Marantz PMD351 Service Manual

The Marantz PMD351 is a professional portable cassette recorder featuring three-head configuration, Dolby B/C noise reduction, manual recording level control, built-in condenser microphone, line inputs/outputs, microphone inputs with phantom power, cue and review functions, pitch control, and auto tape selector. Designed for professional field recording and broadcast applications. Below are key sections for technical specifications, disassembly procedures, circuit diagrams, alignment instructions, troubleshooting, and parts list.

1. Technical Specifications 2. Disassembly Procedures 3. Circuit Diagrams 4. Alignment Instructions 5. Block Diagrams 6. Mechanical Assembly 7. Electrical Adjustments 8. Troubleshooting Guide 9. Parts List 10. Safety Precautions 11. Service Notes

Technical Specifications

Key technical parameters and performance characteristics of the Marantz PMD351 professional cassette recorder.

ParameterSpecification
Heads3-head system (erase, record, playback)
Noise ReductionDolby B, Dolby C
Frequency Response30Hz - 18kHz (Metal tape)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio72dB with Dolby C
Wow & Flutter0.08% (WRMS)
InputsLine IN, Mic IN (XLR/phone), Ext Mic
OutputsLine OUT, Headphone
Power Supply6V DC (4x AA batteries or AC adapter)
Dimensions180 x 72 x 32 mm
Weight520g (without batteries)

Disassembly Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for safely disassembling the Marantz PMD351 for service and repair.

  1. Remove battery cover and batteries from compartment.
  2. Unscrew 6 Phillips screws from bottom case (2 front, 2 middle, 2 rear).
  3. Carefully separate top and bottom case halves.
  4. Disconnect ribbon cables from main PCB to transport mechanism.
  5. Remove transport assembly mounting screws (4 total).
  6. Lift transport assembly clear of main chassis.

WARNING! Always disconnect power before disassembly. Handle ribbon cables with care to avoid damage.

Circuit Diagrams

Complete schematic diagrams for all circuit boards and subsystems.

Alignment Instructions

Detailed procedures for mechanical and electrical alignment of tape transport and audio circuits.

  1. Playback azimuth alignment: Use 10kHz test tape, adjust PB head azimuth for maximum output.
  2. Record azimuth alignment: Record 10kHz tone, monitor PB head output while adjusting REC head.
  3. Bias adjustment: Record 1kHz tone, adjust bias for peak output then -2dB drop.
  4. Playback level: Adjust PB level trimpot for 0dB with standard alignment tape.
  5. Record level: Adjust REC level for matching input/output levels at 1kHz.
  6. Dolby level: Adjust Dolby tracking for proper encode/decode matching.

CAUTION! Use proper test equipment and alignment tapes. Document all adjustments.

Block Diagrams

System block diagrams showing signal flow and functional relationships between circuits.

Audio Signal Path: Input selection → Mic preamp/Line in → Record amplifier → Record head → Playback head → PB amplifier → Dolby NR → Output amplifier → Line out/Headphone

Control System: Function switches → Microprocessor → Motor control → Display drivers → Mode indicators

Power Distribution: DC input → Voltage regulation → ± supplies for audio circuits → Motor power → Logic power

Mechanical Assembly

Detailed mechanical drawings and assembly instructions for transport mechanism.

  1. Capstan motor assembly installation and alignment
  2. Head assembly mounting and azimuth adjustment procedure
  3. Pinch roller pressure adjustment (40-50g force)
  4. Take-up torque adjustment (35-55g-cm)
  5. Fast forward/rewind torque specifications
  6. Cassette compartment mechanism reassembly

Tip: Lubricate sliding parts with specified grease only. Do not overlubricate.

Electrical Adjustments

Test point locations and adjustment procedures for all electronic circuits.

  1. Oscillator frequency: Adjust for 105kHz ±1% at TP-1
  2. Bias current: Adjust for 1.2mA ±5% at TP-2
  3. Record current: Set for 85μA ±3% at TP-3
  4. Playback EQ: Adjust for flat response with standard tape
  5. Meter calibration: Adjust for 0VU at 250nWb/m recording level
  6. Headphone output: Set for 50mW into 32Ω load

WARNING! Use calibrated test equipment. Follow electrostatic discharge precautions.

Troubleshooting Guide

Systematic approach to diagnosing and repairing common problems.

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerBatteries/DC jackCheck battery polarity; test DC jack; verify power switch
No audio outputOutput stage/headphone jackTest headphone output; check output IC; verify volume control
Poor recordingRecord head/biasClean record head; check bias oscillator; verify record switches
Transport not workingMotor/belt/controlTest motor voltage; check drive belt; verify mode switches
Speed variationMotor/capstanClean capstan/pinch roller; check motor regulator; test FG signal

Reset: Power cycle unit. Check all mechanical linkages.

Parts List

Complete listing of all components with manufacturer part numbers.

Safety Precautions

Essential safety information for service technicians.

CAUTION! Disconnect power before servicing. Use isolation transformer when testing live circuits. Observe ESD precautions with CMOS devices.

Service Notes

Additional technical information and service tips from Marantz engineering.

Field modifications: Revised bias trap adjustment procedure (Service Bulletin 351-1). Common issues: Pinch roller arm spring tension critical for proper tape handling. Component substitutions: Approved alternate sources for obsolete components. Firmware updates: No user-serviceable firmware in this model.

Service Contacts: Marantz Professional Service Department - [email protected]

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