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Frequently Asked Questions
Recorder QuestionsCan I mark tracks while recording a "live" performance? My condenser microphones are not working with the PSD300P or PSD340. Will the PSD300 & PSD340 record Key, Tempo, and Voice Reduction manipulations? I placed a CD-R in the record drive and the display reads "CD NO DISC"…What’s wrong? How come the CD-R I recorded doesn’t playback in my car player, home player, boom box, etc? Will the PSD300 & PSD340 record specific tracks from a playback CD? Does the PSD300 & PSD340 have MIDI connections? What’s "Minute Track" mode on the PSD340? When I press the REC button on my RC300PSD remote, why won’t my PSD300 go into record mode? When I engage the Power slide switch on top of the unit, it does not turn on. When I press the fast-forward key (>>), it won’t go to the next track. Can I connect external speakers to my PSD300 or PSD340? Will the PSD300 & PSD340 run on batteries? Compact Disc QuestionsWhat is the difference between a “data” CD-R / CD-RW and a “music” or “audio” CD-R / CD-RW? What CD-RW’s do you recommend? What file format is compact disc? How much recording time do I get per disc?
CD Player QuestionsIs the built-in monitor speaker loud enough for my application? Can I connect my PSD220 or PSD230 to a stereo or powered speaker for greater playback volume? Will the PSD220 and PSD230 play CD-R or CD-RW discs? Does the PSD220 and PSD230 have a balance knob for my split track recordings? Can I simultaneously manipulate the key and tempo of a CD on the PSD230? Does the PSD230 display what key a song on a CD is in? How well does the "Voice Reduction" feature work on the PSD230? Will the PSD220 & PSD230 transfer CD manipulations to an external CD recorder for recording? Is there a handheld remote available for the PSD220 & PSD230? What’s the difference between the PSD220 and the PSD230? Is there a carry case available for the PSD220 and PSD230? Will the PSD220 and PSD230 operate on batteries?
Recorder QuestionsCan I mark tracks while recording a "live" performance? Yes. Utilizing the supplied handheld
remote with the PSD300 and PSD340, aim the remote towards the
receiving eye located in the lower right corner on the front
panel of the unit. Press CDR near the top of the remote to
select the “CD Play/Record” drive (this only has to be done
once). At the desired moment during recording, press TR INC
(track increment). A new track number will be visible in the
display. The PSD340 also has a track increment button on top of
the unit above the display. Press during recording to manually
increment a new track. The track increment feature is seamless
with no audio interruption.
My condenser microphones are not working with the PSD300P or PSD340. Check the “Phantom Power” switch on the back panel. When utilizing condenser microphones, the switch should be set to the “On” position. “Phantom Power” supplies 48V of power for condenser microphones when the microphones are plugged into the front panel XLR jacks. Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power.
Check the “Mic/Line” selector switch
above the XLR input. When using microphones, the switch should
be set to the “Mic” position. Use the “Line” setting when
plugging in line level sources such as an output from an
electric keyboard or guitar effects processor.
Will the PSD300 & PSD340 record Key, Tempo, and Voice Reduction manipulations? Yes. Use the “REC with CD” record mode in
the “REC MODE” menu. “REC with CD” is the only mode that
will record Key, Tempo, and Voice Reduction manipulations.
I placed a CD-R in the record drive and the display reads “CD NO DISC”…What’s wrong? The unit is switched to the upper playback drive. Since there’s no disc for the laser to read in the playback drive, the display reads “CD NO DISC.” Switch down to the record drive by pressing the “Stop” key in the lower right hand corner on top of the unit. The “Stop” key will be illuminated. Or, press the “CDR” button on the supplied handheld remote to switch drives.
The “Phone Selector” is incorrectly set.
Switch to the “LINE OUT” setting to monitor playback from either
drive. If the “Phone Selector” is on “CD,” you will only be able
to hear playback from the “CD” playback drive. If the “Phone
Selector” is on the “MIC/LINE” and “AUX” settings, only those
signal paths will be audible. Also, be sure the internal speaker
is switched on.
