Identifying the Mark II
In the line-up↑ TOP
Mark II table-top recorder with the two-meter electronics unit raised behind the reels, from Otari's 1976 preliminary specification sheet.
Otari's November 1976 preliminary sheet shows the separate electronics and horizontal transport together. This photograph establishes the family's shape; use the rear plate to confirm the machine.
How to recognise one↑ TOP
- Two boxes. The transport and the electronics are separate units: Otari's November 1976 preliminary sheet says so and pictures the raised two-meter electronics unit behind the transport. The January 1978 line-up ad says the same (db, January 1978, p.9).
- A DC-servo capstan as standard. The preliminary sheet lists a "dc capstan servo standard with ±7% pitch control." The later db ad gives the Mark II-2 a "variable speed (±7%) dc capstan servo" where the MX-5050-2S beside it has an "optional dc capstan servo"; the Mark II-4 has the "same features as Mark II-2". Neither the sheet nor the ad says whether the capstan is belt or direct drive.
- The maintenance manual is OMM-1002E. A period copy of Otari's OMM-1002E has "MKII-2" and "MKII-4" hand-lettered over the 2SD₂ and ½QXD on its cover — the same catalogue number, the same photograph, the same pages inside as the edition on this site. Who relettered it, Otari or a dealer, the copy does not say.
Read the rear plate↑ TOP
| Machine | Plate reads | Suffix | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| II-2 | MKII-2 | ¼″ 2-channel | |
| MX5050-MKII-2 | |||
| MX-5050-2SHD₂ | 15 & 7½ ips · DC servo · separate electronics | ||
| MX-5050-2SHTD₂ | 15 & 7½ ips · output transformers · DC servo · separate electronics | ||
| MX-5050-2SLD₂ | 7½ & 3¾ ips · DC servo · separate electronics | ||
| II-4 | MKII-4 | ½″ 4-channel | |
| MX-5050-½QXHD | 15 & 7½ ips · DC servo | ||
| MX-5050-½QXLD | 7½ & 3¾ ips · DC servo |
The 2SD₂ and ½QXD codes are here on the strength of that relettered cover alone; no Mark II rear plate has been recorded reading either, and every Mark II factory source held here gives 15 & 7½ ips only.
When it was sold↑ TOP
By 1977. Studio Sound's report from the AES convention says the Mark II "will be available (February 1977)" (Studio Sound, January 1977, p.38), and it was on show in the UK for the first time in July 1977 (Studio Sound, July 1977, p.56).
Sources↑ TOP
Factory documents
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Mark II preliminary specification sheet S-114 — November 1976, page 1 for the photo and chassis features; page 2 for the two formats and capstan specifications.
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Maintenance manual OMM-1002E — the book the relettered copy matches page for page; its own title names the 2SD₂, QXD, ½QXD and 8SD.
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Instruction manual OIM-1004E — Tables 1-1 and 1-2, the 2SHD₂/2SLD₂ and ½QXHD/½QXLD designations.
Period press and advertising
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db, January 1978 — p.9, Otari's line-up ad: the Mark II-2 and II-4, separate transport and electronics, 15 & 7½ ips, the DC capstan servo.
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Studio Sound, December 1977 — p.41, the MX5050-MKII-2 ad: separate transport and electronics, DC servo capstan motor.
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Studio Sound, January 1977 — p.38, the AES 55th Convention report.
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Studio Sound, July 1977 — p.56, the APRS preview.