ZOOM GM-200 Operation Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM GM-200 (hereafter simply called the "GM-200").
The GM-200 is a modeling type guitar amp simulator with the following features and
functions.

Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of
your GM-200 and to ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this
manual, the warranty card and all other documentation for future reference.

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

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Controls and Features

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Top Panel

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Rear Panel

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Getting Connected

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Battery Operation

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Power-On

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Trying Out the GM-200

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Output Character Settings

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Selecting the Amp Type

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Sample Settings

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Troubleshooting / Specifications

• Wide range of guitar amp sounds

Using the Variable Architecture Modeling System (VAMS) developed by Zoom,
the GM-200 models the sound characteristics of various famous guitar amplifiers.
Simply by operating the AMP SELECT knob, you can produce a wide range of
sound characteristics, from vintage fifties amps to the latest in modern technology.

• Compatible with virtually any playback system

Output characteristics and signal processing can be adapted to the requirements of
various systems with the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob. The GM-200 is a versatile
playing tool, whether you use it for stage rehearsals, practicing with a radio/
cassette/ CD player, or a direct line out to a multi-track recorder (MTR).

• 4 types of effects for guitar play

The GM-200 also incorporates four types of vintage effects that are essential for
great guitar sound, including vintage chorus, tremolo, tape echo, and spring reverb.
A single knob on the panel lets you select effects and adjust their intensity.

• Versatile input/output configuration

In addition to the phone jack for guitar input, the unit also provides a MIX IN jack
(stereo mini phone plug) which is handy for connecting a CD player, MD player or
other source for mixing with the guitar sound. On the output side, there is a stereo
phone jack as well as RCA type phono jacks, allowing easy connection to any kind
of equipment, such as guitar amps, an audio system, a portable stereo, etc. Stereo
headphones can also be plugged in, for those late-night practice sessions.

• Dual power supply

The dual power supply principle allows the unit to be powered from the AC adapter
or six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. This lets you easily take the GM-200 on stage or
into a rehearsal studio, in the same way as a compact guitar effect.

OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction

Contents

Safety Precautions

In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and
cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented.
The meanings of these symbols are as follows:

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions
to ensure hazard-free use of the GM-200.

• Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly
high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter
whenever possible. When powering the unit from
a battery, use only an alkaline type.

[AC adapter operation]

• Be sure to use only an AC adapter which
supplies 9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with
a "center minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). The
use of an adapter other than the specified type
may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard.

• Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet
that supplies the rated voltage required by the
adapter.

• When disconnecting the AC adapter from the
AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and
do not pull at the cable.

• When not using the unit for an extended period,
disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.

[Battery Powered Operation ]

• Use six IEC R6 (size AA) 1.5V batteries
(alkaline).

• The GM-200 cannot be used for recharging.
Pay close attention to the labelling of the
battery to make sure you choose the correct
type.

• When not using the unit for an extended period,
remove the batteries from the unit.

• If battery leakage has occurred, wipe the battery
compartment and the battery terminals carefully
to remove all remnants of battery fluid.

• While using the unit, the battery compartment
cover should be closed.

• Environment

Avoid using your GM-200 in environments where
it will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• Handling

Since the GM-200 is a precision electronic device,
avoid applying excessive force to the switches and
buttons. Also take care not to drop the unit, and do
not subject it to shock or excessive pressure.

•

Alterations

Never open the case of the GM-200 or attempt to
modify the product in any way since this can
result in damage to the unit.

•

Connecting cables and input and

output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the GM­200 and all other equipment before connecting or
disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to
disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before
moving the GM-200.

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the GM-200 has been
designed to provide maximum protection against the
emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the
device, and protection from external interference.
However, equipment that is very susceptible to
interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic
waves should not be placed near the GM-200, as the
possibility of interference cannot be ruled out
entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the GM-200
included, electromagnetic interference can cause
malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care
should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

• Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the GM-200. If
necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use
abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint
thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the
finish or damage the surface.

Please keep this manual in a convenient place for
future reference.

ZOOM GM-200

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

2

Warning

This symbol indicates explanations
about extremely dangerous
matters. If users ignore this symbol
and handle the device the wrong
way, serious injury or death could
result.

