USED EQUIPMENT TAPE RECORDERS part 3

USED EQUIPMENT TAPE RECORDERS part 3

by Dr. Richie Moore.

Otari

The Otari Corporation, located in San Carlos, California, and Japan, has been making professional recording equipment for almost 16 years. They originally entered the market with high speed tape duplicators. In 1970 they made Japanese built two track and 4 track machines called the 5500 series. They were never marketed in this country, although some of them have been brought back by service personnel.

Otari's first U.S. multitrack marketing began in 1974 with the MX-7000 series. They were rather large machines and were built in both 2 and 4 track versions. Information is a little scarce on this series, but there are repair parts available. In August of 1975, Otari introduced the MX-7308, an 8 track 1" machine which they produced until October of 1977. With this machine came features that are standard on all Otari machines now in production, such as front panel controls, adjustable bias, 600 ohm +4 dBm output, and XLR connectors. It is also a 15/30 ips machine. The MX-7308 was replaced by the MX-7800, which is in production today. Other than the model number on the head cover, the 7800 has a DC capstan servo, is fully remotable with LED readout, and has a return-to-zero function, besides the cosmetic changes. One important difference: the MX-7308 does not switch automatically from sync to input. This must be done manually.

By far, the most popular Otari series has been the MX-5050. In May of 1975 Otari introduced the MX-5050-SH 2 track, and the MX-5050-FLT full-track. Both of these models were discontinued in August 1978. Also in May of 1975 the MX-5050-QXH ¼" 4 track was introduced, and it was discontinued in 1976. In April of 1976 the 5050-8D ½" 8-track started production, and is still in production today.

The current line of Otari machines made their debut in August of 1978. The 5050-B machine is probably the most popular. The machines introduced in 1978, such as the MX-5050-B, MX-5050 QXHD ¼" 4-track, etc., all have TTL/IC logic, DC capstan servo with plus or minus 7% speed control in record and reproduce, and a one point return-to-zero memory function. A side note on the 5050-B; I have used- the variable speed function to sync the tape with a VTR program using a set reference click track and locking in. Once locked in, the deck stays in sync with the video tape.

The people and technicians at Otari are extremely helpful. They back their equipment with great support. I have been advised, as well as seen for myself, that there are ample parts and service for all the Otari machines either in production or discontinued. No matter whether you choose a new or used machine, Otari will not let you down.

It's The Best Selling Professional Tape Machine In The World.

The MX-5050B

⤢ zoomThe MX-5050B shot low and close against a dark background lit red and violet: two large silver reels with OTARI hub badges fill the top of the frame, and below them the black faceplate with the OTARI badge, two lit VU meters and the level knobs.

the New Workhorse

Because of quality that delivers unmatched reliability. Because Otari designed this machine to go to work—overtime. Because it offers the performance and features of machines which cost more than twice as much. Because of ingenious production technology and intelligent design decisions from the manufacturer of the most comprehensive line of professional tape machines in the world.

All this comes for less than $2500.

The Otari 5050B can ease your production burdens while assuring your banker its return on investment. You can also avoid the hassles of a used or rebuilt machine with The New Workhorse.

It's a tough act to follow—but we're doing it. Keep in touch and check out the 5050B at your nearest dealer.

Dollars for dB's, it's the best tape recorder made.

The New Workhorse

OTARI

Otari Corporation / 1559 Industrial Road / San Carlos, CA 94070 / (415) 592-8311

In Canada: / BSR (Canada, LTD.) / P.O. Box 7003 / Station B / Rexdale. Ontario M9V 4B3