Sony TC-758 Setup guide

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STEREO TAPECORDER
TC458
OWNER'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Precision, uncompromising quality. and superb stereophonic
sound......they are now yours with the exciting Sony TC-758.
Principal Features
rAn AC servo-controlled capstan drive motor
oAutomatic reverse system with a sensing foil and the AUTO
REV selector.
oTimer-activated recording and playback
oCtosed-loop/dual capstan tape drive
oThree-motor, six-head function
rTape equalization and bias selectors
oFET amplifier directly coupled to the playback head
r High performance F & F (Ferrite and Ferrite) heads
c Logic-controlled transport function
r Mic attenuator for excessive sound levels.
To fully realize the caoability and obtain the utmost performance
of the TC-758, read this instruction manual thoroughly and keep
it handy for future reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions . .. .. .. .. .. 2
Connections . .. .. .. . .. 3
Operation of controls. .. .. .. .. .. 4
Tape threadins . .. .. . '. .. ' ' .. .. 6
Stereo recording . . . . .. '. .. .. -. 7
Stereo playback .. .. . .. .. . . .. . .. 8
Automatic reverse system . .. .. I
Mono recording and playback...... ..'.......' I
Timer-activated recording and playback .......10
Special recordings. . .. .. .. .. .. .1 1
Editing. ....'.12
Erasing .......12
Maintenance .. . .. . ..13
Trouble shooting guide .. ' .. .14
Specifications ..... ...14
WARNING
oTo avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
aTo prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the set to rain
or moisture,

PRECI\UTIONS
Safety
oThe TC-758 is set for 120V AC.
To operate on other voltage, consult your Sony Service Station
or Sony dealer in the country where the TC-758 will be used.
oShould any liquid or solid object fall into the mechanism,
unplug the set and have it checked by qualified personnel
before oPerating it anY further.
o Unplug the set from the wall outlet when it is not to be used
for an extended Period of time.
.To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug' Never pull it by
the cord.
lnstallation
c Good air circulation is essential to prevent internal heat build'
up in the set. Place the set in a location with adequate air
circulation. Do not place the set in an enclosed cabinet or
place anything on top of the set that would block the ventila-
tion griltes at the back and top of the set.
o Do not install the set in a location near heat sources such as
radiators or airducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight,
excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
Operation
.ln the timer-activated recording, head direction has priority to
the function buttons, and tape will move in the head direction
regardless of the function button.
f orwa rd
button
Maintenance
oKeep the heads and all surfaces over which the tape travels
clean in order to assure optimum performance. For cleaning
information, refer to " MAINTENANCE " on page 13.
Clean head
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6
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a
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5
-10
-15
o Make sure the built-in reel locks are secured before operating
the set.
o Make sure there is no slack in the threaded tape. lf the tape
is threaded improperly. the set will not operate'
oThe microphone inputs and line inputs of the TC-758 can be
used simultaneouslY for mixing.
To record only through the microphone inputs, disconnect any
input source from the line inputs and vice versa'
.For normal operation, set both right and left PB LEVEL controls
at center click Position.
1
Frequencv (kHz)
By clean head
By dirty head
The output level
flu ctuates
lf you have any question or problem about your set, consult your
nearest sony dealer
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Dirty head
Frequency response
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Even hardly vis!ble dust layer of
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Plavback waveform at 1 O kHz

CON N ECTIONS
When making connections, observe the following notes'
rTurn off the amplifier while making connections'
.lnsert the cable connectors completely into the jacks' Loose
connections may cause hum and noise'
rFor high quality recording, use the supplied connecting cord;
use the red plug for right-channel connection and the remain-
ing plug for left-channel connection'
Amplifier Connetion
For playback, connect the recorder LINE OUTputs to the ampli-
fier tape inputs (or auxiliary inputs). For recording, connect the
recorder LINE lNputs to the amplifier recording outputs lf your
amplifier has the same DIN 5-pin connector as that on the TC-
758 (indicated REC/PB), the record and playback connctions can
be made with a single cable, such as Sony RC-2 (optional)'
Do not simultaneously make the DIN cable connection and phono
cord connections.
