D01231820A
CD-A550
Compact Disc Player / Reverse Cassette Deck
OWNER’S MANUAL
)
"
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
For U.S.A.
TO THE USER
This equipme nt ha s been tested a nd found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provi de re asonable protection
against harmful inter ference when the e quipment
is operated in a c ommercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
In North America use only on 120V supply.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not
express ly approved by TEAC CORPORATION for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate
this equipment.
2 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampliers) that produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power
from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON
switch not in the ON position.
• The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the
disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or
headphones with the product because excessive
sound pressure (volume) from earphones or
headphones can cause hearing loss.
• If you are experiencing problems with this product,
contact TEAC for a service referral. Do not use the
product until it has been repaired.
CAUTION
• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space
such as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to
the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the power
cord plug at any time.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery
pack or installed batteries), they should not be
exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
• CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium
batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is
replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type.
WARNING
• Products with Class ! construction are equipped
with a power supply cord that has a grounding
plug. The cord of such a product must be plugged
into an AC outlet that has a protective grounding
connection.
8
RACK-MOUNTING THE UNIT
Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a
standard 19-inch rack, as shown below.
Remove the feet of the unit before mounting.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
CAUTION
•
Leave 1U of space above the unit for ventilation.
•
Allow at least 10 cm (4 in) at the rear of the unit for ventilation.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTIONS ABOUT BATTERIES
ª
This product uses batteries. Misuse of batteries
could cause a leak, rupture or other trouble. Always
abide by the following precautions when using batteries.
Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. The
•
batteries could rupture or leak, causing fire or
injury.
When installing batteries, pay attention to the
•
polarity indications (plus/minus (+/–) orientation),
and install them correctly in the battery compartment as indicated. Putting them in backward could
make the batteries rupture or leak, causing fire,
injury or stains around them.
When you store or dispose batteries, isolate their
•
terminals with insulation tape or something like that
to prevent them from contacting other batteries or
metallic objects.
When throwing used batteries away, follow the
•
disposal instructions indicated on the batteries
and the local disposal laws.
Do not use batteries other than those specified.
•
Do not mix and use new and old batteries or differ-
ent types of batteries together. The batteries could
rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around
them.
Do not carry or store batteries together with small
•
metal objects. The batteries could short, causing
leak, rupture or other trouble.
Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put
•
them in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or
leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on
•
the battery case before inserting new batteries. If
the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss
of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out
thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the
eye and then consult a doctor immediately. If the
fluid gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could
cause skin injuries or burns. If this should happen,
wash it off with clean water and then consult a
doctor immediately.
This product has been designed and manufactured
according to FDA regulations “title 21, CFR, chapter
1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for
Health and Safety Act of 1968”, and is classified as
a class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous invisible laser radiation during operation because invisible
laser radiation emitted inside of this product is completely confined in the protective housings.
The label required in this regulation is shown at 1.
CAUTION:
DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING
•
USING A SCREWDRIVER.
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR
•
PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN
THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN
HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE,
•
CONTACT YOUR NEAREST QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL, AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT
IN ITS DAMAGED STATE.
Optical pickup
Type : EP-C101
Manufacturer : GUANGDONG EVER BRIGHT GROUP
CO .,LT D .
Laser output : Less than 0.3mW on the objective lens
Wavelength : 790±25nm
The unit power should be off when you install and
•
replace batteries.
Remove the bat teries if you do not plan to use
•
the unit for a long time. Batteries could rupture or
leak, causing fire, injur y or stains around them.
If the battery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on
the battery compartment before inserting new
batteries.
Do not disassemble a battery. The acid inside the
•
battery could harm skin or clothing.
4 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
Contents
1 – Introduction .......................................... 7
Main Features ................................................. 7
Items included with this product ................... 7
About this manual .......................................... 7
About trademarks .......................................... 8
Precautions for placement ............................. 8
Beware of condensation ............................... 8
Cleaning the unit ............................................ 8
Cleaning the cassette recorder head
section ........................................................ 8
About compact discs (CDs) ............................ 8
Precautions for CD use ............................. 8
About cassette tapes ...................................... 9
Precautions for cassette use ...................... 9
Using the TEAC Global Site ............................ 9
User registration ............................................. 9
2 – Names and Functions of Parts ........... 10
Front panel .................................................... 10
Rear panel ..................................................... 12
Wireless remote control (RC-A550) ............. 13
Display ........................................................... 14
3 – Menu ................................................... 16
Menu structure ............................................ 16
Using the menu ............................................ 16
4 – Preparations........................................18
Making connections ..................................... 18
Setting the common output signal ............. 19
Preparing the remote control ...................... 19
Installing the batteries ........................... 19
When to change the batteries ............... 19
Precautions for the use of batteries ....... 19
Considerations for the use of the remote
control ...................................................... 20
Adjust the display brightness (DIMMER) .... 20
5 – Playing Back CDs ................................21
Discs that can be played .............................. 21
Data CD folders and tracks .......................... 21
Loading a CD ................................................. 21
Tray lock function ........................................ 22
CD playback .................................................. 22
Selecting a track ........................................... 23
Skipping to the next or previous track .. 23
Selecting by track number ...................... 23
Selecting a folder (data CDs only) ......... 23
Search forward and backward .................... 24
Folder playback (data CDs only) ................. 24
Setting the folder playback mode
with the remote control ......................... 24
Setting the folder playback mode
from the main unit ................................. 24
Playback modes ............................................ 25
Selecting the playback mode .................. 25
Programmed playback ................................. 26
Setting the program ................................ 26
Clearing the entire program ................... 27
Checking the program ............................. 27
Editing the program ................................ 27
Playback time display mode ........................ 27
Text information display mode ................... 28
Repeat playback ........................................... 28
Ordinary repeat playback ....................... 28
A–B repeat playback ............................... 29
Pitch control ................................................. 29
Auto cue function (audio CDs only) ........... 29
Turning auto cue ON and OFF using the
remote control A.CUE key ....................... 30
Auto ready function .................................... 30
Turning the auto ready function ON
and OFF from the main unit .................. 30
Auto space function .................................... 31
Turning the auto space function ON
and OFF from the main unit .................. 31
Incremental play .......................................... 31
Call function ................................................. 32
Resume playback ......................................... 32
EOM function ............................................... 32
6 – Playing Back Cassette Tapes .............. 33
Preparation for tape playback .................... 33
Selecting the reverse mode .................... 33
Playing a tape ............................................... 33
Tape counter ................................................ 34
RTZ ................................................................. 35
Pitch control ................................................. 35
7 – Recording Cassette Tapes .................. 36
Preparing to record ...................................... 36
Selecting the reverse mode ..................... 36
Selecting the recording source ............... 36
Recording ...................................................... 37
Recording mute function ....................... 37
Dubbing a CD to a tape ................................ 37
Basic dubbing (recording to the A side
of a tape from its beginning) ................. 38
Adjusting the record level
when dubbing .......................................... 38
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 5
Contents
Using the TAPE EDIT function ................. 39
Recording from the middle of a tape .... 39
8 – Other Functions .................................. 40
Continuous playback of both the CD
and the tape ................................................. 40
Power-on start ............................................. 41
Restoring default settings ............................ 41
Mono playback ............................................ 42
Viewing information about this unit ......... 42
Checking versions .................................... 42
Checking the motor operation time ....... 42
10 – Message list ......................................43
Operation messages ..................................... 43
Warning messages ....................................... 43
Error messages ............................................. 44
11 – Troubleshooting ...............................45
12 – Specifications .................................... 46
Ratings ........................................................... 46
CD player .................................................. 46
Cassette tape ........................................... 46
Analog audio ............................................... 46
CD player section .................................... 46
Cassette tape section .............................. 46
Headphones section ............................... 47
Digital audio ................................................. 47
CD player section .................................... 47
General ......................................................... 47
Dimensional drawing.................................... 47
6 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
1 – Introduction
NOTE
Thank you very much for purchasing a TASCAM CDA550MKII Compact Disc Player/Reverse Cassette Deck.
Before using your unit, please read this manual carefully
so that you will understand the correct operating
procedures and be able to use all its functions fully. We
hope that you will enjoy using this product for many
years to come.
Please keep this manual for future reference. You can
also download a digital copy from the TEAC Global Site
(http://teac-global.com/).
Main Features
CD player and cassette recorder can be operated com-
•
pletely independently
Includes CD-only output jacks and common output
•
jacks that can output the tape signal, the mixed CD and
tape signals or prioritize the tape signal
Continuous CD and cassette tape playback possible
•
When dubbing from a CD to a cassette tape, automatic
•
division of tracks to the tape A and B sides is possible
(TAPE EDIT function)
Pitch control function (±12.5%)
•
Tray opening prevention during playback
•
Cassette tape functions
Auto reverse recording and playback possible
•
RTZ (return-to-zero) function
•
Playback pitch control function (±10%)
•
Items included with this product
The following items are included with this product.
Unpack the unit carefully to avoid damaging it. Please
save the box and packaging materials for transportation
of the unit in the future. If any of the accessories
are missing or appear to have been damaged during
transportation, please contact TASCAM.
Main unit .........................................................................1
•
Wireless remote control (RC-A550) ...............................1
•
AA batteries ...................................................................2
•
Screw kit for rack-mounting ...........................................1
•
Owner’s Manual (this document) ....................................1
•
The warranty is included at the end of this manual.
CD or cassette tape power-on playback and cassette tape
•
power-on record are possible
Monitoring with headphones possible
•
Wireless remote control with numerical keys included
•
3U rack-mount size
•
CD functions
CD-R and CD-RW disc playback possible
•
CD text display possible
•
MP3 and WAV file playback possible
•
Resume playback function allows playback to be contin-
•
ued from the last played position
Auto cue function finds the position of the first sound in
•
a track (audio CDs only)
Auto ready function can pause playback at the begin-
•
ning of the next track after playing a track
When playback is stopped in the middle of a track, the
•
incremental play function automatically pauses at the
beginning of the next track
Auto space function can automatically create space
•
between playback tracks
About this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual.
Keys, jacks and other parts on this unit and external
•
devices are indicated with a bold typeface like this:
MENU
When the alphanumeric portion of the display shows
•
a message, this is shown in the following typeface:
RANDOM
If a preset indicator in the display (i.e. one which cannot
•
change) is shown, this is shown as follows: REMAIN
The state when the main display area shows times and
•
titles is called the “standard display.”
Discs in CD-DA format are sometimes called “audio
•
CD s.”
CDs with MP3 and WAV audio files on them are some-
•
times called “data CDs.”
Additional information is presented as necessary in sec-
•
tions with “TIP,” “NOTE” and “CAUTION” labels.
Call (back cue) function can return to the playback
•
starting point
EOM function gives advance notice before a track ends
•
Four playback modes (continuous, single, random, pro-
•
gra m)
Repeat playback function
•
Tips suggest ways that the unit can be used.
