Sony TC-S1 User manual

SONTY.
3-759-193-12 (1)
Stereo Cassette
Deck
Operating Instructions
Mode d'emploi
Manual de instrucciones
Manual de Instrucdes
TC-S7
© 1994 by Sony Corporation

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
SS ee a
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the Sony stereo cassette deck. Before
operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it
for future reference.
You can connect the TC-S1 and these other components to make a
stereo system.
TC-S1 (This unit)
CDP-S1 (Compact disc player)
ST-S1 (Tuner)
TAE-S1 and SA-S1 (Preamplifier and active speaker)
TA-S2 and SS-B1S (Integrated stereo amplifier and speaker)*
* Some countries are not sold both components. For details, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Features for this system are listed below.
Features for this System
You can use the functions below by connecting the audio bus cable
(supplied with TAE-S1/TA-S2) to the AU BUS jacks of each
component and AC cord to the mains of cach component.
* Have the power turn on automatically when the power of the
TAE-S1/TA-S2 turns on.
* Have the input selector on the TAE-S1/TA-S2 set to the TAPE
position automatically when play button presses.
¢ Control your TC-S1 from a distance with the remote commander
supplied with TAE-S1/TA-S2.
To set up the TC-S1 to this system, see the operation manual
supplied with TAE-S1/TA-S2.
Using with the Remote Commander
This manual also explains functions usable only with the remote
commander supplied with TAE-S1 /TA-S2.
* Inserting a blank space during recording
SSS
ee
a
ee
ae
Features
for
TC-S1
*
The
Dolby*
S
type
NR
system,
which
reduces
tape
noise,
has
been
adopted
in
the
stereo
system
in
addition
to
Dolby
B-
and
C
type
NR
systems.
* Automatic calibration of each deck which ensures optimum
recording conditions to bring out the best in every tape.
*
Automatic
reverse
playback
and
automatic
tape
type
detection
during
playback
and
recording.
*
Dolby
noise
reduction
extension
manufactured
under
license
from
Dolby
Laboratories
Licensing
Corporation.
HX
Pro
originated
by
Bang,
&
Olufsen.
“DOLBY”,
the
double-D
symbol
OO
and
“HX
PRO”
are
trademarks
of
Dolby
Laboratories
Licensing
Corporation.
3
:

Ta
b
f
@
rey
i
Chapter
1
Connecting
the
System
Before you Begin 4
Connecting the Audio Cord 4
Detaching the Side Panels 4
Contents
Chapter 2 Playback
“Playing Back 5
Locating a Selection — AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) 5
Playing Back Automatically After Rewinding —Auto Play 6
Locating a Specific Playback Position — Memory Play 6
Chapter 3 Recording
Recording 7
Preparing for Recording 7
Start Recording 7
Protecting a Recording 7
Adjusting the Recording Level 8
Recording with the Dolby Noise Reduction System 8
What is the DOLBY HX PRO System? 8
Calibrating the Recording Level 8
Inserting a Blank Space During Recording —Record Muting 9
Chapter 4 Other Operation
Playing Back and Recording Using a Timer 10
Chapter 5 For Your Information
Precautions 11
Troubleshooting Guide 11
Maintenance 12
Specifications 12
Index to Parts and Controls 12
“G

