Harman Kardon CD401 User manual

barman kardon
ULTRAWI DEBAND
LINEAR PHASE CASSETTE DECK
CD 401
manual

Thanks and congraturation on
your choice of the Harman/Kardon
CD401 Ultrawideband Linear Phase Cassette Deck,
In order to achieve the best performance of which this high
precision unit is capable, please be sure to read this owner's manual and use your
cassette deck only in accordance with its instructions.
Keep it in safe place for reference in case you
suspect your unit of malfunctioning.
Features
General Instructions.3
Always use at 120 V AC .3
Handle the AC cord carefully .3
Do not open the cabinet .3
When water or a metal piece enters the unit.3
Locations for installation.3
Cassette Tape Handling.4
Dolby C-Type NR System .4
Components and Their Functions .5-7
Connections.8
Operation Procedures .9-12
Tape Playback.9
Automatic Repeat System .9
Electronic Auto Search System (EASS) .9
Tape Recording.10
Recording Level Adjustment.10
Record Mute Button.10
Bias Fine Trim Feature .11
Record Calibration Feature .11
HX-PRO System.12
Erasing the Recorded Signals.12
Timer Function.12
Maintenance .13
Head Cleaning.13
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
2

® "Dolby C-Type Noise Reduction System
In addition to the standard Dolby B-type NR system,
your deck provides the ultimate in noise reduction
systems, Dolby C. Even with normal cassette tapes, the
trailing off of the high frequency respor.ee is dramati¬
cally improved, and with metal tapes recorded at the full
0 dB level, the frequency is flat up to 15 ~ 20 kHz.
® HX-PRO System
Since HX-Professional system keeps Active Bias con¬
stant, it allows natural-sounding recordings of the iow
frequency range. When you record high level, high fre
quency sound in a conventional way, frequency charac¬
teristic will be reduced due to self-demagnetization. HX-
PRO works so as to reduce this self-demagnetization far
better, so that higher level recording may be capable.
Therefore, HX-PRO gives normal tape almost equal per¬
formance of metal tape.
® Electric Auto-Search Function
This makes it easy to find the head portion of each item
in the music tape.
® Metai-Tape Compatible
Tape selector switch for METAL position is added to
assure the best performance of metal tape. Since the
tape selector switches are provided for 3IAS and
EQUALIZATION independently; METAL, CrOa, FeCr,
LN, the best performances of each tape can be assured.
® 3-Head, 2-Motor Mechanism
A 3-head configuration is used to allow monitoring of
the recording while it is inprogress. Twoseperate motors
are used — one for the capstan and one for the two reel
drives — in a mechanism that boasts extremely high
precision and highly reliable tape transport for low wow
and flutter.
® Feather-Touch Operational Controls
Semiconductor logic control gives pleasant, feather-
touch control of the mechanism. Direct changes are
possible between, for instance, play back and fast for¬
ward or rewind. Again, a remote control can be availa¬
ble.
a Memory Auto-Repeat Function
When playing back the same item repeatedly, or the item
just recorded from its beginning, the tape can be re¬
wound to the desired position readily.
a Electrical Tape Counter
An electrical digital display is used for the tape counter.
It is both easier to see and more accurate counter of start
and stop position because of its faithful to tape progress,
compared with analog type.
•Noise reduction system manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby" and the double-D
symbols are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora¬
tion.
Always use at 120V AC
This unit isdesigned for use
at 120V AC. Do not con¬
nect the unit to an outlet
supplying a higher voltage
to prevent fire.
Handle the AC cord carefuSiy
® Always hold the plug when disconnecting the AC cord
from the outlet. Pulling at the cord may cause dis¬
continuity.
® If the unit is not used
for a prolonged period,
disconnect the plug
from the outlet.
© Do not place or drop a
heavy material such as
furniture on the cord.
Otherwise, the cord may
be damaged to cause
fire or shock hazard.
Do not open the cabinet
To prevent shock hazard or unexpected trouble, do not
tamper with internal components for inspection or main¬
tenance. Harman Kardon does not guarantee performance
degradation resulting from any modification.
When water ora metal piece enters the unit
When water, a hairpin or wire accidentally enters the unit,
immediately extract the AC plug from the outlet to prevent
shock or trouble.
Locations for Installation
Place this unit on a firm flat base.