Notes provide additional explanation and describe special cases, for example.
CAUTION
Cautions are instructions that must be followed to avoid
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 7
1 – Introduction
CAUTION
Pinch Roller
possible injury, equipment malfunction or damage to
CDs or cassette tapes.
About trademarks
TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC Corporation, regis-
•
tered in the U.S. and other countries.
MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology is licensed
•
from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
Other company names, product names and logos in this
•
document are the trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
Capstan
Erase Head
Record/Play Head
Capstan
About compact discs (CDs)
Pinch Roller
Precautions for placement
The guaranteed operating temperature of this unit is
•
between 5º and 40º C.
Install the unit in a level position.
•
To improve dissipation of heat, do not place other items
•
on top of this unit.
Do not place this unit on top of a powered amplifier or
•
other equipment that generates much heat.
Beware of condensation
Condensation could occur if the unit is moved from a
cold place to a warm place, used in a room that has just
been heated or subject to other sudden temperature
change. To prevent this, let the unit sit for one or two
hours before turning the power on in such situations.
Cleaning the unit
To clean the unit, wipe it gently with a soft dry cloth. Do
not use chemical cleaning cloths, benzene, paint thinner,
alcohol or other chemical agents to clean the unit as they
could damage the surface or cause fading.
Cleaning the cassette recorder head section
If the cassette recorder head becomes dirty, the quality
of playback and recording could be degraded and the
sound could even be interrupted.
Moreover, if the tape transport becomes dirty, the tape
could become entangled, for example. Clean the cassette
recorder’s head, pinch roller and capstan using a cotton
swab moistened with a commercially available cleaning
fluid after about every 10 hours of use.
In addition to commercially-available music CDs, this
unit can play CD-R and CD-RW discs that have been
recorded in audio CD (CD-DA) format, as well as CD-R
and CD-RW discs that have MP3 audio and WAV audio
files recorded on them. This unit can also play 8-cm
CDs.
Precautions for CD use
Always place compact discs in the tray with their labels
•
facing upward.
To remove a disc from its case, press down on the center
•
of the disc holder and lift the disc out by its outer edge.
Do not touch the signal side (the unlabeled side).
•
Fingerprints, oils and other substances can cause errors
during playback.
If there are fingerprints or dust on the signal side, use
•
a soft cloth to wipe it gently from the center outwards.
Dirt on discs can lower the sound quality, so clean them
and always store them in a clean state.
Never use record cleaner, antistatic solutions, benzene,
•
thinner or other chemical substances to clean a disc.
Doing so could damage the surface and make the CD
unplayable.
Do not apply labels or other materials to discs. Do not
•
use discs that have had tape, stickers or other materials applied to their surface. Do not use discs that have
sticky residue from stickers, etc. Such discs could
become stuck in the unit or cause it to malfunction.
Never use commercially available CD stabilizers. Their
•
use could make disc playback impossible or cause the
unit to malfunction.
Do not use cracked discs.
•
Do not use specially shaped discs, including heart-
•
shaped, business card-shaped or octagonal discs. Using
such discs could damage the unit.
Do not play or record a tape until the cleaning fluid has
dried.
8 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
1 – Introduction
NOTE
With the intention of protecting copyrights, several
•
record companies sell discs with a “copy control CD”
designation. Some of these discs do not comply with CD
specifications and might not be playable in this unit.
About cassette tapes
Usable types of tapes
Recordable tapes: Type I (normal)
Type II (high position)
Playable tapes: Type I (normal)
Type II (high position)
Type IV (metal)
Write-protection tabs for preventing unintentional
recording
Cassettes have write-protection tabs to prevent the
unintentional erasure of recordings. There are tabs for
cassette sides A (1) and B (2). Use the tip of a screwdriver
or similar tool to remove these tabs to prevent future
recording. Put adhesive tape over the hole to allow
recording again.
Tape slack
Before using a cassette confirm that the tape is not slack.
Slack tape could become entangled in the capstan or
other parts. Use a pencil or the like to wind the tape
until it is no longer slack.
Do not touch the side of the tape that has the magnetic
•
coating with bare hands.
Do not leave them in places with lots of garbage or dust.
•
Do not use or store them in hot or humid places.
•
Avoid using or storing them in places with strong mag-
•
netic fields. Doing so could cause noise or the erasure of
recorded contents.
Using the TEAC Global Site
You can download the Owner’s Manual necessary for
this unit from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.
com/).
1 Open the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.
com/).
2 In the TASCAM Downloads section, click the
desired language to open the Downloads website
page for that language.
If the desired language does not appear, click Other Languages.
3 Click the product name in the “Search by Model
Name” section to open the Downloads page for that
product.
4 Select and download the Owner’s Manual that are
needed.
Automatic tape type detection holes
Cassettes have automatic tape detection holes that allow
this unit to automatically determine the type of tape
inserted.
Types of cassette tapes that are not recommended
for use with this unit
Use of the following types of cassette tapes might
prevent normal operation or performance. Moreover,
use of these types of tapes should be avoided because
they could become entangled in the unit and result in
unexpected malfunction.
Irregular cassette tapes
•
Cassettes that are deformed, have irregular tape
movement or that make unusual noises during fastforwarding and rewinding should not be used.
Long-play tapes
•
Tapes that are longer than 90 minutes are very thin
and easily stretched, which can result in warbling or
flutter. Moreover, these tapes can become entangled
in the equipment, so their use should be avoided.
User registration
Customers in the USA, please visit the TASCAM website
(http://tascam.com/) to register as a user online.
Precautions for cassette use
Do not open cassettes or pull out their tape.
•
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 9
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Front panel
Remote sensor
1
Signals from the included wireless remote control
(RC-A550) are received here. When using the remote
control, point it towards this sensor.
POWER button
2
Use to turn the unit’s power ON and OFF.
Display
3
Shows the transport status, currently selected input
source, record and playback signal levels, menus, etc.
CD section
Disc tray
4
Press the
insert and remove discs. Press the
OPEN/CLOSE
key to open the disc tray and
OPEN/CLOSE
again to close the disc tray.
PITCH CONTROL knob
5
Use to adjust the playback pitch of a CD. (See “Pitch
control” on page 29.)
PITCH CONTROL key/indicator
6
Use this key to turn the CD pitch control function
ON and OFF. (See “Pitch control” on page 29.)
The indicator lights when ON.
REPEAT ke y
7
Press to turn the repeat playback function ON and
OFF. (See “Repeat playback” on page 28.)
TIME/DISPLAY key
8
When the playback time is displayed, press this key
to cycle the playback time display mode through
track elapsed time, track remaining time and total
remaining time. When text information is displayed,
press this key to switch to playback time display. (See
“Playback time display mode” on page 27.)
key
When the playback time is displayed, press this key
while holding down the
SHIFT
key to switch to text
information display, which includes album name,
song name, artist name and file name.
During text information display, press this key while
holding down the
SHIFT
key to switch between text
information contents (album name, song name, artist
name and file name).
Press and hold this key during text information
display to scroll through the display items. (See “Text
information display mode” on page 28.)
MENU key
9
When in standard display mode, press this key to
switch to menu mode, which allows menu items to be
selected. When in menu item selection mode, press
this to return to the standard display mode. When
editing a menu item, press this key to return to menu
item selection display. (See “3 – Menu” on page 16.)
0 ENTER/SHIFT key
When in menu mode, press this to make a selection
or confirm a setting. When not in menu mode, this
functions as the
q OPEN/CLOSE key
SHIFT
key.
Press to open and close the disc tray.
w STOP key
Press to stop CD playback.
e POWER ON START switch
Turn the power-on start function ON and OFF. (See
“Power-on start” on page 41.)
10 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
r –/+/FOLDER SEARCH keys
When in menu mode, use these to make selections
and settings.
When a data CD is loaded, use these keys while
holding down the
SHIFT
key to change the current
folder. (See “Folder playback (data CDs only)” on
page 24.)
t Ô/Â key
Press briefly to skip to the previous track.
Press and hold to search backwards.
y PLAY key
When stopped or paused, press to start CD playback.
u MODE switch
Set the power-on start mode to CD playback, cassette
tape playback or cassette tape record. (See “Power-on
start” on page 41.)
i ¯/ key
Press briefly to skip to the next track.
Press and hold to search forwards.
o READY key
Press to pause CD playback.
p CD-TAPE CONT PLAY key
Press to turn the cassette tape and CD continuous
playback mode ON and OFF. (See “Continuous
playback of both the CD and the tape” on page 40.)
a CALL key
Press to pause playback and return to the point
where playback was last started from a paused state.
(See “Call function” on page 32.)
s CD DUB key
Press to record (dub) the CD playback sound to a
cassette tape. (See “Dubbing a CD to a tape” on page
37.)
Cassette tape section
d COUNTER RESET key
Press to reset the tape counter to “0000.”
f RTZ key
Press to return the cassette tape playback position to
the counter zero point (0000).
g INPUT knob
Adjusts the cassette tape record level. (See
“Recording” on page 37.)
h REV MODE switch
Use to set the tape playback mode to one-way
(Ä), both directions (Ë) or continuous (ä).
(See “Selecting the reverse mode” on page 33.)
When recording, the unit records only once in
both directions even if set to continuous (ä). (See
“Selecting the reverse mode” on page 36.)
j STOP key
Press to stop the cassette tape.
k PL AY [Ó] key
Press to play a cassette tape in the reverse direction.
When the unit is record ready or playback is paused,
recording or playback starts.
However, if you press this key when playback is
paused in the forward direction, playback is paused
in the reverse direction.
l RECORD key
Puts the cassette tape into record ready status.
; Ô key
Press to rewind the cassette tape.
z PITCH CONTROL knob
Use to adjust the cassette tape playback pitch (±10%).
(See “Pitch control” on page 29.)
x REC MUTE key
Press during recording to put the unit into record
ready status after recording about four seconds of
silence. (See “Recording mute function” on page 37.)
c key
Press to fast-forward the cassette tape.
v PAUSE key
Press to pause cassette tape playback or recording.
When the unit is record ready or playback is paused,
press to start recording or playback.
b PLAY [Á] key
Press to play a cassette tape in the forward direction.
Use to start recording or playback when in record
ready mode or when playback is paused.
However, if you press this key when playback is
paused in the reverse direction, the playback is
paused in the forward direction.
n EJECT button
Press to open the cassette compartment.
m Cassette compartment
Press the
EJECT
button to open the cassette
compartment so that cassette tapes can be removed
or loaded. To close the cassette compartment, press
its door directly with your hand.
Monitoring section
, MONITOR switch
Set the sound output from the
PHONES
jack to either
the CD sound only, the tape sound only, or a mix of
the CD and tape sounds.
. PHONES jack
Connect stereo headphones (standard stereo phone
jack).