Chapter 1
Connecting
the System
Chapter 1: Connecting the System
Before you Begin
Notes on Installation
* Place the unit in a location with adequate
air circulation to prevent internal heat
build up in the unit.
© Do not install the unit:
- near heat sources such as radiators or air
ducts.
- ina place subject to direct sunlight,
excessive dust, mechanical vibration or
shock.
- in an inclined position.
- on a rug or other. soft surfaces that would
block the ventilation holes on the bottom
of the unit.
Checking the Supplied Accessories
Make sure that all supplied accessories are
included with your unit. This manual and
the following item must be included with
your unit.
a a
Audio cord (2)
Do not throw away the carton or the
packing material. They will come in handy
when transporting the unit or shipping it
for servicing.
Note on connection
¢ Turn off the power of each unit before
making connections. Connect the mains
lead last.
Be sure to insert the plugs firmly into the
jacks. Loose connection may cause hum
and noise.
Leave a little slack in the connecting cord
to allow for inadvertent shock or
vibration.
e The supplied audio cord plug is colour
coded. The red plug is for the right
channel (R) and the white one for the left
channel (L).
Connecting the Audio Cord
Connect the unit to an amplifier as shown
below.
TC-Si Cassette deck
to a main
for
playback
Amplifier
tal
ojo eee
ddloojooloolo |
rt
to amain
Note on connecting the audio cord
Connect the audio cord firmly as illustrated
below:
Correct Incorrect
| |
To set up your TC-S1 with other
components to the system, see operation
manual supplied with TAE-S1/TA-S2
stereo preamplifier/integrated stereo
amplifier (optional).
Detaching the Side Panels
If you choose to remove the side panels
from the unit, do not reinsert the side panel
screws into the cabinet holes. Use the
shorter M3 x 6 screws (supplied) instead.
For safety’s sake, disconnect the AC power
cord from the AC outlet before inserting the
M3 x 6 screws into the cabinet holes.

Chapter 2
Playback
es Ie aL a |
Playing Back
You can use TYPE I (NORMAL), TYPE II
(HIGH) and TYPE IV (METAL) tapes.
When you insert the tape, the deck detects
the tape type automatically.
TIMER» OFF 3 5
1 Press POWER.
Also turn on the amplifier.
2 Press 8 to open the cassette tray.
3 Place the cassette on the cassette tray
with the desired side facing up.
4 Check that the input selector on the
amplifier is set to the tape player
position.
Skip this step when the unit is
connected to TAE-S1/TA-S2 with an
audio bus cable.
5 choose single-side or dual-side play.
To play Switch DIRECTION to
One side of the tape ==>
Both sides “)P or
* The deck stops automatically after repeating
the sequence 5 times.
6 Press [> (to play the upper side) or <I]
(to play the reverse side).
The tape starts playing.
To Press
Stop play a
Pause HE PAUSE
Resume play
after pause
Wf PAUSE or C> or <J
Fast forward >> for upper side
44 for reverse side
Rewind <4 for upper side
bP for reverse side
Remove the s
cassette
Set the TIMER selector to OFF
Otherwise, recording or playback will start
automatically even if the power is turned off.
To start operations while the cassette
tray is open
Operations may be started while the cassette
tray is open. For example, when the <I or [>
button is pressed while the cassette tray is
open, the cassette tray will close and playback
will start. Similarly, pressing the <4, PP, or
Hi buttons while the cassette tray is open will
close the cassette tray and start the respective
operation.
To reset the counter
Press RESET.
When listening to a tape recorded with
the Dolby noise reduction system
Press the DOLBY NR button to select B or C or
S.
The Dolby noise reduction system reduces
tape hiss noise in low-level high frequency
signals by boosting the signals during
recording and lowering them during playback.
The Dolby S NR system provides the highest
reduction in tape hiss noise in both low and
high frequencies.
Note on the Dolby HX PRO
The Dolby HX PRO system works
automatically. This system works only during
recording, not during playback.
Locating a Selection
— AMS (Automatic
Music Sensor)
Using the AMS feature, you can quickly
find the track you’re looking for. The deck
senses where a music track begins by
detecting a blank space of more than four
seconds between tracks.
TIMER ~> OFF << >>
Playing To play the
direction
indicator next track, track being
press played, press
cc >> <<
<< << >>
continue to next page >
Chapter 2: Playback

