Does this model have the 2T/4T switch under the head stack cover? Also, have you tried the Test OSC function, (Test Oscillator)? I know that this video is 8 years old but I have an opportunity to buy one and I was just wondering about that. Thanks, Rich
A feature you may have missed when showing the "volume control" is that small switch under it that selects "SRL" - or Standard Reference Level that is set by a competent technician. In that config - the output level control has NO effect. A small LED above says it's "ON". Also, I think the counter system will enter into PLAY mode when you send it into a LOCATE Cue - type mode and then hit PLAY. NOT SURE but several decks I've used (Pro-type) will operate in this manner.
there was this homeless looking guy playing this song outside of my local grocery store, his guitar was all beat up, he looked like he hadn't washed in a while, his clothes were all matted, i listened to him play and sing this song for a while, I said 'that's Supertramp' he replied, 'thanks very much mate :)
Yes, absolutely a great reel to reel tape recorder. I own a Otari MX5050 MK III-8 Multitrack Recorder, and I love the flexibility and sound quality that I have for each track for building my music compositions. 🎶🎹🎛
Honestly it could be several things unfortunately narrowing it down is going to be pretty hard without actually looking at the deck. I guess the first thing I would do would be to clean the speed switch with a contact cleaner.
I found this on the net, pretty much what I was telling you. VERY common - easily solved (USUALLY!!!) DeOxit: speed sw on front, pitch control, speed RANGE sw in the back on the large PCB (removal of rear metal cover necessary.) Spray AND EXERCISE 30-50X EACH. Repeat in 12-24 hrs. Probably a good idea to treat ALL your decks sw & pots. These decks HATE sitting !!
I think the BIII 2 Otari MX-5050 is the best 5050 made. These are studio quality recorders not necessarily made for home commercial use but many do. We had 5 of these at the studio I worked at and they were workhorses, very reliable. The cost is hard to narrow down as it depends on condition, both cosmetic and working. Unless you are a technician I would recommend paying a little extra for one that is in good working condition.
I just acquired the very unit and am having trouble getting it to play. It has been setting since 2012 and looking at a set of instructions and I load the tape the way it says, the unit pulls the tape of the takeup reel. and I have no meter action at all. I do have it running and it seems to be working but I do not have it connected to anything to hear it I thought tht if I had material on the tape it should give some action to the level meters. ??
So the decks transport is working... play fast forward rewind? But you are not seeing the VU meters move? Do you have it in repro mode? do you have the output volume up? Are you sure theres audio on the tape? If so is the tape stored tails out?
@@marcusdolby1 I appreciate your quick response. Yes, the transport system seems to work well. sometimes the I have to hit play a couple of times before it will start to move when it is shut off with each reel half full. It will fast rewind and fast forward. I have the record button up and the Sel-Rep buttons in, I have the source button in and the volume all the way up. I am assuming the reel has content. I bought some reels from ebay that were used and got one form a family member who thought his had content. when I first turned it on after getting it all the lights came on and the UV meters peaked. I do not have it connected to speakers just trying to make sure the thing is working. of course, it has not been turned on or used for at least the last 8 years. I tried to get a close look at the way the tape was loaded on your video but couldn't. when I load the tape as shown in some of the manuals it just pulls the tape off the reel I figured out how to load it without that happening and it runs smoothly for the most part. I'd hate to think about shipping it off to get fixed it might be a small fortune.
paiter65 So when playing back tape the source button needs to be off. Source means what your recording. These decks are pretty rock solid technically, I would be surprised if there’s something wrong with it other than basic servicing issues.
@@marcusdolby1 I am beginning to think there is nothing on the tapes I bought. I just looked to see where the source button might be. it looks like if the source button is in and if the tape button is in then it is playing the tape back. if the source button is out as well as the tape button then I am hearing the source that is being taped. hoping I can explain this... when I load the tape as I see in a manual for the MX-5050 the tape is loaded between the pinch roller and the Capstan shaft then over the stationary shaft, then onto the tension arm. when I do this it pulls the tape off the take-up reel. the only way I can get the tape to run in the correct direction is to load the tape under the capstan shaft then between the capstan shaft and then over the pinch roller and under the stationary shaft onto the tension arm. then at times while trying to rewind it just stops and I have to turn it off and back on try again but it never completes the rewind and If I am correct the cue is not set. sorry, to sound so dumb but just a little perplexed. So maybe I'm not even loading the tape correctly. The unit I have is identical to the one in your video. sorry to be a bother, but do appreciate replying and trying to direct me. Thanks
hey, i have one of these, testing w/mic into mic input in back, getting good signal on record, but on playback getting no signal, audibly or on bus, any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Are you saying it isn't recording... like the VU meters aren't moving on playback? Or are you saying its recording with the VU meters moving but you cant hear anything on playback?
