multitrack question

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Peck

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Hello,

I am having a problem with my Otari mx-5050 8 track. When I turn the machine on, almost immediately track 1 starts to crackle and then builds up to a full blown static that is really loud. This was preceded by the track playing extremely quiet on playback for a while. Now it has developed into this loud static almost everytime I turn the machine on. Does anyone know what this could be?

I know Beck told me it could be a relay issue when I mentioned the track was playing back at a very low level, but since then it has developed into static! Any ideas? :confused:
 
I would guess bad capacitors, relay. Never owned or worked on an Otari, though.
 
Does the problem go away after a while on the track in question? If so, just turn on the machine within enough lead time before you do any tracking or mixing.

If the problem doesn't go away, then you've got a choice to make about spending some money to get it fixed by either purchasing a spare channel card or fixing the one in question.

As to the low levels, that could be a calibration adjustment issue, poor or un-even tape to head tension or a failing interior electronic part on the card?

Do you have experience at repairing and trouble-shooting electronics? If not, you should find a qualified technician in your area, yes? Or just use the deck as a 7 track?

One last thing to think about;

Have you tried to swap the channel card with a known good channel? If the problem follows the card, the problem is in that card. If the problem remains on the track, then it's more likely a head/tape contact pressure issue.

Cheers! :)
 
what kind of cable(s) is(are) there that connect the transport with "control units" .. or what ever those modules are called... Can you swap those modules? I think you maybe have some connection failure... also take a look at the heads leads connections...

just a thought
 
Thanks Ghost,

It doesn't go away (the noise). So, I don't have a lot of experience repairing electronics, so I'll probably just take it to the tech.... or just use the other 7 tracks like you said in the meantime. Thanks.

Robert
 
ghost,

how do I swap the channel card... probably a stupid question... i'll look into it. Thanks again.

Zee,

i'll check all the cables to make sure the connections are good... I've been looking at the head connections, but I don't know how to adjust them. I think that could be the problem because when I reconnected the cables on the back of the tape deck (not the preamp section-seperate on my otari), the noise decreased considerably. I'll keep inspecting, and reconnecting. Thanks Zee.

Robert
 
Peck said:
when I reconnected the cables on the back of the tape deck (not the preamp section-seperate on my otari), the noise decreased considerably.
Click to expand...
I guess oxidized contacts can become an issue too but it's kind of unusual for only one channel to oxidize and cause noise and static issues while the other 7 keep going....or were you referring to a general reduction of noise on all the channels when you disconnected and reconnected all of the patch cords?

Cheers! :)
 
I wonder if it has something to do with the bias adjustment. I know while tweaking mine, on one of my channels I was getting a big static noise when it was tweaked past a certain point.

Though you really need an MRL tape to do it right, seeing as it's not doing you good as it is, it might be worth it just to tweak a little , just on that one channel and see if it effects anything.
 
Peck said:
Hello,

I am having a problem with my Otari mx-5050 8 track. When I turn the machine on, almost immediately track 1 starts to crackle and then builds up to a full blown static that is really loud. This was preceded by the track playing extremely quiet on playback for a while. Now it has developed into this loud static almost everytime I turn the machine on. Does anyone know what this could be?

I know Beck told me it could be a relay issue when I mentioned the track was playing back at a very low level, but since then it has developed into static! Any ideas? :confused:
Click to expand...

You have a static problem with your unit. I don't mean static as in the sound, I mean static as in no motion. IF the staticy sound is present when the machine is idle (not playing or recording) , it pretty much is the playback relay for channel 1. Pull the card, open the relay, and spray with relay cleaner. The best contact cleaner on the PLANET is DeoxiT D5. This stuff is used all over my big 2" machine and everything it has touched has not been a problem again. Fantastic stuff.

BTW: all channels should be cleaned as they will all have this problem.

The "staticy" sound is the relay trying to close as it is powered by a coil (inductor). As it keeps pushing the contacts closed, dirt and oxidation prevent the contacts from engaging each other fully. The same sound can be derived fron striking the two contacts by hand. The playback amplifiers amplify the effect. Like plugging in a guitar cord in a live amp.
 
cool how do I do that?

MCI,
THanks a bunch. How do I pull the card?

Stevemac,

Don't know if I'm ready to start fucking with the bias... Thanks for the reply though. THat calibration stuff freaks me out a bit right now. :eek:
 
Peck said:
Stevemac,

Don't know if I'm ready to start fucking with the bias... Thanks for the reply though. THat calibration stuff freaks me out a bit right now. :eek:
Click to expand...

That's probably a good idea not to try that yet. I should probably putting warnings under my ideas. :eek:
 
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