Otari MX5050 mk iii 8 - Loading Tape and Transport Controls

[@sylvaind9086]

What a beautiful machine! I had a Tascam 80-8 in the 70s, which was a grear unit. But I always wished I had an Otari back then.

[@maestrobpm911]

Well this machine is a fulfilment of my youthful dreams - you might need to do what I did and just go out and buy one ;) www.ebay.com.au/itm/126474421702?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=WX_hgt3cSbW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ADoS9xiKRve&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY - if you're in the US...

[@soulslip]

I have one and recently installed balanced transformers for i/o and rewired the xlr to modern standards. These machines sound amazing and are really fun to use. I am really happy with mine and will probably never get rid of it. Cool series of videos describing all of the functions and features. Hope you are having fun with it and happy analog recording! Cheers!

[@maestrobpm911]

Thanks heaps. What are your thoughts on adding the balancing transformers? Apart from giving you compatability for patching across your studio has helped with audio quality?

[@averysahara8852]

Would also like to know about the balanced transformers, I just got one with the hot pin rewired. How much did it set you back for adding transformers?

[@averysahara8852]

Loved the camera angle

[@inforobob]

Takes 1/2" tape? I have not been able to find the specs on this model.

[@maestrobpm911]

Yes. Half inch tape. The MX-5050 also has 2-track and 4-track versions that take 1/4 inch tape. But the 8-track is 1/2 inch. I've got a saved scan of the machine's manual saved here - www.dropbox.com/sh/6v7ph2jxw...Us2QykOCa?dl=0

[@hunterkz2992]

Good recorder. But!... A very bad solution when the tape constantly rubs with a working layer on the rack of the tension lever. With other manufacturers of reel decks (for example Denon) this is completely excluded ...

[@maestrobpm911]

Do you mean there is a problem because the coated side of the tape is rubbing across the tension arm? Is it shedding you're concerned about?

[@hunterkz2992]

@@maestrobpm911 yes, exactly the fact that the magnetic layer is erased on the tension arm. it is better if instead of the tension roller with a bearing of a larger diameter is used, as in the Revox kinematics.

[@soulslip]

@@hunterkz2992they make an upgrade for this where the tension arm is still in operation but there is a bearing adopted onto the end that relieves most of what you mentioned. I have researched upgrades for this 8 track quite extensively and this has been resolved for the most part. I have one and installed balanced transformers for i/o and eventually plan on adding those new tension arms.

[@BrothersNylon]

How did you rewire your remote for this machine? Isn’t it only 16 pin? Did you modify yours to fit the 32 pins?

[@maestrobpm911]

I didn't have to rewire the remote. I'll post a video shortly showing how to use the two remotes that I have. One is basic transport control and the other has the full front panel controls as well.

[@BrothersNylon]

@@maestrobpm911will wait on this so good! 😅 subbed so can’t wait to see that remote video! Cheers

[@bobsbits5357]

hi had one sometime ago smoke came out it i did not know about recap the deck or when i got the deck the caps were all ready going note i have a otari mtr 12 with a head block a made to take all tapes i recorded on this model note a jazzed up some tascam 38 decks and jazzed the eq play back i payed alot of money for this deck £300 about luck head block was like new i re used them so beware of buying reel to reel decks

[@maestrobpm911]

I was pretty lucky with mine. I bought it 2nd hand and everything was working pretty well. I have done a lot of work to it - recap, refurbished the capstan motor, new pinch roller. It's been great fun to work with...