Tascam CD-GT2 Guitar Trainer User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Tascam CD-GT2 Guitar Trainer. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the unit to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Important Safety Information

• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
• Do not open the casing; refer servicing to qualified personnel.
• Use only the specified power adapter (DC IN 5V) or batteries.
• Avoid placing the unit near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• Do not leave batteries in the unit for extended periods when not in use to prevent leakage.

Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• Tascam CD-GT2 Guitar Trainer Unit
• User Manual (this document)
• Power Cord
• Remote Control (if applicable to your model variant)

Unit Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your CD-GT2.

Front Panel and Controls

Image: Top view of the Tascam CD-GT2, showing the display, control buttons (Tempo, Key, Guitar Cancel, Effect, Tuner, Loop, Play/Pause, Stop, Flash Back), cursor buttons, value buttons, and Phones Volume knob.

• Display Screen: Shows track information, tempo, key, and effect settings. Note: The display screen is compact.
• TEMPO Button: Adjusts playback speed.
• KEY Button: Changes the playback pitch without altering tempo.
• GUITAR CANCEL Button: Reduces the level of the guitar part in a CD track.
• EFFECT Button: Accesses and adjusts built-in guitar effects.
• TUNER Button: Activates the chromatic tuner.
• LOOP Button: Sets and repeats a specific section of a track.
• PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, FLASH BACK Buttons: Standard CD player controls.
• CURSOR Buttons: Navigate menus and settings.
• VALUE Buttons: Adjust parameter values.
• PHONES VOLUME Knob: Controls headphone output level.

Side and Rear Panels

Image: Side view of the Tascam CD-GT2 with the CD tray open, showing the PHONES, LINE OUT, INPUT (GUITAR/MIC IN), and FOOT SW jacks.

• OPEN Switch: Releases the CD compartment lid.
• PHONES Jack: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for connecting headphones.
• LINE OUT Jack: For connecting to an external amplifier or recording device.
• INPUT (GUITAR/MIC IN) Jack: 6.3mm mono jack for connecting a guitar or microphone.
• FOOT SW Jack: For connecting an optional footswitch for hands-free control.

Image: Rear view of the Tascam CD-GT2, showing the DC IN 5V power input and the POWER button.

• DC IN 5V: Power input jack for the included AC adapter.
• POWER Button: Press and hold for 1 second to turn the unit on or off.

Setup

1. Power Connection:
   • AC Adapter: Connect the supplied AC adapter to the DC IN 5V jack on the rear panel and plug it into a wall outlet.
   • Batteries: Alternatively, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit and insert four AA batteries, observing correct polarity.
2. Turning On/Off: Press and hold the POWER button on the rear panel for approximately 1 second.
3. Loading a CD:
   1. Slide the OPEN switch to release the CD compartment lid.
   2. Place a standard audio CD onto the spindle with the label side facing up.
   3. Gently close the CD compartment lid until it clicks securely.
4. Connecting Headphones/Amplifier:
   • For private practice, connect headphones to the PHONES jack. Adjust volume using the PHONES VOLUME knob.
   • To output audio to an external amplifier or recording device, connect a cable from the LINE OUT jack.
5. Connecting an Instrument/Microphone: Plug your guitar or a microphone into the INPUT (GUITAR/MIC IN) jack.
6. Connecting a Footswitch (Optional): Connect a compatible footswitch to the FOOT SW jack for remote control of certain functions.

Operating Instructions

Basic CD Playback

1. Load an audio CD as described in the Setup section.
2. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to start playback. The unit may take a few moments to read a new CD before starting.
3. Use the SKIP buttons (left/right arrows) to navigate between tracks.
4. Press the STOP button to halt playback.
5. The FLASH BACK button allows you to quickly rewind a few seconds during playback.

Tempo Control

The TEMPO function allows you to slow down or speed up the CD playback without changing the pitch, ideal for learning fast passages.

1. During CD playback, press the TEMPO button.
2. Use the VALUE buttons (up/down arrows) to adjust the tempo percentage. A lower percentage slows down the track.
3. Note: Significant tempo reduction (e.g., below -50%) may introduce a slight "warbling" or distortion effect, which is a characteristic of the digital processing.

Key Control (Pitch Shift)

The KEY function allows you to change the pitch of the CD playback in semitone steps without altering the tempo, useful for matching your instrument's tuning or playing in different keys.

1. During CD playback, press the KEY button.
2. Use the VALUE buttons to adjust the key up or down in semitone increments.
3. Adjusting the key by a full step (+1 or -1) corresponds to a half-step in musical terms (e.g., E to E-flat).

Loop Playback

Use the LOOP function to repeatedly play a specific section of a song, aiding in focused practice.

1. During CD playback, press the LOOP button at the desired start point (A).
2. Press the LOOP button again at the desired end point (B). The section between A and B will now loop continuously.
3. To exit loop playback, press the LOOP button a third time.

Guitar Cancel

The GUITAR CANCEL feature attempts to reduce the level of the guitar part in a CD track, making it easier to play along.

• Press the GUITAR CANCEL button to activate/deactivate the function.
• Note: This function works best on tracks where the guitar is centrally panned and may not completely eliminate the guitar sound.

Effects

The CD-GT2 includes various built-in effects for your guitar input.

1. Press the EFFECT button to cycle through available effects or enter effect editing mode.
2. Use the CURSOR and VALUE buttons to select and adjust effect parameters.
3. It is recommended to start with preset effects before attempting extensive customization.

Tuner and Metronome

• Tuner: Press the TUNER button to activate the chromatic tuner for your guitar. Follow the display to tune your instrument.
• Metronome: The unit also features a metronome function. Refer to the on-screen prompts and use the CURSOR/VALUE buttons to set tempo and beat.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents. For the CD lens, use a specialized CD lens cleaner if necessary.
• CD Care: Handle CDs by their edges. Keep them clean and free of scratches.
• Battery Removal: If the unit will not be used for an extended period, remove the AA batteries to prevent potential leakage and damage.
• Demagnetization: If experiencing unusual audio artifacts or magnetic interference, gently wipe the unit with a clean, soft cloth to help demagnetize it.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty Information

Specific warranty details for the Tascam CD-GT2 are typically provided with the product at the time of purchase or can be found on the official Tascam website. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Support and Service

For technical support, service, or further inquiries regarding your Tascam CD-GT2, please visit the official Tascam website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can usually be found on the Tascam website or in the documentation included with your product.