Panasonic SC-AK12, SC-AK33 User Manual

The illustrations show SC-AK44.

CD Stereo System

Operating Instructions

Model No. SC-AK44

SC-AK33
SC-AK22
SC-AK12

P

PC

Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read these
instructions completely.
Please keep this manual for future reference.

RQT5621-4P

Dear customer

Table of contents

Thank you for purchasing this product.
For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions
carefully.

These operating instructions are applicable to the following system.
These operating instructions, however, fundamentally explain the op-

eration of system SC-AK44.

System SC-AK44 SC-AK33 SC-AK22 SC-AK12

Main unit SA-AK44 SA-AK33 SA-AK22 SA-AK12

Speakers SB-AK44 SB-AK33 SB-AK22 SB-AK12

The model number and serial number of this product can be

Before using

found on either the back or the bottom of the unit.
Please note them in the space provided below and keep for
future reference.

MODEL NUMBER

SERIAL NUMBER

User memo:

DATE OF PURCHASE

DEALER NAME

DEALER ADDRESS

TELEPHONE NUMBER

CAUTION!

THIS PRODUCT UTILIZES A LASER.
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE
OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN
MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
DO NOT OPEN COVERS AND DO NOT REPAIR YOURSELF.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

Before using

Supplied accessories .............................................. 2

PRECAUTIONS ........................................................ 4

Placement of speakers ............................................ 5

Concerning the remote control .............................. 5

Battery installation .......................................................... 5

Correct method of use ................................................... 5

Connections ............................................................. 6

Basic connections (for supplied accessories) ................. 6

Optional antenna connections ........................................ 7

External unit connection ................................................. 7

Front panel controls ................................................ 8

Turning the demo function off .............................. 10

Auto-off function .................................................... 10

Setting the time...................................................... 11

Convenient functions ............................................ 11

Radio operations

Listening to radio broadcasts ............................... 12

Presetting radio broadcasts ................................. 13

Compact disc operations

Concerning compact discs ................................... 14

Listening to compact discs .................................. 15

Direct access play ........................................................ 16

Repeat play .................................................................. 16

Random play ................................................................ 16

Program play ............................................................... 17

To listen to special CDs and tracks

(CD Manager function) .............................................. 18

Cassette deck operations

Listening to tapes .................................................. 19

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
PRODUCT DAMAGE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN, SPLASHING, DRIPPING OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

Supplied accessories

Please check and identify the supplied
accessories.
Use numbers indicated in parentheses when
asking for replacement parts.

(Only for U.S.A.)
To order accessories contact 1-800-332-5368
or web site (http://www.panasonic.com).

AC power supply cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pc.

(RJA0065-A)

FM indoor antenna (RSA0006-J) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pc.

RQT5621

2

Recording operations

Before recording (Deck 2 only) ............................ 20

Tape-to-tape recording .......................................... 21

Recording from radio broadcasts ........................ 22

Recording from compact discs ............................ 23

To record special CDs and tracks

(CD Manager function) ............................................. 24

Sound quality/sound field operations

Using the built-in sound quality/

sound field settings .......................................... 25

Enhancing the sound quality ................................ 25

Boosting the super woofer ................................... 25

Varying the sound quality with the manual

equalizer ............................................................ 26

Varying the sound quality with

the acoustic image (Al) equalizer .................... 26

Timer operations

Using the timer ...................................................... 27

Using the play/record timer .......................................... 27

Using the sleep timer ................................................... 29

Reference

Using an external unit ........................................... 29

Troubleshooting guide .......................................... 30

Maintenance ........................................................... 30

Servicenter List (U.S.A.) ........................................ 31

Specifications ......................................... Back Cover

Product Service ...................................... Back Cover

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN THE U.S.A.:

CAUTION:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that inter­ference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip­ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equip­ment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

¡Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
¡Increase the separation between the equipment and re-

ceiver.

¡Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected.

