B215 - Cassette tape REVOX - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL B215 REVOX

TYPE I Fe203 (Eisenoxid)IEC ll TYPE

CASSETTE TAPE DECK IMPORTANTProtect your cassette recorder from excessive heat and humidity. lnstall it in a location where the ventilating louvers are not obstructed. Please read the instructions in Section

before connecting the recorder to the AC supply.GUARANTEE

special guarantee request card

all cassette recorders sold within the Federal Re- public of Germanv. This card is either located in- side the packing

in a plastic pouch on the out- side of the packing. Should this card be missing, please consult your REVOX dealer or your natio-nal REVOX distributor. Guarantee cards for cassette recorders sold Switzerland and Austria are issued directly by the authorized REVOX dealer. Guarantee cards for cassette recorders sold

France are located inside the packing. This card must be completelyfilled outand signed byyour authorized REVOX dealer. Please note thatthe guarantee

onlyvalid within the country in which the equipment has beensold. The guarantee becomes null and void if unauthorized modifications or unprofessional repairs are made. PACKING Please save the original packing material becau- se its special construction provides optimumprotection for your valuable equipment.UI

How to use these operating instructions

Checks and connecting the recorder to the AC supply

Preparations for recording

Setting the record level with button SET LEVEL tgl

Recording from STOP mode

Recording from PAUSE mode

Which noise reduction system

4.1 Real-time counter

locator address Reading out the address memory contents

Erasing the content of a LOC memory

(repeat) mode Ghecks before first time operation First time operation lndex of cassette recorder controls Tape transporl controls and counter Controls for PLAY mode Controls for RECORD mode Connector panelPLAYBACK INSTRUCTIONS Playing a cassette Playback of a Dolbyized recording Playback via headphones Tape transport commands

Maintenance of the cassette tape transport

Equalizationl2)prs for IEC ll cassettes

these operating instruc- tions These operating instructions consist of sevenSections.Section 1 contains important instructions suchas checks before f irst time operation, connec-tion to the

supply. etc. Please read thisSection carefully before switching on the cas-sette recorder for the first time.Section 2 contains general operating instruc-tions for playing a cassette.Section 3 contains a step-by-step explanation

make a recording. The automaticalignment is explained at the end of this Sec-tion.Section 4 describes the universal tape coun-ter and gives detailed instructions on how

describes the REVOX infrared re- mote control which may be used to operate lhe 8215 cassette recorder.Section 6 describes how the cassette recor-der can be switched on by a commercialtim- er. Section

des- cribes the cleaning of the tape transpor-t ele- ments etc. The technical data can found at the end of this Section. You will find it helpful to unfold page 4 of theseinstructions while studying their contents. The numbering of the controls illustrated

this page the same throughout the entire hand- book. The numbers shown on this fold-out page make easier to locate the correspond- ing elements. Checks and connecting the recorder to the

first time operation Checking the line voltage: Does the setting of the voltage selector

the rear panel match the local line voltage

lf the setting of the voltage selector must

also necessary to check therating of the power fuse.Fuse rates: 100V ...140V

The voltage selector and the fuse becomeaccessible after the cover (four screws) has been removed. Ensure that the power cord

unplugged before you open the recorder

Reinstall the cover after the line voltage set-ting and the fuse have been checked (or re- placed, if necessary).nLl

receiver (interconnect AUDIOOUTPUT with TAPE input the amplifier andAUDIO lNPUTwith theTAPE outputof the am- plifier

x cables C2C).Power connection.Plug supplied power cable into the cassette recorder and into an AC outlet. The stand-byLED in the lR receiverwindow [12]turns on assoon as the cable is plugged in. Power ON: Press POWER [1] button. the stand-by LED turns off, the display illumination

switched on. lnsert the cassette:Hold the cassette on its sides and guide it intothe cassette compartment

lightly pressingupward.1.3 lndex of cassette recorder controls

Tape transport controls and counter t1l ON/Off button; the lR receiver remainsactive (stand-by mode) when the re- corder is switched off. l2l REC; record key. l3l" STOP key. [4]" PLAY key [5]" trtr; fast forward key. [6]" ff; fast rewind key. [7]" PAUSE key. 1] REAL TIME COUNTER; real time in minutes and seconds. l12l

SENSOR; infrared receiver window with stand-by indicator LED [26] LOOP; key for loop mode.

for reading out address memory LOCl [28] and LOC2 [29]

button for address memory 1. t29l LOC 2; button for address memory

ing out the cassette playing tiäe. [34] MIN; button for entering minutes into the address memories. [35] SEC; button for entering seconds into the address memories.

