Otari MX 5050 tape speed question

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Hi, I just bought an Otari MX 5050 2-bhd model for cheap. Everything checks out good. (play, reverse, ff and record etc.) The only specs I could find is that it is 3 1/4 and 7 1/4ips which is switchable to 7 1/4 and 15ips. I no little about the analog world so bare with me. I don't know what 7 1/4 and 15 ips looks or feels like but I would rather record at higher speeds. There is a button for high and low speeds, however, is this between 3 1/4 and 7 1/4 or 7 1/4 and 15 ips? Or is the button for low= 3 1/4 and 7 1/4 and high=71/4 and 15 ips. I'm confused, I read somewhere that you have to get inside the machine and mannually switch the motor to the higher speeds. Any help would be appreciated.
 
ohhh, your machine maybe is set for HIGH. Set the speed-button to low position, run the tape, have timer ready, see how many IN"of tape per sec (about) (if about 3 " - then you machine is set to LOW, if about 7", then it is set to High) ... so you can figure out that way what you machine is set for. Or if you have any recordings at 7,25 ips ...play it. If it plays 'right' at High - then you machine is set to Low, if it plays correct at Low, then your machine is set to high :)... that's my understanding...
 
Thanks for the link, I got the nerve to probe around and found it was already set on Hi. I'm leaving it as it is until I learn more about this thing.
 
Hi again, I have another question for you MX 5050 experts. What is the "P.B. Head" switch for? It's above the head guard and you can switch between 2T and 4T. I know its something obvious but I'm new to this. Thanks.
 
i'm no expert.. also never had that machine... so just guessing:
p.b. head may stand for blay back head
2T - two track
4T - 4 track
so you can play 'regular stereo recordings or all four tracks (if it was recorded on four-track recording machine)...

again I can not be 100% right if at all :)
/respects
 
If it is switched to 2t, then you can record oon the tape in stereo but in only one direction. Is switched to 4t you can record in stereo on both sides of the tape, ie. like a normal cassette tape. (not on the back of the tape)



I think...
 
Not correct, your model can record /play 2-track.
If you set the switch to 4-track, you can only play back 4-track tapes, no recording.
The switch located on the large pc-board thru the backside has L + F label.
Check again what setting it has. :)
If it's on F = The speed: 7-1/2 + 15 can be controlled with the regular speed button on the faceplate.
L = Speed: 3-3/4 and 7-1/2 can be used.

I hope this helps and if you need any advice how to use it, let me know. :)
Had several MX-5050 in the past here.
 
Hi, do you mean H and L labels? I didn't see F and L but only a H and L switch.
 
Vintage TX said:
Yes, that's right.
My mistake was tired last night. :(
Click to expand...

Old thread I know but I just got an older Otari MX5050 without the pitch control on the front . I have a copy of the manual for the 5050 II but I can't find the location of the speed adjustment pots or even the PCB that they're on so I suspect the internals may be different. Is there anyone with experience with the older Otari who might be able to be of assistance? TIA for any help.
 
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