How come the CD-R I recorded doesn’t playback in my car player, home player, boom box, etc? Some compact disc players do not read
CD-R discs. The
performance of CD-R playback is always a combination of the
blank CD media used, the drive that recorded it, and the player
that reads it...and they do not always get along. One
course of action is changing the blank media you are using. Try
the brands recommended above. Remember, compatibility between
the recorder, player, and media is the key. There are no
guarantees that all CD-Rs will play back in all players.
CD-Rs are a different breed than prerecorded store-bought discs.
Yes. Locate the "MIC/LINE" –
"SPLIT/STEREO/MIX" switch above the "CD Play/Record" drive.
Slide the switch to "MIX." Notice the record level will
appear in both channels from one microphone. Begin recording.
Will the PSD300 & PSD340 record specific tracks from a playback CD? Yes. The tracks must be programmed first
in the playback drive. You may program the specific tracks in
any order. See page 19 of the owner’s manual for programming.
After programming, choose one of the copy modes (COPY & LISTEN,
COPY 2X) from the "Rec Mode" menu to record your selections.
Does the PSD300 & PSD340 have MIDI connections? No. Neither unit accepts MIDI signals or
commands. However, MIDI file audio playback can be recorded from
the line out jacks of a dedicated digital player to the “Aux”
inputs of the PSD300 & PSD340.
Check your "Input" selector above the “CD
Play/Record” drive. The "Input" selector should be set to
“Analog” for live recording. Use the "Digital" setting when
connecting external digital sources to the digital input on the
back panel.
What’s "Minute Track" mode on the PSD340? "Minute Track" will automatically create
a new track every minute. Each track is one minute long. As an
example, track 5 is 5 minutes into the recording. Track 10 is 10
minutes into the recording. "Minute Track" is a quick and
convenient way to locate a particular time in a recording. Up to
99 tracks can be recorded on a CD.
Yes. Use the "CD Level" feature in
the menu to reduce the accompaniment CD playback volume. Press
"Menu/Store." Rotate the “Select” wheel clockwise until "CD
Level" is in the display. Press the "Select" wheel down and
rotate counterclockwise to attenuate the level of the CD.
Choose your level of attenuation, say –6 dB, and press the
"Select" wheel down to accept the setting. Press "Menu/Store."
The accompaniment CD will now be lower in volume so the live
source is more balanced and more prominent.
Check your "Input" selector above the “CD
Play/Record” drive. The "Input" selector should be set to
“Analog” for live recording. Use the “Digital” setting when
connecting external digital sources to the digital input on the
back panel.
When I press the "REC" button on my RC300PSD remote, why won’t my PSD300 go into record mode? The PSD300 will not record from stop
mode via the remote. A record mode must be chosen first via the
“Rec Mode” button on the unit. Press "Rec Mode" to access the
record modes. Rotate the "Select" wheel to the desired record
mode and press down to enter and accept the mode. Once the
PSD300 is in "Record/Pause," press the "REC" button to start
recording. Press the “Pause” button to stop recording and mark a
new track but remain in record mode. Press the "REC"
button again to resume recording.
When I engage the "Power" slide switch on top of the unit, it doesn’t turn-on. The main "Power" switch located on the
rear panel must first be depressed to the “On” position. When
the red "Standby" light is illuminated, slide the "Power" switch
on top of the unit to the right to go from standby to
operational mode.
When I press the fast-forward key (>>), it won’t go to the next track. The fast forward key is to advance within
an audio track. Use the "Select" wheel to select a desired
track. During playback mode, rotate the “Select” wheel in either
direction to the desired track. Playback will start
automatically. From stop mode, rotate the "Select" wheel in
either direction and press the "Select" wheel down to begin
playback or press the "Play/Pause" key to begin playback.
Can I connect external speakers to my PSD300 or PSD340? Yes, as long as they are "powered"
speakers. Powered speakers have a built-in power amp in one of
the enclosures. Using an RCA patch cable, connect the left
(white) and right (red) plugs to the left and right "Line Out"
jacks on the back panel of the PSD300 or PSD340. The other end
of the RCA plug connects to the input of the powered speaker.
Use the "Line Out" volume control below the "Phone Selector" to
adjust the output signal from the PSD300 and PSD340.
