s

KX– 580
KX –480
KX– 380

Natural Sound Stereo Cassette Deck

OWNER’S MANUAL
Í
IMPORTANT
Please record the serial number of your unit in the space below.

Model:
Serial No:

The serial number is located on the rear of the unit.

Retain this Owner’s Manual in a safe place for future reference.

1
 Thank you for purchasing the YAMAHA stereo cassette deck.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
7 Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The appliance should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
CAUTION manufacturer.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
8 Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so that
its location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surfaces that may
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). block the ventilation openings: or placed in a built-in
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

9 Heat — The appliance should be situated away from

heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances
÷ Explanation of Graphical Symbols that produce heat.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an 10 Power Sources — The appliance should be connected
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence
to a power supply only of the type described in the
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's
operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
11 Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should
be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
attention to receptacles, and the point where they exit from
intended to alert you to the presence of important operating
the appliance.
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance. 12 Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.

WARNING 13 No Use Periods — The power cord of the appliance

should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not long period of time.
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
14 Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so
that objects do not fall into and liquids not spilled into the
inside of the appliance.
1 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the appliance is 15 Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should be
operated. serviced by qualified service personnel when:

2 Retain Instructions — The safety and operating A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
instructions should be retained for future reference. or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
3 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and in appliance; or
the operating instructions should be adhered to. C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
4 Follow Instructions — All operating and other instructions exhibits a marked change in performance; or
should be followed. E. The appliance has been dropped, or the cabinet
damaged.
5 Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be used
near water — for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, 16 Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near appliance beyond those means described in the operating
swimming pool, etc. instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
6 Carts and Stands — The appliance should be used only
with a cart or stand that is recommended by the 17 Grounding or Polarization — The precautions should
manufacturer. be taken so that the grounding or polarization of an
appliance is not defeated.
6A An applicance and cart
combination should be moved with
care. Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause the
appliance and cart combination to
overturn.

2
 CAUTION: READ THIS BEFORE
OPERATING YOUR UNIT.

1. This unit is a sophisticated stereo cassette deck. To

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.) ensure proper operation for the best possible
performance, please read this manual carefully.
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!
This product, when installed as indicated in the 2. Choose the installation location of your unit carefully.
instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to source of
requirements. Modifications not expressly approved
by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the heat. Also avoid locations subject to vibration and
FCC, to use the product. excessive dust, heat, cold or moisture. Keep it away
from sources of hum such as transformers or motors.
2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to
accessories and/or another product use only high 3. Do not open the cabinet as this may result in damage
quality shielded cables. Cables supplied with this to the deck or electrical shock. If a foreign object
product MUST be used. Follow all installation should get into the deck, contact your local dealer.
instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void
your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.
4. Do not apply excessive force when operating switches
3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to and knobs.
comply with the requirements listed in FCC
Regulations, Part 15 for Class "A" digital devices. 5. When moving the deck, be sure to first pull out the
Compliance with these requirements provides a power plug and remove all cords connecting the deck
reasonable level of assurance that your use of this to other equipment.
product, in a commercial environment, will not result in
harmful interference with other electronic devices. 6. Do not attempt to clean this unit with chemical
However, operation of this product in a residential area solvents as this may damage the finish. Use a clean,
is likely to cause interference in some form. In this
case you, the user, bear the responsibility of correcting dry cloth.
this condition.
7. Never allow metallic items (e.g. screwdrivers, tools,
This product generates/uses radio frequencies and, if etc.) to come near the record/playback head
not installed and used according to the instructions assembly. Doing so may not only scratch or damage
found in the users manual, may cause interference the head’s mirror-smooth finish, it may also change
harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. the magnetic characteristics of the heads, causing a
Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee deterioration in reproduction quality.
that interference will not occur in all installations. If this
product is found to be the source of interference,
which can be determined by turning the product "OFF" 8. Although the record/playback head used in this unit is
and "ON", please try to eliminate the problem using one a high quality head with outstanding reproduction
of the following measures: characteristics, it can become dirty through the use of
old tapes or from dust accumulation over time.
Relocate either the product generating the interference This can have a serious effect on reproduction quality.
of the device that is being affected by the interference. Clean the heads regularly with one of the commonly
available head cleaners or with cleaning solutions as
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch explained later in this manual.
(circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient 9. Be sure to read the “Troubleshooting” section of this
the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon manual for advice on common operating errors before
lead, change the lead-in to coaxial type cable. concluding that your unit is faulty.
If these corrective measures do not produce 10. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet if the unit is
satisfactory results, please contact your local retailer not to be used for an extended period of time. To
that is authorized to distribute this type of product. If disconnect the cord, pull it out by grasping the plug.
you cannot locate the appropriate retailer, please
contact Yamaha Electronics Corp., U.S.A. 6600 Never pull the cord itself.
Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA90620
11. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
The above statements apply ONLY to those products
distributed by Yamaha Corporation of America or its 12. Voltage Selector (General model only)
subsidiaries. The voltage selector on the rear panel of this unit
must be set for your local mains voltage BEFORE
We Want You Listening For A Lifetime plugging in the AC mains supply.
YAMAHA and the Electronic Industries Association's
Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of
your equipment by playing it at a safe level.
One that lets the sound come through loud Please check the copyright laws in your country to
and clear without annoying blaring or record from records, compact discs, radio, etc.
distortion – and, most importantly, without Recording of copyright material may infringe copyright
affecting your sensitive hearing. Since laws.
hearing damage from loud sounds is often We
Want You
undetectable until it is too late, YAMAHA and LISTENING
the Electronic Industries Association's For A Lifetime