/ PHONES knob
Use to adjust the volume of the sound output from
PHONES
the
jack.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 11
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
NOTE
Rear panel
! TAPE INPUT (UNBALANCED) jacks
Input for analog source signals (–9 dBu, unbalanced)
to record to the cassette tape.
@ TAPE COMMON OUTPUT (UNBALANCED) jacks
These are unbalanced outputs (–4.5 dBu) for the
cassette tape playback signal. During recording
or when in record ready mode, the signal being
recorded is output. However, depending on the
setting of the COMMON OUT item in the menu,
the CD playback signal can be output instead. (See
“Setting the common output signal” on page 19.)
# CD OUTPUT (UNBALANCED) jacks
These are unbalanced outputs (–10 dBV) for the CD
playback signal.
$ CD DIGITAL OUTPUT (COAXIAL) jack
This digital output sends the CD playback signal in
S/PDIF format.
% VOLTAGE SELECTOR SW
Use this switch to set the input voltage to either 230V
or 120V.
The voltage selector is only available on units for
•
specific markets.
In North America, use only on 120V supply.
•
12 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Wireless remote control (RC-A550)
CD DUB key
8
Press to record (dub) the CD playback sound to a
cassette tape. (See “Dubbing a CD to a tape” on page
37.)
CONT PLAY key
9
Press to turn the cassette tape and CD continuous
playback mode ON and OFF. (See “Continuous
playback of both the CD and the tape” on page 40.)
0 REC MUTE key
Press during recording to put the unit into record
ready status after recording about four seconds of
silence. (See “Recording mute function” on page 37.)
q RECORD key
Puts the cassette tape into record ready status.
w PLAY [Á] key
Press to play a cassette tape in the forward direction.
Press to start recording or playback when in record
ready mode or when playback is paused.
Cassette tape section
PAUSE key
1
Press to pause playback and recording.
When the unit is record ready or playback is paused,
press to start recording or playback.
RTZ key
2
Press to return the cassette tape playback position to
the counter zero point (0000).
COUNTER RESET key
3
Press to reset the tape counter to “0000.” (See “Tape
counter” on page 34.)
REW key
4
Press to rewind the cassette tape.
FF key
5
Press to fast-forward the cassette tape.
STOP key
6
Press to stop the cassette tape.
INPUT key
7
Press to select the source to be recorded on the
cassette tape. (See “Selecting the recording source”
on page 36.)
However, if you press this key when playback is
paused in the reverse direction, playback is paused in
the forward direction.
e PLAY [Ó] key
Press to play a cassette tape in the reverse direction.
When the unit is record ready or playback is paused,
recording or playback starts.
However, if you press this key when playback is
paused in the forward direction, playback is paused
in the reverse direction.
CD Section
r DISPLAY key
When the playback time is displayed, press this key
to switch to text information display, which includes
album name, song name, artist name and file name.
When text information is displayed, press this key to
cycle through the text information shown, including
album name, song name, artist name and file name.
Press and hold this key during text information
display to scroll through the display items. (See “Text
information display mode” on page 28.)
t TIME key
When the playback time is displayed, press this
key to change the playback time display mode
(track elapsed time, track remaining time, and total
remaining time). When text information is displayed,
press this key to switch to playback time display. (See
“Playback time display mode” on page 27.)
y P.MODE key
Press this to switch between the four playback
modes, including continuous playback, single
playback, random playback and program playback.
(See “Playback modes” on page 25.)
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 13
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
u A.SPACE key
Press to turn the auto space function ON and OFF.
(See “Auto space function” on page 31.)
i A.CUE key
Press to turn the auto cue function ON and OFF. (See
“Auto cue function (audio CDs only)” on page 29.)
o A.READY key
Press to turn the auto ready function ON and OFF.
(See “Auto ready function” on page 30.)
p MENU key
When in standard display mode, press this key to
switch to the menu mode, which allows menu items
to be selected. When in menu item selection mode,
press this to return to the standard display mode.
When editing a menu item, press this key to return
to menu item selection display. (See “3 – Menu” on
page 16.)
a REPEAT key
Press to turn the repeat playback function ON and
OFF. (See “Repeat playback” on page 28.)
s A–B key
Press this to set and unset the start point and end
point for A–B repeat playback. (See “A–B repeat
playback” on page 29.)
d FOLDER PLAY key
Press to turn the folder playback function ON and
OFF. (See “Folder playback (data CDs only)” on
page 24.)
f SEARCH Ô/ keys
Press and hold these keys to search backwards or
forwards.
g SKIP Â/¯ keys
Press these to skip to the previous or next track.
h STOP key
Press to stop CD playback.
j OPEN/CLOSE key
Press to open and close the disc tray.
k Numerical keys
Use these to designate track numbers during CD
playback and program input.
l CLEAR key
Press this to remove a track from the program when
editing the program. (See “Programmed playback”
on page 26.)
; ENTER key
When in menu mode, press this to make a selection
or confirm a setting.
z –/+ keys
When in menu mode, use these to make selections
and settings.
x TAPE EDIT key
Press to execute the TAPE EDIT function. (See “Using
the TAPE EDIT function” on page 39.)
c PROGRAM EDIT key
Press to enter program editing mode. (See
“Programmed playback” on page 26.)
Press during program editing mode to exit program
editing mode and return to the standard display.
v CALL key
Press to pause playback and return to the point
where playback was last started from a paused state.
(See “Call function” on page 32.)
b READY key
Press to pause CD playback.
n PLAY key
When stopped or paused, press to start CD playback.
m FOLDER Ó/Á key
Press to switch the folder on a data CD.
Display
This unit shows the following information on the display.
CD Section
MP3 indicator
1
This indicator appears when a data CD with MP3 or
WAV files is loaded in the unit.
14 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
CD function display
2
The FOLDER, A.CUE , A.READY and A.SPACE indicators appear
when the CD folder playback function, auto ready
function, auto cue function and auto space function
are ON, respectively.
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
RESUME indicator
3
This appears when the CD resume playback function
is ON.
Text information mode display indicators
4
When disc text information is being shown, ALBUM,
ARTIST, TITLE and FILE indicators appear according to the
contents.
MONO indicator
5
This indicator appears when output is set to mono.
Playback time display mode display
6
When the playback time is being displayed, these
indicators show the current time display mode.
TOTAL REMAIN appears when the playback time display
•
mode is total remaining time.
REMAIN appears when the playback time display mode
•
is track remaining time.
No indicator appears when the playback time display
•
mode is track elapsed time. No indicator appears
when the main display is showing text information
(menu, title display, etc.) or when in menu mode or
program setting mode.
TRACK indicator
7
This appears when the main display is showing
the time display. It blinks during incremental play
operation. This indicator does not appear when the
main display is showing text information (menu, title,
etc.) or is in menu mode or program setting mode.
r DUB indicator
This appears during CD dubbing.
Cassette section
t Level meters
These show the cassette tape playback and recording
sound levels.
y Tape transport status indicators
PLAY appears when the cassette tape is playing or
paused. REC and PLAY both appear when recording
or record ready. REC blinks when recording mute is
functioning. “π” appears when playback is paused
or the unit is record ready. The current transport
direction (Á or Ó) is also shown at all times.
u Cassette input source indicators
The cassette tape input source is shown as CD for the
CD, UNBAL for the unbalanced input.
i Tape counter
This shows the cassette tape counter value. The
counter value increases when moving forward. After
“9999” the counter returns to “0000.” The counter
value decreases when moving in reverse direction.
After “0000” the counter reverts to “9999.”
Main display
8
This display area has 11 characters. In addition
to showing CD track, playback time and title
information, this area shows information when in
menu mode and various status messages (errors,
etc.).
CD transport status indicators
9
When a CD is playing, the Á indicator appears.
When a CD is paused the π indicator appears.
0 Playback mode indicators
Indicators appear according to the CD playback
mode. None of the indicators appear during ordinary
playback (continuous playback) mode. During single
mode, random mode and program mode, SINGLE,
RANDOM and PROGRAM appear, respectively.
q REPEAT indicator
This appears when the CD repeat playback function
is ON.
w A–B indicator
This appears when CD A–B repeat playback is on.
When only the A point is set A– light and B blinks.
e CONT PLAY CD TAPE indicator
This appears when continuous playback mode is
operative. CONT PLAY blinks before starting operation
(when CD and tape are stopped). CD blinks during CD
playback. TAPE blinks during cassette tape playback.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 15
3 – Menu
NOTE
This unit uses a menu system to make various settings
and use certain functions.
Menu structure
This unit’s menu system includes the following menu
items.
Menu
No.
1 PLAY MODE Playback mode selection
2 AUTO CUE Set auto cue function
3 AUTO READY Turn auto ready function ON
4 AUTO SPACE Turn auto space function ON
5 FOLDER PLAY Turn folder playback function
6 INCREMENTAL
7 RESUME PLAY Turn resume playback ON and
8 PROGRAM EDIT Edit the program
9 TAPE EDIT Use the TAPE EDIT function
10 TRAY LOCK Turn tray lock function ON and
11 EOM DISPLAY Set EOM display function
12 TAPE INPUT
13 COMMON OUT Select COMMON OUTPUT
14 MONO OUT Turn mono output function ON
15 DUBBING LEVEL Set record level during CD
16 FL DIMMER Set the display brightness
17 VERSION Show version information
18 MOTOR TIME Show motor operation time
19 DEFAULT Restore the unit to its default
Item Function
and OFF
and OFF
ON and OFF
Turn incremental play function
PLAY
SOURCE
ON and OFF
OFF
OFF
Select input source
source
and OFF
dubbing (fixed/volume)
settings
Using the menu
Follow the basic procedures below to use the
menu system to make settings. However, to use the
PROGRAM EDIT and TAPE EDIT items, which are
more complicated, see “Programmed playback” on page
26 and “Using the TAPE EDIT function” on page
39.
Moreover, selecting the VERSION and MOTOR TIME
items causes information to be shown on the main
display, but there are no settings to be made.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control.
This puts the unit in menu mode, and the main
display shows menu item selections. The menu item
that was last selected the previous time that the menu
was used is shown.
Press the MENU key when the menu item selection is
shown to return to the standard display.
16 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
3 – Menu
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select the desired menu item.
3 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to confirm the selection.
4 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select the desired value.
The selection takes effect immediately.
5 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to return to the standard display.
NOTE
If you press the MENU key while menu item names and
setting values are displayed, the display returns to menu
item selection.
The menu item name and currently set value are
shown. Use the following steps to change the settings.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 17
4 – Preparations
Making connections
ANALOG
OUT
(UNBALANCED)
LR
ANALOG
IN
(UNBALANCED)
ANALOG
IN
(UNBALANCED)
LR
DIGITAL
IN
(S/PDIF)
LR
Connecting headphones
Connect stereo headphones to the
front panel. Use the
PHONES
Use the
jack to adjust the volume.
