Sony TC-U30 User manual

SONY.
STEREO CASSETTE DECK
C-U30
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Page 2
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly.
This manual should be retained for future reference.
MODE D’EMPLOI page 14
Avant toute opération, lire attentivement ce mode d’emploi.
Conserver ce manuel pour toute référence ultérieure.
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG ss seite 26
Vor Inbetriebnahme lesen Sie bitte diese Bedienungsanleitung
sorgfaltig durch.
Bewahren Sie diese Anleitung zum spateren Nachschlagen gut auf.
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES Pagina 38
Antes de manipular el aparato, lea usted este manual detenida-
mente.
Conserve este manual para futuras referencias.
© 1979 by Sony Corporation

FEATURES
@ Newly developed LED peak program meters enable the recording
of programs making full use of the dynamic range of tapes.
e@ Dolby NR (Noise Reduction) system which reduces tape hiss
noise.
@ Auto play function available for automatic replay promptly after
the tape is rewound.
@ Three-way tape selector to obtain maximum tape characteristics.
@ Timer-activated recording and playback function.
@ DC servo-motor with built-in frequency generator for low wow and
flutter and free from line voltage and frequency variations
WARNING
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.
For the Customers in the United Kingdom
Important
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live :
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the ter-
minals in your plug proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal
which is marked with the letter N or coloured black.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the ter-
minal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.
Notes on ac power cord
The three kinds of ac power cord plugs equipped with your tape
deck are illustrated below :
| Power cord plug
A detachable power cord adaptor is supplied with the type B plug,
and it permits a direct connection to an ac outlet in your house.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operating voltage. 2... ee ee :
Precautions: -«... 60. ara. Sis Baw BG Se Ree el ge ae ‘
Functionofcontrols .......-6 002. ec ee es ‘
Connections. <2. sso ks eek a ee AS ce he ae ee Bee eS (
RECOrdINg ss 20% Geceedea Beg ee ceie SSE ahs es GE RES d
Smoother recording Starts... ..........0.-0008. ¢
Recording new material while the tapeisrunning....... :
Recording level adjustment................... i
Tape selector recommendations ................ {
Playback ¥.5..ce-c00:5, G05 ae ey ee ee eS ee Ae :
Erasing. e hak pat ot ad a Sa a oh ee aos Ee §
Timer-activated recording and playback .............6. :
AUtO Pplayics ics ee ae Ew a Be Wee eR a 1
Notesion cassettes . cc eee ee ee ee ee 1
Maintenance. . 2.0... 2. ee ee ee es 1
Speclfications..-% 65 t-6 ore eee ce wee wee Pa eels Aha 1
Trouble CHECKS.» 52 ics <a ca ag ein a ca GO IS acl nae, GE 1
OPERATING VOLTAGE
Before connecting the unit to the power source, check that the
operating voltage of your unit is the same as the local power lini
voltage.
The model in European countries (type 1): operates on 220 Vac
(or 240 V ac ~ adjustable by authorized Sony personnel).
The model in the United Kingdom (type 2): operates on 240 Vac
(or 220 V ac ~ adjustable by authorized Sony personnel).
The model in other countries (type 3): operates on 110, 120, 220
or 240 Vacr.
The voltage selector is located on the rear panel. If the selec
tor must be reset, disconnect the ac power cord and turn th«
selector with a coin so that the arrow mark of the selecto
points to the proper voltage figure.
t™
PN
be
o>
=m +Elw— 1c Ee:
adaptor
.
wall
outlet
However, when making power connections among the amplifie
the program timer, and any equipment on the list below, this aday
tor is not needed.
A line-up of Sony audio components and timers available
Tuner: ST-636, ST-333L/S
Tape deck: TC-U60, TC-U30
Receiver: STR-434L/S, STR-333L/S
Turntable: PS-636, PS-434, PS-333 —
Program timer: PT-79R, PT-59
Amplifier: TA-636, TA-535, TA-333

