Analog decks coming out my ears!

[analogkid]

Recently, a customer of mine mentioned that the radio station chain he worked for needed someone to haul off a bunch of old computers etc. Turns out that included in these 'computers' was some really nice 2-track machines and an Otari 4-track. Listed below are the machines I have received (or am going to pick up next week)for FREE!

TASCAM 42B
Otari MX-5050 QXHD (1/4" 4-track)
(3) Studer-Revox A-77
(2) Studer-Revox PR99
Teac A-7030
Otari ARS1000CD


So far I have brought the Otari 4-track home; it shows promise but is going to take some serious work to get her going again. I also have the Tascam 42B at home - what a BEAUTIFUL machine! Took about 2 hours of cleaning and demagnetizing, but playback/recording are near 100%!

The old Revox units should prove an interesting challenge as well - this customer of mine supposedly has a complete set of test tapes(in unknown condition) as well as an oscilloscope; I still can't believe my luck!



AK

[SteveM]

Holy cow! Good find!

[Richard King]

Post some pix.

[analogkid]

As you can see I still need to finish wiping the whole unit down; it is in actual use here recording a CD and testing a tape from this ancient Maxell lot I have. You can see my old Pioneer consumer deck next to it, and the Otari currently sitting behind that - Project this weekend is to build a proper place for all this stuff!



Oreo T. Kitten, Recording Master!



I will post more pics after I actually retrieve the Revox units - if they are in good shape, I will likely be looking to move several of them (even I don't need that many decks!). Also since I got the 42B working, I likely will have no need for the TEAC unit either. Sorry for the hugeness of the pics, haven't shrunk them yet will do that before I post more.

AK

[A Reel Person]

Not bad for one day of dumpster diving!

[analogkid]

Yes, it is amazing what people will throw away - I would highly recommend contacting local radio stations and/or universities that have music or radio programs, I suspect many have equipment ready to be hauled away if you ask.

AK

[_brian_]

That cat has a very serious look going on, probably wants the photoshoot to finish asap so it can get back behind the desk!!

[A Reel Person]

Not me, baby! I've been on a few dumpster dives, myself!

I already have analog decks coming out my,...

Aye!

[analogkid]

Holy bulk tape erasers Batman!

[sweetbeats]

Dave....

Are those really all yours???

If so, I had no idea...absolutely no idea...

AND FER CRYIN' OUT LOUD DONTCHA HAVE A SPARE PS520 IN ALL THAT??!?

[jjones1700]

Holy son-of-a-mother f..................

Damn it man!!!! I just realized where the Tascam museum and archive are located at.

Oh yeah, speaking of Tascam, I've got to start a new topic...........

Damn sweet collection there Dave!!!!!!

[analogkid]

Turns out the 42B does have one GLARING problem - the XLR outputs don't seem to work at all! I see now why it was in the pile, guess that is the way things go. Haven't had the chance to check the XLR mic and line inputs - I am now expecting to find issues there as well.
I also notice that during recording or playback, the tape doesn't always stack evenly on the takeup reel - anyone seen this before and have an idea what would cause that?
Monday I am supposed to meet this guy t examine and collect the rest of the decks; hopefully will find some nice prizes in that pile as well.

AK

[poopchute]

^^^HAHAHAHAHA...
Just kidding. Its still a good find for nothin....

[analogkid]

Well things didn't turn out so bad.... the balanced line outs are screwed, but last night I thoroughly tested both the line and mic inputs (xlr) and all are golden. The unit badly needs to be calibrated - but that is pretty normal for an older deck like this. SO the 42B is still useable for me, next task is the Otari 4-track.


After staying up into the wee hours of the night, it would ssem that the #4 channel on the recording head is shot - playback was fine and suprisingly the outboard preamp/control box on this unit is working ok. There was SO much oxide on the heads/tape path it was amazing! Going to give the heads anotehr thorough cleaning tonight and make sure there isn't anything still stuck to the recording head, but I suspect it's a goner. Hopefully Otari can still provide a 4-channel recording head for this unit - but as I understand it the MX-5050 QXHD was a fairly rare unit even when it was in production as Otari chose to goto 1/2" tape after that for 4-track recording. Worst case scenario I will move the playback head into the recording spot and just use the REpro mode for playback.... any comments on this idea?


More pics as soon as I learn to operate my wife's camera better

[A Reel Person]

I don't wanna scare you guyz, but those photos are only about 2/3 of my gear. All of it wouldn't fit in the same room, much less the same frame!

[hungovermorning]

It amazes me how small the reel machines look in that picture.

[analogkid]

Here are some (hopefully smaller!) pics of the Mx-5050 QXHD:










AK

[monkeyweasel]

man, i cant even get ONE working machine together and u guys got all these.

no one want 2 donate to a recent tape convert?

[pianodano]

Originally Posted by A Reel Person

Not me, baby! I've been on a few dumpster dives, myself!

I already have analog decks coming out my,...

Aye!

Have you ever replaced the capstan belt on that Fostex A2 you have there? If you did, where'd you find one ?

Danny

[smallello]

Wow, I never saw that many decks in one place outside of a store!