Operating Instructions
Mode d’emploi
Manual de instrucciones
GB
FR
ES
TC-RE340
TC-KE240
2000 by Sony Corporation
WARNING
Welcome!
About This Manual
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or
moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.
Thank you for purchasing the Sony
Stereo Cassette Deck. Before operating
the unit, please read this manual
thoroughly and retain it for future
reference.
The instructions in this manual are for
models TC-RE340 and KE240. Check
your model number by looking at the
rear panel of your tape deck. In this
manual, the TC-RE340 is the model
used for illustration purposes. Any
difference in operation is clearly
indicated in the text, for example,
“TC-RE340 only.”
Differences between the models
The two models covered by this manual
differ with respect to the features shown
in the table below. Check the table to
verify whether the features are available
on your tape deck before you start
operating it.
ModelRE340KE240
Feature
Auto reverse•
Dolby HX Pro•
Automatic
calibration
Convention
• Instructions in this manual describe
the controls on the cassette deck. You
can also use the controls on the
optional remote (not supplied) if they
have the same or similar names as
those on the deck.
• The following icons are used in this
manual:
Indicates a task that requires use
Z
of the optional remote (not
supplied).
•
Indicates hints and tips for
z
making the task easier.
GB
2
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Hooking Up the System 4
Playing a Tape 5
Recording on a Tape 6
Advanced Playback Operations
Locating a Track (Multi-AMS/Auto Play/Memory Play) 8
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting Bias and Recording Level Calibration Automatically (TC-RE340 only) 9
Adjusting the Recording Level Automatically (Auto Rec Level) 10
Fading In and Out (Fader) 11
Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting) 11
Synchro-recording With a CD Player Through a Control A1
Synchro-recording With a CD Player Using a Remote 13
This section describes how to hook up the tape deck to
an amplifier or a CD player equipped with CONTROL
A1
connectors. Be sure to turn off the power of each
component before making the connections.
Tape deck
Hookups
• Connecting the tape deck to an amplifier
Connect the amplifier to the LINE IN/OUT connectors
using the supplied audio connecting cords.
When connecting an audio connecting cord, be sure to
match the color-coded cord to the appropriate jacks on the
components: Red (right) to Red and White (left) to White.
Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and
noise.
Tape deckAmplifier
Ç
TAPE
OUTIN
L
OUTIN
L
L
Ç
ç
REC
OUT
ç: Signal flow
TAPE
Amplifier
R
R
R
ç
to an AC
outlet
IN
to a
wall outlet
CD player
CONTROL
A1
ç: Signal flow
• Connecting the tape deck to a CD player equipped
with CONTROL A1
For information on connections through the CONTROL
A1 connectors, refer to the pamphlet included with this
manual.
connectors
Setting the voltage selector (only on
models supplied with a voltage selector)
Check that the voltage selector on the rear panel of the
tape deck is set to the local power line voltage. If not,
set the selector to the correct position using a
screwdriver before connecting the AC power cord to
an AC outlet.
4
Connecting the AC power cord
Connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet.
Where do I go next?
Now you’re ready to use your tape deck.
For basic operations, go to pages 5 to 7; for advanced
operations, go to the sections starting from page 8.
GB
Basic Operations
Playing a Tape
Basic Operations
3
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
2
• See page 4 for hookup
information.
z To play a tape recorded
with the Dolby* NR
Turn DOLBY NR to the same
Dolby system that the tape
was recorded in — B or C.
Please note that the B and C
settings on both sides are
identical during playback
since the MPX filter operates
only during recording.
z You can connect the
headphones to the PHONES
jack
RESET MEMORY
4
FADERARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTINGRECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
BALANCE
OFF
B
B
EJECT
Turn on the amplifier and select the tape deck position.
1
Press POWER, and press EJECT §
2
fully to open the cassette holder, then
insert a cassette.
With the side you want
to play facing you
Set DIRECTION MODE (TC-RE340 only).
