Otari MX5050 mkI II and III? Flat and upright?

[CBA713]

Hi friends.

I've been looking a lot at the various Otari MX5050s, and there seem to be quite a few different ones out there in various marks. Haven't been able to find a comprehensive list of differences anywhere, and I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

I'm looking specifically for the 1/2" 8-track, but I can't seem to be able to figure out what version it is. I've seen it listed as mkIII, but then I've also seen a 2-track with the same title.

THEN I've seen 1/2" 8-tracks in both the "flat" and "upright" (not sure what they're usually called) versions of the same thing.

Anyone have a short list of the versions?

THANK YOU!

C

p.s. Also interested in the mx70 1" 8-track if anyone has any fun info on that.

p.p.s. If there is any sort of informative database on like different reel-to-reel makes and models, I'd love to know what it is.

[timh]

http://www.analogrules.com

That's a pretty great site with some good info. Names, used market prices, etc.

[Nick Sevilla]

I don't know about "versions" of tape machines.

I do know that out of the three machines I have, the two 1/4" beasties, They can both be used upright or laying down.

I myself prefer them laying down...



The 2" machine likes sitting in the corner, under it's quilt, until it is time to rawk, and is as far away from the two 1/4" children as possible.
This keeps my studio from becoming a war zone.

[markjazzbassist]

the 8 track has 2 different versions. the original 8 track mx5050 is the vertical version (the reel to reel sits on top of the track input/output amp modules). these are pretty rare, i haven't seen many for sale recently.

the 2nd and most common version is the horizontal unit with the VU's and such above the reel to reel transport.

1st version was released in the late 70's, second version was in the early to mid eighties all the way to the 90's and 00's i believe.

[CBA713]

Thanks everyone.

Yep, I've seen quite a few of the tabletop ones, but just recently saw the vertical one on eBay and I wondered about the differences.

Glad the tabletop will be a little easier to hunt down.


Thanks again!

C

[markjazzbassist]

also if you want to see an original look up a sound workshop 1280 mixer advertisement. they made the mixer for the mx5050 8 track and teac 80-8. the picture shows the original vertical version of the 5050.

cheers