Additional Information

Regarding tapes of over 120 minutes

Do not use thin-tape cassettes (with a playing time of over 120 minutes) to record important material since such cassettes are subject to the following problems:

Improper threading of the tape after repeated AMS, rewinding, fast-forwarding, or cueing operations.

Incorrect writing and erasing of start IDs.

Sound distortion.

For the customers in the U.S.A.

For detailed safety precautions, see the leaflet “IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.”

If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Cleaning

Cleaning the cabinet, panel and controls

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.

Cleaning the head and tape path

Prolonged operation will cause contamination of the head. To obtain the best possible recording and playback sound, we recommend that you use the Sony DT-10CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) to clean the head after every ten hours or so of operation.

Clean the head with the cleaning cassette when the deck has not been used for a long period of time. Contamination of the head may cause sound drop- out during playback.

Using the cleaning cassette

1Insert the cleaning cassette as you would a normal DAT cassette.

2Press PLAY (. After 10 seconds, press STOP p.

Do not press the REC r or FF ) button for cleaning.

3Remove the cleaning cassette without rewinding it. You should rewind the cleaning cassette only when it has reached the end.

Notes on cleaning

After 10 hours of operation, “CLEANING” appears in the display for about ten seconds when you turn on the deck. It is recommended that you clean the head and tape path periodically, using this message as a guide.

Due to the shortness of the cleaning cassette, the counter will not show the actual running time and remaining time of the cassette.

18EN

Display Messages

The following table explains the various messages that appear in the display.

Message

Meaning

 

 

ANALOG

This appears for a few seconds when you set

 

the INPUT switch to ANALOG.

 

 

BLANK

The deck is searching for the beginning of the

 

blank section on the tape.

 

 

CAUTION

A safety mechanism is operating because of

 

condensation or other reasons.

 

 

CLEANING

Cleaning the head and tape path is

 

recommended. After about 10 hours of deck

 

use, this message appears for about 10

 

seconds whenever you turn on the deck .

 

 

COAXIAL

This appears for a few seconds when you set

 

the INPUT switch to COAXIAL.

 

 

(ERASE)

The deck is searching for the beginning of the

 

start ID to be erased.

 

 

ID ERASE

A start ID is being erased.

 

 

ID WRITE

A start ID or program number is being

 

written.

 

 

NO TAPE

A cassette is not inserted into the deck.

 

 

OPTICAL

This appears for a few seconds when you set

 

the INPUT switch to OPTICAL.

 

 

PROHIBIT

The program source you are about to record

 

cannot be recorded through the digital input

 

jacks or connectors. For more information,

 

see “Guide to the Serial Copy Management

 

System” (see pages 21 and 22).

 

 

PROTECT

The record-protect hole on the cassette is

 

open and recording on the tape cannot be

 

done.

 

 

REHRSL

Rehearsal is on.

 

 

SOURCE

The deck has been in recording pause for

 

about 10 minutes, or you've pressed the

 

REC rbutton while no cassette is in the deck

 

or the cassette is record-protected.

 

 

TAPE END

The tape has come to the end of the recorded

 

portion.

 

 

TAPE TOP

The tape has reached its beginning.

 

 

UNLOCK

No digital signal is being input to the jack or

 

connector that you selected with the INPUT

 

switch.

 

 

WAIT

The deck is searching for the beginning of the

 

blank section on the tape.

 

 

(WRITE)

This appears when the WRITE button is

 

pressed.

 

 

3-856-761-11(2)

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Sony DTC-A6 Display Messages, Cleaning the cabinet, panel and controls, Cleaning the head and tape path, 18EN

DTC-A6 specifications

The Sony DTC-A6 is a high-quality digital audio tape (DAT) recorder that stands out for its advanced features and superior sound quality. Designed for professional use as well as for audiophiles looking to capture and play back audio with fidelity, the DTC-A6 integrates cutting-edge technology and user-friendly functionality.

One of the defining characteristics of the DTC-A6 is its ability to record and play back audio at 48 kHz sampling rates with a resolution of 16-bit, providing stereo sound that rivals even that of compact discs. This precision makes the unit particularly appealing for professionals engaged in music production, broadcasting, and live event recording. The DAT format itself is known for its excellent dynamic range and low noise, which further enhances the audio output.

The DTC-A6 features an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned audio engineers. Its front panel includes essential controls alongside a clear digital display that shows tape transport status and audio levels. The unit offers a variety of recording modes, including PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) for uncompressed audio, as well as longer-play modes that allow users to stretch recording time without compromising quality.

Connectivity is another strong point for the DTC-A6. It offers multiple input and output options, including digital outputs like coaxial and optical, alongside traditional analog connections. This versatility allows users to integrate the DAT recorder seamlessly into various audio setups, whether in a studio or live environment.

The DTC-A6 uses advanced error correction technologies to minimize dropout and ensure consistent playback quality. Its ability to handle long-duration recordings is complemented by features like automatic track incrementing, making it easier to manage extensive audio sessions.

In conclusion, the Sony DTC-A6 is a robust digital audio tape recorder that combines superior sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and user-friendly features. Whether utilized in professional recordings or home audio systems, the DTC-A6 represents a commitment to high fidelity and reliability, appealing to both professionals and enthusiasts in the realm of digital audio. Its legacy continues to influence modern audio technology, highlighting Sony's dedication to innovation in sound reproduction.