1. Introduction
The TEAC W-1200 is a versatile dual cassette deck designed for both playback and recording. It features two independent one-way cassette decks, microphone mixing capabilities, and a USB digital output for modern archiving. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your W-1200 to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Key features include:
- Dual cassette decks for recording and playback on both decks with independent mechanisms.
- Noise reduction system to suppress hiss during playback (equivalent to Dolby B).
- Microphone input with mixing function for karaoke and announcements.
- One-touch dubbing, ±12% pitch control, and A-B repeat functionality.
- Parallel recording for simultaneous recording to two tapes.
- USB output for digital recording to PC/Mac at CD-quality (48kHz/16-bit PCM).
2. Product Overview
Figure 1: Front Panel. This image displays the front of the TEAC W-1200 Dual Cassette Deck, showing both tape compartments, control buttons for playback, recording, pause, and stop, as well as the microphone input, headphone jack, and level controls. The central display shows tape counter and recording indicators.
Figure 2: Rear Panel. This image shows the rear panel of the TEAC W-1200, highlighting the RCA analog input and output jacks, the USB output port for digital archiving, and the voltage selector switch. Important regulatory information and model details are also visible.
Figure 3: Remote Control Unit RC-1331. This image displays the included remote control for the TEAC W-1200. It features dedicated buttons for controlling Tape 1 and Tape 2 functions, including play, stop, record, pause, mute, counter reset, RTZ (Return to Zero), dimmer, parallel recording, dub start, and repeat.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking and Placement
- Carefully remove the W-1200 from its packaging. Retain the packaging for future transport or storage.
- Place the unit on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive dust or moisture.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
3.2 Connections
Before making any connections, ensure the W-1200 and all connected audio components are powered off.
- Audio Connection:
- Connect the RCA analog output jacks (LINE OUT) of the W-1200 to an available analog input on your amplifier or receiver using RCA audio cables.
- To record from an external source, connect the RCA analog input jacks (LINE IN) of the W-1200 to the analog output of your audio source (e.g., CD player, turntable pre-amp, tuner).
- USB Connection (for Digital Archiving):
- Connect the USB output port on the rear of the W-1200 to a USB port on your computer using a standard USB cable.
- Install appropriate audio recording software on your computer if not already present. The W-1200 will be recognized as an audio input device.
- Microphone Connection:
- Connect a 6.3mm (1/4") microphone to the MIC input jack on the front panel.
- Headphone Connection:
- Connect stereo headphones to the PHONES output jack on the front panel for private listening.
- Power Connection:
- Ensure the voltage selector on the rear panel is set correctly for your region (230V or 120V).
- Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC inlet on the rear of the unit, then plug it into a suitable wall outlet.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Basic Playback
- Press the POWER button to turn on the unit.
- Open the cassette door for Deck 1 or Deck 2 by pressing the EJECT button.
- Insert a cassette tape with the open edge facing upwards. Close the cassette door.
- Press the PLAY button for the desired deck.
- Adjust the LEVEL control for headphones or your amplifier's volume control for speaker output.
- To stop playback, press the STOP button.
4.2 Recording
The W-1200 supports recording on both decks (Deck 1 and Deck 2) and parallel recording.
- Preparation:
- Insert a recordable cassette tape (Type I Normal or Type II Chrome) into the desired deck. Ensure the tape's erase protection tab is intact.
- Select the input source (LINE IN or MIC).
- Standard Recording:
- Press the RECORD button for the chosen deck. The unit will enter record-pause mode.
- Adjust the REC LEVEL knob to set the recording level, monitoring the level meters on the display to avoid distortion.
- Press the PLAY button to start recording.
- To pause recording, press the PAUSE button. Press again to resume.
- To stop recording, press the STOP button.
- One-Touch Dubbing:
- Insert the source tape into one deck and a blank recordable tape into the other.
- Press the DUB START button. The unit will automatically begin dubbing from the source tape to the recording tape.
- Parallel Recording:
- Insert recordable tapes into both Deck 1 and Deck 2.
- Press the PARALLEL REC button. Both decks will enter record-pause mode.
- Press the PLAY button on either deck to start recording simultaneously on both tapes.
- REC Mute:
- During recording, press the REC MUTE button to create a 4-second silence. Press and hold for longer silences.
4.3 Advanced Functions
- Pitch Control: Use the PITCH CONTROL knob to adjust playback speed by ±12%.
- A-B Repeat: During playback, press the REPEAT button at the desired start point (A) and again at the desired end point (B) to repeat a section.
- RTZ (Return to Zero): Press the RETURN TO ZERO button to quickly rewind the tape to the "0000" position on the digital tape counter.
- Noise Reduction: The W-1200 features a noise reduction system (equivalent to Dolby B). Ensure the NOISE REDUCTION switch is set to ON for playback of tapes recorded with noise reduction.
- Timer Recording/Playback: The unit is timer REC/PLAY ready. Refer to your external timer's instructions for setup.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your cassette deck.
- Cleaning the Heads and Capstans: After every 10-20 hours of use, clean the tape heads, capstans, and pinch rollers using a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol or a specialized head cleaning fluid.
- Demagnetizing the Heads: Periodically demagnetize the tape heads using a tape head demagnetizer to prevent magnetization buildup, which can degrade sound quality.
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Dust Protection: Keep the unit covered when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cord not connected; Power outlet faulty; Unit power switch off. | Ensure power cord is securely connected. Try a different outlet. Press the POWER button. |
| No sound during playback | Incorrect audio connections; Amplifier/receiver input not selected; Volume too low; Headphone not fully inserted. | Check RCA cable connections. Select correct input on amplifier. Increase volume. Ensure headphones are fully plugged in. |
| Poor sound quality (muffled/distorted) | Dirty tape heads/capstans/pinch rollers; Magnetized heads; Worn tape; Incorrect noise reduction setting. | Clean tape heads and transport parts. Demagnetize heads. Try a different tape. Adjust NOISE REDUCTION switch. |
| Tape not playing/moving | Tape jammed; Tape slack; Erase protection tab broken (for recording). | Remove tape and inspect for damage. Wind tape slack with a pencil. For recording, cover the broken tab with adhesive tape. |
| Recording level too low/high | REC LEVEL knob incorrectly set. | Adjust the REC LEVEL knob while monitoring the level meters. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | W-1200 |
| Manufacturer | TEAC |
| Tape Compatibility | Normal (Type I), Chrome (Type II) for REC/PLAY; Metal (Type IV) for PLAY only. |
| Noise Reduction | Equivalent to Dolby B |
| Pitch Control | ±12% |
| Inputs | RCA Analog (LINE IN), 6.3mm (1/4") Microphone |
| Outputs | RCA Analog (LINE OUT), 6.3mm (1/4") Stereo Headphone, USB (Type B) |
| USB Output Resolution | 48kHz/16-bit PCM |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approximately 10 x 8 x 6700 inches |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Date First Available | August 8, 2018 |
8. Warranty and Support
The TEAC W-1200 Dual Cassette Deck comes with a 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
For technical support, warranty claims, or service inquiries, please contact TEAC customer support through their official website or the contact information provided with your product packaging. Please have your model number (W-1200) and purchase date ready when contacting support.
For more information, visit the official Teac Store on Amazon.