¡Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equip­ment would void the user’s authority to operate this device.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opera­tion is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

Before using

AM loop antenna

(RSA0029-L) .................. 1 pc.

Remote control transmitter .............................................. 1 pc.

SC-AK44:

•

(N2QAGB000004)

SC-AK33, SC-AK22, SC-AK12:

•

(Silver: N2QAGB000002)
(Black: N2QAGB000010)

Batteries ........... 2 pcs.

(R6, AA, UM-3)

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.

3

RQT5621

PRECAUTIONS

Before using this unit please read these operating instructions carefully.
Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit itself as
well as the safety suggestions listed below.
Afterwards keep them handy for future reference.

Safety

1. Power Source —The unit should be connected to power supply
only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the unit.

2. Polarization—If the unit is equipped with a polarized AC power
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other), that plug will
fit into the AC outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you

Before using

are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the
plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized plug.

3. Power Cord Protection—AC 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. Never take hold of the plug
or cord if your hand is wet, and always grasp the plug body
when connecting or disconnecting it.

4. Nonuse Periods—When the unit is not used, turn the power off.
When left unused for a long period of time, the unit should be
unplugged from the household AC outlet.

Installation

Environment

1. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If an outside antenna is con­nected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded
so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and
built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1990, provides information with re­spect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size
of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See figure below.

ANTENNA LEAD

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

NEC–NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

2. Water and Moisture—Do not use this unit near water—for ex-
ample, near a bathtub, washbowl, swimming pool, or the like.
Damp basements should also be avoided.

IN WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

3. Heat—The unit should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators and the like.
It also should not be placed in temperatures less than 5°C (41°F)
or greater than 35°C (95°F).

4. Condensation—Moisture may form on the lens in the following
conditions...

immediately after a heater has been turned on.

•

in a steamy or very humid room.

•

when the unit is suddenly moved from a cold environment to a

•

warm one.
If moisture forms inside this unit, it may not operate properly. To
correct this problem, turn on the power and wait about one hour
for the moisture to evaporate.

Placement

1. Ventilation—The unit should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. Allow 10
cm (4") clearance from the rear of the unit.

2. Foreign Material—Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall into and liquids are not spilled into the unit. Do not subject
this unit to excessive smoke, dust, mechanical vibration, or shock.

3. Magnetism—The unit should be situated away from equipment
or devices that generate strong magnetic fields.

4. Stacking—Do not place heavy objects, other than system com-
ponents, on top of the unit.

5. Surface—Place the unit on a flat, level surface.

6. Carts and Stands—The unit should be used only

with a cart or stand that is recommended by the
manufacturer.
The unit and cart combination should be moved
with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and un­even surfaces may cause the unit and cart combination to over­turn.

7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The unit should not be mounted to
a wall or ceiling, unless specified in this operating instructions.

Maintenance

(See page 30 for details.)

Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth lightly moist­ened with mild detergent solution.
Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent
such as alcohol or benzine.

Service

1. Damage Requiring Service —The unit should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:
(a) The AC power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
(b) Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit; or
(c) The unit has been exposed to rain; or
(d) The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance; or

(e) The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

2. Servicing —The user should not attempt to service the unit
beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to an authorized service personnel.

For the address of an authorized servicenter:
In the U.S.A., call 1-800-211-7262, e-mail
[e-mail], or visit
www.panasonic.com
In Canada, call 905-624-5505 or visit www.panasonic.ca

RQT5621

4

Concerning the remote control

30

30

˚

˚

Listening caution

Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just pur­chased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to
consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equip­ment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Associ­ation’s Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of
your equipment by playing it at a safe level. One that lets the sound
come through loud and clear without annoying blaring or
distortion—and, most importantly, without affecting your sensitive
hearing.

We recommend you to avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise.

Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing “comfort level”
adapts to higher volumes of sound. So what sounds “normal” can
actually be loud and harmful to your hearing.
Guard against this by setting your equipment at a safe level BEFORE
your hearing adapts.
To establish a safe level:

Start your volume control at a low setting.