The cassette recorder can

powered on di-rectly pressing these keys which also rese-lects its programmed function. The selected function is only performed

a cassette has been inserted.1.3.2 Controls for PLAY mode 117l TAPE TYPE; selector for manual tapetype definition. Switching sequence:TYPE (lEC l), TYPE (lEC ll, 70ps),TYPE -120ps (lEC ll, -120ps) and TYPE (lEC lV). The setting is shown the display [10].

NR SYSTEM; selector for noise reduc-tion system. Switching sequence: system off, Dolby B on, Dolby C on, system off, etc. [21] PHONES; jack socket for connectingheadphones. l22lll23l PHONES VOLUME buttons for increasing or decreasing (in steps) the volume on the headphones output. [24] MONITOR; source/tape selector, feed-back on display l10l (SOURCE

TAPE is indicated).1.3.3 Gontrols for RECORD mode t8l FADE lN/OUT; button for fading in orout during recording. tgl SET LEVEL; button for automatic recordlevel adjustment. Level metering is ac-tive for as long as this button is held.Level matching to the correspondingtape type takes place automatically.[10] PEAK PROGRAM INDICATOR; display with peak program meter and variousfeedback functions.[13] INPUT LEVEL button to decrease the input level.[14] INPUT LEVEL button to increase theinput level.[15] BALANCE button shift the balanceto the left.[16] BALANCE button shift the balanceto the right.[17] TAPE TYPE; selector for manual input tape type. Switching sequence:TYPE I (lEC l), TYPE ll (lEC ll, TOprs),TYPE

-120ps (lEC ll, -120ps) and TYPE lV (lEC lV), acknowledged

dis- play [18] NR SYSTEM; noise reduction systemselector. Switching sequence: NR sys- tem off. Dolby

on. Dolby C on, system off, etc.[19] MPX; multiplex filter, can be broughtinto the circuit for Dolby

l20l ALIGN (calibration); button to preselect the memory location for alignment data or to start the alignment command.[21] PHONES; jack socket for connecting headphones. l22lll23) PHONES VOLUME buttons increase (in steps) the volume on the headphones output.1.3.4 Connector panel [40] SERIAL LINK; socket for serial remotecontrol.[41] POWER; power inlet. l42l -V', voltage selector window.[43] AUDIO OUTPUT; audio signal output.[44] AUDIO INPUT; audio signal input.2 PIAYBACK INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 Playing a cassette

Switch cassette recorder on by pressing the POWER [1] but-

Hold cassette on its sides and guide it into the cassette com- partment by lightly pushing upward. lf the cassette is codedaccording to IEC standards. the corresponding tape type is in-dicated on the display [10]. For cassettes that are not codedaccording to lEC, the standard must be entered manually bypressing the TAPE TYPE [17] button repetitively until the cor-rect designation appears on the display [10]. Enter the playing time of the inserted cassette by repeatedlypressing the PLAY TIN/E [33] button until the correct playingtime appears in the display (switching sequence: C46, C60, C90, C120, C46 etc.). The playing time of the cassette must entered to enable the real-time counter to compute the cor- rect time in PLAY mode. Press PLAY [4] key. The start of a selection is indicated byrhythmic fluctuation of the bars the PEAK READING N/ETER(display [10]) The desired volume is to be set on the amplifier.

lAPg PFCK RTAL 'llMA COUNTER F€,qK PFßGR4M INDJCATOTi 2.2Playback of a Dolbyized recording Switch the SYSTEM in addition to the normal playbackpreparation. Repeatedly press the NR SYSTEN/ [']Bl button un- til the corresponding symbol (Dolby or C) appears in the dis- play [10]. The Dolby level (200 nWb/m) is attained at the 0 dBmark the PPM instrument. The noise reduction system can be switched off by pressingbutton [18] until no Dolby symbol is visible the display.