Consumer Electronics Group recommend

you avoid prolonged exposure to excessive
volume levels.
3
This owner’s manual covers 3 models of YAMAHA cassette deck KX-580, KX-480 and KX-380. Please
check which model you have purchased and read the descriptions concerned. There may be some
unnecessary items, so please skip them accordingly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES ........................................................................... 4 TIMER RECORDING/PLAYBACK
CONNECTIONS .................................................................. 4 (KX-580 and KX-480 only) ................................................ 13
PLAYBACK .......................................................................... 5 Timer recording ............................................................. 13
SELECTION SEARCH ...................................................... 7 Timer playback .............................................................. 13
INTRO SCAN .................................................................... 7 CASSETTE TAPES ............................................................ 14
MEMORY STOP operation ............................................... 8 OPENING AND CLOSING THE SUB PANEL
REPEAT PLAYBACK (KX-580 and KX-480 only) ............ 8 ( KX-580 and KX-480 only) .............................................. 15
RECORDING ....................................................................... 9 OPTIONAL REMOTE CONTROL TRANSMITTER ............ 15
REC MUTE operation ..................................................... 12 MAINTENANCE ................................................................. 15
0-STOP operation .......................................................... 12 TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................... 16
REC RETURN operation ................................................ 12 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 17

FEATURES
÷ Dolby HX Pro Dynamic Bias Servo ÷ Play Trim Control for improved playback compatibility
÷ Dolby B/C and S (KX-580 only) Noise Reduction with other decks
÷ Secure Holding Damper Cassette Stabilizer allows you ÷ 0-M/FULL Repeat Playback (KX-580 and KX-480 only),
to reduce unwanted vibration and modulation noise Selection Search and Bi-Directional Intro Scan
(KX-580 and KX-480 only). ÷ Recording Mute function
÷ Fine Adjustment of Recording Characteristics with Auto
Tape Tuning and Bias Adjust Control
÷ 160 kHz High Recording Bias prevents cross
modulation beat distortion that can occur between the
recording bias and the recording signal’s high
frequency content (KX-580 and KX-480 only).

CONNECTIONS

LINE IN LINE OUT

REC PLAY

To an AC outlet REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

Make sure that power to both the deck and
your amplifier/receiver are turned off before
making any connections.
÷ The White plug on the paired connecting
cables corresponds to the Left channel and
the Red plug corresponds to the Right
channel. Make sure that the left and right
channel connections are properly made, and
REC OUT TAPE PB
that the plugs are inserted firmly.
L
÷ The LINE OUT/PLAY jacks on the deck
should be connected to the Tape PB
R (Playback/Input) jacks on your amplifier/
receiver, and the LINE IN/REC jacks on the
deck should be connected to the Rec Out
(Rec/Output) jacks on your amplifier/receiver.
÷ Connect the power cord to an AC wall outlet
or to an AC outlet on the rear panel of your
Amplifier or receiver amplifier/receiver (if provided).

4
 PLAYBACK

Preparation for playback

÷ Be sure to set the TIMER switch to the OFF position (KX-580 and KX-480 only), then turn on the POWER switch.
÷ Set your amplifier or receiver to cassette deck function mode.
KX-580/KX-480
MPX FILTER indicator When a tape is loaded, the
corresponding tape type
POWER = ON ŸB/ŸC and ŸS (KX-580 only) indicator lights.
indicators

STOP

3
⁄
!

TIMER PHONES
LEVEL 2 REC/PAUSE
1 PHONES PLAY TRIM 2(KX-580 only)
KX-380
MPX FILTER indicator When a tape is loaded, the
corresponding tape type
POWER = ON indicator lights.
ŸB/ŸC indicators
STOP

3
⁄
!

PHONES PLAY TRIM

PHONES LEVEL REC/PAUSE

1 2
1 2 KX-580 3
DOLBY NR
EJECT OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX OFF/ŸS/MPX

PLAY

KX-480/KX-380 DOLBY NR
OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX

Insert the cassette with the exposed tape

side facing down and the side to be played
facing you. To close the compartment, push
in the compartment door until it locks shut.