This symbol indicates explanations
about dangerous matters. If users
ignore this symbol and handle the
device the wrong way, bodily injury
and damage to the equipment
could result.

Caution

Caution

Caution

Caution

Warning

Caution

ZOOM GM-200

Controls and Features

Controls and Functions

3

POWER indicator

This LED lights up while the GM-200 is powered.
When operating the unit on battery power, the
indicator starts to flash when the batteries are
running low.

GAIN control

Adjusts the
distortion
intensity.

ZNR control

Adjusts operation
of the ZNR (Zoom
Noise Reduction)
circuit.

MASTER LEVEL
control

Adjusts the
overall signal
output level.

EFFECTS knob

Allows you to choose between four
effects and adjust their intensity.

OUTPUT CHARACTER knob

Allows matching the output signal of the
GM-200 to the requirements of the
playback system. Signal characteristics
and processing are changed internally.

AMP SELECT knob

Gives a choice of 11 different
guitar amp characteristics.

TREBLE/MIDDLE/BASS controls

The three-band tone control for treble, midrange, and
bass allows tailoring the sound as in a guitar amplifier.

POWER switch

Serves to turn the
unit on and off.

OUTPUT jack

This stereo phone jack serves for connection
to a guitar amp. It is also possible to plug a
pair of stereo headphones into this jack, or
to use a Y cable for sending the output to
two amplifiers.

Turn off power to the amplifier before changing the setting of
the INPUT GAIN switch. If the switch is operated while the
amplifier is on, shock noise may damage the speakers.

INPUT jack

Connect the guitar to this jack.

MIX IN jack

This stereo mini jack accepts the signal from an external source. The
signal supplied to this jack is not processed by the effect circuitry of the
GM-200. It is simply mixed to the guitar signal and sent to the output.

OUTPUT L/R jacks

This stereo pair of RCA type phono
jacks serves for connection to a Hi­Fi system, portable stereo, multi­track recorder or other component
equipped with a line input.

DC IN (AC adapter) jack

To use the GM-200 on AC
power, plug the supplied
AC adapter into this jack.

INPUT GAIN switch

Adjusts the gain for the signal
input via the INPUT jack ( ).

For connection
of guitars with
low output
(passive type)

For connection
of guitars with
high output
(active type)

NOTE

Top Panel

Rear Panel

INPUT

DC9V

OUTPUT

R

L

INPUT

R

L

MTR

GM-200

Guitar

AC adapter

MTR/recording mixer etc.

MIX IN

GM-200

Guitar

Hi-Fi systemRadio/cassette

/CD player

CD player

AC adapter

RCA type phono cable

Stereo mini phone plug cable

INPUT

DC9V

OUTPUT

R

L

R

L

AUX INPUT

R

L

ZOOM GM-200

Getting Connected

Getting Connected

4

Audio System Connection (for line audio)

MTR/Recording Mixer Connection (for recording)

This example shows how to connect the GM-200 to a Hi-Fi system or a portable stereo such as a radio/ cassette/ CD
player or similar. Use two audio cables with RCA type plugs to connect the OUTPUT L/R jacks of the GM-200 to
the AUX inputs (line inputs) of the stereo system. By connecting the line output of a CD player or MD player to the
MIX IN jack of the GM-200 using a stereo mini phone plug cable, you can mix the sound from a CD or MD to your
session.

This example shows how to connect the GM-200 to a multi- track recorder or a recording mixer or similar. Use a
shielded mono cable with phone plug or two cables with RCA type phono plugs to connect the OUTPUT jack (or
OUTPUT L/R jacks) of the GM-200 to the line inputs of the recorder.

GM-200

Guitar

AC adapter

Guitar Amplifier

Guitar Amplifier

OUTPUT

INPUT

DC9V

The GM-200 can be powered either from the supplied
AC adapter or from six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries.
When the GM-200 is operating on battery power, the
POWER indicator starts to flash when the batteries are
running low. In such a case, replace the batteries as
soon as possible.

1. Verify that the AC adapter, guitar, and

playback system are correctly connected
to the GM-200.

Turn off power to the amplifier before
changing the setting of the INPUT GAIN
switch. If the switch is operated while the
amplifier is on, shock noise may damage
the speakers.

