UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/index.php)
-   Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=35)
-   -   Akai 4000DS advice (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=158028)

cornwall60s 14th Jul 2019 10:20 am

Akai 4000DS advice
 
I've recently added an Akai 4000DS to the collection. I hadn't planned on it, but it was going cheap and well looked after by an electical engineer!

So, I've tried testing it out doing a few tape transfers to the PC. What I've found is that it seems to play louder than all my other players (Akai 4000D, Philips, Aristona, Revox A77), with the needles often in the red which is causing disortion on the digital recording on the PC.

I've reduced the input volume on the computer, which has helped a little, but it's still distorting as the volume coming out of the Akai is the issue. I'm guessing there is no way to regulate this, and not a great deal I can do about it?

The tapes I'm working with are not great to begin with (audience club recordings from the 70s), but recording on one machine is OK and listenable, but on the new Akai is quite overloaded and distorted at the same volume.

Any advice, or not much I can do about it?

Thanks in advance! RP

Station X 14th Jul 2019 11:11 am

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
Install an attenuator in series with the connecting lead?

cornwall60s 14th Jul 2019 11:18 am

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Station X (Post 1160272)
Install an attenuator in series with the connecting lead?

Could work, any suggestions as a cheap option?

ms660 14th Jul 2019 11:21 am

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
Are the record/playback levels etc set correctly?

Manual here:

http://sportsbil.com/other/Akai/AKAI...0MKII%20SM.pdf

Record level is VR-1 and VR-1b, playback is VR-2 and VR-2b.

Lawrence.

Station X 14th Jul 2019 11:21 am

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cornwall60s (Post 1160274)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Station X (Post 1160272)
Install an attenuator in series with the connecting lead?

Could work, any suggestions as a cheap option?

Three resistors wired as a 'T' attenuator?

cornwall60s 14th Jul 2019 1:31 pm

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
I should probably point out that my electrical skills are fairly limited to say the least! Previous owner did say he had set levels and spent a bit of time getting the machine in order. Have to take his word for it that he knew what he was doing of course.

ms660 14th Jul 2019 2:52 pm

Re: Akai 4000DS advice
 
So far as I can make out from the manual, 0 on the VU meter = +4dB (1.228v) for line out and 0.4v (-5.7dB) for DIN out if the levels are set correctly.

When I used to service tape decks similar to this I always used a manufactures test tape to checked or set up the levels.

Lawrence.


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 4:21 pm.

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.