Tape Duplication Connection
To duplicate a tape from another recorder, connect the LINE lN-
puts of this recorder to the line outputs of another recorder' To
duplicate from this recorder, connect the LINE OUTputs of the
recorder to the line inputs of another recorder'
Microphones
Any high-quality low-impedance microphone equipped with a
phone plug maY be used.
to tape inputs
LINE
OUT
Headphones
Headphones must be of 8-ohm impedance.
Power Connections
Connect the power cord plug to a wall outlet.
The convenient AC outlet featured on the rear panel supplies AC
power (maximum 300 watts) to other audio components such as
a turntable, tuner etc. This outlet is not controlled by the front
panel POWER switch.
Ground Connection
lf hum occurs, it may be helpful to connect the Ground term;nal
to an appropriate external ground.
Note on Amplifier lnput Selector Setting
lf you connect the recorder outputs to the amplifier inputs which
are not controlled with the amplifier tape-monitor selector, do not
set the amplifier input selector to the same auxiliary input position,
while recording. Otherwise oscillation may occur since the re-
corder output signal returns to its inputs through the amplifier.
lf this happens. reduce the PB LEVEL control until you have chan-
ged the amplifier input-selector setting to another input position.
Amplifier
to recording outputs
LINE IN
to line outputs
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Another stereo
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to external ground to line inputs *6&

OPERATION OF CONTROLS
O Reel spindles with reel locks
lnsert the tape reel hole in the spindle' Line up and turn the
sptine of the spindle to lock the reel firmly in place.
@ Tape counter and reset button
@ Sensing poles
When these poles sense the attached foil on the tape, auto-
matic reverse system works. These poles and foil should al-
ways be clean to ensure reversing operation.
@ Tape-height adjusters (both supply and take-up sides)
lf the tape rubs the reel edge. tape height can be adjusted with
these screws; clockwise rotation will raise the tape and counter-
clockwise rotation will lower it. Before adjusting, check both
supply and take-up reeis. lf they are warped, replace them.
€f AUTO REV selector (Automatic reverse selector)
CONT REV O . . .. ..continuous reverse
REV ). . . .. one reverse cycle from right to left
NON REV . ..one direction (non-reverse)
Refer to "AUTOMATIC REVERSE SYSTEM" on page 8.
@ REEL SIZE selector
Select the optimal rewind tension and reel torque for the reel
used; the " 1O1lz" position for 101/2-inch reels, and " 7" is
for 7-inch or 5-inch reels. Use the same size reel for both
supply and take-uP.
4
O TAPE SPEED selector
For high quality recording, " 7 l lzips" (1 9 cm/s) is recom-
mended. Recording at " 33lq ips " (9.5 cm/s) extends recording
time. ln playbacl< mode, set the tape speed which corresponds
to the speed of the prerecorded tape.
@ Head section
Always keep this section clean for optimum performance. Re-
fer to page 1 3.
@ Function buttons
{{ rewind, { forward to the left, I stop. > forward to the
right, D fast forward tape motion.
These buttons can be depressed at random to change tape
motion from normal to fast wind, and vice versa (Logic-control-
led transport function).
@ PAUSE lever
To pause momentarily in playback or recording (to eliminate
undesired portions), depress down the PAUSE lever. The lamp
will light. Tape will stop (tape-and-head contact remains). To
restart, move it upward. This lever is also used for proper
timing of the recording. For instantaneous recording, depress
the PAUSE Iever first and then set the recorder in record mode.
At the moment when you wish to record, move the PAUSE
lever upward. Recording will begin immediately.
Use the counter for indexing tape contents. Once a reel is
threaded, set the counter to [0000] by pushing the reset but- @ Tension arms (both supply and take-up sides)
ton. The figures on the counter change as the tape passes. These arms maintain uniform tape tension. When all the tape
Make a note of the figures and the program being recorded for are wound and the tension arms are released to horizontal posi-
later reference. tion, tape transport mechanism will stop.

