Sony/MCI JH-24

[Michael Jones]

What do you analogue guru's know about this machine.
Is it any good?
Easy to maintain?
Parts available?

 

[Sennheiser]

They were introduced in the early '80's. I read about a lot of studios using them back then.

Most are running around the $6500-$7000 area now with about 80% head life left. Nice 2" 24 track for the money. 10 memory locations, most come with the remote and auto-locator and some sort of Quick-Punch circuitry.

Don't know about parts availability. I'd contact Sony/MCI before making a purchase like this to verify parts availability. Especially pinch rollers, tape guides, channel cards, reel motors, brake pads, and the like. Most have probably seen some pretty extensive use.

 

[Recording Engineer]

I just saw a listing of an NY studio asking $4k for one with 60% headlife (heads just relapped). If I was in the market for one (don't know why I'm not, but I'm not), I'd make a trip to see it; and if a go, figure a good way to get it home in CA...

 

[Sennheiser]

That's a pretty good price if you're not going to use it commercially. Probably get a fair amount of use out of it for a home studio.

Road trip time.

 

[Michael Jones]

So, if you can't afford the Studer 800 series, which 2" would you look out for?
I mean a professional deck too.

 

[Sennheiser]

Well, I can't afford any of them, but if I could I'd take the Studer or an Otari. Otari is good solid equipment.

The Sony/MCI would fill the bill too.

Prices on 24 track decks, although now at reasonable prices since digital, is still out of my reach just as 1/2" eight track was 15 years ago. I hope it won't be 15 years until I can afford a 24 track.

 

[Michael Jones]

Well, I can't afford any of them, but if I could I'd take the Studer or an Otari. Otari is good solid equipment.

The Sony/MCI would fill the bill too.

Prices on 24 track decks, although now at reasonable prices since digital, is still out of my reach just as 1/2" eight track was 15 years ago. I hope it won't be 15 years until I can afford a 24 track.

Yeah, it's a long-term goal for me too.
I'd have to learn all about maintaince and calibration too though, so it's a ways off for me.
Sure would be nice to offer it though.
These are what got me thinking about it again though:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=930771450&category=15199

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=930290723&category=15199

 

[harley96]

Otari MTR90 2" is probably what your going to see in most high end studios even the 80 series...

 

[Sennheiser]

Unbelievable. 32 tracks for under three grand minus shipping. That's only 100 bucks a track if you throw in shipping half way across the country.

I could live quite well with 16 track 1". It may be a while until I move up, but it will be sooner than 24 track. I really think for what I do, 16 would be about the most I could use unless I started recording demo's on a regular basis. Actually I think 16 track would be plenty for that too.

Considering media costs and maintenance parts, 16 track 1" is probably much more economically feasable for me.

2" 24 track would be nice though.

 

[Michael Jones]

Yeah, but what does one of those machines weigh?
500 - 600 lbs?
Even at freight rates, thats gonna cost $750, and you still have to pay for crating.
Call it a grand, when its all said and done.

 

[Sennheiser]

Michael, here is a link I think you will find interesting:

Analog deck response curves
Someone else posted this here or at the TASCAM forum and I bookmarked it. It's a real eye-opener.