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Sony EL-7

 

The Sony EL-7 was Sony's top of the line model.  It retailed for US$880.

It appears that the EL-7 came in both silver and black.  Based on the units I have seen, the silver was apparently much more common.

 

Some units came with wood side panels (actually they are particle board with a vinyl wood-grain laminate).  The wood panels are removable and are interchangeable among any Sony Elcaset unit (EL-4, EL-5 or EL-7).  Since the wood panels are more prone to visible damage than the metal parts of the unit, removing them can, in some cases, make the unit look better.  Just remove the two screws from each side of the unit, slide the panels back about 2 centimeters, and then pull them away from the sides.  However, you must be careful if you want to do this.  The side screws used in the units with the panels are longer than those used on units without, and replacing the long screws after removing the panels can severely damage the unit.  So be sure to shorten the screws before replacing them.  

 


LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
(From the EL-7 Owner's Manual, pages 4-5)

Note:  This picture is an image map.  Click on one of the controls, or the corresponding number on the image, and you will be taken to the description of that control.

 

Sony EL-7 - Location & Function of Controls

(1) POWER switch
This turns the power on or off. The VU meters will light when the unit is turned on.
(2) TIMER switch
This permits automatic recording or playback at any desired time by using a commercially available timer. For recording, set the switch to the REC position (the red lamp will light up); for playback, set the switch to the PLAY position. Be sure to set the switch to the OFF position when the timer is not used. Otherwise, with the TIMER switch set at REC position, the previously recorded material will be erased if the power is turned on.
(3) MEMORY switch
When the cassette is rewound to "000" of the tape counter (actually "999" in order to avoid cutting off the starting point of the tape), the tape motion stops from rewind mode with the switch set at STOP position, or will replay from rewind with the switch set at START position.
(4) TAPE counter and reset button
At the start of recording, depress the reset button (000). The figures on the tape counter change as the tape passes. Note the counter number for later reference.
(5) HEADPHONES jack
This jack accepts 8 - 32 ohm headphones to monitor the input signals being recorded, or to listen to playback of recorded material. The volume can be adjusted with the PHONES LEVEL control.
(6) FUNCTION buttons
Rewind button--Depress this button for rewinding the tape.
Stop button--To stop the tape motion, depress this button. When a tape is fully wound in any operating mode, the motor will stop automatically.
Forward button--Depress this button for playing back the tape. For recording, depress this button and the red button simultaneously.
Fast-forward button--Depress this button for fast winding of the tape.
Record button--To start recording, depress this button and the red button simultaneously.
Pause button--To momentarily pause during recording or playback, depress this button. To restart, depress it again. Also, use this button for smooth start of recording. (See "Recording" on page 8.)
(7)DOLBY NR switch*
FM: Use this position only when recording Dolby encoded FM broadcasts. For playback, set the switch to the ON position. (See "Recording Dolby encoded FM broadcasts" on page 10.)
ON: For recording and playback with Dolby NR process.
OFF: For non-Dolby NR processed recording and playback.
CAL: At this position, a fixed 400 Hz calibration tone is produced by the oscillator. While recording this tone, the tape sensitivity can be adjusted by setting the CAL controls so that the VU meters read "O (CAL)".
*"Dolby" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Inc. Noise reduction system manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Inc.
(8) EJECT button
Depress this button to open the cassette holder lid. It cannot be depressed when the tape is in any operating mode.
(9) LINE IN (STEREO) jack
Use this stereo binaural jack as an auxiliary input for recording from another tape recorder or tuner, etc. If the LINE IN jacks on the rear panel are engaged at the same time, you can only record through this jack.
(10) MPX FILTER switch
Set this switch to the ON position only when recording FM stereo programs with Dolby NR process and Dolby encoded FM programs. When recording other programs, set the switch to the OFF position. This switch is inoperative in playback mode.
(11) MIC jacks
Any high-quality low-impedance microphone equipped with a phone plug may be used. If your microphone is equipped with a mini plug, a plug adapter for converting to phone plug is required.
(12) TAPE SELECT switches
On recording, set the EQ (for the correct equalization characteristics) and BIAS (for the optimum bias current) switches correctly according to the type of tape to be used. The type is indicated on the label of the ELCASET. The switches have no effect upon the playback.
TYPE I for Sony SLH tape
TYPE II for Sony FeCr tape
TYPE III for CrO2 type of tape
(13) MIC ATT (attenuation) switch
This switch is useful for recording a large input signal on location (rock music, etc.) or when recording with a microphone close to the source without overloading recorder amplifier. It also eliminates having to set the REC LEVEL and REC MASTER controls too far downward. Set the switch to "l5" or "30" when the pointers of the VU meters swing repeatedly over the 0 VU position even if the REC LEVEL and REC MASTER controls are set at a low level position. At "15" position, the input level is attenuated by one fifth (15 dB), and at "30" position, by one-thirtieth (3O dB).
(14) PHONES LEVEL control
This control adjusts the output level of headphones. At "O" position, the sound can be heard slightly.
(15) REC LEVEL controls
These controls adjust the record level. The inner knob is for the right channel and the outer for the left channel. The MIC controls adjust the record level from the microphones. The LINE controls adjust the level from the LINE IN jacks on either the front or rear panel. When the REC MASTER control is set at "O" position, the input signal is completely reduced, and the record level cannot be adjusted with MIC or LINE controls.
(16) MONITOR selector
For playback, set the selector to TAPE, and for record level adjustment, set it to SOURCE.
(17) REC MASTER control and PRESET knob
This control adjusts the record level of both right and left channels simultaneously. When the REC LEVEL controls are set at "O" position, the input signal is completely reduced, and the record level cannot be adjusted with this control.
(18) RECORD indicating lamp
This lamp will illuminate when the recorder is engaged in record mode.
(19) VU meters
With the MONITOR selector set to SOURCE, the meters indicate the input level while recording. When set to the TAPE position, the meters indicate recorded level being played back or monitor the level while recording. For correct record level setting, see "Record level adjustment" on page 8.


