User manual NAKAMICHI BX1

2 read Cassette Deck Congratulations! You have chosen a very fine cassette deck. The Nakamichi BX-1 was developed on the basis of this company's extensive experience with high-grade cassette decks. While incorporating much of Nakamichi's superior technology and following its sound policy, this basic model delivers high overall characteristics and represents an extraordinary value at a moderate price. Please take the time to read this manual in its entirety to fully acquaint yourself with this cassette deck. Thank you. Nakamichi Corporation. CONTENTS Connections ................................. Safety Instructions.. ......................... On Cassette Tapes .......................... Controls and Features ....................... Precautions. ................................. Operation. ................................... Playback ................................. Matching the Deck to Various Cassette Tapes.. ................ Recording ................................ Timer Recording or Playback.. ........... Maintenance. ................................ .... Troubleshooting ..................... . Specifications. ............................... 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 kU!F!U RISK OF E L E C T R I C SHOCK D O N O T O P E N ! The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" intended to alert the user of the presence within the product's enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. Please record the Model Number and Serial Number in the space provided below and retain these numbers. Model Number and Serial Number are located on the rear panel of the unit. Model Number: Nakamichi BX-1 Serial Number: CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. a The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions, in the literature accompanying the appliance. Connections After consulting the instructions for your amplifier or receiver, use the shielded cables with RCA plugs (provided with the deck) to make connections as shown in the chart. Take care not to mix up left and right channels. While making connections, the power to the deck and to the amplifier should be switched off. Headphones Standard stereo headphones with an impedance of 8-1 50 ohms may be connected to the headphone jack. Microphone Connections The BX-1 possesses only line input facilities. When microphones are to be used for recording, a separate microphone mixer with a line output must be connected to this deck's line input terminals. Nakamichi offers the optional MX-100 Microphone Mixer, which provides three inputs for left, right and center blend (L+ R) microphones. To power the MX-100, the separate PS-100 Power Supply is required. to AC wall outlet or ampltf~ers outlet AC to amplifier's "Rec Out" terminals (L, R)to amplifier's "Tape Play" terminals (L, R) Safety lnstructions The following safety instructions have been included in compliance with safety standard regulations. Please read them carefully. 1. Read lnstructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered. 4. Follow lnstructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc. 6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings. 9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) which produce heat. 13.Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer. 14.Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. 15.0bject and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. 16.Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or, B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or, C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or. D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or, E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. 17,Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instruction. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. 10.Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. 11.Grounding or Polarization - Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated. 12.Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. On Cassette Tapes Precautions 1. C-120 cassettes (playing time one hour per side) contain extremely thin tape which breaks or snarls easily, is sometimes subject to stretching and also is of low sensitivity. Therefore, C-120 cassettes are not recommended for high-fidelity recording. 2. Do not pull out the tape from the cassette housing. 3. Be careful not to turn the cassette reels with the fingers, causing tape slackening. 4. Store cassette tapes away from heat, high humidity, dust, and magnetic fields such as caused by speakers, Nsets etc. corner as you face the side. Use a small screwdriver, and push the tab down to break it off. Do not leave the broken tab in the recess. If you wish at a later date to record over a side for which the tab has been removed, cover the tab opening with a piece of adhesive tape. label of the desired side facing you. 3. Gently push the cassette holder back into the panel. For protection of the tape and tape transport, do not press the eject button in any mode other than the stop mode. Break off this tab to protect Side A or 1 Break off this tab to protect Side B or 2 from accidental erasure. Cassette Tabs You can protect valuable recordings from accidental erasure and re-recording by completely removing the appropriate tab on the top edge of the cassette. The tab for each side is located on the top left-hand Cassette Insertion and Removal (1) Insertion of a Cassette 1. When the eject button is pushed in the stop mode, the caSsette holder opens. 2. Insert the cassette into the holder with the exposed tape facing down and the (2)Removal of a Cassette 1. Press the stop switch. 