Otari MX-7000 tape machine: opinions/advice needed

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cliff K
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Cliff K

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Hi folks,
does any one have experinece with the Otari MX-7000 2 trk. machine? I think these are from the early 70's. I've been looking for an analog 1/2 track machine to mix down to, and I found one for sale, supposedly in good condition but unused for a few years, for $200. This machine is probably over-kill for my little home studio, but I figure for that price I could afford it. My concern is with an Otari that is 30 years old. I haven't been able to find much info on these. What do you think of these? Are they good machines? Can I get parts and service on these if I need it? What should I be looking for when checking it out, what are the problems with these, or with machines this old? Would this be a great michine, or would it be a pain-in-the-ass-money-pit? I was originally considering a Tascam 30 series or 22 series, but now I found this Otari (maybe the Tascam is more usable in the big picture?).
Any input at all will help me!
Thanks,
Cliff
 
While an Otari 1/2" would be avery nice mixdown deck be warned you may have to spend a couple hundred more getting it fully serviced. But it will blow the doors off of any digital or most analog mixdown decks when the needed work has been done. Try it out and let us know!


1/2" WOW!
 
Thanks, Jake. I'm sure it would sound great in good working condition. I actually talked to someone at Otari today, and they said that these machines are no longer supported by parts by them, and he suggested looking for a used MX5050B2 for around $500. I know it's more money, but maybe in the long run it would be a better investment......he made it sound like if anything went wrong with the MX7000 I'd be SOL as far as parts or service from Otari. I've also heard good things about the Revox A77, and there are a few of them around for around the same price as the MX7000, and they seem to be more common, perhaps easier to service and maintain when the need arises. I may still go check out the Otari. I'll let you know how it is if I get any further with it.
Cheers,
Cliff
 
I think you're right, the Revox is a 1/4" machine. I think that the Otari MX7000 is a 1/4" machine, too. I think the Otari MX5050 is either 1/4" or 1/2". You're right, 2-trk 1/2" analog tape would be totally friggin' awesome. I want to start recording and mixing some dub, and I think 1/2" analog 2-trk tape would be the best way to go.
 
Cliff K said:
I think you're right, the Revox is a 1/4" machine. I think that the Otari MX7000 is a 1/4" machine, too. I think the Otari MX5050 is either 1/4" or 1/2". You're right, 2-trk 1/2" analog tape would be totally friggin' awesome. I want to start recording and mixing some dub, and I think 1/2" analog 2-trk tape would be the best way to go.
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I used to master on an Otari 1/2" 4-track. Kick ass machine. Much more reliable than a Studer and easier to service. Make sure it comes with an extender card and service manuals.
 
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