MONITOR
PHONES
switch to the left of the
to select the sound that is output through the
PHONES
jack on the
knob to the right of the
PHONES
jack
PHONES
jack. Choose either CD sound only (CD position), tape
sound only (
sounds (
TAPE
MIX
position).
position) or a mix of the CD and tape
Connecting external audio devices (input)
Connect external audio sources, including CD players
and mixers, to this unit’s
TAPE INPUT (UNBALANCED
jacks. Use the TAPE INPUT SOURCE menu item to
select the input. Use the
INPUT
knob on the front panel
to adjust the input volume.
Connecting external audio devices (output)
For analog output, this unit has
OUTPUT
CD ANALOG OUTPUT
and
TAPE COMMON
jacks.
In addition, the CD playback signal can be output
digitally from the
format.
CD OUTPUT
The
output the CD playback signal. The
OUTPUT
jacks output the signal selected using the
CD DIGITAL OUTPUT
jacks (
ANALOG
and
jack in S/PDIF
DIGITAL
TAPE COMMON
) always
COMMON OUT menu item. (See “Setting the common
output signal” on page 19.)
)
18 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
4 – Preparations
Setting the common output signal
Set the signal output from the
jacks according to your operating needs for this unit.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show the
display, and press the ENTER key on the main unit
or the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select one of the following choices.
TAPE
: This always outputs the tape playback signal.
AUTO
(default value): outputs either the CD or the
tape playback signal. When both are playing at the
same time, only the tape signal is output.
MIX
: Outputs both the CD and tape playback
signals, mixing them when they are playing
simultaneously.
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
COMMON OUT?
TAPE COMMON OUTPUT
item on the main
Preparing the remote control
Installing the batteries
1 Open the cover on the back.
2 Insert two AA batteries, paying careful attention to
their +/– orientation.
3 Close the cover.
If you want to output the CD and tape signals to
•
different devices (or different channels of a mixer,
for example), set the COMMON OUT item to “TAPE.”
By doing so, the CD signal will be output from the CD
OUTPUT jacks, while the tape signal will be output
from the TAPE COMMON OUTPUT jacks.
If you’re outputting the signal of this unit to one ex-
•
ternal device, such as an amplifier, set the COMMON
OUT item to “AUTO” or “MIX.” By doing so, this unit
outputs the signal of the CD and/or the tape depending on their playback status.
When to change the batteries
If the remote control operating distance becomes short
or functions do not respond when their keys are pressed,
replace both batteries with new ones at the same time.
Precautions for the use of batteries
Misuse of batteries can cause them to leak or rupture,
for example. Please read the battery caution indications
and page 4 of this manual carefully.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 19
4 – Preparations
Considerations for the use of the remote control
When using other devices that are controlled by infra-
•
red signals, operation of this unit’s remote control could
cause those devices to function improperly.
Operate the remote control within the following range.
•
Remote sensor
Adjust the display brightness (DIMMER)
You can adjust the display brightness to suit the
operating environment of the unit.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show the
display, and press the ENTER key on the main unit
or the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select a value between 1 and 10.
The higher the number the brighter the display
becomes. (The default value is 7.)
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
FL DIMMER?
item on the main
Operation distance
Front: 7 meters or less
Within a 15º angle: 7 meters or less
20 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
CAUTION
This chapter explains the playback functions of this
unit’s CD player.
Discs that can be played
This unit’s CD player can play the following types of
discs.
• CD-DA (audio CD) format discs
This unit can play commercially available audio CDs
and CD-R and CD-RW discs that have been recorded in
audio CD format. These discs are called “ audio CDs” in
this manual.
• CD-ROM (data CD) format discs
This unit can play discs that contain MP3 and WAV
files. These discs are called “data CDs” in this manual.
MP3 files that can be played include files that have sampling frequencies of 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz, and bit rates of
32 to 320 kbps or variable bit rate (VBR). WAV files that
can be played include files that have sampling frequencies of 8 to 48 kHz and are 8-bit or 16-bit.
given numbers. For example, in the illustration below
the folder that contains folder 5 is not given a number.
MP3 files that use VBR compression
Due to format limitations, positions in VBR files cannot
be accurately detected. For this reason, when using the
call function, the A–B repeat function or other functions
that require points to be set in the middle of tracks, the
points set and the actual playback starting points might
be slightly different.
Data CD folders and tracks
This unit treats all the audio files (WAV and MP3) on
data CDs as “tracks.” Some data CDs store files inside
folders in the same way that ordinary computers do. In
addition, multiple folders can be stored inside another
folder creating a multilevel structure.
This unit assigns a folder number to each folder to
manage them. Folder numbers are assigned sequentially
starting with the first folder at the highest level followed
by the folders (subfolders) inside it. Folders inside a
higher-level folder are numbered in order before the
next folder in the higher-level is numbered as shown in
the illustration below. If the root folder of a data CD
contains one or more audio files, it will be numbered as
the first folder.
Folder
MP3/WAV file
An Example of Data CD Structure
Loading a CD
To load a CD, press the
unit or the remote control to open the disc tray and
place a disc on it with the label side up.
Press the
tray. After a disc is loaded, this unit reads the disc
information and shows on the display the total number
of tracks and total playback time for an audio CD or the
total number of tracks in the current folder or on the
entire disc for a data CD.
OPEN/CLOSE
OPEN/CLOSE
key again to close the disc
key on the main
Each audio file is also assigned a track number. Track
numbers are assigned in order starting from those in the
lowest numbered folder. During ordinary playback of
data CDs, tracks are played back in the order of their
assigned numbers just like the tracks on an audio CD.
Folders that do not directly contain audio files are not
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 21
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
connections have been made, the unit’s power is ON and
a CD (audio CD or data CD) has been loaded.
Instead of pressing the OPEN/CLOSE key to close the disc
tray, you can press the CD PLAY or READY key on the
main unit or the remote control to close the disc tray
and begin playback immediately.
CAUTION
If you open the disc tray while this unit is in use, the following settings are lost.
• Program
• CALL point
• Resume point
• Current folder (for data CDs)
Tray lock function
Turn the tray lock function ON to disable the
CLOSE
is paused so that the disc tray is not opened
unintentionally. This allows you to prevent accidentally
interrupting playback by pressing the
key. The default setting for the unit is OFF. To turn the
tray lock function ON, use the menu and conduct the
following procedures.
keys during playback and when playback
OPEN/CLOSE
OPEN/
To start CD playback, press the
main unit or the remote control.
A CD and a cassette tape can be played at the same
time.
• Stopping playback
Press the CD STOP key on the main unit or the
remote control.
• Pausing Playback
Press the READY key on the main unit or the remote
control.
In this Owner’s Manual, explanations assume that the CD
playback mode is set to CONTINUE (continuous playback
mode) unless otherwise specified.
CD PL AY
key on the
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ key to change the setting from
(default value) to ON.
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
TRAY LOCK?
” on the main display,
OFF
CD playback
The following explanation assumes that the necessary
22 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
Selecting a track
There are two ways to select a track. You can move (skip)
to the previous or next track, or you can select a track
directly by its track number. In addition, you can skip
to the next or previous folder of a data CD.
Skipping to the next or previous track
Press the Ô/Â or ¯/ key on the main unit
SKIP
or the
addition, if you press and hold a
on the remote control, the unit skips through multiple
tracks successively.
If you skip to a track during playback, the selected
•
track begins playing immediately.
If you skip to a track while playback is paused or
•
stopped, playback pauses at the beginning of the
selected track.
Â/¯ key on the remote control. In
SKIP
Â/¯ key
1 Use the remote control numeric keys (0–9) to input
the track number. Input the track number starting
with the first digit as in the example below.
• To select track 1:
Press the “1” key one time.
• To select track 12:
Press the “1” key followed by the “2” key.
2 Press the CD PL AY key on the main unit or the
remote control. The selected track begins to play.
NOTE
Selecting by track number
You can use the numeric keys (0–9) on the remote
control to directly set a track for playback by number.
Track numbers can have up to two digits for audio CDs
and up to three digits for data CDs.
If you press the READY key instead of the CD PLAY
•
key, playback is paused at the beginning of the
selected track.
If you press the ENTER key instead of the CD PLAY
•
key, the following occurs depending on whether the
unit was playing before the track number was input
in step 1 above.
Playing: the selected track starts to play.
Paused or stopped: the unit pauses at the beginning of the selected track.
The numeric keys cannot be used to select a track
•
when in program or random mode.
Selecting a folder (data CDs only)
When using a data CD, you can skip to the previous
or next folder by pressing the
keys while pressing and holding the
main unit or by pressing the
remote control. This will skip to the beginning of the
first track in the previous or next folder. If you hold
down one of these keys, you can skip through folders
continually.
FOLDER SEARCH –/+
SHIFT
key on the
FOLDER
Ó/Á keys on the
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 23
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
The setting is shown for two seconds and then disappears from the display.
If folder playback mode is ON, when you skip to a different folder, it becomes the current folder. See “Folder
playback (data CDs only)” on page 24 for details.
Search forward and backward
You can search forward and backward in a track while
listening to its sound.
1 Play or pause the desired track.
2 Press and hold the Ô/Â or ¯/ keys on
the main unit or the SEARCH Ô/ keys on the
remote control to start searching forward or backward.
3 Release the key that you are holding down to stop
searching and return to the state (playback or
pause) before you began searching.
Folder playback (data CDs only)
By turning folder playback mode ON when playing a
data CD, you can set the playback area to the selected
(current) folder.
Press the FOLDER PLAY key again to change the set-
ting.
When the folder playback function is ON, FOLDER
appears on the display.
Setting the folder playback mode from the main unit
(See “Using the menu” on page 16 for details about
making menu settings.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote
control main display to show
press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control.
FLDR PLAY?
and
Setting the folder playback mode with the remote control
Press the FOLDER PLAY key to turn folder playback
mode ON and OFF and show the current setting on
the display.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
24 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
5 – Playing Back CDs
CAUTION
NOTE
trol to select “ON.”
4 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to return to the standard display.
If the FOLDER PLAY item is set to “OFF,” the playback
area is set as the entire data CD.
Selecting the current folder
When using the controls on the main unit, with playback stopped, press the FOLDER SEARCH –/+ keys
while pressing and holding the SHIFT key to switch
folders. When using the remote control, with playback
stopped, press the FOLDER Ó/Á keys to switch folders.
During this operation, folder titles (album titles) appear
on the display.
If the folder was changed while playback was stopped,
the unit returns to the standard display and playback is
stopped at the beginning of the new folder.
If the folder was changed during playback or while
paused, after changing to the desired folder using the
procedures above, the folder is confirmed after one
second elapses, and the folder name is shown on the
display for two seconds.
NOTE
In folder playback mode, the tracks in the current playback folder on a data CD are played back in random
order. (See “Folder playback (data CDs only)” on page
24.)