2. Turn the ZNR control and MASTER

LEVEL control of the GM-200 as well as
the volume control of the playback
system to minimum.

3. Turn on the equipment in the order

GM-200 playback system.

4. Raise the MASTER LEVEL control of the

GM-200 to a position that will provide a
suitable volume.

ZOOM GM-200

Power-On

Battery Operation

5

This is an example for guitar amp
connection. If you use one amplifier,
simply connect the OUTPUT jack of
the GM- 200 to the input of the
amplifier, using a shielded mono
cable. To send the output of the GM­200 to two amplifiers, use a Y cable
(splitter). On the guitar amp, you
should use the clean channel input
with no equalization.

Guitar Amplifier Connection (for guitar amplifier)

POWER LED

OPEN

BATTERY:R6(SUM-3)or"AA"SIZEx6

Adjacent batteries
are inserted with
opposite polarity.

Battery
compartment cover

Tab

Battery compartment

Six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries

Rear of GM-200

Open

Getting Connected

Battery Operation / Power-On

NOTE

To use the GM-200 for creating various types of sound, perform the following steps.

ZOOM GM-200

Trying Out the GM-200

Trying Out the GM-200

6

Use the GAIN control to adjust the distortion
intensity. Because turning up this control not only
increases distortion but also raises the volume level,
use the MASTER LEVEL control as necessary to
adjust the level.

Adjust distortion intensity and
volume

Adjust ZNR (Zoom Noise Reduction)

3.

Use the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob to choose
among the various options, as described on page

8. Make the setting to match the type of system to
which the GM-200 is connected.

Select the output character

1.

Use the AMP SELECT knob to choose the guitar
amplifier type that is simulated by the unit, as
listed on page 9.

Select the amp type

2.

4.

Use the ZNR control to set the threshold for the ZNR circuit that reduces noise
during play pauses. When the control is turned fully to the left, ZNR is off.
Turning the control to the right gradually raises the action threshold. Set the
control to achieve maximum noise reduction without causing the sound to be
cut off unnaturally.

NOTE

The optimum ZNR point will differ for various amp
types and gain settings. Readjust the ZNR control if
you have changed the setting of the AMP SELECT
knob or the GAIN control.

ZOOM GM-200

Trying Out the GM-200

Trying Out the GM-200

7

5.

Use the EFFECTS control to select one of the following
four effects and adjust its intensity.

Use the TREBLE/MIDDLE/BASS controls to adjust the
respective frequency range as desired.

OFF

No effect processing is
carried out.

TREMOLO

The sound fluctuates
periodically. The more the
knob is turned to the right
within the TREMOLO range,
the faster the tremolo speed.

CHORUS

This is a stereo chorus
effect which lends body
to the sound. The more
the knob is turned to the
right within the CHORUS
range, the faster the
chorus modulation speed
and the higher the effect
mix level.

ECHO
This is a soft delay
effect which
resembles a tape
echo. The more the
knob is turned to the
right within the ECHO
range, the longer the
delay time interval.

REVERB
This is a reverb effect
which resembles a
spring reverb. The more
the knob is turned to
the right within the
REVERB range, the
higher the effect mix
level. The reverb
duration and spread
changes according to
the setting of the AMP
SELECT knob.

Adjust effect type and intensity

Adjust tone

6.

ZOOM GM-200

Output Character Settings

Output Character Settings

8

Use the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob to choose among the following options. Make the setting to match the
connection type (see pages 4 - 5) and your personal preferences.

These settings are optimized for use of the unit together with a
playback system such as a Hi-Fi system or portable stereo.
Normally, when connecting the output of a conventional
preamplifier or compact effect to an audio system, the sound will
often be too thin and flat. The LINE AUDIO settings provide
lively, tight guitar sound in such circumstances.

These settings are optimized for line recording using a multi­track recorder or recording mixer or similar. With these settings,
it is easy to create a professional guitar sound during recording
and to match the GM-200 output to the sound of other
instruments being recorded.

These settings are optimized for use with a guitar amplifier.

Emulates the sound of a guitar amp picked up
with a close-up microphone

Emulates the acoustics of a room, with a feeling
of depth and spaciousness

Emulates a wide spread created with two
microphones used in a stereo arrangement

Special effect using phase shift. Depending on the
selected tone and on the played pitch, the sound
localization changes.

