1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Soundmaster MCD5550SW Multi-Functional Audio System. This system integrates a turntable, CD player, dual cassette deck, DAB+/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB/SD card playback and encoding capabilities. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device and retain it for future reference.
2. Safety Instructions
- Power Source: Connect the unit only to an AC power outlet with the specified voltage.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or dripping/splashing liquids. Do not place objects filled with liquids on the unit.
- Heat: Keep the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.
- Cleaning: Unplug the unit from the power outlet before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Batteries: The remote control requires 2 AAA batteries. Ensure correct polarity when inserting. Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present upon unpacking:
- Soundmaster MCD5550SW Main Unit
- Two External Speakers
- Remote Control
- User Manual (this document)
- Power Cable
- FM Antenna
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front View
Image Description: This image displays the Soundmaster MCD5550SW audio system from the front. It features a top-mounted turntable with a clear dust cover, a central control panel with a digital display, buttons for various functions (power, function, tuning, volume), and input ports (USB, SD). Below the control panel are two cassette decks (Deck 1 and Deck 2) and a CD player tray. Two external speakers, with black wooden enclosures and visible speaker cones, flank the main unit.
Image Description: A closer view of the Soundmaster MCD5550SW's front panel. The digital display shows 'ANTENNE DAB+', indicating DAB radio mode. Various control buttons are visible, including power, function selection, tuning, volume knobs, and buttons for playback control. The USB and SD card slots are also clearly visible on the upper part of the central panel.
4.2 Rear View
Image Description: This image shows the rear panel of the Soundmaster MCD5550SW. Key connection ports are visible, including the DAB+/FM antenna input, Line Out (RCA), Speaker outputs (RCA), and an AUX-In port (3.5mm jack). The AC power input is located on the right side. Various regulatory labels and a serial number sticker are also present.
4.3 Remote Control
Image Description: A black remote control for the Soundmaster MCD5550SW. It features various buttons for power (I/O), function selection, navigation (MEM/CLK-ADJ, TUNE+/-, BAND, ENTER), playback control (Play/Pause, Stop, Skip), volume adjustment (VOL+/-, MUTE), and specific functions like PLAY MODE, SCAN, SLEEP/TIMER, EQ, DELETE/INFO, and REC. The Soundmaster logo is at the bottom.
4.4 Key Features Overview
Image Description: This image displays a grid of icons illustrating the main features of the Soundmaster MCD5550SW. These include Radio, PLL Tuning, Preset Stations, DAB+, RDS, Clock, CD-R/RW compatibility, MP3 playback, CD player, Double Cassette Deck, Recording function, Turntable, Encoding (recording to USB/SD), Equalizer, Bass Boost, Line Out, 75-Ohm Antenna Jack, Aux In, Headphone output, USB port, AC Power, and Bluetooth connectivity.
5. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
- Speaker Connection: Connect the two external speakers to the SPEAKER OUT RCA jacks on the rear panel of the main unit. Ensure correct polarity (red to red, black to black).
- Antenna Connection: Connect the supplied FM antenna to the DAB+/FM ANT jack on the rear panel. For optimal DAB+ reception, extend the antenna fully.
- Power Connection: Insert the power cable into the AC IN socket on the rear panel and then plug it into a standard wall outlet.
- Remote Control Batteries: Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote control and insert 2 AAA batteries, observing the correct polarity (+/-).
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Power On/Off
Press the I/O button on the front panel or remote control to turn the unit on or off.
6.2 Function Selection
Press the FUNCTION button on the front panel or remote control repeatedly to cycle through available modes: PHONO (Turntable), CD, TAPE (Cassette), DAB, FM, BT (Bluetooth), USB, SD, AUX.
6.3 Turntable Operation
- Select PHONO mode.
- Open the dust cover.
- Place a record on the platter.
- Select the appropriate speed (33, 45, or 78 RPM) using the speed selector switch.
- Gently lift the tonearm using the cueing lever and position it over the desired track on the record.
- Lower the tonearm slowly onto the record. Playback will begin.
- At the end of the record, manually lift the tonearm and return it to its rest.
6.4 CD Player Operation
- Select CD mode.
- Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to open the CD tray.
- Place a CD (CD/CD-MP3/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/WMA compatible) with the label side up into the tray.
- Press OPEN/CLOSE again to close the tray. The unit will read the disc.
- Press PLAY/PAUSE to start playback.
- Use SKIP FORWARD/BACKWARD buttons to navigate tracks.
- The REPEAT and PROGRAM functions are available for customized playback.
6.5 Cassette Player/Recorder Operation
- Select TAPE mode.
- Press the STOP/EJECT button on either Deck 1 or Deck 2 to open the cassette door.
- Insert a cassette tape.
- Playback: Press PLAY on Deck 1 or Deck 2.
- Recording (Deck 1 only): To record from another source (CD, Turntable, Radio, Bluetooth) onto a cassette, ensure Deck 1 has a recordable tape. Select the desired source, then press the REC button on Deck 1.
- Cassette to Cassette Overdub: Insert a playback cassette into Deck 2 and a recordable cassette into Deck 1. Start playback on Deck 2, then press REC on Deck 1.
6.6 Radio Operation (DAB/FM)
- Select DAB or FM mode.
- Auto Scan: For DAB, the unit will automatically scan for available stations upon first use. For FM, press and hold the SCAN button to auto-scan and store stations.
- Manual Tuning: Use the TUNE +/- buttons to manually adjust the frequency.
- Preset Stations: Store and recall your favorite stations using the MEM/CLK-ADJ and FOLDER/MEM PRE +/- buttons.
6.7 Bluetooth Operation
- Select BT mode. The display will show "BT" and start flashing, indicating it's in pairing mode.
- On your Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet), enable Bluetooth and search for available devices.
- Select "MCD5550SW" from the list of devices.
- Once paired, the display will stop flashing. You can now play audio from your device through the Soundmaster MCD5550SW.
6.8 USB/SD Playback
- Insert a USB flash drive into the USB slot or an SD card into the SD CARD slot.
- Select USB or SD mode.
- The unit will automatically detect and begin playing compatible MP3/WMA files.
- Use playback control buttons (PLAY/PAUSE, SKIP) and FOLDER buttons to navigate.
6.9 Encoding (Recording to USB/SD)
The MCD5550SW allows you to record audio from the turntable, CD player, cassette player, or radio directly to a connected USB drive or SD card in MP3 format.
- Insert a USB drive or SD card with sufficient free space.
- Select the desired source (PHONO, CD, TAPE, DAB, FM, BT).
- Start playback on the source (e.g., play a record, CD, or cassette, tune to a radio station).
- Press the REC button on the front panel or remote control. The unit will begin recording the audio to the USB/SD device.
- Press STOP to end the recording.
6.10 Volume and Tone Control
Adjust the master volume using the VOLUME knob on the front panel or VOL +/- buttons on the remote. Use the TONE knob to adjust bass and treble levels. The EQ button on the remote cycles through preset equalizer settings.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning the Unit: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Turntable Maintenance: Keep the stylus clean with a soft brush. Regularly clean the dust cover with a soft, damp cloth.
- CD Player: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe CDs from the center outwards. Do not use scratched or dirty CDs.
- Cassette Decks: Periodically clean the tape heads and pinch rollers with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cable not connected; Power outlet faulty | Ensure power cable is securely connected; Try a different outlet |
| No sound | Volume too low; Speakers not connected; Incorrect function selected | Increase volume; Check speaker connections; Select correct input source |
| Poor radio reception | Antenna not extended or positioned correctly | Extend and adjust the FM antenna for better reception. For DAB, ensure you are in an area with DAB+ coverage. |
| Bluetooth pairing fails | Device too far; Bluetooth not enabled on source device; Unit not in pairing mode | Move device closer; Enable Bluetooth on your device; Ensure MCD5550SW is in BT mode and flashing |
| Turntable speed incorrect | Wrong speed selected | Adjust the speed selector switch to match the record (33, 45, or 78 RPM) |
9. Specifications
- Model: MCD5550SW
- Brand: Soundmaster
- Power Output: 2 x 2.5 W RMS (Speakers)
- Turntable Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 RPM
- CD Compatibility: CD, CD-MP3, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
- Radio: DAB+, FM Stereo
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, SD Card Slot, AUX-In (3.5mm), Line-Out (RCA)
- Encoding: Record from Turntable, CD, Cassette, Radio to USB/SD (MP3 format)
- Cassette Decks: Double Cassette Deck with Overdub function
- Special Features: X Bass Support, Headphone Jack, Remote Control
- Dimensions (Main Unit): 31.8 x 29.0 x 28.6 cm (W x D x H)
- Dimensions (Speakers): 14.6 x 15.5 x 19.5 cm (W x D x H) each
- Weight: 7.6 kg
- Power Source: AC Cable
- Remote Control Batteries: 2 x AAA (not included)
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
