1. Introduction and Overview
The Soundmaster SCD1980SI is a versatile portable audio system designed to combine classic audio formats with modern connectivity. This boombox features DAB+ and FM radio, CD player (CD-R/RW, MP3-CD compatible), a cassette recorder with built-in microphone, USB and Micro-SD playback for MP3 files, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming. Its robust design and multiple power options (AC or battery) make it ideal for both home and portable use.
This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Soundmaster SCD1980SI to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Important Safety Instructions
Please read these safety instructions carefully before operating the unit and retain them for future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or damage to the unit.
- Power Source: Use only the specified power adapter or batteries. Ensure the voltage matches the requirements of the unit.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, dripping, or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit.
- Heat: Do not place the unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Cleaning: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Batteries: Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries. Dispose of used batteries properly.
- Antenna: Position the telescopic antenna carefully to avoid injury or damage.
3. Package Contents
Please check that all items are present in the packaging:
- Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox
- AC Power Cable
- User Manual (this document)
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.
4. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the various parts and controls of your Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox.

Figure 4.1: Angled front view of the Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox, showing the CD player, cassette deck, radio display, and various controls.

Figure 4.2: Front view of the Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox, highlighting the central control panel, dual speakers, and telescopic antenna.

Figure 4.3: Rear view of the Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox, displaying the power input, battery compartment, and bass reflex ports.
Key Features:
- DAB+ Digital Radio: Enjoy crystal-clear digital radio with 30 preset station memory.
- FM Radio: Traditional analog FM radio reception.
- CD Player: Supports CD-R/RW and MP3-CD playback.
- Cassette Recorder: Play and record audio cassettes, featuring a built-in microphone for voice recording.
- USB/Micro-SD Playback: Play MP3 audio files directly from USB sticks or Micro-SD cards.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Auxiliary Input: Connect external audio devices via a 3.5mm audio cable.
- Microphone Input: For karaoke or voice amplification.
- Portable Design: Integrated handle and battery compartment for on-the-go use.
5. Setup
5.1 Power Connection
Your Soundmaster SCD1980SI can be powered by AC mains or batteries.
AC Power:
- Ensure the unit's power switch is in the OFF position.
- Insert the AC power cable into the AC IN jack on the rear of the unit.
- Plug the other end of the AC power cable into a standard wall outlet (230V ~ 50Hz).
Battery Power:
For portable use, the unit requires 8 x 'D' size (UM-1) batteries (not included).
- Open the battery compartment cover on the rear of the unit.
- Insert 8 'D' size batteries, ensuring the correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
- When operating on batteries, disconnect the AC power cable.
5.2 Antenna Adjustment
For optimal radio reception, extend the telescopic antenna fully. For FM and DAB+ reception, try adjusting the angle and direction of the antenna to achieve the best signal quality.
5.3 Initial Power On
After connecting power, press the POWER button to turn on the unit. The display will illuminate, and the unit will typically default to the last used mode or DAB+ radio.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 General Operation
- Power On/Off: Press the POWER button to turn the unit on or off.
- Volume Control: Rotate the VOLUME knob to adjust the sound level.
- Mode Selection: Use the MODE button to switch between DAB+, FM, CD, USB/SD, Bluetooth, and AUX modes.
- Bass/Treble Control: Adjust the BASS and TREBLE knobs to fine-tune the audio output.
6.2 DAB+ Radio Operation
- Switch the unit to DAB+ mode using the MODE button.
- The unit will automatically scan for available DAB+ stations on first use or if no stations are found.
- Use the TUNING knob or PRESET buttons to navigate through the list of available stations.
- To store a station as a preset, press and hold the PRESET button until the display shows 'Preset Store'. Use the TUNING knob to select a preset number (1-30) and press PRESET again to confirm.
- To recall a preset station, briefly press the PRESET button and use the TUNING knob to select the desired preset number, then press PRESET again.
6.3 FM Radio Operation
- Switch the unit to FM mode using the MODE button.
- Rotate the TUNING knob to manually tune to a desired FM frequency.
- To auto-scan for the next available station, press and hold the TUNING knob or a dedicated scan button if available.
- Storing and recalling FM presets follows the same procedure as DAB+ presets.
6.4 CD Playback
- Switch the unit to CD mode.
