They are fine if you don't want to use them for editing. If you want to edit (razor blade) there can be difference of speed issues from the top of the reel and the middle and end. These machines don't have PLL servo on the capstan (like old AMPEX's ) so the speed is different at different points of the reel. If you’re not cutting and splicing it doesn't matter. .... Fats
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Fats,

Editing is not an issue.

I record through an analog desk (Soundcraft) to a dedicated h/disk recorder, then mix down through the S/craft and outboard comp and effects to PC for CD burning. My thoughts were that if ever I was going to put tape in the chain to try and add some "analog/tape" artifacts then using a 1/2" 2 track would be ideal, as I personally don't know of many other machines that would devote 1/4" of tape to each track.

If my reasoning is flawed, please tell me :) .

Regards :cool:

Your thinking is correct. 2 things however. (1) make sure it's a 1/2" 2 track and not a 1/2 track 2 track. (2) find out if the machine is capable of 30 ips. Real 1/2" machines run at 15 and 30 ips. If this machine is both of these, then jump on it. Other machines that can do this are AMPEX and MCI 110B. The AMPEX machines are quite expensive while the MCI machines can be found for well under $1000. You will however have to get a set of heads and guides to modify the MCI machine to 1/2". JRF Magnetics can do this for you. But it runs around a couple thousand for the switch. 1/2" machines ain't cheap but they sure do sound good. Happy hunting.... Fats

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Tannoy, Dynaudio, Blue Sky, JBL, Earthworks, Westlake, NS 10's :D , Genelec, Hafler, KRK, and PMC
Those are good. …………………….. Pick one.
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The one that is interesting me is an Otari MX7000. It is 3 speed......15, 7.5 and 3.75 ips.

I am aware of a couple of these machines that are "on the market" and they are definitely listed as 1/2" 2 track.

What exactly is 1/2 trk, 2 trk?

:cool: