Optimus Cassette Player SCT 56 User Manual

Cat. No. 14-676  
High-Speed  
R
Dubbing Stereo  
Cassette Deck  
SCT-56  
Owner’s Manual  
Please read before using this equipment.  
 
Important Safety Instructions  
The SCT-56 is made and tested to meet exacting safety  
standards. It meets both UL and FCC requirements  
Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your cassette deck, and safe-  
ty is a major factor in its design. However, safety is also your responsibility.  
This section lists important information that will help you properly use and enjoy your cassette deck  
and accessories. Read all the included safety and operating instructions before using your cassette  
deck. Follow them closely, and retain them for future reference.  
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this sys-  
tem to rain or moisture.  
Heed Warnings — Follow all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.  
Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for  
cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.  
CAUTION  
Attachments — Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by the product manufac-  
turer, as they might create a hazard.  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.  
!
DO NOT OPEN.  
Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water (for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,  
kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool).  
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF  
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE  
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-  
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING  
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.  
Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The  
product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use  
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the  
product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting ac-  
cessory.  
Carts — Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick stops, excessive force, and  
uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.  
Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet provide ventilation, ensure reli-  
able operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover these open-  
ings, and do not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. Do  
not place the product in a built-in bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ven-  
tilation as specified by the manufacturer.  
This symbol is intended to alert you to the  
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage  
within the system’s enclosure that might be of  
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of  
electric shock. Do not open the system’s  
case.  
Power Sources — Operate this product using only the power source indicated on its marking label.  
If you are not sure of your home's power type, consult your product dealer or local power company.  
Polarization — This product is equipped with a polarized AC line plug (a plug having one blade  
wider than the other). This plug will fit in the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If  
you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still doesn't fit, con-  
tact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar-  
ized plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.  
This symbol is intended to inform you that im-  
portant operating and maintenance instruc-  
tions are included in the literature  
accompanying this system.  
!
Power-Cord Protection — Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on or  
pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, conve-  
nience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.  
Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unat-  
tended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the anten-  
na or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.  
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B  
digital device as specified in Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
These limits provide reasonable protection against  
radio and TV interference in a residential area. How-  
ever, your equipment might cause TV or radio interfer-  
ence even when it is operating properly. To eliminate  
interference, you can try one or more of the following  
corrective measures:  
Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles,  
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.  
Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they  
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.  
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may  
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service person-  
nel.  
Increase the distance between the equipment and  
the radio or TV.  
Use outlets on different electrical circuits for the  
equipment and the radio or TV.  
Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qual-  
ified service personnel under the following conditions:  
Consult your local Radio Shack store or an experi-  
enced radio/TV technician if the problem still exists.  
When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.  
If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.  
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.  
You must use shielded interface cables with this equip-  
ment.  
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only  
those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other  
controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to  
restore the product to normal operation.  
If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.  
When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.  
Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses  
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the original  
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.  
Safety Check — Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician  
to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.  
Wall or Ceiling Mount — The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended  
by the manufacturer.  
Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,  
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.  
 
3
Contents  
Con n ect ion s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Con n ectin g to You r Receiver/ Am plifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Con n ectin g th e Rem ote Con trol Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Con n ectin g th e CD-Deck Syn ch ro Con trol Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Con n ectin g Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Basic Operat ion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
Loadin g an d Playin g a Cassette Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
Dolby Noise Redu ction (NR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
Special Feat u res . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Fast-Forward/ Rewin d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Pau se. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Blan k Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Tape Cou n ter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Au tom atic Search Mu sic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Usin g Relay Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  
Rewin d Au to Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  
Dem o Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10  
Recordin g an d Du bbin g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  
Tape Hin t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4  
Restorin g Tape Ten sion an d Sou n d Qu ality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Erasin g a Cassette Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Erase-Protection Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Care an d Main t en an ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5  
Clean in g th e Tape-Han dlin g Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
Trou blesh oot in g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6  
Specificat ion s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8  
In dex t o Feat u res by Con t rol Nam e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9  
 
