Getting Started .............................................................................................. 10
Connectors and Controls ............................................................................................................... 10
Left Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Right Panel .................................................................................................................................. 10
Top ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Front ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Interior view of the cassette compartment ................................................................................ 11
Installing the Conversion Software ................................................................................................ 12
System Requirements .................................................................................................................. 12
The cassette digitizer can’t be switched on .............................................................................. 26
No sound .................................................................................................................................... 26
Problems when copying cassette content to a computer ........................................................ 26
Information about warranty and service processing ..................................... 27
English 3
SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Trademarks
Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
USB is a registered trademark.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Other names and products can be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a SilverCrest product. With this cassette digitizer you can not only play
your audio cassettes when moving or travelling; you can also convert them to a modern, digital
multimedia format and even store the digital audio data on a CD or a USB memory stick.
Intended Use
This is a consumer electronics device. It is designed for playing and digitizing audio cassettes. It
may only be used for private use, not industrial or commercial purposes. Furthermore, the device
may not be used in tropical climates.
This device fulfils all conformity-relevant norms and standards. Any modifications to the device
may result in these directives no longer being met. Only use the accessories recommended by
the manufacturer.
Please observe the regulations and laws in the country of use.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Package Contents
Remove the device and all the accessories from the packaging. Remove the packaging material
and check whether all the parts are complete and undamaged. In the case that you find anything
missing or damaged, please contact the manufacturer.
SilverCrest Cassette Digitizer
SKD 1000 A3
SilverCrest
earphones PS-09
2 AA-sized brand-name
batteries, 1.5 V
English 5
CD with the AudioLava
conversion software (Lineart
illustration)
USB cable, length 70 cm
User manual with service
information (Lineart illustration)
SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Technical Specifications
Model name SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Power supply 2 AA batteries, 1.5 V
(optionally via a mains adapter, 3 V ,
polarity )
or via a USB 2.0 cable connection
(recommended) to the computer (+5 V)
Maximum current consumption 500 mA
Dimensions 11.3 x 8.4 x 3.2 cm
Weight 170 g (without batteries)
Operating temperature 5 °C to 35 °C
Operating humidity 85 % rel. humidity
Earphones PS-09
Impedance 32 Ohms
Broadband characteristics voltage approx. 100 mV
Max. sound pressure level with supplied
earphones
Max. output voltage on earphones jack approx. 80 mV
The technical data and design may be changed without notification.
approx. 94 dB(A)
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Safety Instructions
Before you use this device for the first time, please read the following notes in this manual and
heed all warnings, even if you are familiar with handling electronic devices. Keep this manual
safe for future reference. If you sell the device or pass it on, it is essential that you also hand over
this manual. The manual is an integral part of the device.
CAUTION!
dangerous situation. Ignoring them could lead to severe injury or even death.
WARNING!
information required for the safe operation of the product and for the safety of its
users.
This icon and the word “Caution” alert you to a potentially
This symbol and the word “Warning” denote important
This icon denotes further information on the topic.
Risks associated with excessive volume levels
WARNING!
your auditory system.
In accordance with safety regulations the maximum permitted noise level is 100 dB(A). The
device fully complies with these legal requirements.
Do not use the earphones at high volume levels, otherwise you will damage your hearing and
possibly disturb other people. Although the device is designed to enable you to perceive external
noise, only adjust the volume to maximum level so that you still capable of hearing what is
happening around you. Environment noise can sound unfamiliar. Under dangerous
circumstances (for example when driving a vehicle or when working with machines) the sound
English 7
CAUTION!
09). Other types of earphones can produce harmful sound pressure levels.
Using headphones to listen to high-volume audio can damage
Only use the earphones supplied with your device (SilverCrest PS-
SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
may distract your attention or prevent you from being aware of what is happening around you.
You should not use the device in these situations.
Operating Environment
The device is not designed for use in environments with high temperatures or humidity (e.g.
bathrooms), and must be kept free of dust. Operating temperature and operating humidity: 5°C
to 35°C, max. 85 % RH.
