drink fireWATER
New member
out of curiousity, how much do these special tapes run you? and what source do you get them from?
The AKAI MG1212 12 Track Recorder
- Thread starter studiodrum
- Start date
cjacek
Analogue Enthusiast
MCI2424 said:
In what way ? Sure the Akai is a great unit but beating the 388 by "ten miles" .. I don't know about that .. What criteria are u using when comparing the 2 recorders ? Surely the top speed is identical in both units and the track width is ever so slightly wider on the Akai, not enough to get excited about as both can be classified as a "narrow track" format ... Both use dbx1 etc ... Based on this criteria alone I'd say they're similar. But when you discuss tape, parts and service availability then surely the 388 wins hands down. I haven't compared the insides and the mixer section more thorougly but I doubt the two machines are that far appart in that either. The only place the Akai loses big time is in the tape, parts and service issues, as stated above.
Good question! I would also like to know where I can find any MK20J tapes for the Akai MG1212.
There are a few new tapes, and used one for sale on ebay right now, along with some spare for for the 1212, and 1214. but those tapes, and parts fpr those recorders, are getting near impossible to find these days!!!!
There are a few new tapes, and used one for sale on ebay right now, along with some spare for for the 1212, and 1214. but those tapes, and parts fpr those recorders, are getting near impossible to find these days!!!!
sleepingcat75
New member
I just got this Akai MG 12/14
My questions are: I have some of the old tapes from the man who bequethed me this board. I have no manual (yet). I cleaned it a little but nothing major and when I tried to cue a tape It opened and slamed shut several times. I know I pressed too many buttons and so that's my fault.
But it started to eat the tape when I tried to play it, or ff it. Also, the counter would not move from zero.
Any Advice (besides get the manual). The previous owner swears it should be fine, he never had this problem, but it has been unused for about 5 years, kept on it's stand and protected from dust with a cover.
Also, is it possible to switch from 12 tracks to 2 in order to use this machine to master protools recordings down to 1/2" tape?
My questions are: I have some of the old tapes from the man who bequethed me this board. I have no manual (yet). I cleaned it a little but nothing major and when I tried to cue a tape It opened and slamed shut several times. I know I pressed too many buttons and so that's my fault.
But it started to eat the tape when I tried to play it, or ff it. Also, the counter would not move from zero.
Any Advice (besides get the manual). The previous owner swears it should be fine, he never had this problem, but it has been unused for about 5 years, kept on it's stand and protected from dust with a cover.
Also, is it possible to switch from 12 tracks to 2 in order to use this machine to master protools recordings down to 1/2" tape?
Harvey Gerst
New member
Akai was distributed by IMC in the US. I was Director of Electronics for IMC back then. I still have my Akai 1214 and it was the last unit to be completely overhauled by Akai USA before they ran out of parts. Mine still works perfectly and is completely up to spec.
The original Akai 1212's and 1214's sold new for $9,995.00.
The original Akai 1212's and 1214's sold new for $9,995.00.
studiodrum
New member
Damn 'Smellycat' You probably live in the worst possible area of the country to get these MG1212 repaired 
'Cause, unfortunately the only game in town to repairs those things is in LA! and shipping those monsters to the wet coast is killer!!! But, certainly doable, if that's what you need to do.
I've talked to a lot of people and techs during the time that I owned my MG1212 and apparently the 1212, & 1214's are notorious for the tape transport to fail, . . and unfortunately, that exactly what your experiencing. It happened to me too. . .
Anyway, if your feelin brave and wanna send that thing to LA. Here re the people who work on those things:
VST
1270 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 1000
Pasadena, CA 91103
Ph: 626-794-0052
www.vstservice.com
info@vstservice.com
The techs name is Dave. Supposedly, he is a wizard at keeping these monsters alive and kickin, I believe he has even worked on Phil Collins MG1214. Apparently, Phil loves these recorders. I cant remember exactly but at the time, I believe they quoted me 300-400 bucks to do a complete overhaul, and that was parts and labor included. Not bad, BUT remember, you still have to get that 100 pound bad boy accross the good ole' US of A, and that gonna run ya another 200-300 buck easily.
Now, there is another option, and its located near you in Manhattan. Apparently this guy is also a wiz at what he does. But, I don't know for sure if he can help. But, its worth a try.
The techs name is Peter, and the place is called:
Double Take, Studio Services
New York, NY
212.685.7900
. . .and if you need spare parts for this thing, (used of course) you might try Mark at www.mrmarksmusic.com, his email is mrmark@mrmarksmusic.com. He had a few MG1214 that he parted out, and he still might still have some used parts. . . especially since parts are scarce on this baby. . .
. . and last but not least, if you choose to except this mission, here is the manual, AKai MG1212 Manual just right click and save to your desktop.
I feel for ya man, . .I went through the same crap a year ago. But, since that time 1/2" reel to reel tape has saved my soul and set me free. Amen Brother.
Good luck man. . .
'Cause, unfortunately the only game in town to repairs those things is in LA! and shipping those monsters to the wet coast is killer!!! But, certainly doable, if that's what you need to do.I've talked to a lot of people and techs during the time that I owned my MG1212 and apparently the 1212, & 1214's are notorious for the tape transport to fail, . . and unfortunately, that exactly what your experiencing. It happened to me too. . .
Anyway, if your feelin brave and wanna send that thing to LA. Here re the people who work on those things:
VST
1270 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 1000
Pasadena, CA 91103
Ph: 626-794-0052
www.vstservice.com
info@vstservice.com
The techs name is Dave. Supposedly, he is a wizard at keeping these monsters alive and kickin, I believe he has even worked on Phil Collins MG1214. Apparently, Phil loves these recorders. I cant remember exactly but at the time, I believe they quoted me 300-400 bucks to do a complete overhaul, and that was parts and labor included. Not bad, BUT remember, you still have to get that 100 pound bad boy accross the good ole' US of A, and that gonna run ya another 200-300 buck easily.