3
To play backSet to
One side onlyA
Both sides onceÅ
Both sides continuously*a
* The deck automatically stops after playing back five times.
CC
MPX
FILTER
L R
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
6
4
3
2
1
7
8
9
0
10
PHONES
Basic Operations
* “DOLBY”, the double-D
symbol a and “HX Pro” are
trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
Press ·.
4
The deck starts playing. Adjust the volume on the amplifier.
Do not press POWER or EJECT § while the tape deck is
operating. If you do so, the tape may be damaged.
ToPress
Stop playingp
Start playback from the reverse side
(TC-RE340 only)
PausePAUSE P. Press the button again to resume
Fast-forward or rewind) or 0 when the deck is stopped
Take out the cassetteEJECT § after stopping playing
ª
play.
GB
5
Basic Operations
Recording on a Tape
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
2
• See page 4 for hookup
information.
3
RESET MEMORY
45
REC LEVEL
AUTO
FADERARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTINGRECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
BALANCE
OFF
B
B
EJECT
CC
MPX
FILTER
L R
Turn on the amplifier and play the program source you want to
1
record.
Press POWER, and press EJECT §
2
fully to open the cassette holder, then
insert a cassette.
With the side you want
to record facing you
5
6
4
3
2
1
7
9
0
10
PHONES
8
z When ª lights up in
Step 4 (TC-RE340 only)
Press · once to reverse the
direction before proceeding
to Step 5.
Set DIRECTION MODE (TC-RE340 only).
3
To record onSet to
One side onlyA
Both sides once*Å
Both sides*a
* Recording stops when the tape reaches the end of reverse side.
Press REC r.
4
The AUTO indicator flashes and the deck automatically adjusts
the recording level (see page 10). After the AUTO indicator
lights up continuously, stop playing the program source. If you
wish to adjust the recording level manually, see “To adjust the
recording level manually” on page 7.
Do not press POWER or EJECT § while the tape deck is
operating. If you do so, the tape may be damaged.
GB
6
Basic Operations
z To protect recordings
against accidental erasure
Break out the record-protect
tab(s) (see page 14).
z The Dolby HX Pro*
automatically works during
recording (TC-RE340 only)
Distortion and noise in the
high-frequency response are
reduced to produce highquality sound that can be
enjoyed even during
playback on other tape decks.
Press PAUSE P or ·.
5
Recording starts.
Start playing the program source.
6
ToPress
Stop recordingp
Start recording from the reverse sideª twice in Step 5
(TC-RE340 only)
PausePAUSE P. Press the button again to
Take out the cassetteEJECT § after stopping recording
Use the following selectors and control to perform additional
operations
resume recording.
FADERARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTINGRECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
CC
MPX
FILTER
BALANCE
L R
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
6
4
3
2
1
7
8
9
0
10
PHONES
Basic Operations
Note
Even after adjusting the recording
level, distortion may occur
depending on the source that
you’re recording from. If this
happens, turn REC LEVEL
counterclockwise to lower the
level.
* HX Pro headroom extension
originated by Bang & Olufsen
and manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
“DOLBY”, the double-D
symbol a and “HX Pro” are
trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.
DOLBY NR
REC LEVEL
To record with the Dolby NR
Turn DOLBY NR clockwise to the position you want — B or C before you
start recording.
To record FM broadcasts with the Dolby NR
Turn DOLBY NR counterclockwise to the position you want (B or C with MPX
FILTER) before you start recording. The filter turns on to make the Dolby NR
system work more effectively. (For details on the MPX filter, see “Glossary”
on page 18.)
To adjust the recording level manually
After pressing REC r in Step 4 on page
6, turn REC LEVEL so that the peak
level meters reach the recommended
level for the corresponding tape type.