5
To stop playback: DOLBY S NR
Press the STOP button. DOLBY S NR is developed incorporating the concept of
professional-use DOLBY SR system into the present
To fast forward the tape: DOLBY B/C NR.
Press the ⁄ button. It offers the noise reduction effect increased by about
40%, compared to the former DOLBY C NR, and also the
To fast rewind the tape: noise level of the low frequency range is reduced to 1/3.
Press the ! button. Highly natural sound can be reproduced with the help of
the modulation controller, which regulates 5 NR units — 2
To adjust the volume level: for low level sounds and 3 for high level, one of which is
Use the volume control of the amplifier or receiver. for low frequency signals.
DOLBY S NR has also high interchangeability. The tapes
recorded with DOLBY S NR can well be reproduced by
To use headphones for private listening:
the decks which are equipped only with DOLBY B NR,
Insert the headphones plug into the PHONES jack.
headphone stereos or car stereos for example.
To adjust the headphones level:
Use the PHONES LEVEL control. Noise Reduction Responce

NR-OFF 10 dB
DOLBY NR button setting (in step 2)
DOLBY NR (OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX) button B-NR
Be sure to set the DOLBY NR (OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX) button
according to the system used for recording. Each time this
button is pressed, Dolby NR switches as follows:
C-NR
3 ŸB(MPX off) For a tape recorded with DOLBY B NR
Only the ŸB indicator lights. S-NR
∞
ŸC(MPX off) For a tape recorded with DOLBY C NR 20 100 1k 10k 20k Hz
Only the ŸC indicator lights.
∞
ŸB MPX on (available only for recording)
∞
ŸC MPX on (available only for recording) PLAY TRIM control adjustment
∞ When the level of high frequencies is too boosted or
OFF For a tape recorded with DOLBY NR OFF absent while playing a tape recorded on another cassette
No indicator lights. deck, adjust the high frequency response with the PLAY
TRIM control.
KX-580
only
DOLBY NR (OFF/ŸS/MPX) button When high frequencies are When high frequencies are
too boosted, attenuate the absent, boost the high
For a tape recorded with DOLBY S NR, use this button to
high frequencies. frequencies.
select the appropriate setting. Each time this button is
pressed, DOLBY NR switches as follows: PLAY TRIM PLAY TRIM
3
ŸS(MPX off) For a tape recorded with DOLBY S NR
Only the ŸS indicator lights. 0 0
∞
ŸS MPX on (available only for recording)
∞
OFF For a tape recorded with DOLBY NR OFF – + – +
No indicator lights.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from

Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
“DOLBY” and the double-D symbol Ÿ are trademarks of 1 High frequency sound is
1 + too boosted.
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
10 dB _ 2 2 Flat.
Note: The MPX filter settings are explained on page 10. 3 3 High frequency sound is
100 1k 10kHz
absent.

6
 INTRO indicator INTRO SCAN @
PLAY

INTRO SCAN #
⁄
!

MUTE/SEARCH

SELECTION SEARCH - To play back a desired selection by searching for the

beginning of the selection

To search for the next selection To search for the beginning of the current To search for the selection located
selection before the current selection
When the beginning of the current
selection is played:
⁄ MUTE/SEARCH ! MUTE/SEARCH ! MUTE/SEARCH

+ + +

The ! or ⁄ button and the MUTE/SEARCH button should be pressed simultaneously.

INTRO SCAN - To play back the beginning of each selection automatically

To play back each selection in the reverse To play back each selection in the forward To resume normal playback when the
direction: direction: desired selection is found:

@ # PLAY

The INTRO @ The INTRO # 3

indicator lights indicator lights
during reverse during forward
intro scan. intro scan.
5

Notes on Selection search and Intro scan

÷ The blank interval between selections must be at least 4 seconds.
÷ Selection search and Intro scan may not operate properly with tapes recorded with a low record level or with
excessive noise.

7
 REPEAT 0-M/FULL indicator
KX-580/KX-480 KX-380
MEMORY indicator (KX-580 only) MEMORY indicator
PLAY

REPEAT OFF
/0-M/FULL
!⁄ MEMORY button !⁄
COUNTER RESET MEMORY button

MEMORY STOP operation - To return to the desired position

Pressing the MEMORY button During fast forwarding or To cancel the memorized
memorizes the desired counter rewinding, the tape will stop at the counter reading, press the
reading. The MEMORY indicator counter reading point where the MEMORY button again. The
lights. MEMORY button was pressed. MEMORY indicator goes out.
MEMORY
3 ! ⁄ MEMORY
or

REPEAT PLAYBACK ( KX-580 and KX-480 only)

0-M (a section) repeat Full repeat
With this function, a desired section can be played With this function, the cassette side being played can be
repeatedly up to 8 times. repeated up to 8 times.
Press the REPEAT OFF/0-M/FULL button so that the
1 Press the REPEAT OFF/0-M/FULL button so that the REPEAT FULL indicator lights.
REPEAT 0-M indicator lights. REPEAT
PLAY
REPEAT OFF/0-M/FULL
OFF/0-M/FULL

