Akai GX-400D Owners Manual

GX-4DDD

STEREO TAPE DECK

OPERATOR' S MANUAL

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MANUFACTURED& DISTRIBUTEDBY AKAI ELECTRICCD., LTD./AKAI TRADINGCO., LTD./AKAI AMERICALTO.

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ALL GX (glass & single crystal ferrite) HEADS

Akai has equipped this model wfth its new and amazing GX Heads to bring you unequalled open reel high fidelity

sound. With the symmetrical head block lay-out and dual

capstan drive system of this model, an undistorted wide

frequency response range covering 30,000 Hz für com-

pletely professional performance. With the GX Heads, a

wider dynamie range and excellent signal-to-noise ratio are

also attained. These accomplishments are contributable to head materials, superior processing technique, and a "focused-field" recording system. The core of these extra-

ordinary heads are made of single crystal ferrite and are

mounted and set in glass. This focused-field recording

system minimizes high frequency lass and eliminates undue

equalization für perfect recording results.

A.D.R SYSTEM

The GX-400D incorporates Akai's new and unique Auto- matie Distortion Reduction circuit. This circuit prevents

interference and beat noise from occuring during high input

recording. At input signals over 8,000 Hz where tape is easily saturated, the selective network of the A.D.R circuit

is automatically activated to change the recording equali-

zation according to input. The result is clear and dis-

tortionless high range playback over an extended frequency

range.

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INDEX

Controls 2 PIease read the following

precau tions before operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Howtoload amagnetic tape 4 4-Track stereo recording and

playback system 5 4-Track monaural recording and

playback system 5 Automatic and manual reverse

recordingandplayback , 5

Tapeselectorswitch 6

Tapespeedselection 6

Direct function change control system. . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

Cueswitch 6 Automaticstopandshut-off

Pausecontrol 6

Remotecontrol 6 Connectionsforplayback 7 Playback 8 Connectionsforrecording 9 Recording 10 Echo effect IO Sound-on-soundrecording 111 Soundmixing 11

Tapeerasing 11 Tape splicing andediting 11

Heads should always be kept clean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Pinch wlieel and capstan cleaning 212 Headdemagnetizing 12

Voltage and cycle conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1313

Technicaldata 14 Standardaccessories 14 Troubleshootingchart 15

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CONTROLS

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I. BUlLT-IN REEL RETAINER

To lock reel firmly into place, pull tip of retainer outward and turn to left or fight.

2. SUPPLY REEL TABLE

3. REEL SIZE SELECTOR Set to "10 in" position when using employ standard accessory reel adapter hubs.

4. CUE SWITCH For precision cueing and editing. Refer to "Cue Switch",

page 6.

5. HEAD COVER Houses (from left) Reverse Playback, Reverse Recording/Erase

combination, Forward Recording/Erase combination, and Forward Playback GX Heads.

6. TAPE SPEED SELECTOR SWITCH Set according to desired speed. For professional high fidelity recording, 15 ips tape speed is recommended.

7. PINCH WHEEL Presses against left capstan to transport tape.

This dual capstan system provides perfect tape stability in both directions.

8. CAPSTAN

9. SENSING POLE/TAPE GOlDE Sensing pole reverses tape direction (foward to reverse).

10. SHUT-OFF/TENSION LEVER At the end of the tape when this lever drops, if tl1e Automatie Shut-Off Switch is set to ON position, the automatic shut-off circuit is activated to cut off the power of the entire unit. Tension lever function provides proper tape tension.

11. DlRECTlON INDICATOR LAMPS

Lights to indieate direction of capstan motor rotation.

12. REVERSE SELECTOR SWITCH

Refer to "Automatie and Manual Reverse Recording and

Playback".

13. POWER SWITCH

14. SHUT-OFF SWITCH Set to ON position for automatie shut-off. See item 9 above.

15. VU METER Indieates left channel recording and playback levels. Normal recording is

16. MIC-l/DIN INPUT LEVEL CONTROL Controls Mic-l (left) and left channel Din input volume.

17. TAPESELECTORSWITCH Set to S.R.T position when using Akai S.R.T (super range) tape or other make low noise tape. Set to NORMAL when using regular tape.