After completing the adjustments, stop
playing the program source, then
continue the procedure from Step 5.
dB –30 –20–10–40 +2 +4+8
–
∞
L
R
a
For type I or
type II tape
For type IV tape
+6
GB
7
Advanced Recording Operations
Advanced Playback Operations
Locating a Track (Multi-AMS/
Auto Play/Memory Play)
You can locate the following/previous tracks within a
range of 30 tracks (Multi-AMS: Automatic Music
Sensor) or the beginning of a tape quickly (Auto Play).
You can even locate a specific point anywhere on a
tape (Memory Play).
h/H )0
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
FADER ARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
CC
MPX
FILTER
RESETMEMORY
Note
Check the direction indicator of the deck. When you locate a
track on the reverse side (when ª lights up), press the
button(s) in the parentheses.
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
Notes
• The Multi-AMS function may not work correctly if:
— the blank space between tracks is less than 4 seconds
long.
— there is a passage of low frequencies or very low
volume within a track.
— the signal strength of the left and right channels are
very different.
• Even if the DIRECTION MODE selector is set to Å or
a, the deck stops when the current side reaches the end
during Multi-AMS operation. (TC-RE340 only)
• The tape counters are reset to “00 00” when you turn off
the tape deck.
To locatePress
The beginning of the
next or succeeding
tracks
(Multi-AMS)
The beginning of the
current track
(Multi-AMS)
The beginning of the
preceding tracks
(Multi-AMS)
The beginning of a tape
(Auto Play)
A particular point on a
tape (Memory Play)
) (or 0) as many times as you
want during playback.
For example, to locate 2 tracks
ahead, press twice.
0 (or )) once during playback.
0 (or )) as many times as you
want during playback.
For example, to locate 2 tracks
behind, press three times.
MEMORY repeatedly until “M”
disappears in the display. Then
press 0 (or )) while holding
down · (or ª).
MEMORY repeatedly until “M”
appears in the display. Find the
point you want, then press RESET to
reset the tape counter and to
memorize the point.
To locate the memorized point and
start playback, press 0 (or ))
while holding down · (or ª).
(Press 0 or ) to stop at “00 00”.)
GB
8
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting Bias and Recording
Level Calibration
Automatically (TC-RE340 only)
Since there are many different types of cassettes on the
market, your tape deck automatically sets the
appropriate equalization characteristics and bias
current for each tape type (ATS: Automatic Tape
Selection). However, you can get better recording
results by doing the automatic bias current and the
recording level calibration.
PAUSE P
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
FADER ARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
CC
MPX
FILTER
AUTO CAL
1Insert the cassette you want to record on.
Make sure the record-protect tabs on the cassette
have not been removed.
2Press AUTO CAL until “CAL” appears in the
display.
Note
If the record-protect tab for that side has been removed
(see page 14), “AUTO CAL” in the display flashes three
times and automatic calibration cannot be performed.
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
Advanced Recording Operations
4Start the actual recording (see page 6).
To cancel the automatic calibration function
Press p.
If “AUTO CAL” flashes continuously
The automatic calibration procedure has been
interrupted by:
— The end of the tape. Turn the cassette over or
rewind the tape to a new position that allows
recording of the test tone.
— Damaged tape or dirty heads. Change the cassette
or clean and demagnetize the heads (see page 14).
Updating the calibration setting
As long as the tape deck stays on, calibration data are
saved and called up each time you insert a cassette of
the same type (I, II or IV). “AUTO CAL” appears in
the display when you insert a cassette to indicate that
calibration data for that tape type exists. However, we
recommend that you repeat the automatic calibraion
procedure each time you insert a new cassette since
cassettes of the same type also vary in their
characteristics. Before recalibrating, be sure to clear the
existing calibration data by pressing AUTO CAL until
“AUTO CAL” disappears from the display. Then start
from Step 2 of the automatic calibration procedure.
3Press PAUSE P to start the automatic calibration
procedure.
The automatic calibration procedure starts (i.e.,
recording test tones, rewinding, and playing
back).
During the calibration, the counter changes from
9 to 0.
AUTO
REC
CAL
When the automatic calibration procedure ends,
the tape rewinds to the original position, the
counter returns to normal and the tape deck
stops.