2. When the eject button is pushed, the cassette holder opens. 3. Remove the cassette. Controls and Features (1) Eject Button By depressing this button, the cassette holder is opened for insertion and removal of a cassette. (2)Power Switch Pressing this switch activates the deck. Depressing it once more switches the power off. When the power is switched on, the stop switch indicator lights up. (3) Timer Switch This switch permits unattended recording or automatic playback in conjunction with an external audio timer. (4) Headphone Jack Accepts standard stereophone plug. (12) Play Switch Press the D section of the switch to start playback. When the switch is pressed in the recording-standby mode, recording starts. During operation, the indicator lights up. (13) Pause Switch Press the 00 section of the switch for short-term interruption of recording or playback. The indicator lights up. To resume recording or playback, press the play switch. (14) Record Switch Press the 0 section of the switch for recording. This deck possesses a one-touch recording-standby feature. By simply pressing the record switch from the stop mode, the recording-standby mode is entered. During operation, the indicator lights UP. (1 5) Master Input Level Control Used to adjust the input (record) level for the left and right channel simultaneously. The level balance between both channels in recording is adjusted with the balance control. The master input level control can also be used to fade in or fade out a recording. (16) Tape Selector Switches Depending on the tape used for recording, the appropriate position must be selected. Refer to "Matching the Deck to Various Cassette Tapes" on page 5. (17) Equalizer Switch Depending on the tape used for recording or playback, the appropriate position must be selected. Refer to "Matching the Deck to Various Cassette Tapes" on page 5. (18) Dolby NR Switch When the Dolby NR system (B-Type), which improves the high-frequency S/N ratio by appr. 1 0 dB, is to be used for recording or playback, this switch must be set to On. (19) Balance Control Serves to adjust the level balance between left and right channel in recording. (20) Counter Reset Button By pressing this button, the tape counter is reset to " 0 0 0 . (21) Tape Counter Can be used to index sections on the tape and to check the tape's position at a given moment. (5) Cassette Holder The cover can be easily removed for routine cleaning of heads etc. (-p.7) (6) Dolby NR Indicator When the Dolby noise reduction system (B-Type) is used by setting the Dolby NR switch to On, this indicator lights. (7) Memory Switch When this switch is set to On, the tape will be stopped from rewind in the vicinity of the "000" tape counter reading. (8) Peak Level Meters Provide exact indication of peak levels in the range of - 30dB to 5 dB. + (9) Rewind Switch For rapid tape winding in the reverse direction, press the aa section of the switch. (10) Fast-Forward Switch For rapid tape winding in the forward direction, press the DD section of the switch. (1 1) Stop Switch When the section is pressed, the tape motion comes to a full stop and the indicator lights up. Precautions (1) After the power to the deck is switched on, the tape control buttons are inoperative for appr. 4 seconds, until all circuits have become stable. the timer switch to Off, and the power switch to On. The button is now operative and the tape can be removed. country. Note: Safety regulations in certain countries prohibit inclusion of a voltage selector. This feature, therefore, may be absent from your deck. (3) Voltage Selector (2) After timer recording o timer playback is r completed, the eject button may not be operative. To eject the tape in such a case, do not press the button forcibly. Set AC voltage is factory-set for the country in which you purchased your BX-1 . The voltage selector permits re-setting of mains voltage in case the deck is to be used in a different @rns 220 24ov- - 120v Operation [Playback] Check once more whether all connections between amplifier and cassette deck hare been properly established. Dolby NR System (1) Confirm that the timer switch is set to Off. Switch on the power and insert the cassette to be played into the cassette holder. (2) the equalizer switch to the Set appropriate position for the tape in use. (3)For playback of a tape which was recorded with Dolby noise reduction, set the Dolby NU switch to On. The Dolby NR indicator lights up. For playback of a tape which was recorded without Dolby noise reduction, set the switch to Off. (4) Press the D section of the play switch. (5) Adjust the amplifier's volume control to the desired listening level. (6) When the tape end is reached, the auto-shutoff mechanism automatically stops the tape transport. If you want to remove the tape during playback, first press the section of the stop switch. For temporary interruption of playback, press the 00 section of the pause switch. To resume playback, press the play switch again. The logic-controlled transport of this deck permits going from any transport mode into any other (i.e. from play to rewind, from rewind to fast-forward, etc.) without using the stop switch. This deck incorporates the Dolby NR system (B-Type), which provides approximately 10 dB of noise reduction in the high frequencies. To use this system in recording, set the Dolby NR switch to On. When playing back tapes from your collection which were recorded with the Dolby B-Type NR system, always set this switch to On. This deck possesses a special feature, by which the MPX filter circuit is switched on automatically when the Dolby NR switch is set