> continued
Memo
When the beginning of the specified selection
is reached, playback automatically restarts.
The AMS may fail to detect the start of
a selection in the following cases:
e If there is noise in the space before the
selection.
e If the space before the selection is less than
four seconds long.
a ne eer)
Playing Back
Automatically After
Rewinding —Auto
Play
TIMER ~> OFF
1 2
1 Make sure the “M” indicator is off.
If it is not, press MEMORY.
2 While holding down E> or <J, press
<4 or DP.
From the beginning of While
pressing
upper side >, press <4.
reverse side <I, press >>.
ee
Locating a Specific
Playback Position —
Memory Play
The Memory Play function works with the
counter to locate a specific position on a
cassette quickly and play from that position
automatically.
Chapter 2: Playback
1 Press RESET to reset the counter to 0000
at the position where you want
playback to begin.
2 Press MEMORY to turn on the Memory
Play function.
“M” indicator appears.
3 While holding down <I) or &, press
<4 or >> to return to the specified
position.
Direction Indicator While pressing
| as [—, press <4.
~_ <<], press PP.
Returning to the specified position
while the unit is stopped — Memory
Stop
If you press only the << or ®® button
when the MEMORY indicator is on and the
unit is stopped, the tape rewinds and then
stops when the counter reaches 0000.
To turn off the Memory Play function
Press MEMORY button, so that the
MEMORY indicator disappears.

Chapter 3
Recording
Recording
Preparing for Recording
3 42 5
ara ®
1
Follow the procedure below to start
recording at the beginning of the tape (side
A for example).
1 Turn on the power.
2 Press &.
The cassette tray opens.
3 Place the cassette to be recorded.
Place the cassette on the cassette tray
with the desired side (side A) facing up.
4 Select the side(s) to be recorded.
To record on to Set
one side ——
Both sides Por
* Even at the > position, recording
automatically stops when the tape reaches
the end of the reverse side.
5 Turn REC LEVEL to the centre position.
To adjust the recording level accurately
See "Adjusting the Recording Level”.
Start Recording
1 set the input selector on the amplifier to
the desired source position.
2 Press @ to enter the recording pause
mode.
The tape direction appears in the
display.
iB 10 amo 74 48
Tt a Ca | f_ _mmnene
Bis da bs eeteckons
aT,
PlokY Be HEREC
(If <1 PLAY indicator appears, press
[=> to change the side of the cassette
being recorded.)
3 Press Il PAUSE or [> to start
recording.
A start the programme source.
To stop recording
Press the l@ button.
Set the TIMER selector to OFF
Otherwise recording or playback will start
automatically when the power is turned on.
Protecting a Recording
To protect a recording on side A or B
Break out the respective tab.
[EN |
7
Side A
Tab for
side B side A
Tab for
To record on a cassette that is
protected
Cover the hole with plastic tape.
When using Type II or Type IV
cassettes
Be careful not to cover the detector slots
which are necessary for automatic tape-
type detection.
Type Il / IV cassette
Ua
Tab
Detector
slots
Cassette care
¢ Avoid touching the tape surface of a cassette
to prevent contamination of the heads by
dirt, dust, or oil on the skin.
Keep cassette away from equipment with
magnets, such as speakers and amplifiers, as
erasure or distortion of the recorded tape
could occur.
Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight,
extremely cold temperatures, or moisture.
continue to next page >
Chapter 3: Recording