4
Connections  
1. Usin g on e of th e su pplied au dio cables, con n ect th e cassette  
decks L an d R LINE OUTPUT jacks to th e receiver/ am plifiers left an d  
righ t tape in pu t jacks.  
Connecting to Your  
Receiver/Amplifier  
2. Usin g th e oth er au dio cable, con n ect th e cassette decks LINE INPUT  
jacks to th e receiver/ am plifiers tape ou tpu t jacks.  
Not e: If you are n ot su re wh ich receiver/ am plifier jacks to u se, refer to  
you r receiver/ am plifiers own ers m an u al.  
If you h ave an Optim u s receiver/ am plifier th at h as a rem ote con trol  
jack (labeled CONTROL IN/OUT), you can u se th e receiver/ am plifiers rem ote  
con trol to operate th e cassette deck.  
Connecting the Remote  
Control Cable  
Con n ect th e receiver/ am plifiers CONTROL OUT jack to th e cassette decks  
CONTROL IN jack u sin g th e su pplied rem ote con trol cable.  
If you h ave an oth er Optim u s au dio com pon en t th at h as a rem ote con -  
trol jack, con n ect th e cassette decks CONTROL OUT jack to th e com po-  
n en ts CONTROL IN jack. Th is relays th e rem ote con trol sign al from th e  
receiver/ am plifier to th e oth er com pon en t.  
Not e: You m u st also con n ect au dio cables to you r receiver for th e  
receivers rem ote con trol to operate you r cassette deck.  
If you h ave an Optim u s CD player th at h as a CD-DECK SYNCHRO con trol  
jack, con n ect th e jack to you r cassette decks CD-DECK SYNCHRO con trol  
jack u sin g th e su pplied CD-deck syn ch ro con trol cable. Th is con n ection  
lets you easily m ake CD-to-cassette deck recordin gs. See CD-Deck  
Syn ch ro Recordin g” on Page 13.  
Connecting the CD-Deck  
Synchro Control Cable  
Carefu lly ch eck all con n ection s. Th en plu g th e AC power cord in to a  
stan dard AC ou tlet. Th e power cords plu g is polarized an d fits on ly on e  
way. Th e cassette deck au tom atically tu rn s on .  
Connecting Power  
War n in g: To preven t electric sh ock, do n ot plu g th e power cord in to an  
exten sion cord or oth er receptacle u n less you can fu lly an d easily in sert  
th e plu gs blades.  
 
5
Basic Operation  
Loading a Cassette Tape  
Loading and Playing  
a Cassette Tape  
1. Use you r fin ger or a pen cil to tu rn th e cassettes h u b an d take u p  
an y tape slack.  
Not e: Avoid tou ch in g th e tape. Fin gerprin ts attract dirt.  
2. Press th e appropriate EJECT ( ) bu tton (Deck 1 or Deck 2) to open  
th e cassette com partm en t door.  
3. Load th e cassette with its open edge down . Sin ce th e decks play in  
eith er direction , it does n ot m atter wh ich side faces ou t.  
4. Gen tly close th e com partm en t door.  
Playing a Cassette Tape  
1. Tu rn on th e cassette deck by pressin g POWER.  
2. Load a tape.  
3. Set DOLBY NR to th e settin g u sed wh en th e tape was recorded. See  
Dolby Noise Redu ction .”  
4. Set REV MODE for on e-side, two-side, or con tin u ou s two-side play.  
Th e cassette deck plays or records on e side of th e tape  
an d stops.  
Th e cassette deck plays or records both sides of th e tape  
an d stops.  
Not e: To play or record both sides, you m u st press (n ot  
).  
Th e cassette deck plays th e tape u p to eigh t tim es (16  
sides) an d stops.  
Not e: Du rin g recordin g, th is settin g is th e sam e as on e-  
side play.  
See Usin g Relay Play” for m ore details abou t REV MODE.  
5. Set th e receiver/ am plifiers volu m e to its lowest position .  
6. Press on th e appropriate deck to play th e side facin g you . Press  
to play th e side facin g away from you .  
7. Adju st th e receiver/ am plifiers volu m e, ton e, an d balan ce.  
8. Press STOP ( ) to stop playback.  
9. Press EJECT ( ) to open th e cassette door an d rem ove th e cassette.  
10. To tu rn off th e cassette deck, press POWER. On ly th e STAND BY in di-  
cator ligh ts.  
 
6
Basic Operation  
Dolby NR system s redu ce tape h iss an d backgrou n d n oise. Wh en  
recordin g, th e system s listen for places wh ere you m igh t later h ear h iss.  
Th e system s record th ese section s at a h igh er level. Wh en you play th e  
tape, th e system s decrease th ese section s’ volu m e, restorin g th e m u sic  
to its origin al level an d redu cin g th e n oise level.  
Dolby Noise Reduction (NR)  
Dolby B NR redu ces backgrou n d n oise by abou t 10 dB. Dolby C NR  
redu ces backgrou n d n oise by abou t 20 dB.  
Setting DOLBY NR for Playback  
Wh en you play a cassette tape, set DOLBY NR for th e system u sed wh en  
th e tape was recorded. For prerecorded tapes, u se th ese gu idelin es to  
set DOLBY NR:  
If Dolby NR or  
If Dolby NR or  
is n ot on th e cassette label, set th e switch to OFF.  
does appear, bu t th e label does n ot specify Dolby  
C NR, set th e switch to B.  
If Dolby C NR is on th e label, set th e switch to C.  
Setting DOLBY NR for Recording  
Set DOLBY NR for th e system you wan t to u se.  
You can play cassette tapes recorded with Dolby B or C NR on players  
th at do n ot h ave th e sam e system . However, h igh -frequ en cy sou n ds  
m igh t be too lou d —especially in Dolby C NR recordin gs.  
Recording with the Dolby HX Pro System  
If th e sou rce you are recordin g h as m an y h igh -frequ en cy sign als, th e  
sign als can redu ce th e overall recordin g qu ality. Du rin g recordin g, th e  
Dolby HX Pro system adju sts for th ese sign als to im prove h igh -fre-  
qu en cy respon se. Th is featu re is always tu rn ed on du rin g recordin g.  
You can play a cassette tape recorded with th e Dolby HX Pro system on  
an y cassette player.  
 
7
Special Features  
To rapidly advan ce or rewin d th e tape, press  
press STOP ( ). Wh en th e tape reach es th e en d, th e cassette deck au to-  
or  
. To stop th e tape,  
Fast-Forward/Rewind  
m atically stops.  
To tem porarily stop Deck 2 du rin g playback or recordin g, press PAUSE  
Pause  
( ). To restart, press  
,
, or  
.
Not e: You can n ot pau se wh ile fast-forwardin g or rewin din g.  
To h ave th e cassette deck au tom atically fast-forward th rou gh blan k  
spaces on th e tape, set REV MODE to RELAY/SKIP. If th e cassette deck  
en cou n ters 15 secon ds of silen ce, it fast-forwards to th e en d of th e  
blan k section an d resu m es n orm al play from th at poin t. If th e tape  
reach es th e en d, it reverses an d plays th e oth er side.  
Blank Skip  
As you play or record a tape, th e tape cou n ter advan ces for th e tape side  
facin g you or decreases for th e tape side facin g away from you . At th e  
begin n in g of a tape or selection , press RESET to reset th e cou n ter to  
0000. You can th en u se th e tape cou n ter to qu ickly locate a specific sec-  
tion on th e tape.  
Tape Counter  
Th e deck can also sh ow th e elapsed playin g tim e (in m in u tes an d sec-  
on ds) sin ce you reset th e tim e. To switch between displays, press TIME/  
COUNTER on th e deck you are u sin g. (Th e tim e does n ot advan ce wh en  
you fast-forward or rewin d th e tape.)  
Th e au tom atic search m u sic system (ASMS) lets you qu ickly locate a  
desired selection on a cassette tape. It search es for th e blan k space  
before a selection an d au tom atically stops ju st before playback begin s.  
Automatic Search  
Music System  
ASMS operates on ly du rin g play. If th e cassette deck is stopped, first  
press or  
.
To sk ip t o t h e begin n in g of t h e cu rren t (or an earlier) selec-  
t ion :  
Press  
or  
—wh ich ever poin ts in th e opposite direc-  
tion of th e or in dicator.  
To skip to th e begin n in g of an earlier selection , repeatedly press  
th e bu tton .  
To sk ip t o t h e begin n in g of t h e n ext (or a lat er) select ion :  
Press  
or  
—wh ich ever poin ts in th e sam e direction  
as th e or in dicator.  
Not e: If you press  
(or  
) m ore tim es th an th e n u m ber of selection s  
on th e side you wan t to search , an d h ave n ot set REV MODE to  
, th e  
search con tin u es to th e oth er side.  
ASMS m igh t n ot operate as expected if:  
Th e pau se between selection s is less th an 4 secon ds lon g.  
Th e overall recorded volu m e level of a selection is very low.  
Th e n oise level between selection s is very h igh .  
 