CAUTION!Always make sure that:
there is free circulation of air (do not place the device on shelves, on a carpet, on a bed, or
anywhere that obstructs the ventilation, and ensure at least 10 cm clearance on all sides)
no direct heat sources (e.g. radiators) can affect the device
no direct sunlight or bright artificial light reaches the device
contact with sprayed and dripping water and abrasive liquids must be avoided and the
device should never be operated near water. It must especially never be immersed (do not
place any items containing liquids such as beverages, vases, etc. onto or next to the device)
the device is never placed in the immediate vicinity of magnetic fields (e.g. loudspeakers)
no foreign bodies enter the device
the device is not subject to major great temperature fluctuations as this can cause condensation and
short-circuits. If the device is exposed to strong temperature fluctuations, wait (approx. 2 hours) until
it has reached ambient temperature before turning it on
the device is not subjected to excessive shocks and vibrations
Candles and any other open flames must be kept away from this
product at any times in order to avoid the risk of fire
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
CAUTION!Batteries
Insert the batteries with the correct polarity. Refer to the polarity markings beside the battery
compartment. Do not try to recharge the batteries and do not throw batteries into the fire. Do not
mix battery types (old and new or carbon and alkaline, etc.). Remove the batteries when the
device is not to be used for a long time. In the event of improper use, there is a risk of explosion
and leakage.
Batteries must never be opened or deformed, as this could result in chemicals leaking out which
could cause injuries. Batteries and small parts represent potential choking hazards. Keep the
batteries in a safe place. If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help immediately. If the battery
fluid becomes in contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical aid.
CAUTION! Children and persons with disabilities
Electrical devices are not suitable for children. Also persons with reduced physical, sensorial or
mental capabilities should only use electrical devices in appropriate circumstances. Do not allow
children or persons with disabilities to use electrical devices when not under supervision, unless
they are instructed accordingly and supervised by a competent person responsible for their
safety. Children should always be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the product.
Keep the packaging away from children and persons with disabilities too.
Danger of suffocation!
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Getting Started
Connectors and Controls
This User Manual has a fold-out cover. Please fold out the title page and read the following
descriptions. This will enable you to always have the diagram visible, permitting a better
understanding of the location of the different buttons and sockets.
Left Panel
1 Socket for an optional mains adapter
Right Panel
2 Volume control: Turn the volume control knob to increase or lower the volume.
3 USB port: The USB port is used to connect the USB cable to allow connection of the
device to a PC and copying of audio cassettes. We recommend that you use a USB 2.0
port on your PC.
4 Earphone socket: For connecting the supplied earphones.
5 Release button for the cassette compartment cover. To open the cassette compartment,
slide this button in the direction of the arrow.
Top
6
DIR button: Press this button during playback or when playback has been stopped to
switch between playback of side A and side B of the cassette.
7 / button: Sliding this button to the position ensures that the playback toggles
to the other side when the end of the current side of the cassette is reached. After the
second side has been played, playback will stop. Sliding this button to the position
ensures that the playback toggles to the other side when the end of the current side of
the cassette is reached and the cassette sides continue to alternate, playing in loop.
Note: In the position, playback will not stop once the end of the cassette has been
reached. The device will play side A, side B, side A etc. in loop.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
8 FF button*: This is the Fast Forward button for advancing the cassette tape. To stop the
Fast Forward function, press the STOP button (11).
The STOP button (11) is also used to stop the Fast Forward function when the end of the
tape is reached.
9 REW button*: Press this button to rewind the cassette tape. To stop the Rewind function,
press the STOP button (11).
The STOP button (11) is also used to stop the Rewind function when the start of the tape
is reached.
10 PLAY button: Press this button to start playback of the cassette.
11 STOP button: Press this button to stop playback and to stop the Fast Forward or the
Rewind function.