Direct

:

Air

:

Wide

:

Character OFF :

Punch

:

Edge

:

Live

:

Standard line amp character
Sound with a strong midrange punch
Results in attacks with a hard egde
Fresh, lively sound

Basic sound as obtained when connected
to a guitar amplifier

Brilliant sound with strong treble
Warm sound with midrange emphasis

Metallic sound with treble and bass
emphasis

Normal

:

Bright

:

Warm

:

Bottom

:

GUITAR AMP

MTR RECORDING

LINE AUDIO

NOTE

ZOOM GM-200

Selecting the Amp Type

Selecting the Amp Type

9

Use the AMP SELECT knob to choose among the following options.

Emulates a tube type combo amp developed in the sixties by an American company
known for its single-coil pickup guitars. This famous amplifier had a clean, bright
sound and beautiful sounding spring reverb. The setting emulates the typical clean
channel sound of this amplifier. Depending on the guitar in use, the sound may be
distorted at certain settings of the GAIN control.

Emulates the drive channel sound of the above type of amp. Although this is a drive
channel, distortion is smooth and subdued, and the top end is bright and extended.

Emulates a small tube type combo amp built in the nineteen-fifties by the same
company as the amp described above. Originally developed as a practice amplifier for
beginners, many rock and blues artists in the sixties used it for recording because of
its superb distortion sound at low levels. This setting works best at fairly low settings
of the GAIN control, using the picking intensity to vary the distortion amount.

Emulates the British-built tube amp that became the hallmark of the Liverpool sound
in the sixties. Famous for some unique circuit design aspects, such as the tube-based
rectifier and class A amplifier topology. The clean sound and crunch sound are
typical, but raising the GAIN control will result in harder distortion.

Emulates the crunch sound of a tube stack amp from a British manufacturer who
ruled the eighties scene. This setting is based on the 800 line of amplifiers with
master volume control. A slight crunch sound is obtained even with the GAIN control
turned down.

Emulates the full drive sound of the 900 line that succeeded the above type of amp.
By adjusting the GAIN control and MASTER LEVEL control, you can vary the
sound from crunch to deep distortion. Very well suited for hard rock or heavy metal
lead guitar.

In the late sixties, a manufacturer in San Francisco led the move towards high output
power, with a hand-built tube combo amp. The setting emulates the sound of this
amplifier, which was famous for its detailed overdrive and long sustain. Great for
fusion style lead guitar.

Emulates the sound of a tube type stack amp with intense distortion, designed by
the same manufacturer for the metal bands of the nineties. These amplifiers
allowed switching between diode and tube based rectifiers, resulting in a
drastically different sound character. Suited especially for marking the rhythm
with distortion sound.

Emulates a famous tube stack amp developed by an American amp manufacturer in
the nineteen-eighties in cooperation with a hard rock superstar. The original amplifier
which even was used as the title of an album has a gutsy low end and high-gain,
detailed distortion.

Emulates a head amplifier made in America by a custom manufacturer in the eighties,
but used extensively in the nineties on the road and in the studio by a guitarist famous
for his "woman tone". Great for lead guitar playing.

Creates a dynamic sixties style stack amp sound with fuzz distortion. Suitable for
single-note leads and riffs.

American Clean

Twin Drive

Blues Tweed

Class A Combo

British Crunch

British Drive

Combo 335

Metal Panel

Black Bottom

Modern Lead

Fuzz Stack

The examples shown below are for use of the GM-200 with an audio system or portable stereo.

• Set the ZNR and MASTER LEVEL controls as required.

• When wishing to use the settings with a guitar amp, try setting the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob

to "GUITAR AMP".

ZOOM GM-200

Sample Settings

Sample Settings (LINE AUDIO)

10

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Surf sound of built-in type
tube amp. Changing the
effect to tremolo also
works well.

American Clean

LiveReverb

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Drive sound of built-in
type tube amp, great for
southern rock.

