TCKB920S - Cassette tape SONY - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TCKB920S SONY

Stereo Cassette Deck

Operating Instructions
Mode d'emploi
Manual de instrucciones
Manual de Instruções

TC-KB920S

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with news papers, table-cloths, curtains, etc. And don't place lighted candles on the apparatus.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.

Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony Stereo Cassette Deck. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

About This Manual

The instructions in this manual are for model TC-KB920S.

Conventions

• Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the deck.
  The following icon is used in this manual:

Indicates useful information or tips that make a task easier.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Getting Started

Unpacking 4

Hooking Up the System 4

Playing a Tape 5

Recording on a Tape 6

AdvancedPlaybackOperations

Locating a Track (Multi-AMS/Auto Play/Memory Play) 8

Advanced Recording Operations

Adjusting Bias and Recording Level Calibration 9

Monitoring the Recorded Sound 10

Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting) 10

Additional Information

Precautions 11

Notes on Cassette Tapes 11

Cleaning 12

Troubleshooting 13

Specifications 14

Glossary 15

Index 16

Unpacking

Check that you have received the following supplied item:

Audio connecting cords (2)

Hooking Up the System

This section describes how to hook up the tape deck to an amplifier. Be sure to turn off the power of each component before making the connections.

Hookups

When connecting an audio connecting cord, be sure to match the colour-coded cord to the appropriate jacks on the components: Red (right) to Red and White (left) to White. Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and noise.

Connect the tape deck to the amplifier as shown below.

To connect your tape deck to another tape deck

Connect both tape decks as shown below.

Setting the voltage selector (only on models supplied with a voltage selector)

Check that the voltage selector on the rear panel of the tape deck is set to the local power line voltage. If not, set the selector to the correct position using a screwdriver before connecting the AC power cord to an AC outlet.

Connecting the AC power cord

Connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet.

Where do I go next?

Now you're ready to use your tape deck. For basic operations, go to pages 5 to 7; for advanced operations, go to the sections starting from page 8.

Playing a Tape

See page 4 for hookup information.

To play a tape recorded with the Dolby NR* system

Turn DOLBY NR to the same Dolby system that the tape was recorded in-B,C,or S. Please note that the B,C,and S settings on both sides are identical during playback since the MPX filter operates only during recording.

You can connect the headphones to PHONES.

• Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

"DOLBY" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

1 Turn on the amplifier and select the tape deck position.
2 Press POWER, and then press. Insert a cassette and close the cassette holder.

"TAPE" and the tape type (I, II, or IV) appear in the display.

3 Press

The deck starts playing. Adjust the volume on the amplifier.
Do not press POWER or while the tape deck is operating.
If you do so, the tape may be damaged.

To	Press
Stop playing■
Pause■ PAUSE. Press the button again to resume playback.
Fast-forward or rewind	▶or◁ when the deck is stopped
Increase the tape fast-forward or rewind speed	▶or◁ again during fast-forwarding or rewinding
Take out the cassette	≌ after stopping playing

Basic Operations

Recording on a Tape

See page 4 for hookup information.

1 Turn on the amplifier and play the program source you want to record.
2 Press POWER, and then press. Insert a cassette and close the cassette holder.

"TAPE" and the tape type (I, II, or IV) appear in the display.

3 Press REC.

"SOURCE" appears in the display.
Do not press POWER or while the tape deck is operating.
If you do so, the tape may be damaged.

4 Turn REC LEVEL to adjust the recording level.

The recording level should not exceed the recommended level for the indicated tape type.

After doing all the adjustments, stop playing the program source.

Press PAUSE or

Recording starts.

To protect recordings against accidental erasure Break out the record-protect tab(s) (see page 11).

6 Start playing the program source.

To	Press
Stop recording■
Pause■ PAUSE. Press the button again to resume recording.
Take out the cassette	△ after stopping recording

The Dolby HX PRO* system automatically works during recording

You can check how much blank remains on the tape

1 Locate the end of the recorded portion on the tape.
2 Press RESET to reset the tape counter to "0.00."
3 Press to fast-forward the tape to its end. The tape counter shows the approximate amount of remaining time.

• HX Pro headroom extension originated by Bang & Olufsen and manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

"DOLBY," the double-D symbol and "HX PRO" are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

For details on DOLBY HX PRO, see "Glossary" on page 15.

To adjust the recording balance

Turn BALANCE so that the L (left channel) and R (right channel) peak level meters in the display are at the levels you want.

