HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES

A

B

Turn the pencil to take up the tape slack

For erasure prevention remove

Tab for Side A

Tab for Side B

C

Cover prevention

D

 

adhesive tape

 

Erasure prevention tabs

E

Sensor holes

 

 

Sensor holes

TYPE IV (Metal) tape

TYPE II (High/CrO2) tape

CHECK CASSETTE BEFORE USE

Check the following items before loading a cassette tape:

Is the tape loose, or is some of the tape outside the cassette?

If some of the tape is loose or projecting outside the cassette shell, the tape may not load properly be- tween the capstan and pinch roller. This will prevent the tape from operating properly, and may even damage the tape itself. To prevent this, insert a pen- cil into the reel hole and take up the slack (Fig. A).

Some cassette tapes come with a plastic or thick pa- per stopper to prevent the tape from becoming slack. Remove this stopper when loading the cassette and replace it after using the cassette.

Are the accidental erasure prevention tabs intact?

These tabs allow you to prevent important record- ings from being erased accidentally. When the tab on the cassette shell is broken off (Fig. B), it is not possible to activate the recording function, so valu- able recordings will not be erased by mistake.

To rerecord on a cassette whose tab has been bro- ken off, simply stick a piece of doubled adhesive tape over the hole (Fig. C).

When using TYPE IV (Metal) or TYPE II (High/CrO2) tapes, be careful not to block the sensor holes with the tape (Fig. D, Fig. E). If the holes are blocked, the automatic tape selector mechanism will not operate correctly.

NOTES:

ÖThe accidental erasure prevention tab for each side is the one located on the top left when the side that you want to protect is facing you.

ÖWhen breaking off the tab, do not use a magnetized screwdriver.

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AUTOMATIC TAPE SELECTOR FUNCTION

This cassette deck is equipped with an automatic tape selector function which utilizes the sensor holes on the tape cassette to determine the type of tape being used. The deck is then set to match the tape recording bias and equalization.

NOTES:

ÖWhen using TYPE IV (Metal) tapes, make sure that the tapes have sensor holes.

ÖMake sure that the sensor holes on the cassette are not blocked; otherwise the tape selector mechanism will not function properly.

ÖDo not use TYPE III (FeCr) tapes.

TIPS ON CASSETTE TAPES

Do not use tapes longer than 90 minutes in length

Because over the C-90 tapes are very thin, they can easily jam in the pinch rollers and capstan, and they often are subject to other problems such as irregular winding.

ÖLeader tape (which cannot be recorded on) is pro- vided at the beginning of a cassette tape. Let the tape run for about 5 seconds before starting to record, to allow the leader tape to clear the record- ing head.

ÖDo not leave a cassette tape exposed to the envi- ronment. Store the cassette in its case after use so that dust and dirt do not adhere to the tape, and so the tape will not get slack. Store tapes in a location free from magnetism, dust, dirt, oil, heat and humidity.

ÖIf cassette tapes are irregularly wound, the tape may get jammed in the rollers. This can cause damage to both the tape and the deck. If you are not certain whether the tape is wound evenly, fast forward or rewind the tape from beginning to end, to make sure that the tape is properly wound.

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Pioneer CT-W208R Handling Cassette Tapes, Check Cassette Before USE, Automatic Tape Selector Function

CT-W208R specifications

The Pioneer CT-W208R is a dual cassette deck that has garnered appreciation among audiophiles and casual listeners alike for its impressive sound quality and a range of user-friendly features. As a part of Pioneer's lineup during the late 1990s, this model reflects the brand's commitment to high-fidelity audio reproduction and innovative technology.

One of the standout features of the CT-W208R is its dual cassette mechanism, allowing users to play two tapes simultaneously or transfer music from one tape to another with ease. This functionality is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate mixing and creating custom compilations. The deck supports both Type I and Type II cassettes, ensuring versatility in playback and recording.

The CT-W208R is equipped with Dolby B and C noise reduction technologies, which significantly enhance the quality of the recordings by minimizing background noise and hiss. Dolbys' noise reduction system works to clean up the audio, ensuring that the sound remains clear and dynamic, even in quieter passages. This attention to detail makes the Pioneer CT-W208R a suitable choice for those looking to preserve the nuances of different music genres.

Another impressive aspect of the CT-W208R is its simplistic design, which includes a straightforward button layout and an easy-to-read display. Users can quickly navigate through their tapes, making this deck accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned audio professionals. The cassette deck also features a count function, allowing users to keep track of the elapsed time and remaining tape length, which is especially useful for long recordings.

The build quality of the CT-W208R is yet another characteristic that contributes to its popularity. Constructed from durable materials, this cassette deck is built to withstand the rigors of regular use while maintaining its performance integrity over time.

In addition to its robust features, the CT-W208R also incorporates Auto Reverse playback. This function enables the cassette deck to automatically switch the direction of playback when one side of the tape concludes, enhancing user convenience and ensuring uninterrupted listening.

In summary, the Pioneer CT-W208R combines quality construction, user-friendly features, and advanced audio technologies. Its dual cassette playback, noise reduction capabilities, and overall performance make it a sought-after model for anyone interested in appreciating the charm of cassette tapes in the digital age.