Pro-Ject Audio Systems Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes · Revision 2017.03.30
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes
Controls, features and connections
1 Motor brackets with Ortofon®pads
2 Stepped drive pulley
3 Drive belt * 3a Hook *
4 Sub-platter
5 Platter *
6 Tonearm counterweight * 6a Downforce scale
7 Tonearm lift lever
8/18 Tonearm rest and removable transport lock
9 Tonearm tube 9a Tonearm base
10 Lid *
11 Lid hinges
12 Hinge fasteners
13 Power supply socket
14 HiRes electronic
15 Anti-skating stub with anti-skating weight adjustment scale
16 Anti-skating weight *
17 Anti-skating weight support hoop
19 Speed control
20 Headshell with finger lift
21 Single adapter *
Connection cable Pro-Ject Connect IT E (not shown) *
Power supply (not shown) *
Dear music lover,
thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio record player.

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In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability with this record player you should study these instructions
for use carefully.
!
Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit or possible misuse.
Important notice.
** Your turntable has been delivered with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge, please ignore the
cartridge set up instructions unless changing the cartridge at a later date.
During assembly and adjustment of the deck small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable
receptacle. Before starting assembly make yourself acquainted with the parts listed above and correspondingly
numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.
Safety instructions
!
Make sure that the plug and the switch are easily accessible at all times. Hold the plug when
unplugging the power cord. Never handle the power cord while your hands are wet or damp.
Avoid letting liquids enter the device. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase
on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. Never place any naked flame sources,
such as lighted candles on or near the device. The product shall not be used in damp or wet locations,
next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar conditions.
Keep plastic bags away from children to prevent any risk of suffocation.
Set-up
The deck is supplied partially disassembled and carefully packaged for safe transport. Carefully remove all
parts from the transport packaging.
Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it.
Remove the transport lock (18) from the tonearm. Store it in the original packaging so it is available for any
future transportation.
Fit the drive belt (3) around the sub-platter (4) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Avoid
getting sweat or grease on the belt as these will deteriorate the performance and reduce the belt's lifespan.
Use absorbent kitchen paper to remove any oil or grease from the outer edge of the hub and the belt. Fit the
platter (5) and felt mat over the spindle of the sub-platter (4).
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweights (6) supplied are suitable for cartridges weighing between 4,5 - 6g (Ortofon OM 10 -
weight no. 80) and 6,5 - 8,5g (Ortofon 2M Red - weight no. 8).
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (9), so that the downforce
scale (6a) shows towards the front of the player. Lower the armlift and position the cartridge in the space
between arm rest and platter. Carefully rotate the counterweight (6) until the armtube balances out. The arm
should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. This adjustment must be done carefully. Do
not forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted.
Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest. Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and gently
revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (15). Check whether the
arm still balances out.

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Rotate the counterweight counter clockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the downforce according to the
cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (= 0,1g / 0,1 Pond) of
downforce.
Please note: Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight.
The recommended downforce for the Ortofon OM 10 cartridge is 15mN.
The recommended downforce for the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is 17,5mN.
Anti-skating force adjustment
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows:
Downforce Groove in the stub (15)
10 - 14mN 1st from bearing rings
15 - 19mN 2nd " " "
20mN and bigger 3rd " " "
Slip the loop of the anti-skating weight's thread over the second groove of the stub to set the correct anti-
skating force for the factory-fitted cartridge. Feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (17).
Input selector
Operating the push button Phono/Line In selects the inputs. Phono represents signal from tonearm of the
turntable. Line In activates Line level input (RCA sockets).
ADC converter / Line level input
A line level signal source (e.g. tape deck or reel deck) can be connected to the built in preamplifier/ADC
using Line In RCA socket. Integrated A/D converter relay the signal to digital data using optical S/PDIF Out
or USB output (details about USB connection in a separate chapter).
Connection to the amplifier (Sound Bar, AV receiver etc.)
Use the analogue Line Out of the turntable to a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) on your
amplifier.
Alternatively built in ADC converter allows to relay signal in digital format out of the amplifier using S/PDIF
Out digital output to the corresponding digital input of the amplifier or digital input of any Sound Bar, AV-
receiver etc.
Connecting to a computer / USB output
Connect the USB Out of the unit to a free USB-socket on your computer. Make sure the computer is
powered on.
* For Windows®operating systems an USB Class 2 driver (supplied on CD) has to be installed.
Mac OS®operating systems do not need an additional driver or setup.
Linux operating systems include an USB Audio Class 2 driver from Linux Kernel 2.6.35 and higher.
Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to
USB-hubs or switches can cause problems.
Recording program is delivered on supplied CD-ROM together with USB driver Vinylstudio Lite (software
from British specialist AlpineSoft)
Sampling rate of USB output is set from computer