Will the PSD300 & PSD340 run on batteries? No. The reason that the PSD300 does not
have battery operation is two fold. Because of all of the
specialized features of the PSD300 -- including the dual well
recording capability -- the circuitry within the PSD300 is
significantly complex and would require significant battery
power to sustain the required output for reasonable recording
operation. In addition, the size of the case would have to be
enlarged significantly to accommodate battery operation and
weight may become an issue as well.
Compact Disc Questions
CD-R means “Compact Disc Recordable.” It’s a “write-once” media,
which means the data (music) can’t be overwritten, erased or
reused (rerecorded). A completed or "finalized" CD-R can be
played in virtually any standard CD player. CD-RW or "Compact
Disc Rewritable," can be erased and rewritten (recorded) many
times. The only drawback is a CD-RW won’t playback in all CD
players…the players must be CD-RW compatible. The record drives
in the PSD300 & PSD340 are able to record on CD-R and CD-RW
discs.
What is the difference between a "data" CD-R / CD-RW and a "music" or "audio" CD-R / CD-RW?
Nothing. The composition of the disc is basically the same.
Consumer stand-alone CD recorders require "music" or "audio"
CD-Rs for recording. These special discs contain a flag or
marker within the discs designating them as such. Consumer
recorders also employ copy protection to prevent users from
making copies of copies. "Music" and "audio" CD-R’s also cost
more than "data" CD-Rs because a portion of the price goes to
the music industry. Less expensive standard "data" CD-Rs will
not work in these units. The PSD300 and PSD340 can record with
both "data" CD-R / CD-RWs and "music/audio" CD-R / CD-RWs,
however, you will gain no sonic benefit using the "music" or
"audio" discs.
The PSD300 and PSD340 are compatible with the inexpensive "data" CD-R’s found at most electronics retailers. They are also compatible with "audio only" CD-Rs, too. The PSD300 and PSD340 are real-time recorders (1x speed) and work best with blank discs that are rated at 1x speed. With the advent of computer CD burners having write speeds upwards of 52X, blank media write speeds have increased, too. Purchase discs that clearly state on the packaging that the disc is rated for 1x speed. This is printed on the packaging as “1x–16x” or "1x-48x" or "1x-52x." The lower number (1x) is more important than the high number (16x, 32x, 48x, 52x) when purchasing CD-R’s for use with our recorders. Other packaging may state the speed ratings as “up to 48x” or similar. This speed rating doesn’t truly clarify if the disc is rated at 1x speed – it’s best to purchase discs that clearly state the 1x rating. We recommend quality brands like Sony, TDK, Taiyo Yuden,
and Mitsui.
Superscope offers high quality Sony CD-Rs rated at
1x-48x for purchase in our Web store. They come in 10 packs with
jewel cases or 50 disc spindles.
What CD-RW’s do you recommend? The PSD300 and PSD340 are compatible with
low-speed “data” and “audio only” CD-RW discs. The PSD300 and
PSD340 are real-time recorders (1x speed) and work best with
blank discs that are rated at 1x speed. It’s crucial to purchase
a CD-RW with a speed rating of 4x and under. This will be
printed on the packaging as "1x-4x" or "1x, 2x-4x" or "up to
4x." Do not purchase discs rated at 4x and higher; they
will not work.
We recommend quality brands like Sony, TDK,
Taiyo Yuden, and Mitsui.
What file format is compact disc? Blank compact discs can record a variety of file formats, including data, text, and audio files. A computer will show pre-recorded audio CDs having a file extension of .CDA. But .CDA is not like a text file; it’s compact disc digital audio. Superscope's CD recorders record uncompressed 16 Bit, 44.1 kHz compact disc digital audio. A computer may record audio as one of several formats: a “WAVE” file, with a file extension written .WAV; an MP3 file; Windows Media Audio (WMA); PCM and AIFF to name some of the standard formats. How much recording time do I get per disc? That depends on the length of the CD-R or
CD-RW. An 80 minute 700 MB disc will give you 80 minutes of
recording time. A 74 minute 650 MB disc will give you 74
minutes of recording time. We recommend using disc lengths of 80
minutes or less with our compact disc recorders.