2 Press the RESET button at the beginning of the section Note:

you want to play repeatedly. The counter on the The length between the start and end points of the 0-M
display is reset to "0000". repeat section should be more than 4 counts.
RESET To cancel repeat playback
To cancel the 0-M repeat or Full repeat, press the REPEAT
OFF/0-M/FULL button so that both REPEAT 0-M and
REPEAT FULL indicators go off. Each time this button is
pressed, repeat mode switches as follows:
3 Press the MEMORY button at the end of the section
during playback. The MEMORY indicator on the 3 0-M repeat 3 Full repeat 3 OFF
display lights up, and the tape immediately begins
rewinding.
MEMORY

The tape is rewound until the counter has returned to

the beginning of the section. The deck then enters the
playback mode and the specified section is played
repeatedly.

8
 RECORDING

Preparation for recording

÷ Be sure to set the TIMER switch to the OFF position (KX-580 and KX-480 only), then turn on the POWER switch.
÷ Set your amplifier or receiver to cassette deck function mode.
ŸB/ŸC/
PEAK level MPX FILTER
KX-580/KX-480 ŸS(KX-580 only)
REC indicator Tape counter meters indicator
indicators
6
POWER = ON

2 (KX-580 only)
2

COUNTER MEMORY
4
1 COUNTER RESET BIAS ADJUST
5 3 MUTE/SEARCH

KX-380 PEAK level MPX FILTER

REC indicator Tape counter meters indicator 6
POWER = ON
ŸB/ŸC
indicators

COUNTER MEMORY
4
1 COUNTER RESET BIAS ADJUST
5 3 MUTE/SEARCH

1 Insert the cassette

2 KX-580 KX-480/KX-380
EJECT with the exposed tape
DOLBY NR DOLBY NR
side facing down and
OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX OFF/ŸS/MPX OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX
the side to be
recorded facing you.
To close the
compartment, push in
the compartment door
until it locks shut.

3 REC/PAUSE 4 5 BALANCE REC LEVEL 6

AUTO TAPE
0 5 PLAY
TUNING I I 4 6
Play the 2 2 3 7

] program 3 3 2 8
9
source to be 4 4 I
L5 5R 0 I0
recorded.
REC * Form of the REC LEVEL control
is slightly different with KX-380.
See “AUTO TAPE
TUNING button”. See “Setting the recording level”.

To stop recording: Tape counter and COUNTER RESET button

Press the STOP button. Before starting recording, press the RESET button to set
the counter reading to “0000”. Use this counter to aid in
To stop recording temporarily: locating a point on a tape.
Press the REC/PAUSE button. To resume recording,
press the PLAY button.

9
DOLBY NR button setting (in step 2) AUTO TAPE TUNING button (in step 4)
DOLBY NR (OFF/ŸB/ŸC/MPX) button Pressing this button during the REC/PAUSE mode will
Each time this button is pressed, Dolby NR switches as activate the Auto Tape Tuning that makes it possible to
follows: internally determine the optimum recording
characteristics (bias and recording sensitivity) according
3 ŸB(MPX off) Recording with DOLBY B NR to the loaded cassette tape in about 20 seconds.
Only the ŸB indicator lights. To perform the Auto Tape Tuning, send the tape leader
∞ part forward and set the PLAY/TRIM control and the BIAS
ŸC(MPX off) Recording with DOLBY C NR ADJUST control to the center position before pressing the
Only the ŸC indicator lights. AUTO TAPE TUNING button. When the Auto Tape Tuning
∞ is completed, the TAPE TUNING indicator lights. After
ŸB MPX on Recording an FM broadcast with DOLBY completion of Auto Tape Tuning, the tape automatically
B NR rewinds to the point where the Auto Tape Tuning began
ŸB and MPX FILTER indicators light. and the REC/PAUSE mode is engaged. The bias
∞ adjustment with the BIAS ADJUST control is possible
ŸC MPX on Recording an FM broadcast with DOLBY even after this tuning.
C NR To clear Auto Tape Tuning setting, press the AUTO TAPE
ŸC and MPX FILTER indicators light. TUNING button once again, or load any cassette tape of
∞
different type.
OFF Recording with no noise reduction * When recording on the other side of the tape, another
No indicator lights. Auto Tape Tuning is unnecessary.
When recording on the same type cassette tape of a
KX-580 only different brand, another Auto Tape Tuning is advisable
DOLBY NR (OFF/ŸS/MPX) button for much more accurate setting of the recording
Each time this button is pressed, DOLBY NR switches as characteristics.
follows:

3 ŸS(MPX off) Recording with DOLBY S NR AUTO TAPE TUNING

Only the ŸS indicator lights. The Auto Tape Tuning function improves the quality of
∞ your recording, permitting critical adjustment of the
ŸS MPX on Recording an FM broadcast with DOLBY deck’s recording bias and sensitivity for best results
S NR with every tape you use.
ŸS and MPX FILTER indicators light. With the Auto Tape Tuning function, the recording
∞ characteristics (recording bias and sensitivity) are
OFF Recording with no noise reduction automatically adjusted while recording and playback
No indicator lights. operations in about 20 seconds, to accurately match
the characteristics of loaded tape.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from For example, the recorded (output) level (A in the
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. figure) may differ from recording (input) level (B in the
“DOLBY” and the double-D symbol Ÿ are trademarks of figure), due to widely varying characteristics of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. cassette tapes between brands.
Using the Auto Tape Tuning function, these differences
÷ MPX filter: are effectively eliminated by adjusting the recording
FM stations transmit a 19 kHz pilot signal in addition to bias (for high frequencies) and sensitivity (for overall
the broadcast program. Sometimes this pilot signal may frequencies) according to the loaded cassette tape,
leak into the audio output depending on the tuner and making a significant contribution to overall recording
broadcast conditions. This signal can cause improper quality (C in the figure).
operation of the Dolby NR systems. Activating the MPX
filter (B TYPE/C TYPE/S TYPE MPX ON settings) will
Output Level (dB)

effectively remove the signal.

B Input Level
C
A

Frequency (Hz)

10
Setting the recording level (in step 3) Synchronized recording function
Play the loudest passage of the source to be recorded When operating this unit in combinaton with the YAMAHA
and watch the meter readings. Adjust the REC LEVEL CD Player which has SYNCHRO button on its remote
control so that the highest peak may not exceed the control transmitter, CD Synchronized recording function
optimum levels of each tape type. Normally, it is best to can be utilized. This function is operated with the remote
adjust the BALANCE control such that the LEFT and control transmitter of the CD Player. (Regarding the
RIGHT meter readings are even. operation, refer to the manual of the CD Player.)
METAL SYNCHRO indicator of this unit lights when the SYNCHRO
button of the remote controller is pressed.
NORM
HIGH
L
dB – 30 20 17 14 12 10 8 6 4 Ÿ 0 2 4 6 8+
R

÷ The Ÿ mark indicates the Dolby noise reduction system

standard level.

Bias adjustment
The BIAS ADJUST control is for fine adjustment of the
recording bias. Normally, it is not necessary to adjust this
control since the recording bias can be automatically
adjusted by the built-in Auto Tape Selector and the AUTO
TAPE TUNING button for different tape types.
However, if you feel that your recording needs further bias
adjustment (to compensate for absent or distorted high
frequencies), adjust this control to your liking.

When high frequencies are When high frequencies are

distorted, increase the absent, decrease the recording
recording bias by turning bias by turning the BIAS
the BIAS ADJUST control ADJUST control
clockwise. counterclockwise.

BIAS ADJUST BIAS ADJUST

0 0

– + – +
Output Level (dB)

10

-10 1
-20 2
-30
3
-40

Frequency (Hz)

1 Insufficient bias (High frequencies are distorted.)

2 Optimum bias
3 Excessive bias (High frequencies are absent.)

11
KX-580/KX-480 Tape counter KX-380
(KX-580 only) ! Tape counter !

RESET button MUTE/SEARCH RESET button MUTE/SEARCH

REC MUTE operation - Inserting a blank space during recording

During recording

MUTE/SEARCH
A 4-second blank interval is automatically recorded on the tape, and then the
deck enters Rec/Pause mode.
If a blank interval longer than 4 seconds is desired, keep pressing the button as
long as you want. When the MUTE/SEARCH button is released, the deck enters
Rec/Pause mode after making a 4-second blank interval.

0-STOP operation - To return to the “0000” point

During recording
RESET
!
3

The tape will be automatically rewound to the “0000” point.

The “0000” point is memorized.

REC RETURN operation - To return to the point at which the recording previously
started
During recording

!
÷ If the ! button is pressed during recording, Rec return
operation automatically rewinds the tape to the point
where the PLAY button was pressed.

DOLBY HX PRO DYNAMIC BIAS SERVO SYSTEM Dolby noise reduction and HX Pro headroom extension
This unit incorporates the Dolby HX Pro system which manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories
automatically controls the effective bias to reduce Licensing Corporation, HX Pro originated by Bang &
distortion and noise, improving high frequency Olufsen.
response during recording. Tapes recorded with this "DOLBY", the double-D symbol and "HX PRO" are
system retain the same high quality even when played trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
back on any other cassette deck.

12
 TIMER RECORDING/PLAYBACK ( KX-580 and KX-480 only)

With a commercially available audio timer it is possible to For details, refer to the instructions of your audio timer.
make recordings and initiate playback automatically at No change in any of the other connections between the
any time. deck and amplifier/receiver, etc., is necessary.
Make sure that all power cord connections between the
timer and amplifier/receiver are properly made.

