STEREO APEDECK

OPERATOR'S MA UAL
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.'- ~ ~ ~ ... _....
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Warning:
To prevent fire or chock hazard, do not expose this
appliance torainormoisture.
M'ANUI"ACTOREO &: D151'IHBUTED B'V AKA EL.ECTRIC CO,. LTO,/AIl-AI fRA.DI co COo. L,0,1AKAI Ai ERleA, LTD
..
INDEX
Controls 2
Operating Precautions .4
4-TrackStereoRecording andPlaybackSystem .4
4-TrackMonauralRecordingand PlaybackSystem .4
Tape Loading 5
TapeSpeedSelection 5
DolbyNoise ReductionSystem 5
Sound Monitoring 6
AutomaticStop 6
DirectFunctionChange Control 6
Connectionsfor Playback 7
Playback 8
Connectionsfor Recording 9
Recording 10
SoundMixing 11
Absentee Recording 11
Tape Erasing 11
TapeSplicingand Editing 11
Head Bl'ock Cleaning 12
Head Demagnetizing 12
Voltage and',Cycle Conversion 13
Standard AC,cessories 14
Technical ~ t a 14
Trouble SqbotingChart 15
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'ON ROLS
I. HEADtOVER
Houses head block including GX recording, GX playback,and
erase heads.
2. BUiLT,IN REELRETAL"ffiR (left'
'To lock reel firmly into place, pulltip ofretaineroutwardand
turntoleftorright.
3. 5L'PPLYRE.ELTABLE
VUMETER(left)
Indicatesleftchannelrecordingandplaybacklevels.
5.
6. TAPETENTION LEVER
Providesideal tape tension.
7. [NDEXCOUNTER AND RESET BtITION
8. REELSiZE
Set to "10" when using 10\12" reels and to "7"whenusing7"
or5"reels,
9. TAPESPEEDSEUcrOR
Set to7!1, or ipsaccordingtodesired speed.
W. POWERSWITCH
1. TAPfMONITORSWITCH
Set to SOURCE position to monitor source and to TAPE
position for playbackorprivate headphone listening.
12. OllUUTLEVELCONTROL
Adjusts output level duringplayback, Set to correspond with
amplifierinput.
D. HEADPHONE JACK
Acoomodates8 ohmsimpedance type stereo headphones.
14. MICROPHONEJACKS(left/right
15. BUILT-IN IU:U. RE1i\INF;l.{
To lock reel firmly into place,pull tip ofretainer outward and
turn tolettorright.
16. TAKEUPREELTABLE
17 \ill ME1ERtright
Indicatesrightchannelrecordingand playbacklevels.
18. PINCHWHEEL
Pressesagainstcapstanto transport tape.

20. RECORDING(REe)Burro
o,epress thiS Button and thel'lay Button simultaneouslyto
effectrecordingmode.
* Caution:
Be sure to depress the Track Selector Switch(es) prior to
effectingrecordingmode.
1l. REWUIffi.....gllTTO
Rewinds tape at high speed.
22- ALIOMATlCSTOP/TAPETENSIONLEVER.
23. OP_RlIrTON
24. PLAY ....BUITO
Advances tapeforrecordingorplayback mode.
15. FAST FORWARD"'BUrrON
Advances tapeathigh speed,
26. ....
Depress to temporarily suspend tape travel duringrecordingor
playback. Especially convenient for editing tape. Simply
depress when a certain portion of the program is not desired.
Pause Control does not function during Fast Forward or
Rewind Mode.
27. RECORDING INDICATORLAMP
Lightsto confirmrecordingmode.
28. rNPl'1 LeVELCONTROLS
Larger outer control adjustsright lineinputand smallercenter
control right microphone input level. Adjust while observing
rightVUMeter.
MICROPHONElLINEINPUTLEYELCONTROL(Iefl)
Larger outer control adjusts left line input and smaller center
control left microphoneinputlevel. Adjustwhileobservingleft
VU Meter,
30. T'\PESELE(TORSWITCH
WIDE RANGE (In): Set to this position when using Wide
RangeTape.