PRECAUTIONS... ..
On safety
@
Before
operating
the
set,
be
sure
that
the
operating
voltage
of
your
unit
is
identical
with
that
of
your
local
power
supply.
@
Should
any
liquid
or
solid
object
fall
into
the
cabinet,
unplug
the
unit
and
have
it
checked
by
qualified
personnel
before
operating
it
any
further.
‘
@
Unplug
the
unit
from
the
wall
outlet
if
it
is
not
to
be
used
for
an
extended
period
of
time.
To
disconnect
the
cord,
pull
it
out
by
the
plug.
Never
pull
the
cord
itself.
,
On installation
©
@Good
air
circulation
is
essential
to
prevent
internal
heat
build-up
in
the
unit.
Place
the
unit
in
a
location
with
sufficient
air
circula-
tion.
e@Do
not
install
the
unit
in
a
location
near
heat
sources
such
as
radiators
or
air
ducts,
or
in
a
place
subject
to
direct
sunlight,
ex-
cessive
dust
or
mechanical
vibration.
@Place
the
unit
with
the
front
panel
facing
toward
you.
Do
not
operate
the
unit
in
an
inclined
position.
On operation
|
Press
a
function
button
fully
so
that
it
locks.
|
@To
release
any
locked
button,
press
the
stop
button.
(To
release
the
pause
button,
press
the
pause
button
again.)
Never
pull
up
a
locked
button
forcibly.
|
@The
record
button
cannot
be
pressed
when:
There
is
no
cassette
in
the
cassette
holder.
The
tab
on
the
cassette
has
been
removed.
Never
press
the
record
button
forcibly.
-
@Do
not
press
the
eject
button
while
the
tape
is
in
motion.
To
take
:
out
the
inserted
cassette,
first
press
the
stop
button
and
then
press
- the eject button.
|
|
1
\
1
}
i
\
if
\
|
if
t
\
|
!
On head cleaning
The
best
performance
of
your
unit
is
dependent
on
the
periodic
cleaning
of
the
heads
and
all
surfaces
over
which
the
tape
travels.
Dirty
heads
and
tape
path
cause:
Loss
of
high
frequency
response
Loss of sound volume
Sound drop-outs
Cleaning
should
be
done
every
after
10
hours
of
operation.
For
details,
see
“Maintenance”
on
page11.
Playback
waveform
at
10
kHz
With a clean head
With
a
dirty
head
(The
output
level
fluctuates.)
Frequency response
ith a clean head
a 0
3
2 -5
2
~~
a
—10
-
5
dust
layer
°
is
es
frequency
100 1k 10k
Frequency (Hz)
On cassette
Before
inserting
a
cassette,
take
up
any
slack
in
the
tape
to
prevent
it
from
becoming
entangled
around
the
capstan.
cb
les
\f
you
have
any
question
or
problem
concerning
your
unit,
please
contact
your
nearest
Sony
service
facility.

FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
The numbers in the photo are keyed to that of each control.

