Features in Detail

Straight Line Tape Threading↑ TOP

The Otari MX-5050 retains the traditional straight line path common to the vast majority of professional recorders. The advantage of this is that there is no relearning process and you are assured of perfect tape threading every time. You will notice that the position of the pinch roller is on the non-oxide side of the tape as is the case with most professional recorders. In contrast, many hi-fi recorders have the pinch roller and the capstan on the opposite side, so that the hard metal of the capstan rather than the soft rubber of the pinch roller is contacting the oxide side of the tape.

Rugged Permalloy Heads↑ TOP

Otari heads are fabricated from hard Permalloy. This rugged material gives the best compromise between extended head life (as compared to standard mu-metal heads) and signal output (as compared to ferrite heads with their associated noise problems).

Extra Reproduce Head↑ TOP

Two channel MX-5050 versions include a second reproduce head which can be either quarter-track or half-track depending on the configuration of the other heads in the machine. This extra head is especially convenient since it allows the playback of prerecorded tapes from other sources in a different format without having to have another machine.

Switchable Half/Quarter Track↑ TOP

Located on the top of the head assembly is a slide switch which selects between either the quarter-track or half-track reproduce head mounted on the MX-5050 head assembly.

Plug-in Mic Transformers↑ TOP

Accessory plug-in balanced-line microphone transformers are available to connect low impedance microphones directly to the high impedance microphone input of the MX-5050 when a mixer is not being used.

XLR Connectors, +4 or −10 dBm Outputs↑ TOP

All input and output line connectors are professional XLR type. Microphone input connectors are standard quarter inch phone jacks, as is the case on most professional recorders, since it is assumed that the microphones will be connected to the recorder through a mixer. Also on the rear panel is the High/Low line out switch. In the high or H position, a normal +4 dBm 600 ohm output is supplied for most recording and broadcasting uses. In the low or L position, a lower output at −10 dBm, for such applications as driving a P.A. or hi-fi power amplifier, is available. Input and output impedances and balanced or unbalanced line configurations vary with MX-5050 model. Full details are in the Specification Sheet. For remote operation, all transport motion controls are brought out to a jack on the rear panel.

Built-in Splicing Block↑ TOP

A unique feature of the MX-5050 is a precision aligned splicing block mounted on the head cover. (This is such a good idea, it's a wonder that no one thought of it before.) Note the white diamonds on the block. These indicate the precise position of the erase, record, and reproduce heads so that you can very accurately position the tape for a splice. Also, the vertical splicing cut on the block is exactly aligned with the gap on the reproduce head. This simplifies marking the tape for tight splicing.

Motion Sensing↑ TOP

An important feature of most professional machines today is motion sensing and the Otari MX-5050 is no exception. Motion sensing allows you to go directly into the play mode with no time delays from either fast forward or rewind. You can do this with no danger of breaking or stretching tape which can be a real problem with machines not so equipped.

Headroom +19 dBm↑ TOP

With its headroom specification of +19 dBm, the Otari MX-5050 assures tape saturation before electronic saturation thereby reducing distortion. This headroom figure is a clear 15 dBm above the standard output level of +4 dBm.

Packaging Options and Accessories↑ TOP

The MX-5050 is normally supplied in a walnut finish case. Optionally a rack mount kit for a standard 19 inch rack is available, as is a rugged portable road case. Accessories include: balanced input and output transformers, microphone transformers, and remote control panel. The MX-5050 can also be supplied for operation on other voltages and line frequencies.