Otari MX5050 Alignment question

fuzz1964 · Post by **fuzz1964** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:35 am

I recently purchased an mx5050, and am kind of confused about aligning the repro with an mrl....the manual didn't really specify....the record bias, record eq, and record level pots are right out front, but i'm not sure if there are pots that are inside the machine that i have to use with the mrl, or is it just making sure the playback level control is at 0db with the tones.....if anybody could clarify i'd greatly appreciate it!

nipsy · Post by **nipsy** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:59 am

Which model? If its the MKIII, there should be some trim screws behind the machine.

Do you know if its pin 2 or 3 hot? Otari's are infamous for that shit....it'll save you a "why is my out put level so low?" thread....

make sure you are using the right mrl tape for whatever formulation of tape you are using (+6, +9, ect.).

Jay

drumsound · Post by **drumsound** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:13 pm

You need to know what reference fluxivity your MRL is and what level you want to record to. There are charts all over the web for that stuff.

fuzz1964 · Post by **fuzz1964** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:09 am

i'll be using 250 n/w/b 15 ips mrl.....i just need to know where the actual pots are to adjust the repro level and eq....i saw some sel-rep pots on a circuit board underneath the machine are these the pots i'll need to adjust? Or is it just a matter of adjusting the output volume control knob on the front of the machine....i've aligned the 24 track otaris where all the pots are right there in front of you, on the individual cards, and it seems like a no brainer, but i'm stumped!

carival · Post by **carival** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 9:04 pm

they are on the bottom of the 5050BII and BIII. get a copy of the manual for the machiine. it will help you identify and set the appropriate trim pots. you'll be happy. good luck.

paparob · Post by **paparob** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:31 am

I have a 5050 mkIII 8 track and the alignment screws are above the meter bridge..Unscrew 4 screws and lift...It took me a bit to figure that one out...the machine was a gift with no manual .!

good luck..

Rob Seifert
Producer/Engineer

" mixing hit records on Sunday, Chopping Firewood on Monday "

I'm Painting Again · Post by **I'm Painting Again** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:02 am

mine are all behind the machine besides the reel tension controls..

I recently got one of these mx5050mkIII's and I'm beginning to read the manual and go about learning to calibrate it..

For 7.5- and 15-in/s recording this machine can either be IEC(aka IEC1,CCIR,DIN) or NAB(aka IEC2, AES) eq depending on what cards are installed in it..

my cards say IEC on them..I assume that means IEC1, CCIR, DIN

the first thing it sys to do in the manual is mechanically align the deck with spring scales and tension controls, etc.

but before that get the manual and tools..

in table 4-3 of the manual it lists repro alignment tapes with speeds equalizations and reference fluxivity..

Fuzz you said you have a 250nWb/m tape..

the chart says to use that tape with NAB eq..if your deck is IEC1 you might have the less ideal tape there as the manual has the chart aligned IEC1 with 320nWb/m..the EQ and ref flux is really confusing me with this machine..

If anyone can clear this up it would be really helpful..

I'm Painting Again · Post by **I'm Painting Again** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:13 am

also fuzz maybe your 5050 opens like this one does?

http://www.virb.com/intaglioblue/blog/205485

I'm Painting Again · Post by **I'm Painting Again** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:19 am

http://dkse.net/pdf/otari.pdf

found this guide online too..

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