Otari MX-5050 B2hd Question(s)

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Ignatius-

Ignatius-

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So... I have been looking into buying a half-track and finally found one on craigslist (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/msg/1882767853.html) - I know it looks kind of sketch but I think he didn't have a very good camera.

First of all, the guy is asking $500 for it, and he has no way to test it (and I don't have Otari NAB hubs, which kind of makes things difficult). Is this a good deal? I am thinking I can get the guy down to at least $400 if not $350, but I would like to make sure it works before I buy it. Any suggestions on how to go about doing that without hubs?...

Also, I was wondering if these hubs would work on the machine:
http://www.openreel.net/shop_e.html
(the OTARI KWØHO's)... the manual lists a different type of hub, but I have read that these will work. (?) And does anyone know anything about this website?... I am always a little skeptical about buying things internationally, but these hubs seem to be kind of hard to find.

I have heard really good things about Otari, but I have only used TASCAM decks in the past, and there seem to be a lot of differences between the two companies - maybe not, but, again, I haven't ever worked with Otari products.

Thanks, any help would be appreciated...
 
I feel if you wait you can find a better deal than that. If you feel drawn to that Otari then get it for the best price you can BUT inspect the heads.

Good deck, Otari still provides some parts support.

Openreel.net is reliable.

Have you tried contacting Otari to see if they have the hub adapters?
 
I have the slightly newer BII-2B version of this. I paid less than that much for one refurbished from a shop in CA, so IMO the price is too high for a "I have no way to test it" Also, it could have seen a lot of use in a radio station, so inspect the heads and guides very carefully.

I am assuming that the transport is the same: the reel spindles are smooth, no twist and lock like on the Teacs, and the hubs are used for either 7 or 10.5 inch reels, so you have to have the reel lock down hubs. I dont' know the reason for the difference in part numbers, but they sure look the same, also, I have a second 5050 that came with some other Otari hub adapter, they work OK for 7" reels, they are also Otari, can't remember which deck they are used with. Also, Ampex hub adapters work per the place I bought the first deck mentioned.

So you're OK with different adapters, but you have to have them, unless this machine already works with teh 7" reels and I'm wrong about the spindles, but the owners manual for htis model uses the hub adapters for both size reels.

There are a few other threads here discussing what to look for in terms of wear. Take a look at the heads, and at the lifters, which also will show wear.

I'd expect teh guy got it for a lot less than what he is asking for it if he "bought it and decided not to use it...."

BTW, I like the flexibility of this machine, with the flick of a switch you can go from Ampex 632 to 456.
 
Price seems a little high, would have to be mint for $500.

Look around at what's around for the same price before jumping in.

Alan.
 
Yeah, so I am meeting with him tomorrow to take a look... He seems like a nice guy who might be willing to bargain, and tape decks never get sold here in Minneapolis, so maybe he'll come down on the price - we'll see how it works out. Anyway, I saw that ebay listing, and it would not be local pickup. But if I do get the deck maybe I can jump in late. It seems like a pretty good deal right now...

So I'll make sure that the heads are in decent condition and there isn't too much wear elsewhere, and maybe I'll bring a small mixer and some cables to make sure it can record/play back tape - at the very least.

Thanks, and I'll let you guys know how it turns out... maybe throw some pictures up if the price is right/I get lucky!
 
Note that the 5050 is XLR in/out, so you'll need an adapter cable depending on the mixer you bring to check it out. Also, from the factory it is pin 3 hot, not pin 2 hot, which is now standard, so an off the shelf XLR to TS, TRS (1/4") or RCA most likely won't be wired correctly.
 
Good point, Don...and is that 5050 model unbalanced on XLR's with pin 3 hot and pins 1 and 2 strapped?

Ignatius, what mixer would you be bringing over?

If it has balanced outs on XLR's you should be fine to use those...if the 5050 is balanced also and your mixer is balanced pin2 hot you'll be fine...its just flips the phase but it'll sound the same to you if everything you do to test the Otari goes to and from the Otari using your mixer.

If your mixer has UNbalanced outs on XLR's and it is pin 3 hot and the Otari is balanced that will work fine too. The strapping of pins 1 and 2 at the mixer outputs will just unbalance the Otari and with a nominal cable length you shouldn't have any trouble with hum or noise.
 
Sorry I haven't replied sooner, but... I passed on the Otari deck (thanks for all the help though). Among other reasons, I found an add that turned out to be a way better deal. The add was extremely short and the guy said he was selling a "12-channel mixer TASCAM mixer," a 32, and 38 on craigslist. I asked if he would sell the 32 and maybe the mixer. He said he wasn't set on a price but tentatively said $500 for the pair.

So yesterday my brother and I drove down to take a look... The mixer turned out to be an m-312B! The dude was one of the nicest guys I have ever dealt with on craigslist, and he said he would let the pair go for $425 (I would have loved to buy the 38, but, unfortunately, it was out of my budget).

Both of the units were in near perfect condition... He said that he had had all three of them since the early 90's and had only used the 32 for about 8 hours on two mixdown projects. The rest of the time he kept both the mixer and the 32 under plastic in his garage. He wasn't lying either. The 32 looked like it had never been used (the heads, capstan, pinch roller, lifters, etc. were in perfect condition), and cosmetically there was not a scratch on either unit. I was so surprised. He also gave me the original manuals for both the 32 and the m-312B, two NAB hub adapters for the 32, and a "slightly used" roll of Ampex 456.

What a great find! I started out just looking for a half-track and ended up with a fantastic mixer (a great step up from my m-216) AND a half-track for less than what the owner of the MX-5050 was asking!

I cleaned the mixer up last night... All the VU lights work, the faders are as smooth as silk, the pots are in great condition, and all of the other lights on the board work (I haven't opened it up yet to look at the condition inside, but I will get around to it). The only problem is that when I move the left/right monitor faders there is a continuous crackle in the monitor signal... this only happens with these two faders, and I am not exactly sure what the problem is - it is not that big of a deal considering the monitor volume control can get the job done, but... Any ideas as to what could be causing this? Also, some of the 1/4" jacks are a little loose, but I don't think that's that big of a problem.

Anyway, I am pretty excited to start using this new equipment. I thought I was going to have to buy new hub adapters, and get some new tape, and find the manuals somewhere, but nope! Thanks again, and I will try and throw some pictures up just because...
 
Glad to hear it worked out. The 3 series are nice machines, I have a 38 and its ahs been a reliable machine. A few things, you could clean the pots on the 312. Search the forums here and you can find recommendations for how to do that. Could start with just those computer air blower cans before using something liek "fader lube."

Check the rubber on the 32. It may not have aged well in teh garage. That is an easy easy fix, you can get replacement pinch rollers from Teac (323) 727-4840 or have the one you have rebuilt by Terrysrubberrollers.com.

Also, check the date code on the Ampex tape, if the Ampex logo is in the middle of the box, or the date code (sticker on teh side of the box) starts with anything other than 95 or 1995 it is likely the old binder formulation which means the tape will turn to goo on the heads and guides.
 
Yeah, I was going pretty hard at the mixer with a can of compressed air and am probably going to order some Deoxit F5 Fader Lube (would this work? I've seen it suggested elsewhere...) tonight. When I find the time, I will definitely crack it open and lube the faders and pots up (I found another thread that described this process pretty well).

The rubber on the pinch roller looks like new... it was pretty dusty, but that came off perfectly with a q-tip and some water. I will check the date code on the Ampex tape when I get home... I haven't tested it out yet - mainly for this reason - but I will definitely cross-check it with the sticky shed help thread/other sources later tonight.

The mixer is working out great and sounds fantastic. Having the original manual is a ton of help, and I'm getting more comfortable with it every time I use it. The 32 is also fantastic. What model of noise reduction would anyone suggest? Should I look for a DX-2D? Or is there another model that would work well? Thanks again for the help.
 
A DX-2D (which seem to be fairly uncommon than the 4D) is perfect, goes with the 3 series decks. You may not need NR though on a half track at that speed. dbx 150s are fine too. YOu could try Dolby "B" units, or even a Dolby 362 or 365 but they are balanced* +4 units and you'd need converters and cables.

*truly balanced transformer and all....
 
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Thanks for the info... I might hold off on the noise reduction and maybe try and wait to find a dbx unit - it's just an easier way to go. Also, I looked at the date stamp on the Ampex 456 tape the guy gave me and unfortunately the number was 87293 (1987 tape I have gathered) so it looks like I'm going to have to get some new tape... bummer. not taking any chances with this new deck.
 
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