Specifications for the Sony EL-7
(From the EL-7 Owner's Manual, page 14)

Power requirements 120 V ac, 60 Hz
Power consumption 43W
Tape speed 9.5 cm/s (3 3/4 ips)
Fast forward and rewind time Approx. 60 seconds (by LC-60)
Recording system 4-track 2-channel stereo
Bias frequency 160 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio



DOLBY NR OFF
with Type II ELCASET (FeCr)
62 dB at peak level
With Type I ELCASET (SLH)
59 dB at peak level
DOLBY NR ON
Improved by 5 dB at 1kHz, l0 dB above 5kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.8%
Frequency response




DOLBY NR OFF
with Type II ELCASET (FeCr)
15 - 27,000 Hz
25 - 22,000 Hz ±3 dB
With Type I ELCASET (SLH)
15 - 25,000 Hz
25 - 20,000 Hz ±3 dB
Wow and flutter 0.04% WRMS
Inputs Microphone inputs (phone jacks) = 2
sensitivity 0. 3 mV (- 68 dB) for low impedance microphone
Line inputs (stereo binaural jack) = 1, (phono jacks) = 2
sensitivity 0.095V (-18dB) input impedance 100k ohms
Outputs Line outputs (phono jacks) = 2
output level 0.775V (OdB) at load impedance 100kohms with LEVEL ADJUST control turned fully clockwise. Suitable load impedance more than 10k ohms.
Headphone output 1 suitable load impedance 8-32 ohms
Dimensions Approx. 460 x 170 x 320 mm (w/h/d) (18-1/8 x 6-3/4X 12-5/8 inches) Including projecting parts and controls
Weight Approx. 13.5 kg (29 lbs. 13 oz)
Supplied accessories Connecting cord RK-74H (2)
Tape winder rod (1)
Head cleaning tips (1 set)

PRECAUTIONS
(From the EL-7 Owner's Manual, page 3)

On safety

  • Before operating, be sure the operating voltage of your unit is identical with that of your local power supply.
  • Should any liquid or solid object fall into the cabinet, unplug the unit and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
  • Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it is not to be used for an extended period of time.  To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug.  Never pull the cord itself.

On installation

  • Good air circulation is essential to prevent internal heat buildup in the unit.  Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation.
  • Do not install the unit in a location near heat sources such as radiators or air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical vibration.
  • The tape deck is designed for vertical operation only.

On head cleaning

The best performance of your tape deck depends on your periodic cleaning of the heads and all surfaces over which the tape travels.  Dirty heads and tape path cause:

  • Loss of high frequency response
  • Loss of sound volume
  • Sound drop-out, etc.

Cleaning should be done after every 10 hours of operation.  For details, see "Maintenance" on page 12.

On ELCASET

  • Before inserting the ELCASET, use the supplied tape driver and take up the slack of the tape to prevent it from becoming entangled around the capstan.
  • Hold the ELCASET and face the tape surface up when inserting it in the tape deck.  Avoid touching the tape surface or pulling it out of the tape housing.

For more information on the ELCASET, see pages 13 and 14.

Other important points to remember

  • Before depressing the POWER switch, check to see that the TIMER switch is set at off.  This switch should only be placed to REC or PLAY for timer-activated operation.
  • Gently close the lid of the ELCASET holder to its locked position to protect the tape from damage.
  • The EJECT button cannot be depressed while the tape is in operating mode.
  • Turn down the REC LEVEL controls not being used while recording.
  • Never misplace the DOLBY NR switch.  Place it to CAL only for Calibration Level adjustments and to ON or OFF for Dolby or non-Dolby NR recording.

CONNECTIONS
(From the EL-7 Owner's Manual, pages 6-7)

  • Be sure the amplifier is turned off while making connections.
  • Insert the plugs completely into jacks.  Loose connections may cause hum and noise.
  • The red plug of the supplied connecting cord should be connected to the right channel and gray plug to the left channel

LEVEL ADJUST control

The output level of the tape deck phono jacks can be set to correspond accurately to the output level of other sources connected to the amplifier.  We recommend that you use either FM or Phono mode as a reference point.  While adjusting, do not change the volume control of the amplifier.  At the position turned fully clockwise, the output level is rated 0.775 V (0 dB).  The control does not correspond to the VU meters.