@ REC TIMER LOCK lever (for only timer-activated recording)
To make timer-activated recording, move this lever to the right
while depressing the RECORD buttons and the recorder will be
locked in record mode,
To return this lever to the left, depress either of the function
buttons when the power is supplied.
@ Head direction indicator
ln the timer-activated recording {REC TIMER LOCK Iever is set
heads which has priority to the function buttons.
C) RECORD buttons
@ BIAS selector
Select the correct bias current for the tape used in record mode'
The following list shows recommended settings.
@ EQ selector
Select the optimal equalization characteristics f or the tape used
in record and playback modes. The recommended settings
are llsted below.
BIAS selector EO selector Tapes
NO R N4AL
H IGH SPECIAL With some tapes, {requencY
response may be good butdis-
tortion may be high.
oFor record, select proper setting of BIAS and EO selectors'
o For playback, select proper setting of only EO selector'
O MIC ATTenuator
ln normal use, this control should be in the "O" position'
When recording an excessively high level sound source with a
microphone, use this control for easier adjustment of mic level,
to prevent overloading the MIC amp of the recorder ; " 15"
attenuates 15 dB, " 30 " will attenuate 30 dB.
@ MIC input jacks
Connect any low impedance microphone equipped with a phone
pl ug.
@ MIC input level controls
Adjust the record level of the MIC and REC/PB input jacks
with these controls; inner knob for MIC-R input and outer knob
for MIC-L input.
@ LINE lNput level controls
Adjust the record level of ihe LINE lN jacks; inner knob for
R LINE lN jack and outer knob for L LINE lN jack.
@ VU meters
With the MONITOR selectors set at SOURCE, the meters show
the recording level. With the selectors set at TAPE, the
meters show the output level of the LINE OUT and HEADPHONE
jacks: 0 VU reading corresponds to 0.43 volts.
@) MONITOR selectors
For playback of tapes, set the selectors to TAPE. While record-
ing, the TAPE position monitors the recorded sounds and
SOURCE position monitors the sounds to be recorded (source
material), Record level adjustment can be made with these
selectors at SOURCE.
@ POWER switch
Turn on and off the power with this switch.
@ HEADPHONE jack
Connect 8-ohm headphones to monitor the recording level.
Headphones level can be adjusted by the PB LEVEL controls in
recording and playback.
@ PB LEVEL controls
These adjust the playback signal level of LINE OUT and HEAD-
PHONES jacks. This adjustment reflects on the VU meters
with a O VU reading corresponding to 0.43 volt output. During
normal use, set the inner knob (R channel) to the center detent
position and align the outer knob (L channel) with the inner
knob. lf the reproduced tape sound is too high or low when
reproducing rated level signal (0 VU) with the amplifier volume
control set around 9 to'12 o'clock position, adjust these knobs
to match ti;e amplifier sensitivity; fully clockwise rotation will
provide 5 dB boost, and fully counterclockwise rotation will
mute the sound. These controls will also be effective if the
tape was recorded with imbalanced levels.
SONY SUPER 150
SUPER A
TDK 150
scoTcH 150
Other 150 type tapes
SONY SLH
MAXELL LNE 35
AGFA PE 35
BASF LP 35, 35LH
scorcH 203,206
TDK SD 150
SPECIAL

TAPE THREADING
Use the same size reels for both supply and take-up.
1. For right direction playing, place an empty reel on the take-up
(right) side and a full reel on the supply (left) side'
2. Lock the reels as illustrated'
3. Thread the tape. Be sure to pass the tape under the tension-
arm guides, and above the sensing poles.
4. Wrap the tape around the hub of the right reel or insert the
end of the tape into the reel slot.
5. Rotate the reels a few times by hand to take up tape slack'
The tension arms will be set in vertical (operating) position'
. For optional 'lQ1 /2-inch metal reel,
adaptors (RAD-10) as illustrated.
Note: Do not use the spacer when
plastic reels.
use the supplied (2) reel
using optional 101/z-inch
Reel holder
Reel
Turn the outer knob to secure the reel to the adaptor
Turn the inner knob to secure the reel to the spindle.
rFor the supplied 101/2-inch reel, neither reel adaptor nor spacer
is required.