Programmed playback
Tracks are played back in the programmed order. See
“Programmed playback” on page 26 for details.
Selecting the playback mode
Use the dedicated
select playback mode easily. You can also use the menu
to set it from the main unit.
Using the P.MODE key on the remote
ª
control
P.MODE
key on the remote control to
NOTE
You cannot skip through folders during playback or
when paused if the current playback mode is program
mode.
The following settings are lost when the current folder
is changed.
Program
•
CALL point
•
Playback modes
This unit can play tracks using the following four
methods (playback modes).
Continuous playback (default setting)
The tracks on a disc are played back in numerical order.
NOTE
In folder playback mode, the tracks in the current playback folder on a data CD are played back in numerical order. See “Folder playback (data CDs only)” on page 24.
Single playback
The currently selected track is played once and then
playback stops.
Random playback
The tracks on the disc are played back randomly
regardless of track number. After all tracks have been
played once, playback stops.
1 Each time you press the P.MODE key on the remote
control, the playback mode changes.
Programmed playback (PROG), however, cannot be
selected during playback or when paused. To select
programmed playback, press the P.MODE key when
playback is stopped or no CD is loaded. The current
mode is shown with an indicator on the display as
follows.
Display Playback mode
No indicator Continuous playback
SINGLE
RANDOM
PROGRAM
Immediately after pressing the P.MODE key, the
•
selected mode is shown in the main display area as
follows.
Continuous playback mode selected: CONT
–
Single playback mode selected: SNGL
–
Random playback mode selected: RNDM
–
Programmed playback mode selected: PROG
–
In this Owner’s Manual, explanations assume that
•
the CD playback mode is set to CONTINUE (continuous
playback mode) unless otherwise specified.
Single playback
Random playback
Programmed playback
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 25
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
Setting the playback mode with the menu
ª
(See “Using the menu” on page 16 for further
explanation about how to use the menu.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key to enter menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys to show “
main display area, and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ keys to select the desired playback mode
(see above).
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play. The selected playback mode is retained even if
the power is turned OFF.
PLAY MODE
?” in the
Programmed playback
If you set the playback mode to “PROGRAM” as
described in “Selecting the playback mode” above, this
unit can conduct programmed playback. In this mode,
if you press the
remote control, playback proceeds from the first track
in the set program (program step “01”). Press the Ô/
 and ¯/ keys on the main unit or the
Â/¯ keys on the remote control to skip to the
previous/next program step.
CD PL AY
key on the main unit or the
SKIP
of an audio CD and the lower one is of a data CD.
In program input mode, the total program time and the
number of programmed tracks is shown on the display.
(However, the total program time is not shown for data
CDs.) When no tracks have been added to the program,
0:00/00
Program input mode can be activated by selecting the
PROGRAM EDIT item from the menu. (See “Using the
menu” on page 16 for details about using the menu.)
2 Use the numeric keys or the SKIP Â/¯ keys to
select a track to add as program step 01.
When using the numeric keys, input the leftmost
digit first.
is shown.
[Audio CD]
You must set a program in advance to use programmed
playback.
Setting the program
Use the remote control to set the program following the
procedures below.
NOTE
You can set the program at any time regardless of the
current playback mode.
1 When playback is stopped, press the PROGRAM
EDIT key.
[Data CD]
When using a data CD, if you do not press the numeric
keys or the SKIP Â/¯ keys for a second, the display
switches from showing the track number to showing the
file name.
3 Press the ENTER key to add the selected track to the
program and return to program input mode, which
allows you to add the next program step.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 above to add as many tracks as
you desire in order.
5 When finished program setting, to exit program
input mode, press the ENTER key or the PROGRAM
EDIT key to return to the standard display.
This starts program input mode and the following types
of information appear on the display. The top example is
26 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
Pause program
You can set the program to pause by entering “0”
for a track number using the numeric keys. During
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
programmed playback, when the program reaches a
step set to pause, the unit’s CD player pauses. You must
press the
CD PL AY
key to advance to the next program
step.
The same track can be added to the program mul-
•
tiple times.
Press the remote control CLEAR key to remove the
•
last added track from the program.
Press the CD STOP key to remove all tracks from the
•
program.
The program can have a maximum of 99 tracks. If
•
you try to add more than 99 tracks, the “PGM Full!”
error message appears on the display.
If the total playback time of the programmed tracks
•
exceeds 999 minutes and 59 seconds “– ––: – –” is
shown on the display.
You cannot add a pause as the final program step.
•
You cannot add a pause that would result in two
•
consecutive pauses.
In program input mode, use the –/+ keys to change
•
program steps and confirm their contents.
Programmed playback mode and the program set-
•
tings are retained even if the power is turned OFF.
In programmed playback mode, playback is impos-
•
sible if no tracks have been added to the program.
Clearing the entire program
In addition to pressing the
entire program in program input mode, as described
above, all the following actions also clear the entire
program.
CD STOP
key to clear the
Editing the program
You can edit a program that has already been created.
1 Press the remote control PROGRAM EDIT key to put
the unit into program input mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys to select the program step that you
want to edit.
Replacing a track
ª
Use the numeric keys or SKIP Â/¯ keys to select
the replacement track and press the ENTER key.
The selected track replaces the track in the step and
the unit returns to program input mode.
Erasing a track
ª
Press the remote control CLEAR key to remove the
track from the program.
All following tracks are moved one step forward in
the program.
Playback time display mode
You can set what is shown on the display when in
playback time display mode.
1 Press the main unit TIME/DISPLAY key (or the
remote control TIME key) to cycle through the three
types of time display.
The currently selected display mode is shown above
the main display.
Opening the disc tray
•
Turning the folder playback function ON or OFF
•
Changing the playback mode
•
Changing the folder
•
Checking the program
You can check the contents of the program.
1 Press the PROGRAM EDIT key on the remote control
to put the unit into program setting mode.
2 Press the –/+ keys to cycle through the program
steps shown on the display, starting at the first.
Pressing the – key cycles through the tracks in the
program in reverse order from the last added step.
No indicator
The elapsed time of the current track is shown.
“REMAIN” indicator
The remaining time of the current track is shown.
“TOTAL” and “REMAIN” indicators
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 27
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
The total remaining time is shown.
When stopped, the total time is always shown
•
regardless of whether the “TOTAL” or “REMAIN”
indicators are shown.
When a data CD is loaded, the remaining time and
•
total remaining time during playback and the total
time when playback is stopped are not shown. (Only
the number of tracks or the track number is shown;
“––” appears in place of the time display.)
In programmed playback mode, the program total
•
elapsed time and remaining time are shown.
The time display mode setting is retained even if the
•
power is turned OFF.
Text information display mode
Text information can be shown on the display. ID3
tag information can be shown for data CDs and CD
text information can be shown for audio CDs. This
information cannot be shown if it is not recorded in the
disc or file.
The album title is shown (when using an audio CD).
The folder name or volume label is shown (when
using a data CD).
ALBUM ARTIST indicator (audio CDs only)
•
The album artist name is shown.
2 To return to time display, press the TIME key on the
main unit or the remote control.
Repeat playback
This unit can play all tracks repeatedly or repeat a
selected section of one track (A–B repeat playback).
Ordinary repeat playback
Press the REPEAT key on the main unit or the
remote control to turn repeat playback ON (REPEAT
appears on the display) and play all tracks repeated l y.
1 To show text information, press the TIME/DISPLAY
key while holding the SHIFT key on the main unit (or
press the DISPL AY key on the remote control). Press
again to cycle through the available text information
(see below).
An indicator for the currently selected display
mode is shown above the main display. The contents
shown differ during playback and when paused and
between data CDs and audio CDs.
[Audio CD/Data CD title]
[Data CD file name]
During playback
TITLE indicator
•
The track title is shown.
ARTIST indicator
•
The track artist name is shown.
FILE indicator (data CDs only)
•
The file name is shown.
When paused
ALBUM TITLE indicator
•
If the folder playback function is ON when using a
•
data CD, only the tracks in the current folder are
played.
If repeat playback is turned ON when programmed
•
playback mode is active, the tracks in the program
are played back repeatedly. If repeat playback is
turned ON when single playback mode is active, the
currently selected track is played back repeatedly.
When the auto ready function is ON, playback pauses
•
at the start of each track regardless of whether the
repeat function is ON or OFF. Turn the auto ready
function OFF to conduct continuous repeat playback.
If repeat playback is turned ON during playback,
playback continues without interruption and repeats
from the beginning of the first track after the end of the
28 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
CAUTION
NOTE
last track is reached. If repeat playback is turned ON
when playback is stopped, it begins when the
key is pushed. Press the
REP E AT
key on the main unit or
CD PL AY
the remote control again to turn repeat playback OFF
(REP EAT disappears from the screen).
The repeat function ON/OFF setting is retained even if
the power is turned OFF.
A–B repeat playback
Repeat playback of a selection of a track (A–B) is
possible.
1 During playback or when paused, press the remote
control A–B key at the point where you want to set
the start point (A) for the repeat playback selection.
REP EAT and A– appear on the display and B blinks.
Pitch control
This unit can change the pitch (sound frequency and
playback speed) during CD playback (pitch control
playback).
Follow the procedures below to use pitch control
playback.
1 Press the PITCH CONTROL key on the main unit to
turn pitch control playback ON. The indicator next
to the PITCH CONTROL key lights.
2 Use the CD PITCH knob on the main unit to adjust
the pitch. You can raise or lower the pitch by up to
12.5%.
Turning pitch control playback OFF
ª
Press the PITCH CONTROL key on the main unit
again to turn pitch control playback OFF.
If you press the REPEAT key, the repeat playback start
point (A) is canceled and “REPEAT” and “A–” disappear
from the display.
2 Press the remote control A–B key again at the point
where you want to set the end point (B) for the
repeat playback section. R EPEAT and A–B appear on the
display, the repeat section (A–B) is confirmed and
A–B repeat playback begins.
The A–B repeat playback section cannot span more than
one track.
Stopping A–B repeat playback
ª
Press the remote control A–B key or the REP E AT key.
REP EAT and A–B disappear from the display and A–B
repeat playback stops.
NOTE
If A–B repeat playback is stopped during playback,
•
the track continues playing past the B point.
Press the CD STOP key to stop CD playback and cancel
•
the designated repeat section (A–B).
PITCH CONTROL
The
During playback, turning pitch control playback
•
ON or OFF might cause the playback sound to skip
momentarily.
Using pitch control playback with a data CD (MP3,
•
WAV) sometimes causes the playback sound to skip.
indicator turns off.
Auto cue function (audio CDs only)
If the auto cue function is ON, when a track is selected,
the silence at the beginning of the track is skipped
and the unit pauses at the position where the “signal”
actually starts in the track. This allows sound to be
heard immediately after playback is started.
The auto cue function cannot be used with data CDs.
