Pro-Ject Debut III/Phono USB

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

24 3a 12
Audio Trade GmbH Pro-Ject Debut III / Phono USB / Ortofon OM 5E Revision 15.10.10/15.12.10
PRO-JECT DEBUT III/PHONO USB
Controls, features and connections
7 8/24 Motor transportation screw (marked red) Stepped drive pulley Drive belt * 3a Hook * Hub Platter with felt mat * Tonearm counterweight * 6a Downforce scale Tonearm lift lever Tonearm rest and removable transport lock Tonearm tube 9a Tonearm base Lid * Lid hinges Hinge fasteners Power supply socket Phono output sockets, earth connection and USB-out Anti-skating weight adjustment scale Anti-skating weight * Anti-skating weight support hoop Power switch Headshell with finger lift and fitted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge Motor Single adapter * 3,5mm connector * Power supply (not shown) *
Dear music lover, thank you for purchasing a PRO-JECT AUDIO record player. In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability with this record player you should study these instructions for use carefully.
Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit or possible misuse. Important notice.
** Your turntable has been delivered with a factory fitted and adjusted cartridge, please ignore the cartridge set up instructions unless changing the cartridge at a later date. During assembly and adjustment of the deck small parts could be lost if not carefully placed in a suitable receptacle. Before starting assembly make yourself acquainted with the parts listed above and correspondingly numbered in the technical drawings above. Separately packed items are marked with an asterisk *.

Set-up

Make sure the surface you wish to use the turntable on is level (use a spirit level) before placing the turntable on it. Remove the two red transport screws (1) which secure the motor (22) during transportation. Remove the transport lock (18) from the tonearm. Store it together with the two red motor transport screws (1) in the original packaging so they are available for any future transportation. Fit the drive belt (3) around the hub (4) and the smaller diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Avoid getting sweat or grease on the belt as these will deteriorate the performance and reduce the belt's lifespan. Use absorbent kitchen paper to remove any oil or grease from the outer edge of the hub and the belt. Fit the platter (5) and felt mat over the spindle of the hub (4).
Cartridge downforce adjustment
The counterweight (6) supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3,5 - 5,5g. Alternative counterweights for cartridges weighing between 6 - 9g or 1,5 - 3g are available as accessory parts. Adjust the downforce prior to installing the anti-skating weight. Pushing carefully, turn the counterweight (6) onto the rear end of the tonearm tube (9), so that the downforce scale (6a) shows towards the front of the player. Lower the armlift and position the cartridge in the space between arm rest and platter. Carefully rotate the counterweight (6) until the armtube balances out. The arm should return to the balanced position if it is moved up or down. This adjustment must be done carefully. Do not forget to remove the cartridge protection cap if fitted. Once the arm is correctly balanced return it to the rest. Hold the counterweight (6) without moving it, and gently revolve the downforce scale ring (6a) until the zero is in line with the anti-skating prong (15). Check whether the arm still balances out. Rotate the counterweight counter clockwise (seen from the front) to adjust the downforce according to the cartridge manufacturer's recommendations. One mark on the scale represents 1 mN (= 0,1g / 0,1 Pond) of downforce. The recommended downforce for the factory fitted cartridge is 17,5mN.

Anti-skating force adjustment
The anti-skating force must be adjusted corresponding to the downforce as follows: Downforce Groove in the stub (15) 10 - 14mN 1st from bearing rings 15 - 19mN 2nd " " " 20mN and bigger 3rd " " " Slip the loop of the anti-skating weight's thread over the second groove of the stub to set the correct antiskating force for the factory-fitted cartridge. Feed the thread through the loop of the wire support (17).
Connection to the amplifier
The record player has gold plated female RCA phono sockets (14) so you can substitute the interconnect cables supplied with those of your choice for connection to the amplifier if you wish. Your dealer can advise you on alternative cables. Use a line input (such as AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or Video) on your amplifier. Due to the built in phono pre-amplifier, a phono input (sometimes labelled gram, disc or RIAA) is not ! suitable. Connecting to a Computer, see page 6. Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white. Check the manual supplied with your amplifier for relevant information. The earthing wire of the tonearm lead should be connected to the earth terminal on your amplifier (if provided). The 3,5 mm connector (supplied) can be used to connect your Pro-Ject Debut III/Phono USB to any line level/auxiliary input (Computer, Midi System, Mixer etc.). Connect the socket end to the phono plugs at the end of the audio trailing lead from your turntable and insert the 3,5 mm plug into the relevant socket on your audio component.

Mains power connection

The turntable is supplied with a power supply suitable for your country's mains supply. Check the label before connecting to ensure compliance with the mains rating in your house. Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the socket (13) on the rear of the record player before connecting the power supply to the mains.

Fitting the lid

Fit the lid (dust cover 10) carefully over the hinge prongs and adjust the screws (12) until the lid stays open where you want it to without being too stiff to open or close.

Switching on and off

Pressing the power switch (20) alternately starts or stops the motor.

