1/4" or 1/2" masters?

[mdainsd]

Which of those is the "more" standard these days to submit master tapes on? I ask because my 1/4" otari has developed transport control card problems. I need an extender board but they are going for more than I paid for the machine. I have an opportunity to pick up a very nice Sony jh 1/2" machine with new heads just dont want to find myself with a format no one uses any longer. Thanks.

 

[jpmorris]

1/4" is more widespread. AFAIK, 1/2" only really became fashionable in the 1980s, just before digital started to take over.

 

[briank]

2-track 1/4" is the most common for mixdowns, but some mastering engineers have 1/2" 2-track capability too.

The JH-110 is a very good machine especially in 1/2" 2tk, you don't see those a tone, but if it hasn't been gone through recently it will more than likely need the usual MCI treatment--all molexes cleaned and reflowed, cinches cleaned, transport alignment, audio cal.