Pro-Ject Audio Systems Signature 12 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pro-Ject Signature 12

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Controls, features and connections
1 Platter
2 Platter shaft
3 Drive pulley
4 Drive belt
5 Idler pulley shaft
6 Idler pulley
7 Platter belt
8 Transport screws
9 Adjustable feet
10 Tonearm
11 Azimuth set screw
12 VTA locking screw
13 VTA set screw
14 Mounting distance adjusting screw
15 Locking screw for mounting distance adjusting
16 Power supply
17 Control panel
18 ON/OFF switch
The device is transported in a partially disassembled to prevent damage sensitive parts.
Check the packaging and the device immediately if they were not damaged during transport.
Damaged devices not operate.
Compare the data for electrical connection on the plate with the data network.
These data must match in order to avoid damage of the turntable.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Turntable accessories:
1. 2 pieces of anti-skating thread
2. Centering ring
3. Allen key 1.6mm
4. Allen key 2mm
5. Allen key 5mm
6. Signal cabel Connect IT PHONO 5P-C (123 cm, already connected in the tonearm)
7. White cotton gloves
8. Cloth
9. Additional counterweight Ø15mm, length 30mm.
(together with the basic counterweight balance cartridge with weight 8-15 gr)
10. Additional counterweight Ø15mm, length 45mm.
(together with the basic counterweight balance cartridge with weight 15-23 gr)
11. Spirit level Pro-Ject Level IT
12. Tool for correct cartridge assembly
13. Record puck
14. Cartridge alignment tool Pro-Ject Align IT
15. Electronic stylus balance Pro-Ject Measure IT
16. Instructions for use

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Pro-Ject Signature 12
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
** The following instructions for adjusting the cartridge are provided in case the cartridge is mounted
(turntable was supplied without cartridge) or 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 familiarize yourself with the parts listed above and correspondingly
numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.
Set-up
Read thoroughly the manual and follow all instructions after unpacking the turntable.
Make the turntable assembly of distributed components in the package.
1. Installation of adjustable feet (9)
The feet are disassembled for transport and stored in the package of platter.
Screw the feet into the thread inserts of the turntable plinth.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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1. Platter assembly
Before platter (1) assembly, unscrew three transport screws.
Remove protective covers from shaft and platter bearing.
Check for adequate lubrication of the shaft (2).
If necessary, lubricate with grease in the attached accessories.
WARNING: The platter is floating on magnets.
When putting on the shaft, take care not to damage the magnet.
2. Idler pulley assembly
Idler pulley consists of two parts. One is powered by the motor units and one is floated on the magnetic
cushion. Both parts form a whole stored on a common shaft. Before installing this kit remove the covers from
the shaft and bearing. Check for adequate lubrication. If necessary, lubricate with grease in the attached
accessories.
3. Drive belt assembly
Drive belts (4) fitting in order: front drive - idler pulley (3)
rear drive - idler pulley (3)
Drive belt (7) idler pulley (3) - platter (1)
WARNING: Don’t stretch belts too much to avoid damage.
4. Headshell
Headshell is stored in a separated packaging.
When assembling, follow instructions:
a) Mounting the cartridge into the headshell:

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Fitting 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 (14). Do not tighten the nuts yet.
Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows:
b) white left channel positive (L+)
c) red right channel pos. (R+)
d) green right channel return (R -)
e) blue left channel return (L -)
f) 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.
g) 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.
For cartridge assembly use fasteners from cartridge accessories.
Fix the cartridge in the middle of headshell oval holes.
h) Connecting cartridge
White left channel L+
Red right channel R+
Green right channel R-
Blue left channel L-
i) Headshell assembly
Plug headshell into the front of the tube. Connector pin must be oriented into the groove. Fixing nut tighten on
the tonearm tube properly.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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j) Counterweight assembly
Put on counterweight on the support rod. Tighten the locking screw gradually and watch than the shaft entry
into thread groove. Then tighten the locking screw. Correction of counterweight’s weight is provided by
additional counterweight is also tighten by the set screw.
Setting range of counterweight:
1. Counterweight without additional counterweight
This setting balance cartridge with weight 4.5 –8 gr.
2. Counterweight with additional counterweight with dimensions Ø15mm, length 30mm.
This setting balance cartridge with weight 8 –15 gr.
3. Counterweight with additional counterweight with dimensions Ø15mm, length 45mm.
This setting balance cartridge with weight 15 –23 gr.
Please note that the maximum visible part of this additional counterweight is 21mm.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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k) Assembly of removable tonearm part to the turntable
Detachable tonearm part, which we already prepared, carefully put to it’s place.
Insert output connector carefully into socket in housing. Positioning pin must be directed to cartridge
counterweight. After insertion the connector into socket, lock the connector with fixing nut.
l) Tonearm output connection
Attached signal cabel plug to tonearm 5-PIN connector, which is located on the bottom side of the turntable.
Keep the right positioning.
m) Anti-skating assembly

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Assembly of anti-skating is described in the following four steps:
Step 1: Mounting the thread on the hook screw
Step 2: Put the thread on the correct position in the tonearm groove
Step 3: Mounting the anti-skating sliding mechanism on the shaft
Step 4: Positioning of the sliding mechanism. Eye of the thread insert on the pin in the groove.
When the tonearm is over the first outer groove of the record, the anti-skating thread must be already
tensioned, when it’s in the end, it must be still on tension.
WARNING: When the thread isn’t tensioned at the beginning, at the end already falling on the other side.
Be careful, there is a danger to rip off thread by tensile force.

© Pro-Ject Audio Systems · Pro-Ject Signature 12 · Revision 2014.11.04
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Operation and calibration
1. Cartridge setting
Effective length = 304.8mm (12”)
(distance between needle of the cartridge and the vertical rotation axis of the tonearm)
Mounting distance= 291.6mm
(distance between spindle and the vertical rotation axis of the tonearm)
Inner nullpoint: r= 62,5mm
For correct setting you can use either the protractor or Pro-Ject Align It tool.
Tool for cartridge alignment and adjustment
Special slip-proof tool for defining the turning centre of tonearm
Adaptable to accommodate differing tonearm lengths
Suitable for other manufacturer’s tonearms
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.
Setting the position of cartridge in the headshell:
For setting the correct position of cartridge in headshell grooves we designed for you small tool from
transparent plexiglass. Please note that this tool is only for headshell from Pro-Ject SIGNATURE tonearm.
Step 1: Place the tool with groove to the headshell as shown.
Step 2: Then move the cartridge to the correct position. Correct position is, if the top of the needle is in the
same plane like as comparative plane of tool. This is illustrated in the following picture.