LOW NOISE (Out): SettothispositionwhenusingLowNoise
tape,
*Akai LN-!50-7 orScotch #2ll LowNoise Tape is considered
standard for this machine. The use of regular tape is not
recommended.
Set Wide Range position only when using special wide range
tape ofa grade higherthan lownoise.
L OOJ.llY NOISE RDllCfION SWITCH AND INDICATOR
LAMP
et to ON (in) position for Dolby process recording or when
playing back a Dolby recorded tape (Refer toDOLBY NOISE
REDUCTIONSYSTEM),
Keep at OFFposition at all other times.
32. RECORDING MODE SWITClIS (Lef( 3nd Righi ChanJlel
TrackSelectors)
Depress left or right selector for monauralrecording on left or
right channel. For stereo recording, depress both switches
simultaneously,
'.Caution: Be sure to select track(s) prior toeffectingrecording
mode,
J3. CYCLE CHANGl:: SWITCH ICEH, CSA. UL alld tA mOdels
notequippedwiththisfacility)
Set to50Hz or 60 Hz position accordingtoareapowersource,
34. REMOTE CONTROLJACK
Remote control ofalloperatingfunctionscanbeaccomplished
with optionalaccessoryRemoteControlUnitRC-17.
*Absentee recording can also be accomplished by using
Remote Control unit RC!7 together with a rimer. (See
ABSENTEE RECORDING procedure).
35. UNIVERSAL YOLTAGE SELECTOR(Uf,CSA. UL!llnl LA
modelsnotequippedwiththisfacility)
For voltage and cycle change, refer to VOLTAGE AND
CYCLECONVERSION procedure.
3lJ. A.C. CORD
37. UNEOIJTPUTJACKS(left/right)
38, DIN JACK
A DIN lack has been provided on this model facilitating
counection with an amplifier through a single Din Cord.
However, to prevent cross talk between DIN inputaud output
during recording, the DIN output signal is cut, Therefore,
monitoring through an amplifier cannot be accomplished. If
monitoring during recording is desired, use the tape deek
Headphonelack.
39. UNEiNPUTJACKSOeft/righl)
[1J
SO /10 0 ING
Forprivateheadphonelistening,connectstereo headphones
and settheMonitorSwitchtoTAPE position.
For more precise recording ltvel adjustment, set Monitor
Switch to SOURCE position and monitor signals through
headphoneswhile adjustinginput level controls.
Dual monitoring fC?r a more professionalrecordingcan also
be accomplished by switching the Monitor Switch to and
from TAPE and SOURCE to compare the just recorded
signalswith the inputsource.
* Set Monitor Switch to TAPE position for playback through a
speakersystem.
* Monaural headphone listening cannot be accomplished ifdiffer
ent monaural recordings have been made on both the left and
right channels of the tape (Signals from bothchannels are heard
through headphones).
.. When using the DIN Jack, monitoring through an amplifier
system during recording cannot be aecomplished. (Ifmonitoring
during recording is desired when using the DIN Jackconnection,
utilize the Tape Deck Headphone Jack).
M CS 0
At the end ofthe tape, the Automatic Stop/Tape Tension
Lever drops, activating the automatic stop mechanism to
stop reel movement. This automatic stop safety feature is
especially convenient when the recorder is left unattended.
DIRECT FU CTIO CHANGE CO TRO
This model features feather-touch Full Direct Function
Change Control. The necessity of depressing the Stop
Buttonpriortochangingmodesis eliminated.Theinclusion
of direct function change torecordingmodefacilitateseasy
add-on recording.
CONNECTIONSFORPlAYDACK

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RCA/RCA DIN/DIN DIN/RCA For private headphone
ConnectionCord ConnectionCord ConnectionCord listening, use stereo head-
phones of 8 ohms imped-
ance.
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PL YBACK
Make necessary connections as shown in CONNECTIONS
FORPLAYBACK andload aprerecordedtape.
StereoPlayback
1. Connect power cord andturn on PowerSwitch.
2. Set Reel Size Selector according to size of reel being
used andselecttape speed.
3. SetMonitorSwitchtoTAPE position.
4. DepressPlay Key to begin playback.
5. Adjust OutputLevel Controland amplifiercontrols.
6. Invertreels for playback oftracks 3-2.
MonauralPlayback
Monaural playback is effected in the same way as stereo.