Avoid the following locations:
® Place exposed to direct sunlight or near a heat source
® Place exposed to excessive moisture
® Cold place such as near a cooling air outlet
® Dusty place
® Place exposed to excessive vibration
® Poorly ventilated place
® Place near a TV receiver, speaker or other object that
generates strong magnetism
When piling with other components, carefully plan so as
not to obstruct heat radiation from a pre-mainamplifier or
mainamplifier. Use of a Harman Kardon audio rack is re¬
commended.
*Always disconnect the plug from the outlet before
making connections with other components.

® Be sure to remove the cassette tape from the cassette
compartment after the end of operation to keep the tape
quality and maintain the deck performance for a long
time.
® Store cassette tapes off from a strong magnetic field
such as near a TV set, amplifier and speakers to prevent
adverse effect on the recorded sound.
® Before a cassette tape is played back or recorded, be sure
to eliminate tape slackness. A slackened tape, if used,
may cause jamming in the tape running mechanism.
Remove tape slackness
by winding with a pencil.
® If the sound recorded on the tape is desired to be pro¬
tected from accidental erasure, remove the erase-preven¬
tion tabs. With these tabs broken out, accidental erasure
can be prevented even if the RECORD button is inadvert¬
ently pressed.
® If it is later desired to record on a cassette tape protected
in this way, cover the holes with adhesive tape.
Your deck provides the Dolby C-Type Noise Reduction
system, which is said to be the ultimate in noise reduction
system. Also, you can work the standard Dolby 8-Type
Noise Reduction System by changing the B-C select switch.
The Dolby NR System is one of the methods for reducing
the noise that is created during the play back of a tape, and
is now widely and internationally used. The noise which
this system reduces largely emits from the tape itself and
this system cannot reduce the noise which comes from the
program which is being recorded. Therefore, in order for
the Dolby NR System to function more effectively, it is
important to avoid recording from signals either from re¬
cords or FM radio that contain a lot of noise, i.e., it is
important to choose signals with as little noise as possible.
Principle
Any magnetic tape used on a tape recorder contains native
noise. In particular, among these noises, the middle and
high frequency noises, which we can easily pick up by
hearing, are called "hiss noises", and they are said to be
caused by the site of magnetic particles on the tape. Hiss
noises decrease if the magnetic particles are small, and also
decreases if the tape is played at a higher speed. In other
words, the high speed of the tape playing, and the small
size of the magnetic particles produce the same effect
as regards the hiss noise. In this respect a cassette tape
played at a low speed, will produce more hiss noise.
Function of the Dolby Noise Reduction
When the recording input signals are lower than the stan¬
dard level, those middle and high frequency sounds among
those signals are gradually strengthened and recorded. The
signals will return to the original state if a tape is played
back opposite to the way it was recorded, i.e., if it is played
back with middle and high frequency sounds above the
standard level being gradually weakened. At the same time
tape hiss sounds, which are middle and high frequency
noises, created during the play back are reduced accord¬
ingly, as the signals become smaller. Noise reduction is
achieved in this way.
While the Doiby B-Type NR System has only the noise re¬
duction capacity of the noise ievel of 10 dB, the Dolby C-
Type NR System has a capacity of 20 dB. This C-Type NR
System, in comparison, has an improvement in its function
in the high frequency range so that it can be used for 0 dB
recording. The Doiby C-Type NR System assures enough
dynamic range and SN ratio to record a Hi-Fi program
source.

Components
® EJECT BUTTON (EJECT)-
For opening the CASSETTE COMPARTMENT
door.
The soft eject mechanism opens the door slowly
when this button is pressed.
Caution: Never press this button while tape
running. Be sure to press the STOP
button before pressing the EJECT
button.
© RECORD BUTTON (©RECORD) -
For recording on a tape.
Press this button after pressing the PAUSE
button to provide standby state for recording.
The RECORD INDICATOR blinks and the
PAUSE and PLAY INDICATORS iliuminate.
Recording starts when the PAUSE button is
pressed again. The RECORD INDICATOR
goes to continuous illumination and the PAUSE
INDICATOR extinguishes.
® FAST FORWARD INDICATOR -
For indication of fast forwarding of a tape.
® STOP BUTTON (STOP a) -
For stopping each operation.
Pressing this button stops playback, recording,
fast forwarding or rewinding of a tape, it also
cancels standby state by PAUSE button opera¬
tion.