TIMER

To an AC outlet

(KX-580 only)

Tuner Amplifier or receiver Audio timer

Timer recording Timer playback

1. After turning on the power to each component, select 1. Turn on the amplifier/receiver and adjust the volume
the station on your tuner which you want to record and and tone controls.
turn down the volume on your amplifier/receiver. This 2. Set the input mode selector of your amplifier/receiver
will have no effect on the recording signal level. to the cassette deck function mode.
Remember to set the proper recording level. 3. Set the timer to the time you wish to start and stop
2. Set the timer to the desired recording start and stop playback.
times. It is advisable to set the timer to begin 4. Set the TIMER switch to the PLAY position.
recording slightly before and end slightly after the
actual broadcast receiving time to leave some room TIMER
for later editing. REC OFF PLAY

3. Set the TIMER switch to the REC position.

TIMER
REC OFF PLAY 5. At the preset time, the timer will turn power on to the
amplifier/receiver and cassette deck and begin
playback. It will shut power off at the preset time as
well ending playback.
4. The timer will send power to the amplifier/receiver,
tuner and deck at the preset time, turning all the Note: Whenever the timer recording/playback is not
components on and initiating the recording. intended, make sure to set the TIMER switch to OFF
position to prevent the unnecessary recording/playback.
÷ If the TIMER switch is set to REC position and the power
is supplied (plugging in the power cord or automatically
supplying the power after power failure, etc.), the deck
automatically enters REC mode and the contents of the
cassette tape inserted in the deck will be erased.

13
 CASSETTE TAPES

CASSETTE TAPES PROTECTING YOUR RECORDINGS

There are many different types of cassette tapes All cassette tapes are provided with erasure protection
available. However, they all conform to standard holes to prevent accidental erasure of recorded contents.
specifications so any brand may be used with the deck. There is a small tab covering the hole on each side of the
÷ Classification of Cassette Tapes by Formulation cassette, and it should be broken off after recording the
Cassette tapes are available in four basic types tape. Without this tab covering the hole, it is impossible to
depending on their formulation, or type of magnetic record onto that tape. Thus, you can safely protect a
material and manufacturing process. These four types recording for as long as you wish without fear of
are commonly known as Normal (Type I/NORM), accidental erasure. Should you wish to use a cassette
Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>), Ferrichrome (Type III/ tape protected in this way for recording, simply covering
FeCr), and Metal (Type IV/METAL), and they each the hole with adhesive tape will permit erasure and re-
require specific tape deck adjustments for optimum recording.
performance. ÷ When using Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>) or Metal
* YAMAHA does not recommend the use of 120 minute (Type IV/METAL) tapes, make sure you do not cover the
length cassettes since the extreme thinness of the tape hole intended for the Auto Tape Selector operation.
makes them susceptible to mechanical and recording
problems.

AUTO TAPE SELECTOR DETECTION SLOTS

The deck has a built-in Auto Tape Selector which
automatically adjusts for the proper bias, level and
equalization according to the tape formulation — all you
have to do is load a cassette and the Auto Tape Selector
does the rest.
The Auto Tape Selector determines which type of tape is
loaded by sensing detector slots in the top of the tape
shell. Each tape formulation has its own characteristic
hole markings standardized by the tape industry.
÷ Early model Metal (Type IV/Metal) tape formulation
TAKING UP SLACK IN THE TAPE
cassette shells do not have the slots for Auto Tape
As a precaution against tape entanglement and damage,
Selector operation. As a result, early model Metal type
remove any slack in the tape before inserting cassettes
tapes recorded on another deck will be played back
into the deck. This is accomplished by inserting a pencil,
with the deck at the Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>)
pen or similar object into one of the spools and gently
settings. YAMAHA does not recommend using this kind
winding it until all the slack is removed. You do not have
of tape.
to wind it too tightly.
÷ The deck does not have the required setting for
Be careful not to touch the tape part itself. It is very
Ferrichrome (Type III/FeCr) tape, since this tape
delicate and touching it may damage the tape and its
formulation is not widely used. Should you use a
recorded contents.
Ferrichrome tape, it will be recorded and played back at
the Normal (Type I/NORM) settings, which will result in
an unnatural high frequency emphasis. This effect may
be compensated for somewhat by adjusting the BIAS
ADJUST to the plus (+) direction during recording, or by
using the PLAY TRIM tone control and/or the tone
controls of your amplifier/receiver during playback.

TYPE II TYPE IV

STORING CASSETTES
After putting a cassette tape back into its case, store it in
a location away from exposure to direct sunlight, humidity,
high temperatures, and magnetic fields (away from
Detector slots Detector slots television sets, speakers, etc.). High temperatures and
humidity will damage the tape itself, while exposure to
magnetic fields may cause a loss of recorded material.
Avoid touching the tape surface with your fingers, since
dirt or finger oil will contaminate the deck’s heads.