CA L9
GB
9
Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting the Recording Level
Automatically (Auto Rec Level)
The Auto Rec Level function automatically measures
the peak signal level and adjusts the recording level
accordingly.
AUTO indicator
ARL
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
FADER ARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
CC
MPX
FILTER
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
z You should adjust the recording level manually with
the REC LEVEL control in the following cases:
• The recording level cannot be adjusted properly due
to excessive noise in the program source.
• The program source level is too low and the
recording level does not increase.
During a quiet passage in a program source such as
classical music, the recording level may not increase
for some time. If a high sound level is expected later
on in the track, play that portion first so that the right
adjustment can be obtained.
• The recording level does not decrease for a long time.
The Auto Rec Level function may not work properly
when you try to record sound produced by a graphic
equalizer that has extremely high-level signals.
The Auto Rec Level function normally operates when
you record by the procedure described in “Recording
on a Tape” on page 6.
To cancel the Auto Rec Level function
Press ARL or turn REC LEVEL to turn off the AUTO
indicator. If you do either of these during recording,
recording will continue but with the Auto Rec Level
function turned off.
To stop recording
Press p.
z How the Auto Rec Level function adjusts the
recording level
While the AUTO indicator is flashing, the deck sets the
recording level as high as possible without causing
distortion. If the signal level rises excessively after the
start of recording, the deck gradually decreases the
recording level.
z To record with the optimum recording level
• To prevent changes in the recording level after
recording starts, press REC r while playing the
highest sound level portion of the program source to
be recorded. The result is a more natural-sounding
recording.
• If you play the entire program source after the AUTO
indicator has stopped flashing and is lit continuously,
the deck will set the recording level for the portion of
the program source with the highest signal level.
z Recording level setting remains even after the
recording has ended
After you have finished recording with the Auto Rec
Level function, the AUTO indicator remains on and the
recording level setting remains the same. To cancel the
setting, do one of the following:
• Press ARL to turn off the AUTO indicator
• Turn REC LEVEL
• Turn the deck off.
10
GB
Advanced Recording Operations
Fading In and Out (Fader)
You can gradually increase the recording level at the
beginning of a recording (fade in) or gradually
decrease the recording level at the end of a recording
(fade out).
It is convenient to use this function, for example, when
the tape reaches to its end and you don’t want the track
to be cut off abruptly.
FADER
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
ToDo the following:
Fade in1 Follow Steps 1 to 4 of “Recording on a
Fade outWhile you’re still recording, press FADER at
Tape” on page 6.
2 Start playing the program source and press
FADER at the point where you want the
fade-in to start. During fade-in, the AUTO
indicator flashes. When the fade-in has
completed, the AUTO indicator lights up if
the Auto Rec Level function is working, or
goes off if the Auto Rec Level function is
not working.
the point where you want the fade-out to
start. When the fade-out has completed,
“REC” flashes in the display and the deck
pauses.
Note
Fade-in or fade-out is not possible when the REC LEVEL
control is manually set to 0 (minimum) (see page 7).
AUTO indicator
FADER ARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
CC
MPX
FILTER
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
Inserting a Blank Space During
Recording (Record Muting)
You can insert a blank space of 4 seconds between the
tracks. The blank spaces allow you to locate the start of
specific tracks afterwards using the Multi-AMS
function (see page 8). You can also use this function to
erase unwanted portions on a tape.
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
FADER ARL
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
B
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
CC
MPX
FILTER
PAUSE PREC MUTING R
1Follow Steps 1 to 5 of “Recording on a Tape” on
pages 6 and 7.
Recording starts.
2Press REC MUTING R where you want to insert a
blank space.
“REC” flashes in the display and a blank is
recorded on the tape.
After 4 seconds, P lights up and the tape deck
changes to recording pause.
3Press PAUSE P or · to resume recording.
z If you want to insert a blank space longer than
4 seconds
Hold down REC MUTING R as long as you want.
After 4 seconds, “REC” flashes faster.