CASSETT COMPARTMENT -
@ POWER INDICATOR-
For indication of power supply to this unit.
POWER SWITCH (POWER)-
For power turning on and off.
When this switch is pressed with the AC cord
plugged to an AC outlet, the POWER INDICA¬
TOR illuminates.
ELECTRONIC AUTO SEARCH INDICATOR
For indication of functioning of the electronic
auto search system.
ELECTRONIC AUTO SEARCH SWITCH
(ELECTRONIC AUTO SEARCH)
For quick cueing of the start of a music.
When this switch is depressed, the ELEC¬
TRONIC AUTO SEARCH INDICATOR illumi¬
nates and a start of each music is automatically
searched so as to enable sequential playback of
the musics recorded in a tape.
See Electronic Auto Search System for details.
RECORD MUTE BUTTON (REC MUTE)
For providing a soundless interval during re¬
cording.
To cut off undesirable sound between melodies,
keep this button pressed until the next melody
starts. No sound is recorded as long as this but¬
ton is kept pressed.
RECORD INDICATOR
For indication of recording state.
REWIND INDICATOR -
For indication of tape rewinding.
REWIND BUTTON (<«<SREW)
For rewinding of a tape at a high speed
PLAY INDICATOR
For indication of tape playback
PLAY BUTTON (PLAY 6-)-
For playback of a tape.
Press this butter, to start playback.
FAST FORWARD BUTTON (F.FWD^
For fast forwarding of a tape.
PAUSE INDICATOR
For indication of pause state.
PAUSE BUTTON (PAUSE )
For temporary stopping of playback or record¬
ing.
Also press this button to provide standby
state for playback or recording: With this
button pressed, both the PAUSE and the
PLAY INDICATORS turn on at the same time.
Then to start playback, press the PAUSE
button again or to start recording, press the
RECORD button first and the PAUSE button.
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% MICROPHONE JACKS (MICROPHONES) \
For connection of recording microphones.
Use low-impedance microphones.
BIAS SELECTORS (BIAS) --
Press The button meeting the type of the tape
for recording. If no button is pressed.the RE¬
CORD INDICATOR does not turn on and
recording cannot be accomplished. These
buttons are not effective in tape playback.
© 8IAS FINE TRIM KNOB (BIAS FINE TRIM)
CONTROLS
EMORY BUTTON (memory)-
r automatic stopping of tape rewinding at a
sired position in combination with the RE-
T button.
press this button and push the RESET but-
t during playback or recording to reset the
iPE COUNTER to "000''.
len the tape is rewound in this state, tape
ming automatically stops at the position
lere the TAPE COUNTER indicates "000”.
RESET BUTTON (reset) --
For resetting the TAPE COUNTER to "000".
Press this button to reset the counter to “000"
when starting recording. This button is also
used with the MEMORY button to stop tape
rewinding automatically at the desired position.
TAPE COUNTER (counter!
For digital display of the position in a cassette \
tape. \
The figure changes as the tape runs. Cueing for \
the start of a meiody is facilitated by making a
note of the counter reading.
AUTOMATIC REPEAT BUTTONS (AUTO)
® AUTO REWIND BUTTON (rewind)
When this button is set in ON position (pres¬
sed), the tape is automatically rewound , after
playback or recording to the tape end, either
to the beginning of the tape or to ”000" of
the TAPE COUNTER indication when the
MEMORY button is pressed on.
® AUTO REPLAY BUTTON (replay)
When this button is set in ON position (pres¬
sed), the tape playback automatically starts
after rewound either from "000" position of
the TAPE COUNTER indication when the
MEMORY button is pressed on or from the
beginning of the tape.
When these two buttons are set in ON position
(pressed), the tape is automatically rewound
from the tape end to the beginning of the tape
or to "000" of the TAPE COUNTER indication
when the MEMORY button is pressed ON and
then playback starts automatically. Automatic
rewind and playback are accomplished repeat¬
edly. See Automatic Repeat System for details
) MICROPHONE INPUT
(MICROPHONES-level)
For input level control during recording through
microphones.
The front side knob is for the left channel and
the rear one is for the right channel.
The knobs turn simultaneously when turned
normally.
IJALIZATION SELECTORS
UALIZATION)
;s the button meeting the type of the tape
playback. These buttons are not effective
jcording.
For setting of the optimal bias for the tape to
be used. See Bias Fine Trim Feature for details.
BIAS TONE BUTTON (bias tone)
For setting of optimal bias for each tape.
Whiie this switch is kept pressed, 400 Hz signal
is recorded in the left channel, and 12.5 kHz in \
the right channel. See Bias Fine Frim Feature
for details,
© RECORD CALIBRATION TONE BUTTON
(record cal tone)
For recording level calibration according to the
type of the tape to be used.
When this switch is kept pressed, 400 Hz signal
is recorded on the tape. Make adjustment by
operating the RECORD CALIBRATION con¬
trols during reproduction of this signal recorded
on the tape so that the LED LEVEL DISPLAY
may indicate OdB. See Record Calibration Fea¬
ture for details.
6

LED LEVEL DISPLAY (PEAK)
For clear indication of the recording or play¬
back level.
HX-PRO SWITCH (HX-PRO)
Press the switch when recording in HX-PRO
system.
See HX-PRO System for details.
MPX FILTER SWITCH (mpx filter)
For cutting the multiplex noise during record¬
ing of an FM stereo broadcasting program by
using the Dolby NR system. Depress this
switch to invalidate the MPX filter function.
©DOLBY NR INDICATORS (Dolby NR B, C)
For indication of the validated Dolby NR
system type.
DOLBY NR SYSTEM SELECTOR
(DOLBY BC NR)
«NR ON/OFF SELECTER (NR)
For recording or playback using the Dolby
NR system.
Press this selector to use the Dolby NR sys¬
tem. The green DOLBY NR INDICATOR
(for 8-typej or the yellow one (for C-typei
illuminates according to the NR TYPE
selector position. Press this selector again to
invalidate the Dolby NR system,
a NR TYPE SELECTER (TYPE)
For selection of Dolby B- or C-type NR
system.
Depress this selector to select the Doiby C-
type NR system. Press it again and the B-type
Is selected.
© TIMER SWITCHES (TIMER)
These switches are used to automatically start
recording or playback in combination with an
audio timer.
REC Switch : For automatic recording.
PLAY Switch : For automatic tape playback.
OFF Switch : When audio timer is not used.
See Timer Function for details.
HX-PRO INDICATOR (HX-PRO)
For indication that recording is in progress
using HX-PRO system.
© LINE INPUT LEVEL CONTROL (LINE LEVEL)
For input level control during recording from
an external component.
The front side knob is for the left channel and
the rear one is for the right channel. The knobs
turn simultaneously when turned normally.
© FADER KNOB (FADER)
For fade-in and fade-out function to satisfy
more variety in recording.
This makes it easy for you to start and/or end
an item in recording, and to make the silent
pauses.
® RECORD CALIBRATION CONTROLS
{record cal)
Variable resistors to calibrate the recording
level to 0 dB according to the type of the tape
to be used. Make adjustment with a thin screw¬
driver through the hole. See Record Calibration
Feature for details.
® OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL
(OUTPUT LEVEL)
For control of the output level during playback
or monitoring of the recording sound.
It also control the volume of the sound moni¬
tored through headphones.
— © HEADPHONES JACK (HEADPHONES)
For connection of stereo headphones.
The sound volume can be adjusted by the OUT¬
PUT LEVEL control.
For tape playback, be sure to set the TAPE
MONITOR swtich in the MONITOR position
without fail.
© TAPE MONITOR SWITCH (tape monitor)
When the MONITOR position is selected, signal
being recorded (playback signaOcan be heard.
The button goes on indicating that the MONI¬
TOR position is selected.
When the SOURCE position is selected, signal
before recording (recording input) can be
heard.
Check the source sound and playback sound by
pressing the switch while recording to check to
be sure that source sound is correctly recorded.
Be sure to place the switch in the MONITOR
position while tape playback.
© METER BALLISTICS SELECTOR
(meter ballistics)
For selection between normal and slow LED
LEVEL DISPLAY recovery time.

® 'Always disconnect the AC cords connected to mains
outlets before making connections between components.
® Use the attached connection cords. Connect the plugs
correctly to left and right channel jacks.
® insert plugs fully. Imperfect insertion may cause noise
or sound reproduction failure.
Connection with tape deck for dubbing
Connecting headphones and microphones
Left microphone Right microphone
® Use low-impedance microphones. (600S2 in the stan¬
dard.)