8
Special Features  
You can load two cassette tapes to play on e after th e oth er.  
Not es:  
Using Relay Play  
Th e cassettes you load sh ou ld h ave th e sam e Dolby NR type.  
You can start relay play from eith er Deck 1 or Deck 2.  
You can replace th e tape in th e idle deck du rin g relay play.  
Wh en a tape au tom atically begin s playin g du rin g relay play, it  
always starts from th e forward ( ) playback side. Be su re to set  
th e tapes properly before startin g relay play.  
If th e deck en cou n ters an u n recorded portion of tape m ore th an  
15 secon ds lon g, it fast forwards th e tape u n til it fin ds an oth er  
recorded portion , an d resu m es playback from th at poin t (i.e.,  
blan k skip is au tom atically set).  
1. Load a cassette tape in each tape com partm en t, th en close th e  
com partm en t doors.  
2. Set DOLBY NR for th e n oise-redu ction system you wan t to u se. See  
Dolby Noise Redu ction ” on Page 7.  
3. Set REV MODE to RELAY/SKIP.  
4. Press or on Deck 1 or 2. Playback starts. See Playback  
Sequ en ce.”  
5. Adju st th e volu m e, ton e, an d balan ce con trol on you r receiver/  
am plifier for th e desired sou n d.  
6. To stop relay play before it au tom atically stops, press STOP ( ) on  
th e deck th at is playin g an y tim e du rin g playback.  
Playback Sequence  
Th e cassette deck repeats th e followin g sequ en ce 8 tim es (u p to 32  
sides).  
Wh ere playback starts in th e sequ en ce depen ds on wh ich play bu tton  
you press first:  
I.  
II.  
Side facin g ou t, Deck 1  
Side facin g in , Deck 1  
Side facin g ou t, Deck 2  
Side facin g in , Deck 2  
III.  
IV.  
Wh en you press  
on Deck 1 , playback starts at I.  
on Deck 1 , playback starts at II.  
on Deck 2 , playback starts at III.  
on Deck 2 , playback starts at IV.  
Wh en you press  
Wh en you press  
Wh en you press  
 
9
Special Features  
Rewind Auto Play  
To h ave Deck 1 rewin d th e cassette to th e begin n in g of th e cu rren t side  
an d start play, press REWIND AUTO PLAY.  
Not e: If both decks h ave tapes loaded, th e decks operate as described  
u n der Usin g Relay Play.”  
Th e cassette deck h as a dem on stration m ode th at altern ately tu rn s on  
variou s in dicators an d m eters so you can see wh ere th ey sh ow on th e  
deck.  
Demo Mode  
To tu rn on th e dem on stration m ode, press TIME/COUNTER an d RESET on  
Deck 2 at th e sam e tim e wh ile th e cassette deck is stopped. To can cel  
th e m ode, press an y bu tton except EJECT ( ) an d POWER.  
 
10  
Special Features  
You can record from an y com pon en t con n ected to th e receiver/ am plifier  
or du b (copy) cassette tapes.  
Recording and Dubbing  
Not es:  
Tape qu ality greatly affects th e qu ality of th e recordin g. You r cas-  
sette deck can play Type I, Type II, an d Type IV tape. We recom -  
m en d Radio Sh ack bran d tapes.  
Before recordin g or du bbin g, be su re th e cassettes on to wh ich you  
wan t to record or du b h ave th eir erase-protection tabs in place. To  
preven t acciden tal erasu re of a tape, rem ove th e erase-protection  
tabs. For m ore in form ation , see Erase-Protection Tabs.”  
To record at th e begin n in g of a cassette, tu rn th e cassettes h u b  
with you r fin ger or a pen cil u n til th e dark part of th e tape en ters  
th e open in g in th e edge of th e cassette. Before du bbin g, position  
both tapes th is way to preven t m issin g recordin g m aterial at th e  
very begin n in g of a tape.  
Recording from Line-In Sources  
To record from th e device con n ected to th e cassette decks LINE INPUT  
jacks, follow th ese steps.  
1. Press POWER to tu rn on th e cassette deck.  
2. Load a blan k tape (or on e you wan t to record over) in to Deck 2. Be  
su re th e side you wan t to record on is facin g you an d th e fu ll reel  
is to th e left.  
3. Press on Deck 2 to set th e tape direction an d th en press  
.
4. Set DOLBY NR for th e n oise-redu ction system you wan t to u se. See  
Dolby Noise Redu ction ” on Page 7.  
5. Set REV MODE. See Loadin g an d Playin g a Cassette Tape.”  
6. Press RECORD ( ). Th e cassette deck en ters th e record pau se m ode.  
7. Play th e lou dest part of th e selection you wan t to record.  
Set REC LEVEL so th e LEVEL m eter goes to –3 dB m ost of th e tim e an d  
to 0 dB at peaks. Th is gives th e recordin g a h igh sign al-to-n oise  
ratio with m in im u m distortion .  
8. Start th e sou rce you wan t to record, th en press on Deck 2 to  
begin recordin g.  
9. To stop recordin g, press on Deck 2.  
 
