Kenwood GE-600 - User Manual

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Summary

Product Information and Safety

Records and Unpacking

Record serial number and check for shipping damage during unpacking.

Safety Warnings

Critical notices regarding moisture exposure and unauthorized servicing.

AC Voltage and Wiring

Voltage Selector Setting

Adjust the unit's voltage selector to match your local AC power supply.

UK Mains Lead Connection

Specific instructions for connecting the mains plug wires in the United Kingdom.

Controls and Indicators Overview

Power and Level Controls

Using the power switch and level controls for sound adjustment.

Input and Equalizer Switches

Selecting input sources and engaging equalizer modes or recording functions.

Status Indicator Lights

Understanding indicator lights for EQ effect, tape input, and recording.

System Connections

Connection Diagram and Precautions

Visual guide and essential precautions for connecting audio components.

Operating Instructions

Equalizing Amplifier Sources

How to adjust sound quality for signals from the amplifier.

Equalizing Tape Sources

How to adjust sound quality for signals from a tape deck.

Recording Equalized Audio

Procedure for recording processed audio signals onto tape.

Sound Equalization Guide

Bass Frequency Effects

Adjusting bass ranges (60 Hz, 150 Hz) for desired low-frequency response.

Mid and High Frequency Effects

Adjusting mid (400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 kHz) and high (5 kHz, 15 kHz) frequencies.

Safety, Troubleshooting, and Specifications

General Safety and Installation Advice

Precautions for cleaning, power cord, servicing, and installation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Guide to diagnosing and resolving unit operational issues.

Technical Specifications

Detailed performance data and physical dimensions of the GE-600.

Summary

Product Information and Safety

Records and Unpacking

Record serial number and check for shipping damage during unpacking.

Safety Warnings

Critical notices regarding moisture exposure and unauthorized servicing.

AC Voltage and Wiring

Voltage Selector Setting

Adjust the unit's voltage selector to match your local AC power supply.

UK Mains Lead Connection

Specific instructions for connecting the mains plug wires in the United Kingdom.

Controls and Indicators Overview

Power and Level Controls

Using the power switch and level controls for sound adjustment.

Input and Equalizer Switches

Selecting input sources and engaging equalizer modes or recording functions.

Status Indicator Lights

Understanding indicator lights for EQ effect, tape input, and recording.

System Connections

Connection Diagram and Precautions

Visual guide and essential precautions for connecting audio components.

Operating Instructions

Equalizing Amplifier Sources

How to adjust sound quality for signals from the amplifier.

Equalizing Tape Sources

How to adjust sound quality for signals from a tape deck.

Recording Equalized Audio

Procedure for recording processed audio signals onto tape.

Sound Equalization Guide

Bass Frequency Effects

Adjusting bass ranges (60 Hz, 150 Hz) for desired low-frequency response.

Mid and High Frequency Effects

Adjusting mid (400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 kHz) and high (5 kHz, 15 kHz) frequencies.

Safety, Troubleshooting, and Specifications

General Safety and Installation Advice

Precautions for cleaning, power cord, servicing, and installation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Guide to diagnosing and resolving unit operational issues.

Technical Specifications

Detailed performance data and physical dimensions of the GE-600.

The Kenwood GE-600 is a stereo graphic equalizer designed to adjust the frequency characteristics of audio signals. It allows users to fine-tune the sound quality of their audio system, whether for playback from an amplifier's program source or a tape deck, and also enables recording of equalized sound onto tape.

Function Description:

The GE-600 features independent level controls for the right and left channels, allowing for precise equalization of sound by ±12 dB or ±6 dB across seven center frequencies: 60 Hz, 150 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 5 kHz, and 15 kHz.

The unit includes an INPUT switch to select the program source to be equalized:

LINE: For sources connected to the LINE IN jacks.
TAPE: For sources connected to the TAPE PLAY jacks.

The EQUALIZER switches provide control over the equalization effect:

EFFECT: When pressed, the frequency characteristic of the audio signal is modified by passing through the graphic equalizer. The EQUALIZER EFFECT indicator lights up when active.
REC: When pressed, signals are equalized and can be recorded onto tape. The EQUALIZER REC indicator lights up when active. To monitor the equalized sounds during recording, the EQUALIZER EFFECT switch should also be pressed.

