completion
of half of your tape. Where a reverse
signal is desired at the end of the tape
procedures are similar with these
exceptions;
1. Remove cover plates 1 and 2.
2.
Replace automatic take up reel
with standard 7" reel with 21,4" hub .
3. Thread tape recorder and play to
completion of reel in left to right
direction .
4. Interchange reels making sure full
reel is on left spindle.
5.
Thread recorder and put in play
mode of operation. Play to comple-
tion of recorded material.
6. Follow steps 2 through 5 (page 16).
7. Rewind all tape on to right reel.
8. Interchange reels again and you
are ready for continuous program-
ming .
.DETAJNER
0"'"""
TO REMOVE AUTOMATIC TAKE UP REEL
1 . Holding reel in place unscrew Phil-
lips
head screw on top of right spin-
dle.
2. Remove screw and retaining spring.
3.
Screw shaft extender into top of
shaft.
4. If machine is to be operated in ver-
tical position be sure to place reel
retainer on shaft after standard reel
has been inserted on turn table. 17

HOW TO RECORD
18
Before you begin your recording you
should estimate the length
of time you
wish to record.
If you find that it will
require more time than an entire length
of tape, you should observe the follow-
ing procedure:
1 . Remove cover plates.
2. Replace automatic toke-up reel with
standard 7" reel
3. Place tip and retainer on shaft if
unit
is in vertical position. This pro-
cedure is necessary because your
Ampex recorder only records in the
left to right direction and thus
should your selection run more than
the length of tape you will need to
switch reels.
v 0 t (.~.,
TO RECORD MONOPHONIC TAPES
FROM A MICROPHONE
2
Set controls as shown in photos 1 and 2 .. . The selec-
tor switch can be in either MONO 1 or MONO 2
positions,
depending upon which of 4 tracks is to be
recorded. Mike jack should be inserted in correspond-
ing mike input . Exact distance between microphone
and person speaking can vary upward from a mini-
mum of a few inches; however, it must be close enough
to register a normal indication of the record level ind i-
cator. Set volume control so that lower half of appro-
priate indicator light flashes continually. The upper
half may light occasionally on only the loudest peaks.
When you are read y, press the RECORD SAFETY
LOCK downward at the same time as you push the
PLAY RECORD LEVER forward, as in photo 2.
Your recorder is now recording.
As an added safety feature, the safety lock button will
be illuminated when the recorder is in the record mode
operation.
When you have finished recording merely pull back
PLAY RECORD LEVER and tape motion will stop.
Safety lock will return to up position and the machine
will no longer be in the record mode operation. It is
important to note although the mode selector switch
remains in record, unless the SAFETY LOCK is de-
pressed simultaneously with the PLAY RECORD
LEVER, your recorder will not be in the record mode
operation.

Thread recorder
Channel selector switch in MONO 1
Mode selector in record position
Microphone jack in MIC 1
Depress
SAFETY LOCK and push PLAY RECORD LEVER forward
simultaneously
Continue recording as long as desired. Pull back PLAY RECORD
LEVER to stop recorder
TO RECORD STEREO TAPES FROM MICROPHONES
Set controls as noted in photo 3. Plug microphones in
both right and left microphone jacks. Adjust left
channel microphone volume control for the normal
indication on the recording while someone speaks into 3
the left channel microphone.
Now place selector switch in MONO 2 position and
adjust the right channel microphone volume control
in a similar manner . When both channels have been
adjusted turn the CHANNEL SELECTOR CON-
TROL to the stereo position. Now press the record
SAFETY LOCK BUTTON while you put the re-
corder
into play . Your recorder is now recording.
When you finished recording pull back PLAY RE-
CORD LEVER and recorder will return to the standby
record position.
SUMMARY
Thread recorder
CHANNEL
SELECTOR SWITCH in stereo position
MODE SELECTOR in record position
left microphone jack in mic 1, right microphone jack in input 2
Depress
SAFETY LOCK and push PLAY RECORD LEVER forward
simultaneously.
Continue recording as long as desired. Pull back PLAY RECORD
LEVER TO STOP RECORDER. 4
MICROPHONE PLACEMENT
In stereo recording, the distance be-
tween the two microphones must be.
determined by the acoustics of the
room and the preference of the per-
son recording. A workable rule -of-
thumb, the "Equilateral" method,
consists of placing the microphones
as shown at right, at the halfway
point on the adjacent sides of an
equilateral triangle with sides equal
· to the maximum width of the source
of sound.
19

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
I . Name Plate Panel is removed by
slight pinching pressure backward,
then pulling upward.
20
CARE OF HEADS
Dust and oxide from magnetic tape may ac-
cumulate on the magnetic heads of the tape
recorder and impair their efficiency . . . or
even decrease head life drastically . To avoid
this,
you should periodically clean all the
items in the tape - threading path.
To clean the heads, use a Q-tip moistened in
standard Ampex Head Cleaner -Accessory
No. 823. Be sure to remove name plate, and
keep cleaning solution away from plastic
parts. DON'T USE ANY OTHER SOL-
VENTS ON THE HEADS, or you may
damage them. Never use an abrasive or any
metallic object which might cause scratches
or nicks.
For cleaning the capstans, and capstan idlers,
use a clean lintless cloth moistened with de -
natured or is opropyl alcohol.
In demagnetizing, tips of demagne-
tizer
are brought within 1 I 16" of
head gap (but not touching), and
gradually moved away while being
moved up
and down along head gap.
DEMAGNETIZING THE HEADS
Occasionally the heads may become slightly
magnetized through continued use . If this
condition is not corrected, you may find the
noise level of your tapes increasing, recorded
signals becoming distorted and, in extreme
cases, the high frequencies on recorded tapes
gradually being erased. This condition can be
corrected with a Head Demagnetizer (avail-
able
from your local dealer as Ampex acces-
sory #820).
To use the demagnetizer :
1 . Depress tone control to turn off recorder.
2. Press
name plate panel backward & remove.
3. Plug the
head demagnetizer into a wall outlet
(117 volts AC) .
4. Align the tips of the demagnetizer to the re-
cording (right)
head so that they straddle the
head gap .
Don't touch the surface
of the head with the
metal tips of the demagnetizer. Run the tips
up
and down the head several times and
slowly withdraw the demagnetizer.
5. Repeat above for playback (left) head. It's
not necessary to demagnetize the
erase head.