to On. This prevents the 19-kHz pilot signal from interfering with the proper operation of the Dolby NR system when recording from FM broadcasts. The Dolby NR system does not reduce any noise already contained in the source signal. You should therefore use recording sources which are as noise-free as possible. [Matching the Deck to Various Cassette Tapes] Tape Selector Switch and Eq Switch Settings (Recommended Tapes) W 1 2 0 p s Position T p - - ic a e%wt h Tape Selector- ~1 Eq_Switch ZI g [ SW70 p s Position %peFjSelec=T Tape Selector-- 7; 1 Brand Name ::kx SX. SX 0 UD. UD-XLI. XLI-S AMPEX GM-I 1 Eq-sfifch 1 Brand-Name ZX - AMPEX UD-XLU. XLU-S FR-II GM-0 sA-x 1 Z X n O p s Posltion Tape SelectorSwitch Tape Selector- 1 @witch Brand Name ZX MA. MA-R FR-Metal MPT AMPEX This cassette deck will achieve best results with Nakamichi ZX, SX and EX U cassette tapes. Therefore the use of these tapes whenever possible is recommended. If other tapes are used, it is desirable to choose tapes from this list. [Recording] W Record Level Setting (1) Confirm that the timer switch is set to Off. Switch on the power and insert the cassette to be used for recording into the cassette holder. (2) the tape selector switches and the Set equalizer switch according to the tape in use. (-- "Matching the Deck to Various Cassette Tapes") (3)If the Dolby NR system is to be used for recording, set the Dolby NR switch to On. The Dolby NR indicator lights up. If the Dolby noise reduction is not to be used, set the switch to Off. (4) Pressing the counter reset button to bring the tape counter indication to "000 is convenient to easily re-locate the starting point of the recording. (5) By pressing the 0 section of the record switch, the deck automatically goes into the recording-standby (Redpause) mode. The red 0 indicator in the record switch and the green 00 indicator in the pause switch light up. (6) While watching the peak level meters, adjust the recording level by gradually sliding up the master input level control and adjusting the lefvright channel balance with the balance control. For hints on proper level settings, refer to the paragraph "Record Level Setting". (7) When the D section of the play switch is pressed, recording starts. (8) When the tape end is reached, the auto-shutoff mechanism automatically stops the tape transport. If you want to remove the tape during section of the recording, first press the stop switch. For temporary interruption of recording, press the 00 section of the pause switch. To resume recording, press the play switch again. By pressing the r> section of the play switch while keeping the 0 section of the record switch depressed, recording can be started immediately without entering the standby mode. If the record switch is pressed after the play switch, the recording mode cannot be entered. This deck's LED level meters are free of "overshoot" problems and display peak levels with a high degree of accuracy. For good recordings, it is essential to maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio. If the record level is set too low, tape hiss will impair the playback sound quality. On the other hand, setting the record level too high will cause distortion. Refer to the chart below as a guideline to set recording levels. "Normal" (LH) position tape formulations, "Chrome" position tape formulations: Adjust record levels so that the + 3 dB indication lights up only occasionally on the highest signal peaks. "Metal" posltion tape formulations: Adjust record levels so that the + 5 dB indication lights up only occasionally on the highest signal peaks. 4. dB dB -dB As different tape formulations have slightly different overload (headroom) characteristics, the requirements may vary to a certain degree when using different tapes. [Timer Recording or Playback] This deck incorporates a timer-start feature, which enables you to make unattended recordings or start playback at a preselected time with the use of a timer. (1) Establish connections as shown in the chart. (2) Insert the tape to be used for recording or playback and turn on the power to all components. (3) For timer recording, set the recording level to suit the expected signal. For timer playback, set the amplifier's volume control to the desired listening level. Check if all components are set up proper1 y. (4) For timer recording, set this deck's timer switch to "Rec". For timer playback, set the switch to "Play". (5) Set the timer to the desired operation time. (6) At the preselected time, the timer will supply power to the components, and the deck will automatically start recording or playing. Be sure to set the deck's timer switch to "Off", when the timer recording or playback feature is not desired. timer 18.1 I I-, i i-3 IU Maintenance Head and Transport Cleaning It is very important to regularily clean the surfaces of the heads as well as the capstan, pinchroller and all other parts which come in contact with the tape. Tiny particles shedded from the tape onto these parts, as well as dust accumulations etc. become the cause of dropouts, and severely degrade frequency response and wow-and-flutter characteristics. Cleaning h o c e d u r e Remove the cassette holder cover. Use cotton-tipped sticks or the like (available in audio stores, etc.) to carefully and with very light pressure clean the parts indicated in white on the illustration. In cases of severe contamination, dip the cotton tip in cleaning fluid. Cleaning is facilitated if - after removing the cassette holder cover - the cover is closed again and the pause switch depressed, thereby raising the head assembly. If the pressure roller is very dirty, press the play