~ continued
Note on cassettes longer than 90
minutes
We do not recommend the use of cassettes
longer than 90 minutes except for long
continuous playback.
Adjusting the Recording
Level
You can record on a tape without distortion
and hiss by adjusting the recording level.
23
1 Play the programme source to be
recorded.
For example: To record from a CD, play
the CD player.
2 Press REC e.
The peak level meter appears.
3 Adjust the REC LEVEL control.
Adjusting the REC LEVEL control as high
as possible without exceeding the
recommended range for the inserted tape.
Peak level meter recording by tape
type
Recommended maximum peak level meter
readings.
for Type |
or TYPE Il
tape — for Type
IV tape
dB -20
Lenane
Tips on recording level adjustment
Setting the recording level too low will
produce a hissing sound, while setting it too
high will produce distortion. Generally the
proper recording level for high and low
frequencies is lower than that for middle
frequencies. When recording programme
sources with many high and low frequencies,
set the level to a relatively low position, then
make adjustments according to the recording
results.
Chapter 3: Recording
Recording with the Dolby
Noise Reduction System
DOLBY NR
1 Press DOLBY NR to select B, C, or S.
Each time you press DOLBY NR, the
DOLBY NR system changes as follows:
B -» C > S -» OFF (no indication)
(one
2 Start recording.
(Refer to page 7.)
What is the DOLBY HX PRO
System?
The Dolby HX PRO system provides
precise bias control during recording to
reduce distortion and improve linearity in
the high-frequency range. The result is
recorded sound that is highly faithful to the
original. Since the HX PRO system operates
only during recording, the same high-
quality sound is produced even during
playback on other tape decks. The HX PRO
system is independent from the Dolby NR
system and is unaffected by the Dolby NR
setting.
Calibrating the
Recording Level
Cassettes are available in several types,
each with varying magnetic properties. In
additional to the Automatic Tape Selection
(ATS) system which sets the appropriate
equalization characteristics, bias current
and recording level for each tape type, the
automatic calibration function can be used
to obtain optimum recording conditions for
your tape, especially in conjunction with
the Dolby NR system.
6 4
TIMER OFF 2
i of O
Ie of Gi aL
1,3 5
1 Press &.
The cassette tray opens.
2 Place the cassette to be recorded.
Place the cassette on the cassette tray
with the desired side facing up.
3 Press &.
The cassette tray closes.
4 Press the respective AUTO CAL.
The respective CAL indicator appears in
the display, “CAL” appears on the
counter and the unit enters recording
pause mode.
5 Press [> or <<J to select the side to be
recorded.
To select the upper side, press >.
To select the reverse side, press <<.
6 Press If.
The unit fastwinds a short distance, the
unit performs recording, rewinding and
playback as part of the calibration
process.
After automatic calibration is
completed, the tape rewinds to the
beginning position, the counter returns
to normal and the unit enters stop
mode.
7 start recording.
(Refer to page 7.)
To stop the automatic calibration
Press @.
To apply the generated calibration data
to another tape
As long as the unit remains on, all generated
calibration data are saved and applied by the
system whenever a cassettes of the same type
(LII or IV) is inserted.
The CAL indicator appears when previous
calibration data are being applied. However,
since cassette of the same type also vary in
their characteristics, recalibration is
recommended each time a new cassette is
inserted.
To clear the automatic calibration
data
While pressing ll, press AUTO CAL.
Notes
Since a test tone is recorded on the tape
during automatic calibration, previously
recorded material is erased where the test
tone is recorded.
Relatively new tape and clean heads are
recommended for best calibration results.
Excessively worn tape or dirty heads may
result in incorrect calibration values.
The automatic calibration function works
only when deck is stopped.

The CAL indicator flashes continuously
The automatic calibration process has been
interrupted by:
- The end of the tape. Reverse the tape
direction or fastwind to a new position that
allows recording of the test tone.
- Damaged tape or dirty heads. Change the
cassette or clean and demagnetize the heads.
i |
Inserting a Blank
Space During
Recording —Record
Muting
You can use the record muting function
only with the remote commander supplied
with TAE-S1/TA-S2 stereo preamplifier /
integrated stereo amplifier.
The record muting function allows you to
insert a four-second blank between
selections to enable proper AMS operation
(see page 5), or to replace unwanted
recorded material with a blank of any
length.
n Tey
EIS AG ectenass
sly,
PLAY fe — (REC) ~
The REC indicator start flashing. During
this time, no incoming signals are
recorded on the tape.
After four seconds, the REC and H
indicators light up and the unit enters
recording pause mode.
2 Press 1 when you want to resume
recording.
To create a blank longer than four
seconds
Press the O button and keep it pressed for
as long as desired. After four seconds, the
REC indicator flashes at a faster rate. When
you release the O button, the HM indicator
lights up and the unit goes into recording
pause mode.
Press the If button when you want to
resume recording.
Chapter 3: Recording
~ A

