Mark II: the desk-top first generation
What it is↑ TOP
The Mark II is a first-generation MX-5050 in a desk-top box: the transport and the electronics separated into two units, with the DC-servo capstan that the plain silver-face deck sold as an option fitted as standard. Otari's own line-up ad in db, January 1978 puts the Mark II-2 (¼″ two-channel) and Mark II-4 (½″ four-channel) beside the MX-5050-2S, and describes them as "All MX-5050 features plus: separate transport and electronics · 15 & 7½ ips · variable speed (±7%) dc capstan servo."
It was on sale by February 1977 — before the B series existed — and it is the oldest member of the MARK line. The wider family page tells the long version: why a "MkII" is not a BII, and how the MARK line grew from here.
How to identify one↑ TOP
- Two boxes. The transport and the electronics are separate units; a silver-face Mini Pro is one chassis.
- The faceplate will not tell you. Every MX-5050 wears the same bare "MX-5050" badge; the MKII designation is on the rear plate. See the face badge.
- First-generation parts. In the service binder's head-assembly guide the MKII-2 carries erase head GH4E004 — the same as the first-generation 2SD — where the BII/MKIII generation moved to GH4E082A. See the parts cross-reference.
Specifications↑ TOP
Only what the period paper on this site states. The full first-generation specification is on the Specs page and applies to the Mark II "all MX-5050 features" baseline.
| Item | Mark II-2 | Mark II-4 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tape | ¼″ | ½″ | db, Jan 1978 |
| Channels | 2 | 4 | db, Jan 1978 |
| Speeds | 15 & 7½ ips | 15 & 7½ ips | db, Jan 1978 |
| Capstan | DC servo, ±7% varispeed, standard | DC servo, ±7% varispeed, standard | db, Jan 1978 |
Documents
Service training binder
Wanted
Maintenance manual (MKII-2, QXD, MKII-4 & 8SD)
The factory maintenance manual the Mark II shares with the QXD and the 8SD — its title page reads "MODELS MX-5050 MKII-2, QXD, MKII-4 AND 8SD". No scan of it is online. If you hold a copy, this is the single most useful document the site does not have.
Mark II sales literature
Otari's own brochure or spec sheet for the Mark II-2 and II-4. The January 1978 db line-up ad is the only period print of the machine on this site so far.
Have one? Here is how to contribute.
In the period press
- db, January 1978 — Otari's whole line on one page — and the proof that the MARK II shipped alongside the silver-face MX-5050-2S, with DC servo standard while the 2S still listed it as an option.
Sources↑ TOP
- db, January 1978 — Otari's nine-photo line-up ad, the Mark II-2 and II-4 at numbers 5 and 6.
- The wider family — the Mark II's place in the MARK line, with the binder and brochure evidence.
- Service training binder, parts cross-reference — the MKII-2 head assembly and its first-generation erase head.
Have one, or paper for it?↑ TOP
The factory maintenance manual for the Mark II covers "MODELS MX-5050 MKII-2, QXD, MKII-4 AND 8SD" — and no scan of it is online. If you have that book, a Mark II brochure, or a machine with its rear plate, it belongs on this page. See how to contribute.