Player Questions Is the built-in monitor speaker loud enough for my application? The built-in speaker is intended as a way
to conveniently monitor a CD. It does not generate "boom-box"
volume levels. As such, the output may not be adequate for
louder instruments such as drums, horns, and pianos. The output
is monaural via the built-in speaker.
Can I connect my PSD220 or PSD230 to a stereo or powered speaker for greater playback volume? Yes. Both models feature RCA “Line Out” jacks for connection to a home stereo system or powered speakers. Connect an RCA patch cable from the “Line Out” jacks of the player to a "CD" or "Auxiliary" input of a home stereo. If using powered speakers, connect the RCA patch cable from the “Line Out” jacks of the player to the designated inputs of the powered speaker. Output volume is controlled from the stereo or powered speaker. Superscope offers the powerful and great-sounding
Audix PH5-vs Powered Speakers on our Online Store for
$249.00 plus shipping. This two-way system is driven by a 25
watt per channel internal amplifier and is a great match for the
PSD220 and PSD230 CD players.
Since the “"Reverse/Back" and
“Next/Forward” functions are combined on one key respectively,
it’s important to hold down the function key when searching
through a track. Uneven or momentary pressure will result in the
switching of tracks. Also, program the track you want to work
with to avoid the possibility of jumping tracks. If you’re
utilizing the "Reverse/Back" key repeatedly, use the "A-B Loop"
function. The "A-B Loop" is great for repeated listening since
you mark the starting and ending points without the need for
“rewinding.”
Will the PSD220 and PSD230 play CD-R or CD-RW discs? Yes, as long as they are finalized.
Does the PSD220 and PSD230 have a balance knob for my split track recordings? If you want to listen to one channel of a
track on a CD, the PSD220 and PSD230 does feature a concentric
volume control (separate left and right volume controls mounted
on dual shafts in a single pot position). The outer part of the
knob controls the left channel while the inner knob controls the
right channel. Just turn up the channel you want to hear. The
concentric volume control works on the built-in speaker and
headphone jack only. The concentric volume control does
not work through the “Line Out” jacks.
To utilize the concentric volume control through a sound system, you may run an output from the headphone jack of the PSD220 or PSD230. All that's required is a "Y" patch cable featuring a stereo (tip, ring, sleeve) 1/4" plug on one end, and two RCA jacks on the other. These can be obtained from Radio Shack or music stores with pro audio sections. Plug the 1/4" plug of the "Y" cable into the headphone jack of the PSD, and on the other end, plug the RCA patch cable that is supplied with the PSD into the "Y" cables RCA jacks. The free end with the RCA terminations connects to your sound system.
Since the output is hotter from
the headphone jack than the "Line Out" jack, you will have back
off the volume of your sound system in relation to the
concentric volume control output of the PSD. Utilizing the
concentric volume control, you may feature or blend the channels
as desired while playing through your sound system.
Can I simultaneously manipulate the key and tempo of a CD on the PSD230? No. However, the PSD230 does have a
“Tuning” control to adjust the tuning of a CD up or down 2%.
The “Tuning” control allows the user to tune the program source
to an instrument that’s not easily retuned such as a piano. The
“Tuning” control raises or lowers the key in 0.1% increments
displayed as a whole number. To access the “Tuning” control,
press either “Tempo” button, plus or minus, momentarily. Next,
press the appropriate “Key” control, flat or sharp, to adjust
the “Tuning” control up or down. Or, after a tempo manipulation
has been made, you can also access the “Tuning” control by
pressing the appropriate “Key” control, flat or sharp, and
adjust accordingly.
Does the PSD230 display what key a song on a CD is in? No.
How well does the “Voice Reduction” feature work on the PSD230? The result of this feature will vary.
“Voice Reduction” is designed to work on stereo recordings with
the vocal placed in the center of the mix. It does not work on
mono recordings or recordings where the vocal is mixed in the
left or right channel. The “Voice Reduction” feature is able to
reduce the relative volume of lead vocals by canceling certain
elements in the center channel. “Voice Reduction” is less
effective if the lead vocal was not originally in the center of
the mix or if excessive processing such as reverbs and delays
were added to the vocal track.
