4000DB STEREO TAPE DECK OPERATOR’S MANUAL ®., 2) 7 my CON acsomanemnssome ts nec vonCONTROLS a14 1s. 16. 1” 18, 19. 20, 21 n. 2. 24, PINCH WHEEL Presses against capstan to transport tape CAPSTAN Transports tape aad controls tape speed. See Tape Speed Seletion procedure CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (A) ‘UE position Hs, IN postion 60 He |. SUPPLY REEL TABLE. CAPSTAN STORAGE POST "TRACK SELECTOR SWITCH HEAD COVER Houses Frase, Recording, and Playback Heads, ‘TAPE GUIDE, INDEX COUNTER & RESET BUTTON MICROPHONE JACKS (Left & Right) VU METERS (Left & Right) HEADPHONE JACK For monitoring sound or private headphone listening. Use heaapnones of 2 impedance DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION SWITCH & INDICATOR LAMP. Set ihe Dolby NK Swileh to ON poston for Dolby process feconding ot when playing back a Dolby process recorded tape, rep ins switch RECORDING LEVEL CONTROL (left) Outer Control: Lines inner Control! Bisrophone. RECORDING INDICATOR LAMP Tights wen recorder ett to fseording mode, RECORDING SAFETY BUTTON SHUT-OFF LEVE ‘See Automate Shut OF procedure, ‘TAKE-UP REEL TABLE. RECORDING LEVEL CONTROL (right) Outer Canto: Lines lamer Comteol Mesrophone. RECORD/PLAYBACK LEVER For playback set t9, FWD position, and for recording set to FAST FORWARD/REWIND LEVER Sev Fatt Forward fe Rewind procedure PAUSE LEVER START BUTTON POWER/AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF SWITCH For turning ‘on power, set to ON pestion. For automatic Shut Of, see Automate Shut DF procedure MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH (Tape & Source) During recording mode when the Momtor Selector Soith eset {0 TAPE postion, sinsis eam be monitored ex thet the playbatk head, When set ta SOURCE postion: he pe Source wil be monitored. For erasing or private listening dating Playback mode, the Monitor Seleetor ‘Switch should be "TAPE positon ‘TAPE SELECTOR SWITCH LOW NOISE: Set co this position when using Low Noise Tape WIDE RANGE: Set to this positon when wong Wide Range +"Seoteh #211 Low Noise Tape is considered standard for this machine. The Use of replat tape isnot recommended uy. 28, 2», 30. ah. 32. 3. a when using special wide EQUALIZER SWITCH Must be set to correspond with tape speed. See Tape Speed Seleccon proeedus ees S.OS (Sound-On Sound) BUTTON See SoundOnSound Recording procedure, ACCORD. CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH (2) ‘This Switeh and Cycle Conversion Suwiteh (A) must be set 1 eorserpond with atca power soate® UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE SELECTOR & FUSE POST See Voltage & Cycle Conversion proce LINE INPUT JACKS (Left & Right) Connect to output jacks of external source. DIN JACK Enables interconnection with an external amplifier by means of a single Din cord. Use Ingead of Ree. of Fe H4ehs, Note {hat wnen using Din cord, the recording level conteolea with Microphone Recording Level Controls LINE OUTPUT JACKS (Loft & Right) Connect to tape in or aux jacks of external amplifier for playbackLAPE SPEED SELECTION This model operates on two tape speeds; Le., 3-3/4 and 7-1/2 ips. Tape speed is determined by the capstan. The Equalizer must be set avcordingly for proper equalization. For 3-3/4 ips remove outer capstan and place on storage post, For 7-1/2 ips use the outer capstan, Recording Time = (Stereo 1HOOft tape) 3-3/4 ips: hrs., 7-1/2 ips: 1.Shes, (Monaural 18007t tape) 3-3/4 ips 6 hrs, 7-1/2 ips: 3 hrs. AUTOMATIC SHUL-OFF One of the exclusive features of this model is the automatic, shutoff function of the unit. For automatic shutoff, thread tape through Automatic shut-Off Lever and set Power/Automatic Shut-Off Switch to SHUT-OFF postion after setting machine to playback or recording mode. When. the tape comes to the end the Shut-Off Lever will drop cutting the power of the entire unit. VOLTAGE & CYCLE CONVERSION VOLTAGE Your machine is equipped with a universal voltage selector offering six selections of voltage from 100 V to 240 V AC for worldwide operation, Voltage is preset at the factory according {0 wesbnation, Please confirm setting prior to operation and if readjustment is necessary, proceed as follows : (A) Disconnect power cord and remove the Fuse Post by screwing in ditcetion of arrow. (B) Remove the Voltage Selector Plug and reinsert so that proper area voltage is shown through the Plug cut-out, (C) Change fuse to correspond with