•

Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and

•

clearly, and without distortion.

Once you have established a comfortable sound level:

Set the dial and leave it there.

•

Taking a minute to do this now will help to prevent hearing damage
or loss in the future. After all, we want you listening for a lifetime.

Battery installation

SC-AK44

Insert the batteries observing the correct polarities (e, d).

SC-AK33

R6, AA, UM-3

Use of batteries

Align the poles (+ and –) properly when inserting the batteries.

•

Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.

•

Do not recharge ordinary dry cell batteries.

•

Do not heat or disassemble the batteries. Do not allow them to

•

contact flame or water.
Remove the batteries if the unit is not to be used for a long time.

•

Do not keep together with metallic objects such as necklaces.

•

Do not use rechargeable type batteries.

•

Do not use batteries if the covering has been peeled off.

•

Mishandling of batteries can cause electrolyte leakage which can
damage items the fluid contacts and may cause a fire.
If electrolyte leaks from the batteries, consult your dealer.
Wash thoroughly with water if electrolyte comes in contact with any
part of your body.

SC-AK22 SC-AK12

R6, AA, UM-3

Before using

Placement of speakers

Place the speakers so that the super woofer is on the outside.

SC-AK44

SC-AK33

Speakers are designed identically so that no left or right channel
orientation is necessary.S

SC-AK22

SC-AK12

Notes

•

•

•

Keep your speakers at least 10 mm (13/32˝) away from the system for
proper ventilation.
These speakers do not have magnetic shielding. Do not place them
near televisions, personal computers or other devices easily
influenced by magnetism.
To avoid damage to the speakers, do not touch the speaker cones
if you have taken the nets off.

Super woofer

Super woofer

Correct method of use

Remote control
signal sensor

Transmission
window

Operation notes

Do not place obstacles between the remote control signal sensor

•

and remote control unit.
Do not expose the remote control signal sensor to direct sunlight or

•

to the bright light of a fluorescent light.
Take care to keep the remote control signal sensor and end of the

•

remote control unit free from dust.
If this system is installed in a rack with glass doors, the glass doors’

•

thickness or color might make it necessary to use the remote control
a shorter distance from the system.

To prevent damage

Never place heavy items on top of the unit.

•

Do not disassemble or reconstruct the unit.

•

Do not spill water or other liquids into the unit.

•

About 7 meters in front of
the signal sensor

5

RQT5621

Connections

Basic connections (for supplied accessories)

Before using

1

2

1

2

Plug the AC power cord into a household AC outlet only after all

•

other connections have been made.
To prepare the antenna wires and speaker cords, twist the vinyl

•

cover tip and pull off.

3

Connect the FM indoor antenna.

Tape the antenna to a wall or column, in a position where radio

4

Adhesive tape

FM ANT

1

( )

GND

AM ANT

LOOP

EXT

2

FM indoor antenna

AM loop
antenna

signals are received with the least amount of interference.

Note

For best reception sound quality:

An FM outdoor antenna is recommended. (See page 7.)

Connect the AM loop antenna.

After attaching the antenna, turn on the system and tune in a
broadcast station. Then, turn the antenna to the angle of best
reception and least interference.

Connect the speaker cables.

Connect each end of the speaker cables to the terminal lever of
the same color so (+) and (–) are correct. Never allow the
exposed wires to contact each other when connected.

Incorrect connection can damage the unit.

Caution

Use only the supplied speakers.

•

The combination of the main unit and speakers provide the
best sound. Using other speakers can damage the unit and
sound quality will be negatively affected.

SC-AK44 SC-AK33

3

SC-AK22 SC-AK12

Gray

Blue

Gray (+)

Black

Black (–)
Red (+)

Red

Red (+)

Black (–)

Blue (–)

Black

Caution

• Use the speakers only with the recom-

mended system.
Failure to do so may lead to damage to the
amplifier and/or the speakers, and may result
in the risk of fire.
Consult a qualified service person if damage
has occurred or if you experience a sudden
change in performance.