18. MIC-l/DIN INPUT LEVEL CONTROL Controls Mic-l (right) and fight channel Din input volume.

19. VU METER Indicates fight channel recording and playback levels. Normal recprding level is

20. HEADPHONE VOLUME CONTROL Controls headphone output volume. Set Line Out Volume Control to

Volume Control.

21. HEADPHONEJACK

Accomodates any low impedimce 8 n type stereo headphones for monitoring or headphone listening.

22. BUlLT-IN REEL RETAINER

To lock reel firmly into place, puB tip of retainer outward and

turn to left or fight.

23. T AKE-UP REEL T ABLE

24. PAUSE SWITCH AND PAUSE INDICATOR LAMP

Convenient for temporarily suspending tape travel during recording or playback. Pause Indieator Lamp lights to confirm pause mode.

25. RECORDING SAFETY BUTTON

While holding this button at depressed position, depress Forward Button to effect recording mode.

position when using 10-1/2" reels and to

7" or 5"

VU.

"0"

VU.

"0"

VU (position 5) and then adjust Headphone

"0"

reels. When using 10-1/2" reels,

"7 in"

26. MIC-2/UNE INPUT LEVEL CONTROt Controls Mic-2 (Ieft) and left liDe input volume.

27. REWIND BUTION

Rewinds tape at high speed.

28. PINCH WHEEL

29. CAPSTAN

Presses against fight capstan to transport tape.

30. TAPE GUIDE

31. AUTOMA TlC STOP/TENSTION LEVER AND SENSING POLE At the end of the tape, when this lever drops, if the Automatic

Shut-Off Switch is at OFF position, the automatic stop circuit is activated to stop reet movement. Also functions as sensing pole for reserve to forward operation.

32. INDEX COUNTER & RESET BUTION

33. REVERSE BUTTON Depress to effect manual reverse (changes direction of tape

from forward to reverse).

34. FAST FORWARD BUTTON Advances tape of high speed.

35. FORWARD BUTTON Advances tape for playback or recording mode.

36. STOP BUTION

37. MONITOR SWITCH Depress SOURCE Monitor Switch to monitor source during recording, and TAPE Monitor Switch for playback or private headphone listening or for monitoring recorded signals during recording mode.

38. UNE OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL

Adjust left liDe output volume du ring playback.

39. TRACK SELECTOR SWITCHES Left: tracks 1-4, Right: tracks 3-2, Left and Right: Stereo

40. MIC-2/UNE INPUT LEVEL CONTROL

Controls Mic-2 (right) and fight line input volume.

41. MIC-l MICROPHONE JACKS

42. UNE OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL

Adjusts fight liDe output volume at playback time.

43. MIC-2 MICROPHONE JACKS

44. CYCLE CONVERSION SWITCH

Set to SO Hz or 60 Hz according to area power source.

45. A.c. OUTLETS

These extra AC outlets are unswitched (not inter-locked with the Power Switch) so thaI power is applied even with the GX-400D turned off.

46. UNE OUTPUT JACKS

Connects to tape input or aux jacks of external amplifier for pla yback.

47. S.O.S/ECHO SELECTOR SWITCH

S.O.S: For Sound-on-Sound recording. Refer to page 11. Echo: For recording with echo effect. Normal; Normal recording.

Except when rnaking an S.O.S or an echo-effect recording,

this switch must always be set to NORMAL position.

48. DlN JACK Enables inter-connectionwith an external amplifier with a single

Din cord.

49. RE MO TE CONTROL SOCKET Accomodates Akai Remote Control Unit RC-I 7.

SO. UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE SELECTOR AND FUSE POST

Offers six stages of voltage for worldwide operation. Refer to

"Voltage and Cycle Conversion", page 13.

5 I. UNE INPUT JACKS

Connects to output jacks of external source.

52. DlN JACK INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH

When using the Din lack, if the output level of your external amplifier is high, set this switch to HIGH, and of low, set to LOW position.

PLEASE READ TUE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATION

* Your machine requires constan t voltage fOT optimum

performance. Pie ase feier to voltage and cycle con- * Avoid using extremely thin tape whenever possible.

version procedure on page 13 if change of voltage or When the use of such tape is unavoidable, be sure to

cycles is necessary. depress the Stop Button before changing modes.

