Akai GX 280 DSS Owners Manual

Page 1

GX-EBDD-SS

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

4-HEAD 3-MOTOR AUTOMATIC REVERSE
SURROUND STEREO TAPE DECK

WARNING:

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose thi_s appliance to rain or moisture.

MANUFACTURED 8 DISYRIBUTED 8V AKAI ELECTRIC (20., LTDJAKAI TRADING C0,, LTD./AKAI AMERICA LTD.

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GX (GLASS & CRYSTAL FERRITE) HEAD

Altai has equipped this model with its new and amazing
Glass 41 Crystal Ferrite Recording and Playback Heads to
bring you unequalled open reel high fidelity sound. With
the G135 Jr Crystal Ferrite Head. superbly wider frequen-
cies with clear highs can be recorded in all their true fidelity
with low noise tape. In other words, with the GX Head, a
high dynamic range and excellent signal-to-noise ratio are
achieved. The secret of this success lies in the head
materials. superior processing technique and the focused-
field recording system. The core of this quality head is
made of single crystal ferrite and is mounted and set in
glass The superior high range characteristics are contri-
butable to the structure of the head gap which focuses the
magnetic field into a sharp oblong radius. This focused field
recording system minimizes high frequency log, eliminating
undue equalization and achieving a wider dynamic range.

4~CHANNEL SURROUND STEREO

What is all the talk about 4~channel stereo and what are the
advantages? 4-channel stereo is equally as great an achieve-
ment as the advancement from monaural to 2-channel
stereo. Just as 2-cl1annel stereo sound reproduction meant
the exodus of flat monaural sound, this epoch-making new
system eliminates the inability to pick up and reproduce
pure concert hall sound. New 4-channel stereo uses 4 signal
paths or sound tracks in the program material and in
playback approximates the complexity of the sound waves
which teach the listeners car when attending a live concert
hall performance.

For playback, 4 speakers are positioned to surround the
listener. The sound from the front and rear speakers give
the listener an exciting sense of presence". With the 4
speakers each delivering separate sound. you are literally
surrounded with a wall of sound. This 4-dimensional sound
reproduction makes conventional stereo seem empty and
insufficient.

AKAl's SURROUND STEREO" supplements conven-
tional stereo's 2 front speakers with two additional rear
speakers to form the "2-2 system". The listener is sur-
rounded by two sets of speakers (left a right front and left
a right rear). This arrangement does not mean. however,
that simply adding two speakers to a 2-channel system is all
that is necesary for 4-channel playback. At recording time,
4 microphones are used and sound is picked up from 4
separate places. Four separate recordings are made using 4
separate channels (four tracks in one direction). This
4-channel stereo tape feeds into 4 pro-amplifiers and 4 main
amplifiers to activate a 4-speaker system. Thus, at playback
time, sounds from separate channels are emitted from each
speaker providing the listener with a feeling that he is
listening to concert hall sound from the best seat in the
auditorium.

Model GX-ZBOD-SS Stereo Tape Deck is a compatible
4-channel/2-channel model. For 2-channel operation, only
the front channels are utilized.

For exciting 4-channel surround stereo playback, a 4-
channel external power amplifier or two 2-channel ampl
fiers can be used to activate a 4-speaker system.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

O

Your machine requires constant voltage for optimum
performance. The GX-ZSODSS is equipped with a
Universal Voltage Selector and Cycle Conversion
Switch. Voltage and Cycles are preset at the factory
according to destination. However, you are requested
to confirm setting before attempting operation and
if necessary, readjust as indicated on page l4 of this
manual. If your local power source is unknown, please
ask your nearest electric company for correct voltage
and cycles.

As dirty heads and mametized heads become the
source of loss of sound, distortion, sound drop-out,
and other recording and playback failures, the heads
must be kept clean and demagnetized at all times.

Do not place anything on top of your machine which
will obstruct the ventilator.

Place machine on a flat horizontal surface and operate

HOW TO USE THE PAUSE BUTTON

For momentarily suspending tape travel during recording or
playback, depress Pause Button. Pause control is especially
useful for editing tapes. Simply depress when certain
portions of the program are not desired. After being de-
pressed. the Pause Button can be locked into position by
turning in direction of arrow.

' Pause control is also useful for starting recording smoothly and
quickly. Depress Pause Button and set recorder to recording
mode. Depress SOURCE Monitor Switch and adjust and balance
recording input level while observing VU Meters When an
optimum level has been determined, simply release Pause Button
and begin recording.

Pause control does not function during fast forward or rewind
mode.

HOW TO USE THE INDEX COUNTER

Model GX-280D-SS is equipped with a handy 4-digit Index
Counter for easy indexing. This provides an easy reference
for quickly locating positions on the tape. For resetting,
simply depress Reset Button.

REMOTE CONTROL

All operating functions of the GX-280D controlled with Akai Remote Control unit RC-16 (optional
accessory). Plug into socket provided on rear panel.

either horizontally or vertically.

If the sound sources are so far away from the
microphones that the recording level controls must be
turned up to maximum, some hum or noise will
inevitably be recorded. A test recording is recom-
mended before attempting a final recording.

Use good quality tapas New tape gives best results.

As tapes which have not been used for a period of time
may have become sticky, run once before using.

' Always store tapes in a cool, dry place.

Should there be a problem with your machine, write down

the model and serial numbers and all pertinent data

regarding warranty coverage as well as a clear description of
the existing trouble and contact your nearest authorized

Akai Service Station or the Service Department of Akai

Electric Company, Tokyo. Japan.

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