What do you need to know about the Otari MX5050?
What do you need to know about the Otari MX5050?
The Otari MX5050 tape decks are a commercial grade RTR machine that was marketed towards recording studios, TV, and radio stations. Generally speaking, they were not designed for the home audio market, although many of these decks are found in audiophile systems due to their stellar performance and high reliability.
What kind of tape recorder does Otari use?
The MX-5050BII Series Recorders are professional quality two-speed audio tape recorder/reproducers designed for optimum performance and long life. The MX-5050BII units use 1/4-inch tape and are available in 4 different models. The different models, and their application, are determined by the head format.
Are there different types of Otari tape decks?
The decks offered several versions, including ‘portable’ upright decks, or ‘console’ models with the meter bridge above the transport, which sits flat. This model also featured 2, 4 or 8 channel models, with the 8 channel being a ½” tape version.
Can a 5050 2 Chann El play a ¼ track tape?
Most 5050 2 chann el models have a control under the head cover to switch to a ¼ track playback head, so that you can play back ¼ track tapes as well as play and record in ½ track mode. The decks came with 7 ½ and 15 IPS speeds, however there is an option on the power supply board that allows you to use the deck in 3 ¾ and 7 ½ IPS mode.
When did the Otari mx-55 master recorder come out?
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.
Is the Otari 5050 2 Chann El a tape recorder?
This model also featured 2, 4 or 8 channel models, with the 8 channel being a ½” tape version. Most 5050 2 chann el models have a control under the head cover to switch to a ¼ track playback head, so that you can play back ¼ track tapes as well as play and record in ½ track mode.