14
 OPENING AND CLOSING THE SUB PANEL
( KX-580 and KX-480 only)

To open the sub panel To close the sub panel

OPTIONAL REMOTE CONTROL TRANSMITTER

With the optional remote control transmitter RS-KX1, you REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION RANGE
can operate this unit at your listening position. For details,
refer to the instruction manual supplied with the remote Remote sensor
control transmitter.

RESET MEMORY

COUNTER
REMAIN TAPE

DUBBING

¤ ‹
INTRO SCAN

! ⁄
SEARCH

DECK A/B

DIR A DIR B MONITOR

7 m (23 feet)
! PLAY ⁄

REC/PAUSE STOP REC MUTE

30° 30°
s
REMOTE
CONTROL
TRANSMITTER

MAINTENANCE

CLEANING OF THE TAPE PATH Inside of the cassette compartment

Continued high quality performance of your deck is
Heads Capstan
dependent upon periodic cleaning of the heads, capstan,
pinch roller, and all surfaces over which the tape travels. Pinch roller
Normal use will cause an accumulation of dirt and dust on
the heads, capstans, and pinch rollers. This can lead to
poor sound quality, drop outs (intervals with no sound),
unsteady tape speed, loss of high frequency response,
etc. DEMAGNETIZATION
Thus, clean the heads and all surfaces over which the After 20-30 hours of use, enough residual magnetism will
tape travels with a commercially available cleaning build up on the heads to cause poor high frequency
cassette and fluid type cleaner. reproduction. At this time you should use a commercially
available head demagnetizer.

÷ When cleaning the tape path or demagnetizing the

heads, be sure to follow carefully the instructions of the
concerning materials such as cleaning fluid or head
demagnetizer.

15
 TROUBLESHOOTING

If your cassette deck fails to operate normally, check the following table. It lists common operating errors and simple
measures which you can take to correct the problem. If it cannot be corrected, or the symptom is not listed, disconnect
the deck’s power cord and contact your local YAMAHA dealer or service center for help.

Fault Cause Cure

Tape doesn’t move in recording or ÷ Power plug is not properly plugged in. ÷ Reinsert plug properly.
playback. ÷ End of tape. ÷ Rewind tape or flip it over.
÷ Cassette shell is warped or damaged. ÷ Do not play damaged tapes.

REC/PAUSE button fails to function. ÷ No cassette tape loaded. ÷ Load a cassette tape.
÷ Protective tabs are broken off. ÷ Change tape or cover protective hole
with adhesive tape.

Sounds become faint and sometimes ÷ Head is dirty. ÷ Clean head.

inaudible. ÷ Head is magnetized. ÷ Demagnetize head using head
demagnetizer.
÷ Tape is damaged or of poor quality. ÷ Change to a different tape.

Recorded sound is distorted. ÷ Tape is bad (stretched or deformed, ÷ Replace with a fresh tape.
etc.).
÷ Cassette shell is warped. ÷ A warped cassette shell cannot be
fixed. Replace with another tape and
test.
÷ Recording level is too high. ÷ Check input level with signal level
meter and use lower rec level when
recording.

Tape is playing back, but no sound is ÷ Faulty connection between deck and ÷ Check and secure connections.
heard. stereo amplifier/receiver.

Excessive noise. ÷ Head is dirty. ÷ Clean head.

÷ Head is magnetized. ÷ Demagnetize head with head
demagnetizer.
÷ Worn out or poor quality tape. ÷ Change to better tape.
÷ Connection(s) improperly made. ÷ Check input and output connections
and reinsert properly.
÷ Affected by external electrical noise. ÷ Move away from electrical appliances
(TV, fluorescent light, electric blanket,
etc.).

Excessive wow (wavering of the ÷ Dirty capstan, pinch roller, etc., or poor ÷ Clean capstan and pinch roller, or
sound). tape. change to better tape.
÷ Tape is wound unevenly. ÷ Rewind tape.

Tape stops in the middle of recording ÷ Slack tape, or tape spillage wound ÷ Insert pencil in hole in cassette shell
or playback. around capstan. and turn to take up slack.

Fails to record. ÷ REC LEVEL control is set to too low. ÷ Adjust REC LEVEL control.
÷ Protective tabs are broken off. ÷ Change tape or cover protective hole
with adhesive tape.

Search does not operate. ÷ Recorded section is too short. ÷ Blank sections must be at least 4
seconds long.
÷ Recorded section has low-level portions. ÷ No remedy
÷ Conversation, etc. has been recorded. ÷ No remedy

High frequencies in the playback ÷ Dolby NR-recorded tape is played back ÷ Play back in appropriate Dolby NR
sound are emphasized and unpleasant in OFF position. position.
to listen to, and noise level (hiss) is
also high.

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 Fault Cause Cure

Playback sound is muffled and high ÷ Normally-recorded tape is played back in ÷ Playback in OFF position.
frequencies are inaudible. Dolby NR.
÷ Heads are dirty. ÷ Clean heads and carry out demagnetiza-
÷ Heads are magnetized. tion with head demagnetizer.

