MX-5050-2S
¼″ half-track 2-channel
Designations
- MX-5050-2SH
- MX-5050-2SHT
- MX-5050-2SL
- MX-5050-2SD
- MX-5050-2SHD
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
Operation manual (OIM-1005E)
Specification Sheet S-111 (August 1976)
Sales brochure — Compact Professional Tape Recorder (B-103A, September 1975)
Sales brochure — Compact Professional Recorder (S-117A, April 1978)
Maintenance manual (2S, 4S, 2SD & 4SD)
Tape transport schematic (TD-5050)
Tape transport schematic — DC-capstan models (TD5050DA)
Record/Reproduce electronics schematic (AF230A)
Service training binder
In the period press
- Billboard, September 14, 1974 — The US launch story — Otari enters high-end audio with the MX-5050 open reel "Mini-Pro" at $1,345, on conditional sale at the New York AES.
- db, September 1974 — Otari's own full-page US ad, running in the launch month itself — the maker's Mini-Pro branding in print, already listing the optional DC capstan servo.
- Studio Sound, September 1975 — The UK debut — ITA's advert at £440 + VAT, and the APRS show report that printed the "Mini-pro" name.
- Audio, April 1976 — The US review — manufacturer's specifications, bench measurements, and Use and Listening Tests.
- Electronics Australia, June 1976 — The Australian review — of the MX-5050-2SHT, the designation on this site's own machine.
- Audio, October 1976 — The buyer's-guide table listing the MX-5050 at $1,450, the four-channel QX at $2,195 and the eight-track at $3,995 — and printing the DC-servo story in a single column.
- Stereo Directory & Buying Guide 1976 — The catalog entries: 2SH, 4SH, and the DC-servo varispeed 2SH-2.
Sources↑ TOP
- First generation specifications — the full factory, review and sales-sheet figures.
- Identifying a first-generation MX-5050 — the rear-plate and capstan markers.
- Electronics Australia, June 1976 — the review of the 2SHT, the exact designation this site's own deck wears.
- OIM-1005E, installation — the balanced output transformer standard on the 2SHT.
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.