•
When the auto cue function is ON, even if a track
•
is selected during playback, playback pauses at the
position where the “signal” actually starts after the
track is selected.
You can also set the audio signal detection threshold
level auto cue level) for use with the auto cue function.
In short, this unit recognizes signals above the auto cue
level as “signal” and ignores any signal below the auto
cue level as “silence.”
Follow the procedures below to use the menu to turn
the auto cue function ON and OFF and set the auto cue
level. (See “Using the menu” on page 16 for details
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 29
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
about how to use the menu.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the -/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show
and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ key to select the desired value from the
following options.
The auto cue function is turned ON by all values
besides “OFF” and they set the auto cue level.
Options: OFF (default value), –24dB, –30dB, –36dB,
–42dB, –48dB
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
When the auto cue function is ON, A.CUE appears on
the display.
The auto cue setting is retained even if the power is
•
turned OFF.
The auto cue function cannot be used with data CDs.
•
AUTO CUE?
on the main display,
Auto ready function
When the auto ready function is ON, after playback of
a track finishes, playback pauses at the start of the next
track.
Press the A.READY key on the remote control to turn
the auto ready function ON and OFF.
A.READY appears on the display when the auto ready
function is ON.
Turning the auto ready function ON and OFF from the main unit
The auto ready function can be turned ON and OFF
from the main unit using the menu. (See “Using the
menu” on page 16 for details about how to use the
menu.)
Turning auto cue ON and OFF using the remote control A.CUE key
Press the A.CUE key on the remote control to turn
the auto cue function ON and OFF.
NOTE
The auto cue setting is retained even if the power is
•
turned OFF.
The auto cue level cannot be set with the A.CUE key.
•
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show
and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ keys to choose “ON” or “OFF” (default
value).
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
The auto ready setting is retained even if the power is
turned OFF.
AUTO READY?
on the main display,
30 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
Auto space function
When the auto space function is ON, a four-second space
is automatically added between tracks during playback.
In other words, after a track finishes playing, the CD
pauses for four seconds before the next track starts to
play.
Press the A.SPACE key on the remote control to turn
the auto space function ON and OFF.
When the auto space function is ON, A.SPACE appears
on the display.
To use the auto space function, the auto ready function
must be OFF. The auto space function does not work if
the auto ready function is ON.
Incremental play
If the Incremental play function is ON, pressing the
CD PL AY
to play from its beginning, and pressing the
key during playback causes the unit to pause at the
beginning of the next track.
NOTE
If the CD PL AY key is pressed when the incremental play
function is ON, playback resumes from the paused position, and if the CD STOP key is pressed when paused,
playback stops.
Moreover, if the CD PLAY key is pressed during playback
of the final track, the first track begins to play, while if
the CD STOP key is pressed, playback pauses at the first
track.
Use the menu to turn the incremental function ON and
OFF. (See “Using the menu” on page 16 for details
about how to use the menu.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
key during playback cause the next track
CD STOP
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
trol to show “
INCR PLAY?
” on the main display,
and press the ENTER key.
Turning the auto space function ON and OFF from the main unit
The auto space function can be turned ON and OFF
from the main unit using the menu. (See “Using the
menu” on page 16 for details about how to use the
menu.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show
and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ keys to select “ON” or “OFF” (default
value).
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
AUTO SPACE?
on the main display,
3 Use the –/+ keys to select “ON” or “OFF” (default
value).
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
When the incremental play function is ON, TRACK blinks
on the display during playback.
The incremental play setting is retained even if the
power is turned OFF.
The auto space setting is retained even if the power is
turned OFF.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 31
5 – Playing Back CDs
NOTE
NOTE
Call function
The call function allows you to return to the last point
where playback was started from a paused state (call
point) and pause again.
Press the CALL key on the main unit or the remote
control during playback or when stopped to use the
call function.
press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select “ON” or “OFF” (default value).
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
The resume point ON/OFF setting is retained even if
•
the power is turned OFF.
The resume point is erased after any of the following
•
operations.
The disc tray is opened
–
The folder playback function ON/OFF setting is
–
changed
The folder is changed
–
The playback mode is changed
–
The call point is erased after any of the following
operations.
The power is turned OFF
•
The disc tray is opened
•
The playback mode is changed
•
The folder playback function ON/OFF setting is
•
changed
The folder is changed
•
NOTE
If you press the CALL key when no call point has
•
been set, “No Call Pt!” appears on the main display.
The call function cannot be used during random
•
playback mode.
Resume playback
Turn the resume playback function ON to allow
playback to restart from the position where playback
was last stopped (resume point).
When the resume playback function is ON, RESUME
appears on the display.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “RESUME?” on the main display, and
EOM function
Turn the EOM (End Of Message) function ON to have
the unit start blinking the playback time display when
the audio CD reaches the remaining playback time set
in advance. Use the menu to set the EOM function. (See
“Using the menu” on page 16 for details about how to
use the menu.)
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
and press the ENTER key.
3 Use the –/+ keys to choose one of the following set-
tings.
Options: OFF (default value), 5sec, 10sec, 15sec,
20sec, 25sec, 30sec, 35sec
All the settings except for “OFF” turn the EOM
function ON and indicate the number of seconds
before the end of the track when the unit’s playback
time starts to blink on the display.
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
This setting is retained even if the power is turned OFF.
EOM DISP?
” on the main display,
32 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
6 – Playing Back Cassette Tapes
This chapter explains the playback functions of this
unit’s cassette recorder. The following explanation
assumes that this unit’s power is ON and that a cassette
tape with a recorded signal has been loaded with the A
side facing forward.
Preparation for tape playback
Selecting the reverse mode
Use the
ä: Repeat playback of both A and B sides five times
Ë: Play both A and B sides once each and then stop
playback
REV MODE
switch to set the reverse mode.
Playing a tape
Press the
remote control to play the A side or the
key to play the B side.
TAPE PLAY
[Á] key on the main unit or the
TAPE PLAY
[Ó]
ï: Play either the A or the B side once and then stop
playback
You can play both a CD and a cassette tape at the same
time.
Stopping playback
ª
Press the TAPE S TOP key.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 33
6 – Playing Back Cassette Tapes
ape counter
To fast-forward or rewind
ª
Press the TAPE or Ô key on the main unit or
the remote control. Press the TAP E STOP key to stop
fast-forwarding or rewinding.
Tape counter
The tape counter value increases as the tape runs from
left to right, and it decreases as it runs from right to left.
T
Press the
remote control to reset the tape counter to “0000.”
COUNTER RESET
key on the main unit or the
34 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
6 – Playing Back Cassette Tapes
NOTE
RTZ
Press the RTZ key on the main unit or the remote
control to return the cassette tape playback position
to the counter zero point (0000). The RTZ key does
not function, however, if pressed when the counter
value is between “9996” and “0004.”
RTZ is an abbreviation for “return to zero.”
Pitch control
The pitch of the sound can be changed during cassette
playback.
Turn the TAPE PITCH CONTROL knob on the main
unit to the right to increase the playback speed and
raise the playback pitch. Turn it to the left to slow
the playback speed and lower the playback pitch.
The knob has an indentation at the center, which is
the position for playback at the standard pitch. The
pitch can be raised or lowered by up to 10%.
Cassette playback pitch cannot be controlled with
•
the remote control.
Although there is a PITCH CONTROL key to turn
•
the CD pitch control ON and OFF, there is no key to
turn the cassette recorder pitch control ON and OFF.
To play a tape at the standard pitch, set the PITCH
CONTROL knob to its center (indented) position.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 35
7 – Recording Cassette Tapes
NOTE
NOTE
This unit can record to cassette tapes. The following
procedures explain how to prepare for recording by
setting the reverse mode and selecting the input and
then actual recording. This explanation assumes that the
unit’s power is ON and that a recordable (write-protect
tabs not removed) cassette tape has been loaded already.
Preparing to record
Selecting the reverse mode
Use the
one or both sides.
If ä is selected, the unit functions as though Ë had
been selected. In other words, after recording on both A
and B sides, the unit stops.
REV MODE
Ë: After recording on both A and B sides, the unit
stops.
ï: After recording on either the A or B side, the
unit stops.
switch to set the unit to record on
Using the menu
ª
You can also use the menu to set the record source signal
(input source).
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
play, and press the ENTER key on the main unit or
the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select the input source from the following
options.
CD
: the playback signal from this unit’s CD player.
UNBAL
TAPE INPUT (UNBALANCED)
4 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to return to the standard display.
The CD dubbing function is convenient when recording
a CD. See “Dubbing a CD to a tape” on page 37 for
details.
TAPE INPUT?
(default value): the signal input through the
” on the main dis-
jacks on the rear panel
Selecting the recording source
Using the INPUT key on the remote control
ª
The remote control INPUT key can be used to select
the input source. Press the key repeatedly to cycle
through the input sources.
The active input source appears on the main area of the
display.
INPUT CD
player
INPUT UNBAL
INPUT (UNBALANCED)
: the playback signal from this unit’s CD
: the signal input through the
jacks on the rear panel
TAPE
36 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
NOTE
NOTE
7 – Recording Cassette Tapes
Recording
After completing the above preparations, set the
recording level and begin recording.
1 Press the RECORD key on the main unit or the
remote control.
This makes the unit ready to record ready. The
meters on the display show the input level and the REC
indicator appears.
The sound of the recording source is output through
TAPE COMMON OUTPUT
the
also be output from the
MONITOR
switch to
MIX
2 To set the record level, start playback of the record-
ing source and adjust the INPUT knob on the main
unit to set the optimal level while looking at the
meters. Adjust the input so that the meters indicate
0 dB at its highest level.
jack. This sound can
PHONES
or
jack by setting the
TAPE
.
Recording mute function
During recording, press the REC MUTE key on the
main unit or the remote control to record about four
seconds of silence and then pause recording. Press
the TAPE PLAY or PAUS E key on the main unit or the
remote control to restart recording.
Press and hold the REC MUTE key on the main unit
or the remote control for more than four seconds to
create a silence of longer than four seconds. The unit
pauses when the key is released after being held for
more than four seconds.
To create a silence of less than four seconds, press
the PAUSE key during the recording of the silence.
This pauses the unit.
If you press the REC MUTE key again during the
•
recording of silence, ordinary recording restarts.
If you press the REC MUTE key when recording is
•
paused, the unit will record four seconds of silence
and then pause again.
Dubbing a CD to a tape
The CD dubbing function allows you to press the
DUB
key on the main unit or the remote control to dub
the CD loaded in the unit to a cassette tape with one
touch.
CD
3 Select and confirm the tape operation direction.
The current tape operation direction is shown on the
display with the reverse (Ó) or forward indicator
(Á). To record in the opposite direction, press the
TAPE PLAY
key of the desired direction to change the
tape operation direction.
4 Press the TAPE PLAY or PAUSE key on the main unit
or the remote control to start recording.