An EQ RANGE selector switch allows users to choose the maximum equalization range, either ±12 dB or ±6 dB, providing flexibility in the degree of sound adjustment.

Usage Features:

The GE-600 is designed for straightforward operation:

Equalizing Program Source Connected to Amplifier:
1. Turn on the POWER switch.
2. Set the INPUT switch to LINE.
3. Set the EQUALIZER EFFECT switch to ON.
4. Play the program source from the amplifier.
5. Adjust the level controls for the right and left channels to achieve the desired sound quality.
Equalizing Tape Sound:
1. Turn on the POWER switch.
2. Set the INPUT switch to TAPE.
3. Set the EQUALIZER EFFECT switch to ON.
4. Set the tape deck to playback mode.
5. Adjust the level controls for the right and left channels to compensate the sound quality.
Recording Amplifier's Program Source After Equalization:
1. Turn on the POWER switch.
2. Press the INPUT LINE switch to ON.
3. Set the EQUALIZER REC switch to ON.
4. Play the program source connected to the amplifier.
5. Use the EQ RANGE selector to select the appropriate maximum equalization range.
6. Adjust the level controls (Right/Left channel) to compensate the sound quality. The equalized sound can be checked by toggling the EQUALIZER EFFECT switch.
7. Set the tape deck to the recording pause mode and adjust the recording level.
8. Set the tape deck to the recording mode to record the equalized sound.

The unit also provides detailed guidance on how to use the seven frequency bands for sound equalization, relating each band to specific musical instruments and vocal ranges:

Super bass range (60 Hz): Affects bass instruments (double bass, bass drums, pipe organ). Moving controls up increases bass; moving down reduces boomy sound.
Bass range (150 Hz): Often corresponds to room resonance. Moving controls down helps eliminate bass resonance.
Mid-bass range (400 Hz): Forms the basis of music, influencing the richness of sound. Adjust for overall playback quality.
Mid range (1 kHz, 2.4 kHz): Emphasizes/de-emphasizes baritone or soprano voices, related to the "presence" of music.
High range (5 kHz): Affects the "hardness" of sound. Moving controls up emphasizes strings or brass (flute, piccolo); moving down makes the sound more soothing.
Super high range (15 kHz): Related to musical detail. Moving controls up emphasizes super high-frequency instruments (triangle, cymbal), creating a wider sound and echoes.

Important Technical Specifications:

Variable Range: ±12 dB, ±6 dB (L & R independently adjustable)
Center Frequencies: 60 Hz, 150 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 5 kHz, 15 kHz
Frequency Response: 10 Hz–40 kHz ± 1 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.01% (1 kHz, all controls flat, output 1 V)
Maximum Output Voltage: 4 V (1 kHz, THD 0.01%)
S/N Ratio: 95 dB (IHF-A network)
Input Impedance: 60 k ohms
Output Impedance: 900 ohms
Gain: 0 dB
Power Consumption: 7 W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 340 mm (13-3/8") x 84 mm (3-5/16") x 351 mm (13-13/16")
Weight (Net): 3.3 kg (7.3 lb)

The unit operates on 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts AC, with an AC voltage selector switch on the rear panel for countries other than Europe, Australia, and the U.K. For Europe, Australia, and the U.K., units are designed for specific voltages (220V AC for Europe, 240V AC for Australia and U.K.) and do not feature a voltage selector switch. It includes an unswitched AC outlet with a total maximum capacity of 300 watts.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: The cabinet should be cleaned with a silicone cloth or a clean dry cloth. Volatile solvents such as alcohol, paint thinner, gasoline, or benzine should not be used.
Power Cord: Always handle the power plug by the body when inserting or removing it. Avoid pulling or stretching the cord, subjecting it to traffic, sharp bends, heavy objects, or routing it under rugs. Do not use extra extension cords.
Service: Do not remove the cabinet or touch internal parts. All service should be referred to qualified service personnel. Unauthorized modifications can void the warranty and pose a shock hazard.
Installation Precautions:
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid high or low temperature extremes.
- Keep the unit away from heat-radiating sources.
- Choose a location free from excessive vibration or dust.
- Ensure power is off before making any system connections.

The manual also provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues like no sound or sound from only one side, suggesting remedies such as checking plug contact, speaker connections, input/output connections, and amplifier volume/balance controls.