Marantz PMD-430 Record/Play Speed Issue

[EBP]

Hey all, I need help solving an issue with my Marantz PMD-430 cassette recorder.

Problem is that the playback of a recording is higher pitched than the source audio.

All prior set up of the recorder was followed as per instructions in the manual (pitch control at zero, bias correctly selected to tape type, etc).

Things I've tried:
-Recording my voice with microphone inserted into microphone input = higher on playback
-Recording my voice with a different microphone inserted into microphone input = higher on playback
-Recording audio from another player using audio inputs (L/R) = higher on playback
-Trying a different tape to record on, repeating the above = higher on playback
-Simply playing a commercially recorded cassette of an album I know well AND checking it again on another cassette deck = Normal pitch

What's the deal?

My guess is the potentiometer control on the motor, but I heard that the motor should be the same for both record and play and therefore would be impossible to have a difference in pitch.

 

[EBP]

Anyone?? Don't be shy now!

 

[tapetech]

I'm not shy!

With deck off, put ohm meter across pins 4 and 5 of WM03 connector on the motor board.

Measure ohms in both play mode and record mode with deck OFF. Adjust top panel pitch control until you get the same reading in play and record. Keep pot in that position

This will get you the same speed in play and record.

You will need to re-cal absolute speed. Do this by playing a 3KHz speed tape and adjust RM05 for 3K on the line output.

 

[tapetech]

So you beg for help, I give it to you, and you disappear?

 

[EBP]

Haha no I did indeed officially click "like" on your comment! Thank you for the response, when I get time I will follow your advice and get it all tuned up. Thanks again!

 

[EBP]

So you beg for help, I give it to you, and you disappear?

see above