Twin Drive

LiveEcho

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Blues Tweed

PunchOFF

Here comes Mr. Bassman,
with the blues guitar sound
of the good old days.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Class A Combo

LiveOFF

Combo amp crunch
sound essential for true
Liverpool sound.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

British Crunch

Character OFFOFF

Crunch sound of British
style tube stack amp with
great definition.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

British Drive

LiveOFF

Drive sound of British
high-gain stack amp.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Combo 335

LiveReverb

High-class combo amp,
great for plucky lead
solos.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Metal Panel

EdgeOFF

Dual sound with a fine
edge.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Black Bottom

LiveChorus

Add chorus to the backing
part and play a right-hand
solo with reverb, for that
typical American rock sound.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Modern Lead

PunchReverb

Using a single-coil front
pickup, you can get that
"woman tone".

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Fuzz Stack

EdgeOFF

Play the left handed
guitar with your teeth...?

ZOOM GM-200

Sample Settings

Sample Settings (MTR RECORDING)

11

The examples shown below are for use of the GM-200 with a multi-track recorder.

• Set the ZNR and MASTER LEVEL controls as required.

• When wishing to use the settings with a guitar amp, try setting the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob

to "GUITAR AMP".

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

American Clean

WideChorus

Clean chorus for
backing, well matched to
single-coil halftones.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Twin Drive

AirChorus

The ideal setting for slow
hand songs.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Blues Tweed

AirReverb

Become the king of
blues.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Class A Combo

WideOFF

Modern class A sound,
for playing low-position
chords to the max.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

British Crunch

AirReverb

Seventies style hard rock
sound, perfectly matched
to organ playing.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

British Drive

AirChorus

British stack amp sound,
for that real metal ring.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Combo 335

AirChorus

Mr. 335 fusion sound.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Metal Panel

AirOFF

With ZNR turned up,
coast through those
tricky riffs.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Black Bottom

WideChorus

For "good enough" hard
rock.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Modern Lead

AirReverb

Lead tone for instrumental
rock numbers.

AMP SELECT

EFFECTS

OUTPUT

CHARACTER

GAIN TREBLE MIDDLE BASS

Fuzz Stack

WideTremolo

Are You Experienced?

Troubleshooting / Specifications

Troubleshooting

Built-in programs

11 amp types
3-band tone control
11 output character types
4 effects
ZNR

Sampling frequency 40 kHz
A/D converter 20 bit, 64 times oversampling
D/A converter 20 bit, 128 times oversampling

INPUT

INPUT Standard mono phone jack x 1
Input impedance 480 kilohms
Gain switch HIGH: for electric guitars with passive

type pickups

LOW: for electric guitars with active

type pickups
MIX IN Mini stereo phone jack
Input impedance 10 kilohms
Rated input level -10 dBm

Outputs

RCA type phono jacks
Output impedance 600 ohms
Rated output level -10 dBm to +4 dBm

Line/headphone output
Standard stereo phone jack (doubles as headphone jack)
Output impedance 33 ohms
Rated output level -10 dBm to +4 dBm (load

impedance 10 kilohms or more)

Power requirements

Supplied AC adapter
9V DC, center minus (AD-0006)
Six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries
Battery life: 10 hours continuous operation (alkaline

batteries)

Dimensions

215 (W) x 175 (D) x 65 (H) mm

Weight

600 g (without batteries)

* 0 dBm = 0.775 Vrms
* Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

ZOOM CORPORATION

NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: [phone]

FAX: [phone]
Web Site: http://www.zoom.co.jp

Specifications

Printed in Japan GM-200-5000

Symptom Check Remedy

• Is correct AC adapter connected, and is
POWER switch turned on?

• Are connections between INPUT jack and
guitar, OUTPUT jack and playback system
established correctly?

• Is shielded cable defective?

No sound or very low
volume

Batteries are used up
quickly

• Is playback system turned on? Are all
volume controls at guitar and playback
system set to proper levels?

• Is MASTER LEVEL control turned down?

• Is ZNR setting appropriate?

• Are manganese batteries being used?

Turn the system on as described in
"Power-On".

Follow the instructions in "Getting
Connected".

Try replacing the cable.

Turn amplifier on and adjust controls.

Set MASTER LEVEL control to suitable
level.

Set ZNR control to suitable position, so
that attack and decay does not sound
unnatural.

Use alkaline batteries.