TAPE DECK R{'qL 1lME CülJlilTE& trTAK PROGNAM IruNICATOR

Connect headphones to the jack socket PHONES [21]

The desired volume can be adjusted with the buttons VOLUME

l22l and VOLUN/E + 1231. The volume can get changed in steps. The last step switches off the sound.2.4 Tape transport commands

The tape can be spooled forward with the key trtr [5] or back-ward with the key << t6l

exact tape Iocation can be found

holding down theSTOP key [3] while inching the tape forward or backward touching the corresponding spooling key [5]

[6]). lf the tape is rewound to the start, the real-time counter accu-racy and, therefore, the repeatability is very high. Any tape lo- cation can be traced with high precision. However, this is onlyvalid if the entered cassette playing time corresponds to theutilized cassette. lf a non-rewound cassette is inserted, the momentary counterreading is computed after a few seconds playing time and the current tape location is indicated in the display [1'1] (how-ever, the repeatability the real-time counter is not as accur-ate as in the above mentioned method in which the cassette first rewound to the start). Note: The cassette recorder automatically switches to STOP as soonas the tape end is reached. The transparent leader tape is recog-nized bV an optical tape sensor. After fast rewind (key

16l) has been pressed, the recorder automatically searches the tape sta

(the counter is reset zero). The transport command keys can be pressed in any sequence without passing via STOP3 RECORDING CASSETTTAttention: The recording mode always erases both channels. mono re-cordings the unused track is also erased. lt is. therefore. recom-mended make mono recordings on both channels.The REVOX 8215 cassette recorder can automatically align it- self to any type of tape. Various memory locations are available for individual cassette data. Memory loading and read out areexplained at the end of this Section, Preparations for recording lnsert cassette. Select tape type and playing time (buttons [17] and [33]). IEC

(ferric oxide)IEC ll TYPE

CrOZ (chromium dioxide. equa-lization

-120ps TYPE -120ps CrO2 (chromium dioxide,equalization

TYPE lV metal pigment (metal tape)For most cassettes the standard is automatically set based

the cassette coding and also shown in the display [10].Cassette coding:IEC IIEC IIIEC IV lf the noise reduction system is to be activated for a recording,It can be inserted by pressing the button NR SYSTEM [18]. Re- peatedly press this button untilthe desired symbol appears

3.1.1 Setting the record level with button SET LEVEL

The record level can be automatically set by pressing the SETLEVEL [9] button while playing the loudest passage the titleto be recorded. The maximum level stored after releasing the button. The characteristics of the inserted cassette are also taken into consideration.

Occuring balance errors can be corrected with the buttons BALANCE L [15] and R [16]. The unit is now ready for recording.3.1.2 Manual setting/influencing of record levelIt is. of course, possible

set the record level manually This isan advantage for numerous applications (e.9. if the general dy- namic range is exceeded by only a brief passage, the level can be slightly reduced during recording of this part). :]5 ÜA$STTIE TAPT !}6CX I]EAI TIME COUi\iTfF PEAK PAOüIJIAM INDICATCR Play the title to be recorded (or similar one) and set the level according to one of the following maximum values

temporarily changed during recording as fol- lows: Adjust the level stepwise by repeated pressing of the buttonsINPUT LEVEL [13]

[14] untilthe desired level is reached.

The initial record level can be obtained the same way. The new level setting

recording can started directly or with fade-in.3.2.1 Recording from STOP mode

A recording can be started out of stop mode by concurrentlypressing REC [2] and PLAY [4]. (Press REC keyfirst, otherwisethe tape starts in PLAY mode, which causes erase gaps when rerecording cassettes.) The cassette recorder automatically switches to tape mode (reproduction recorded signal f rom tape) lf the source

monitored, the MONITOR [24] button must be pressed (thedisplay indication ['10] changes from TAPE to SOURCE).Recording mode is displayed [10] flashing of the messageRECORD.ft 2]5 cA6$Er1e rAPr Drcx RFAI TIMF COIJNTEN PTA( PNOGRAM INDICATÜR lmportant: The initial tape address is stored in the LOC 1 memory whenevera recording is started. When lnterrupting a recording by pres-sing the STOP key, the starting position can be relocated bypressing button LOC 1 l2?l When rerecording a cassette,

small section of the previous recording mlght not be erased atthe start. This can be prevented holding down keyff [6] dur- ing rewind. ln this case the recorder stops when the transparent leader is reached without repositioning itself to the tape start and without resetting the timer indication. On already rewound cassettes, the tape can be backed up to the leader by brieflypressing the key << t6l

from PAUSE mode There are two reasons why it may desirable to start a record-ing from PAUSE mode. First, such a recording can preparedand started pressing only one key. and second. it is possibleon the 8215 ro select the FADE IN/OUT function addition PAUSE.