Front
12 Cassette compartment cover
Interior view of the cassette compartment
13 Battery compartment
* Please note that the cassette will wind into the opposite direction if the cassette side has been
toggled by pressing the DIR button or if it has toggled automatically.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Installing the Conversion Software
System Requirements
With the supplied AudioLava conversion software you can digitize your analog recordings and
at the same time filter out hissing, sound imperfections, crackling and other background noise,
and add Hall effects etc. Before installing the software, make sure that your computer fulfils the
following minimum requirements:
Pentium or compatible processor, 800 MHz or higher
Minimum of 256 MB RAM
Graphics board with a colour depth of at least 16 bits
A Windows-compatible sound board
Operating system: Windows 7/8, Windows Vista or Windows XP
DirectX 8.0 or higher.
Installing AudioLava
The software is provided on the supplied CD.
1. Insert the supplied CD into the CD or DVD drive of your computer. The software should
install and launch automatically; if it doesn’t, double-click on the “CD_Start.exe” file in the
main folder on the CD.
2. Then follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. If you are then asked whether
the computer should be restarted, click on Yes.
Preparing the Cassette Digitizer
You can operate the device using the supplied AA-sized (Mignon) batteries, via the USB cable
connected to a PC, or by using an optional mains adapter (not supplied). The mains adapter
must have a compatible DC output plug and must supply an operating voltage of 3V. Mains
adapter output polarity:
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Inserting the Batteries
The battery compartment (13) is located underneath the cassette compartment cover (12).
1. Slide the black release button (5) in the direction indicated by the arrow to release the
cassette compartment cover, and then raise the cover.
2. Insert your fingernail into the recess above the cover of the battery compartment (13) and
open the cover. Remove the cover and put it to one side.
3. Insert the supplied AA batteries into the
unit with the correct polarity (+ and -).
Push the first battery as far as you can
to the left so that it is no longer visible,
and then insert the second battery (see
the diagram to the left of the battery
compartment).
4. Replace the cover on the battery compartment. First position its lower edge on the two lugs
at the bottom left and right of the battery compartment, and then carefully press down the
top edge of the cover with your finger until it clicks into place.
If the volume level drops, or if the device stops operating or the playback
becomes distorted, replace the batteries with new batteries of the same type. The
device does not provide an indication that the batteries are weak.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Playing Cassettes
You can use your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3 just like a normal, portable cassette player for
listening to audio cassettes. Thanks to its compact and lightweight construction and the
independent power supply via batteries, it’s a mobile device that can be used when travelling,
jogging etc. To be able to directly listen to audio cassettes, you first need to connect the
earphones.
Connecting the earphones
When using the earphones, please heed the warnings in the Safety Instructions on page 7.
To listen to music, you can connect the supplied SilverCrest PS-09 earphones.
WARNING!
your auditory system.
1. Insert the earphones jack into the earphones socket (4).
CAUTION!
09). Other types of earphones can produce harmful sound pressure levels.
Using headphones to listen to high-volume audio can damage
Only use the earphones supplied with your device (SilverCrest PS-
Playing audio cassettes
Inserting an audio cassette
1. Open the cassette compartment cover by sliding the release button (5) in the direction of the
arrow.
2. Insert an audio cassette into the cassette compartment. Insert the side at which the tape is
visible first. Make sure that the two pins at the top of the cassette compartment slot into the
corresponding holes of the cassette.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Before inserting the cassette, you should make sure that the tape is slightly
tensioned. This is to avoid the tape becoming chewed. Hold the cassette in front
of you with one hand, and using a finger of your other hand, or a pencil, rotate
the right-hand knurled wheel clockwise.
3. Close the cassette compartment by simply pressing down the cover until it clicks into place.
Playing the cassette
You can play, stop, fast forward or rewind the cassette using the PLAY (10), STOP (11), FF
(8) and REW (9) buttons. See the description of the buttons on page 10.
During the playback, you can adjust the volume by turning the volume knob (2) clockwise or
anticlockwise.