However, if monaural recordings have been made on both
the left andright channelsofthe tape, at playback time, set
the left or right output level control of the external
amplifier to minimum so that only the desired channel is
audible.
Monaural headphone listening cannot be accomplished if differ.
ent monaural recordings have been made on both the left and
right channels of the tape (Signals from bothchannelsare heard
through headphones).
'0 'ECTlO7':S FO co NG
nlc Din Jmck clIn u5ed of
Line Input/Output Jacks ror t<lllnectioll
will! :In e"tern3] amplifier, This enables
or playbnc.k with II
connection cmd_ In thiscase, theinpllt level
is adJusted willi [he 1\lkrophonc LeVel Con'
trots_
Stereo Amplifier
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MDnitoring dllcjnjl Cllfll,ol be-
ccom Ihro u 0n BITI r
syslerll whIm [he Oil, Jack. Then!-
if n'L>!Iitorinl!- 1"
aJ eslJ:i! ,I , uWI7... frocil plmc]
J"cL
0000
Slereo I.h:c" or reconlt:r.
Do not IISC OinDIfI

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RECORDI1'IG
Make necessary connections as shown in CONNECTIONS
FORRECORDING andload a tape .
StereoRecording
1. Connect powercord and tumon PowerSwitch.
2. Set Reel Size Selector according to size of reel being
used and select tape speed.
3. Set Tape Selector according to kind of tape beingused.
4. Set Index Counter to "0000". (Provides an easy refer-
ence for locatingpositionson the tape).
5. SetMonitorSwitch to SOURCEposition.
6. Depress Left and Right Recording (Track Selector)
SWitches.
7. Adjust and balance input level with corresponding
Recording Level Controls while observing the VU
Meters. (Normal recording should not exceed aVU on
eithermeter).
8. When an optimum recording level has been determined,
while holding the Recording (REC) Button at depressed
position, depress Play ~ Key to begin recording. (The
Recording Indicator Lamp will light to indicate record-
ingmode).
9. Invertreels forrecordingon tracks3-2.
Monaural Recording
For monaural recording, substitute the following steps for
steps6, 7, 8 and 9 ofStereo Recordingprocedure.
Tracks 1and4
Only the left channel is used for monaural recording on
tracks I and 4.
6. Depress Left Recording(TrackSelector)Switch.
7. Adjust and balance input level with corresponding left
Recording Level Control while observing the left VU
Meter. (Normalrecordingshouldnotexceed a VU).
8. When an optimum recording level has been determined,
while holding the Recording (REC) Button at depressed
position, depress l a y ~ e y to begin recording. (The
Recording Indicator Lamp will light to indicate record-
ing mode).
9. Invertreels for recordingon track 4.
Tracks3and2
Only the right channel is used for monaural recording on
tracks3 and 2.
6. Depress RightRecording(TrackSelector)Switch.
7. Adjust and balance input level with corresponding right
Recording Level Control while observing the right VU
Meter. (Normalrecordingshouldnotexceed a VU).
8. When an optimum recordinglevel has been determined,
while holding'the Recording (REe) Buttonat depressed
position, depress Play Key to begin recording. (The
Recording Indicator Lamp will light to indicate record-
ingmode).
9. Invertreels forrecordingon track 2.
OUNDMlXING
Independent line and microphone recording level controls
and inputjacks enable signals from microphones and from
line sources to be blended and recorded simultaneously on
the tape.
Connect microphone to Microphone Jacks and connect
desired source to the Line Input lacks. Follow recording
procedure, adjustingbothLine andMicrophoneInputLevel
Controls.
Line and Din mixing can also be accomplished. [n this casc, Din
input level is adjusted with Microphone lnput Level Controls.
BSENTEE RECORDING
By using an external timer together with Akai Remote
Control Unit RC-l7, absenteerecordingcan be accomplish-
ed with this machine. Connect Remote Control Unit to
Remote Control Jack and properly load a tape, avoiding
tape slack. Plug in AC Cord through the external timer.
