17
Model X-12 Owner's Manual
Troubleshooting
Check Point Corrective Action
The power is not turned on
when you press the power
switch on.
Check the connection at the AC outlet and
the [DC IN] jack of the X-12.
Is the head dirty? Clean the head.
Are you using a type of tape other than high
position? Use a high-position tape.
Is the level appropriate for the input signal? Use the [LINE-MIC] knob to set the optimum
level.
Place a strip of scotch tape over the broken
tab.
Is the write-protection tab on the cassette
tape broken?
Turn the [LINE OUT/PHONES] knob.
Is the [LINE OUT/PHONES] knob turned
up?
Set the [REC TRACK] selector repeatedly
until the desired track is selected.
Is the [REC TRACK] selector set correctly?
Symptom
Maintenance

* Cleaning the exterior

For normal cleaning, use a dry cloth.
For stubborn dirt, moisten a cloth in diluted
detergent, wring it out firmly, and wipe the dirt
off. Then polish with a dry cloth.
Never use solvents such as alcohol, thinner or
benzene, since these will damage the printing
and finish of the exterior.

* Cleaning the head

As the X-12 is used, the record/playback head
will become coated with oxide residue from the
tapes. If this residue is allowed to build up,
recordings will contain more noise, and
dropouts may occur during playback.
To prevent this, regular cleaning is important.
Use a commercially available cleaning kit etc.
to clean the head. If cleaning the head does
not restore the sound quality, it is possible that
the head is worn. Contact an authorized Fostex
service station for repair.

* Cleaning the pinch roller and capstan

The capstan and pinch roller are important
parts that hold the tape and move it along at
the correct speed. As with the head, these parts
can also become dirty with oxide residue and
dust, which will cause increased wow or flutter,
or even damage the tape by pulling it out of
the cassette. Since cassette tape is very thin, it
is especially dangerous to use a cassette deck
with dirty pinch rollers. As with the head, it is
important to always keep these parts clean.
Clean them using a cotton swab or gauze soaked
in cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol. Never
use organic solvents such as lacquer thinner,
since this will severely damage the pinch rollers.

* Demagnetizing the head

After long periods of use, the head begins to
develop a magnetic field in addition to the oxide
residue described above. This can also occur if
a magnet or a magnetized object (scissors, etc.)
is allowed to come near the head or touch it. If
the head or capstans become magnetized,
frequency response will be degraded and noise
will increase.
In extreme cases, noise can be created on
previously recorded tapes that you playback,
rendering them useless. Once a month or so,
you should use a demagnetizer (head eraser)
to demagnetize the head. Carefully read and
follow the instructions included with your
demagnetizer, and do not allow it to come near
recorded tapes.
Is the AC adaptor plugged in securely?
Sound flutters or skips.
The sound distorted or
clipping.
The [REC] button is not
pushed in.
The sound cannot be heard
through the headphones.
You cannot record to a
desired track.