voltage and tighten the Fuse Post, 100 V to 120: 0.8 A, 250°V fuse : 200V to 240V: O4A * ie sure to disconnect power coed netoreattmting ae " Gmachine Wis important that Ube ne wotage be held wan ToRdeviation of mandard aca volages cycLe Coneet tape sp Conversion Switel readin cannot be obtained ifthe Cycle - are not properly positioned. (A) With a serew driver, tusn Switch (A) on face panel counter lock-wise about 1/8 of a turn and move to IN or OUT for power source (60 He. of $0 Ha operation according to The Switeh must he rotated back to ts original position after heing reset. (3) Cycle Conversion Switeh (B) al rear of recoriler must also he set accordingly PAUSE CONTROL ‘To momentarily stop the tape during recording or play- back, lift Pause Lever upward. Pause Control is especially useful for editing tape during recording. To release Pause lever depress Start button, FAST FORWARD & REWIND For fast forward or rewind, operate Fast Forward or Rewind Lever. This feature permits rapid selection of recordings on the tape. This lever locks into position and cannot be operated while the Record)Playback Lever is in ‘operation and vice-versa.CONNECTIONS | | | Magnetic cartridge turntableOPERATING PRECAUTIONS ‘The conditions listed below do not indicate mechanical failure of the unit. If your machine exhibits any of the following, please check for trouble as indicated Loss of sensitivity or tone quality may be due to + Wrong side of tape facing the heads. * AC power voltage lower than the voltage to which your ‘machine is adjusted. * Dust or magnetic particles adhering to the heads. See hhead cleaning procedure. Magnetized heads, See head demagnetizing proceduce, * Defective or worn tape. Irregularity of tape transport may be due to : * Dust or magnetic particles adhering to the heads and other parts which the tape contacts, See head cleaning. procedure Dirty tape surface or oil adhering to capstan or pinch wheel + Bent Take-Up Reel. * Tape loaded improperly. If your machine will not record or playback, check to see that connections are correct and controls’ are properly positioned. The folowing notes ate provide for your convenience ‘Your machine requires constant voltage for optimum performance. If the sound sources are so far away from the ‘microphones that the recording level controls must be tumed up to maximum, some hum or noise will inevitably be recorded. A test recording is recom- ‘mended before attempting a final recording, Should there be a problem with your machine, write down the model and serial numbers and all pertinent data regarding warranty coverage as well asa clear description of the exising trouble and contact your nearest authorized ‘Akai Service Station or the Service Department of Akai Company, Tokyo, Japan. HEAD CLEANING. For quality performance, itis imperative that the heads be kept clean at all times. Accumulation of dust and magnetic particles on the heads results in poor head-to-tape contact and deteriorates sound quality and sensitivity. It is, therefore, recommended that the heads be cleaned every time you use your machine. With a stiff cotton swab dipped in Akai Cleaning fuid (Akai Head Cleaning Kit HC-00), rub the entire head surface (do not scratch) until all tape oxide and dust is removed. The capstan shaft, tape lifter, pinch wheel and other parts which the tape contacts should also be cleaned, "Alcohol can akto be wsed for head. deaning, do. not we ‘hlorothane, te. at such chemicals will damage the Fubber parts PINCH WHEEL & CAPSTAN CLEANING If foreign matter is allowed to accumulate on the pinch wheel and capstan, these particles will come off on the tape, causing deterioration of sound quality. Oil adhering to the capstan also causes irregularity in tape transport. It is, therefore, recommended that these parts be wiped clean periodically HEAD DEMAGNETIZING Normally, the steel pole pieces which form part of the recording. and playback heads become slightly magnetized ‘The effect of magnetization is that it causes considerable drop out or introduces noise into your recordings. It is, therefore, recommended that head demagnetizing be per- formed periodically. This can be accomplished with a bulk hhead demagnetizer (Akai Head Demagnetizer AH-8 is highly recommended) by bringing it very close to the heads and ‘making several small cireular motions over the head surface areas as well as the parts which the tape contacts. * Be sute to cutoff the power of the unit prioe to demagnetizing heads, + Boum prongs of the demagnetizer should be covered with a kind Df mashing tape to prevent heads from being seratehed. + Bomat wee magnetized tool inthe wiimity ofthe Reads * Read the Inrtructions of” the Somagnetier carefully. beforeaie eer TAPE ERASING ‘Any signals previously recorded on the tape will be automatically erased as a new recording is made. For erasing only, set machine to recording mode. No plugs should be connected to the Input Jacks and Volume Controls should be kept at minimum. For quick and complete erasure, the use of a bulk tape eraser is recom- mended, Akai Tape Eraser ATE-7 is highly recommended ADJUSTMENT OF RECORDING LEVEL When the machine is set to recording mode, the recording input levels are registered on the VU Meters, but the recording level can be mote precisely set while monitoring ‘through headphones, Adjust so that the VU Meters register normally. For recording with the least possible distortion, Keep the recording level as high as possible within the yellow part of the meter scale. SOUND MONITORING For sound monitoring or private listening, connect stereo headphones of low impedance type (82) to Headphone Jack, Akai models ASE-22 and ASE-20 are highly recom- mended. For monitoring source, set Monitor Switeh to SOURCE position, and for monitoring signals being record- ed or for private headphone listening, set to TAPE position. HOW TO USE THE DIN JACK ‘The Din Jack can be used instead of Rec and P.B. Jacksif your amplifier has a corresponding connection. This one ‘cord system eliminates the necessity of four separate ‘connections and disconnections. ‘When using Dia Jack, the recording lvel is adjusted with the 8: © TAPE LOADING Place a full reel of tape on the Supply Reel Table and an empty reel on the Take-Up Reel Table, and tock reels into place with builtin reel retainers by pulling retainers outward and turning to left or right. Thread the tape as illustrated by the dotted lines in the figure at left. If automatic shut-off is desired, thread tape through Auto- matic Shut-Off Lever. 4-TRACK STEREO AND MONAURAL RECORDING PLAYBACK SYSTEM Stereo ‘Track stereo recording and playback requires the simultar neous use of two tracks, For stereo operation, set Track Selector to STEREO position, The first recording or playback takes place on tracks | and 3, and the second on tracks 2 and 4 after the reels have been inverted. Monaural ‘Track monaural recording and playback track sequence is 1.4.3.2, For monaural operation, set Track Selector to 1-4 ‘The first recording or playback takes place on track 1 and the second on track 4 after the reels have been inverted For recording or playback on tracks 3-2, set Track Selector to 3-2, The third recording or playback takes place on track 3 and the fourth on track 2 after the reels have been inverted, DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM Setting the Dolby NR Switch to ON position activates the Dolby circuit to expand low level signals before they are recorded and lowers them by precisely that same degree at playback time, thus reducing the extraneous and super. ‘imposed noise by as much as 10UB. This revolutionary process reduces tape hiss to a completely inaudible level * Wine playing hack a Dolby seconded tape, the Doty NR SekPLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED TAPE Please read the operating precautions carefully before ‘attempting operation. Connect the Line Outputs of the 4000DB to the tape inputs of the external amplifier and ‘connect two speakers to the amplifier. Connect AC cord and load a pre-recorded tape. ® D}—J STEREO PLAYBACK ‘A. Tum on Power Switch B._ Set Track Selector to STEREO position. C. Select tape speed and set Equalizer Switch to consist ent speed. D. Set Tape Monitor Switch to TAPE postion. E, Set. Record/Playback Lever to FWD position to begin playback. F, Adjust extemal amplifier controls. G. To stop playback, retum Record/Playback Lever to vertical position. MONAURAL PLAYBACK Only the left channel is used for monaural playback Substitute the following step for step B of stereo playback procedute and add step H. ‘Tracks 1-4 B. Set Track Selector to 1-4 position. H._ Invert reels for playback on track 4 Tracks 32 B, Set Track Selector to 3-2 position. H._ Invert rells for playback on track 2. 