Stopping recording
ª
Press the TAPE S TOP key.
Pausing recording
ª
Press the PAUSE key. Press the PAUSE key again or
the TAPE PLAY key to restart recording.
The input source does not need to be selected.
•
The record level is automatically set to the default
•
setting, but you can also set it manually. (See
“Adjusting the record level when dubbing” on page
38.)
The CD programmed playback, random playback,
•
single playback, repeat playback and other functions
can be used as desired when dubbing a CD.
The auto ready and incremental play functions can-
•
not be used during CD dubbing.
The following explanations assume that the CD to be
dubbed and a recordable cassette tape have been loaded
in the unit.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 37
7 – Recording Cassette Tapes
NOTE
Basic dubbing (recording to the A side of a tape from its beginning)
When playback is stopped, press the CD DUB key on
the main unit or the remote control.
The tape automatically rewinds to the start of the A side,
and the tape counter resets to “0000.” The CD pauses
at the beginning of its first track. After the tape records
about eight seconds of silence (to avoid the leader tape),
dubbing starts with the CD beginning playback and the
cassette recorder beginning recording at the same time.
(The DUB indicator appears on the display.)
Adjusting the record level when dubbing
The recording level is automatically set when dubbing
a CD to a tape by default, but the record level can be
adjusted with the
1 Set "CD" as the recording source. (See “Selecting
the recording source” on page 36.)
2 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show "
and press the ENTER key on the main unit or the
remote control.
4 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select “VARI.”
Options: FIX (default value), VARI
5 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to return to the standard display.
6 Press the RECORD key on the main unit or the
remote control to make the unit record ready and
enable monitoring of the recording source.
7 Play the CD and observe the recording level meters
on the display.
INPUT
knob when dubbing.
DUB LEVEL?
" on the main display,
When the CD playback stops or the tape end is
•
reached, the tape stops (the tape side end that it
stops at depends on the reverse mode) and dubbing
ends.
When dubbing in two-side recording mode, if the
•
last track being recorded to the first side of the tape
is not recorded completely before the operation
direction reverses, that track is recorded again from
its beginning on the second side of the tape.
When dubbing in two-side recording mode, nothing
•
is recorded for eight seconds after the operation
direction is reversed. (CD playback pauses while the
cassette recorder continues in record mode.)
Press the TAPE or CD STOP key to stop dubbing at
•
any time.
8 Use the INPUT knob to adjust the recording level.
(See “Recording” on page 37.)
9 Press the CD STOP key to stop the CD and the TAPE
STOP key to take the unit out of record ready mode.
10 Press the CD DUB key on the main unit or the
remote control to conduct dubbing in the same way
as described above in “Basic dubbing.”
38 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
7 – Recording Cassette Tapes
Using the TAPE EDIT function
Using the TAPE EDIT function, this unit can follow
an automatically prepared program and dub a CD
according to the tape length.
With the TAPE EDIT function, starting with the first
track, CD tracks that total less than the length of the
tape side are recorded in order to the A side of the tape.
Then, recording continues from the next track in order
to the B side.
1 When CD playback is stopped, press the TAPE EDIT
key on the remote control to enter TAPE EDIT
mode. The main display appears as shown below.
Recording from the middle of a tape
1 Set the tape at the position from where you want to
start recording.
2 Press the RECORD key on the main unit or the
remote control to make the unit record ready. REC
and π appear on the display.
3 Press the CD DUB key on the main unit or the
remote control. Dubbing in the set recording direction begins from that position.
NOTE
You can also select the TAPE EDIT menu item to enter
TAPE EDIT mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select the length (in minutes) of the tape being
used.
Options: 30 (default), 46, 54, 60, 80, 90, 120
CAUTION
You can select “120” (for a 120-minute tape) when using
the TAPE EDIT function, but use of tapes longer than 90
minutes with this unit is not recommended. (See “Types
of cassette tapes that are not recommended for use with
this unit” on page 9.)
3 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control.
If a program has not already been set, this unit
automatically creates a program to fit the length of
the tape.
If a program has already been set, “
appears in the main area of the display.
OVERWRITE?
”
Press the ENTER key again to discard the current
program and automatically create a program to fit
the length of the tape.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 39
display
NOTE
NOTE
8 – Other Functions
Continuous playback of both the CD and the tape
This unit can alternately play the loaded CD and the
cassette tape. In other words, tape playback starts when
CD playback ends and CD playback starts when tape
playback ends.
Before using the following procedures, load a recorded
cassette tape and a CD.
1 Press the CD-TAPE CONT PLAY key on the main unit
or the CO N T PLAY key on the remote control.
During continuous playback mode, the CONT PLAY indicator
appears on the display, and the indicator for the media
currently being played (TAPE or CD) blinks.
CONT PLAY
If you press the TAPE STOP key to manually stop play-
•
back, the other media automatically starts playing.
When playing a CD in REPEAT mode, tape playback
•
does not start until you manually stop the CD
playback. Likewise, when the tape is in auto reverse
mode (ä), CD playback does not start until both
sides of the tape have played five times or playback is
stopped manually.
3 To stop using continuous playback mode, press the
CD-TAPE CONT PLAY key on the main unit or the
CO N T PL AY key on the remote control again.
2 Press the CD or TAPE PLAY key.
Depending on the key pressed, the CD or tape begins
to play. When playback of the selected media ends,
playback of the other media automatically starts.
If the factory default settings have not been changed,
the CD playback signal is output from the CD OUTPUT
jacks and the tape playback signal is output from the
COMMON OUTPUT jacks independently. Set the menu
COMMON OUT item to “MIX” or “AUTO” to output
both the tape and CD signals from the COMMON OUTPUT jacks. (See “Setting the common output signal” on
page 19.)
40 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
8 – Other Functions
Power-on start
This unit can be set to automatically start playing a
CD or cassette tape when its power is turned ON. The
unit can also be set to automatically start recording to a
cassette tape.
You can, for example, connect this unit’s power cord to
a timer that controls the power supply in order to make
it record or play automatically at a specific time.
1 Load a CD or cassette for playback, or a cassette for
recording into the unit.
2 Set the POWER ON START switch to ON.
3 Set the MODE switch to the desired position.
Restoring default settings
The following items can be restored to their factory
default settings.
All menu items
•
Repeat playback function (OFF)
•
Playback time display (track elapsed time)
•
Text information display (album name)
•
CD pitch control (OFF)
•
Program setting (none)
•
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
and press the ENTER key on the main unit or the
remote control. “
confirm that you want to restore the default settings.
DEFAULT?
SURE?
” appears on the display to
” on the main display,
CD
: CD playback starts when the power is turned
ON.
TAPE
: Cassette tape playback starts when the power
is turned ON.
REC
: Cassette tape recording starts when the power
is turned ON.
If using a timer, use it to turn the power to this unit
OFF.
With this setting ON, the unit functions as set
automatically as soon as power is supplied to it.
3 Press the ENTER key on the main unit or the remote
control to confirm and restore the default settings.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 41
8 – Other Functions
Mono playback
The CD and cassette tape playback signal can be output
to mono using a menu setting.
When the mono playback function is ON, MONO appears
on the display.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
area, and press the ENTER key on the main unit or
the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to select “ON” or “OFF” (default value).
When set to “ON,” a mono signal is output through
CD OUTPUT, TAPE COMMON OUTPUT
the
PHONES
4 Press the ENTER key to return to the standard dis-
play.
MONO OUT?
jacks.
” on the main display
and
Viewing information about this unit
Checking versions
You can check the unit’s firmware version and build
number.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote
control to show “
area, and press the ENTER key on the main unit or
the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to cycle through showing the version (
build number (
D>
).
4 When finished checking, press the ENTER key to
return to the standard display.
VERSION?
BUIL D>
) and CD drive version (
” in the main display
VER>
),
CD
NOTE
This setting is retained even if the power is turned
•
OFF.
The CD digital output is not affected by this setting;
•
it cannot be set to mono.
Checking the motor operation time
You can check the operation time of the unit’s CD player
and cassette recorder.
1 When in standard display mode, press the MENU
key on the main unit or the remote control to enter
menu mode.
2 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to show “
play area, and press the ENTER key on the main unit
or the remote control.
3 Use the –/+ keys on the main unit or the remote con-
trol to switch between showing the CD player motor
operation time (
motor operation time (
4 When finished checking, press the ENTER key to
return to the standard display.
MOTOR TIME?
C D>
) and the cassette recorder
TA PE>
” in the main dis-
).
42 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
9 – Message list
Operation messages
The following messages are shown on the main display according to the operation of this unit.
Message
Clos e
No Disc
No Files
No Filename
No Name
No Title
Open
OVERWRITE?
PGM CLEAR!
TOC Reading
Message lit or
blinking
Lit The disc tray is closing.
Lit There is no disc or the disc cannot
Lit The disc has no files that can be
Lit The file name cannot be shown. Text information must be 7-bit ASCII
Lit There is no artist data or no data
Lit There is no title data or no data that
Lit The disc tray is open.
Lit This is confirming that you want to
Lit This informs that the program has
Lit TOC information is being read.
Warning messages
Meaning Response
be verified.
played back.
that can be displayed.
can be displayed.
overwrite the existing program.
been cleared completely.
Load a disc that has MP3 or WAV files.
compatible text to be displayed.
Text information must be 7-bit ASCII
compatible text to be displayed.
Text information must be 7-bit ASCIIcompatible text to be displayed.
If an operation cannot be completed, one of the following messages is shown. It will appear for about two seconds before
disappearing automatically.
Message
No Call Pt!
No Program!
PG M Full!
Message lit or
blinking
Lit A call point has not been set. Set a CALL point. (Press READY then PLAY.)
Lit No program has been created. Add tracks to the program.
Lit You cannot add more than 99
tracks to the program.
Meaning Response
Either stop trying to add to the program or
clear the program.
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 43
9 – Message list
Error messages
If one of the following error messages is shown, please refer to the Response column and try to resolve it. If this does not
correct the problem, please contact a TEAC repair center.
CD Drive
Message
Comm Error
Comm Error
Decod Error
Disc Error
Drive Error
Read error
Cassette deck
Message
Err
Message lit or
blinking
Blinking Cannot communicate with the CD
drive.
Lit An error occurred during
communication with the CD drive.
Lit The file type is not supported or
otherwise could not be played.
Lit The TOC or file system could not be
read, or focus adjustment was not
possible.
Lit The CD drive hardware is broken. Please contact a TEAC repair center.
Lit The track cannot be accessed. Clean or change the disc.
Message lit or
blinking
Lit The cassette mechanism is broken. Please contact a TEAC repair center.
Meaning Response
Please contact a TEAC repair center.
Please contact a TEAC repair center.
Change the disc.
Clean or change the disc.
Meaning Response
44 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
10 – Troubleshooting
If you have problems with this unit, please check the
following points before seeking repair. If you are still
unable to resolve the problem, please contact the shop
where you purchased the unit or a TEAC repair center.