Note: When threading a tape, be sure that the f unction but-
tons of >, >>, {{ and { are released. lf any button is
depressed and the power is on, the tape will start when either
side tension arm is set in the operating position.
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STEREO RECORDING
Connect the desired source program to the proper input jacks of
the recorder.
Q Turn on the recorder and the source equipment'
@ Thread a tape.
O At the beginning of the tape, set the tape counter to [0000]
by pressing the reset button for later reference'
@ Set the REEL SIZE selectcr'
6 Set the TAPE SPEED selector as desired'
G) Set the BIAS and EO selectors according to the tape used'
Refer to the setting table on page 5'
O Set the MONITOR selectors to SOURCE'
@ While waiching the VU metei's, adjust the i'espective level
controls so that the needle of each meter deflects to the 0 VU
position. Use the LINE lN controls for a line-program (off-the-
air and disc) recording, and use the MIC controls for a mic
recording. Be sure to turn the unused level controls fully
counterclockwise to MIN.
For mic recording, use the MIC ATTenuator if necessary'
Recording monitoring
With headphones, instantaneous tape/source comparison is
possible by setting the recorder MONITOR selectors alternately to
SOURCE (sound from source is heard) and to TAPE (sound from
tape an instant after it has been recorded is heard). With an
amplifier having a tape-monitor selector, this comparison is pos-
sible at the amplifier by setting the recorder MONITOR selectors
to TAPE.
Headphones volume can be adjusted by the PB LEVEL controls
without affecting the recording.
oWhile recording with a microphone, headphone monitoring is
advisable since speaker monitoring may cause a howling effect.
Line input
lnput level
c ontr ol
Line output
SOURCE MONiTOR
se I e ctor
PB L.EVEL control
Erase head Record
head Playback Erase head
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head
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Mic-and-line Mixing
Connect microphone and line source to their respective inputs.
While listening through headphones, adjust the mixing level by
turning the respective controls of MIC-L, -R' LINE lN-L, R. The
VU meters show the composite recording level of line and mic
inputs. For recording procedure, refer to "STEREO RECORDING"
Be sure to turn the unused level control fully counterclockwise
O With the HECORD buttons fully depressed, depress the ) (or
{) button. RECORD button lamps will light'
Now, recording starts'
r Depress the I button when recording completes
.Note the tape counter figure for recording content indexing'
To continually record on opposite side, depress the { (or })
button with the RECORD buttons fully depressed' The tape
transport direction will be reversed and opposite side recording
will begin. lf the sensing foil is on the tape, tape transport
direction will reverse with the AUTO REV selector set to 2' See
page B
oo I I I ? Il I I lo SOURCE
Tape input
@

STEREO PLAYBAGK
$ Set up the stereo playback system and turn the operating power
of each component on.
@ Thread a recorded taPe.
@ Set the REEL SIZE selector.
@ Set the TAPE SPEED selector to match the prerecorded tape.
O Set the EO selector according to the tape used.x
@ Set the PB LEVEL controls at center position.
@ Set the MONITOR selectors to TAPE.
@ Depress the ) (or {) button.
o Adjust sound level and tone quality with amplifier controls.
Sound level can also be adjusted with PB LEVEL controls.
*When playing back a Sony SLH or equivalent low noise tapes, set
the EO selector to SPECIAL to prevent overswing of the meter
needle. Since these tapes provide higher output than standard
tapes, the recorder output level is automatically reduced approxi-
mately 2.5dB by setting the EO selector to SPECIAL during
playback.
At tape end, depress the I butlon. To continually play back the
other side, depress the other forward button ({ or >). lt is
unnecessary to reverse the reel positions.
When the AUTO REV selector is set at either Q or ) position,
the tape will automatically be reversed at the sensing foil.
AUTOMATIC REVERSE SYSTEM
The TC-758 features an automatic tape reversing system. The
automatic reverse system activates only when using sensing foil
(supplied) and setting the AUTO REV selector to either CONT REV
Q or REV ) position.
