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.

DOLBY NOISE REDUCTION (NR)

Dolby NR systems reduce tape hiss and background noise. When recording, the systems listen for places where you might later hear hiss. The systems record these sections at a higher level. When you play the tape, the systems decrease these sections’ volume, restoring the music to its original level and reducing the noise level.

Dolby B NR reduces background noise by about 10 dB. Dolby C NR reduces background noise by about 20 dB.

Setting DOLBY NR for Playback

When you play a cassette tape, set DOLBY NR for the system used when the tape was recorded. For prerecorded tapes, use these guidelines to set DOLBY NR:

• If Dolby NR or 2 is not on the cassette label, set the switch to OFF.

BASIC OPERATION

• If Dolby NR or 2 does appear, but the label does not specify Dolby C NR, set the switch to B.

• If Dolby C NR is on the label, set the switch to C.

Setting DOLBY NR for Recording

Set DOLBY NR for the system you want to use.

You can play cassette tapes recorded with Dolby B or C NR on players that do not have the same system. However, high-frequency sounds might be too loud — especially in Dolby C NR recordings.

Recording with the Dolby HX Pro System

If the source you are recording has many high-frequency signals, the signals can reduce the overall recording quality. During recording, the Dolby HX Pro system adjusts for these signals to improve high-frequency response. This feature is always turned on during recording.

You can play a cassette tape recorded with the Dolby HX Pro system on any cassette player.

SPECIAL FEATURES

FAST-FORWARD/REWIND

To rapidly advance or rewind the tape, press ¡ or 1. To stop the tape, press STOP (7). When the tape reaches the end, the cassette deck automatically stops.

PAUSE

To temporarily stop Deck 2 during playback or recording, press PAUSE (8). To restart, press 8, 3, or 2.

Note: You cannot pause while fast-forwarding or rewinding.

BLANK SKIP

To have the cassette deck automatically fast-forward through blank spaces on the tape, set REV MODE to

RELAY/SKIP. If the cassette deck encounters 15 seconds

of silence, it fast-forwards to the end of the blank section and resumes normal play from that point. If the tape reaches the end, it reverses and plays the other side.

TAPE COUNTER

As you play or record a tape, the tape counter advances for the tape side facing you or decreases for the tape side facing away from you. At the beginning of a tape or selection, press RESET to reset the counter to 0000. You can then use the tape counter to quickly locate a specific section on the tape.

The deck can also show the elapsed playing time (in minutes and seconds) since you reset the time. To switch between displays, press TIME/COUNTER on the deck you are using. (The time does not advance when you fastforward or rewind the tape.)

• To skip to the beginning of the next (or a later) selection:

Press ¡ or 1 — whichever points in the same direction as the 3 or 2 indicator.

Note: If you press (¡ or 1) more times than the number of selections on the side you want to search, and have not set REV MODE to “ , the search continues to the other side.

ASMS might not operate as expected if:

• The pause between selections is less than 4 seconds long.

• The overall recorded volume level of a selection is very low.

• The noise level between selections is very high.

AUTOMATIC SEARCH MUSIC SYSTEM

The automatic search music system (ASMS) lets you quickly locate a desired selection on a cassette tape. It searches for the blank space before a selection and automatically stops just before playback begins.

ASMS operates only during play. If the cassette deck is stopped, first press 3 or 2.

• To skip to the beginning of the current (or an earlier) selection:

Press ¡ or 1 — whichever points in the opposite direction of the or indicator.

To skip to the beginning of an earlier selection, repeatedly press the button.

SPECIAL FEATURES

USING RELAY PLAY

You can load two cassette tapes to play one after the other.

Notes:

• The cassettes you load should have the same Dolby NR type.

• You can start relay play from either Deck 1 or Deck 2.

• You can replace the tape in the idle deck during relay play.

• When a tape automatically begins playing during relay play, it always starts from the forward (3) playback side. Be sure to set the tapes properly before starting relay play.