Chapter 4
Other
Operations
10
Chapter 4: Other Operations
| ee a ee
Playing Back and
Recording Using a
Timer
By using an optional timer, you can record
or play back at a preset time.
Dolby NR setting and direction mode setting
are maintained even if the power is turned off.
TC-S1
Amplifier
- toa
to a mains 4 mains
3 Timer
os
to a mains
1 Prepare the tape deck for playback or
recording.
For Follow steps
playback 1 through 5 on page 5.
recording 1 through 5 on page 7.
After completing the preparations, press
Wl to set the tape deck to stop mode.
Make sure to close the tray completely.
2 set the input selector on the amplifier.
For The input selector
playback tape position
recording source to be recorded
3 set the timer.
Power to the tape deck turns off.
4 set TIMER to PLAY or REC.
Playback or recording will start at the
preset time.
Note
After timer-activated recording has ended, set
the TIMER selector on the tape deck to OFF. If
you leave the TIMER selector at REC, the unit
will automatically start recording the next
time you turn the power on, and recorded
material may be erased.
Check the direction mode indicator
Timer-activated operations start from the side
of the cassette being used when the power was
turned off.
Keep the POWER switch on the unit on
When you set the timer, the power to the tape
deck turns off. You must, however, leave the
POWER switch on to enable timer-activated
operation.

Chapter 5
elem Collis
THSanielel
arr ae
Precautions
If you have any questions or problems
connecting your stereo system, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.
On safety
¢ Should any solid object or liauid fall into
the component, unplug the stereo system
checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any further.
The unit is not disconnected from the AC
power source (mains) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the
unit itself has been turned off.
Unplug the system from the wall outlet
(mains) if it is not to be used for an
extended period of time. To disconnect
the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the
plug. Never pull the cord itself.
e AC power cord must be changed only at
the qualified service shop.
On operation
When the system is not used, turn off the
power to conserve energy and to extend the
useful life of your system.
Caution on adjusting volume
Do not turn up the volume while listening
to a portion with very low level inputs or
no audio signals. If you do, the speakers
may be damaged when a peak level portion
is played.
Troubleshooting
Guide
If you run into any problem using the
stereo, use the following check list. After
first checking that:
e The power cord is connected firmly.
¢ The speakers are connected correctly and
firmly.
e The head, capstans and pinch rollers are
clean.
e The amplifier controls and switches are
correctly set.
Should any problem persist after you have
made the checks below, consult your
nearest Sony dealer.
Function buttons and tape transport
problems
The buttons do not work.
> The cassette tray is not fully
closed.
> The cassette is not properly
inserted.
> You pressed the button
immediately after turning on the
power. Wait until the Ml indicator
stops flashing.
Playback or recording begins when
the power is turned on.
> The TIMER selector is not set to
OFF.
The tape does not record.
> No tape in the cassette tray.
> The tab has been removed from
the cassette.
~» The tape has reeled to the end.
Excessively loud tape transport noise
during fast winding.
~ This noise is caused by the cassette
and is not a mechanical problem.
The cassette tray will not close.
> There has been a power failure or
the power cord has been
disconnected while the cassette
holder is open. Reconnect the
power.
The & button does not function.
~ There has been a power failure or
the power cord has been
disconnected. Reconnect the
power.
Recording and playback problems
The tape does not record nor
playback or there is a decrease in
sound level.
> The heads are dirty. Clean them.
> Magnetic deposits have built-up
on the record /playback heads.
There is excessive wow or flutter, or
the sound drops out.
~ The capstans or pinch rollers are
contaminated.
The tape does not erase completely.
> Magnetic deposits have built-up
on the record/playback heads.
Noise increase or the high
frequencies are erased.
> Magnetic deposits have built-up
on the record/playback heads.
Unbalanced tone in high frequencies.
> Improper setting of the Dolby NR.
> The system is placed near a
television set.
The specified selection cannot be
located even when AMS is on.
> There is noise in the space before
the selection.
> The space before the selection is
less than four seconds long.
> The <4 (or PP) button was
pressed immediately before the
beginning of the following
selection.
Chapter 5: For Your Information

12
Playback begins in the middle of the
selection when AMS is on.
> The selection contains one of the
following:
— along pause
—a passage of low frequencies or
very low volume
— a gradual increase or decrease
in volume.
Noise
Hum noise.
> The system is stacked on or under
the amplifier.
Noise is recorded.
> The recording was made near
equipment such as a television set
or a colour monitor, and
interference has affected the
recording on the tape and the
Dolby NR system.
Maintenance
Cleaning Heads and Tape Path
Clean after every 10 hours of use and before
recording.
Use any commercially available cleaning
cassette. For more details, refer to the
operating instructions supplied with it.
To Demagnetize the Heads
After 20 to 30 hours of use, enough residual
magnetism will have built up on the heads
to begin to cause loss of high frequencies
and hiss. At this time, demagnetize the
heads and all metal parts in the tape path
with a commercially available tape head
demagnetizer. Refer to the instructions of
the demagnetizer.
To Clean the Cabinet
Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with
mild detergent solution.
Specifications
Recording system
4-track 2-channel stereo
Fast winding time
Approx. 110 sec. (with Sony C-
60 cassette)
Bias
AC bias
Heads
Erasing head x 1 (F&F head)
Recording / playback head x 1
(SD head)
Chapter 5: For Your information
*Motors
Capstan motor x 1
Reel motor x 1
Assist (mechanism drive)
motor x 1
Signal-to-noise ratio (at peak level and
weighted) (Dolby NR off)
Cassette type S/N ratio
Type IV 58 dB
TYPE II 57 dB
Typel 55 dB
S/N improvement (approximate values)
With Dolby B NR on: 5 dB at 1
kHz; 10 dB at 5 kHz
With Dolby C NR on: 15 dB at
500 Hz; 20 dB at 1 kHz
With Dolby S NR on: 10 dB at
100 Hz; 24 dB at 1 kHz
Harmonic distortion
0.4% (with Type I, 160 nWb /
m, 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)
1.8% (with Type IV, 250 nWb /
m, 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)
Frequency response (Dolby NR off)
Supplied accessories
Audio cord
(2) (2 phono plugs - 2 phono
plugs)
Design and specifications are.subject to change
without notice.
Index to Parts and
Controls
Front panel
Refer to the pages indicated in parenthesis
for details.
1 2
3114) [5] (6
7} 89} AO} 11)12)13) (14
TIMER selector (10)
Cassette tray (5)
Cassette type Frequency response
Type IV 25 - 19,000 Hz (+3dB, IEC)
25 - 13,000 Hz (+3dB, -4 F
dB recording) A
Type IJ 25 - 17,000 Hz (£3dB, IEC) (3
4
Typel 25 - 16,000 Hz (+3dB, IEC) 4
Type IV: Sony Type IV
(METAL)
Type Il: Sony Type Hf (HIGH)
Type I: Sony Type I
(NORMAL)
WOW and flutter
£0.13 % W.Peak (IEC)
0.06 % W.RMS (NAB)
+0.16 % W.PEAK (DIN)
Inputs
LINE IN (phono jacks)
Sensitivity 0.16 V
Input impedance 47 k ohms
Outputs
LINE OUT (phono jacks)
Output level 0.5 V (at 47k
ohms)
Load impedance over 10k
ohms
General
Power requirements
220 - 230 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption
15W
Dimensions (including projections)
Approx. 310 x 90 x 345 mm (12
1/4 x 35/8 x 13 5/8 inches)
(w/h/d)
Mass
Approx. 4.3 kg (9 Ib 8 oz)
HE PAUSE button (5)
@® REC (recording) button (7)
AUTO CAL (recording calibration)
button (8)
REC (recording) LEVEL control (8)
POWER switch (5)
MEMORY button (6)
RESET button (6)
Display
DIRECTION (Direction) button (5)
DOLBY NR (noise reduction) button (5)
& OPEN/CLOSE button (5)
Tape operating buttons (5)
M (stop) button
<44/P> (fast leftward / rightward)
(AMS*) buttons
</C> (upper / lower side play)
buttons
FICC SIC
i
= Sf
Ela
* AMS: Automatic Music Sensor
Display section
15] Tape counter indication
16} Peak level meter
17] Deck status indicator
18 PAUSE indicator
19} REC (recording) indicator

21) DOLBY NR indicator
20! CAL (calibration) indicator : |
22} Direction mode indicator
3
q
3
;
j
Chapter 5: For Your Information