Recording with fade inlout

Preselect the recording function by pressing REC [2] and PAUSE [7] PAUSE and FADE appear on the display and the MONITOR function changes to SOURCE.b 215 Ci$ I 1L IAPF lll-cK NFÄI fIHE CCUru.lEg PFAK PROGRÄM ll'llllCATOR Press the PAUSE [7] key and atthat momentthe fade-in starts. The recorder automatically fades in the recording, The moni- tor function changes to TAPE.To fade out of the recording press PAUSE [7] again. The recor-der switches to PAUSE mode two seconds later (MONITOR SOURCE). The recording can also ended without FADE-OUT pres-sing the STOP [3] key This resets the recorder to STOP REC and PAUSE must reentered for a new recording.For fade-out without stopping the tape, press the FADE lN/ OUf t8l button. After fade-out the tape continues run, i.e. erasing continues. Fade-in can be reactivated pressing the button l8l again. ln this case, the source/tape monitor switchremains unchanged. Normal recording start from PAUSE modePress REC [2] and PAUSE [7]. FADE appears on the display [10] in addition to PAUSE, SinceFADE is not desired, cancel by pressing the FADE INiOUT [B] button.The recording starts by pressing the Pause [7] buttonThe recording can be faded out pressing PAUSE [7]. lf nofade-out desired, the recording can be ended by pressingthe STOP key. B3.3 Which noise reduction system? The choice of the noise reduction system is very simple: For all new recordings use Dolby C. lts signal-to-noise ratio is much better than with Dolby B. Dolby

should be used only when playing existing recordings and when appending new recor-dings to cassettes already recorded with Dolby B. Dolby C re- corded cassettes may

played backwith a minor audio qualityloss in recorders equlpped with Dolby B only (e,9. by car cas- sette players: noisier, frequency response error),

Automatic alignment The REVOX B2rl5 cassette recorder is able to align itself optimal-ly to the type of tape used, Since tape-related data are automatically stored and retrievable

required. it is recommended perform the alignment procedure for the brand of tape used. The following memory locations are available for the varioustape types:IEC I 2 memory locations 41 and ,A2 IEC

memory locations A1, A2, and 43 IEC lV 1 memory locations

the inserted cassette not coded according to IEC (referto

Section 3.'1), the corresponding standard can be selected

pressing the TAPE TYPE [17] button. Select the memory location in which the cassette data are to stored by pressing ALIGN [20] (appears in the display [11]). Prepare the RECORD mode (press REC [2] and PAUSE [7]). Press ALIGN [20] button. the alignment process starts. The 11 2'15 CÄSsäTTH

TApg .,.i$Fg.t{,,.ir,,i:,r,i:'']'''',,iii': tape is automatically rewound to the start position upon con-pletion to the alignment, and the corresponding tape data are written into the selected memory.

Since alignment is necessary only once for each cassette type, the corresponding memory location should remem-bered. The alignment is only usefulif the corresponding align-ment data related to the cassette type are recalled. Note: Alignment should not be made at the very start of a tape be- cause some tapes have damaged magnetic coating just afterthe leader tape. lf for any reason the recorder is unable to per- form the alignment. it is indicated bytheflashing word ALIGN onthe display [10]. this case, the recorder blocked until a tape command is entered as an acknowledgment. The previously stored alignment data will then remain available. For subse-quent recordings, always use the same noise reduction systemduring the alignment (compensation for the Dolby circuit). For poor or damaged cassettes, alignment should performed without noise reduction system.Possible trouble sources: Cassette tape on transparent leader

Wrong tape category selected Dirty soundheads Defective tape Recall of alignment data:

When changing to a different type of tape, the corresponding alignment data should be recalled. Check whether the correct cassette type is indicated on the display [10]. otherwise it should be selectgd with the TAPE TYPE [17] button. Press ALIGN button repetitively until the memory locationcontaining the corresponding alignment data is shown on the display [11j following this procedure, the cassette recorderis always 6ptimally calibrated for recordings.