To record with the Dolby NR system

Turn DOLBY NR clockwise to the position you want (B, C, or S) before you start recording.

If you cannot get satisfying results when recording FM broadcasts with Dolby NR system

Turn DOLBY NR counterclockwise to the position you want (B, C, or S with MPX FILTER) before you start recording. The filter turns on to make the Dolby NR system work more effectively. "FILTER" appears in the display. (For details on the MPX filter, see "Glossary" on page 15.)

Locating a Track (Multi-AMS/ Auto Play/Memory Play)

You can locate the following/previous tracks (Multi-AMS: Automatic Music Sensor) or the beginning of a tape quickly. You can even locate a specific point anywhere on a tape.

To locate	Press
the beginning of the next or succeeding tracks (Multi-AMS*)	▶ as many times as you want while playing. For example, to locate 2 tracks ahead, press twice.
the beginning of the current track (Multi-AMS*)	▶ once while playing
the beginning of the preceding tracks (Multi-AMS*)	▶ as many times as you want while playing. For example, to locate 2 tracks behind, press three times.
the beginning of a tape (Auto Play)	MEMORY repeatedly until “MEMORY” disappears in the display. Then press▶ while holding down▶.
a particular point on a tape (Memory Play)	MEMORY repeatedly until “MEMORY” appears in the display. Find the point you want, and press RESET to reset the tape counter and to memorize the point. To locate the memorized point, press▶ while holding down▶. (Press▶ only to stop at “0.00.”)

• You can use the Multi-AMS to locate up to the 30th track after or before the current track.

What happens during Multi-AMS operation

When Multi-AMS is operating, "PLAY" appears. And each time the deck detects a blank space, the indicated number decreases by one. After locating the beginning of the specified track, the counter indication appears again and the deck starts playing the track.

Beginning of track

Notes

• The Multi-AMS function may not work correctly if:
  the blank space between tracks is less than 4 seconds long.
  the signal strength of the left and right channels are very different.
• there is a passage of low frequencies or very low volume within a track.
• Since the counter is not a digital clock, it will differ from the actual elapsed playback or recording time.

Adjusting Bias and Recording Level Calibration

Since there are many different types of cassettes on the market, the tape deck automatically sets the appropriate equalization characteristics and bias current for each tape type (ATS: Automatic Tape Selection).

However, you can get better recording results by adjusting the bias current and recording level calibration.

1 Insert the cassette you want to record on.
2 Press CALIBRATION.

The display for adjusting the bias current and recording level calibration appears.

3 Press REC.
4 Press PAUSE or to record the test tones. (You can't hear the test tones.)

After two or three seconds, the meters showing the level of the test tones appear in the display. Then adjust, in sequence, the bias current and recording level calibration.

5 Adjust BIAS so that both meters indicate equal signal levels.

If the upper meter shows a higher level than the lower meter, turn BIAS clockwise.

If the lower meter shows a higher level than the upper meter, turn BIAS counterclockwise.

Equal signal level

6 Adjust CAL REC LEVEL so that both meters reach the recommended level.

Turn CAL REC LEVEL clockwise to increase both meters.

Turn CAL REC LEVEL counterclockwise to decrease both meters.

Recommended level

Repeat steps 5 and 6 if necessary.

7 Press

The display returns to normal.

8 Rewind the tape and start the actual recording.

You can also adjust the bias current and recording level calibration according to your own taste

For details, see page 15.

Notes

• Because the meters use a wider amplitude during tape calibration, they are more sensitive to slight changes in signal level.
• When you use metal (type IV) tapes, the frequency response to adjustments of the bias current is small. Therefore, adjusting the bias current with the range of this tape deck (a range of about ± 20% ) may not be effective.

Monitoring the Recorded Sound

You can compare the quality of the recorded sound with the sound of the program source while recording.

While recording, press MONITOR repeatedly until "TAPE" appears in the display.

You can monitor the sound being recorded.

To listen to the sound of the program source

Press MONITOR repeatedly until "SOURCE" appears in the display.

Inserting a Blank Space During Recording (Record Muting)

You can insert a blank space of 4 seconds between each track. The blank spaces between tracks let you locate the track easily with the Multi-AMS function (see page 8). Also, use this function to eliminate only unwanted portions on the tape.

1 Start recording.
2 Press REC MUTE once when you want to insert a blank space.

"REC" in the display starts flashing and the tape moves on without recording any signals.

After 4 seconds, "I" lights up and the tape deck is now ready to resume recording.