When you release REC MUTING R, P lights up and the
tape deck changes to recording pause.
Press PAUSE P or · to resume recording.
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
11
GB
Advanced Recording Operations
Synchro-r ecording With a CD
Player Through a Control A1
Cord
By pressing the SYNCHRO button, you can perform
synchro-recording on your tape deck with a Sony CD
player connected to the CONTROL A1
through a Control A1
Control A1
cord supports advanced functions not
cord (not supplied). The
possible with the commander-based CD synchrorecording function on previous models. Further
information on the various operations made possible
by a Control A1
cord is provided in the pamphlet
attached to this manual.
SYNCHRO
EJECT
RESET MEMORY
DIRECTION MODE
POWER
DIRECTION MODE
PAUSE P
connector
h/H
SYNCHRO
AMS
REC MUTING RECPAUSE
AUTO CAL
DOLBY NR
OFF
B
CC
MPX
FILTER
FADER ARL
B
REC LEVEL
AUTO
5
6
4
3
7
2
8
9
1
0
10
BALANCE
PHONES
L R
If your CD player does not have the Peak Search
function
The CD player changes to play pause and the tape deck
to recording pause. To change the side of the tape to
record on for the TC-RE340, press · or ª before the
level adjustment finishes. Press PAUSE P on the tape
deck to start Synchro-Recording.
To stop CD Synchro-recording
Press p on the tape deck or the CD player.
z You can use an optional remote (not supplied) to
operate the CD player
To start CD play, press P twice; to pause CD play, press
P once; to locate a CD track, press = or +.
z If the SYNCHRO button indicator goes off after
flashing rapidly
The tape cannot be recorded on because the recordprotect tab(s) on the cassette has (have) been removed.
z Length of tape used for recording
Tracks on a CD differ in length. Classical music CDs
and others often have tracks that exceed the recording
time of a single cassette side. In this case, record the
tape manually.
1Set the source selector on the amplifier to CD
player.
2Insert a CD into the CD player.
3Select the play mode (CONTINUE, SHUFFLE, or
PROGRAM) of the CD player.
4Insert a cassette.
5Select the side(s) to be recorded on (TC-RE340
only).
To record onSet DIRECTION MODE to
Only one sideA
Both sidesÅ or a
6Press SYNCHRO.
If your CD player has the Peak Search function
The SYNCHRO button indicator lights up and the CD
player locates the highest signal level among the tracks
to be recorded as the tape deck adjusts the recording
level. To change the side of the tape to record on for the
TC-RE340, press · or ª before the level adjustment
finishes.
When the recording level adjustment is completed, CD
Synchro-recording starts.
z When recording from the middle of the tape
A tape that is inserted and has not been played or
recorded on is assumed by the deck to be a new tape,
even if the present location is in the middle of the tape.
The deck will transport the tape for 10 seconds before
starting CD Synchro-recording to bypass the portion
corresponding with the leader. To begin CD Synchrorecording without the ten-seconds delay, play or record
on the tape for about 10 seconds before starting the CD
Synchro-recording procedure.
z If the tape ends during CD Synchro-recording on the
front side of the tape (· lights up) and the
DIRECTION MODE selector is set to Å or a
(TC-RE340 only)
Recording of the track ends immediately, the tape
direction is reversed, and recording starts again from
the beginning of the track. If the tape ends on the
reverse side of the tape (ª lights up), CD Synchrorecording stops and the CD player stops playing.
Notes
• To prevent interruption of the recording process, do not
press any operation buttons on the CD player during CD
Synchro-recording.
• Certain operation buttons on the tape deck are disabled
during CD Synchro-recording.
12
GB
Synchro-r ecording With a CD
START
STANDBYSTOP
PRESET
Player Using a Remote Z
Advanced Recording Operations
6Press START.
To stop Synchro-recording
Press STOP.
By pressing the START button on the optional remote
RM-J910/J710 (not supplied), you can perform
Synchro-recording on your tape deck with a Sony CD
player. This function is possible only with Sony CD
players with remote control capability.
