RCA SCT-560 User Manual

owner’s manual

SCT-560 HIGH-SPEED DUBBING STEREO CASSETTE DECK

FEATURES

Your RCA SCT-560 High-Speed Dubbing Stereo Cassette Deck combines two auto-reverse cassette decks for professional-quality dubbing and the convenience of extended play. Its features include:

Auto Search Music System (ASMS) — lets you quickly locate a selection.

Dolby B-C Noise Reduction System — reduces tape hiss and noise for the best possible audio recording.

Dolby HX Pro System — improves high-frequency response on all recordings; you can play back the tape on any player, even if the player does not have the Dolby NR or HX Pro system.

Auto Tape Selector — automatically adjusts equalization and bias to match the type of tape you use.

Auto-Reverse — lets you play or record (Deck 2 only) both sides of a cassette tape without turning it over.

Blank Skip — skips long blank spaces on the tape. Relay Play — lets you repeatedly play two tapes for

hours of continuous play. High-Speed Dubbing — lets you copy tapes at twice the

normal speed. CD-DECK Synchro-Start Dubbing — starts dubbing

with the touch of a button. Record Mute — lets you record a few seconds of silence

between selections. Auto-Stop — protects the tape and the playback/record

mechanisms by stopping playback or recording at the end of the tape.

Logic-Controlled Operation — gives you error-free, soft-touch control.

Recording Level Control and Two-Channel Peak Level Meters — let you control the quality of your

recordings. Rewind Auto Play — automatically rewinds the tape in

Deck 1 to the beginning and starts play.

For your permanent records, we urge you to record your cassette deck’s serial number in the space below. You can find the serial number on the label on the back panel of the cassette deck.

Serial Number:

_____________________________________________

Caution: Most material on prerecorded tapes is copyrighted. The

unauthorized duplication of copyrighted material is a violation of the copyright laws of most countries and such duplication might result in fines and imprisonment. Note, however, in the United States, it is not a violation of U.S. copyright laws for a consumer to use an audio recording device to duplicate musical recordings for noncommercial (personal) use.

Dolby Noise Reduction and HX Pro Headroom Extension manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Dolby, the double-D symbol2 , and HX PRO are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

HX Pro originated by Bang and Olufsen.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The SCT-560 is made and tested to meet exacting safety standards. It meets both UL and FCC requirements

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this system to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

This symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system’s enclosure that might be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Do not open the system’s case.

This symbol is intended to inform you that important operating and maintenance instructions are included in the literature accompanying this system.

This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of provide reasonable protection against radio and TV interference in a residential area. However, your equipment might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To eliminate interference, you can try one or more of the following corrective measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and the radio or TV.

• Use outlets on different electrical circuits for the equipment and the radio or TV.

Consult your local Radio Shack store or an experienced radio/TV technician if the problem still exists.You must use shielded interface cables with this equipment.

FCC Rules

. These limits

Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your cassette deck, and safety is a major factor in its design. However, safety is also your responsibility.

This section lists important information that will help you properly use and enjoy your cassette deck and accessories. Read all the included safety and operating instructions before using your cassette deck, follow them closely, and retain them for future reference.

Heed Warnings — Follow all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Attachments — Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by the product manufacturer, as

they might create a hazard. Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water (for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,

kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool). Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The

product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting accessory.

Carts — Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.

Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet provide ventilation, ensure reliable operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover these openings, and do not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar

surface. Do not place the product in a built-in bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ventilation as specified by the manufacturer.

Power Sources — Operate this product using only the power source indicated on its marking label. If you are not sure of your home’s power type, consult your product dealer or local power company.

Polarization — This product is equipped with a polarized AC line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit in the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still doesn’t fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.

Power-Cord Protection — Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.

• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

Safety Check — Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

Wall or Ceiling Mount — The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

CONTENTS

Connections .............................................................................................................................5

Connecting to Your Receiver/Amplifier .......................................................................................................5

Connecting the Remote Control Cable........................................................................................................5

Connecting the CD-Deck Synchro Control Cable........................................................................................5

Connecting Power .......................................................................................................................................5

Basic Operation........................................................................................................................ 6

Loading and Playing a Cassette Tape..........................................................................................................6

Loading a Cassette Tape ........................................................................................................................6

Playing a Cassette Tape .........................................................................................................................6

Dolby Noise Reduction (NR).......................................................................................................................7

Setting DOLBY NR for Playback............................................................................................................7

Setting DOLBY NR for Recording...........................................................................................................7

Recording with the Dolby HX Pro System..............................................................................................7

Special Features .......................................................................................................................8

Fast-Forward/Rewind .................................................................................................................................8

Pause...........................................................................................................................................................8