yeah, initially VUs or sound weren't moving/happening on playback...I got them to move a little, & a little sound (in playback) more recently, but barely...I'm trying to see if I can calibrate it better soon, which I hope is the solution...& yes, VUs are moving well & I can hear good signal in record (monitoring source), but not so much, if @ all in playback...(I'm testing initially just recording a mic into the mic inputs, then looking to test the line inputs...I'm looking to sell the machine, so want to make sure it's up to snuff 1st...Had it to a tech., who got my 8-track together well, but not so much w/this one, perhaps (I'm our of town, temporarily)...Hoping, again, the calibration will give a better signal on playback...Would you think this may be the case? Thanks!!!
@@athuairush235 Asuming you have cleaned the heads, and the tape path thoroughly. I would clean all the pots and switches including the speed, record monitor switches with deoxit or some other electrical contact cleaner. It sounds like you are on the right path. One other thing of note, Otari decks XLRs are not wired standard pin hot. So keep in mind standard XLR chords will not work with these decks.
Hey I’m about to spend $840 on one of these, if you make a counter offer I could buy yours?? Plus I can point you to a well working one for the same price! (I really just want yours because I have an MS-16 from UWM!! 🤩)
Does this model have the 2T/4T switch under the head stack cover? Also, have you tried the Test OSC function, (Test Oscillator)? I know that this video is 8 years old but I have an opportunity to buy one and I was just wondering about that.
Thanks,
Rich
A feature you may have missed when showing the "volume control" is that small switch under it that selects "SRL" - or Standard Reference Level that is set by a competent technician. In that config - the output level control has NO effect. A small LED above says it's "ON".
Also, I think the counter system will enter into PLAY mode when you send it into a LOCATE Cue - type mode and then hit PLAY. NOT SURE but several decks I've used (Pro-type) will operate in this manner.
there was this homeless looking guy playing this song outside of my local grocery store, his guitar was all beat up, he looked like he hadn't washed in a while, his clothes were all matted, i listened to him play and sing this song for a while, I said 'that's Supertramp' he replied, 'thanks very much mate :)
Yes, absolutely a great reel to reel tape recorder. I own a Otari MX5050 MK III-8 Multitrack Recorder, and I love the flexibility and sound quality that I have for each track for building my music compositions. 🎶🎹🎛
excellent mastering deck
I just bought one of these. Glad to hear about the NAB hub versatility. Thanks for the info.
I’ve noticed most of your videos you used the same song. How come you don’t get flagged for copy righted?
I do and all proceeds go to the original artist. But as long as TH-cam displays the song they won’t take it down.
My Mx5050 low speed is not working can someone help me out ? Can you let me know how to fix it please
Honestly it could be several things unfortunately narrowing it down is going to be pretty hard without actually looking at the deck. I guess the first thing I would do would be to clean the speed switch with a contact cleaner.
I found this on the net, pretty much what I was telling you.
VERY common - easily solved (USUALLY!!!)
DeOxit: speed sw on front, pitch control, speed RANGE sw in the back on the large PCB (removal of rear metal cover necessary.) Spray AND EXERCISE 30-50X EACH. Repeat in 12-24 hrs.
Probably a good idea to treat ALL your decks sw & pots. These decks HATE sitting !!
@@marcusdolby1 thank you
Are these highly sought after? What would one expect to pay for one of these in good condition? You have me thinking.
I think the BIII 2 Otari MX-5050 is the best 5050 made. These are studio quality recorders not necessarily made for home commercial use but many do. We had 5 of these at the studio I worked at and they were workhorses, very reliable. The cost is hard to narrow down as it depends on condition, both cosmetic and working. Unless you are a technician I would recommend paying a little extra for one that is in good working condition.
1:38 The Logical Song - Supertramp (1979)
I have one it plays good sound when I try to record it starts to smoke .there are several 1 watt resisters burnt up .for sale or trade for revox a77
What model MX-5050 is it?
biii-2
I just acquired the very unit and am having trouble getting it to play. It has been setting since 2012 and looking at a set of instructions and I load the tape the way it says, the unit pulls the tape of the takeup reel. and I have no meter action at all. I do have it running and it seems to be working but I do not have it connected to anything to hear it I thought tht if I had material on the tape it should give some action to the level meters. ??