® The recording level can be adjusted by the MICRO-
® When headphones are connected to the HEADPHONES
jack, tape playback sound or recorded monitor sound
can be enjoyed without connecting an amplifier.
® The sound volume through the headphones can be ad¬
justed by the OUTPUT LEVEL control. For tape play¬
back, be sure to set the TAPE MONITOR switch in the
MONITOR position without fail.
@ Use headphones with the standard connecting plug.
PHONE INPUT LEVEL controls.
® Turn the LINE INPUT LEVEL controls to the "0"
position when only microphones are used. For mixing,
adjust their positions as desired.
@ Use microphones with standard plugs.
® When recording with one microphone, connect it to the
left or right MICROPHONE jack whichever you like. In
either case, monaural recording on both channels occurs.
8

Tape Playback
1. Turn on your amplifier, turn the volume control to the
minimum level and select the tape monitor function on
the amplifier according to its owner's manual.
2. Press the POWER switch, and the POWER INDICA¬
TOR illuminates.
3. Press the EJECT button to open the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT door, and insert the recorded cassette
tape correctly in the compartment. Incorrect insertion
may cause failure in door closing or playback.
4. Press the EQUALIZATION selector according to the
type of the using tape.
5. Press the DOLBY NR ON/OFF selector for a tape re¬
corded by using the Dolby NR system. Select the B or
CNR type by the NR TYPE selector.
6. Press the TAPE MONITOR switch in the MONITOR
position.
7. Press the PLAY button. The PLAY INDICATOR
illuminates and the tape starts to be played back.
8. Gradually turn the OUTPUT LEVEL control and the
volume control of your amplifier until the playback
sound is heard.
9. Press the PAUSE button for temporary stopping of the
tape. Press It again to restart tape playback.
10. Press the STOP button to stop tape playback halfway.
11. Tape running automatically stops when the tape end is
reached.
Automatic Repeat System
CD401 is equipped with convenient AUTOMATIC RE¬
PEAT function which automatically rewinds the tape
after recording or playback to a desired
point, AUTOMATIC REWIND function, and
automatically starts tape playback from the
rewound point, AUTOMATIC REPLAY
function.
Automatic rewind
1 After inserting a cassette tape in the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT, press the AUTO REWIND button in the
ON position.
2. Start tape playback or recording.
3. To rewind the tape to a desired point, press the RESET
button at such point to reset the TAPE COUNTER in¬
dication to “GOO'' and then press the MEMORY button.
When rewinding the tape to the beginning of the tape,
press the MEMORY button again to release it.
4. At the tape end, the tape is rewound to "000" position
or to the beginning of the tape according to the MEM¬
ORY button setting and then stops.
Automatic replay
1. After inserting a cassette tape in the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT. press the AUTO REPLAY button in the
ON position.
2. Start tape playback or recording.
3. To start tape playback from a desired point, press the
RESET button at such point to reset the TAPE
COUNTER indication to "000" and then press the
MEMORY button. When replaying the tape from the
beginning, press the MEMORY button again to release
it.
4. When the REWIND button is pressed while tape play¬
back or recording or at the end of the tape, tape re¬
winding starts.
5. At the TAPE COUNTER indication "000" or at the
beginning of the tape, tape rewinding stops and tape
playback automatically starts again.
Automatic repeat
1. After inserting a cassette tape in the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT, press both the AUTO REWIND and the
AUTO REPLAY buttons in the ON position.
2. Start tape playback or recording.
3. To repeat tape playback from a desired point, press
the RESET button at such point to reset the TAPE
COUNTER indication to "000" and then press the
MEMORY button. When repeating from the beginning
of the tape, release the MEMORY button by pressing
it again.
4. At the end of the tape while tape playback or record¬
ing, the tape is automatically rewound the beginning
of the tape or to "000" position of the TAPE COUNT¬
ER indication according to the MEMORY button
setting and then tape playback starts automatically.
This cycle is repeated until such setting is released.
Electronic Auto Search System (EASS)
The EASS detects the non-recorded portion between
musics and automatically repeats cueing.
Operate as follows:
1 Press the ELECTRONIC AUTO SEARCH switch. The
mode is automatically switched to fast forwarding.
When the start of the next music is
sensed, the mode is automatically
switched to playback and the music is
played for about 10 seconds.
2. If the music is the desired one, press the PLAY button,
and the EASS is cancelled and tape playback starts. If
the PLAY button is not pressed, the mode again re¬
turns to fast forwarding and cueing is repeated.