11  
Special Features  
Recording Blank Spaces Between Selections  
Som e cassette decks search for th e blan k spaces between selection s so  
you can qu ickly locate specific selection s. If th e origin al program does  
n ot h ave blan k spaces, you can add th em wh en you m ake a n ew record-  
in g.  
Wh ile th e cassette deck is set to record or record pau se, press REC MUTE  
( ). Th e deck records 4 1/ 2 secon ds of silen ce an d pau ses. To begin  
recordin g again , press PAUSE ( ) or th e appropriate play bu tton ( or ).  
To record a blan k space of m ore th an 4 1/ 2 secon ds, press again  
after th e cassette deck pau ses, or press an d h old for th e desired  
len gth of tim e. To begin recordin g again , press , , or  
.
To record a blan k space of less th an 4 1/ 2 secon ds, press before  
4 1/ 2 secon ds pass. To begin recordin g again , press , , or  
.
Copying a Cassette Tape (Dubbing)  
Not es:  
If th e origin al recordin g h as Dolby B NR or Dolby C NR, th e copy  
will also h ave it, regardless of th e position of DOLBY NR. If th e origi-  
n al does n ot h ave Dolby NR, you can n ot add it to th e tape you are  
du bbin g.  
REC LEVEL does n ot affect th e recordin g level du rin g du bbin g.  
Both decks au tom atically stops wh en eith er tape reach es th e en d.  
We recom m en d you du b on to a tape th at is th e sam e len gth as th e  
origin al, so th e decks stop at th e sam e tim e.  
To copy a cassette tape:  
1. Press POWER to tu rn on th e cassette deck.  
2. Load th e cassette tape you wan t to copy in to Deck 1. Be su re th e  
side you wan t to copy faces you with th e fu ll reel to th e left.  
3. Load a blan k tape (or on e you wan t to record over) in to Deck 2. Be  
su re th e side you wan t to record on is facin g you an d th e fu ll reel  
is to th e left.  
4. Set REV MODE. See Loadin g an d Playin g a Cassette Tape.”  
5. Press on Deck 1 to set th e tape direction , th en press  
6. Press on Deck 2 to set th e tape direction , th en press  
7. To begin du bbin g, press th e appropriate COPY bu tton :  
NORMAL to du b at n orm al playback speed.  
.
.
HI-SPEED to du b at twice th e n orm al speed.  
Th e cassette in Deck 1 au tom atically plays.  
Both decks au tom atically stops wh en eith er tape reach es th e en d.  
To m an u ally stop du bbin g, press on eith er deck; th is stops both cas-  
sette decks.  
 