Now, there is another option, and its located near you in Manhattan. Apparently this guy is also a wiz at what he does. But, I don't know for sure if he can help. But, its worth a try.
The techs name is Peter, and the place is called:
Double Take, Studio Services
New York, NY
212.685.7900
. . .and if you need spare parts for this thing, (used of course) you might try Mark at www.mrmarksmusic.com, his email is mrmark@mrmarksmusic.com. He had a few MG1214 that he parted out, and he still might still have some used parts. . . especially since parts are scarce on this baby. . .
. . and last but not least, if you choose to except this mission, here is the manual, AKai MG1212 Manual just right click and save to your desktop.
I feel for ya man, . .I went through the same crap a year ago. But, since that time 1/2" reel to reel tape has saved my soul and set me free. Amen Brother.
Good luck man. . .
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I got one of these recently for (almost) free.
It came with the wheel around stand
I'm planning on driving it to L.A. in a month or so for rehab.
I also scored a big pile of tape.(not cheap, but resonable)
So, Harvey, et all, transport issues aside, how do these things sound?
The spec suggest not much response below 50 hz.
Do they sound similar to other narrow track decks from that period?
It came with the wheel around stand
I'm planning on driving it to L.A. in a month or so for rehab.
I also scored a big pile of tape.(not cheap, but resonable)
So, Harvey, et all, transport issues aside, how do these things sound?
The spec suggest not much response below 50 hz.
Do they sound similar to other narrow track decks from that period?
Harvey Gerst
New member
Actually, they sound quite good, even at the 3-3/4 ips speed.zorf said:
a bump, of sorts
Well, my own recent acquiring of an MG1212 has brought me here. Here's my question to all of you fans of the mg1212 out there... does anyone have the measurements for the belts? Vintage-electronics doesn't sell a belt kit, and I have to figure out the sizes to get my beautiful workhorse up and going.
Well, my own recent acquiring of an MG1212 has brought me here. Here's my question to all of you fans of the mg1212 out there... does anyone have the measurements for the belts? Vintage-electronics doesn't sell a belt kit, and I have to figure out the sizes to get my beautiful workhorse up and going.
A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
Your best bet might be to...
measure the old belts and downsize them by several mm, (appx. 5~7mm). Maybe downsize a bit more if the original belt is extrememly stretched.
That's if the old belts are in any tactile shape to measure at all!
Good luck!
measure the old belts and downsize them by several mm, (appx. 5~7mm). Maybe downsize a bit more if the original belt is extrememly stretched.
That's if the old belts are in any tactile shape to measure at all!
Good luck!
Harvey Gerst
New member
I just did some Akai tape transfers to Wave files for a guy in Florida. Now I just have to do the same thing for all the Akai tapes I have. 
Oh, and as a point of interest, the 1/2" Maxcell EE (high energy) tape works perfectly in the Akai carts.
Oh, and as a point of interest, the 1/2" Maxcell EE (high energy) tape works perfectly in the Akai carts.
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measure the old belts and downsize them by several mm, (appx. 5~7mm). Maybe downsize a bit more if the original belt is extrememly stretched.
That's if the old belts are in any tactile shape to measure at all!
Good luck!
thanks for the advice! that should work for the main drive belt, but the secondary belt is quite... done for. that's the one I have to replace, of course. murphy's law.
Dave the Rave
New member
I have one of those AKAI MG1214 for sale
I have one of those AKAI MG1214 for sale, but you would need to pick it up in the San Clemente, CA area (1 hour south of LA). Any reasonable offer will be considered. It is on the rolling stand, I will look for the manual and I'm about to conduct a test on it, but I know the owner, (who I am selling it for) hardly used the thing. It's in good condition. If you already have one, it's great for spare parts, but it also may be much better than the one you have and you could use yours for spare parts. Thanks, David
I have one of those AKAI MG1214 for sale, but you would need to pick it up in the San Clemente, CA area (1 hour south of LA). Any reasonable offer will be considered. It is on the rolling stand, I will look for the manual and I'm about to conduct a test on it, but I know the owner, (who I am selling it for) hardly used the thing. It's in good condition. If you already have one, it's great for spare parts, but it also may be much better than the one you have and you could use yours for spare parts. Thanks, David
Hey David,
You know, VST is very close to you. They can service it if needed.
I was going to drive there ( 6 hours each way) because i didn't trust
mine to shipping.
If i had more space and money, it would be tempting to get yours for a backup.
On the other hand, I've also thought about selling mine too. Not sure I want to have a garage full of projects any more.
Kinda conflicted about which recording format i want to settle on as my main one right now.
You know, VST is very close to you. They can service it if needed.
I was going to drive there ( 6 hours each way) because i didn't trust
mine to shipping.
If i had more space and money, it would be tempting to get yours for a backup.
On the other hand, I've also thought about selling mine too. Not sure I want to have a garage full of projects any more.
Kinda conflicted about which recording format i want to settle on as my main one right now.
A Reel Person
It's Too Funky in Here!!!
HEY, man!!
I went to SCHS back in the day,... so how about that little and insignificant trivial coincidence? Heh.
Yeah, man,... '79 man,.... you know we Rocked!... Eh-hem,... Still Rock as yet we do!!!Hey,... The Akai 1214 seems like a pretty interesting machine. I've heard it sounds nice! You gotta love analog recording from back in the day, eh? Or at least I do!
Say, could you give any quick tips about the Akai, the workings, or the tapes? Please do!
Thanx, and welcome aboard!
