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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-50/55/5050 'Master Recorder' Information

« on: November 28, 2008, 11:39:38 AM »

docB: Funny you should mention this. I would tend to agree that the quality of these machines has been underrated.

Additionally, I'm sorry to say, I think you just missed two MTR-15's that were for sale on Craigslist LA when I made my original posting.

...JB

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-50/55/5050 'Master Recorder' Information

« on: November 28, 2008, 11:10:31 AM »

Sorry about the delay in responding...

First, to JCMusic: The short answer is no. I haven't done any modifications to my 5050-8 track or to the 55 that I use. My primary usage for either of these units has been primarily archival transfers to digital and thus I have had no need to go after the sounds associated with saturating, using high-bias tape, or improving the electronics in the machines that I have, although I have had the 5050-8 recapped once.

Ironbut, according to Otari's timeline, the MTR10 Master Tape Recorder (MTR) was introduced in 1981, the MTR 15 followed 8 years later in 1989. (Does that indicate that the MTR 10 had a good nine year run before it was upgraded to the 15?)

Other notes regarding these machines might be to add that the 50/5050 series were introduced, if I am not mistaken, into the market as broadcast or semi-pro machines, of a smaller dimension than their 'big brothers' the MTR series, despite their eventual uses in many 'pro' studios and projects. It might also be noted that the original MX-5050 was introduced in 1974, before the wide distribution of the MX-5050 B (1977)/BII (1982)/BIII (1990) machines which became quite prevalent in broadcast and studio usage later on.

As a historical note and perspective, Otari Electric had been founded in Mitaka, Tokyo in 1965, Otari Corporation, USA being founded in 1973.

Hope this is accurate and helps...

...JB

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari MX-50/55/5050 'Master Recorder' Information

« on: November 22, 2008, 06:55:07 PM »

Hi, I hope this will clear up some of the questions that have been raised about the Otari MX-50/55/5050 Master Recorder Series.

The basics can be found at http://www.otari.com/company/index.html.

The MX-55 predates the MX-5050 Series by three years. The build quality is generally the same on all of these fine units and is quite good, essentially military tank quality.

The MX-55 was introduced in 1987 as a 1/4", three speed (two speeds available front panel), two track plus timecode track 'Master Recorder' and can handle tape reels from 3 inch to NAB 10 1/2 inch reels.

It was followed by the MX-50 in 1988 (no timecode) and the venerable MX-5050 in 1990.

The MX-5050 was shipped in various minor model configurations (BII, BIII, BIV) depending on features, but is basically an updated MX-55/50 - It is a 1/4", two track 'Master Recorder' without timecode (and brother to the venerable MX-5050 MK III 1/2" 8 track recorder), capable of recording speeds of 3 3/4, 7 1/2, and 15 IPS, with both NAB and IEC EQ.
In addition, most of the MX-5050 machines contain a fourth head mounted in the headstack which allows play (but not recording) of 1/4" stereo (four track stereo) tapes of the era.

All machines featured direct drive motors (no belts) and some of the smoothest transport servo technology around (really nice for handling old tapes for restoration or transfer to digital).

I hope this answers some of the questions I've seen around the internet regarding these machines, which are frequently found for sale at very reasonable prices. I wouldn't class the electronics to be up there with the Ampex mastering recorders of the same ilk, but their cost and maintainability are certainly attractive in comparison. (Otari also manufactures the MTR-12 Mastering Recorder and it's brother the MTR-90 Multitrack.)

I hope this helps some of you who have tried to find this information.

...JB