Note
Use the B deck buttons on the RM-J910.
RM-J910 (for TC-RE340 only)
RM-J710 (for TC-KE240 only)
START
STANDBYSTOP
z When ª lights up in Step 5 (TC-RE340 only)
Press · once to reverse the direction before
proceeding to Step 6.
z If your CD player has the Peak Search function
After performing Steps 1 to 3 above, press PRESET to
turn on the Auto Rec Level function (see page 10). Then
continue from Step 4 (RM-J910 only).
z You can use the remote to operate the CD player
To start CD play, press P twice; to pause CD play, press
P once; to locate a CD track, press = or +.
Note
Some CD player might not start playback when you press
START. In this case, press P on the CD player to start
playback.
1Set the source selector on the amplifier to CD
player.
2Insert a CD into the CD player and select the play
mode (CONTINUE, SHUFFLE, or PROGRAM) of
the CD player.
3Insert a cassette.
4Select the side(s) to be recorded on (TC-RE340
only).
To record onSet DIRECTION MODE to
Only one sideA
Both sidesÅ or a
5Press STANDBY.
The CD player changes to play pause and the tape
deck to recording pause.
To record on the reverse side
Press ª (RM-J910 only) once.
13
GB
Additional Information
Additional Information
Precautions
On safety
• Do not disassemble the cabinet — this may result in an
electrical shock. Refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet,
unplug the tape deck and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it any further.
On power sources
• Before operating the tape deck, check that the operating
voltage of the tape deck is identical with your local power
supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the
nameplate at the rear of the tape deck.
• The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source
(mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if
the unit itself has been turned off.
• If you are not going to use the tape deck for a long time,
be sure to disconnect the tape deck from the wall outlet.
To disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself;
never pull the cord.
• AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified
service shop.
On operation
• Because of a safety mechanism, the function buttons will
not operate if the cassette holder is not completely closed,
if there is no cassette in the cassette holder, or if a cassette
has been incorrectly inserted into the cassette holder.
• Be sure to stop the tape before turning off the tape deck.
Otherwise, the tape may be damaged.
Notes on Cassette Tapes
To protect a recording on side A or B
Break out the respective tab.
Side A
Tab for side B
To record on a tape with a missing record-protect
tab
Cover the respective tab hole with adhesive tape.
When you are using a type II or type IV tape, be careful
not to cover the detector slots that the deck uses to
determine the tape type.
Type II
Tab for side A
Type IV
14
On placement
• Place the tape deck in a location with adequate ventilation
to prevent heat build-up in the tape deck.
• Do not place the tape deck:
— on a soft surface such as a rug that might block the
ventilation holes on the bottom.
— in a location near heat sources.
— in a place subject to direct sunlight.
— in an inclined position.
— in a place subject to excessive dust or mechanical shock.
On cleaning the tape deck
Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth
slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not
use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent
such as alcohol or benzine.
On tapes longer than 90 minutes
We do not recommend the use of tapes longer than
90 minutes except for a long continuous recording or
playback. They are very thin and tend to stretch easily.
On handling cassettes
• To prevent the heads and tape path from getting
dirty, avoid touching the tape surface of a cassette.
• Place cassettes away from equipment with magnets,
such as speakers and amplifiers, which may cause
tape distortion or erase the recordings.
• Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, extremely
cold temperature, or moisture.
Detector slotsDetector slots
If you have any questions or problems concerning your
tape deck, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
GB
Cleaning
Head assembly (TC-RE340)
Pinch rollers
Capstans
Erasing head
Recording/playback head
Additional Information
Demagnetizing the heads
After 20 to 30 hours of use, or when you notice a
*
hissing sound or loss of high frequencies, demagnetize
the heads with a commercially available demagnetizer
for tape decks. Please refer to the instructions of the
demagnetizer.
* TC-KE240 has one pinch roller and one capstan.