When playing back tapes recorded on ÷ Basic levels are different for different ÷ This is not a fault.
other decks, meter deflections are cassette decks.
greater (smaller) than when recorded.

Recordings cannot be made with ÷ Protective tabs on cassette have been ÷ Replace cassette tape, or cover tab
TIMER REC (deck only plays back) broken off. holes with tape, etc.
(except KX-380).

The remote control transmitter cannot ÷ The batteries are exhausted. ÷ Replace batteries.
be operated. ÷ The remote control transmitter is operated ÷ Operate it from less than 7 meters (about
from an incorrect distance or angle. 23 ft.) and 30°.
÷ The remote control sensor is lighted ÷ Place the unit away from the strong light.
strongly.

SPECIFICATIONS

Track Configuration .................. 4 track, 2 channel stereo Metal tape (–20 dB) ................... 20 ~ 19,000 Hz ±3 dB
Motor Harmonic Distortion .................................................... 0.8%
KX-580/480 ............................ DC servo motor (capstan) Input Sensitivity/Impedance
Flat torque DC motor (reel) Line ................................................... 100 mV/50 k-ohms
KX-380 ..................................................... DC servo motor Output Level
Head ......................... Recording/playback: hard permalloy Line .................................................. 570 mV/1.0 k-ohms
Erase: double-gap Ferrite head Phones ................................................... 1.5 mW/8 ohms
Rapid Transport Channel Separation (1 kHz) ..................................... 40 dB
KX-580/480 ............................................... 90 sec. (C-60) Cross Talk (125 Hz) .................................................. 55 dB
KX-380 .................................................... 100 sec. (C-60)
Wow and Flutter GENERAL
<KX-580/480> Power Supplies
WRMS .................................................................... 0.05% U.S.A. and Canada model ........................ 120 V, 60 Hz
W.Peak ................................................................ ±0.08% Europe model ............................................ 230 V, 50 Hz
<KX-380> U.K. model and Australia model ............. 240 V, 50 Hz
WRMS .................................................................... 0.07% General model ................ 110/120/220/240 V, 50/60 Hz
W.Peak ................................................................ ±0.12% Power Consumption ........................... 16 W (KX-580/480)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 12 W (KX-380)
<KX-580/480> 5 W (Power off)
Dolby NR off ......................................................... 60 dB Dimensions (W x H x D)
Dolby B NR on ...................................................... 68 dB KX-580/480 ...................................... 435 x 126 x 277 mm
Dolby C NR on ...................................................... 76 dB (17-1/8" x 4-15/16" x 10-7/8")
Dolby S NR on (KX-580 only) .............................. 80 dB KX-380 ............................................. 435 x 126 x 285 mm
<KX-380> (17-1/8" x 4-15/16" x 11-1/4")
Dolby NR off ......................................................... 58 dB Weight
Dolby B NR on ...................................................... 66 dB KX-580 ............................................ 4.6 kg (10 lbs. 2 oz.)
Dolby C NR on ...................................................... 74 dB KX-480 ............................................ 4.5 kg (9 lbs. 15 oz.)
Frequency Response KX-380 ............................................ 4.4 kg (9 lbs. 11 oz.)
<KX-580/480> Accessories
Normal tape (–20 dB) ................ 20 ~ 17,000 Hz ±3 dB Output/input cord ..................................................... 1 pair
CrO2 tape (–20 dB) .................... 20 ~ 18,000 Hz ±3 dB
Metal tape (–20 dB) ................... 20 ~ 20,000 Hz ±3 dB * Specifications subject to change without notice.
<KX-380>
Normal tape (–20 dB) ................ 20 ~ 16,000 Hz ±3 dB
CrO2 tape (–20 dB) .................... 20 ~ 17,000 Hz ±3 dB

17
 s

YAMAHA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, USA 6660 ORANGETHORPE AVE., BUENA PARK, CALIF. 90620, U.S.A.
YAMAHA CANADA MUSIC LTD. 135 MILNER AVE., SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO M1S 3R1, CANADA
YAMAHA ELECTRONIK EUROPA G.m.b.H. SIEMENSSTR, 22-34, D-2084 RELLINGEN, BEI HAMBURG, F.R. OF GERMANY
YAMAHA ELECTRONIQUE FRANCE S.A. 17 RUE DES CAMPANULES, LOGNES 77321 MARNE LA VALLEE CEDEX 2 FRANCE
YAMAHA ELECTRONICS (UK) LTD. YAMAHA HOUSE, 200 RICKMANSWORTH ROAD WATFORD, HERTS WD1 7JS, ENGLAND
YAMAHA SCANDINAVIA A.B. J A WETTERGRENS GATA 1, BOX 30053, 400 43 VASTRA FRÖLUNDA, SWEDEN
YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD. 17-33 MARKET ST., SOUTH MELBOURNE, 3205 VIC., AUSTRALIA

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