MX-5050-2S

What it is↑ TOP

The quarter-inch, half-track, two-channel member of the first generation, in high-speed (2SH, 2SHT) and low-speed (2SL) form, with DC-servo 2SD and 2SHD versions. The 2SHT is the one with balanced output transformers as standard (OIM-1005E, installation).

Its figures are on the First generation specifications and how to recognise one on Identify. One 2SHT was restored on this site: the Mini Pro project.

How to identify one↑ TOP

• The rear plate reads "2SH", "2SHT", "2SL", "2SD" or "2SHD" — half-track, two-channel, on quarter-inch tape.
• Four heads, on the 2SHT: erase, ½-track record, ½-track playback, and a ¼-track playback head behind a changeover switch (OIM-1005E, Table I-3; Electronics Australia, June 1976).
• Belt-driven capstan and flywheel on the AC (2SH/2SHT/2SL) machines; the DC-servo 2SD/2SHD has no belt and no flywheel at all. See the AC capstan motor.

Specifications↑ TOP

The factory's own tolerances for the 2S/2SD, from the maintenance manual. Full figures, with the 4S/4SD compared, are on First generation specifications.

Parameter	2S / 2SD	Source
Signal-to-noise, 15 or 7½ in/s (ASA weighted)	68 dB	Performance Tests
Crosstalk, adjacent channels	60 dB	Performance Tests
Price, Apr 1976 (2SH)	$1,450	Audio, April 1976

Documents

Start with the manual

• Operation manual (OIM-1005E)

  Covers the first-generation MX-5050

  Read the digital editionDownload PDFDownload the 1200 dpi scan (46 pages, 143 MB)

Service and repair

• Maintenance manual (2S, 4S, 2SD & 4SD)

  Covers models 2S, 4S, 2SD and 4SD

  Read the digital editionDownload PDFDownload the 1200 dpi scan of my paper copy (87 pages, 252 MB)Download the Parts List & Schematics volume (1200 dpi, 30 pages, 93 MB)

• Tape transport schematic (TD-5050)

  Download PDFDownload the cleaned raster edition (3.7 MB)Download the original-tone scan (8.7 MB)Download the earlier separately-sourced scan (1.8 MB)

• Tape transport schematic — DC-capstan models (TD5050DA)

  Download PDFDownload the cleaned raster edition (3.9 MB)Download the original-tone scan (6.3 MB)

• Record/Reproduce electronics schematic (AF230A)

  Download PDFDownload the cleaned raster edition (3.9 MB)Download the original-tone scan (6.2 MB)

• Service training binder

  Covers the whole MX-5050 line

  Read the digital editionDownload PDF

Specifications and sales

• Specification Sheet S-111 (August 1976)

  Covers MX-5050-FL, 2S and 4S

  Read the digital editionDownload PDFDownload the 1200 dpi scan (2 pages, 20 MB)

• Sales brochure — Compact Professional Tape Recorder (B-103A, September 1975)

  Covers the MX-5050 line, including the four-channel QX

  Read the digital editionDownload PDFDownload the 600 dpi assembly (5 pages, 57 MB)

• Sales brochure — Compact Professional Recorder (S-117A, April 1978)

  Covers MX-5050-FL, -2SH, -2SL and -2SHD

  Read the digital editionDownload PDFDownload the 600 dpi assembly (5 pages, 50 MB)

Period press

Audio, April 1976 · scan pages 56-58Review

Equipment Profile: Otari MX-5050-2SH

The US review — manufacturer's specifications, bench measurements, and Use and Listening Tests.

Models named2S

Read the MX-5050 excerptView source PDF ↗Download the full issue (PDF, 8.7 MB)

Electronics Australia, June 1976 · scan pages 23Review

Otari MX-5050 Professional Series Two-Speed Tape Recorder

The Australian review — of the MX-5050-2SHT, the designation on this site's own machine.

Models named2S

Read the MX-5050 excerptView source PDF ↗Download the full issue (PDF, 19 MB)

The family archive also covers other models in this line.

Browse all 20 First generation Period Press sightings →

Sources↑ TOP

Factory manuals

• OIM-1005E, installation — the balanced output transformer standard on the 2SHT.

• 2S/4S maintenance manual — the 2S/2SD performance tolerances and the AC/DC transport parts lists.

Period press

• Electronics Australia, June 1976 — the review of the 2SHT, the exact designation this site's own deck wears.

Site reference pages

• First generation specifications — the full factory, review and sales-sheet figures.

• Identifying a first-generation MX-5050 — the rear-plate and capstan markers.

Have one, or paper for it?↑ TOP

The maintenance manual, the operation manual and three sales sheets are already here — see the documents above. A rear-plate photo or a serial number, especially from a machine other than 2SH/2SHT, would extend the serial-dating table. See how to contribute.