12  
Special Features  
CD-Deck Synchro Recording  
If you r CD player h as a com patible CD Syn ch ro fu n ction , you can au to-  
m atically record you r CDs. Con n ect th e CD players an d cassette decks  
CD SYNCHRO jacks as described in Con n ectin g th e CD-Deck Syn ch ro Con -  
trol Cable.”  
Not e: A 4 1/ 2-secon d blan k space is au tom atically created between  
selection s.  
1. Load a com pact disc in th e CD player.  
2. Load a blan k tape (or on e you wan t to record over) in to Deck 2. Be  
su re th e side you wan t to record on is facin g you an d th e fu ll reel  
is to th e left.  
3. Press on Deck 2 to set th e tape direction an d th en press  
4. Set REV MODE an d DOLBY NR.  
.
5. Press RECORD.  
6. Select th e CD player on th e receiver/ am plifier, th en begin play on  
th e CD player.  
7. Adju st th e recordin g level.  
8. Press th e stop bu tton s on th e cassette deck an d th e CD player.  
9. Press CD SYNCHRO RECORD. Recordin g au tom atically begin s.  
Wh en t h e com pact disc fin ish es playin g, th e CD player stops an d th e  
cassette deck pau ses. With in 1 m in u te, ch an ge th e disc an d start play  
on th e CD player to resu m e recordin g. If th e CD player does n ot start  
play with in 1 m in u te, th e cassette deck stops.  
Wh en t h e CD player ch an ges discs (m u lt i-d isc CD p layers), th e cas-  
sette deck pau ses, th en resu m es recordin g wh en th e CD player begin s  
playin g th e n ext disc.  
If t h e casset t e deck reach es t h e en d of t h e t ape an d st ops wh ile t h e  
CD plays, th e CD player retu rn s to th e start of th e cu rren t track, th en  
pau ses. To resu m e recordin g, load an oth er tape an d en su re th e tape is  
m ovin g in th e desired direction . If it is n ot, press a play bu tton ( or  
on th e cassette deck to ch an ge th e tape direction , th en im m ediately  
)
press . You can resu m e recordin g by pressin g CD SYNCHRO RECORD again .  
(Press th e bu tton with in 1 m in u te after th e CD player pau ses. If m ore  
th an 1 m in u te elapses, th e CD player stops.)  
If REV MODE is set t o au t om at ically swit ch t o t h e ot h er side of t h e  
t ap e an d t h e t ape reach es t h e en d of t h e first sid e wh ile t h e CD  
player is p layin g, th e CD player retu rn s to th e begin n in g of th e cu rren t  
track an d pau ses. A 4 1/ 2-secon d blan k space is au tom atically created  
on th e reverse side of th e tape, th en th e CD player resu m es playback  
an d th e deck resu m es recordin g.  
 
13  
Tape Hints  
After you play a cassette tape several tim es, th e tape m igh t becom e  
tigh tly wou n d on th e reels. Th is can cau se playback sou n d qu ality to  
deteriorate.  
Restoring Tape Tension and  
Sound Quality  
To restore th e sou n d qu ality, fast-forward th e tape from th e begin n in g  
to th e en d of on e side, th en com pletely rewin d it. Th en loosen th e tape  
reels by gen tly tappin g each side of th e cassettes ou ter sh ell on a flat  
su rface.  
Not e: Be carefu l n ot to dam age th e cassette wh en tappin g it. Do n ot  
tou ch th e exposed tape or allow an y sh arp objects n ear th e cassette.  
If you n o lon ger wan t a recordin g, you can record over it or erase it.  
Erasing a Cassette Tape  
To record over a cassette tape, sim ply record as u su al. Th e cassette  
deck records over th e previou s recordin g.  
To erase a cassette tape, tu rn off th e in pu t sou rce an d set REC LEVEL to  
MIN an d press RECORD ( ). Th en press or to begin recordin g. To erase  
th e en tire cassette tape, let th e tape record to th e en d of both sides.  
You can qu ickly erase both sides of a cassette tape u sin g a bu lk tape  
eraser, available at you r local Radio Sh ack store.  
Most cassette tapes h ave two erase-protection tabs —on e for each side  
of th e tape. Wh en a tab is in place, you can erase or record on th at tape  
side.  
Erase-Protection Tabs  
To protect you r recordin gs from bein g acciden tally erased or recorded  
over, carefu lly break off th e erase-protection tabs, u sin g a screwdriver  
or sim ilar tool.  
Not e: Breakin g off th e tabs does n ot preven t a bu lk tape eraser from  
erasin g th e tape.  
If you later decide to erase or record over th e tape, you can place a piece  
of tape over th e h oles.  
Not e: Wh en coverin g th e h oles, cover on ly th e place th at was origin ally  
protected by th e plastic tab.  
 
