Marantz Professional PMD-326C Manual

The Marantz Professional PMD-326C is a professional-grade portable cassette recorder designed for field recording, journalism, and audio documentation. Features include three-head configuration for monitoring, Dolby B/C noise reduction, built-in condenser microphone with phantom power, XLR inputs with preamps, line inputs/outputs, digital counter, pitch control, and operates on both AC power and batteries. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Recording and Playback 8. Professional Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Three-head configuration, built-in condenser microphone, XLR inputs with phantom power, Dolby noise reduction, pitch control, digital counter.

Feature	Description
Three-head configuration	Separate record and playback heads for monitoring
Built-in condenser microphone	Professional quality with phantom power capability
XLR inputs	Balanced inputs with preamps for professional mics
Dolby B/C NR	Noise reduction for improved audio quality
Pitch control	±12% adjustable playback speed
Digital counter	Precise tape position tracking
Line inputs/outputs	RCA connectors for external devices
Power options	AC adapter or battery operation
Headphone output	Monitoring with level control
Recording level meters	VU meters for accurate level monitoring

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface away from magnetic fields.

Power connection: Connect AC adapter to DC input or install batteries.
Microphone connection: Connect professional mics to XLR inputs.
Line connections: Use RCA cables for external audio devices.
Headphone connection: Plug headphones into headphone jack for monitoring.
Insert cassette: Open cassette compartment and load tape properly.

WARNING! Keep away from strong magnetic fields. Use quality cassettes for best performance.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; configure basic settings for your recording needs.

Set recording levels: Adjust input levels using VU meters.
Select noise reduction: Choose Dolby B or C based on tape type.
Configure input source: Select mic, line, or built-in microphone.
Set phantom power: Enable if using condenser microphones.
Test recording: Record short segment and playback to verify settings.

CAUTION! Always use fresh batteries for important recordings. Check levels before recording.

Specifications

Heads: Three-head configuration (erase, record, playback)
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 18kHz (with metal tape)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72dB with Dolby C
Inputs: XLR (mic), RCA (line), built-in microphone
Outputs: RCA (line), headphone (stereo)
Wow & Flutter: 0.08% (WRMS)
Power Supply: DC 9V or 6x AA batteries
Dimensions: 268 x 82 x 222mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 2.8kg (with batteries)

Controls and Settings

Front panel: POWER, RECORD, PLAY, STOP, FF, REW, PAUSE, EJECT, INPUT SELECT, DOLBY NR, PHANTOM POWER.

Level controls: Input level knobs for each channel, headphone volume.

Recording: Input source selection (mic/line), recording level adjustment, Dolby NR (Off/B/C). Monitoring: Three-head simultaneous monitoring, headphone output with level control. Professional: Phantom power (12V/48V), pitch control, digital counter with memory.

Connecting Devices

Microphones: XLR inputs with phantom power. Line devices: RCA inputs/outputs. Headphones: 1/4" stereo jack.

Turn off unit before connecting devices.
Connect microphones to XLR inputs (enable phantom power if needed).
Connect line devices using RCA cables.
Plug headphones into headphone jack for monitoring.
Select appropriate input source (mic/line).

Tip: Use balanced cables for professional microphones to reduce noise.

Recording and Playback

Professional recording capabilities with monitoring and noise reduction.

Prepare tape: Ensure cassette is properly loaded and wound.
Set levels: Adjust input levels while monitoring VU meters.
Start recording: Press RECORD and PLAY simultaneously.
Monitor: Use three-head monitoring to hear recorded signal.
Pause: Use PAUSE for temporary stops during recording.
Playback: Press PLAY to listen to recorded material.
Fast operations: Use FF/REW for tape navigation.
Counter: Use digital counter to mark important positions.

WARNING! Do not expose tapes to extreme temperatures or magnetic fields.

Professional Features

Three-head monitoring: Real-time monitoring of recorded signal. Dolby NR: B and C noise reduction for improved dynamic range. Phantom power: 12V/48V for condenser microphones. Pitch control: ±12% speed adjustment for tuning and effects.

Care & Maintenance

Regular head cleaning: Use isopropyl alcohol and cleaning swabs. Demagnetization: Use head demagnetizer periodically. General cleaning: Use dry cloth only; keep unit dry.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners. Unplug before maintenance.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE compliant for European markets. Copyright © Marantz Professional. For technical support, visit www.marantzpro.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/AC adapter	Check battery installation; verify AC adapter connection.
Poor recording quality	Dirty heads/levels	Clean heads; adjust recording levels; check tape quality.
No sound from microphone	Phantom power/connections	Enable phantom power; check XLR connections; test microphone.
Tape transport issues	Mechanical obstruction	Check for tape jams; ensure proper cassette loading.
Excessive noise	Dolby settings/tape type	Verify Dolby NR settings match recording; use quality tape.

Service: Contact authorized Marantz Professional service centers for repairs.

Support: www.marantzpro.com