Blank Skip ..................................................................................................................................................8

Tape Counter ..............................................................................................................................................8

Automatic Search Music System .................................................................................................................8

Using Relay Play .........................................................................................................................................9

Playback Sequence.................................................................................................................................9

Rewind Auto Play........................................................................................................................................9

Demo Mode .................................................................................................................................................9

Recording and Dubbing ............................................................................................................................10

Recording from Line-In Sources...........................................................................................................10

Recording Blank Spaces Between Selections........................................................................................11

Copying a Cassette Tape (Dubbing) ....................................................................................................11

CD-Deck Synchro Recording................................................................................................................12

Tape Hints ..............................................................................................................................13

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality ..............................................................................................13

Erasing a Cassette Tape ............................................................................................................................13

Erase-Protection Tabs ...............................................................................................................................13

Care and Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 14

Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ............................................................................................................14

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 15

Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 17

Index to Features by Control Name .......................................................................................18

Notes ......................................................................................................................................19

CONNECTIONS

PHONO

INPUT

TAPE/DCC

VCR/

REC

PLAY

TAPE 2

PLAY

REC

CONTROL

OUT

INPUT OUTPUT

REC

L R

LINE

PLAY

CD¥DECK

SYNCHRO

CONTROL

OUT

Receiver/Amplifier

LINE OUT

CD•DECK SYNCHRO

CONTROL

OUT

CD Player

CONNECTING TO YOUR RECEIVER/AMPLIFIER

1. Using one of the supplied audio cables, connect the cassette deck’s L and R LINE OUTPUT jacks to the receiver/amplifier’s left and right tape input jacks.

2. Using the other audio cable, connect the cassette deck’s

LINE INPUT jacks to the receiver/amplifier’s tape

output jacks.

Note: If you are not sure which receiver/amplifier jacks to use, refer to your receiver/amplifier’s owner’s manual.

SCT-560

CONNECTING THE CD-DECK SYNCHRO CONTROL CABLE

If you have a CD player that has a CD-DECK SYNCHRO control jack, connect the jack to your cassette deck’s CD-

DECK SYNCHRO

deck synchro control cable. This connection lets you easily make CD-to-cassette deck recordings. See “CD-Deck Synchro Recording” on Page 12.

control jack using the supplied CD-

CONNECTING THE REMOTE CONTROL CABLE

If you have an RCA receiver/amplifier that has a remote control jack (labeled CONTROL IN/OUT), you can use the receiver/amplifier’s remote control to operate the cassette deck.

Connect the receiver/amplifier’s CONTROL OUT jack to the cassette deck’s CONTROL IN jack using the supplied remote control cable.

If you have another RCA audio component that has a remote control jack, connect the cassette deck’s

CONTROL OUT jack to the component’s CONTROL IN

jack. This relays the remote control signal from the receiver/amplifier to the other component.

CONNECTING POWER

Carefully check all connections. Then plug the AC power cord into a standard AC outlet. The power cord’s plug is polarized and fits only one way. The cassette deck automatically turns on.

Warning: To prevent electric shock, do not plug the power cord into an extension cord or other receptacle unless you can fully and easily insert the plug’s blades.

BASIC OPERATION

LOADING AND PLAYING A CASSETTE TAPE

Loading a Cassette Tape

1. Use your finger or a pencil to turn the

cassette’shub and take up any tape slack.

Note: Avoid touching the tape. Fingerprints attract dirt.

2. Press the appropriate EJECT (0) button

(Deck1 or Deck 2) to open the cassette compartment door.

3. Load the cassette with its open edge down.

Since the decks play in either direction, it does not matter which side faces out.

4. Gently close the compartment door.

Playing a Cassette Tape

1. T urn on the cassette deck by pressing POWER.

2. Load a tape.

3. Set DOLBY NR to the setting used when the

tape was recorded. See “Dolby Noise Reduction.”

4. Set REV MODE for one-side, two-side, or

continuous two-side play.

8. Press STOP (7) to stop playback.

9. Press EJECT (0) to open the cassette door and remove the cassette.

10. To turn off the cassette deck, press POWER. Only the STAND BY indicator lights.

“ The cassette deck plays or records one side of the

tape and stops.

[ The cassette deck plays or records both sides of

the tape and stops.

Note: To play or record both sides, you must press 3 (not 2).

” The cassette deck plays the tape up to eight times

(16 sides) and stops.

Note: During recording, this setting is the same as oneside play.See “Using Relay Play” for more details about

REV MODE.

5. Set the receiver/amplifier’ s volume to its lowest position.

6. Press 3 on the appropriate deck to play the side facing you. Press to play the side facing away from you.

7. Adjust the receiver/amplifier’s volume, tone, and balance.

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