Changing replay speed

To play records at 45 r.p.m. first remove the platter (5). Using the accessory tool provided (3a), hook the belt (3) over the larger diameter part of the motor pulley (2). Refit the platter. To revert to 33,33 r.p.m. repeat the proceedings using the smaller step on the pulley. When the Pro-Ject Speed Box ore the Speed Box SE are used speed change between 33 and 45 r.p.m. is electronic. There is no need to move the belt manually. *** In addition, 78 r.p.m. is available after fitting a special pulley, which may be purchased as an optional extra. For detailed product information please refer to the Pro-Ject web site www.project-audio.com.

Maintenance and cleaning

Your record player requires little or no regular maintenance. Remove dust with a slightly moistened antistatic cloth. Never use a dry cloth because this will create static electricity which attract more dust! Antistatic cleaning fluids are available at specialist stores but must be applied sparingly to avoid damage to rubber parts. It is recommended to fit the needle cover before cleaning or maintenance is carried out to avoid damage. If the player is not used over a long period of time the drive belt can be removed to prevent unequal stretching.
Always disconnect the record player from the mains power supply as a precaution before maintenance!

Useful tips

The record player should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.
Fitting and connecting the cartridge
** All cartridges with half inch mounting holes can be fitted. Leaving the needle's protection cover on, fit the cartridge to the headshell using the screws supplied with the cartridge by passing one screw through each slot in the headshell (21). Do not tighten the nuts yet. Connect the tonearm wires to the cartridge pins as follows: white left channel positive (L+) red right channel pos. (R+) green right channel return (R -) blue left channel return (L -) The full sound quality of the record player can only be achieved if the cartridge is correctly adjusted. Particular tools like the PRO-JECT alignment tool are required to accomplish this job properly. If you are not well acquainted with the adjustment of cartridges you are advised to call upon the willing help of your PRO-JECT dealer to accomplish this task for you.

Adjusting the azimuth

** The cartridge needle must be vertical in the record groove in order to trace the groove wall modulations correctly. A small screw at the bearing end of the arm allows incorrect azimuth to be Screw corrected if your needle is not mounted exactly perpendicular to the cartridge body (which is often the case). Slacken off the screw just enough to be able to revolve the arm tube without applying force. Note! Do not remove the screw completely! With the aid of a good magnifying glass adjust the needle until it is vertical in the groove (i.e. perpendicular to the record's surface). Ideally this should correspond to the top surface of the cartridge body being parallel to the record surface. When you are satisfied that the needle is vertical retighten the screw carefully. Under no circumstances should the arm tube be adjusted with the needle still in the record groove! Irreparable damage may be caused to the cantilever suspension! The arm must be lifted to make each adjustment and lowered afterwards to check it.
Connecting to a Computer (Windows XP operating system)
1. Connect the USB-output of the Debut III/Phono USB to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is powered on. Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB-hubs or switches can cause problems. 2. The new hardware found assistant will automatically detect the unit and announces it as a USB audio codec. 3. open the System menu via Start (Windows key) Settings Control Panel Sound and Audio Devices 4. In the control panel open the Sound and audio menu.
5. In the Sounds and Audio panel select the Audio tab. In the Replay section select your sound card from the pull-down lists (usually preselected).
6. Select the USB Audio CODEC from the pull down list in the Recording section. Make sure your sound card is selected for Replay.
7. Confirm your selections by clicking the OK button. 8. Close the control panel windows and start your recording programme.
Connecting to a Computer (Windows 7 operating system)
1. Connect the USB-output of the Debut III/Phono USB to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is powered on. Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB-hubs or switches can cause problems. 2. Open the "Recording panel. Start Control Panel Hardware and Sound Sound Recording In the Recording panel USB Audio Device (announced as Microphone) should be selected (usually preselected).

3. Click the OK button and close the control panel windows. 4. Close the control panel windows and start your recording programme.
Connecting to a Computer (Mac OS)
1. Connect the USB-output of the Debut III/Phono USB to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is powered on. Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB-hubs or switches can cause problems. 2. Open the System Preferences panel and select Sound.
3. In the Input panel USB Audio CODEC should be selected (usually preselected).
4. Close the control panel windows and start your recording programme.