Adjust input level following recording procedure and with
the Power Switch turned ON andthe RemoteControlUnit
REC and FWD Play Keys locked into recording mode
positions, set timer, following manufacturers instructions.
If timer is set to coincide with source timing, the GX-630
DB will automatically begin recording according tosetting.
This machine features Automatic Stop which is effected at the
end ofthe tape.
TAPE ERASING
Any signals previously recorded on the tape will be
atuomatically erased as a new recording is made. For
erasing only, thread the tape and set machine to recording
mode. No plugs should be connected to theinputjacksand
the input level controls should be kept at minimum. For
quick and complete erasure, a bulk tape eraser is recom-
mended.
Be sure to depress the propcr Recording (Track Selector
Switch(es. If both switches are depressed, both the left and
right channelswill beerased.
APE SPLlCfNG AND EDITING
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Cut the tapediagonally withan overlap sothattheendsare
lined up. Cutting tape on the diagonal eliminates detection
of the splice in recording. Cover aligned ends with splicing
tape, exerting pressure to secure ends evenly. Trim off
excess splicing tape. Cutting into magnetic tape very
slightly will eliminate the possibility of a sticky splice.
Splicingusing scissors requiresskillful work.
For smooth and easy splicing, Akai Tape Splicer AS-3 is
highly recommended.
ITIJ
H DB 0 KC
Heads
The GX (glass and crystal) Heads do not require a
great deal of cleaning. However, ifold tapes or tapes which
have been spliced are used, GX head cleaning is also
recommended.
Clean recording, playback, and erase heads with a cotton
swab stick which has been dipped in Akai Cleaning fluid
from HeadCleaningKit HC-SOO.
Pinchwheeland capstan
If foreign matter is allowed to accumulate on the pinch
wheel and capstan, these particleswill comeoffon the tape
causing deterioration of sound quality. Oil adhering to the
capstan also causesirregularityin tape transport.Therefore,
it is also recommended that these parts be wiped clean
periodically. Use Akaicleaningfluid or alcohol.
Do not use chemicals such as chlorothane, etc. for head block
cleaningas the rubber parts will deteriorate.
HEAD DEM G G
Prolonged use of the machine will gradually build up
residual magnetism on the heads. The effect ofmagnetiza-
tion is that it causes a considerable drop in high frequency
response and introduces noise into your recordings. It is
therefore, recommended that head demagnetizing be per-
formed periodically. This can be accomplished with a bulk
head demagnetizer by bringing the prongs of thedemagne-
tizer close to the heads and making several small circular
motions over all head surface areas as well as the head
housing.
Turnoffthepoweroftheunit prior todemagnetizingthe heads.
Do not use magnetized tools in the vicinity of the heads and
VU Meters.
Do not bringthe magnetizerclose to the VU Meters.
",
'-Voltage
SelectorPlug
VOLTAGEAND CYCLECONVERSION (CEE,
CSA,ULand LA modelsare notequippedwith
voltageandcyclechangeapparatus)
VOLTAGE
Your machine is equipped with a.universal voltage selector
offering a selection of voltage from 100 V to 240 V A.C.
Voltage is preset at the factory according to destination.
However, the operatoris requested toreconfirm settingand,
ifnecessary, readjust as follows:
(l)DlSCONNECT POWER CORD and remove the Fuse
Post by screwing in direction of arrow.
(2)Removethe Voltage Selector Plug and reinsert so that
properareavoltage shows through the plugcut-out.
(3)Change fuseto correspond withv0ltage and tighten fuse
post. (Refer to standard accessory spare fuse tag
instlUctions for properfuse).
To maintain optimum performance and prolong the life ofyour
machine, it is important that the line voltage be held within 10%
ofstandard area voltage.
CYCLE
Correct tape speed cannot be obtained ifthe Cycle Change
Switch located on the rear panel is notproperly set. Setto
50 Hz or60Hz position according to area powersource.
B1l
S' ND R C ESSORJE
Connection Cord(RR-163) _ I set
lOW'ReelHubAdapters(RH-12) 1set
EmptyReel(R-IOM) 1
Spare Fuses _ I set
Operator'sManual 1
* Spare fuses not included with CEE,CSA,ULand LAmodels.