14  
Care and Maintenance  
You r Optim u s SCT-56 High -Speed Du bbin g Stereo Cassette Deck is an  
exam ple of su perior design an d craftsm an sh ip. Th ese su ggestion s will  
h elp you care for th e cassette deck so you can en joy it for years.  
Keep th e cassette deck dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry im m ediately. Liq-  
u ids can con tain m in erals th at can corrode th e electron ic circu its.  
Han dle th e cassette deck gen tly an d carefu lly. Droppin g it can dam age  
th e circu it boards an d case an d can cau se th e cassette deck to work  
im properly.  
Use an d store th e cassette deck on ly in n orm al tem peratu re en viron -  
m en ts. Tem peratu re extrem es can sh orten th e life of electron ic devices  
an d distort or m elt plastic parts.  
Keep th e cassette deck away from du st an d dirt, wh ich can cau se pre-  
m atu re wear of parts.  
Wipe th e cassette deck with a dam p cloth occasion ally to keep it lookin g  
n ew. Do n ot u se h arsh ch em icals, clean in g solven ts, or stron g deter-  
gen ts to clean th e cassette deck.  
CLEANER  
Modifyin g or tam perin g with th e cassette decks in tern al parts can  
cau se a m alfu n ction an d m igh t in validate you r cassette decks warran ty  
an d void you r FCC au th orization to operate it. If you r cassette deck is  
n ot operatin g as it sh ou ld, take it to you r local Radio Sh ack store for  
assistan ce.  
Clean th e tape-h an dlin g parts after abou t every 20 h ou rs of u se. Use a  
cotton swab dipped in tape h ead clean in g solu tion or den atu red alcoh ol  
to gen tly clean th e parts sh own in th e illu stration .  
Cleaning the Tape-Handling  
Parts  
Note: Radio Shack stores sell a  
wide variety of tape deck cleaning  
supplies.  
 
15  
Troubleshooting  
You r cassette deck sh ou ld give you years of trou ble-free service if you follow th e in stru ction s in th is m an u al. If you  
do h ave problem s, th e ch art below can h elp you solve th em . If you still h ave problem s after followin g th e su gges-  
tion s below, take th e cassette deck to you r local Radio Sh ack store for assistan ce.  
Symptom  
Cause  
Remedy  
Power does not come on.  
• The power cord is unplugged.  
• Plug in the power cord.  
Turn on the component.  
• The component to which the power cord is  
attached is turned off.  
The door does not open.  
The door does not close.  
The tape immediately stops.  
• The deck is not stopped.  
• Press  
.
• The cassette is not properly loaded.  
• The tape is at the end of that side.  
• Remove and reinsert the cassette.  
• Play the other side of the tape or rewind the  
tape.  
• The tape has too much slack.  
Take up the slack.  
The level meter does not work  
during playback.  
• There is nothing recorded on the tape.  
• Replace the tape with one that has a record-  
ing.  
• The tape heads are dirty.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
There is no sound.  
• The receiver/amplifier’s input selector is not  
properly set.  
• Set the receiver/amplifier’s input selector to the  
same input you connected the deck to.  
• The receiver/amplifier’s volume is too low.  
• There are connection problems.  
Turn up the receiver/amplifier’s volume.  
• Check all connections.  
The record indicator does not  
light when you try to record.  
• The erase protection tabs are broken off.  
• Replace the tape with one with unbroken tabs  
or cover the holes with tape.  
The level meter does not work  
during recording or nothing  
records onto the tape.  
• The receiver/amplifier or other audio signal  
source is not delivering an audio signal to the  
deck.  
• Correctly set the receiver/amplifier’s controls.  
• The REC LEVEL control is set too low.  
• There are connection problems.  
• The tape heads are dirty.  
Turn up REC LEVEL.  
• Check all connections.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
• Clean all tape handling parts.  
The sound is unstable or inter-  
rupted.  
• The heads, pinch rollers, capstans, or other  
tape-handling parts are dirty.  
• The tape is not uniformly wound.  
• Completely rewind then fast forward the tape.  
High-frequency sounds are miss- • A tape recorded without Dolby NR is being  
• Correctly set DOLBY NR.  
ing.  
played back with DOLBY NR set to B or C.  
• The tape heads are dirty.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
High-frequency sounds are  
emphasized.  
• A tape recorded with Dolby NR is being played  
back with DOLBY NR set to OFF.  
• Set DOLBY NR to the same position as was  
used for recording.  
The sounds from previous  
recordings are still on the tape  
with new recordings.  
• The tape heads are dirty.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
The sound is distorted.  
• The recording level is too high.  
• The original signal was distorted.  
• The heads are dirty.  
Turn down REC LEVEL and re-record.  
• Replace the original recording source.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
 