3 Press PAUSE or to resume recording.

To insert a blank space longer than 4 seconds

Hold down REC MUTE as long as you want. After 4 seconds, "REC" flashes faster.

When you release the REC MUTE, "I" lights up and the tape deck is ready to resume recording.

Press PAUSE or to resume recording.

To insert a blank space of less than 4 seconds

After pressing REC MUTE, press PAUSE at any time. The deck changes to recording pause. To resume recording, press REC instead of PAUSE.

Precautions

On safety

• Do not disassemble the cabinet - this may result in an electrical shock. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the tape deck and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

On power sources

• Before operating the tape deck, check that the operating voltage of the tape deck is identical with your local power supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate at the rear of the tape deck.
• If you are not going to use the tape deck for a long time, be sure to disconnect the tape deck from the wall outlet. To disconnect the AC power cord (mains lead), grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord.
• AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified service shop.
  The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off.

On operation

• Because of a safety mechanism, the function buttons will not operate if the cassette holder is not completely closed, if there is no cassette in the cassette holder, or if a cassette has been incorrectly inserted into the cassette holder.
• Be sure to stop the tape before turning off the tape deck. Otherwise, the tape may be damaged.

On placement

• Place the tape deck in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the tape deck.
• Do not place the tape deck:

on a soft surface such as a rug that might block the ventilation holes on the bottom.
in a location near heat sources.
--in a place subject to direct sunlight.
--in an inclined position.
in a place subject to excessive dust or mechanical shock.

On cleaning the tape deck

Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your tape deck, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Notes on Cassette Tapes

To protect the recording

Break off the record-protect tab for side A or B.

To record on a tape having a broken tab

Cover the record-protect tab hole for side A or B with adhesive tape.

When you are using a type II or type IV tape, be careful not to cover the detector slots that the deck uses to determine the tape type.

On tapes longer than 90 minutes

We do not recommend the use of tapes longer than 90 minutes except for a long continuous recording or playback. They are very thin and tend to be stretched easily.

On handling cassettes

• To prevent the heads and tape path from getting dirty, avoid touching the tape surface of a cassette.
• Place cassettes away from equipment with magnets, such as speakers and amplifiers; it may cause tape distortion or erase the recordings.
• Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, extremely cold temperature or moisture.

Cleaning

Cleaning the heads and tape path

Clean the heads and tape path of the tape deck after every 10 hours of operation to guard against:

a decrease in sound level
excessive wow or flutter
sound dropout
- incomplete erasure

To ensure better recording, we recommend that you clean the heads and tape path before every recording.

1 Press to open the cassette holder.
2 With the tape deck turned off, wipe the heads, the pinch roller, and the capstan with a cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol or a commercially available cleaning fluid for tape decks.

Do not insert a cassette until the cleaned areas are completely dry.

Demagnetizing the heads

After 20 to 30 hours of use, or when you notice a hissing sound or loss of high frequencies, demagnetize the heads with a commercially available demagnetizer for tape decks. Please refer to the instructions of the demagnetizer.

Troubleshooting

If you've experienced any of the following difficulties while using the tape deck, use this troubleshooting guide to help you remedy the problem. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

The function buttons do not work.

The tape deck has just been turned on and does not operate for about 3 seconds. Wait until "I" stops flashing.
Check that the cassette is inserted correctly and the cassette holder is closed completely.

The tape stops before the tape has been fully rewound.

The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
If "MEMORY" is shown in the display, press MEMORY repeatedly until the indication disappears.
The cassette shell is bent. Use another cassette.

The tape deck does not play or record.

The tape has reeled to the end.
The tape is slack. Take up the tape slack.
The record-protect tab has been removed from the cassette. Cover the slot with tape (page 11).
Clean the heads and tape path and demagnetize the heads (page 12).
Check that the tape deck is properly connected (page 4).
Make sure the amplifier is correctly set.

There is excessive wow, flutter, or a sound dropout.

The capstans and pinch rollers are dirty. Clean them (see page 12).

There is a decrease in sound level or a sound dropout. The tape does not erase completely./Noise increases.

The heads and tape path are dirty. Clean them (see page 12).
The heads are magnetized. Demagnetize them (see page 12).

There is hum or noise.

The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR.
Place the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.
The tape deck is placed on or under the amplifier. Place the tape deck away from the amplifier.

There is an unbalanced tone.