Removing the audio cassette
1. If the tape is still playing or if the Fast Forward or Rewind functions are operating, press the
STOP button (11) to stop it.
2. Open the cassette compartment cover by sliding the release button (5) in the direction of the
arrow.
3. Remove the audio cassette from the cassette compartment. First lift the side of the cassette at
which the tape is visible. Insert a fingernail into the upper edge of the cassette and lift it
slightly, so that you can then grip it at both sides and completely remove it from the cassette
compartment.
4. Close the cassette compartment by simply pressing down the cover until it clicks into place.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Copying Audio Cassettes to a PC
To be able to digitize and store your cassettes on a PC, you must first have installed the supplied
AudioLava software on your computer (see page 12, Installing AudioLava).
Connecting the device to your PC
1. Connect your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3 to a switched-on PC using the supplied USB cable.
Connect the end of the cable with the small USB connector to the USB port (3) on the
device, and the end with the large USB connector to a USB 2.0 port on your PC.
2. Your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3 should then be detected automatically by the operating
system and the necessary drivers should be installed automatically (this step is only
performed the first time you connect the SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3 to your PC).
When the cable has been connected and the PC is switched on, power will be
supplied to your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3 by the computer via the USB cable.
You can leave the batteries in place or the optional mains adapter connected.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Copying the cassette content to the PC
This section provides basic information on digitizing an audio cassette on your PC. The
AudioLava software used to perform the digitizing offers a wide range of functions which are not
all described in this user manual. A detailed description of the functions of AudioLava is available
in the AudioLava online Help files.
1. Start the AudioLava program by clicking on the icon on the Desktop. The AudioLava
Cleaning Wizard is then displayed.
2. In the Cleaning Wizard, click on "Record from tape deck" to start recording.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
The recording window is then displayed.
3. Insert the cassette that you wish to digitize and then press the PLAY button (10) to start
playing the tape. Adjust the volume using the Volume Control knob (2) on the device as
described in the "Input Level" option (see Step 4 below).
Use the FF button (8) or the REW button (9) to spool to the start of the tape or to
find the track that you wish to digitize.
Make sure that the correct recording console is configured in the AudioLava
software. Select "Options" > "Device Settings". Under “Recording Console” you
can select an entry. This entry can be, for example: "[MME] Microfon (USB
Microphone)" or "[MME] Microphone (USB Microphone)". Please note that this
entry may vary depending on the operating system.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
If you wish, you can activate the "Listen to input (digital monitoring)" option
(described in the next step) to monitor the audio signal via the PC speakers.
4. Click on the red "Record" button to start recording.
The following options are also available in the Recording window:
Pause: Clicking on this button temporarily stops the recording. To continue recording after
a pause, simply click once again on “Record”.
Delete: Clicking on this button deletes the current recording. Please note that the recording
will be deleted immediately: no further safety prompt will appear.
Timer record: Click on this button to start timer-controlled recording. A new dialog box is
displayed in which you can define the start and end times for recording:
You can have the recording to start immediately, when an input signal is detected or have
the recording to start at a specific date and time.
You can have the recording not ending automatically and after a specific timeout with no
signal (in this case you have to set the silence threshold value) or after a recording time you
set.
Line in: This list contains the signal sources available on your computer. To record digital
audio data from your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3, select "Master Volume" (Windows
VISTA/7/8) or "Microphone Array" (Windows XP).
Remove DC Offset: Some computer sound boards superimpose a DC voltage on the
audio signal. You can activate this option to remove the resulting DC offset.
Emulate phono preamplifier: This option is provided for recording from record
players and should be left deactivated for your SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3.
Listen to input (digital monitoring): Activating this option outputs the Line In signal
via the PC speakers. You should not, however, keep this option activated for the entire
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
duration of the recording, since this can result in audio dropouts during recording on slow
systems.