- Open the CD compartment door.
- Place a CD (audio CD, CD-R/RW, or MP3-CD) onto the spindle with the label side facing up.
- Close the CD compartment door. The unit will read the disc.
- Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to start or pause playback.
- Use the SKIP FORWARD/BACKWARD buttons to skip tracks.
- Press the STOP button to stop playback.
- Use the REPEAT button to repeat the current track or the entire disc.
6.5 Cassette Playback and Recording
- Switch the unit to TAPE mode.
- Open the cassette compartment door.
- Insert a cassette tape with the open edge facing down.
- Close the cassette compartment door.
- Playback: Press the PLAY button to start playback. Use FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons to navigate. Press STOP/EJECT to stop playback and eject the tape.
- Recording: To record from radio, CD, or the built-in microphone, ensure the desired source is playing. Press the RECORD button (usually red) simultaneously with the PLAY button. The unit will begin recording onto the cassette. Press STOP to end recording.
6.6 USB/Micro-SD Playback
- Switch the unit to USB/SD mode.
- Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port or a Micro-SD card into the Micro-SD slot.
- The unit will automatically detect and begin playing MP3 files.
- Use the PLAY/PAUSE, SKIP FORWARD/BACKWARD, and STOP buttons as you would for CD playback.
6.7 Bluetooth Connection
- Switch the unit to Bluetooth mode. The display will show 'BT' or 'PAIRING', indicating it's ready to pair.
- On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth and search for available devices.
- Select 'SCD1980SI' (or similar name) from the list of devices.
- Once paired, the unit will confirm the connection, and you can now stream audio from your device to the boombox.
- Control playback (play/pause, skip) either from your connected device or using the boombox's controls.
6.8 Auxiliary Input (AUX)
- Switch the unit to AUX mode.
- Connect an external audio device (e.g., MP3 player, smartphone) to the AUX IN jack using a 3.5mm audio cable (not included).
- Audio from the connected device will now play through the boombox speakers. Control playback from the external device.
6.9 Microphone Input / Karaoke
- Connect a microphone (not included) to the MIC jack on the unit.
- Adjust the microphone volume using the dedicated MIC VOLUME knob, if available, or the main volume control.
- You can sing along to music playing from CD, USB/SD, Bluetooth, or AUX.
7. Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity of your Soundmaster SCD1980SI.
- Cleaning the Unit: Disconnect the power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
- CD Lens Care: If the CD player experiences reading errors, use a commercially available CD lens cleaner disc to clean the lens. Do not touch the lens directly.
- Cassette Deck Care: Periodically clean the tape heads, capstan, and pinch roller with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Demagnetize the tape heads regularly with a tape head demagnetizer.
- Battery Care: If the unit will not be used for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and corrosion.
- Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems with your unit, please refer to the following table for common issues and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cable not connected; Batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted. | Check AC power connection; Replace batteries or ensure correct polarity. |
| No sound | Volume too low; Incorrect mode selected; Headphones connected. | Increase volume; Select correct mode (CD, Radio, BT, etc.); Disconnect headphones. |
| Poor radio reception | Antenna not extended or poorly positioned; Weak signal area. | Extend and adjust the telescopic antenna; Try moving the unit to a different location. |
| CD not playing / Disc error | Disc is dirty or scratched; Disc inserted incorrectly; Unsupported disc format. | Clean the disc with a soft cloth; Insert disc with label side up; Ensure it's an audio CD, CD-R/RW, or MP3-CD. |
| Bluetooth not connecting | Unit not in Bluetooth mode; Device too far; Bluetooth not enabled on external device. | Switch unit to Bluetooth mode; Move device closer; Enable Bluetooth on your device and re-scan. |
| Cassette playback issues | Tape is tangled or damaged; Tape heads are dirty. | Inspect tape for damage; Clean tape heads and pinch roller. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | SCD1980SI |
| Brand | Soundmaster |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB |
| Speaker Type | Stereo |
| Power Source | AC (230V ~ 50Hz) / Battery (8 x 'D' size UM-1) |
| Compatible Devices | MP3 Player, Personal Computer, Smartphone |
| Radio Tuner | DAB+, FM |
| CD Compatibility | CD, CD-R/RW, MP3-CD |
| Cassette Deck | Playback and Recording (with built-in microphone) |
| USB/SD Playback | MP3 format |
10. Warranty and Support
Your Soundmaster SCD1980SI Boombox comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your packaging for specific terms and conditions, including the warranty period and coverage details.
For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please visit the official Soundmaster website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or on the product packaging.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.





