Messages

1

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: 1/2" Two Track R2R Machines

« on: November 19, 2008, 05:04:06 PM »

Here is a list off the top of my head...
Sony APR-5002
Ampex ATR-102
Studer A-820
Tascam ATR-60
Fostex E2
Otari MTR-10, MTR-12, and MTR15 (I'm not sure if all were available)

I know someone with the ATR-60 that you mentioned and he likes his well enough.  Are there better out there... probably.  However, if you have it in tip-top shape, carefully calibrated, and fully set up, you'll be pretty happy with the results I'm sure.

2

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Sony APR-5000, Otari MX-50 & Otari MTR-15

« on: January 28, 2008, 12:27:08 PM »

Thank again Bob for keeping me in mind.  I really appreciate all of the leg work you're doing on this.  There are something about pro-audio guys and drummers that makes them just so cool.  I always joked at the drum clinics that I used to go to that if you stuck 100 rock guitarists in a room together, they would all be fighting within two minutes!  : )

3

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Sony APR-5000, Otari MX-50 & Otari MTR-15

« on: January 13, 2008, 04:28:58 PM »

Sure!  Ironically, I had asked the whole (Richard's) group if anyone was selling one.  Richard said he would keep an eye out for me.  I'll talk to him and see what his intentions are.  Thanks again.

Brian

4

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Sony APR-5000, Otari MX-50 & Otari MTR-15

« on: January 11, 2008, 06:57:40 PM »

Thanks Bob and Steve!
Bob- I would appreciate the notice about the sony.  As for the Otaris... I really don't have terribly much experience with them personally.  I only what from researched and such.  The MX-50 are still pretty common.  The MTR-15 was definately a "mastering" type deck.  Pretty high end stuff.  As for servicing, I've heard that the parts for Otari machines can still be found.

Steve-
I have been part of the Yahoo group that Richard Hess started for about four years.  That group is by far the best source for info on Sony APR units.  A couple of the guys in the group were former design and service engineers!  The only reason I could do ANY work myself was due to their assistance.  I think it's an amazing resource.  I've seen the thread on Tape Op too.  If fact, I get a lot of great advice there as well.

I have the opportunity to get another deck (Tascam ATR-60 1/2" two track), but I have always had a special place in my heart for the Sony APR units.  Once Bob mentioned one for sale, it really made me want to forgo the Tascam and try and get another Sony APR 5002/3.  My buddy has one in his studio (that actually works) and I remain jealous. 

Cheers!
Brian

5

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Sony APR-5000, Otari MX-50 & Otari MTR-15

« on: January 11, 2008, 02:39:39 PM »

boy, all of those are great machines.  I think it depends on what you're doing with them.  The Otari MTR-15 deck is the latest and most sophisticated decks they made.  Auto alignment and such.  Also, the Sony has that as well.  I had a Sony APR-5003 and it was great, but God forbid it needs to be serviced!  Sony dumped all of the parts when it stopped making reel to reel machines. When I had to service it... I either had to do the work myself or send it to California for service.  There are only a few companies left that even deal with them because they were such beasts to work on. 

Come to think about it, I wouldn't mind picking that machine up.  My old machine went down and it was cost prohibitive to fix.  It would make a great parts machine!  If you don't get the Sony... I'd be interested.  Where is it?