• Do not attach these speakers to walls or

ceilings.

Connect the AC power cord.

Note

The included AC power supply cord is for use with this unit
only. Do not use it with other equipment.

Red

RQT5621

Red (+)

Black (–)

6

Connections

A

B

FM outdoor antenna
(not included)

75 Ω coaxial cable (not included)

FM ANT
( )

GND

2

AM outdoor antenna (not included)

AM ANT

LOOP

EXT

1

2

3

5 -12 m

(16 – 40

15 mm
(

ft.)

30 mm

3/16˝)

(1

Shield braid

19

/

˝)

32

Core wire

AM loop antenna
(included)

Optional antenna connections

You may need an outdoor antenna if you use this system in a
mountainous region or inside a reinforced-concrete building, etc.

FM outdoor antenna

A

Disconnect the FM indoor antenna if an FM outdoor antenna is in­stalled.

1 Remove a piece of the outer vinyl insulator.
2 Twist the shield braid.
3 Expose the core wire.

Note

An outdoor antenna should be installed by a qualified technician only.

AM outdoor antenna

B

Connect the outdoor antenna without removing the AM loop antenna.
Run 5 to 12 m of vinyl-covered wire horizontally along a window or
other convenient location.

Note

When the unit is not in use, disconnect the outdoor antenna to prevent
possible damage that may be caused by lightning. Never use an
outdoor antenna during an electrical storm.

External unit connection

C

An analog player with a built-in phono equalizer can be connected.

•

For details, refer to the instruction manual of the units which are to

•

be connected.
When units other than those described above are to be connected,

•

please consult with your audio dealer.

Before using

C

R L

Analog player (not included)

(L)(R)

Rear panel of this unit

7

RQT5621

Front panel controls

A

Before using

B

18

19

20

21

22

23

18

19

20

22

1

2

3
4

5

6

7

SC-AK44

13

DISPLAY/
DEMO

13

DISPLAY/
DEMO

14 15 16 17

BAND

DECK 1/2

TUNER

AUX CD

CD 1 CD 2 CD 3 CD 4 CD 5

TAPE

24

SC-AK22 SC-AK12SC-AK33

14 15 16 17

BAND

DECK 1/2

TUNER

AUX CD

CD 1 CD 2 CD 3 CD 4 CD 5

TAPE

3D AI

SUPER SOUND EQ

SOUND EQ

SUPER SOUND EQ

SOUND EQ

Main unit

A

No. Name Ref. page

1 AC supply indicator (AC IN)

This indicator lights when the unit is connected to the AC power

8

supply.

2 Standby/on switch (f/I, POWER) ............................. 11

Press to switch the unit from on to standby mode or vice versa.
In standby mode, the unit is still consuming a small amount of
power.

3 Play timer/record timer button

9

(rPLAY/rREC) ......................................................... 27

4 Clock/timer button (CLOCK/TIMER) ............ 11, 27, 28

5 Deck 1 open button (c DECK 1 OPEN) .................. 19

10

6 Deck 1 cassette holder ..............................................19

7 Disc tray

11

12

8

SC-AK44

and

SC-AK33

only

Super woofer on/off button (S.WOOFER) ............... 25

9 Deck 2 open button (c DECK 2 OPEN) .................. 19

! Deck 2 cassette holder ..............................................19

CD open/close button (c, OPEN/CLOSE) ............... 15

# Headphone jack (PHONES) ...................................... 29

Center console

B

25

26

27

$ Remote control signal sensor ................................... 5

% AUX button (AUX) ...................................................... 29

& Tuner/band select button (TUNER, BAND) ............. 12

( Tape/deck select button (TAPE, DECK 1/2) ............ 19

) CD button (CD) ........................................................... 18

28

DOWN

VOL

29

UP

30

~ Display
+ Disc direct play buttons and indicators

(CD 1 ~ CD 5) .............................................................15

, CD manager button

(CD MANAGER) ................................................... 18, 24

SC-AK44

-

SC Reverse mode select button (REV MODE) .............. 19

only

. Display select/demonstration button

(-DISPLAY/–DEMO) ............................................. 10, 11

/ Tape edit button (TAPE EDIT) .................................. 21

: Basic operating buttons

Functions change according to the source.