TECHNICA DAT
TrackSystem 4 track 2channelstereo/monaural
system
ReelCapacity Up to 1O ~ reel
TapeSpeed 7)6 and 3*ips (0.7%)
Wow andFlutter Less than 0.06%RMS at ~ ips
Less than 0.09% RMS at 3*ips
Frequency Response.. 30Hz to 25,000Hz(3 dB) at 7)6 ips
usingAkaiLN-150-7 tape
30Hzto 19,000Hz(3 dB) at 3*ips
usingAkaiLN-150-7 tape
Distortion Less than 0.5%(1,000Hz "0"VU)
at ~ ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio..Betterthan 57 dB (measuredvia tape
withpeakrecordinglevel of+6VU)
DolbySwitchON: Improvesup to 10dB
above 5 kHz
Erase Ratio Betterthan 70 dB
Bias Frequency 100 kHz
Heads _ (3): One GX playback,oneGX recording,
and oneerasehead
Motors (3): OneAC servo motorforcapstan
drive, twoeddy currentmotors
for reeldrive
FastForwardand
RewindTime 120secondsusing a 2,400ft. tape
OutputJacks Line (2): 0.775 V (0VU)
Phone(1): 30mV/8 ohms
InputJacks Microphone (2): 0.25 mV
Line(2): 70mV
DinJack 0.5 V/2.5 mV
SemiConductors Transistors64,Diodes69,FET 2
Power Requirements .. U.S.A. and CanadaModels: 120V,
60Hz only
CEE Models: 220V, 50 Hz only
OtherModels: 100 V to 240 V
50/60Hz(Switchable)
PowerConsumption .. 100W(CEE),90W(CSA)
Dimensions 465(H) x440(W) x 240(D)mm~
08.3x 17.4 x 9.4")
Weight _.. 19.5 kg (42.9Ibs)
* For improvement purposes, specifications and design are subject
to changewithout notice.
"Dolby" and the Double D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories, Inc. (Underlicense from Dolby Laboratories).
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART
The conditions listed below do not indicate mechanical failure ofyour unit. If your machine exhibits
any oftheseconditions,checkfortrouble asindicated.
SYMPTOM TROUBLE REMEDY
Lossofsensitivityandtone * DirtyErase Head. * See HEAD BLOCK CLEANING.
quality.
* Wrongside oftapefacing
the heads.
* A.C. powerlower than the * See VOLTAGE& CYCLE
voltage to whichyourmachine CONVERSION.
*
*
is adjusted.
Magnetizedhead.
TapeSelectorSwitch is set
* See HEAD DEMAGNETIZING.
incorrectly.
Machinewill notrecordor * Check oositionsofcontrols
playback. andinput/output.
* Checkposition ofthe Recording
(Track Selector) Switches.
* Checkpositionofthe Automatic
StopjTapeTension Lever.
*- OutputLevelControlat minimum.
Irregularity intapetransport. * Oilormagnetic particles * SeeHEAD BLOCK CLEANING.
adhering to theCapstan or
PinchWheel.
* Stickyordirtytapesurface.
* Improperlyloaded tape. * SeeTAPELOADING.
* A.C. powerlowerthan the * See VOLTAGE& CYCLE
voltage towhichyourmachine CONVERSION.
is adjusted.
Tapewillnotrun. * Blownfuse.
* Powerisnot beingsupplied. * Checkpowercord,PowerSwitch,
* Twisted orsticky tape. and AutomaticStop/Tape
Tension Lever.
Previouslyrecorded program * Erase headis dirty. * SeeHEADBLOCKCLEANING.
willnoterase.
Distortedornoisysound. * Recordinglevelis toohigh. * Normalrecordinglevel is
zero VU.
* Checkexternalsource controls
and connections.
[ffi
MEMO
MA F Tun 0 & DISTRIDUTED BY
AKAI ELECTRIC CO. LTD.
AKAI TRADING CO., LTD.
12.14, 2.chome, Ri:gssbi.Koji: "9.,
Ohtll,-ku, ]apa ,
AKAI AMERICA LTn.
2 39 . D I A Q Bl'vd.. Comp 08. 90220. U.S.A.
(213) 537.3880
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