Recording Programme

In case you do not have a recording programme installed on your computer, you may download one free from the Internet. Recording programmes may be found by searching Google or Altavista. Please be aware that downloads from the Internet are made entirely at your own risk. Under no circumstances can we carry responsibility or provide support for software products sourced from the internet or for any damage or problems arising from the use thereof. All downloads should be checked with an up-to-date anti-virus programme. License fees may be applicable.
Technical specifications PRO-JECT DEBUT III/PHONO USB
Nominal speeds Speed variance Wow and flutter Signal to noise Downforce range Effective tonearm length Overhang Power consumption Outboard power supply Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight 33,33/45,11 r.p.m. *** 78 r.p.m. optional 0,8 % 0,12 % -65dB 10-30mN 8,6 " ( 218,5mm) 18,5mm 2,6W 16V/500mA AC, suitable for your country's mains supply 415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm 5,5kg
Technical specifications Moving magnet phono pre-amplifier
Gain Output voltage typically Input impedance Noise floor RIAA-equalisation curve accuracy USB output: Operating systems: 32dB 160mV/1kHz at 4mV/1kHz input 47kohms/100pF -88dB 20Hz-20kHz / max. 0,5dB digital serial data protocol USB 1.1 Windows XP, Windows VISTA, Windows 7 and Mac OS
Potential incorrect use and fault conditions
PRO-JECT turntables are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo strict quality controls before leaving the factory. Faults that may possibly occur are not necessarily due to material or production faults but can sometimes be caused by incorrect use or unfortunate circumstances. Therefore the following list of common fault symptoms is included. The platter doesn't turn although the unit is switched on: The unit is not connected to the mains power supply. No mains at the socket. Drive belt is not fitted or has slipped off. No signal through one or other channel or both channels: No signal contact from the cartridge to the internal tonearm wiring or from that to the arm lead or between that and the amplifier. This could be due to a faulty plug, broken wire or solder joint or simply loose plug/socket connection. Wrong input selected at amplifier. Amplifier not switched on. Amplifier or speakers defective or muted. No connection to the loudspeakers. Distorted or inconsistent sound from one or both channels: Needle or cantilever damaged. Wrong r.p.m., drive belt overstretched or dirty, platter bearing without oil, dirty or damaged.

Service

Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify despite the above information, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only when the problem cannot be resolved there should the unit be sent to the responsible distributor in your country. Guarantee repairs will only be effected if the unit is returned correctly packaged. For this reason we recommend keeping the original packaging. Never return a record player without making sure that is it safely disassembled and correctly packaged in the original packaging according to the diagrams on the last page of this user guide. Please remove these parts and pack them separately: lid (10), counterweight (6), anti-skating weight (16) platter (5), cartridge and belt (3). Fit the cartridge protection cap. Insert the transport screws for the motor (1) and the transport lock for the tonearm (18) prior to carefully packaging the record player.

Warranty

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or change to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.

Copyright, trademarks

PRO-JECT is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger. The information was correct at the time of going to press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make This guide was produced by: Audio Trade GmbH changes to the technical specification without prior Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing process of technical development. Windows XP , Windows Vista and Windows 7 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Accessories

2 motor transport screws (marked red) Tomearm transport look
Tonearm counterweight Power supply

Platter

Product information
Pro-Ject Debut III/Phono USB
Manual turntable with fitted cartridge Ortofon OM 5E and integrated MM phono pre-amplifier with A/D converter and USB output

Turntable

Chassis available in matt black, glossy black, silver and glossy white A quiet running AC motor with a two-step pulley drives the hub and platter via a flat-ground belt. The medium density fibre plinth stands on four feet which act as shock absorbers. The motor is decoupled from the plinth to reduce vibration transmission. The platter is a sandwich construction utilising the hub, a sheet-steel platter weighing 1,3Kg and a felt mat. The platter's low-tolerance chrome-plated stainless-steel axle runs on a polished ball bearing in a brass bearing housing. External power supply avoids potential electro-mechanical interference.

Tonearm Pro-Ject 8.6

The turntable is supplied with Ortofon OM 5E MM-cartridge fitted. Uniform material: the tonearm tube and bearing housing are constructed from aluminium. The headshell and undamped armtube are fashioned from a single piece. The inverted horizontal bearings consist of two hardened stainless steel points bearing in sapphire cushes. Flexible counterweight shaft avoids vibration at undesirable frequencies. The counterweight supplied is suitable for cartridges weighing between 3 - 5,5g. Alternative counterweights for cartridges weighing between 1,5 - 3g or 6 - 9g are available as an accessory part. Single-screw fixing of armtube allows rotation for easy adjustment of needle azimuth despite fixed headshell. The internal wiring consists of flexible high-purity copper from the headshell right through to the gold-plated phono sockets. A supplied 3,5 mm connector can be used to connect your Pro-Ject Debut III / Phono to any line level/auxiliary input (Computer, Midi System, Mixer etc.). Dimensions W x H x D: With dust cover closed 415 x 118 x 320mm, dust cover open 415 x 365 x 405mm.

Phono Pre-amplifier

Optimal channel separation through dual-mono circuitry Digitalisation of analogue signals for recording direct to disk via USB with suitable recording programs Runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS operating systems
Technical specifications Phono Pre-amplifier - A/D converter
Noise floor: THD: Input impedance: Power consumption: Gain: Output voltage typically: RIAA-equalisation curve accuracy: USB output: 88dB 0,005% 47kohms/100pF 16V/40mA AC 32dB 160mV/1kHz at 4mV/1kHz > 0,5dB/20Hz - 20kHz digital serial data protocol USB 1.1
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter the technical specifications without notice. The unit may only be connected to a line level input. Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a registered trademark of Heinz Lichtenegger 1050 Vienna Margareten Road 98 Tel. +43(0)15448580 Fax. +43(0)15456697 www.project-audio.com Heinz Lichtenegger Revision 15.10.10