16  
Symptom  
Cause  
Remedy  
There is too much noise.  
• Poor-quality tape is being used.  
• There is a faulty connection.  
• Recording level is too low.  
• The tape heads are dirty.  
• Use a better-quality tape.  
• Check all connections.  
Turn up REC LEVEL and re-record.  
• Clean the tape heads.  
ASMS does not operate properly. Blanks between selections are less than 4 sec- • Use tapes with blanks of 4 seconds or more  
onds long.  
between selections.  
The system remote control does  
not work.  
• The control cord is not connected.  
• The audio cables are not connected.  
• Properly connect the control cord.  
• Properly connect the audio cables.  
CD-deck synchro recording does  
not work.  
• The CD-deck synchro control cord is not con-  
nected.  
• Properly connect the control cord.  
• The cassette tape’s erase protection tabs are  
broken.  
• Replace the cassette with one with unbroken  
tabs or cover the holes with tape.  
The CD-DECK SYNCHRO stops  
working during CD-Deck Syn-  
chro recording.  
• The end of the tape was reached during CD-  
Deck Synchro recording.  
• Replace the tape with a longer one.  
• After the deck entered the standby mode, more  
than 1 minute elapsed before the CD player  
resumed play.  
• Change the disc and press CD SYNCHRO  
RECORD again.  
 
17  
Specifications  
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Track, 2-Ch an n el Stereo  
Heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On e Hard Perm alloy Record/ Playback Head  
On e Hard Perm alloy Playback Head  
On e Ferrite Erasin g Head  
Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two DC Servo Motors  
Wow an d Flu tter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.09% (WRMS, J IS)  
Fast Win din g Tim e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less th an 120 secon ds (C-60 tape)  
Frequ en cy Respon se (at 20 dB recordin g level):  
Type IV (Metal) Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 16,500 Hz  
Type II (Ch rom e) Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 16,000 Hz  
Type I (Norm al) Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 to 16,000 Hz  
Sign al-to-Noise Ratio (Dolby NR Off) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More th an 45 dB  
Noise Redu ction Effect:  
Dolby B NR ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More th an 10 dB (at 5 kHz)  
Dolby C NR ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More th an 19 dB (at 5 kHz)  
Harm on ic Distortion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No m ore th an 0.8% (at 4 dB: 160 n wb/ m )  
In pu t (Sen sitivity) LINE (INPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 m V (In pu t Im pedan ce 68 kOh m )  
Ou tpu t (Referen ce level) LINE (OUTPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 V (Ou tpu t Im pedan ce 1.9 kOh m)  
Power Requ irem en ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC 120V, 60 Hz  
Power Con su m ption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Watts  
Dim en sion s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 15/ 16 × 16 9/ 16 × 9 13/ 16 In ch es (HWD)  
(125 × 420 × 250 m m )  
Weigh t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 lbs 1 oz (4.1 kg)  
Specifica tions a re typica l; individua l units might va ry. Specifica tions a re s ubject to cha nge a nd improvement w ithout  
notice.  
 
18  
Index to Features by Control Name  
Th is table lists th e con trol an d in dicator n am es on th e fron t of you r SCT-56 alon g with th e page n u m ber wh ere th e  
item is discu ssed.  
Control  
Page  
6
6
ASMS  
and  
8
13  
10  
7
CD SYNCHRO RECORD  
DEMO  
DOLBY NR  
EJECT  
6
HI-SPEED  
NORMAL  
12  
12  
8
PAUSE  
POWER  
6
REC LEVEL  
REC MUTE  
RECORD  
11  
12  
11  
8
RELAY/SKIP  
RESET  
8
REV MODE  
REWIND AUTO PLAY  
STAND BY  
STOP  
6, 9  
10  
6
6
TIME/COUNTER  
8
 
19  
RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY  
This product is warranted against defects for 1 year from date of purchase from Radio  
Shack company-owned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers.  
Within this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your  
Radio Shack sales slip as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty  
does not cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to misuse or  
accidental damage.  
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRAN-  
TIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-  
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states  
do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limita-  
tion(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from  
state to state.  
We Service What We Sell  
9/94  
Radio Shack  
A Division of Tandy Corporation  
Fort Worth, Texas 76102  
<RRB1160-A>  
6A6  
Printed in Malaysia  
 

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