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This is definitely symptomatic of a bigger issue, which I attempted to fix over Xmas. I improved matters, but it isn't fixed. The next step is to employ a professional tech to sort it, because I reached the limit of my knowledge, and what I can get from the internet. Some of this is due to poor desi...

I have an Otari MX 5050 BII, which is hooked up to my desk via a patchbay. Despite redoing the wiring scheme in my studio over xmas I still suffer from a lot of hum when recording, and often end up inserting cheap hum eliminators before the tape in the patchbay. So I am considering buying an 8 chann...

I've recently resurrected an old LinnDrum and an Otari MX5050 and so I wanted to have a go at adding some tape magic to the Linn. Unfortunately, my efforts have been a little lacklustre and so I am reaching out to you guys to give me some tips. I'm looking to get an 80s disco/funk sound. I'm recordi...

Thanks for that, it does answer my question. I need to ask the person who loaned me it then and see what I can do!

Hi, Apologies for asking a Noob question, this must have been answered elsewhere but I can't find it. I have been loaned an Otari MX5050 BIII 8 Track, with a Ferrograph for calibration, but no MRL library tape. It needs calibrating, that much I know. But w/o an MRL tape how can I do the first step o...

I need a stand for my mx-5050 biii. It's the large 8 channel version which lies down. They don't turn up on eBay very often (although there is one there at the moment - HANDS OFF!). If I don't win that, what would be a good alternative. Can you suggest anywhere in the UK where you can get these or s...

I need a PSU for an Amek BC2 desk. Something like a Soundcraft CPS275 or CPS450 should be fine, other brands/models acceptable. It needs +/-17V @ 5A or more, and +48V. I'm in London, UK, and since these are likely quite heavy, no offers outside Northern Europe, unless by some miracle you can get it ...

It looks like ProTape stock RMG in the UK so I'll ask them if it's self-lubricating. I've looked in the service manual and it seems that to properly adjust the pinch wheel tension you need a newton meter, which, unsurprisingly, I don't have. could I do this 'by eye'? If the pinch wheel were not grip...

I'm quite happy cutting the tape loops myself - it's much cheaper. I just need the right tape. I've been recommended Zonal 700 (which is unlubricated afaik) and RMG VM. Still waiting on a price on the latter from the distributor. Anyone else got any suggestions... ?

i cleaned the tape path today, and there is a noticeable improvement. It's certainly less warbly. However the tape still sticks a lot - I have to jog the pinch wheel at least 2 or 3 times a minute. I did try lubricating the motor etc. with WD40 earlier. What would cause it to stick? How can I tell i...

Cool. Thanks for the guide, I'm going to get my cotton buds out tomorrow
Anyways, i've checked my old emails and the tape I got from my friend is Quantegy, not Zonal, but I'm not sure what. He recommended that I use Zonal 700.
What should I lubricate the pinch roller with btw?

First off, thanks for the replies! The service replaced the Op-Amp used for the reverb (it had blown) and aligned the heads. That was a major improvement, as the unit was pretty far from functional when I got it. I've replaced the tape recently, I don't think the tape is particularly old. I've got t...

I'd really appreciate some help from you knowledgeable fellows on here. I bought an RE-201 Space Echo back in November and had it serviced. Having not owned one of these units before it was difficult to tell whether it was in working order. But it's hardly ever usable because the echoes are so warbl...

I going to step my toe in the analog tape pool for the first time. I'm thinking a Tascam 70-8 or 80-8, but I'd also consider Fostex machines, or an Otari if I can afford it & it's not too large. I'd also consider a 4 track Teac A3340. If you are accessible to London, make me an offer and I'll come a...