1 recordings ave been made on both left and ight channels of the tape, at playback time both VU Metes wil aster. Howevee, stgut depends upon positon of Track Selector. he channels of secomplished. the tape, mona ‘Output from both channels wil be heard through headphones, BRECORDING USING MICROPHONES Please read the operating precautions carefully before attempting operation. Connect AC cord and load a blank pe. ‘TAPE SELECTOR SWITCH LOW NOISE: Set to this position when using Low Noise Tape. WIDE RANGE: Set to this position when using Wide Range Tape scotch #211 Low Noise Tape i considered standard for this, ‘acne The use of regular tape i not recommends + Set to Wide Range position only when using special wide range tape ot grade huge than low noise te. STEREO RECORDING ‘A. Tumon Power Switeh. B. Set Track Selector to STEREO position. C. Select Tape Speed and set Equalizer switch to con D. sistent speed, With Reset Button, set Index Counter to “0000” position. This Index Counter provides an easy refe rence for locating positions on the tape. E, Plug in microphone (0 Microphone Jacks. Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters (7ft,) between micro- phones. F, Set Monitor Switch to SOURCE position. G. Adjust and balance microphone input level with Microphone Recording Level Controls while observing ‘VU Meters, Normal zecording should not exceed "0" VU on either VU Meter. ‘When an optimum recording Jevel has been determine an while holding Record Safety Button at depressed position, sot Record/Playback Lever to REC position to begin recording. Note that at this time the Record. {ng Indicator Lamp will ight. 1. To stop recosding, retun Record/Playback Lever to vertical position, MONAURAL RECORDING Only the left channel is used for monaural recording. Substitute the following steps for steps B, E and G of stereo recording procedure and add step J. ‘Tracks 1-4 B, Set Track Selector to 1-4 position E, Plugin microphone to left Microphone Jack G. Adjust and balance microphone input level with left Microphone Recording Level Control while observing left VU Meter. J. Invert reels to reeord on track 4. ‘Tracks 3.2 B, Set Track Selector to 3-2 position. B, Plug in microphone to left Microphone Jack, G. Adjust and balance microphone input level with left Microphone Recording Level Control while observing, left VU Meter. 1. Invert reels to reeard on track 2 * Disregard sigh VU Meter sndication whon makle + Trscordings have been made on both left and right channel, monaural monitoring through Readphones ‘cannot be. accom: plished. Output fom both chases wil be Neard 1heougH tones.ld SOUND-ON-SOUND RECORDING For transfer of previously recorded material from one track to another accumulating as many individual recordings on a single track as is desired, Use for language training ot various interesting musical comp First Recording A, Tum on Power Switch, B. Confirm that there are no connections to the Line Input Jacks, ©. Set Index Counter to “0000” position. D. Set Track Selector Switch to 1-4 position E__ Plug in microphone to left Microphone Jack F,_ Set Monitor Selector Switch to SOURCE position G. Adjust left Microphone Recording Level Control while observing left VU Meter, H, While holding Recording Safety Button at depressed, position, set Record/Playback Lever to REC position to begin Hirst recording. When the first recording is complete, rewind tape to starting point RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL AMPLIFIER If an extemal amplifier or tuner amplifier is used, connect, the tape outputs of the external amplifier to the Line Inputs of the 4000DB in step E of stereo recording procedure. VU level is controlled with the Line Recording Level Controls. #18 the Din Jack is used for this connection, VU level is controlled san’ Microphone Revording Level Controls RECORDING FROM A TURNTABLE To record from a stereo or monaural disc, a crystal or ceramic pickup can be connected directly to the Line Inputs instead of step E of recording procedure. However, if magnetic ot similar cartridges are used, connect to the Line Inputs of the 4000DB through an external amplifier. TAPE DUBBING ‘When tape duplication is desired, connect the Line Output fof your 4000DB to the line inputs of the recording machine instead of step E of recording procedure Second Recording J. Set $.0.8, Switch to ON position K. Set Track Selector Switch to 3-2 position L. Increase left Line Recording