Place a 1/z inch piece of sensing foil on the outer side of
the tape, leaving approximately 3 feet of blank portion (leader
tape can be used instead of a blank portion). lf the foil is attached
too close to the tape end, the tape will detach from the reel before
reversing. Be sure to center the foil on the tape and trim off airy
excess. lf the sensing foil or the sensing pole is dirty, reversing
operation will be impaired.
3 feet
longer than l,i'
Sensing foil
Leader tape End of the right
dlrection program
ä#trtr
Beginning of the
Ieft direction program
Position of sensing foil AUTO REV
se I e ctor
Automatic reverse in record mode
Automatic reverse in playback mode
Automatic repeat in playback mode CONT
REV

To Reverse the Tape While Recording
Attach the sensing foil at the tape end and set the AUTO REV
selector to REV D. The tape will automatically reverse from right
to left and recording in the teft direction will begin' Be careful
not to set the selector to CONT REV Q with the foils attached to
both tail ends, or the tape will reverse again after recording in
both directions and erase the previous recordings.
To Reverse the Tape While Playing Back
-Attach the sensing foil at the end of the recorded portion and set
the AUTO REV selector to REV D. The tape will automatically
reverse from right to left and playback in the left direction will
begin. To play the tape repeatedly, attach the foils at both ends
of the recorded portion and set the selector to CONT REV Q'
MONO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
lf your amplifier or receiver feeds a monaural signal to the record-
ing outputs, you can make a mono recording with the TC-758'
Mono recording and playback procedures are the same as those
for stereo recording or PlaYback.
NOTE
o When using a tape with foils attached to both ends. pass the
first foil over the sensing pole in fast forward, then put the
recorder into the playback mode. lf you play the tape in normal
speed, the tape will reverse at the first foil.
r With the AUTO REV selector set to REV D, the reversing sys-
tem operates only at the end of right direction.
*-@
@
When using the sensing foil and setting
properly, reverse recording and playback
cally. Refer to "AUTOMATIC REVERSE
the AUTO REV selector
can be done automati-
SYSTEM ".
Sequence Recording track MIC/LINE IN
jack MIC/LINE IN level control RECORD Forward
button Tape
di recti on
Amplifier
mode
Switch
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TIMER-ACTIVATED RECORDING AND
PLAYBACK
Automatic recording and playback may be made with a commer-
cially available timer.
Recording
@ Preset the timer at the desired time.
€ Select a desired station with a connected tuner.
@ Connect the power cord plug of the TC-758 to an outlet.
@ Push the POWER switch ON.
@ Thread a tape on the TC-758.
@ Set the necessary controls-AUTO REV selector (including sens-
ing foil setting), TAPE SPEED selector, BIAS and EQ selectors,
REEL SIZE selector.
O Adjust the recording level.
@ While depressing the RECORD buttons, slide and lock the REC
TIMER LOCK lever to the right.
Make sure the head direction with the Head direction indicator.
When the direction is correct, skip the next step @.
@ lf the direction is not correct, proceed as follows:
@ Press the PAUSE lever down (Pause lamp will light).
@ Depress your desired forward button (F or {).
-The heads will rotate.
@ Depress the ! button.
@ Return the PAUSE lever to upper (off) position.
@ Proceed again with the above mentioned step O,
@ Remove the power cord plug of this recorder from the outlet
and connect it to the timer outlet.
(D Surely depress the desired forward button (F or {).
Make sure the PAUSE lever is set at the upper (off) position.
Now the recorder is i'eady for automatic start of radio program
recordi ng.
NOTE
ln timer-activated recording, head direction has priority to the
function buttons. Thus tape will move in the same direction as
that of head.
@
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Playback
1. Preset the timer at the desired time.
2. Push the POWER switch ON.
3. Thread a tape on the TC-758.
4. Set the necessary controls.
5. Connect the power cord plug to the timer outlet.
6. Depress the desired forward button () or {).
Now the recorder is ready for automatic start of playback.
NOTE
ln timer-activated playback, function buttons have priority to the
head direction.
PAUSE
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TIMER LOCK
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