3. The EASS is automatically cancelled when the tape
end is reached.
Notes:
• The EASS is set by pressing the ELECTRONIC AUTO
SEARCH switch when the tape is played back or stop¬
ped.
® The EASS mode is cancelled when any button (RE¬
CORD, REWIND, PLAY, FAST FORWARD, STOP, or
PAUSE) is pressed.
® If the non-recorded Interval between musics is less than
about 3 seconds, cueing may be failed. When very low
level signal such as pianissimo continues, stopping at the
start of the succeeding high level signal may occur.
Non-recorded intervals
1 (more than 3 seconds)
?
u
V .
EASS
button
"ON
>n |- !\
Fast forwarding >
Press the PLAY button
within this period to cause
continuous playback.
9

Tape Recording
1. Turn on the POWER switch. The POWER INDICA¬
TOR illuminates.
2. Press the EJECT button to open the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT door and Insert a cassette tape correctly.
Incorrect insertion may cause failure in door dosing or
recording.
3. Press one of the BIAS selector buttons according to the
type of the using tape. If no button is pressed, record¬
ing is impossible and the RECORD INDICATOR does
not illuminate.
4. Set the TAPE MONITOR switch in the SOURCE
position.
5. Adjust the recording level following the instructions
provided in Recording Level Adjustment by turning
the LINE INPUT LEVEL controls. Turn the MICRO¬
PHONE INPUT LEVEL controls to MIN position.
6. To record through the Dolby NR system, depress the
NR ON/OEF selector and select the B or C type by
operating the NR TYPE selector. Check the selected
type by illumination of the TYPE INDICATOR. The
"8" TYPE INDICATOR illuminates in green color, and
the "C" TYPE INDICATOR in yellow.
7. When recording sounds using HX-PRO system, press
the HX-PRO switch. When it is pressed in the ON
position, the red HX-PRO INDICATOR turns on.
8. To record an FM stereo broadcasting program with the
Dolby NR system, be sure that the MPX FILTER
switch is on. This switch is off when depressed.
9. Press the RESET button to reset the TAPE COUNTER
indication to "000".
10. Press the PAUSE button. The PLAY and PAUSE
INDICATORS illuminate. Then, press the RECORD
button. The RECORD INDICATOR starts blinking in
red color to show standby state for recording. The
tape does not run in this state,
11. Press the PAUSE button again to start recording. The
PAUSE INDICATOR extinguishes and the RECORD
INDICATOR goes to continuous illumination.
12. To monitor the recording, press the TAPE MONITOR
switch to MONITOR position. The TAPE MONITOR
switch button illuminates in green. This allows to
monitor the recording while it is in progress.
13. Press the PAUSE button for temporary stopping of the
tape. Press it again to restart recording.
14. Press the STOP button to stop recording halfway.
15. Tape running stops automatically when the tape end is
reached, and the recording mode is cancelled.
Recording through microphones
Connect the left and right microphone cords correctly to
MICROPHONE jacks. Turn the MICROPHONE INPUT
LEVEL controls to set the proper input level .When record¬
ing only through microphones, place the LINE INPUT
LEVEL control at its "0" position.
For mixing recording, place the LINE INPUT LEVEL
control at the desired level position.
Recording from a turntable
Press the subsonic filter on your amplifier as required.
Dubbing without using an amplifier
Connect this unit as shown in "Connection with tape deck
for dubbing”, and carry out dubbing operation.
Recording Level Adjustment
Adjust the recording level by turning the LINE INPUT
LEVEL or MICROPHONE INPUT LEVEL controls meet¬
ing the source of tape recording with observing indication
of the LED LEVEL DISPLAY.
Make adjustment as described below when the sound level
is relatively high.
When using a metal tape
-40 - 20 -15 -10 -5 -3 -1 0 +1 +3 +5 +!8
I.I l I I ' i 1 l i I H I I
Momentary illumination up to +3 dB is allowable.
When using a chrome tape
-40 -20 -15 -10 -5 -3 -1 0 4-1 +3 +5 +8
i i : I i ..l.-i-J-.f. .. I i I
When using a ferrichrome or normal tape
-40 -20 -15 -10 -5 -3 —! 0 +1 +3 +5 *8
L- i . i I i.L...1.J-. i . 1 i I ...I
The following adjustments will cause excessive sound dis¬
tortion or tape noise.
