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.

Can I reduce the record volume of an accompaniment CD in the playback drive of the PSD340 to achieve a better balance when recording with a live source?

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.

I set my record levels with the PSD300/PSD300P, but when I select the "Record" mode, the record levels disappear and  "NO SIGNAL" flashes in the display momentarily…What’s wrong?

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.

Other Questions

What is a CD-R and CD-RW?

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.

What CD-R’s do you recommend?

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-R’s 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?

None really. Your computer will show an audio CD with a file extension of .CDA for convenience.  But it’s not really a file; it’s compact disc digital audio. Our CD recorders record uncompressed 16 Bit, 44.1 kHz compact disc digital audio. Its file format “relative” on a computer is a “WAVE” file expressed as .WAV. 

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.

When I press the "Reverse/Back" key to review a small section of music on a CD, the unit jumps to the previous track…What’s wrong?

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.

How can I get more volume output when using split track recordings if I can’t use 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 is 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.

When playing a CD, the unit won’t play the whole disc continuously. The unit stops at the beginning of each track in “Pause” mode…What’s wrong?                                                                                                                                                     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.

Is it normal for a CD manipulated by the “Tempo” control to sound somewhat “distorted” or “blurry” at the slowest reductions?

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 IR Remote. 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.

Is there a foot-controller available for the PSD220 and PSD230 that operates basic functions such as forward, reverse, play, stop, etc?

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.

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 $99.00 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.