Real-time counterThe real-time counter always displays the playing time that has lapsed ince the sta of the tape. lt is, theref ore, possible to m e-morize the time of a tape location and to subsequently reposi- tion the tape at this location. The tape counter also able tocompute the current tape location a newly inserted cassettethat has not been rewound to the start in PLAY mode. lt is essen- tial, howevel that the correct total cassette playing time hasbeen entered (by pressing the PLAY TIME l33l button). The computation will be incorrect if a wrong playing time selected.The counter read-out is reset each time a new cassette is insert-

(display [11] shows: lf this sign is displayed when a cassette is inserted this meansthat the counter reading has not been computed yet. Howevet this done automatically when the recorder started

PLAY or RECORD mode. The computation takes approximately 5

seconds. During the computation time the selected total cas- sette playing time is shown on the display [11] for verification. RۀL TIME 'OUNlTq

Locator functions Any address stored in the LOCl or LOC2 address memoriescan be located from any operating mode (except RECORD) byspooling. This can particularly useful for recordings that have to be repeated (fast search of the starting position), for learn' ing purposes if the same part has to replayed several times.4.2.1 Entering the locator addressOnce the cassette has been inserted and the real time comput-ed. the address memories LOCl and LOC2 can loaded in two ways. Storing current tape location Search desired tape location pressing the keys << [6], [5]. and PLAY [4].

pressing the STORE [31] button and LOC 1 [28] or LOC 21291 fthe latter is for a second address). The stored tape location can now be searched directly at any time regardless of the operating made (except RECORD) or the

2r5 CASSETTE TAPü DECK current counter reading, pressing the LOC 1 l28l

LOC2 [29] button. B Direct input of an address (numeric) The LOCl and LOC2 address can also be entered directlythrough the buttons MIN [34] and SEC [35] without interfering with the currently active mode.

The minutes can be entered by repetitive pressing or holding down of the MIN [34] button and the seconds with the SEC [35] button. When the desired position shown the display ['1'1] it can be stored by pressing the STORE [31] button followed by the cor-responding LOC button.The current counter reading reappears on the display [1']l after the LOC address has been stored.4.2.2 Reading out the address memory contents lf a value is stored

the address memory, this is indicated

the display ['11] (word LOC and above number

andlor 2\. Pressing the RECALL [27] button followed by one of the LOC buttons reads out the stored address on the display [11] without interfering with the current operating mode.

Erasing the content of a LOC memory The content of the corresponding LOC memory

pressing the CANCEL [30] button followed

one of the LOC buttons.

Loop (repeat) mode lf both address memories have been entered, the recorder can be switched repeat or loop mode

pressing the LOOP [26] button. Cancel the LOOP function by selecting one of the transport commands. During LOOP mode, the loop can be restarted at any time by pressing the LOOP [26] button again. lt is not possible to erase the content of one of the address memories while the loop mode is active. Note: LOOP Function is cancelled as soon as leader tape is reached after automatic rewinding

LOOP-Function. This can be avoided by setting the start address one minute after tape start.B 215 CA$SE T€ ?APE PEüK

REMOTE CONTROL Remote control with hand-held infrared transmitterThe cassette recorder can be controlled with the REVOX infrared remote control (8201,8201CD or 8205)The buttons that control the 8215 cassette recorder are locatedin the lower field of the hand held lR transmitter, The followingfunctions can be controlled: PLAY REC, (and PAUSE),

and >>, STOP POWER OFF. and MONITOR The illustration shows that the keys are labeled exactly the same way as on the recorder itself. The

button used to control a second tape recorder by means

the same remote control. (For the 2nd recorder, each unctionmust bre selected together with the

button.)5.2 Defining the addressThe cassette recorder originally set for direct control. Whichdevice to be controlled via the button depends on the extent

its utilization, i.e. the less frequently used recorder should becontrolled via the

button.Changing the address: Disconnect the recorder from the AC supply and remove the cover (also refer to Section

Replug the jumper [A] according to the desired address as fol-lows:_FUNCTION

SERIAL LINK socketFacility to connect a bid irectiona I serial cable remote control (for tape transport functions, LOC addresses, feedback counterreading, etc.) or an external lR receiver (installed

'136 TIMER OPERATION Timer operatlon possible with any commercially availabletimer. Preparations for timer operation Switch on the recorder and select desired mode (recordingwith REC and PAUSE, playback with PLAY).

