static in the middle of recording

[antispatula]

Man, this is getting annoying. I recorded a guitar part for about 4 minutes. I play it back, and I get a little 1 second part where there's mild static. Then like a minute later, I near it again.......Does anyone have this problem? Even when I'm recording NOTHING (just to erase the tape better) I get static sometimes........Do I need to let the machine "warm up" longer or something? I don't get it. Oh, and my tape was opened only a few months ago, but was made in 95. I doubt it's a tape problem though. Dirty heads? Electrical? Don't know!!!!

[antispatula]

I just tried recording nothing on all tracks on my other machine, and the same thing happend. Either BOTH my otari's are messed up, or it's the tape I'm using I'm GUESSING. The tape is old. After playing it all the way through once, I've got to clean the heads, there'll already be a bunch of shed on the heads.

[Beck]

Several things can cause intermittent static – a couple things unique to the MX5050.

- Have you ever degaussed/demagnetized the tape heads?
- Do the level pots crackle when you turn them or do they cut in and out while trying to zero in on a point?
- Have you tried recording with nothing plugged into the input (all cables removed from jacks?) The noise could be coming from outside the machine—something as simple as an old cable that is well green in the copper from oxidation.

One known problem area on the 5050 concerns the rec/pro relays. Dr. Richie Moore had this to say in the April 1991 issue of EQ Magazine:

There are two relays… usually manufactured by Omcron, but I don’t recommend them. They aren’t sealed and the contacts wear quickly. I replaced them with IDEC or Aromat gas-filled, bifurcated (two contacts), sealed 24-volt relays…

If your 5050 exhibits drifting and wavering tones, or is a little noisy, the relays are probably at fault… Otari also sells sealed relays (number RY2DC087).

Misbehaving capacitors and transistors can also release a stream of static at an inopportune time.

Dirty municipal power is another common culprit. See if you can associate the static to something in the house kicking on or an appliance being used, like an air conditioner, water heater or a can opener – even a PC on the same AC line.

Bottom line though, at this point … take your best machine in to an experienced tech for a once over, to get it running right and get to the bottom of the various issues you’ve been experiencing. You could die the death of a thousand cuts trying to run down each new gremlin one by one.

~Tim

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by Beck

take your best machine in to an experienced tech for a once over, to get it running right and get to the bottom of the various issues you’ve been experiencing.

I've been trying to push that same recommendation too but hopefully anti will take a second look at the situation and do as was previously suggested, in past threads. Thanks for bringing this up again, Tim.

[A Reel Person]

Originally Posted by Beck

Dirty municipal power is another common culprit. See if you can associate the static to something in the house kicking on or an appliance being used, like an air conditioner, water heater or a can opener – even a PC on the same AC line.
~Tim

... is what I was gonna say!!

[cjacek]

I better learn to read more carefully next time but anti got the same exact issue with both machines so I doubt both Otaris, having the exact same prob at same intervals, are the culprit. I too think it's something external and electrical indirectly messing up the machines, much like Tim and Dave mentioned.

[antispatula]

Hey thanks for the help guys. Haha yeah, I totally should bring it to a tech, but don't have the money, remember, I'm working on a 17 year old budget.....Plus, it's fun to figure out this kind of thing! I've located the 2 relays. I have no idea how to clean or replace them though, they are pretty far into the machine.....But am going to try and plug the machine in somewhere esle.

[antispatula]

good news, it was only a crappy outlet problem! Phew........ Thanks guys.

Now maybe I can get some recording done!

[cjacek]

Great news to be sure!

[antispatula]

I just tested my OTHER otari and it's static no matter what.

I WOULD bring it to a tech, but don't have 500 bucks, or even 5 bucks. In fact, I've got -10 bucks......

Anyone know where I can get replacement relays for this thing? How the heck am I supposed to know which one to get? My manual doesn't say anything about the relays......

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by antispatula

I just tested my OTHER otari and it's static no matter what.

I WOULD bring it to a tech, but don't have 500 bucks, or even 5 bucks. In fact, I've got -10 bucks......

Anyone know where I can get replacement relays for this thing? How the heck am I supposed to know which one to get? My manual doesn't say anything about the relays......

I personally would not go any further with this .... and would find a way to get the Otari looked over by a tech 'cause, as Tim mentioned, "You could die the death of a thousand cuts trying to run down each new gremlin one by one." You will just end up getting more and more frustrated and spending more and more money and still may not end up with a good machine. I understand your financial situation but there has to be a way you could get someone to take a look at your better cond Otari and at least give an estimate what it would cost to get it to factory spec. Usually such estimates cost an hour's time and may cost as little as $50. At least you will know and can make better judgment of the situation ..and your next move. Make sure you get a qualified tech, one recommended by Otari.

[Beck]

Originally Posted by antispatula

Hey thanks for the help guys. Haha yeah, I totally should bring it to a tech, but don't have the money, remember, I'm working on a 17 year old budget.....Plus, it's fun to figure out this kind of thing! I've located the 2 relays. I have no idea how to clean or replace them though, they are pretty far into the machine.....But am going to try and plug the machine in somewhere esle.

The equestrian term is “horse poor” – you’ve got them but you can’t afford to properly care for them and therefore can’t ride them. The question then is “do you really have two horses?”

In a practical sense having two machines is like having none. You may want to sell one to get some cash flow. It’s a tough call, but if your financial situation isn’t going to remedy itself in the near future your ownership of two machines is just a good feeling with no real benefit to your music (if music is your primary interest).

On the other hand you are young with time on your side. If you have a clear vision for using two machines (even for spare parts) take your time and consider this a long-term project… save and work toward your goal.

Sealed relays may still be available from Otari... used to be about $8.00 each. Blindly replacing parts is not recommended though. This is where an experienced tech comes in, finds the exact problem and fixes it based on proper diagnostics.

~Tim

[cjacek]

Amen to that!

[antispatula]

yeah, I'm pretty set on getting it professionaly looked at. First I'm going to talk to my electrical engineer friend.

BUT, someone told me it could be the tape I'm using, and that old tape can give of static discharges? That would make sense, seeing my tape is litterally 10 years old! And I have to clean my heads more than I think is most likely usual, buecause of it.

[Beck]

What kind of tape are you using? What is the date?

[antispatula]

456 from 96. Isn't that supposedly after they fixed their shed problem? Either way, I'm having to clean my heads after like 20 minutes of recording, because I can physically see shed on my heads....

If I want to get different tape to see if tape is the problem here, can I get some used maxell? I've heard they don't even have tape shed.

[Beck]

Yeah, 96 is good. I consider it as new. I haven’t seen static discharge on any backcoated tape like 456.

With oxide shedding, often what happens is a mechanical problem, such as a flat spot on what should be a round tape guide scraping the tape. This will cause greater than normal oxide shedding with any tape.

Finding 1/2" Maxell would be a problem. Just try newer Quantegy if you're curious.

All tapes shed a little, but not all tapes have “sticky-shed.”

[antispatula]

crap, so you doubt the static I hear is because of my tape? Man. I still don't get how both my machines can have the same exact problem though.

[Beck]

If the tape was new you don't normally see popping and static caused by backcoated, open reel tape. A tape could be from a bad batch and perform poorly, but static is probably caused by something else.

A tape path that needs demagnetizing is one.