Too low level setting (illumination up to about — 10 dB)
-40 - 20 -15 -10 —5 -3 -1 0 +1 +3 *5 +5
i.i- i. i i ...
Recording with excessive tape noise will result.
Too high levei setting (illumination up to +3 dB to +8 dB)
-40 -20 -15 -10 -5 -3 -1 0 +1 +3 +5 +8
i i- i - T 11 r i i i i ~~r~i
Recording with excessive distortion will result.
Record Mute Button
If the sound (such as CM or narration) between programs is
desired to be cut off during recording, recording function
can be invalidated by pressing the RECORD MUTE button.
At least 3-second silent pause between programs is indis¬
pensable for using the EASS.
1. Press the RECORD MUTE button continuously after a
program ends. No sound is recorded on the tape as
long as this button is kept pressed.
2. After a few seconds, press the PAUSE button and wait
for the next program.
10

Bias Fine Trim Feature Record Calibration Feature
The optimal recording bias rating of the tape of each brand
is somewhat different from that of other brands. The bias
fine trim feature is provided to enable fine adjustment for
such difference.
The high frequency range tends to be attenuated if the bias
current is higher than the rated value for a tape while it
tends to be boosted if the bias current is less than the rated
value.
This unit aims to obtain a flat frequency characteristic by
recording 400 Hz standard signal in the left channel and
12.5 kHz standard signal in the right channel, and by ad¬
justing the BIAS FINE TRIM knob so that both channels
show the same playback level.
Operate as follows:
1. Insert a cassette tape in the CASSETTE COMPART¬
MENT and place the BIAS and EQUALIZATION
selectors at the position corresponding to the using
tape type.
2. Press the TAPE MONITOR switch in the MONITOR
position.
3. Press the RECORD
and PLAY buttons
together to start the
tape. With these two
buttons pressed, tape
recording starts.
Each tape has different
sensitivity. As a result, the
playback level may be
deviated from the LED
LEVEL DISPLAY reading.
The record calibration
feature adjusts the LED
LEVEL DISPLAY reading to the specified value for each
tape so as to enable proper recording and playback level
setting. This is especially important for recording with the
Dolby NR system.
Operate as follows:
1. Insert a cassette tape of the type which is most fre¬
quently used into the CASSETTE COMPARTMENT.
2. Press the BIAS and EQUALIZATION selectors ac¬
cording to the tape type.
3. Press the TAPE MONITOR switch in the MONITOR
position.
4. Press the RECORD and PLAY button together to start
the tape, and keep pressing the RECORD CALBRA-
TION TONE button.
5. If the LED LEVEL DISPLAY shows 0 dB, no adjust¬
ment is required.
6. If the indicated level is above or below 0 dB, adjust the
RECORD CALIBRATION controls.
If the level indication is lower than 0 dB
4. Keep the BIAS TONE button pressed. 400 Hz signal
and 12.5 kHz signal are recorded in the left and right
channels, respectively.
5. Compare LED LEVEL DISPLAY left and right channel
readings. Turn the BIAS FINE TRIM knob if right
channel reading differs from left channel reading so
that right channel reading equals to left channel read¬
ing.
Turn the controls clock¬
wise with a thin screw¬
driver.
When the right channel level is higher
OdB
m i ! m i i ..
Left channel
(400 Hz recording)
OdB
f.:xx:r.:r.i " i .r ziz.... i
Right channel
(12.5 kHz recording)
Turn the knob counterclockwise
If the level indication is higher than 0 dB
OdB
SHHUSHm
OdB
_i—L_i .
record cal
Turn the controls coun¬
terclockwise with a thin
screw'd river.
When the right channel level is lower
OdB
Em i mu i ..i-i-L-i
OdB
I n"TT ill; EX I
Left channel
(400 Hz recording}
Right channel
(12.5 kHz recording)
boost
Turn the knob clockwise
Note: Adjustment to 0 dB may be failed if the used tape
is old or a poor in quality.
11

,-HX-PRO System-
By varying the bias level to compensate for the dif¬
ferent characteristics of the input signal. Active Bias
is kept constant, so that this allows natural-sounding
recordings of the low frequency region. Also, much
higher levels of high frequencies can be recorded.
