I am considering buying a used 2-track for mixdown, instead of
the DAT or ITB that I do now. Will any reasonably well-maintained 2-track do the job (once aligned and cleaned, and perhaps relapped) of giving my mixes the warmth I need?
For instance, I see a lot of
Otari MX 5050 on Ebay. I could probably scratch together $1K
if I found the right machine.
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The MX5050 was a very well respected RtR in its heyday. You need
The MX5050 was a very well respected RtR in its heyday. You need to investigate the availability of service parts for it. I used to go nuts hunting down the switches for the transport remote,which seemed like they were always failing. I believe that some versions had built-in dbx typeII NR circuit cards, others had that as an outboard option. The dbx was pretty much a requisite for mixing down. Check the head life and the pinch rollers, capstans, etc. Those machines were popular among radio stations in the 70s-80s, and some were properly maintained, others were definitely abused. I believe that they were offered in both "half-track" and "quarter track" formats, with the "half-track" being the preferred medium (naturally). Are you going to be dumping the mix from the RtR to a digital medium to be mastered? Are you planning to send the completed mix on tape out to a mastering house? Remember that there will be compatibility issues doing that. Be careful, do your homework, and...SLAM THAT IRON!!!
The Otari MX 5050 is always a positive choice but the MCI JH-110
The Otari MX 5050 is always a positive choice but the MCI JH-110 is an excellent choice too and can be had in the price range you're looking in from reliable sources online. Blevins Audio has some good deals, has an excellent reputation and very reputable tech's.
http://
If they don't have what you're looking for you can make a request.
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