• If the deck encounters an unrecorded portion of tape more than 15 seconds long, it fast forwards the tape until it finds another recorded portion, and resumes playback from that point (i.e., blank skip is automatically set).

1. Load a cassette tape in each tape compartment, then close the compartment doors.

2. Set DOLBY NR for the noise-reduction system you want to use. See “Dolby Noise Reduction” on Page 7.

3. Set REV MODE to RELAY/SKIP.

4. Press or on Deck 1 or 2. Playback starts. See “Playback Sequence.”

5. Adjust the volume, tone, and balance control on your receiver/amplifier for the desired sound.

6. T o stop relay play before it automatically stops, press STOP(7) on the deck that is playing

any time during playback.

REWIND AUTO PLA Y

To have Deck 1 rewind the cassette to the beginning of the current side and start play, press REWIND AUTO PLAY.

Note: If both decks have tapes loaded, the decks operate as described under “Using Relay Play.”

DEMO MODE

The cassette deck has a demonstration mode that alternately turns on various indicators and meters so you can see where they show on the deck.

To turn on the demonstration mode, press and RESET on Deck 2 at the same time while the cassette deck is stopped. To cancel the mode, press any button except EJECT(0) and POWER.

TIME/COUNTER

Playback Sequence

The cassette deck repeats the following sequence 8 times (up to 32 sides).

Where playback starts in the sequence depends on which play button you press first:

I. Side facing out, Deck 1 II. Side facing in, Deck 1 III.Side facing out, Deck 2 IV. Side facing in, Deck 2

•

When you press 3 on Deck 1, playback starts at I.

•

When you press 2 on Deck 1, playback starts at II.

•

When you press 3 on Deck 2, playback starts at III.

•

When you press 2 on Deck 2, playback starts at IV.

SPECIAL FEATURES

RECORDING AND DUBBING

You can record from any component connected to the receiver/amplifier or dub (copy) cassette tapes.

Notes:

• Tape quality greatly affects the quality of the recording. Your cassette deck can play Type I, Type II, and Type IV tape. We recommend Radio Shack brand tapes.

• Before recording or dubbing, be sure the cassettes onto which you want to record or dub have their erase-protection tabs in place. To prevent accidental erasure of a tape, remove the eraseprotection tabs. For more information, see “EraseProtection Tabs.”

• To record at the beginning of a cassette, turn the cassette’s hub with your finger or a pencil until the dark part of the tape enters the opening in the edge of the cassette. Before dubbing, position both tapes this way to prevent missing recording material at the very beginning of a tape.

Recording from Line-In Sources

To record from the device connected to the cassette deck’s

LINE INPUT jacks, follow these steps.

1. Press POWER to turn on the cassette deck.

2. Load a blank tape (or one you want to record over) into Deck 2. Be sure the side you want to record on is facing you and the full reel is to the left.

3. Press 3 on Deck 2 to set the tape direction and then press 7 .

4. Set DOLBY NR for the noise-reduction system you want to use. See “Dolby Noise Reduction” on Page 7.

5. Set REV MODE. See “Loading and Playing a Cassette Tape.”

6. Press RECORD(¶). The cassette deck enters the record pause mode.

7. Play the loudest part of the selection you want to record.

Set REC LEVEL so the LEVEL meter goes to -3 dB most of the time and to 0 dB at peaks. This gives the recording a high signal-to-noise ratio with minimum distortion.

8. Start the source you want to record, then press 3 on Deck 2 to begin recording.

9. To stop recording, press 7 on Deck 2.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Recording Blank Spaces Between Selections

Some cassette decks search for the blank spaces between selections so you can quickly locate specific selections. If the original program does not have blank spaces, you can add them when you make a new recording.

While the cassette deck is set to record or record pause, press REC MUTE(•).The deck records 41/2 seconds of silence and pauses. To begin recording again, press

PAUSE(8) or the appropriate play button

• To record a blank space of more than 41/2 seconds, press again after the cassette deck pauses, or press and hold for the desired length of time. To begin recording again, press 8, 3, or 2.