|
\
|
: @ POWER switch
This turns the power on or off. The lamp in the cassette holder and
peak program meters will light up when the unit is turned on.
© Cassette holder
_ @ TAPE COUNTER and reset button
: The tape counter is used for numerical reference during recording
‘and numerical indexing of recorded cassettes. To return the
numbers to zero, press the reset button.
@ LED peak program meters
The meters show the input peak level of each channel during rec-
. ording, and recorded levels in the playback mode.
“ The peak program meters follow the transient peaks of occasional
high level inputs that cannot be followed by conventional VU
meters, assuring accurate recording level adjustment.
_ © REC LEVEL controls
_ These controls adjust the recording level. The inner knob is for the
' right channel and the outer for the left channel.
i
|
@ Record indicator lamp
. This jamp will ituminate when the record button is depressed.
- @ HEADPHONES jack
_ Headphones may be inserted to either monitor the input signals to
be recorded or to listen to a recording in the playback mode.
|
© Function buttons
< a ee
Eject button[ 4]: Press this button to open the cassette holder.
Eject is non-operational in recording and playback modes.
Pressing in fast-forward and rewind modes may damage the
( tape.
Rewind button [<4]: Press this button for rewind the tape.
If you press the forward button while holding the rewind button
pressed, this button will be released after rewind, and the play-
back will begin automatically.
i See “Auto play” on page 10.
Stop button [lf]: To stop the tape motion, press this button.
| When a tape is entirely wound in any operating mode, the
engaged mode will be shut off automatically.
Forward button [>]: Press this button for playing back the tape.
Pressing this button together with the rewind button makes
auto play and memory play possible.
For recording press this button while holding the record button
pressed.
Fast-forward button [»»]: Press this button for fast winding of
the tape.
_ Record button [@]: To adjust the recording level, press this
i button. To start recording, while holding this button pressed,
press the forward button. :
Pause button [mm]: To momentarily pause during recording or
playback, press this button. To restart, press it again. Also
use this button for smooth start of recording. :
See ‘‘Recording” on page 7.
© TIMER switch
Automatic recording and playback at any desired time is possible
using a commercially available timer. ;
See ‘‘Timer-activated recording and playback” on page 9.
@ TAPE SELECT switch
Select the correct position for the tape to be used in both recording
and playback modes.
See “Tape selector recommendations” on page 8.
@® DOLBY NR switch
For recording and playback with Dolby NR* (Noise Reduction) pro-
cess, set this switch to ON. For recording and playback without
Dolby NR process, set it to OFF.
* Through the Dolby NR system, tape hiss is reduced and signal-to-noise ratio is improv-
ed.
During recording low-level high-frequency signals, which are either partially or totally con-
cealed by tape noise, are boosted ; thereby, allowing the recorded material to be heard
above the tape hiss level. When playing back this recording, the reproduction level is
fowered to the original input level. Simuitaneously, the noise tevel which was mixed with
the recorded material is also reduced in volume, eliminating much of the background
noise from these fow-level high-frequency passages.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trade marks of Dolby Laboratories. Noise reduction
system manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
@ INPUT SELECT switch
For recording through MIC jacks, set this switch to the MIC posi-
tion. For recording through LINE IN jacks, set it to the LINE posi-
tion.
@® MIC jacks
Any low-impedance microphone equipped with a phone plug may
be used. If your microphone is equipped with a mini plug, an adap-
tor for converting to phone plug is required.

CONNECTIONS. .
@
Turn
off
the
amplifier
before
making
connections.
@
The
red
plug
of
the
connecting
cord
should
be
connected
to
the
@8e
sure
to
insert
the
cable
connectors
firmly
into
the
jacks.
right
channel
and
the
other
plug
to
the
left
channel.
Loose connections
may
cause
hum
and
noise.
Amplifier connection
5 For recording
oo. ‘For playback
Zt ; to tape inputs to
signal flow (or auxiliary inputs) recording
as. outputs
Amplifier
LINEIN LINE OUT
no, to wall outlet
Tape duplication connection
For duplication from another
tape deck
For duplication to another
cX. tape deck
to line
outputs
Another
tape deck
LINE IN LINE OUT
<<), tO wall outlet
Connection on front panel

}
}
Follow the numbered diagram to begin recording.
2 Press the eject button and insert a cassette.
Take up the slack in the tape.
Tape surface downwards
si Press (ON)
Recording from MIC jacks... . . MIC
Recording from LINEIN..... LINE
While holding the record button
| 8 pressed, press the forward button.
Recording
will
begin.
Press
the
record
button.
|
i
t
Recording with Dolby NR process. ... . ON
Recording without Dolby NR process... . OFF
Set according to the tape to be used as shown
in the tape list. See page 8.
Set the recording level referring to the “Recording level adjustment” on page 8.
SMOOTHER RECORDING STARTS
Smoother starts are possible by using the pause button to begin
recording. After step @of the recording section, proceed as
follows :
@ Press and lock the pause button.
i
@
While
holding
the
record
button
pressed,
press
the
forward
but-
i
ton.
i © Adjust the recording level.
| @ Just before you want to start recording, press the pause button
.
again
to
start
tape
travel.
The
recording
will
then
begin.
.
RECORDING NEW MATERIAL WHILE THE TAPE IS RUNNING
i : To change directly from play to record during playback mode, press
i the record button while holding the forward button pressed. This
: : operation is useful for after-recording of new material or re-
; recording in your dissatisfied spot on a recorded tape.

