Introduction
The TEAC AD-850-SE is a versatile audio component combining a cassette deck and CD player in a single unit. This model supports recording and playback with USB flash drives, offering compatibility with three types of media. It features a built-in microphone input jack, allowing for karaoke with backing music from a CD, cassette, or USB flash drive. The microphone input can also be mixed and recorded to a cassette tape or USB flash drive. The unit supports various recording combinations, including recording from cassette, CD, external input, or microphone input to a USB flash drive (as an MP3 file), as well as recording from CD, USB flash drive (MP3 file), microphone input, or external input to a cassette tape. Please note that microphone sound cannot be recorded when recording directly from a CD to a USB flash drive.
The cassette mechanism is a two-head single one-way type, compatible with normal, chrome, and metal (playback only) position cassette tapes. Key functions include pitch control playback with a +/-10% adjustment range. Extensive timer functions are supported for cassette recording and playback, as well as CD and USB flash drive playback (a commercially available timer must be purchased separately). Various playback modes, such as programmed, repeat, and shuffle, are available for CDs and USB flash drives.
Product Overview
Video: An overview of the TEAC AD-850-SE, showcasing its features and components as it is unboxed.
Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before operating this unit. Keep this manual for future reference. Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Do not block any ventilation openings. Do not install near any heat sources. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- TEAC AD-850-SE Main Unit
- Power Cable
- Remote Control (with batteries)
- Instruction Manual
- RCA Audio Cables
Setup
1. Placement
Place the unit on a flat, stable surface with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing it near heat sources, direct sunlight, or areas with high humidity or dust.
2. Connecting Power
- Ensure the unit's power switch is in the OFF position.
- Connect the supplied power cable to the AC IN jack on the rear of the unit.
- Plug the other end of the power cable into a suitable AC wall outlet.
3. Connecting Audio
The AD-850-SE features both analog and digital audio outputs for connection to an amplifier or receiver. It also has analog inputs for connecting external audio sources.
Analog Audio Output (LINE OUT)
- Connect the RCA LINE OUT jacks (L/R) on the rear of the AD-850-SE to the analog audio input jacks (e.g., CD, AUX) on your amplifier or receiver using RCA audio cables.
Analog Audio Input (LINE IN)
- Connect the RCA LINE IN jacks (L/R) on the rear of the AD-850-SE to the analog audio output jacks of an external audio source (e.g., turntable, another cassette deck) using RCA audio cables.
Microphone Input
- Connect a microphone to the MIC input jack on the front panel. Adjust the MIC LEVEL knob to control the microphone volume.
Operating Instructions
1. Power On/Off
Press the POWER button on the front panel to turn the unit on or off.
2. CD Player Operation
- Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to open the CD tray.
- Place a CD (audio CD, CD-R/RW with MP3 files) onto the tray with the label side up.
- Press OPEN/CLOSE again to close the tray. The unit will read the disc.
- Press the PLAY button to start playback.
- Use the SKIP buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to navigate between tracks.
- Use the PROGRAM, REPEAT, and SHUFFLE buttons to select desired playback modes.
- ID3 tags and file names for MP3 files will be displayed on the unit's screen.
3. Cassette Deck Operation
- Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment.
- Insert a cassette tape into the compartment and close it.
- Press the PLAY button to start playback.
- Use the REW (Rewind) and FFWD (Fast Forward) buttons for navigation.
- Adjust the PITCH CONTROL knob to change the playback speed.
Cassette Recording
- Select the desired source for recording (CD, USB, MIC, or LINE IN) using the SOURCE button.
- Insert a recordable cassette tape.
- Press the REC button, then PLAY to begin recording.
- Adjust the REC LEVEL knob to set the recording volume.
4. USB Flash Drive Operation
Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port on the front panel.
USB Playback
- Select USB as the source.
- Use the PLAY, PAUSE, and SKIP buttons to control playback of MP3 files.
USB Recording
- Select the desired source for recording (CD, Cassette, MIC, or LINE IN) using the SOURCE button.
- Press the REC button, then PLAY to begin recording to the USB flash drive as an MP3 file.
- Note: Microphone sound cannot be recorded when recording from a CD to a USB flash drive.
5. Microphone and Echo Effect
- Connect a microphone to the MIC input.
- Adjust the MIC LEVEL knob for microphone volume.
- Use the ECHO MODE switch to apply an echo effect to the microphone sound. For karaoke, a separate amplifier and speakers are required.
6. Timer Functions
The unit supports timer-activated recording and playback for cassettes, and playback for CDs and USB flash drives. A commercially available external timer is required and must be connected to the unit's power supply. Refer to the external timer's manual for setup instructions.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Unit
- Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth.
- For stubborn dirt, dampen the cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and wipe gently, then dry with a clean cloth.
- Do not use abrasive pads, scouring powder, or solvents such as alcohol or benzene, as these may damage the surface.
Cleaning the Cassette Head
Regularly clean the cassette head, pinch roller, and capstan with a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to ensure optimal sound quality and prevent tape damage.
CD Lens Cleaning
Use a commercially available CD lens cleaner disc to clean the CD player's lens periodically.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cable not connected securely. | Check power cable connection to unit and wall outlet. |
| No sound output | Audio cables not connected correctly; incorrect source selected on amplifier. | Verify audio cable connections; select correct input on amplifier. |
| CD does not play | Disc inserted incorrectly; disc is dirty or scratched. | Insert disc with label side up; clean or replace disc. |
| Cassette tape not playing/recording | Tape inserted incorrectly; dirty heads; tape is damaged. | Insert tape correctly; clean cassette heads; use a new tape. |
| USB recording issues | USB drive full or incompatible format; mic recording from CD to USB. | Use a formatted USB drive with sufficient space; note mic limitation for CD to USB recording. |
Specifications
- Model Name: AD-850-SE
- Brand: Teac
- Manufacturer: TEAC
- Color: Silver
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Item Weight: 16 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 22 x 16 x 10 inches
- Cassette Deck: Two-head single one-way type, supports Normal, Chrome, Metal (playback only) tapes. Pitch control (+/-10%).
- CD Player: Supports CD-R/RW discs, MP3 file playback, ID3 tags, file name display. Playback modes: Program, Repeat, Shuffle.
- USB Port: For MP3 recording and playback.
- Microphone Input: Yes, with Echo effect.
- Recording Functions: CD to USB (MP3), Cassette to USB (MP3), Line In to USB (MP3), Mic to USB (MP3 - with limitations), CD to Cassette, USB to Cassette, Line In to Cassette, Mic to Cassette.
- Timer Functions: Cassette recording/playback, CD/USB playback (requires external timer).
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Teac website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