* As dirty heads and magnetized heads become the

source of logs of sound, distortion, sound drop-out, may have become sticky, run tape once before using. and other recording and playback failures, the heads most be kept clean and demagnetized at all times.

* Place machine on a flat level surface. Operate in either

vertical or horizontal position.

Do not place anything on top of the unit which will

obstruct the ventilator.

If the sound sources are so rar away from the

microphones that the input level controls most be

tumed to maximum, some hum or noise will inevitably be recorded. A test recording is recommended before making a final

recording.

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Use good quality tape. New tape gives best results.

As tapes which have not been used fOTaperiod of time

Always store tapes in a cool, dry place.

Should there be a problem with your machine, write down the model and serial numbers and all pertinent data regarding warranty coverage as weIl as a clear description of the existing trouble and contact your nearest authorized Akai Service Station or the Service Department of Akai

Company, Tokyo, Japan.

UOW TO LOAD A MAGNETIC TAPE

I. PIace a full reel of tape on the supply reel table and an

empty reel on the take-np reel table.

2. Lock both reels into place by pulling tip of re el retainers out ward and tuming to left or fight.

3. Unwind about a 85 cm length of tape from the supply reel and thread the tape as shown by the dotted lines in the figure.

4. Insert end of tape in slot of empty reel and wind around reel hu b two or three times.

5. Continue winding tape onto take-np reel until all tape slack hag been taken up.

When using 10-1/2" reels, place the standard accessory reel adapter hubs on left and fight reel tables and lock into

place by pulling tip of reel retainers outward and tuming to left or fight. When using 10-1/2" metallic reels

Fit hubs over reel tables so that the white lIDes on the inner

and outer adapter hubs are aligned and match these lines

with dot on reel table (rubber bumpers of adapter will be

aligned with and rest on the rubber bumpers of the re el

table).

When using 10-1/2" plastic reels

Fit hubs over reel tables so that the white lines on the inner

and outer adapter hubs are aligned, hut do not match with

dot on reel table (rubber bumpers of adapter will enter

grooves between bumpers of reel table and vice-versa).

Track1

STEREO I I

. StereoL1-

. StereoR1-

R2-

L2-

Track 1

4-TRACK STEREO RECORDING AND

3 4

L1-

R2- R1- L2--

PLAYBACK SYSTEM 4-track stereo eecording and playback requires the sirnul- taneous use of two tracks. For stereo operation, depress both Track Selector Switches. The first recording or

playback takes place on tracks 1 and 3 and the second on

tracks 2 and 4 after the recorder has been set to reverse

mode.

Track 1

MONAURAL

Mono 1 -

Mono1-

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4-TRACK MONAURAL RECORDING AND PLA YBACK SYSTEM

4-track monaural recording and playback sequence is

1-4-3-2. For monaural operation, depress the LEFT Track

Selector Switch. The first recording or playback takes place on track 1 and second on track 4 after the recorder has been set to reverse mode. For recording or playback on track 3-2, depress the RIGHT Track Selector Switch. The third recording or playback takes place on track 3 and the fourth on track 2 after the recorder has been set to reverse mode.

As this model records in reverse direction, it is not necessary to invert reels.

AUTOMA TIC AND MANUAL REVERSE

RECORDING AND PLAYBACK

For automatie reverse recording or playback (from forward to reverse direction), affix about a 2.5 cm (1") long piece of metallic sensing foi! to the outside of the magnetic tape at desired reversing point. If continuous reverse between two points is desired, affix another piece of sensing foil to the inside of the magnetic tape at desired reversing point.

As the sensing foil passes the sensing poles, reverse is

effected depending upon the position of the Reverse Selector.

Single cycle reverse Set Reverse Selector Switch to SINGLE position. The tape will record (playback) Olle forward and reverse cyc1e and then automatically stop.

Non-reverse

Set Reverse Selector Switch to OFF position. Recording

(playback) will be effected in Olle direction only. At this setting, one-way recording or playback will be effected

whether or not sensing foi! is applied to the tape.

Continuous reverse

Set Reverse Selector Switch to CaNT position. Recording

(playback) will continue in both directions until the Stop Button is depressed.

.When manual operation of any of these functions is desired,

operate the Reverse Button.

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