If we consider specific sectors of the frequency range,
then, if a signal source only contains high frequency
components, the HX-PRO will detect this and reduce
the bias from the oscillator to the optimum bias for
the signal. On the other hand, no changes in bias level
will be made for signal sources that contains only low
frequency sounds. However, when low frequency sig¬
nals contain occasional admixtures of high frequency
signals, the HX-PRO will reduce the bias, changing
only high frequency bias levels while keeping lower
frequency bias level constant. The new system, there¬
fore, not only offers an improvement at high frequen¬
cies, but also ensures the optimum bias at low fre¬
quencies, too.
Advantages of the HX-PRO
| 1. Gives performance almost equal to metal tape for
normal tape.
| 2. Outstanding treble dynamic range.
| 3. Adjustment to left and right channels can be
made independently.
I 4. All kinds of tape from normal through metal are
suitable.
I _
Erasing the Recorded Signals
When a new recording is made on a recorded tape, the
recorded sound on that part of the tape is automatically
erased. To erase the recorded sound on the tape without
recording, operate as follows:
1. Be sure that erase-prevention tabs of the cassette are
not broken out. If broken, cover the holes with ad¬
hesive tape.
2. Turn the LINE INPUT LEVEL controls to the 0 posi¬
tion and MICROPHONE INPUT LEVEL controls to
the MIN position.
3. Press the BIAS selector buttons corresponding to the
type of the tape.
4. Press the RECORD and PLAY buttons at the same
time.
Timer Function
By using an audio timer, FM broadcasting can be automati¬
cally recorded or the tape can be automatically played back
at any desired time while you are out or sleeping
Therefore, this function can be conveniently used instead
of an alarm clock.
Automatic recording while you are out
1. Connect the AC cords of CD401, tuner and amplifier
to the timer.
2. Turn the POWER switches of CD401, tuner and
amplifier ON and then select a desired broadcasting
station.
3. Make necessary ad¬
justments in recording
levels reffering to the
explanation for Tape
Recording. After that
press the TIMER REC
button.
4. Preset the timer to a desired time. With this power
supply is turned off except the timer.
5. At the preset time, power supply to CD401, tuner and
amplifier is turned on and then tape recording starts
after about 2 seconds. At the tape end, operation of
CD401 stops by the Auto Stop mechanism and then
power supply is cut off by the timer.
Caution: 3e sure to adjust the VOLUME knob of the
amplifier to the minimum setting position so that music or
other item being recorded will not be reproduced by the
speakers.
Automatic tape playback for morning wake up
1. Connect the AC cords of CD401, tuner and amplifier
to the timer.
2. Turn the POWER switches of CD401 and amplifier
ON.
3. After setting a cassette tape in the CASSETTE COM¬
PARTMENT, press the proper EQUALIZATION
selector button and adjust the OUTPUT LEVEL
control.
4. Press the TIMER
PLAY button. The
TAPE MONITOR
switch must be in the
MONITOR position.
5. Preset a desired time
on the timer.
Caution: For normal operation, press the TIMER OFF
button without fail.
Caution
Do not tamper with the adjusting knobs marked DOLBY
NR PLAYBACK CALIBRATION on the rear panel. Since
they have been set to the standard Dolby level at the
factory, tampering with these knobs will disable correct
recording and playback through the Dolby NR systems.
If playback sound through these systems is not proper,
ask your retailer or send the unit back to Harman Kardon
for adjustment.

When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a soft dry cloth. If
heavily contaminated, wipe it with a soft cloth soaked with
mild soapy water and then wipe with a dry cloth. Never use
alcohol, thinner, benzine or other volatile agent since the
painting may be damaged.
Head Cleaning
® Drop out, degradation of frequency characteristic or
wow & flutter may be caused when the recording and
playback combination head, capstan and roller get dirty
with magnetic material powder or dust. Clean these
parts from time to time so as to enjoy perfect tape
sound reproduction.
Before cleaning, open the CASSETTE COMPARTMENT
door.
Use a cotton swab slightly wetted with diluted an¬
hydrous alcohol and clean the recording and playback
combination head, erasing head, capstan and roller
which come into direct contact with the tape.
Do not wet the cotton swab with too much alochol.
Tape playback shall be started after thorough evapora¬
tion of alcohol.
® The recording and playback combination head, erasing
head and capstan will be magnetized gradually.
Since the magnetism causes noise generation and degrada¬
tion of high-frequency range characteristic, be sure to
demagnetize these parts with a head eraser.