• To record a blank space of less than 41/2 seconds, press before 41/2 seconds pass. To begin recording again, press 8, 3, or 2.

(3 or 2).

Copying a Cassette Tape (Dubbing)

Notes:

• If the original recording has Dolby B NR or Dolby C NR, the copy will also have it, regardless of the position of DOLBY NR. If the original does not have Dolby NR, you cannot add it to the tape you are dubbing.

• REC LEVEL does not affect the recording level during dubbing.

• Both decks automatically stops when either tape reaches the end. We recommend you dub onto a tape that is the same length as the original, so the decks stop at the same time.

7. T o begin dubbing, press the appropriate COPY button:

NORMAL to dub at normal playback speed. HI-SPEED to dub at twice the normal speed.

The cassette in Deck 1 automatically plays.

Both decks automatically stops when either tape reaches the end.To manually stop dubbing, press 7 on either deck; this stops both cassette decks.

To copy a cassette tape:

1. Press POWER to turn on the cassette deck.

2. Load the cassette tape you want to copy into Deck 1. Be sure the side you want to copy faces you with the full reel to the left.

3. Load a blank tape (or one you want to record over) into Deck 2. Be sure the side you want to record on is facing you and the full reel is to the left.

4. Set REV MODE. See “Loading and Playing a Cassette Tape.”

5. Press 3 on Deck 1 to set the tape direction, then press 7.

6. Press 3 on Deck 2 to set the tape direction, then press 7.

SPECIAL FEATURES

CD-Deck Synchro Recording

If your CD player has a compatible CD Synchro function, you can automatically record your CDs. player’s and cassette deck’s described in “Connecting the CD-Deck Synchro Control Cable.”

Note: A 41/2-second blank space is automatically created between selections.

CD SYNCHRO

Connect the CD

jacks as

1. Load a compact disc in the CD player.

2. Load a blank tape (or one you want to record over) into Deck 2. Be sure the side you want to record on is facing you and the full reel is to the left.

3. Press on Deck 2 to set the tape direction and then press .

4. Set REV MODE and DOLBY NR.

5. Press RECORD.

6. Select the CD player on the receiver/amplifier, then begin play on the CD player.

7. Adjust the recording level.

8. Press the stop buttons on the cassette deck and the CD player.

9. Press CD SYNCHRO RECORD. Recording automatically begins.

If REV MODE is set to automatically switch to the other side of the tape and the tape reaches the end of the first side while the CD player is playing, the CD

player returns to the beginning of the current track and pauses. A 41/2-second blank space is automatically created on the reverse side of the tape, then the CD player resumes playback and the deck resumes recording.

When the compact disc finishes playing, the CD player stops and the cassette deck pauses. Within 1

minute, change the disc and start play on the CD player to resume recording. If the CD player does not start play within 1 minute, the cassette deck stops.

When the CD player changes discs (multi-disc CD players),

the cassette deck pauses, then resumes recording when the CD player begins playing the next disc.

If the cassette deck reaches the end of the tape and stops while the CD plays, the CD player returns to the

start of the current track, then pauses. To resume recording, load another tape and ensure the tape is moving in the desired direction. If it is not, press a play button ( 3 or 2 ) on the cassette deck to change the tape direction, then immediately press 7. You can resume recording by pressing CD SYNCHRO RECORD again. (Press the button within 1 minute after the CD player pauses. If more than 1 minute elapses, the CD player stops.)

TAPE HINTS

RESTORING TAPE TENSION AND SOUND QUALITY

After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might become tightly wound on the reels. This can cause playback sound quality to deteriorate.

To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning to the end of one side, then completely rewind it. Then loosen the tape reels by gently tapping each side of the cassette’s outer shell on a flat surface.

Note: Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping it. Do not touch the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the cassette.

ERASING A CASSETTE TAPE

If you no longer want a recording, you can record over it or erase it.

To record over a cassette tape, simply record as usual. The cassette deck records over the previous recording.

To erase a cassette tape, turn off the input source and set

REC LEVEL to MIN and press RECORD (¶).

Then press 3 or 2 to begin recording. To erase the entire cassette tape, let the tape record to the end of both sides.

You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape eraser, available at your local Radio Shack store.

If you later decide to erase or record over the tape, you can place a piece of tape over the holes.

Note: When covering the holes, cover only the place that was originally protected by the plastic tab.

ERASE-PROTECTION TABS

Most cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs — one for each side of the tape. When a tab is in place, you can erase or record on that tape side.

To protect your recordings from being accidentally erased or recorded over, carefully break off the erase-protection tabs, using a screwdriver or similar tool.

Side A Tab

Note: Breaking off the tabs does not prevent a bulk tape eraser from erasing the tape.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your RCA SCT-560 High-Speed Dubbing Stereo Cassette Deck is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. These suggestions will help you care for the cassette deck so you can enjoy it for years.

Capstan

Keep the cassette deck dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

Handle the cassette deck gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage the circuit boards and case and can cause the cassette deck to work improperly.

Use and store the cassette deck only in normal temperature environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.

Keep the cassette deck away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.

Wipe the cassette deck with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the cassette deck.

Pinch Roller

Recording/Playback Head

DECK 2

Note: RadioShack stores sell a wide variety of tape deck cleaning supplies.

Modifying or tampering with the cassette deck’s internal parts can cause a malfunction and might invalidate your cassette deck’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your cassette deck is not operating as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.

Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts

Clean the tape-handling parts after about every 20 hours of use. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head cleaning solution or denatured alcohol to gently clean the parts shown in the illustration.

Capstan

Pinch Roller

Playback Head

DECK 1

TROUBLE SHOOTING

This cassette deck has been manufactured to the specifications of RadioShack and is covered by a limited warranty from RadioShack. If your cassette deck is not operating as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store or call 1-800-THESHACK for assistance.

Your cassette deck should give you years of trouble-free service if you follow the instructions in this manual. If you do have problems, the chart below can help you solve them. If you still have problems after following the suggestions below, take the cassette deck to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.

Symptom

Power does not come on.

The door does not open. The door does not close. The tape immediately stops.

The level meter does not work during playback.

There is no sound.

Cause

• The power cord is unplugged.

• The component to which the power cord is attached is turned off.

• The deck is not stopped.

• The cassette is not properly loaded.

• The tape is at the end of that side.

• The tape has too much slack.

• There is nothing recorded on the tape.

• The tape heads are dirty.

• The receiver/amplifier’s input selector is not properly set.

•

The receiver/amplifier’s volume is too low.

• There are connection problems.

Remedy

• Plug in the power cord.

• Turn on the component.

• Press 7.

• Remove and reinsert the cassette.

• Play the other side of the tape or rewind the tape.

• Take up the slack.

• Replace the tape with one that has a recording.

• Clean the tape heads.

• Set the receiver/amplifier’s input selector to the same input you connected the deck to.

• Turn up the receiver/amplifier’s volume.

• Check all connections.

The record indicator does not light when you try to record.

The level meter does not work during recording or nothing records onto the tape.

The sound is unstable or interrupted.

High-frequency sounds are missing.

• The erase protection tabs are broken off.

• The receiver/amplifier or other audio signal source is not delivering an audio signal to the deck.

• The REC LEVEL control is set too low.

• There are connection problems.

• The tape heads are dirty.

• The heads, pinch rollers, capstans, or other tape-handling parts are dirty.

• The tape is not uniformly wound.

• A tape recorded without Dolby NR is being played back with DOLBY NR set to B or C.

• The tape heads are dirty.

• Replace the tape with one with unbroken tabs or cover the holes with tape.

• Correctly set the receiver/amplifier’s controls.

• Turn up REC LEVEL.

• Check all connections.

• Clean the tape heads.

• Clean all tape handling parts.

• Completely rewind then fast forward the tape.

• Correctly set DOLBY NR.

• Clean the tape heads.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Symptom

High-frequency sounds are emphasized.

The sounds from previous recordings are still on the tape with new recordings.

The sound is distorted.

There is too much noise.

ASMS does not operate properly.

The system remote control does not work.

Cause

• A tape recorded with Dolby NR is being played back with DOLBY NR set to OFF.

• The tape heads are dirty.

• The recording level is too high.

• The original signal was distorted.

• The heads are dirty.

• Poor-quality tape is being used.

• There is a faulty connection.

• Recording level is too low.

• The tape heads are dirty.

• Blanks between selections are less than 4 seconds long.

• The control cord is not connected.

Remedy

• Set DOLBY NR to the same position as was used for recording.

• Clean the tape heads.

• Turn down REC LEVEL and re-record.

• Replace the original recording source.

• Clean the tape heads.

• Use a better-quality tape.

• Check all connections.

• Turn up REC LEVEL and re-record.

• Clean the tape heads.

• Use tapes with blanks of 4 seconds or more between selections.

• Properly connect the control cord.

CD-deck synchro recording does not work.

The CD-DECK SYNCHRO stops working during CD-Deck Synchro recording.

• The CD-deck synchro control cord is not connected.

• The cassette tape’s erase protection tabs are broken.

• The end of the tape was reached during CD-Deck Synchro recording.

• After the deck entered the standby mode, more than 1 minute elapsed before the CD player resumed play.

• Properly connect the control cord.

• Replace the cassette with one with unbroken tabs or cover the holes with tape.

• Replace the tape with a longer one.

• Change the disc and press CD

SYNCHRO RECORD

again.

SPECIFICATIONS

System ......................................................................................................................................... 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo

Heads................................................................................................................ One Hard Permalloy Record/Playback Head

One Hard Permalloy Playback Head

One Ferrite Erasing Head

Motors ................................................................................................................................................ Two DC Servo Motors

Wow and Flutter .................................................................................................................................... 0.09% (WRMS, JIS)

Fast Winding Time ......................................................................................................... Less than 120 seconds (C-60 tape)

Frequency Response (at -20 dB recording level):

Type IV (Metal) Tape ............................................................................................................................. 20 to 16,500 Hz

Type II (Chrome) Tape ........................................................................................................................... 20 to 16,000 Hz

Type I (Normal) Tape............................................................................................................................. 20 to 16,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Dolby NR Off) ......................................................................................................... More than 45 dB

Noise Reduction Effect:

Dolby B NR ON.................................................................................................................... More than 10 dB (at 5 kHz)

Dolby C NR ON ................................................................................................................... More than 19 dB (at 5 kHz)

Harmonic Distortion .......................................................................................... No more than 0.8% (at -4 dB: 160 nwb/m)

Input (Sensitivity) LINE (INPUT) .............................................................................. 100 mV (Input Impedance 68 kOhm)

Output (Reference level) LINE (OUTPUT)................................................................. 0.5 V (Output Impedance 1.9 kOhm)

Power Requirements .................................................................................................................................... AC 120V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Watts

Dimensions.................................................................................................................. 415/16 ✕ 169/16 ✕ 913/16 Inches (HWD)

.................................................................................................................................................... (125 ✕ 420 ✕ 250 mm)

Weight ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 lbs 1 oz (4.1 kg)

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.

INDEX TO FEATURES BY CONTROL NAME

This table lists the control and indicator names on the front of your SCT-560 along with the page number where the item is discussed.

Control

ASMS 1 and ¡ CD SYNCHRO RECORD DEMO DOLBY NR EJECT HI-SPEED NORMAL PAUSE POWER REC LEVEL REC MUTE RECORD RELAY/SKIP RESET REV MODE REWIND AUTO PLAY STAND BY STOP TIME/COUNTER

Page

6 6 8

9 7

6 11 11

6 10 11 10

6,9

NOTES

Limited One-Year Warranty

This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE-SPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period. This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102

We Service What We Sell

09/99

RadioShack

A Division of Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

14-1403

<PRB1200-A>

Printed in XXXX09A99

RCA SCT-560 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual