Teac 450 - User Manual

The TEAC 450 Stereo Cassette Deck is a versatile home-use stereo cassette deck designed for audiophiles, offering recording quality, features, and performance comparable to high-quality open reel recorders. It incorporates the Dolby Noise Reduction System, which significantly enhances sound quality by reducing tape hiss and noise.

Function Description:

The TEAC 450 is primarily a stereo cassette deck capable of both recording and playback. It features a two-head, four-track, two-channel stereo system. The deck is designed to work with C-60 and C-90 Philips type cassette tapes.

Key Controls and Indicators:

Cassette Holder Lid (1) and Cassette Holder (2): Used for inserting and ejecting cassette tapes.
EJECT Button (3): A two-step pushbutton control for opening the cassette holder lid and ejecting the cassette.
REC Button (4): Depressed for recording, must be used simultaneously with the PLAY Button.
Rewind Button (5): Rewinds the tape. Can be pressed halfway for faster speed or fully to lock.
Play Button (6): Runs the tape at normal speed (1-7/8 ips) for playback or recording.
Fast Forward Button (7): Fast forwards the tape. Can be pressed halfway for faster speed or fully to lock.
STOP Button (8): Releases other control buttons from their depressed positions.
PAUSE Button (9): Provides quick stop/start control during recording or playback without disturbing settings.
Cassette Tray (10): A storage compartment for up to six cassette tapes.
MIC (Microphone Jacks) (11): L and R jacks for 600-10,000 ohms microphones.
PHONES (Headphone Jack) (12): For connecting 8-ohm stereo headphones.
VU Meters (13): Indicate output level during playback and input level during record operation.
REC (Record Indicator Lamp) (14): Lights up when the deck is in record mode.
Peak Level Indicator (15): Warns when the input level is too high, indicating potential distortion.
MIC (Microphone Input Volume Control) (16): Adjusts input levels from microphones or DIN terminals.
LINE (Line Input Volume Control) (17): Adjusts input levels from a tuner, record player, or tape recorder.
OUTPUT (Output Volume Control) (18): Adjusts playback volume or recording monitor levels.
POWER (Power On-Off Switch) (19): Turns the tape deck on or off.
TIMER (Timer Selector Switch) (20): Allows automatic recording or playback at a preset time when combined with a commercial timer.
DOLBY FM/COPY (IN/OUT Switch) (21): Used for copying Dolbyized source material or decoding for listening.
DOLBY NR (Noise Reduction Selector Switch) (22): Activates the Dolby noise reduction circuit.
BIAS-EQ (Equalization/Bias Selector Switches) (23): Selects between CrO2, HIGH, and NORMAL positions based on tape type.
Tape Counter Reset Button (24): Resets the tape counter to "000".
Tape Counter (25): Indicates the amount of tape run.
TAPE RUN (Tape Travel Indicator Lamp) (26): Illuminates when the tape is moving.
GND (Grounding Terminal) (27): For grounding the unit and connected components.
OUTPUT (Output Terminals) (28, 29): Two pairs of output terminals for playback and monitor output.
IN/OUT (DIN Jack) (30): For single-cable recording or reproduction through a stereo amplifier.
LINE IN (Line Input Terminals) (31): Input terminals for recording from another amplifier or tape deck.
DOLBY FM/COPY CAL (32): Calibration controls for setting Dolby circuitry for FM broadcasts.
AC Outlet (150W Max.) (33): Provides AC power for other audio components.
FUSE 2A (Fuse Holder) (34): Holds the 2A fuse.
AC Power Cord (35): Connects to an AC wall outlet.
Dust Cover (36): Protects the cassette tray and top panel from dust.

Important Technical Specifications:

Heads: Two (erase and record-playback).
Type of Tape: Cassette tape C-60 and C-90 (Philips type).
Tape Speed: 1-7/8 ips.
Motor: Hysteresis synchronous outer-rotor motor.
Wow and Flutter: 0.07%.
Frequency Response:
- Chromium dioxide tape: 30-16,000 Hz (+2, -3dB 40-14,000 Hz)
- Hi-Fi tape: 30-13,000 Hz (+2, -3dB 40-12,500 Hz)
- Regular tape: 30-10,000 Hz (+2, -3dB 40-10,000 Hz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 52 dB (60 dB with Dolby process).
Fast Winding Time: Approximately 95 seconds for C-60.
Inputs:
- Microphone: 0.25 mV/-72 dB (600-10,000 ohms)
- Line: 0.1 V, 100,000 ohms or more
Outputs:
- Line: 0.3 V for load impedance of 10,000 ohms or more
- Headphones: 8 ohms
Power Requirements: 117 V AC, 60 Hz, 18 W.
Dimensions: 6-15/16" (H) x 17-1/2" (W) x 10-5/8" (D).
Weight: 21 lbs, net.

Usage Features:

Dolby Noise Reduction System: Reduces tape hiss and transistor noise by 5 dB at 1 kHz and 10 dB at 10 kHz, providing clear-tone recording and playback. The B-Type Dolby system is incorporated for popular use.
Tape Compatibility: Provides three switch positions (CrO2, HIGH, NORMAL) for BIAS and EQ selection to optimize performance for different tape types (chromium dioxide, high-performance Hi-Fi, and ordinary tapes).
Timer Control: Can be combined with a commercial timer to automatically start recording or playback at a preset time.
Monitoring: Allows monitoring of input signals through headphones during recording and playback. The VU meters and Peak Level Indicator assist in setting optimal recording levels.
Pause Function: Enables quick stop/start control of the tape during recording or playback without resetting other controls.
End Stop Mechanism: Automatically releases control buttons and stops the tape when the tape end is reached.
Microphone/Line Mixing: Permits mixing input from microphones and line sources during recording.
Dolby FM/Copy Calibration: Allows calibration for Dolby FM broadcasts using dedicated controls.
Inter-deck Compatibility: Dolby-encoded tapes are best reproduced by similar Dolby-system recorders. Playback on ordinary decks may result in a slight treble emphasis.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: Regular cleaning of heads, pinch roller, and capstan is recommended to prevent loss of highs, audible skips, and tape entanglement. TEAC offers the TZ-261 head and rubber cleaner set.
Demagnetization: After many hours of use, the head and metal parts may become magnetized, leading to performance deterioration. Demagnetization using a TEAC E-1 head eraser (available as an option) is recommended every 50 hours of use. The manual provides detailed steps for demagnetizing the head and capstan shaft.
Warranty and Service: The warranty period is described on an enclosed card. For repairs, users should contact their dealer, TEAC Sales Office, or Service Center. Repairs due to misuse or improper operation may incur charges even within the warranty period.

The TEAC 450 is designed for ease of use while delivering professional-grade audio performance, making it a valuable asset for home audio enthusiasts.