RECORDING LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
A high recording level is recommended to reduce annoying tape
noise,
but
overloaded
and
distorted
tapes
could
result
if
the
level
is
too
high.
Recording
level
should
be
set
at
the
maximum
permissi-
ble for each type of tape. The higher the tape maximum output
level
is,
the
higher
the
recording
level
can
be
set,
which
provides
the full dynamic range of the tape and a better signal-to-noise ratio.
Note
the
general
points
on
adjusting
the
recording
level
as
follows.
Setting too high (distorted recording): The peak program meters
deflect continuously to full scale.
PEAK PROGRAM METER
+dB +dB
—§—_ 1 ——1- 5—
Setting too low (noisy recording): The peak program meters
deflect only to about —10 dB.
PEAK PROGRAM METER
+dB +dB
—$§ G5
Proper setting (Good recording): The peak program meters deflec
at the highest signal level passages to about 0 dB for TYPE | tape
(Sony AHF, BHF, CHF), about +4dB for TYPE Il or TYPE Ill tape
(Sony CD-@, FeCr).
TYPE |
PEAK PROGRAM METER
+dB +dB
—§—O-——1 -5—
TYPE It or Hl
PEAK PROGRAM METER
+dB
However, consideration has to be given to the fact that tape satur.
tion and distortion at higher frequencies occur at lower level
When recording programs containing strong, sharp pulses, such é
certain live programs, the level may be too high if adjusted in tr
way described, and distorted tapes could result. In such a cas
set the recording level lower than usual.
The peak program meters may indicate differently in recording ar
playback modes, but these small differences are not significant.
TAPE SELECTOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The following list shows our recommended settings, which hav
been determined through critical listening tests and electrical cha
acteristic measurements, on commercially available cassette
These settings may be changed to adhere to your person.
preference.
For Sony cassettes, be sure to use the recommended settings |
obtain the optimum tape characteristics.
Tapes
(C-60
and
C-90)
TAPE
SELECT
AGFA: FERRO COLOUR
BASF: LH super FUJI: FX-DUO
MAXELL: SLN PHILIPS: FERRO
SCOTCH: DYNARANGE
SONY: AHF, BHF, CHF
AGFA: SUPER FERRO DYNAMIC
BASF: ferrosuper LH! FUJI: FX-
MAXELL: UD, UD-XL |
PHILIPS: SUPER FERRO-
SCOTCH: MASTERI TDK: SD
SONY: CD-@
AGFA: STEREO CHROM :
BASF: chromdioxid FUJI: FX-l
MAXELL: UD-XL II
PHILIPS: CHROMIUM
SCOTCH: MASTER II
TYPE Il
TDK: SA
SONY: FeCr
AGFA: CARAT BASF: ferrochrom
PHILIPS : FERRO CHROMIUM
SCOTCH: MASTER Ill
TYPE Ill