Input Level: The level meters here show the levels of the input signal on the left and right
stereo channels. You can adjust the signal level using the slide control to the right of the level
indicators. Please make sure that the loudest passages never reach or exceed the maximum
level of 0 dB, otherwise your recording will become clipped (overmodulated). The
“Maximum input level” displayed at the bottom of this section of the display shows the
maximum level measured during the entire recording. The “Reset” button allows you to
delete the stored maximum level and repeat the recording with a lower level.
If necessary, adjust the level using the Volume Control knob (2) on your digitizer.
5. Once you have digitized the desired tracks or the entire content of the cassette, click on the
"Pause" button to end the recording on the PC, and then press the STOP button (11) on the
cassette digitizer to stop the playback.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Editing the digitized content
1. Click on the “Next” button at the bottom of the window to open the “Restoration” tab,
where you can edit your recording.
Graphical view of the recording: This view provides a graph of the recording. If
an extremely quiet passage lasting several seconds is detected, the program splits the
individual pieces of music separated by this gap into so-called “tracks”. If the individual
tracks detected by the program don’t correspond with the music tracks on the cassette,
you can also manually edit the tracks generated by the program. This process is
explained in the AudioLava Help system.
Track List: This list contains the tracks (i.e. pieces of music) detected by the program.
If the individual tracks detected by the program don’t correspond with the music tracks
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
on the cassette, you can also manually edit the tracks generated by the program. This
process is explained in the AudioLava Help system.
Transport bar: The transport bar is located directly below the graphical view of the
recording, and contains buttons for playing a marked section of the recording (which
you mark using the mouse in the graphical display), for playing the entire recording, for
enlarging or reducing the scale of the graphical display, and for normalisation and
interpolation. You can also use the “Redetect tracks” option to manually repeat the
automatic track detection process.
The filters described in the following can be enabled by clicking on the icons.
Declicker: The Declicker is used to remove loud clicks and pops. You can individually
configure this filter function by dragging the slide control with the mouse.
Decrackler: The Decrackler is used to remove frequent short clicks, also referred to as
crackling. You can individually configure this filter function by dragging the slide control
with the mouse.
Declipper: The Declipper is used to correct recordings with digital or analog clipping.
You can individually configure this filter function by dragging the slide control with the
mouse.
Denoiser: For removing static noise (e.g. tape transport noise). You can individually
configure this filter function by dragging the slide control with the mouse.
Additional Effects: This option allows you to add additional effects and tools for
editing your recordings. Further information on this is available in the AudioLava Help
system.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
2. Once you have finished editing your recording, you can save it. Click on the “Next” button
at the bottom of the window to open the “Output” tab.
3. Here you can select whether you wish to burn your digitized tracks on an audio CD or save
them as digital audio files.
Burn your tracks on an audio CD: This option allows you to burn your recorded
tracks on a audio CD which you can subsequently listen to on a conventional CD
player. To be able to burn your tracks to an audio CD, a CD burner or DVD burner
must be available on your computer; the burner is selected in the next step.
Save your tracks as audio files: This option allows you to save your recorded
tracks as digital audio files on your computer. You can specify where you want the files
to be saved (e.g. a new folder with the title of the cassette or the album), and can
assign a name for the album, select a digital file format (e.g. mp3 or wav) and if
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
required one of the options available for that file format. Further information on this is
available in the AudioLava Help system.
4. Click again on “Next” to start the burn/save process.
Maintenance / Cleaning
Repairs are required when this device has been damaged in any way, for example when the
device housing is damaged, when liquids or objects have entered the device or when the
product has been exposed to rain or moisture. Repairs are also necessary when the product
does not perform normally or if it has been dropped. If smoke, unusual noises or smells are
noticed, switch off the device immediately. In these cases the device should no longer be used
and should be inspected by authorized service personnel. Please contact qualified personnel
when servicing is needed. Do not attempt to open the housing of the device, otherwise you will
void your warranty.
