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I can't recall, but I assume we've already covered the point that the existing inventory of machines is more than what is needed to fulfill the small and generally diminishing demand for analog recording, both commercial and private? While the long-lasting stock of existing machines is more...

I'm very sorry to hear that Dale has passed away. He was a great resource for those using the 3M machines. Also glad to see that you still have the M-64. I sold my last 3M a few years back and now have only a pair of little Otari machines, and I'm sure both machines wish I would record stuff...

In the analog tape world, stuffing the signal into 3 dB of dynamic range just below the "maximum" level is not only unnecessary, it's totally unacceptable, because the distortion penalty is too high. The unfortunate, enabling characteristic of digital audio is that there is no such progressive...

My experience is that the low end response may be better (smoother). The increase in perceived dynamic range is not so inconsequential as the numbers might suggest, and gives you more room for error (headroom) in setting levels. That said, I really have no sonic complaints about my Otari 1/2"...

$2,500 is out-of-sight overpriced. MK III Otari 8-tracks go for between $400 to $800, depending on condition (head wear) and whether a remote or stand are included and the motivation of buyer and seller. A working 2-track typically goes for between $300 and $500. Cheers, Otto

Not sure that is universal. I'm actually using Otari hubs on both my Otari MK III 8-track and my 3M M-23. As I recall, Mitch Easter gave me the reel tables and hubs from his spare M-23 and so he was using the Otari hubs on that machine, too. I actually made that swap to fix issues with...

Actually, heads seem easier, if anything. Capstan is a bit trickier to reach. Not a big deal either way. Cheers, Otto

I have about that much in gear. My recording aesthetic leans toward more on acoustics and less in gear. I spent $3000 on used ASC Studio Traps and would do so again. That's more than "room" treatment, it's a set of tools for controlling the sound at the mix spot and at the mike in tracking...

OK, I seem to be missing something. I have the pdf instruction manual from AnalogRules.com for this unit, along with the schematics file, but the electronic alignment section only deals with the record side. I'd prefer to have the original guidance on repro alignment, rather than just winging...

To add a bit of comic relief, I've used an original Mackie CR-1604 for nearly 20 years and it works just fine, though not as slick as a more dedicated, inline recording console. However, it's been in the shop for about a month, pending replacement of a defective phones/CR output fader. First...

I have the OTTO-1604 unit for my Mackie CR-1604, though it is not currently installed. It is MIDI controlled and controls the volume of every channel and return with a specific CC message and controls mutes for the same with note-on and note-off. Pretty nice VCA system that doesn't detract...

This is a Stephens style, servo-controlled, capstan-less transport. Looks like it may be built on a 3M deck plate, as it has that look and layout. The early machines used Isoloop transports with the original capstan and pinch rollers. Funny, Wes Dooley of AEA and I were discussing these machines...

Actually, it's darn close. Page 4 of the spec sheet says 102 lbs in cabinet for 16-track. www.dvq.com/hifi/images/stephens.pdf Remember, unbalanced +4 audio with no transformers. Electronics are tiny, installed right on the front of the transport behind a pull down front panel. The first 100...

Had a few precious minutes to get something done so I went for simple cuts. I may pull the side pieces when the rubber feet arrive as the machine will have to come up to install them. Right now a tape reel box is holding up the left rear corner. The thought of doing a slant crossed my mind. The...

OK, these pictures are less under-exposed: Cheers, Otto

Built the roll-around stand yesterday from a few plywood scraps in the shed. There is a gap built into the top of the cart to allow access to connectors and controls on the back (bottom) of the unit. Here are a few pictures: Cheers, Otto

One other thing. Had to order a couple of rubber feet, as one was broken off, so I ordered a pair of 1" high cabinet feet from Parts-Express. In the mean time I'm going to build the same sort of low, roll-around box I use with the 8-track: about 16" wide and 20" deep, with plywood top, bottom...

Yeah, call it +1.5 dB at 60 Hz. Cheers, Otto

Did a quick record alignment last night on the Otari to set the bias for SM911 and make sure the levels were set properly. Whole process took maybe ten minutes. Good sound and good spec. Overall 15 ips NAB performance was within 1 db from about 30 Hz to 25K, the latter being the highest the...

It will take a bit of time to figure out if there is much difference in the sound of how they record and play back. I'll need to find out for example if the Otari can record as hot as ATR tape can handle without electronic distortion. I expect the M-23 can or can be modded to. Either way, I...