QFX RETRO-39 Shoes Box Style Cassette Recorder with USB Port

Product Overview

The QFX RETRO-39 is a shoes box style cassette recorder featuring a USB port. It is designed for recording and playback of audio cassettes.

The device features a built-in speaker, a cassette deck, a USB port for digital connectivity, line-in and line-out jacks, and a built-in microphone. Controls include REC, PLAY, REW, F.F. (Fast Forward), STOP/EJECT, and PAUSE keys, along with a USB/Line in/Tape/Off switch and a volume control.

Device Components

The QFX RETRO-39 cassette recorder has the following components:

• 1. Attached DC JACK
• 2. Speaker (SP Recording)
• 3. USB Port
• 4. FWD Key (for USB)
• 5. REW Key (for USB)
• 6. Play/Pause Key (for USB)
• 7. Cassette Deck
• 8. Record Key
• 9. Play Key
• 10. Rewind Key
• 11. Fast-Forward Key
• 12. Stop/Eject Key
• 13. Pause Key
• 14. Sideway Handle
• 15. Volume Control
• 16. Line Out Jack
• 17. Line In Jack
• 18. USB/Line in/Tape/Off switch
• 19. Battery Compartment
• 20. Built-in Microphone

Operation

Power Supply

Warning: Disconnect the recorder by unplugging the plug from the wall socket when not in use.

Operation on Batteries

The recorder operates on 4 x 1.5V DC batteries (UM-2 C cell type). For extended battery life, Manganese alkaline batteries are recommended. To insert batteries, slide off the lid of the battery compartment and insert the four batteries, ensuring correct polarity according to the marks inside the compartment.

Power Supply Specifications

Power Supply: AC (-) 90V-240V, DC 6V.

Cassette Operation

Loading and Removing Cassettes

To open the cassette compartment lid, fully depress the Stop/Eject Key. Before inserting a cassette, check the tape tension and take up any slack by inserting a pencil into one of the hub-holes and turning. This prevents tape-spill and loop-throwing, which can damage the tape. Insert the cassette with the exposed tape facing the front of the machine and ensure it is firmly seated within the guides on the compartment lid. Close the lid. To remove a cassette, fully depress the Stop/Eject Key after disengaging any active function using the Stop Key. Do not attempt to load or unload cassettes when the mechanism is engaged.

Auto-Stop

The recorder features a mechanical auto-stop that automatically disengages playback or record functions at the end of a cassette. This function is not active during fast-forward or rewind modes. If the auto-stop triggers prematurely, it may be due to the tape being too tightly wound or having ridges, causing excessive friction. This can often be corrected by rapping the cassette face down on a flat surface and then winding the tape through from end to end.

Fast-Forward and Rewind

The Fast-Forward and Rewind keys allow for quick location of specific sections of tape. The function of either key is canceled by pressing the Stop key. Always use the Stop key to halt the tape. Attempting to switch directly from winding to playback may damage the tape and the mechanism. Avoid leaving the machine winding tape in either direction for extended periods, as the auto-stop may not engage when the tape reaches its end, potentially damaging the mechanism.

Protecting Recordings

Normally, any recording on a cassette tape is automatically erased when a new recording is made. To protect your recordings from accidental erasure, remove the small plastic erase lock tabs located on the rear of the cassette. When the cassette is held with the recorded side up, the protective tab is found on the left side of the rear edge. All pre-recorded cassettes come with these tabs removed to prevent accidental erasure of commercial recordings. "Protected" cassettes can be re-recorded by covering the tab hole with a piece of adhesive tape, which acts as a replacement for the tab, allowing the machine to engage in record mode. A protected cassette will prevent the Record key from being pressed. If the Record key does not engage when attempting to record, do not force the mechanism. Check that a cassette is loaded and that the erase-lock tab has not been removed.

Diagram illustrating the erase lock tab for side "i" on a cassette.

Recording

Microphone Usage

Position the built-in microphone approximately 12 inches (30 cm) from the sound source. The recorder is equipped with an Automatic Level Control (ALC) to ensure all recordings are maintained at an optimal level. The volume control is active only during playback and does not require adjustment. Due to the proximity of the built-in microphone to mechanical moving parts, it may pick up noise if the recorder is operated at a distance greater than 12 inches (30 cm) from the sound source.

Recording Using a Line-in Jack

Connect a low-impedance microphone to the Line-in jack. For optimal signal-to-noise performance, position the external Line-in jack as close to the audio source as possible. Inserting a jack plug into the Line-in jack microphone socket automatically disconnects the built-in microphone.

Maintenance

This recorder requires no routine maintenance, and under no circumstances should you attempt to lubricate any parts of the machine. However, parts of the machine that come into direct contact with the tape require periodic cleaning to ensure continued good performance.

Cleaning Tape Heads and Mechanism

The tape heads (erase and record/play) can be cleaned using a cotton ball moistened with a drop of isopropyl alcohol or a proprietary tape head cleaner. The pinch-roller and capstan shaft can be cleaned similarly. To gain proper access to these parts, remove any cassette from the compartment and leave the lid raised. Pressing the Play key will engage the mechanics and move all parts into view. Cleaning the pinch-roller and capstan shaft is easier if the power source is connected (batteries or mains), allowing them to rotate. It is suggested that a proprietary Cassette Head Cleaning Cassette be used after manually cleaning the Record/Play head to restore polish and remove surface film.

Diagram showing the internal tape path components:

• Erase Head
• Record/Play Head
• Capsian
• Pinch-Roller

Failure to maintain the tape heads in clean condition will result in muffled reproduction, poor recordings, and incomplete erasure. Failure to maintain the pinch-roller and capstan shaft in clean condition is likely to cause the tape to become entangled and spill out of the cassette.

Caution: Do not touch the tape heads with any metallic or sharp-pointed object.

Specifications

• Power Supply: AC (-) 90V-240V, DC 6V (4 x UM-2 C cell batteries)
• Speaker: 3" 8 ohm
• Output: 850 mW max
• Cassette Section:
  • Tape: Standard Cassette Tape (lengths C-90 or less)
  • Tape Speed: 1-7/8 in/sec. (4.7 cm/sec)
  • Frequency Response: 200-6,300 Hz
  • Erasing System: DC Erase
  • Recording Bias System: DC Bias

QFX continuously improves its equipment in quality and performance; therefore, the right to alter specifications without notice is reserved.