1/2 4 track tape width Question

[Crowley moon]

So Trying to clarify does a Otari mx5050 mkiii 4-track the same tape width as the Otari mx5050 mkiii 8 track? I ve read mixed thoughts on this?

[markjazzbassist]

depends. there are 2 different Otari MX5050 4 tracks. One is 1/2" tape which would mean more track width than the 8 track version. This version is akin to a 1" 8 track. There is also a 1/4" 4 track and that is the same track widths as the 8 track 1/2" machine.

ask the seller if it's 1/4" or 1/2" and you'll have your answer. also you might want to look at the cost of tape if it is your main tracking device, the 1/4" tape is about 1/3 the price of 1/2" tape. this is why i track and mix to 1/4" tape.

[Crowley moon]

Thanks it's definitely the 1/2 inch machine very lightly used for mastering. He wanted 2,000 talked him down to 1,400. Has manual and alignment tape and take up reel. Fair deal?

[Crowley moon]

Looks like this. https://goo.gl/images/gKhhHL

[A.David.MacKinnon]

Just make sure it's really the 4 track version. The two track version has an extra 1/4 track playback head ( so you'd get stereo side a and side b) so that is technically 4 playback tracks on 1/4".
You mentioned that it was used for mastering which I would equate with two track.
I could totally be wrong though.

[markjazzbassist]

1400 still seems a little high unless it is MINT and the heads are practically new. here is one from reverb going for 950

https://reverb.com/item/17711403-otari- ... -2-4-track

[Crowley moon]

I agree 1,400 is to high I bought a Scully 280b in stead in great shape and relapped heads for more than half the price of the Otari