To clean use a dry cloth. Never use any solvents or cleaners that may damage the plastic
housing. Make sure that no liquid gets into the housing. If the product is very dirty, use a slightly
moistened cloth.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Environmental Considerations and Recycling
If the product is labelled with a struck-out waste bin, it is subject to European
Directive 2012/19/EU. All electrical and electronic devices must be disposed of
separately from household waste at official disposal centres. With proper disposal
of old devices you avoid damage to the environment and your personal health. For
further information about proper disposal, contact your local government, disposal
bodies or the shop where you bought the device.
Respect the environment. Old batteries do not belong in with domestic waste. They must be
handed in to a collection point for old batteries. Please note that batteries must be disposed of
fully discharged at appropriate collection points for old batteries. If disposing of batteries which
are not fully discharged, take precautions to prevent short circuits.
Also recycle the packaging material properly. Cardboard packaging can be taken to paper
recycling containers or public collection points for recycling. Any films or plastic contained in the
packaging should be taken to your public collection points.
Conformity Notice
This device complies with the basic and other relevant requirements of EMC
Directive 2004/108/EC and the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The declaration
of conformity can also be found at the end of this user manual.
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
Troubleshooting
You can solve most common problems yourself using the table below. If the problem persists
after checking the suggested solutions, please contact our Service Hotline (see page 28). Do not
attempt to repair the product yourself.
The cassette digitizer can’t be switched on
Insert the batteries with the correct polarity.
Replace the batteries.
If you are using an optional mains adapter, connect the adapter firmly to the DC input (1) of
the device and to a properly-functioning power socket. Make sure that the small round
connector of the mains adapter has the correct polarity () and that the mains adapter
outputs 3 V DC.
No sound
Are you sure the inserted cassette contains recordings?
Is the volume set to very low?
Problems when copying cassette content to a computer
Please check that the USB cable is properly connected.
Make sure that the USB cable is not damaged.
Make sure that the correct recording console is configured in the AudioLava software. Select
"Options" > "Device Settings". Under “Recording Console” you can select an entry. This
entry can be, for example: "[MME] Microfon (USB Microphone)" or "[MME] Microphone
(USB Microphone)". Please note that this entry may vary depending on the operating
system.
If the input level does not rise above –50 dB in the AudioLava recording (see the level
meters in the "Import" tab), either the cassette is empty, or you have forgotten to start
playback on the SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3, or the volume has been turned right down on
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SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
the device. You may also have inadvertently turned the volume down in Windows for the
recording device. Click on "Start", "Control Panel", "Hardware and Sound", "Manage Audio
Devices", and in the “Sound” window which is then displayed open the "Recording" tab.
Select the "Microphone Array" device and then click on "Properties". In the “Microphone
Array Properties” window which is then displayed, open the "Levels" tab and if necessary
use the mouse to drag the slider control a little to the right.
Information about warranty and service processing
Warranty of TARGA GmbH
This device is sold with three years warranty from the date of purchase. Please keep the original
receipt in a safe place as proof of purchase. Before using your product for the first time, please
read the enclosed documentation. Should any problems arise which cannot be solved in this
way, please call our hotline. Please have the article number and, if available, the serial number
to hand for all enquiries. If it is not possible to solve the problem on the phone, our hotline
support staff will initiate further servicing procedures depending on the fault. Within the warranty
period the product will be repaired or replaced free of charge as we deem appropriate. No new
warranty period commences if the product is repaired or replaced. Consumables such as
batteries, rechargeable batteries and lamps are not covered by the warranty.
Your statutory rights towards the seller are not affected or restricted by this warranty.
English 27
Service
E-Mail: service.GB@targa-online.com
E-Mail: service.IE@targa-online.com
E-Mail: service.MT@targa-online.com
E-Mail: service.CY@targa-online.com
TARGA GmbH
IAN: 106953
Manufacturer
Coesterweg 45
59494 SOEST
GERMANY
Phone: 0207 – 36 50 744
Phone: 01 – 242 15 83
Phone: 800 – 62 175
Phone: 800 – 92 496
SilverCrest SKD 1000 A3
28 English
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