Pro-Ject Audio Systems Essential III RecordMaster User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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Essential RecordMaster
Controls, features and connections
(1) POWER SWITCH
(2) STEPPED DRIVE PULLEY (22) DRIVE BELT
(3) PLATTER & FELT MAT
(4) TONEARM COUNTERWEIGHT (4a) DOWNFORCE SCALE
(5) TONEARM LIFT LEVER
(6) TONEARM REST (66) REMOVABLE TRANSPORT LOCK
(7) TONEARM TUBE
(8) ANTI-SKATING STUB WITH ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCALE
(9) ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT SUPPORT HOOP
(10) ANTI-SKATING WEIGHT WITH WIRE
(11) HEADSHELL WITH FINGER LIFT AND PRE-MOUNTED ORTOFON OM10
(12) SIGNAL OUTPUT CABLE
(13) POWER SUPPLY SOCKET
(14) PHONO OUTPUT SOCKET, EARTH CONNECTION AND USB-OUT
(15) SWITCH BETWEEN LINE AND PHONO OUTPUT
(16) LID HINGES
(17) HINGE FASTENERS
(18) LID
(16) LID HINGES
(17) HINGE FASTENERS
CONNECTION CABLE PRO-JECT CONNECT IT E (NOT SHOWN) *
POWER SUPPLY (NOT SHOWN) *
Dear music lover,
Thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems record player.
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

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is replaced by a
different model 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 become familiar with the parts listed above and correspondingly
numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.
Safety instructions
!
The power supply is used to connect and disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the plug
is 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, like a flower vase, on
or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device. Never place any naked flame sources, like
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.
Fit the drive belt (22) around the platter (3) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (2) for playback
of 33 r.p.m. records. To reach 45 r.p.m. push the button for speed control once (1). To reach 78 r.p.m. put
the belt over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley and leave the speed control on 45 r.p.m.. 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 platter and the belt.
Fit the felt mat over the spindle of the platter (3). Remove the transport lock (66) from the tonearm tube.
Store the transport lock in the original packaging so they are available for any future transportation.
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3,5 - 5,5g (weight no.
00
). An
alternative counterweight for cartridges weighing between 6 - 9g (weight no.
01
) is available as an accessory part.
Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (4) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (7), so that the downforce
scale (4a) 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 (4) 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 (6). Hold the counterweight (4) without moving it, and
gently revolve the downforce scale ring (4a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating stub (8). Check whether
the arm still balances out.
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 factory fitted cartridge Ortofon OM10 is 15mN.
Anti-skating force adjustment
Hang the loop of the thread of the anti-skating weight in the groove of the anti-skating stub (8) corresponding
to the downforce applied to your cartridge and feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (9).
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows:
Downforce Groove in the stub (8)
10 - 14mN 1st from bearing rings
15 - 19mN 2nd " " "
20mN and bigger 3
rd
" " "
8

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (14) and possibility to choose between Phono and
LINE output. With LINE OUT on, you can use a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) on your
amplifier. With PHONO OUT on, you can use your own phono pre-amplifier (sometimes labelled gram, disc or
RIAA).
Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left
channel black or white. Check the manual supplied with your amplifier for relevant information. The earthing
wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the earth terminal on your amplifier (if provided).
For detailed product information regarding Pro-Ject Audio phono amplifiers please refer to the Pro-Ject web
site
www.project-audio.com.
The recommended load impedance for the factory fitted cartridge is: 47kohms/MM-input
Connecting to a Computer
Connect the USB-output of the unit to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is
powered on.
The “new hardware found assistant“ will automatically detect the unit and announces it as a
Microphone USB
audio codec
. There is no need to install a driver manually.
After installation, one setting has to be done. For example - Windows 7®operating system:
Control Panel Sound Recording 
Microphone USB Audio CODEC
Properties 
Advanced: set to
2 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)
Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to
USB-hubs or switches can cause problems.
Recording Programme
In case you do not have a recording programme installed on your computer, you may download one free from
the Internet. Recording programmes may be found by searching Google.
In the menu of the recording programme, source or input may have to be set to
Microphone USB audio codec
.
Please be aware that downloads from the Internet are made entirely at your own risk. Under no
circumstances can we carry responsibility or provide support for third-party software products sourced
from the internet or for any damage or problems arising from the use thereof. All downloads should
be checked with an up-to-date anti-virus programme. License fees may be applicable.
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 18) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (17) until the lid stays open
where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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Switching on and off, changing replay speed
To play records at 33 r.p.m. press the speed control switch (1) 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 reach 78 r.p.m. put the belt over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley and leave the speed control on
45 r.p.m..
A long (more than three seconds) press on the ON/OFF switch stops the motor.
For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject web site
www.project-audio.com.
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
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!
Stylus exchange
A damaged or worn stylus may harm your record collection and should be replaced.
Please remove stylus protection before pulling the stylus from the cartridge and replace for a new one.
Stylus type in exchange for pre-mounted cartridge
Ortofon OM 10
: Stylus OM 10.
If in doubt consult
your local dealer or distributor!
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 (11) using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through
each slot in the headshell (11). 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 “Align IT” 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.
Useful tips
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.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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Technical specifications Pro-Ject Essential RecordMaster / Pro-Ject 8.6
Nominal speeds
33/45 r.p.m.
Speed variance
33: ±0,70% 45: ±0,60%
Wow and flutter
33: ±0,21% 45: ±0,19%
Signal to noise
-66dB
Effective tonearm mass
8,0g
Effective tonearm length
8,6" (218,5mm)
Overhang
22,0mm
Power consumption
4,5W
Outboard power supply
15V/500mA DC, suitable for your country's mains supply
Dimensions (W x H x D)
420 x 112 x 330mm
Weight
6,0kg
Dimensions packaging (W x H x D)
488 x 235 x 393mm
Weight incl. packaging 8,0kg
Technical specifications MM-Cartridge Ortofon OM 10
Frequency range
20-22.000Hz
Channel separation
22dB/1kHz
Output voltage
4mV
Recommended load impedance
47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
Compliance/stylus type
20µm/mN – elliptical
Recommended tracking force
15mN
Weight
5g
Technical specifications integrated Phono preamplifier (MM) and A/D-Wandler
Input impedance/capaitance
47kohms/100pF *
Gain
32dB
Output voltage, typical
160mV/1kHz at 4mV
Noise floor
88dBA
RIAA-equalisation curve accuracy
max. 0,5dB
A/D-Wandler:
16Bit Delta Sigma
Sample frequencies
Up to 48kHz
USB connection
5-pole Mini-B
Digitales, serielles Datenprotokoll USB 1.1
Operating systems Mac OS®, Windows XP®or higher
* typical for high-output MC-, Moving Iron- and MM phono cartridges

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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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 is not switched on.
Amplifier or speakers are 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 affected 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, counterweight (4), anti-skating weight (10) and belt (22).
Fit the cartridge protection cap and the transport lock for the tonearm tube (66), 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.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Essential III RecordMaster · Revision 2017.06.12
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