So the decks transport is working... play fast forward rewind? But you are not seeing the VU meters move? Do you have it in repro mode? do you have the output volume up? Are you sure theres audio on the tape? If so is the tape stored tails out?
@@marcusdolby1 I appreciate your quick response. Yes, the transport system seems to work well. sometimes the I have to hit play a couple of times before it will start to move when it is shut off with each reel half full. It will fast rewind and fast forward. I have the record button up and the Sel-Rep buttons in, I have the source button in and the volume all the way up. I am assuming the reel has content. I bought some reels from ebay that were used and got one form a family member who thought his had content. when I first turned it on after getting it all the lights came on and the UV meters peaked. I do not have it connected to speakers just trying to make sure the thing is working. of course, it has not been turned on or used for at least the last 8 years. I tried to get a close look at the way the tape was loaded on your video but couldn't. when I load the tape as shown in some of the manuals it just pulls the tape off the reel I figured out how to load it without that happening and it runs smoothly for the most part. I'd hate to think about shipping it off to get fixed it might be a small fortune.
paiter65 So when playing back tape the source button needs to be off. Source means what your recording. These decks are pretty rock solid technically, I would be surprised if there’s something wrong with it other than basic servicing issues.
@@marcusdolby1 I am beginning to think there is nothing on the tapes I bought. I just looked to see where the source button might be. it looks like if the source button is in and if the tape button is in then it is playing the tape back. if the source button is out as well as the tape button then I am hearing the source that is being taped. hoping I can explain this... when I load the tape as I see in a manual for the MX-5050 the tape is loaded between the pinch roller and the Capstan shaft then over the stationary shaft, then onto the tension arm. when I do this it pulls the tape off the take-up reel. the only way I can get the tape to run in the correct direction is to load the tape under the capstan shaft then between the capstan shaft and then over the pinch roller and under the stationary shaft onto the tension arm. then at times while trying to rewind it just stops and I have to turn it off and back on try again but it never completes the rewind and If I am correct the cue is not set. sorry, to sound so dumb but just a little perplexed. So maybe I'm not even loading the tape correctly. The unit I have is identical to the one in your video. sorry to be a bother, but do appreciate replying and trying to direct me. Thanks
I might add the capstan shaft only goes counter clockwise.
hey, i have one of these, testing w/mic into mic input in back, getting good signal on record, but on playback getting no signal, audibly or on bus, any suggestions? Thanks!!!
Are you saying it isn't recording... like the VU meters aren't moving on playback? Or are you saying its recording with the VU meters moving but you cant hear anything on playback?
yeah, initially VUs or sound weren't moving/happening on playback...I got them to move a little, & a little sound (in playback) more recently, but barely...I'm trying to see if I can calibrate it better soon, which I hope is the solution...& yes, VUs are moving well & I can hear good signal in record (monitoring source), but not so much, if @ all in playback...(I'm testing initially just recording a mic into the mic inputs, then looking to test the line inputs...I'm looking to sell the machine, so want to make sure it's up to snuff 1st...Had it to a tech., who got my 8-track together well, but not so much w/this one, perhaps (I'm our of town, temporarily)...Hoping, again, the calibration will give a better signal on playback...Would you think this may be the case? Thanks!!!
@@athuairush235 Asuming you have cleaned the heads, and the tape path thoroughly. I would clean all the pots and switches including the speed, record monitor switches with deoxit or some other electrical contact cleaner. It sounds like you are on the right path. One other thing of note, Otari decks XLRs are not wired standard pin hot. So keep in mind standard XLR chords will not work with these decks.
I have already use 4 track
I just bought one from UWM for $30 for parts. I have had Akai reel to reels but I have no idea with this one. It does power up but nothing spins
No way! I just bought a Tascam MS-16 from UWM. Let me know if you’d like to sell it because I need one for my studio.
@@Citizen4247 perhaps....make me an offer
Does $240 interest you?
Hey I’m about to spend $840 on one of these, if you make a counter offer I could buy yours??
Plus I can point you to a well working one for the same price! (I really just want yours because I have an MS-16 from UWM!! 🤩)
@@Citizen4247 sorry...been busy..how bout $400?
for sale?
Jacklam Ho It was but it sold.
is this for sale?
It was for sale, it sold.
Have u tried to record on this one anything/?
yes, it records great !!
Smooth, warm and round?))
ingoodmusic