’
PLAYBACK |
Follow the numbered diagram to begin playback.
w@® Press (ON)
Press the eject button and insert a cassette.
Take up the siack in the tape.
Tape surface downwards.
Press the forward button.
Playback will begin.
Set according to the tape
to be used as shown in
the tape list.
See page 8.
Playback of Dolby NR processed
tape..... ON
Playback of non-Dolby NR processed
tape..... OFF
ERASING
_ When the tape deck functions in recording mode, the erase head
Operates and any previously recorded material is automatically
erased.
To erase the recorded contents without recording :
@ Make sure that the tab of the cassette is intact or is replaced by
plastic tape.
@ Set the REC LEVEL controls fully to 0”. (Disconnection of all
of the inputs will result in a more complete erasure.)
® While holding the record button pressed, press the forward but-
ton.
_ TIMER-ACTIVATED RECORDING AND PLAYBACK .
Automatic recording and playback at any desired time is possible
using a commercially available timer.
Read the instruction manual of the timer satatully before using.
TC-U30
to wall outlet
Recording
@ Make power connection between the tape deck, receiver and
timer.
Set the timer so that power is applied to the connected equipment.
@ Turn on the receiver, and tune in the station of the program to be
recorded.
© Turn on the tape deck and insert a cassette. Note that erasure-
proof tab is intact or replaced by plastic tape.
@ Set the controls for recording and adjust the recording level.
@ Set the timer for the desired time. (At this stage, power is inter-
rupted to all the equipment in link.)
Be sure to read the instruction under “Notes” for setting the time
the equipment is turned off.
@ Set the tape deck TIMER switch to ON.
@ While holding the record button pressed, press the forward but-
ton. The timer is now ready for automatic start of recording at the
timer-set time.
Playback
@ Connection for playback is the same as that for recording.
@ Turn on the tape deck and insert the recorded tape.
© Set the receiver controls for reproduction.
@ Set the timer for the desired time.
© Set the tape deck TIMER switch to ON.
@ Press and lock the forward button. The tape deck is now ready
for automatic start of playback at the timer-set time.
Notes
e@ Set the timer so that the tape deck is turned off after the locked
buttons are released by the automatic shut-off mechanism at the
tape end. For example, if a cassette giving 30 minutes of recor-
ding on one side is used on a program beginning at 8 : 00 a.m., the
locked buttons will be automatically released at 8:30 and there-
fore the timer should be set to turn off at about 8: 40 or 8: 45 to be
on the safe side. If the deck is turned off with buttons being lock-
ed, the pinch roller may be damaged.
@When not using a timer during recording or playback, do not set
the TIMER switch to ON. Otherwise, the tape will stop.

AUTO PLAY...
Auto-play is possible right after the tape is rewound to the tape
end.
When starting to rewind the tape, hold the rewind button pressed
and press the forward button. At end-of-tape only the rewind but-
ton is released and the tape is then played back automatically.
=— AUTO PLAY ——=
«<4 a >
Rewinding starts
When the tape is rewound av, playback starts automatically.
=— AUTO PLAY ——=
Fal a >
i
q y
TI
>> e
Note
Never press the forward button and the fast-forward button
simultaneously, as this may damage the tape.
=— AUTO PLAY —~=
<< [| > >>
.
10.
_ NOTES ON CASSETTES
To protect recording from accidental erasure
Remove the tab as illustrated so that the record button cannot be
pressed. To record ona cassette whose tabs have been removed
simply cover the slot with plastic tape.
Do not stick any other material
To protect side A recording except on the portion marked.
Cassette care
@ Avoid touching the tape surface of a cassette, as any dirt or dus
may cause contamination of the heads.
@ Do not stick thick paper or tape into the cassette, as this may af
fect proper cassette alignment and prevent proper tape contac
with the head.
@ Protect cassettes from dust by storing them in their cases. Evel
minor dirt or dust could cause contamination of the heads resulting
in noise and sound drop-outs.
e@Keep cassettes away from magnetic equipment such a:
speakers, amplifiers, etc., as erasure or distortion on your recordec
tape could occur.
@Do not expose a cassette to direct sunlight, extremely cok
temperature or moisture.
@ Avoid fast-winding just before storing a cassette tape, as thi:
may cause stretching of the tape edge if the cassette is left unuse:
over a period of time.
Which cassette to use
This unit is preadjusted at the factory using the Sony FeC
Cassette, the Sony CD-@ Cassette and the Sony BHI
Cassette. All commercially available cassettes perform well witl
this unit. However, for optimum recording and playback results
we recommend Sony cassettes.
The letter A on the Sony cassette is embossed to help yo
distinguish that side of the cassette in a dimly lighted area.