Operating Level: Otari MK5050 MkIV-4

[Mike K]

Anyone happen to know whether this machine would be able to tolerate +6 (with ATR tape, 15ips) as opposed to the recommended 250nWb/m NAB +3 operation?

Thanks for your time.

[themagicmanmdt]

The problem wouldn't be in electronics headroom, but rather enough bias current to properly bias the ATR tape (and erase it fully). My guess would be 'yes', as an Otari 5050 had more than enough left on the trimpot when biasing 456 style tape. Definitely enough for GP9/996 style... ATR is a smidge more bias than that... but not much...

So, can it bias it? I'd say 'yes'. Can it also erase it super clean? I'd also say 'yes', but there might be a faint faint ghost on the sub bass if you're recording really hot to tape. Then again, might be flawless. That's as far as I can get you...

[Mike K]

Helpful, thanks.

It's not that I'm intending to really burn the tape, just that I thought it not unreasonable to step up to +6, if the machine can handle it.

Thanks for your time.

-Mike.