All recorder settings (such record level. NR system. bal- ance. etc.) can be stored in a nonvolatile memory pressing the SAVE STATUS [32] button. Disconnect recorder from the AC supply and reconnect it viaa commercially available timer (can also be installed before).

Set the timer to the desired power-on time.NotelThe SAVE STATUS function can also be useful in the event of power failure. The function is automatically reactivated after power failure. the operating parameters have been stored pressing the SAVE STATUS [32] buttonHowever. recording mode is only reactivated after the first re- storation supply. After a second power failure the recorder reactivated in STOP mode (protects against unwanted record-ing). For PLAY mode, several offlon cycles are possible.lf no start in PLAY mode is desired. store the STOP function.

Maintenance of the cassette tape transport Maintenance of the B215 cassette recorder is limited to cleaningthe capstan shafts. pinch rollers, soundheads with their tape guide elements, and to occasionaldemagnetization of the metalparts that come in contact with the tape.The cleaning kit No. 39000 suited for this purpose. ln the caseof very dirty tape guide elements, remove the headshield as il-lustrated. (Picture shows the locations to be cleaned.)The tape transport can also be cleaned with commercially avail-able cleaning and demagnetizing cassettes.

for IEC ll cassettes The unusual equalization for chromiumdioxide cassettes has been chosen because this type of tape material is frequentlyused for prerecorded music cassettes. This improves the trebleresponse, albeit at the expense of a slightly highertape noise. Torecord this chromiumdioxide tape. select the standard TYPE ll-120ps

Transport mechanism: 4-motor tape dr ve2 DC spool motors contro led

m crocomputer, indiv dual contro led direct dr ve capstan motors.Signal to noise ratio:referred to 3 % distortion,DobyContype >70dB(A)type ll >

dB(A)type lV )72 dB(A)Tape counten rea-time d splay in min./sec., in cons derat on of thepreselected cassette ay ng t me.Bias and erase frequency: 105 kHzSeparation: )40dBat1kHz Locator functions: 2 arbilrary addresses storab e and erasab possi bil ty for loop (repeat) mode.Erase elliciency: )70dBat1lHz DobyCon Tape speed:4.16cm/s 7/8 ips)lnput sensitivity:(for 0 dB leve 50mV / 100kOhms; leve adlustabe

220 Ohmsevel adjustable n 7 stepsWinding times: approx. 50 sec. for C60 approx 75 sec. for C90 Voltage selector: IA0/PA/I4A/2AA/22A/240V AC se ectab

Hz, max. 45 Noise reduction systems: Do by B / Dolby processors, switch-se ectable, the recording and reproducing channe Fusel 100 . 140V : T 500

Cr0z memory ocat ons: 41, 42, 43) type V: Metal memory location: A1)selection by automatic sens ng of coded cassettes manuaiyvakeyboard.Operating conditionsr arnb enttemperature *5 .*40oC (+41...+104'F)relative humidity accordrng to DIN 40040, class FOperating position:

or 120 type V 3180f 70psDimensions: (Wx H x D) 450x153 x332 mm(17.7x6x13.1inches)The tape-spec fic measured va ues are attained w th modern

gh qua ty cassettes.Nose reducion and headroom extenson manufactured under icense from Dolby Laboratories L censing Corporation. FIX Pro{ess ona or ginated by Bang and O ufsen."Dolby" and the double-D symbol are trade marks of Do by Laboratories LrcensingCorporat on. Subject to change.Peak level meter: 200 nWb/m equals 0 dBDistortion:(HD3, 315 Hz, 0 dB) iype <08% type I (1.5% type

signal audio. [44] AUDIO INPUT

IEC ll -120ps: TYPE -120prs CrO2 (dioxyde chrome,69alisation

TYPE lV pigment m6tallique (bande

IEC I 2 emplacements m6moire ,A1

IVE COIJN] iF PLA( bfiOGFAM