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Setting the record level
The Record Level knob on the rear panel is used to set the level of the analogue signal going to the A/D
converter. A red clipping LED indicates when the level is too high and the signal is distorted.
Make sure that level is set to keep the LED off all the time.
Vinylstudio settings
RecordMaster firmware v1.01
- RecordMaster allows following record settings:
1. Pulse-code modulation (PCM):
16/24/32-bits at 44.1k / 48k / 88.2k / 96k / 192kHz / 384kHz
2. Direct Stream Digital (DSD) over PCM (DoP):
DSD standard rate: DSD64 at sample rate 176.4kHz
DSD double rate: DSD128 at sample rate 352.8kHz
DSD quad rate: DSD256 at sample rate 705.6kHz
- VinylStudio Lite record setting:
Check Level:
Input Device: ASIO
ASIO Driver: Project Box ASIO Driver
DSD Input: PCM or DSD (depends on Recording Options)

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Recording Options:
- AIFF format:
- AIFF PCM format:

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Check Level: DSD Input: PCM
Recording Options:
Disable DoP detection
Sample Rate: 44.1k / 48k / 88.2k / 96k / 192kHz / 384kHz
Bit Depth: 16/24/32-bits
- AIFF DSD format:
Check Level: DSD Input: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Recording Options:
Enable DoP detection
Sample Rate: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Bit Depth: N/A (24-bits PCM)
- DFF format:
Check Level: DSD Input: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Recording Options:
Enable DoP detection
DSD Rate: DSD standard / double / quad rate
- DSF format:
Check Level: DSD Input: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Recording Options:
Enable DoP detection
DSD Rate: DSD standard / double / quad rate
- FLAC format:
Available with full license only!
- FLAC PCM format:
Check Level: DSD Input: PCM
Recording Options:
Disable DoP detection
Sample Rate: 44.1k / 48k / 88.2k / 96k / 192kHz / 384kHz
Bit Depth: 16/24/32-bits
Compression: 0-8
- FLAC DSD format:
Check Level: DSD Input: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Recording Options:
Enable DoP detection
Sample Rate: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Bit Depth: N/A (24-bits PCM)
Compression: 0-8
- MP3 format:
LAME MP3 Encoder installation and localization required!
Check Level: DSD Input: PCM
Recording Options:
Disable DoP detection
Sample Rate: 44.1k / 48kHz
MP3 Quality: CBR@16-320kbps, ABR@16-320kbps, VBR@0-9
- OGG format:
Check Level: DSD Input: PCM
Recording Options:
Disable DoP detection
Sample Rate: 44.1k / 48kHz
Quality: ABR@48-448kbps, VBR@0-10

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- WAV format:
- WAV PCM format:
Check Level: DSD Input: PCM
Recording Options:
Disable DoP detection
Sample Rate: 44.1k / 48k / 88.2k / 96k / 192kHz / 384kHz
Bit Depth: 16/24/32-bits
- WAV DSD format:
Check Level: DSD Input: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Recording Options:
Enable DoP detection
Sample Rate: DSD standard / double / quad rate
Bit Depth: N/A (24-bits PCM)
Change Playback Device:
-If ASIO is used as input device, then playback device can´t run on the same driver.
i.e.: if Pro-Ject USB audio driver shows more connected devices (on the screenshot below is
Device 0 –Reccordmaster, Device 1 Maia DS) Then the second device can´t be selected as
a playback device for Monitor Recording.
Do not use Monitor Recording, if playback device is recordmaster to avoid mixing signals in
optical output
Monitor Recording can be used for any other playback device available in Playback To list
(except the case of ASIO described above):
In case of no sound of Monitor Recording try to restart playback USB device. (Do not reconnect USB
cable when units are powered on).

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DSD records playback:
- AIFF, FLAC, WAV format:
These DSD files with DSD data and DoP markers are possible to play on DACs with ASIO
DoP Marker 0x05/0xFA support
- DFF, DSF format:
These files don´t contain DoP markers (Native DSD format), playback is possible with
suitable DAC´s with ASIO Native DSD support and also with DAC´s with ASIO DoP
Marker 0x05/0xFA support if playback software allows this (e.g.: J-River or Foobar2000
with plugin foo_dsd_asio)
Setting of a recording device in Windows 7/8/10:
Start > Control Panel > Sound > Recording

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Select –RecordMaster USB 2.0 Audio In –and go to Properties > Listen
Go to Advanced and select desired sample rate and bit depth

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Mains power connection
The turntable is supplied with the universal power supply with 3 exchangeable sockets adapters suitable for
all countries. Select the correct adapter for your country and insert the adapter to the exchangeable part of
the power supply.
Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (13) on the rear of the record player before
connecting the power supply to the mains.
Fitting the lid
Fit the lid (dust cover 10) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (12) until the lid stays open
where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.
Switching on and off, changing replay speed
To play records at 33 r.p.m. press the ON/OFF switch (19) to starts the motor. Pressing the ON/OFF switch
two times selects 45 r.p.m.. The selected speed is shown respectively by the flashing LED. When the platter has
attained full speed the LEDs stop flashing.
To be able to play 78 r.p.m. the flat drive belt has to be removed and the round drive belt has to be fitted
around the sub-platter (4) and the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). To do so the platter (5) has to
be removed.
After the round drive belt has been fitted, pressing the ON/OFF switch two times selects 78 r.p.m.. When full
speed is attained the LED 45 stops flashing.
A long (more than three seconds) press on the ON/OFF switch stops the motor.
Useful tips

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The record player should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply board
to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.
Adjusting the azimuth
** The cartridge needle must be vertical in the record groove in order to trace the groove wall modulations
correctly.
A small screw at the bearing end of the arm allows incorrect azimuth to be corrected if your needle is not
mounted exactly perpendicular to the cartridge body (which is often the case).
Slacken off the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without applying force. Please note: do
not remove the screw completely!
With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the needle until it is vertical in the groove (i.e. perpendicular
to the record's surface). Ideally this should correspond to the top surface of the cartridge body being parallel
to the record surface.
When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully.
Please note: Under no circumstances should the arm tube be adjusted with the needle still in the
record groove! Irreparable damage may be caused to the cantilever suspension! The arm must be
lifted to make each adjustment and lowered afterwards to check it.
Mounting and connecting the cartridge
** All cartridges with half inch mounting holes can be fitted. Leaving the needle's protection cover on, fit the
cartridge to the headshell using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through each
slot in the headshell (20). Do not tighten the nuts yet.
Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:
white left channel positive (L+)
red right channel pos. (R+)
green right channel return (R -)
blue left channel return (L -)
The full sound quality of the record player can only be achieved if the cartridge is correctly adjusted. Particular
tools like the Pro-Ject alignment tool are required to accomplish this job properly.
If you are not well acquainted with the adjustment of cartridges you are advised to call upon the willing help of
your Pro-Ject dealer to accomplish this task for you.
Please note: Adjusting a cartridge and tonearm calls for the greatest care in order to avoid damaging
the cartridge or tonearm bearings. Leave this work to your dealer if you are in any way unsure of the
necessary steps and precautions to be taken.
Maintenance and cleaning
Your record player requires little or no regular maintenance. Remove dust with a slightly moistened antistatic
cloth. Never use a dry cloth because this will create static electricity which attract more dust! Antistatic

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cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber
parts. It is recommended to fit the needle cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out to avoid damage.
If the player is not used over a long period of time the drive belt can be removed to prevent unequal stretching.
!
Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply as a precaution before maintenance!
Technical specifications
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes/ Pro-Ject 8.6cc
Nominal speeds
33/45 r.p.m.. *** 78 r.p.m. optional
Speed variance
33: 0,60% 45: 0,50%
Wow and flutter
33: 0,29% 45: 0,27%
Signal to noise
-68dB
Effective tonearm mass
6g
Effective tonearm length
8,6 " ( 218,5mm)
Overhang
18,5mm
Power consumption
4W/0W in Stand-By
Outboard power supply
15V / 0 –0.8mA DC (set at 0.5mA), universal power supply
Dimensions (W x H x D)
415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm
Weight
5,6kg
Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon 2M Red
Frequency range
20-22.000Hz
Channel separation
22dB/1kHz
Output voltage
5,5mV
Recommended load impedance
47kohms/amplifier connection –MM-input
Compliance/stylus type
20µm/mN –elliptical
Recommended tracking force
18mN
Weight
7,2g

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Potential incorrect use and fault conditions
Pro-Ject turntables are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo strict quality controls before
leaving the factory. Faults that may possibly occur are not necessarily due to material or production faults but
can sometimes be caused by incorrect use or unfortunate circumstances. Therefore the following list of common
fault symptoms is included.
The platter doesn't turn although the unit is switched on:
The unit is not connected to the mains power supply.
No mains at the socket.
Drive belt is not fitted or has slipped off.
No signal through one or other channel or both channels:
No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring or from that to the arm lead or
from that to the phono box or between that and the amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug,
broken wire or solder joint or simply loose plug/socket connection.
Phono input not selected at amplifier.
Amplifier not switched on.
Amplifier or speakers defective or muted.
No connection to the loudspeakers.
Strong hum on phono input:
No earth connection from cartridge or arm or arm cable to amplifier, or earth loop.
Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels:
Record player is connected to wrong input of amplifier, or MM/MC switch incorrectly set.
Needle or cantilever damaged.
Wrong r.p.m., drive belt overstretched or dirty, platter bearing without oil, dirty or damaged.
Service
Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify despite the above information,
please contact your dealer for further advice. Only when the problem cannot be resolved there should the
unit be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.
Guarantee repairs will only be effected if the unit is returned correctly packaged. For this reason we recommend
keeping the original packaging.
Never return a record player without making sure that is it safely disassembled and correctly packaged in the
original packaging according to the diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Please remove these parts
and pack them separately: lid (10), counterweight (6), anti-skating weight (16) platter (5) and belt (3). Fit the
cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport lock for the tonearm (18) prior to carefully packaging the record
player.
Warranty
The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions
for use and/or by transportation without the original packaging. Modification or change to any part
of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above
the lawful rights of the customer.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a Registered Trademark of H.
Lichtenegger.
This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems
Copyright ©2017. All rights reserved.
The information was correct at the time of going to
press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes to the technical specification without prior
notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing
process of technical development.

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