The power does not turn ON.
ª
Is the power plug completely plugged into the outlet?
•
The unit does not respond to the remote
ª
control.
Are charged batteries in the remote control?
•
There is no sound.
ª
Confirm the connections with the monitoring system.
•
Confirm the amp volume and settings.
•
The sound from tape playback is never output from the
•
CD OUTPUT jacks. Moreover, the signals output from
the COMMON OUTPUT jacks depend on the menu
COMMON OUT item setting.
There is unwanted noise.
ª
Are the connecting cables all properly connected and
•
functioning?
If using an MP3 file, confirm that its bit rate is one that
•
can be used by this unit.
Is the disc damaged or dirty?
•
Cannot play all of a data CD.
ª
Is the FOLDER PLAY item in the menu “ON”?
•
The playback sound is mono.
ª
Is the MONO OUT item in the menu set to “ON”?
•
Cannot record to the cassette tape.
ª
Has the write-protection tab been removed from the cas-
•
sette to prevent the unintentional erasure of recordings?
Is the cassette recorder stopped or in record ready
•
mode?
Recheck the input connections.
•
Is the INPUT knob turned up?
•
Is the TAPE INPUT SOURCE item in the menu set to
•
the correct input source?
The playback sound of the cassette tape is
ª
strange.
Is the head or pinch roller dirty? Use a cleaning fluid to
•
clean it if dirty.
If a head has become magnetized, demagnetize it.
•
Is pitch control set to a positive or negative value?
•
Cannot dub from a CD to a cassette.
ª
Is the CD playing or paused?
•
Has the write-protection tab been removed from the cas-
•
sette to prevent the unintentional erasure of recordings?
Cannot play a CD.
ª
TASCAM CD-A550MKII 45
11 – Specifications
Ratings
Wow and flutter
ª
0.25% (JIS WRMS) or less
CD player
Compatible disc formats
ª
CD-DA (12-cm/8-cm), CD-ROM (12-cm/8-cm) ISO 9660
LEVEL 1/2/ROMEO/JOLIET format (CD-R/CD-RW
disc compatible)
MP3 playback specifications
ª
Audio modes: STEREO/JOINT STEREO/DUAL
CHANNEL/MONO/VBR
MPEG1 Audio Layer III (MP3)
•
Sampling frequency: 32/44.1/48 kHz
•
Bit rate: 32–320 kbps
•
WAV playback specifications
ª
Sampling frequency: 8/11.025/12/16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48
kHz
Quantization bit rate: 8-bit/16-bit
CD playback specifications
ª
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
Quantization bit rate: 16-bit
Number of channels: 2
Audio characteristics
ª
Frequency characteristics: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.8 dB
S/N ratio: 98 dB (20 kHz LPF, A-weighted)
Distortion (THD+N): 0.006% (1 kHz: 20 kHz LPF)
Dynamic range: 96 dB (20 kHz LPF, A–weighted)
Rewind time
ª
160 seconds or less (C-60 tape)
Recording and playback frequency
ª
characteristics
Normal (type): 30 Hz – 13 kHz ±4 dB
Chrome (type): 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±4 dB
Recording and playback channel separation
ª
1 kHz: 35 dB or more (1 kHz, using BPF)
Recording and playback S/N ratio
ª
58 dB (Maximum input level, A-Weighted)
Recording and playback distortion
ª
2.5% or less
Analog audio
CD player section
CD LINE OUTPUT [UNBALANCED] jacks
ª
Analog unbalanced output
Connector: RCA pin jacks
Standard output level: –10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Output impedance: 200Ω
Channel separation: 90 dB (1 kHz: 1 kHz BPF)
Cassette tape
Track system
ª
4-track 2-channel stereo
Head structure
ª
Record/playback x 1 (rotary reverse), erase x 1
Usable tape types
ª
C-46 – C-90 type cassette tapes (metal tapes can only be
played back)
Tape speed
ª
4.76 cm/sec
Pitch control range
ª
±10% or more
46 TASCAM CD-A550MKII
Cassette tape section
TAPE LINE OUTPUT [UNBALANCED] jacks
ª
Analog unbalanced output
Connectors: RCA pin jacks
Standard output level: –4.5 dBu
Output impedance: 200Ω
TAPE LINE INPUT [UNBALANCED] jacks
ª
Analog unbalanced input
Connectors: RCA pin jacks
Standard input level: –9 dBu
Minimum input level: –19 dBu
Input impedance: 22 kΩ
11 – Specifications
Headphones section
PHONES jack
ª
Headphones output
Connector: standard stereo jack
Rated output: 20 mW + 20 mW or more (during CD
monitoring, THD+N 0.1% or less, 32Ω load)
Digital audio
CD player section
CD DIGITAL OUTPUT [COAXIAL] jack
ª
Connector: RCA pin jack
Compatible signal format: S/PDIF (IEC–60958–3
standard for consumer applications)
Output impedance: 75Ω
Dimensional drawing
General
Power:
•
AC 120 V, 60 Hz (U.S.A./Canada)
Power consumption: 14 W
•
External dimensions: 483 x 138.5 x 290 mm (width x
•
height x depth, including protrusions)
Weight: 6.3 kg
•
NOTE
Some of the illustrations in the Owner’s Manual
•
might differ from the actual equipment.
Specifications and appearance might be changed
•
without notification for product improvement.
WARRANTY
< In the United States >
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is only valid
within the country the unit was originally purchased.
WHAT IS AND IS NOT COVERED
Except as specied below, this warranty covers all defects in materials
and workmanship in this product. The following are not covered by the
warranty:
1. Damage to or deterioration of the external cabinet.
2. Damages resulting from accident, misuse, abuse or neglect.
3. Damage resulting from failure to perform basic daily maintenance and/or calibration or otherwise resulting from failure to follow instructions contained in your owner’s manual.
4. Damage occurring during shipment of the product. (Claims
must be presented to the carrier)
5. Damage resulting from repair or attempted repair by
anyone other than TEAC or an authorized TASCAM service
station.
6. Damage resulting from causes other than product defects,
including lack of technical skill, competence, or experience
of the user.
7. Damage to any unit which has been altered or on which the
serial number has been defaced, modied or is missing.
WHO MAY ENFORCE THE WARRANTY
This warranty may be enforced only by the original purchaser.
LENGTH OF WARRANTY
All parts except heads and disk drives are warranted for one (1) year
from the date of original purchase. Heads and disk drives are warranted
to ninety (90) days from date of original purchase. Labor is warranted for
ninety (90) days from date of original purchase.
WHAT WE WILL PAY FOR
We will pay all labor and material expenses for items covered by the
warranty. Payment of shipping charges is discussed in the next section
of this warranty.
HOW YOU CAN GET WARRANTY SERVICE
Your unit must be serviced by an authorized TASCAM service station in
the United States. (This warranty is not enforceable outside the U.S.) If
you are unable to locate an authorized TASCAM service station in your
area, please contact us. We either will refer you to an authorized service
station or instruct you to return the unit to the factory. Whenever warranty service is required, you must present a copy of the original dated
sales receipt from an Authorized TASCAM Dealer.
You must pay any shipping charges if it is necessary to ship the product to service. However, if the necessary repairs are covered by the warranty, we will pay
return surface shipping charges to any destination within the United States.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
Any implied warranties, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are limited in duration to the
length of this warranty.
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES
TEAC’s liability for any defective product is limited to repair or replacement of the product, at TEAC’s option. TEAC shall not be liable for:
1.
Damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product,
loss of time interrupted operation or commercial loss; or
2. Any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or
otherwise.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
To locate an Authorized Service Center in Your Area
CALL 1-800-447-8322
< Europe >
This product is subject to the legal warranty regulations of the country
of purchase. In case of a defect or a problem, please contact the dealer
where you bought the product.
Ce produit est sujet aux réglementations concernant la garantie légale
dans le pays d’achat. En cas de défaut ou de problème, veuillez contacter le revendeur chez qui vous avez acheté le produit.
Dieses Gerät unterliegt den gesetzlichen Gewährleistungsbestimmungen des Landes, in dem es erworben wurde. Bitte wenden Sie sich im
Gewährleistungsfall an den Händler, bei dem sie das Gerät erworben
haben.
Questo apparecchio è conforme alle norme sulla garanzia vigenti nel
rispettivo Paese in cui esso è stato acquistato. Si prega di rivolgersi al
proprio commerciante, presso il quale è stato acquistato l’apparecchio,
nel caso in cui si voglia richiedere una prestazione in garanzia.
Las condiciones de garantía de este aparato están sujetas a las disposiciones legales sobre garantía del país en el que ha sido adquirido. En caso de
garantía, debe dirigirse al establecimiento donde adquirió el aparato.
< In other countries/areas >
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights that vary by country, state or province.
If you have a warranty claim or request, please contact the dealer where
you bought the product.
该保证书赋予了顾客特定的合法权利，并且因国家，
州或省等地域的不同，顾客可能拥有其他权利。如需
申请或要求保修，请与购买本产品的销售店进行联系。
If you require repair services for your
contact the dealer where the product was purchased from or the
CAM
Distributor in your country. A list of
be found on our website at:
TASCAM
equipment, please
http://teac-global.com/
TASCAM
TAS -
Distributors can
✂
TEAC CORPORATION
Phone: +81-42-356-9143
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530 Japan
TEAC AMERICA, INC. http://tascam.com/
Phone: +1-323-726-0303
1834 Gage Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA
TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. http://teacmexico.net/
Phone: +52-55-5010-6000
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100, México DF, México
TEAC UK LIMITED http://tascam.eu/
Phone: +44-8 451-302511
Meridien House, Ground Floor,69 - 71, Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1DS, UK
TEAC EUROPE GmbH http://tascam.eu/
Phone: +49-611-71580
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany
TEAC SALES & TRADING(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD http://tascam.cn/
Phone: +86-755-88311561~2
Room 817, Block A, Hailrun Complex, 6021 Shennan Blvd., Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China
http://tascam.jp/
Printed in China
✂
WARRANTY
Model/Modèle/Modell
Modello/Modelo/型号
CD-A550
Serial No./No de Série/Seriennummer
Numero di serie/Número de serie/序列号
Date of purchase/Date de l’achat/Datum des Kaufs
Data dell’acquisto/Fecha de compra/购买日期
http://teac-global.com/
)
Owner’s name/Nom du possesseur/Name des Eigentümers
Nome del proprietario/Nombre del propietario/顾客姓名
"
Address/Adresse/Adresse
Indirizzo/Dirección/顾客地址
Dealer’s name/Nom du détaillant/Name des Händlers
Nome del commerciante/Nombre del establecimiento/销售店名
Dealer’s address/Adresse du détaillant/Adresse des Händlers
Indirizzo del commerciante/Dirección del establecimiento/销售店地址
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