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