The Sony TC-530 is a 4-track stereophonic or monophonic reel-to-reel tape recorder designed for both home and professional use, offering a comprehensive set of features for recording, playback, and monitoring. Its robust construction and detailed specifications indicate a device built for reliable performance and high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Function Description:
The TC-530 functions as a versatile tape recorder capable of both stereo and mono recording and playback. It features three tape speeds, allowing for flexibility in recording duration and audio quality. The integrated amplifier and speaker outputs enable direct playback without external amplification, while line outputs provide connectivity to external audio systems. Microphone and auxiliary inputs facilitate various recording sources. The device also includes a binaural monitor output for stereo headset listening, tone controls for bass and treble adjustment, and VU meters for precise level indication during recording. An integrated record/playback connector simplifies connection to other audio equipment.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Requirements: Operates on AC 100, 110, 117, 125, 220, or 240V at 50/60 cps, with a voltage selector. Specific models for USA (AC 60 c/s 117V) and Canada (AC 50/60 cps 117V) are noted. Power consumption is 65 watts.
- Tape Speeds: Offers three speeds: 7½ ips (19 cm/s), 3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s), and 1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s). These speeds are instantly switchable with automatic equalization change.
- Reels: Accommodates reels up to 7 inches (18 cm) or smaller.
- Recording System: 4-track stereophonic or monophonic.
- Frequency Response:
- 7½ ips: 30-20,000 cps (±3dB 50-15,000 cps)
- 3¾ ips: 30-13,000 cps
- 1⅞ ips: 30-10,000 cps
- Flutter and Wow:
- Less than 0.17% at 7½ ips
- Less than 0.3% at 3¾ ips
- Less than 0.4% at 1⅞ ips
- Power Output: 20 watts total (music power), 10 watts total (undistorted).
- Signal-to-noise Ratio: Better than 48 dB (at peak record level).
- Harmonic Distortion: Less than 3% at 0 dB line output.
- Level Indication: VU meters calibrated to NAB standard.
- Tone Controls: Two separate controls for bass and treble.
- Inputs:
- Microphone: Low impedance, transistorized, -72dBs (0.19 mV) for 250 to 1K ohm impedance.
- Auxiliary: High impedance (100 K ohms), -22 dBs (0.06 V).
- Integrated Record/Playback Connector: -62 db (0.6 mV), 10K ohms impedance.
- Outputs:
- Line: 0 dB (0.775 V), 100K ohms load impedance.
- Speaker: 8 ohms load impedance.
- Binaural Monitor: Accommodates stereo headset Model DR-3C (10K ohm impedance).
- Integrated Record/Playback Connector: 0 db (0.775 V), 10K ohms impedance.
- Recording Time (with 1,800' tape):
- 4-track stereo: 1 hr. 30 min. (7½ ips), 3 hrs. (3¾ ips), 6 hrs. (1⅞ ips).
- 4-track monophonic: 3 hrs. (7½ ips), 6 hrs. (3¾ ips), 12 hrs. (1⅞ ips).
- Transistors: 2SC401 (8), 2SC402 (8), 2SC318 (2), 2SD28 (4), 2SB383 (2).
- Diodes: 5GD (4), 1T22 (4).
- Record/Playback Head: PP30-4202N1.
- Erase Head: EF18-2902H.
- Dimensions: 19¾" (W) × 9⅞" (H) × 15⅜" (D) (500 × 252 × 391 mm).
- Weight: 41 lbs. 10 ozs. (19 kgs.).
Usage Features:
- Instantaneous Speed Switching: Allows for quick changes between tape speeds without interruption, enhancing recording and playback flexibility.
- Automatic Equalization Change: Ensures optimal audio quality across different tape speeds by automatically adjusting equalization settings.
- VU Meters: Provide visual feedback for recording levels, enabling users to set appropriate input levels and prevent distortion.
- Tone Controls: Independent bass and treble controls allow users to tailor the audio output to their preferences or room acoustics.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multiple input and output options (microphone, auxiliary, line, speaker, binaural monitor, integrated connector) make the TC-530 adaptable to various audio setups.
- Mode Selector: A dedicated control (A156) for selecting different operational modes.
- Function Selector Lever: (A40) for controlling the main functions of the device.
- Recording Button: (A31) for initiating recording.
- Power ON/OFF Switch: (A32) for controlling the device's power.
- Speaker ON/OFF Switch: (A155) for enabling or disabling the internal speakers.
Maintenance Features:
- Cabinet Removal: Detailed instructions are provided for removing the cabinet, starting with screws and then lifting the cabinet.
- Reel Panel Removal: Steps include removing the head cover, speed selector knob, pinch roller, instant knob, screws, washers, and tape guide pins. Note on re-assembling the reel panel emphasizes correct knob placement.
- Control Panel Removal: Instructions for removing control knobs, screws, and lifting the panel, with a warning to touch uniformly when re-assembling.
- Printed Circuit Board Removal: General instruction to remove circuit boards without disassembling, with specific steps for the Pre-Amplifier Section, Power Amplifier Section, and Power Supply and OSC Section, detailing screw and washer removal.
- Mechanical Adjustment:
- Elevation Alignment: Involves threading a tape, aligning head edges with the tape guide, and adjusting the tape guide clockwise to achieve a specific height (0.025 mm lower than the erase head core).
- Brake Alignment: Adjusts the brake shoe and take-up reel table clearance (1.0-1.5mm) by bending the brake operating levers.
- Electrical Adjustment:
- Overall Adjustment: Connect an 8Ω load resistor in parallel with the VTVM terminals and connect the VTVM to the Speaker Output Jack. Set the Speaker ON/OFF Switch to ON.
- Playback Azimuth Alignment: Playback a 10 Kc signal from an alignment tape (N-19-F2) and adjust the Azimuth Alignment Screw on the playback head for maximum VTVM reading.
- Bias Trap Adjustment: Involves turning the core counter-clockwise, connecting a VTVM across the recording head, setting the trimmer capacitor to maximum, placing the set in record mode, adjusting the trap coil (L103, L203) for maximum VTVM reading, connecting the VTVM to line output, and adjusting the trap coil (L101, L201) for minimum VTVM reading with recording volume at maximum.
- Playback Level Adjustment: Set tone control to center, playback 700 c/s and 10 Kc signals from alignment tape, adjust potentiometer (R116, R216) for consistent VTVM readings, and re-check azimuth alignment.
- Recording Bias Alignment: Set to record mode, connect VTVM across the Rec./P.B. Head, and adjust trimmer capacitor (C303, C304) for approximately 40 V.
- Recording Level Alignment: Set speaker OFF, stereo recording mode, feed 1000 c/s signal to Mic Input Jack, adjust recording volume control (R157, R257) for +1 dBs (0.80V), and adjust adjustable resistor (R140, R240) so the level meter pointer is at the boundary between red and black.
- Playback Output Level Adjustment: Playback a 700 c/s signal from alignment tape and adjust potentiometer (R19, R219) for 0 dBs (0.775V).
The Sony TC-530 is a meticulously designed and documented tape recorder, offering advanced features and detailed maintenance procedures for optimal performance and longevity.
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