Check that the DOLBY NR control is set to the position where the tape was recorded.
The tape deck is placed near a TV or VCR. Place the tape deck away from the TV or VCR.

The Multi-AMS function does not work properly.

One of the tracks contains a long pause, a passage of low frequencies or very low volume, or a gradual increase or decrease in volume.
The space before a track is less than 4 seconds long. Insert a blank space of 4 seconds using REC MUTE button.
The signal strength of the left and right channels are very different.
There is noise in the space before a track.
You pressed button immediately before the next track, or button immediately after the beginning of the current track.

Additional Information

Specifications

System

Recording system

4-track 2-channel stereo

Fast winding time (approx.)

90 sec. (with Sony C-60 cassette)

High-speed fast-winding time (approx.)

45 sec. (with Sony C-60 cassette)

Bias

AC bias

Heads

Erasing head · 1 (S&F head)

Recording head · 1 (SD head)

Playing head 1 (SD head)

Motors

Capstan motor · 1 (DC servo motor)

Reel motor · 1 (DC motor)

Signal-to-noise ratio (at peak level, weighted, and with Dolby NR off)

Type I tape, Sony Type I (NORMAL): 57 dB

Type II tape, Sony Type II (HIGH): 59 dB

Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL): 61 dB

S/N ratio improvement (approximate values)

With Dolby B NR on: 5 dB at 1 kHz, 10 dB at 5 kHz

With Dolby CNR on: 15 dB at 500 Hz, 20 dB at 1 kHz

With Dolby SNR on: 10 dB at 100 Hz, 24 dB at 1 kHz

Harmonic distortion

0.4% (with Type I tape, Sony Type I (NORMAL):

160n Wb/m 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)

1.5% (with Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL):

250n Wb/m 315 Hz, 3rd H.D.)

Frequency response (Dolby NR off)

Type I tape, Sony Type I (NORMAL):

20-17,000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

15-18,000 Hz (±6 dB)

Type II tape, Sony Type II (HIGH):

20-18,000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

15-19,000 Hz (±6 dB)

Type IV tape, Sony Type IV (METAL):

20 - 20,000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

20 - 16,000 Hz (±3 dB, -4dB recording)

15-21,000 Hz (±6 dB)

Wow and flutter

± 0.085% W.Peak (TEC)

0.055% W.RMS (NAB)

± 0.16% W.Peak (DIN)

Inputs

Line inputs (phono jacks)

Sensitivity: 0.16V

Input impedance: 47 kilohms

Outputs

Line outputs (phono jacks)

Rated output level: 0.5V at a load impedance of 47 kilohms

Load impedance: Over 10 kilohms

Headphones (stereo phone jack)

Output level: 0.25mW at a load impedance of

32 ohms

General

Power requirements

Where purchased Power requirements

Continental Europe 220 - 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Australia 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Other countries 120, 220, or 230 - 240 V AC, 50/60Hz

adjustable with the voltage selector

Power consumption

23W

Dimensions (approx.) (w / h / d)

430·123·305mm

incl. projecting parts and controls

Mass (approx.)

5.1kg

Supplied accessories

Audio connecting cords (2)

Optional accessory

Remote commander RM-J710

For more information on the availability of the remote

commander, contact your nearest Sony dealer.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Glossary

ATS

Automatic Tape Selection. The tape deck automatically sets the appropriate equalization characteristics and bias current according to the tape type inserted in the deck.

Bias calibration

Adjustment for optimum recording. You can get better

recording results with minimum distortion and flat

frequency response by adjusting the bias current to the

appropriate level. Lowering the bias current can boost high-frequency response, but also cause higher distortion. On the other hand, raising the bias current can minimize distortion, but also reduce high-frequency response. To balance both the bias current and high-frequency response, it is necessary to adjust the bias current appropriately.

However, to suit your taste, you can also adjust the bias current as you want.

Dolby HX PRO system

Distortion and noise reduction system. The Dolby HX PRO system reduces distortion and noise in high-frequency response while recording. A tape recorded with this system brings the same high-quality sound even when you play the tape on the other tape decks.

Dolby NR (noise reduction) system

Noise reduction system for eliminating hissing noise. The Dolby NR system boosts the low-level signals in high frequency during recording and restores them during playback.

There are 4 types in the Dolby NR system: A, B, C and S.

A-type is for professional use (not available on this tape deck), and B, C and S-types are for consumer use. S-type has the maximum noise reduction capability, followed by C and B.

