Otari woes

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Blue Jinn

Blue Jinn

Rider of the ARPocalypse
Just bitchin here, but wondering if anyone else has the same trouble (?)

A few years ago I bought a MX5050Bii-2 from a guy in CA restored. Anyway, the tape path is very very particular. Running certain 031 reels on it (they are not sticky shed, and record fine on e.g. a Teac 3300) they will almost act like sticky shed or at least oxide shed. The machine will eventually slow down and stop during a fast wind, and you'll find a crap load of oxide residue around the right hand side guide. (Can actually watch it scrape off, almost like peeling a potato or something) It doesn't look (to the naked eye) misaligned, but damn the tolerance must be tight. Same thing happens with non-backcoated Ampex (e.g. 642) oxide sheds like the dickens.
 
I have two of those that were fussy about that too. I think that the tape path on those is less than stellar and doesnt treat tape very nice. Never did get it sorted out so they are relegated to scrapping out (when I get the time). To me its a stretch how they are even considered "pro-sumer", takes more than a handful of XLR connectors for me, just saying. Im not much of a fan of Otari machines anymore. the two 5050s never impressed me and the MTR-12 I still try to keep running is taxing my patience. When the right Ampex or Studer comes along the 12 is going to the wrecker too.
 
Thanks. File this thread under the "is it just me or....?" category. :)

I do like the flexibility of these machines. E.g. three different O/L settings, two EQ settings, and bias adjust from the front panel. But damn it's hard on tape. (An aside, I have another one, which is actually a BII-4 (has a 1/4 track head instead of a 1/2 track) and it doesn't have the same tape eating tendency. I'm tempted to get an after market guide. I have a link somewhere for that. I can't remember the price, but I think around US$40.

I did buy a Tascam 42 once, but it was destroyed in shipping. (Seller took responsibility.)
 
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