Cleaning the heads and tape path
Clean the heads and tape path of the tape deck after
every 10 hours of operation to guard against:
• low-quality sound
• a decrease in sound level
• excessive wow or flutter
• sound dropout
• incomplete erasure
• impairment of recording function
To ensure better recording, we recommend that you
clean the heads and tape path before every recording.
1Press EJECT § to open the cassette holder.
2 With the tape deck turned off, wipe the heads, the
pinch rollers, and the capstans with a cotton swab
slightly moistened with alcohol or a commercially
available cleaning fluid for tape decks.
Do not insert a cassette until the cleaned areas are
completely dry.
15
GB
Additional Information
Troubleshooting
If you’ve experienced any of the following difficulties
while using the tape deck, use this troubleshooting
guide to help you remedy the problem. Should the
problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
The function buttons do not work.
/The tape deck has been just turned on and does not
operate for about 3 seconds. Wait until P stops
flashing.
/Check that the cassette is inserted correctly and the
cassette holder is closed completely.
The tape deck does not play or record.
/There is no cassette in the cassette holder.
/The tape has come to the end.
/The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
/The record-protect tab has been removed from the
cassette (see page 14).
/Make sure the amplifier setting is correct.
/Check that the tape deck connections are secure.
/The heads and tape path are dirty. Clean them (see
page 15).
/The recording/playback head is magnetized.
Demagnetize it (see page 15).
There is excessive wow, flutter or sound drop-out.
/The capstans and pinch rollers are dirty. Clean them
(see page 15).
There is a decrease in sound level, sound drop-out, or
poor reproduction of high frequencies./The tape does not
erase completely./Noise increases.
/The recording/playback or erasing head and tape path
are dirty. Clean them (see page 15).
/The recording/playback or erasing head is magnetized.
Demagnetize it (see page 15).
The tape stops before the tape has been fully rewound.
/ The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
/ If “M” is shown in the display, press MEMORY
repeatedly until “M” disappears.
/ The cassette shell is bent. Use another cassette.
The Multi-AMS function does not work properly.
/ One of the tracks contains a long pause, a passage of
low frequencies or very low volume, or a gradual
increase or decreace in volume.
/ The space before a track is less than 4 seconds long.
Insert a blank space of 4 seconds using the REC
MUTING R button.
/ The signal strength of the left and right channels are
very different.
/ There is noise in the space before a track.
/ You pressed the ) (or 0) button immediately
before the beginning of the next track or immediately
after the beginning of the current track.
There is excessively loud tape transport noise during
fast-forwarding or rewinding.
/ This noise is caused by the cassette and is not a
mechanical problem.
EJECT § does not work.
/ The tape deck is playing back or recording. Press the
p or PAUSE P button to stop playback or recording
before pressing the EJECT § button.
/ A power failure has occurred, the tape deck has been
turned off or the power cord has been disconnected
during tape operation. Reconnect the power or turn off
the tape deck, then on again.
16
There is hum or noise.
/The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR. Move the
tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
/The tape deck is placed on or under the amplifier.
Move the tape deck away from the amplifier.
There is an unbalanced tone.
/Check that DOLBY NR position is the same as when
the tape was recorded.
/The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR. Move the
tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
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Specifications
System
Recording system
4-track 2-channel stereo
Fast-winding time (approx.)
100 sec. (with Sony C-60 cassette)
Bias
AC bias
Signal-to-noise ratio (at peak level and weighted with Dolby NR off)
Type I tape, Sony Type I (NORMAL): 55 dB
Type II tape, Sony Type II (HIGH): 57 dB
Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL): 58 dB
S/N ratio improvement (approximate values)
With Dolby B NR on: 5 dB at 1 kHz, 10 dB at 5 kHz
With Dolby C NR on: 15 dB at 500 Hz, 20 dB at 1 kHz
Harmonic distortion
0.4% (with Type I tape, Sony Type I (NORMAL):
160 nWb/m 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)
1.8% (with Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL):
250 nWb/m 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)