REMOTE CONTROL connector

Plug the Sony RM-30 Remote Control unit (optional) in this connector.  The RM-30 features "record muting"* as well as remote control operation.  Read the RM-30 instruction manual before operating it with the tape deck.

* A device which is beneficial to short-circuit  unwanted program sources such as broadcasting commercials, thus allowing an interspace between the recordings.

FM CAL controls

When recording Dolby encoded FM broadcasts, set the record level with these controls.  See "Recording Dolby encoded FM broadcasts" on page 10.

AC OUTLET

Use for the AC power supply of other audio components.

SWITCHED 200 W:  AC power is supplied only when the tape deck POWER switch is set to ON.  Maximum consumption is 200W.

UNSWITCHED 300 W:  This outlet is not controlled by the tape deck POWER switch.  Maximum consumption is 300 W.


MAINTENANCE
(From EL-7 Owner's Manual, page 12)

Cleaning of heads and tape path

Generally, cleaning after every 10 hours of operation will be sufficient.  However, all surfaces over which tape travels  

 


TROUBLE CHECKS 
(From the EL-7 Owner's Manual, page 16)

The following chart will help correct most problems which may occur with the unit.  If the problem persists after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Superscope Service Centers.

Before going through the check list below, first pay attention to the following fundamental points.

  • The power cord must be connected firmly.
  • Connection to the amplifier must also be firm.
  • Heads, capstans and pinch rollers should be cleaned.
  • The amplifier controls and switches should be set correctly.

FUNCTIONS BUTTONS AND TAPE PATH

The EJECT button cannot be depressed.

  • This button is inoperative while tape is running or the PAUSE button is depressed.

Tape does not move even when function buttons are depressed.

  • The PAUSE button is depressed.
  • The ELCASET holder is not closed fully

Recording of playback begins as soon as the POWER switch is ON.

  • The TIMER switch is misplaced at either REC or PLAY.

Cassette hubs turn a bit after the POWER switch is ON.

  • This is to remove tape slack when put in the tape deck.

Automatic shut-off mechanism does not work.

  • The guide-pole lamp is dirty.  (See "Maintenance" on page 12.)

Tape does not move after the POWER switch is ON, though the function buttons are depressed.

  • Push the desired function buttons approximately two seconds after the POSER switch is ON.  When less than this time interval is taken, logic-controlled function buttons do not work.

RECORDING OR PLAYBACK

No recording or decrease of sound level.

  • Erasure-proof tabs in the ELCASET are slid down.  (See page 13.)
  • Contamination of the heads.  (See page 12.)
  • The MIC ATT switch is set to either "15" or "30" when recording from microphones.

Recording cannot be made from LINE IN jacks on the rear panel.

  • The LINE IN jack (phone type) on the front panel is connected.

VU meters do not swing.

  • The REC MASTER control of REC LEVEL controls are turned down to "0".

Distorted sound.

  • CAL level is too high.  (See "Calibration level adjustment" on page 10.)
  • Recording level is too high.

Recording level drops when switching the MONITOR selector from SOURCE to TAPE.

  • CAL level is too low.  (See "Calibration level adjustment" on page 10.)

No playback or decrease of sound reproduction.

  • The MONITOR selector is set at SOURCE.
  • The LEVEL ADJUST control in the rear panel is turned down.
  • Contamination of the heads.  (See "Maintenance" on page 12.)

Too much wow or flutter, or drop-outs.

  • Contamination of capstans or pinch rollers.

Insufficient erasure.

  • Contamination of the erase head.

Increase of noise or erasure of high frequencies.

  • Magnetic build-up on the heads.

Unbalanced tone in higher frequency range.

  • The Dolby NR processed tape should be played back with the DOLBY NR switch at the ON position, and the non-Dolby NR processed tape at the OFF position.
  • The TAPE SELECT switches should be in the same position in both record and playback modes.  If recorded in the wrong position, adjust the tone on the amplifier in playback.

Tape stops before the tape counter reads "000", though the recorder is in memory counter operation.

  • The tape counter is reset to "000" at the leader-tape portion.  (See "Memory counter operation" on page 11.)

Sound comes out a few seconds after the poser switch is ON.

  • This occurs because muting circuit is provided to avoid any annoying "thump" noise, and is not abnormal operation.

Recording sources cannot be monitored in the playback mode, when setting the MONITOR selector to SOURCE.

  • The Dolby NR switch is set at CAL position.

HOWLING OR HUM NOISE

Oscillation occurs when trying to record from the amplifier.

  • If the LINE OUT jacks of the tape deck are connected to the amplifier AUX jacks and these are switched on, change the amplifier input selector to another position.

Oscillation occurs when trying to record from microphones.

  • The microphone is too near the loud-speakers.  Keep the microphone away from them or reduce the amplifier volume.

Hum noise.

  • The tape deck is stacked just on or below the amplifier.

 


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Last Updated 22 July 2005
Copyright 1999