SC-AK44

26

27

;

3D AI button (3D AI) .................................................. 26

< Super sound EQ button (SUPER SOUND EQ) ........ 25

= Jog control (SOUND EQ) ........................................... 25

SC-AK44

>

only

only

Joy stick (SOUND EQ) ...............................................26

DOWN

VOL

29

UP

? Volume control (VOL) ................................................ 12

@ Recording start/stop button (a REC/STOP) ............ 22

RQT5621

23

30

24

8

SC-AK44

Front panel controls

37

Remote control

31

34

15

25

36

31

32

33

14

27

35

29

32

2

38

39

40

17

16

41

42

43

SC-AK22 SC-AK12SC-AK33

37

2

Buttons such as 2 functions in exactly the same way as the buttons
on the main unit.

No. Name Ref. page

2 Standby/on button (f) ...............................................11

[ Auto off button (AUTO OFF) .................................... 10

\ Numeric buttons (≥10, 1–9, 0) ............................ 13, 16

] Program button (PROGRAM) ................................... 17

^ Cancel button (CANCEL) ........................................... 17

% AUX button (AUX) ...................................................... 29

& Tuner/band select button (TUNER) ......................... 12

= EQ select button (EQ) ................................................ 25

SC-AK44

;

3D AI select button (3D AI) ...................................... 26

_ Muting button (MUTING) ........................................... 11

SC-AK44

{

Reverse side playback/pause/preset
channel select button (

SC-AK33 SC-AK22 SC-AK12

Pause/preset channel select button (

? Volume buttons (– VOLUME +) ................................ 12

| Sleep button (SLEEP) ................................................ 29

} Disc button (DISC) .....................................................16

V Random button (RANDOM) ...................................... 16

0 Repeat button (REPEAT) ...........................................16

) CD button (CD) ........................................................... 17

( Tape/deck select button (TAPE) .............................. 19

1 Skip/search buttons (

2 Play/preset channel select button (-/4).... 13, 15, 19

3 Stop/program clear button (L/CLEAR) ........ 15, 17, 19

only

;;

JJ

;/

J/3) ..................... 13, 15, 19

;;

JJ

JJ

J/3)........ 13, 15

JJ

gg

((

))

g/

gg

(,

((

ff

)/

f) ........ 15, 20

))

ff

Before using

38

34

15

36

33

14

27

35

29

39

40

17

16

41

42

43

9

RQT5621

A

Turning the demo function off

A

DISPLAY/
DEMO

Before using

B

DISPLAY/
DEMO

If the clock has not been set, a demonstration of the display is shown
when the unit is switched to standby.
This function is set to on at the time of purchase.

Press and hold [-DISPLAY/–DEMO] until “NO DEMO” is
displayed.

The display changes each time the button is held down.
NO DEMO (off) ↔ DEMO (on)

Auto-off function

B

by remote control only

When CD or tape is selected as the source
To save power, the unit turns off if it is left unused for ten minutes.

Note

This function does not work if the source is tuner or AUX.

Press [AUTO OFF].

“AUTO OFF” is shown on the display.

To cancel

Press [AUTO OFF] again to clear “AUTO OFF” from the display.

For your reference

The setting is maintained even if the unit is turned off. When the unit
is turned on again, “AUTO OFF” is displayed and the unit functions as
described above.
“AUTO OFF” disappears from the display if either tuner or AUX is
selected as the source but continues to function normally.
“AUTO OFF” remains displayed if CD or tape is selected as the source.

AUTO OFF

10

RQT5621