Level Control to maxi M. Connect stereo headphones to monitor first recording fon track 2 N. While holding Recording Safety Bution at depressed position, set Record/Playback Lever to REC position to begin second recording. The first recording is heard through headphones. ©. Reset left Line Recording Level Control until proper level is obtained while observing VU Meter. +The hind made in the same mmanser asthe second by switching Track Selestor Switch to nd he lust recording was made and set Monitor SelectorSOUND MIXING For mixing microphone and line input signals, proceed as follows |A. Plug in microphone to Microphone Jacks and connect line outputs of external source to the Line Input Jacks ‘of the 400008, B. Adjust _microphone volume level with Microphone Recording Level Controls and line input level with Line Recording Level Controls C. For playback, operate Track Selector Switch according to tracks used in making recording. + Mixing can aio be accomplished by sing Input Jacks simultancousty. In this ease, the Din Controlled with Microphone Recordieg Level Conttol SOUND-WITH-SOUND RECORDING This feature is especially convenient for teacher/student repetition and comparison (teacher's voice on track student's voice on track 3). ‘A. Tum on Power Switch. B. Confirm that there are no connections to the Line Input Jacks. Set Index Counter to “0000"position. Set Track Selector Switeh to 1-4 position, Plug in microphone to left Microphone Jack Set Monitor Selector Switch to SOURCE position Adjust left Microphone Recording Level Control while observing left VU Meter. While holding Recording Safety Button at depressed position, set RecordjPlayback Lever to REC position to begin first recording. 1. When the first recording is complete, rewind tape to starting point I. Set Track Selector Switch to 3-2 position K. Set Monitor Selector Switch to TAPE position. L) Connect sterea headphones 10 monitor the first reeord- ing M. While holding the Recording Safety Button at de- pressed position, set Record/Playback Lever to REC position to begin second recording. (Monitor first recording through headphones) N. After completing recording, rewind tape to starting point ©. Set Track Selector Switch to STEREO position, Set RecordjPlayback Lever to FWD position for playback. emo = ‘TAPE SPLICING & EDITING 1t tape diagonally with an overlap so that the ends are lined up. Cutting tape on the diagonal eliminates detection of the splice in recording. Cover aligned ends with splicing tape, Press firmly exerting pressure to secure ends evenly. ‘Trim off excess splicing tape cutting into magnetic tape very slightly. This eliminates the possibility of a sticky splice. Splicing tape using scissors requires skillful work With Akai’s specially designed portable Tape Splicer Model AS-3, spicing ean be done very smoothly,TECHNICAL DATA ‘Track System Reel Capacity Tape Speed Wow & Flutter Frequency Reponse Distortion Signal to Noise Ratio Erase Ratio CrossTalk as Frequency . Heads : Fast Forward & Rewind Time Output Jacks... Input Jack Din Jack ‘Semi-Conductors Power Requirements Power Consumption Dimensions Weight STANDARD ACCESSORIES Pin Plug Cord 4 track 2-channel Stereo! Sper Fuse Monaural system Operator's Manual Up to 7" reet 7-1/2 and 3-3/4 ips (42%) Less than 0.15% at 7-1/2 ips Less than 0.2% at 3-3/4 ips 30 He to 23,000 He (43 dB) 30 He to 16,000 Hz (#3 dB) Less than 1.0% (1,000 Hz “0” VU) Better than 55 dB (with Dolby Process: 60 dB at 5 kHz) Better 70 4B 1. Better than 65 4B (monaural) Better than 40 4B (stereo) 105 kHe (3) One-micron gap Recording Head, ‘One-micron gap Playback Head, Erase Head, (1) &pole induction motor 120/150 sec. using a 1,200 ft ‘Tape at 60/50 Hz Line (2): 0.775 V(“0" VU) (Required load impedance: ‘more than 20 k2) Phone (1): 30 mV/8 Microphone (2): 0.4 mV/4.7 KO Line (2): 70 mV <7 mV Transistors: 27, FET: 2,1C: 4 Diodes: 17 100 V to 240 V A.C., 50/60 Hz 235 406(W) x 325(H1) x 196(D) mm (16.0% 1287.7") 12.0 kg (26.4 Ibs) * Specifications were determined with Scotch #211 (ow noise) tape. * For improvement purposes specifications and design are subject to change without notice, + Dolby isa trade mark of | Dolby Laboratories Inc. Under license from Dolby Laboratories Ine. setMANUFACTURED & DISTRIBUTED BY AKAI ELECTRIC CO,, LTD. AKAI TRADING CO,, LTD. 12-14, 2-chome, Higashi-Kojiya, Obtasku, Tokyo. Japan AKAI AMERICA LTD, 199220, USA Printed in Japan.