The “Single” track play function is on. The word “Track” will be
flashing in the display above the track number to indicate that
the function is engaged. Simply press the “Single” button to
turn off the function. The word “Track” will stop
flashing. While in “Single” track play, the track does not
automatically start playing. Instead, it is paused and cued up
at the beginning of the audio while the “Pause” icon flashes on
the display. Press the “Play/Pause” button to begin playback.
When the track is finished, the player will cue itself to the
beginning of the next rack and go into “Pause.” The process
repeats for every track. The “Single” track function can be
turned on or off at any time.
Will the PSD220 & PSD230 transfer CD manipulations to an external CD recorder for recording? Yes. Connect the “Line Out” jacks from the PSD220 or PSD230 to the analog inputs of your stand-alone CD recorder or other recording device with an RCA patch cable. Begin recording per manufacturers instructions. Do not use the “Digital Out” jack since the “Digital Out” jack will not pass any “Key,” “Tempo,” ‘EQ” and “Voice Reduction” manipulations. The Superscope PSD300, PSD300P and PSD340 Dual Drive CD Recorders offer an easy and convenient way to transfer “Key,” “Tempo” and “Voice Reduction” manipulations all within the same unit.
Yes. These audio “distortions” occur with
most source material. Slowing down the playback tempo while
maintaining the pitch does affect the sound on a sliding scale.
The further you get away from the original tempo, the more
you’ll notice the deterioration in sound. The quality of the
tempo reduction is linked to the source material, too. Some CD’s
will sound better than others. The type of instruments played
and how they’re played all play a factor, too. Tempo reduction
is similar to “cropping” or enlarging a photograph. The further
you crop a section of a photo, the more the emulsion of the film
starts to show and the more the image becomes “distorted.”
Is there a handheld remote available for the PSD220 & PSD230? Yes. Use the optional RC300PSD Wireless
Infrared Remote Control.
Intended for use with the PSD300 CD Recorder, it also works with
the PSD220 and PSD230, though some of the function keys,
particularly record functions, will not apply. The
RC300PSD IR
Remote is available for purchase directly from Superscope’s
Online Store for $15.00 plus shipping.
No. However, each model does have a “Foot
Pedal In” jack that when used in conjunction with the optional
FT200 Foot Pedal, provides “Play/Pause” control while the unit
is in playback mode. The FT200 Foot Pedal will not activate
playback from the stop position. The
FT200 Foot Pedal is
available for purchase directly from Superscope’s Online Store
for $20.00 plus shipping.
What’s the difference between the PSD220 and the PSD230? Both models include: Tempo Control, A-B Loop, 3-band EQ, built-in speaker, headphone jack, dual-concentric volume controls, foot pedal input, built-in infrared remote receiving eye, programming, single track play function, settings lock, LCD display backlight, and AC adaptor. Both models feature RCA analog and digital output jacks. The PSD230 adds Key Control, Voice Reduction, combination XLR & ¼ inch mic/line input w/level control, mix/split switch, and CD-Text read. Use our handy CD Player Comparison chart to see all CD Player features side-by-side.
Is there a carry case available for the PSD220 and PSD230? Yes. The optional CA200 Carry Case is a
great way to transport and store your player. This rugged
hardshell case features a die-cut foam interior to house the
player, adaptor, CD’s and cables. Heavy duty molded handle and
attractive black finish. The
CA200 Carry Case is available for
purchase directly from Superscope’s Online Store for $49.00 plus
shipping.
Will the PSD220 and PSD230 operate on batteries? Yes. Either unit will operate on three (3) alkaline “D” cell batteries. A battery life indicator is located in the top right hand corner of the display. See the owner’s manual for a description of the battery life indicator icons. “D” cell operation yields about 3 hours of playback time. We also offer a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery for the PSD220 and PSD230. The RB430 battery pack yields about 4 hours of playback time and charges right in the unit from the supplied AC adaptor. A full charge takes about 6 hours. The RB430 Rechargeable Battery is available for purchase directly from Superscope’s Online Store for $79.00 plus shipping.
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