MPX filter

Multiplex filter. A filter for eliminating the 19-kHz stereo carrier and the 38-kHz sub-carrier signals that may impair the Dolby NR system. Usually the tuner has an MPX filter. If you cannot get a satisfying result when recording FM broadcasts with Dolby NR system, your tuner does not have a filter or the filter is not working. In this case, turn the DOLBY NR switch counterclockwise to the position you want (B, C, or S with MPX FILTER).

Multi-AMS

Multi-Automatic Music Sensor is a function that locates the beginning of up to 30 tracks before or after the current track by detecting a blank space (of over 4 seconds) between tracks.

Recording level calibration

Adjustment for optimum recording. Even when you have adjusted the recording level correctly, the playing level might turn out to be low depending on the tape used. By adjusting the recording level calibration, you can compensate for the low recording level. When you record on a tape with the Dolby NR system, this function works more effectively.

Tape counter

A display element that shows the elapsed recording or playing time as a digital readout. Since the counter is not a digital clock, the displayed value will differ slightly from the actual elapsed recording or playing time. The counter value also includes the length of the leader tape.

Test tones

10-kHz and 400-Hz signals produced by the tape deck when you do the bias and recording level calibration.

Index

A

Adjusting bias calibration 9 recording balance 7 recording level 6 recording level calibration 9 ATS 9,15
Auto play 8 Automatic Music Sensor. See Multi-AMS
Automatic Tape Selector. See ATS

B

Balance 7 Bias calibration 9,15

C

Calibration 9,15
Cassette.See Tape
Checking the remaining time.
See Remaining time
Cleaning cabinet 11 heads and tape path 12
Connecting.See Hookups
Counter.See Tape counter

D, E, F

Demagnetizing the heads 12
Dolby HX PRO system 7, 15
Dolby NR system 5, 7, 15

G

Glossary 15

H

Heads cleaning 12 demagnetizing 12 Hooking up the system 4 Hookups 4

I, J, K

Insert blank space 10 cassette 5,6

L

Locating beginning of the tape 8 particular point 8 tracks 8

M

Memory play 8
Monitoring sound 10
MPX filter. See Multiplex filter
Multi-AMS 8, 15
Multiplex filter 7, 15

N,O

Noise reduction 7,15 Notes on cassette tapes. See Tape notes

P, Q

Playing a tape 5 auto play 8 memory play 8 Precautions 11

R

Record muting 10
Recording level calibration 9, 15 on a tape 6
Remaining time 7

S

Searching. See Locating Specifications 14

T

Tape counter 7,8,15 notes 11 path cleaning 12 protect the recording 11 type 5,6,11
Test tones 9,15
Troubleshooting 13

U,V,W,X,Y,Z Unpacking 4

Names of Controls

Buttons

CALIBRATION 9
MEMORY 8
MONITOR 10
RESET 8 / AMS 8 (rewind) 5, 8 (play) 5, 6, 8 - 10 (fast-forward) 5, 8 (eject) 5 - 7 (stop) 5, 7 PAUSE 5 - 7, 10 REC MUTE (record muting) 10 REC (recording) 6, 9

Switches

DOLBY NR (noise reduction) 5, 7
POWER 5, 6

Controls

BALANCE 7
BIAS 9
CAL REC LEVEL 9
REC (recording) LEVEL 6

Jack

PHONES 5

Others

Cassette holder 5,6

AVERTISSEMENT

Cassette type I, Sony Type I (NORMAL): 57 dB

Cassette type II, Sony Type II (HIGH): 59 dB

Cassette type IV, Sony Type IV (METAL): 61 dB

Cassette type I, Sony Type I (NORMAL):

20 - 17.000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

15 - 18.000 Hz (±6 dB)

Cassette type II, Sony Type II (HIGH):

20 - 18.000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

15-19.000 Hz (±6 dB)

Cassette type IV, Sony Type IV (METAL):

20-20.000 Hz (±3 dB, IEC)

20 - 16.000 Hz (±3 dB, -4 dB enregistrement)

15-21.000 Hz (±6 dB)

Australia 240 V CA, 50/60 Hz

Otros paises

120, 220 o 230 - 240 V CA, 50/60 Hz

conmutable mediante selector de tension

Consumo

23W

Dimensiones (aprox.) (an/al/prf)

Interior do compartmento de cassette

Limpeza das cabecas e do trajecto da fita

Limpe as cabecas e o轨道交通 da fita do deck de cassetes a cada 10 horas de funciona para fazer:

Distortion harmonica