A Few Simple Otari Questions

[ferriteman]

I'm reviewing a few decks to purchase, can someone help clarify a few things for me:

1) I realize the Otari 5050 has balanced input/outputs, but are they standard line level? i.e. are they OK to use with a home-audio preamp?
2) Is the Otari available as 3-speed? I don't plan on using 3 3/4 IPS much but it is nice to have it available...mainly for recording off FM. Is the speed easily changed or does it involve changing pulleys or something? Otari literatue is a bit confusing here...
3) Can you get one that plays tape - 2 channnels in each direction (a 2 sided tape), stereo and will the same unit be able to play 2-channel one direction (like the tape project tapes)? If so, is it easy to change between these 2?
4) does the Otari come with this IEC equalization that they use for the tape project tapes?

Any help is appreciated...thanks.

[user510]

I'm a new owner of a 5050BII2. BTW I'm also new to the world of RTR .
Here is what I've been able to sort out:

The 5050 is a 2-speed machine but with a means of switching between hi-lo inside the box. This means you can have it set for between 3-3/4 - 7.5 ips or 7.5 - 15 ips.

Mine has balanced outputs and inputs using xlr plugs. Otari's wiring scheme may differ from that of other manufacturers use of the same plug. What I found is that a standard mic cable, with female/male xlrs, plugs directly into my balanced inputs on the CLasse' CAP 151 integrated amp that I have. I expect other users of this machine to chime in and state that they are using xlr to rca converter fittings on their machines. There is a short thread about this within the forum here.

Output level coming out of the 5050 seems within a workable range for my integrated amp and needs no additional gain step-up.

The 5050BII 2 that I have is a 2-track machine but with the 4th head option. It has a 4way head for playback only. To access this feature there is a switch beneath the outer cover on the head stack that must be set for between 2-tr and 4-tr.

My Otari has a switch on the back so we can choose between IEC and NAB equalization. There is a indicator lamp on the front panel that lets you know which scheme is in use.

I hope this helps.

-Steve

[ferriteman]

Thanks Steve...just to clarify...the speed range switching is done through some type of easy electrical switch or is there some mechanical change?

Regarding "2 track machine"--do you mean 2 track, i.e. 2 "half" tracks, so the tape only really has one side? Not sure what you mean by 4th head option; do you mean 4 track stereo, i.e. will play tapes 2 channel in each direction, i.e. 2 tracks in each direction/each side of the tape?

Is it easy to switch between the 2---2 track or 4 way heads...no additional set-up or adjustments needed?

Thanks again....

[user510]

2-track = half-track.
A speed switch on the Otari BII is a front panel push-button switch that offers setting between high and low.
An additional setting is not user accessible but exists under the back cover and offers an additional hi-lo setting. This inside-the-box-setting allows between 3-3/4 - 7.5 and 7.5 - 15 ips.

To further explain, if the setting inside the box is set to "low", your front panel switch will select for between 3-3/4 and 7.5 ips. If the setting inside the box is set to "high" your front panel switch will select for between 7.5 - 15 ips. Think of it as a semi permanent choice that is made when making the setting inside the box. In my case I had the seller make this selection for me. There is, however an explanation of the procedure in the manual for this machine.

Sorry, no three speeds.

re: 4th head option
4th head option is "optional" and not all 5050 BII machines have it.

Essentially, the 5050B2 is a half-track machine. 3 heads. record, erase and playback. These are for 2-track on 1/4 inch tape.

If the one you find has the "4th head option" there will be an additional head for playback only of 4-track tapes. In that situation there is a switch under the front cover of the head stack for between 2-track and 4-track operation. In case you aren't familiar with the term "head stack" it is the frame member that holds the array of heads. The switch exists on this frame and is easily accessible from the front of the machine.

From what I can tell, the Otari MX-5050BII2 is intended for professional use and really was not conceived for convenience in the home audio setting.

If what you are seeking is a nice machine to play 4-track commercial tapes, I'm sure there are some other machines that will offer greater convenience in that medium with features like auto-reverse.

On the other hand, if you, like myself, are looking for a very high level of fidelity and are seeking out recordings that allow this, a half-track machine that can play at 15 ips is essential. This is where the Otari seems to be a valid choice.

I hope I haven't muddied the water too much for you.

-Steve

[ferriteman]

Not at all--it's a lot clearer now. The 4th head allows playback-only of the more common 2-sided tapes (2 tracks in each direction, a total of 4 tracks), correct?

Actually, I have little interest in auto reverse as a feature...I have always stayed clear of it even on cassette decks.

So I guess what this means is if I want an Otari I need to look for the Otari MX 5050 BIII-P variant. It is actually listed as an option on their sales brochure.

Thanks again!

[joeljoel1947]

Hi,
I have 3 Otari's and can help a bit. Everything Steve posted is correct and he did a great job helping you.

The Otari is one of the best machines in the world, and I'm glad you have researched enough to at least consider it.

I have 2 Otari B2's (one is a console and one a stand-up) and an Otari B3-P as well. The B3 is the current model and they are somewhat hard to find used. Even the few you will find, they will only have the 2-track option and not the 4. On top of that, the specific model you are after (a used P with the 4-track option anyhow) would be like finding the Lockness Monster in your bathtub tomorrow. Not likely. I have one of them, but it cost me quite a bit, even used.

If I were you, at least if you want a used deck in the next year, I would look for an Otari MX-5050 BII that I have as well as Steve. Those go cheap on Ebay, mostly in the $350-$700 range for the nice ones that actually function. If you factor in the fact they cost over $4000 new in 1981-86 dollars, they are a steal. The sound is excellent and you will have as close to a universal deck as possible! It will do 3 3/4, 7 1/2 and 15 IPS, and it will hold all reel sizes and it will also do both NAB and IEC EQ's on the flip of a switch. Not many (any?) decks can do all that.

Otari is now "in bed" with The Tape Project, which will help you all the more. The Tape Project offers 15 IPS dubs of master tapes and are by far the closest you will get to the master tapes as a consumer. Though they are not cheap.

Anyhow, I just wanted to point out that the deck you think you are after runs for about $6000 new if you order one today from Otari. That's about the only way you'll find it. So, I wanted to point out the other option which is the older MX-5050 BII which does even a little bit more then the "regular" BIII (because it comes standard with the 4-track head and the BIII has it as an "option" on the BIII which is the "P" model).

Hope that helps....