What Kind of Tape Do I Need?
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What Kind of Tape Do I Need?
Hey there,
I have an otari mx5050 bqII. It is a 1/4" four track, four channel deck. I don't have a manual and I cannot find one anywhere. Otari offered to sell me one for $275 I paid $50 for the deck.
Anyway, I don't have any reels or tape. I've seen a couple of images from the manual (this is all I could find) and it says that the deck uses 10 1/2" NAB or EIN, metal or plastic reels. If I use metal, I believe I have to buy shims.
Can somebody please point me in the right direction regarding where I should buy the tape and reels and what kind of tape I should buy.
Thanks,
Seth
I have an otari mx5050 bqII. It is a 1/4" four track, four channel deck. I don't have a manual and I cannot find one anywhere. Otari offered to sell me one for $275 I paid $50 for the deck.
Anyway, I don't have any reels or tape. I've seen a couple of images from the manual (this is all I could find) and it says that the deck uses 10 1/2" NAB or EIN, metal or plastic reels. If I use metal, I believe I have to buy shims.
Can somebody please point me in the right direction regarding where I should buy the tape and reels and what kind of tape I should buy.
Thanks,
Seth
- markjazzbassist
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for new tape rmg 911 would work best, check full compass they sell it there
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344159.html
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344159.html
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- markjazzbassist
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Re: What Kind of Tape Do I Need?
It's not the exact model you have, but will get you 95% of the way there: Otari Manualtdrop wrote:I don't have a manual and I cannot find one anywhere.
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- banana brains
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Is this NAB or IEC?markjazzbassist wrote:for new tape rmg 911 would work best, check full compass they sell it there
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344159.html
Does it matter?
Thanks
Yes it matters, but not when buying tape. Any tape you purchase does not come formulated as NAB (IEC2) or CCIR (IEC) eq standard.tdrop wrote:Is this NAB or IEC?markjazzbassist wrote:for new tape rmg 911 would work best, check full compass they sell it there
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/344159.html
Does it matter?
Thanks
The tape machine determines which eq curve you use. Not sure what the Otari does in this instance ?
Can it switch to either standard ? Not all machines can.
I have a Studer A820 MCH & on this machine you can select either CCIR or NAB before the calibration process begins
....calibrating with an MRL calibration tape to your desired operating level, eq curve & speed.
Maybe take your machine to a tech & ask him to show & explain to you how & why it is done. It isnt difficult to learn, sometimes understanding why makes the process a lot easier.
Here's a dude calibrating repro on an Otari MTR90...
cleantone wrote:What is this case like? I've been thinking about getting one.Microphone Case, Black, Plastic N/A $30.00
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Thanks Tactics.
The B2 manual says that that deck can be switched to either standard. It shows a switch on the back to select NAB or IEC.
Their is no switch on the back panel of the BQII, but I believe I saw some info somewhere that indicated that it is switchable. Perhaps inside the machine somewhere?
So, I just buy tape of the right size and formulation and I'm good to go? So, I can buy RMGI 911 10.5 1/4" and not worry about NAB or IEC?
I sure appreciate everyone's assistance!
The B2 manual says that that deck can be switched to either standard. It shows a switch on the back to select NAB or IEC.
Their is no switch on the back panel of the BQII, but I believe I saw some info somewhere that indicated that it is switchable. Perhaps inside the machine somewhere?
So, I just buy tape of the right size and formulation and I'm good to go? So, I can buy RMGI 911 10.5 1/4" and not worry about NAB or IEC?
I sure appreciate everyone's assistance!
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For now just have a play around with the machine & see if its what you want to dotdrop wrote: So, I just buy tape of the right size and formulation and I'm good to go? So, I can buy RMGI 911 10.5 1/4" and not worry about NAB or IEC?
before sinking any more money into it. Get into the specifics later.
You really need to get an MRL calibration tape at some point.
The MRL can be either NAB or CCIR.
Get some Isopropyl Alcohol & give the heads a regular clean also.
Here's the MRL tapes page.
cleantone wrote:What is this case like? I've been thinking about getting one.Microphone Case, Black, Plastic N/A $30.00
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I'm going back and forth on how much I want to get wrapped up in the technical aspect of tape deck maintenance. Part of me wants to get all into working on these machines. The other part of me knows I'll spend all my time on that and won't actually do much recording.
I scheduled an appointment with a local tech who is going to look at the thing and tell me what's going on with it. My fear is that my $50 purchase is going to cost me another $300-400 to have it brought up to spec. Who knows, it may be in really bad shape?
I'll keep you all posted over the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I scheduled an appointment with a local tech who is going to look at the thing and tell me what's going on with it. My fear is that my $50 purchase is going to cost me another $300-400 to have it brought up to spec. Who knows, it may be in really bad shape?
I'll keep you all posted over the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
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Just ordered some RMGI SM911. I ordered a 10.5 inch empty reel and one with tape. Cost me $85 including shipping. I ordered from Full Compass.
I also dropped the deck off at the local tech's place. He looked at it quickly and told me the heads are in great shape. He also said it looked like the thing was well taken care of. So far, looks like my $50 investment is going to be a good deal.
We'll see what the tech comes back with after a full check up.
I also dropped the deck off at the local tech's place. He looked at it quickly and told me the heads are in great shape. He also said it looked like the thing was well taken care of. So far, looks like my $50 investment is going to be a good deal.
We'll see what the tech comes back with after a full check up.
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