Operating instructions

[5] SPOT ERASE Button This button is used to erase unwanted tracks. Refer to §4.2.9 for a detailed
description on using the Spot Erase mode.
[6] Cue Wheel/Indicators The Cue Wheel controls the direction and speed of tape motion in Cue mode.
The indicators show the direction of tape motion. (See [7] CUE Button for
further explanation.)
[7] CUE Button The button is used to enter Cue Mode. When pressed, it illuminates brightly.
There are two main modes.
❑ Normal Cue Mode: When the CUE button is pressed while the transport
is in Stop mode, the direction and speed of tape motion are determined
by the Cue Wheel [6].
❑ Fast Cue Mode (Lifter Defeat): When the CUE button is pressed while
the transport is in Fast Forward or Rewind mode, the tape lifters are
retracted so the tape can be monitored. The lifters remain retracted for
as long as the button is pressed; releasing the button clears Fast Cue
mode.
CAUTION: Be sure the monitor amps are turned off or the volume is down,
otherwise the loudspeakers could be damaged. The volume level of the
monitor speaker can be attenuated by setting SW4 on the BIAS CONTROL
PCB Assembly. Refer to Table 2-4 in §2.1 for details.
[8] Splicing Block This built-in splicing block is convenient for use during editing.
[9] SHIELD Button This button is used to control the raising and lowering of the Head Shield.
[10] RECORD Button This button is used to enter the Transport into Record mode when pressed
together with the PLAY button [11] or while the machine is in Play mode.
Individual channels will not actually record, however, unless they have been
set to Ready mode.
❑ When the RECORD button is pressed, it becomes brightly illuminated,
and the blinking Ready/Safe indicators will remain steadily illuminated,
indicating that the channels are recording.
❑ Exiting Record Mode: There are three ways to exit Record mode.
a. To exit Record on a single channel without stopping the tape, move
its READY/SAFE switch (§3.3, [10]) to the Safe position. The
Ready/Safe indicator above that switch should turn off.
b. To exit Record mode on all channels without stopping the tape (i.e.,
continuing in Play mode), press the PLAY button [11]. The RECORD
button illumination will dim, and the Ready/Safe indicator(s) will
begin flashing again.
NOTE: This method is recommend over pressing the ALL SAFE button.
c. To exit Record mode and stop the tape, press the STOP button [12].
[11] PLAY Button This button is used to enter the Transport into Play mode. When this button
is pressed, the tape is reproduced in the forward direction (from Supply to
Take-up reel) at the selected speed.
❑ Entering Record Mode: When this button is pressed with the RECORD
button [10], the Transport enters Record mode.
MTR-90III Operation and Maintenance Manual
October 1990
Section 3 Controls and Indicators
3 - 3