switch and clean the roller while it is turning. At this time, be careful that the cotton tip does not get caught between the roller and the capstan. After cleaning the roller, put the deck into the pause mode again and clean the revolving capstan. Demagnetizing After a longer period of use, there can be a build-up of residual magnetism in heads and capstan, etc. Such residual magnetism can induce noise and impair the high frequencies during playback. To prevent this, you should demagnetize these parts about once every 50 hours of use with the optional Nakamichi DM-10 Demagnetizer or another properly designed demagnetizer. For details on the demagnetizing procedure, please consult the demagnetizer's instruction manual. Always switch off the power to the deck before starting the demagnetizing procedure. Cleaning the Faceplate This unit should be cleaned only by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Never use alcohol, solvents, ammonia or abrasive cleaning agents. Be careful not to apply too much force in cleaning as the respective parts are critically aligned. Take special care not to damage the tape guides. Do not use too much cleaning fluid and give the cleaned surfaces some time to dry off completely before playing a tape. When you have used cotton-tipped sticks, be careful not to leave any cotton strands on the cleaned parts. Lubrication All important moving parts of this deck are fitted with long-life, oil-less bearings. Periodic lubrication is therefore not necessary. Troubleshooting Condition Tape dose not run. Record mode cannot be entered. Excessive playback hiss. Uneven sound levels, drop-outs. excessive wow/flutter. Incomplete erasure. Distorted record/playback sound. Probable Cause 1. Cassette holder not completely locked. 2. Cassette tabs have been removed. 3. Head is magnetized. 4. Heads and/or capstan and pressure roller dirty. 5. Faulty cassette. 6. Erase head dirty. Remedy 1. Press eject button and then close cassette holder firmly. 2. Place adhesive tape over tab opening or use new cassette. 3. Demagnetize head. 4. Clean these parts. 5. Replace cassette. 6. Clean head and pressure roller. 7. Check program material. 8. Wide dynamic range permits some short-term overload. but excessive recording levels will cause distortion. Adjust recording levels. 9. Clean head. 10. Select correct setting for the tape in use. 11. Check connections. 12. Clean head. 13. Check connections. 14. Clean head. 15. Clean heads. 16. Select correct positions for tape in use 17. Keep deck away from amplifier, transformers, fluorescent lamps, etc. 18. Replace signal cables. 7. Program material itself is distorted. 8. Recording levels are too high. 9. Head dirty. 10. Wrong setting of tape selector switches. Record mode is entered, but cannot record. Cannot playback. Dull high frequencies. 11. Input disconnected. 12. Head dirty. 13. Output disconnected. 14. Head dirty. 15. Head dirty. 16. Tape selector switches andfor equalizer switch not set correctly. 17. Strong induction fields near deck. 18. Signal cable or connector grounding faulty. Hum heard during recording or playback. Specifications Specifications Track Configuration.. ............... 4 tracks/2-channel stereo Heads.. ............................ . 2 (erase head x 1, record/playback head x 1) Motors (Tape Transport). ........... DC servo motor (capstan drive) x 1 DC motor (reel drive) x 1 Power Source.. .....................100, 120, 120/220-240. 220 or 240V AC; 50/60Hz (According to country of sale) Power Consumption.. .............. . 2 3 W max. Tape Speed. ........................ 1-7/8 ips. (4.8 cm/sec.) &0.5°10 Wow-and-Flutter.. Optional Accessories ZX Metalloy Cassette Tape C-60, C-90 SX ll Super Ferricobalt Cassette Tape C-60, C-90 SX Ferricobalt CassetteTape C-60, C-90 EX U Ferricrystal Cassette Tape C-60, C-90 EX Ferrioxide Cassette Tape C-60, C-90 ..................Less than 0.1 1% WTD Peak Less than 0.06% WTD RMS Frequency Response ...............20 Hz-20,000 Hz (recording level - 2 0 dB) Signal-tc+Noise Ratio.. ............. Better than 62 dB (Dolby B-Type NR on, 70ps, ZX tape, 400 HZ, 3% THD, IHF A-WTD RMS) Total Harmonic Distortion.. ......... Less than 1.0% (400 Hz. 0 dB, ZX, EX 11 tape) Less than 1.2% (400 Hz, 0 dB, SX tape) Erasure.. ........................... Better than 6 0 dB (10 0 Hz, 0 dB) Separation ..........................Better than 3 6 dB (1 kHz, 0 dB) Crosstalk ........................... Better than 60 dB (1 kHz, 0 dB) Bias Frequency.. ................... 105 kHz Input (Line) ........................ . 5 0 mV, 30 k n Output (Line). ...................... .0.5V (400 Hz, 0 dB) 2.2 k n (Headphones). .............. 1.2 mW (400 Hz, 0 dB) 8 R load Dimensions ........................ .430(W) x 110(H) x 250(D) millimeters 16-1 5/16(W) x 4-5/16(H) x 9-7/8(D) inches Approximate Weight ............... .5.5 kg 12 Ib. 2 oz DM-10 Head Demagnetizer SF-10 Subsonic Filter Specifications and appearance design are subject to change for further improvement without notice. Dolby NR under license from Dolby ~aboratories Licensing Corporation. The word "DOLBY" and the Double-D-Symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. SP-7 Stereo Headphones Nakamichi Corporation Tokyo Office Shinjuku Daiichi Seimei Bldg. 2-7-1 Nishishinjuku. Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Phone : (03) 342-4461 Teiex : 2324721 (NAKAM J) Nakamichi U.S.A. Corporation 1101 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica, Calif. 90401 Phone : (213)451-5901 Telex : 652429 (NAKREI SNM) Nakamichi GmbH Stephanienstrasse6, 4000 Duesseldorf 1 Phone : (0211) 359036 Telex : 8588834 (NAKA D) 0-83082CL Printed a Japan n