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Otari 5050? Studer? I want to start looking at adding a nice used 1/2" 8 track to the studio, but I would like opinions on what everyone likes and dislikes about the usual suspects. And if you know of any real gems that never quite caught on, too.

Comments

KurtFoster Wed, 07/07/2004 - 11:24

For 1/2" eights, my faves are the Tascams ... the 48 is a good one ... as is the older 80-8 ... The 5050's run at different speeds at different parts of the reels, like the older ampex's did ... This is not a problem unless you try to edit (tape) parts from different parts of the reels ... but still, it is an issue to consider.

Not sure why you want a 1/2" eight as opposed to a 1" one.. ??? The right 1" machine could do double duty, you could get optional headstacks / rollers / guides and use it as a first class analog mastering machine too ...

anonymous Wed, 07/07/2004 - 12:15

*cheers* Yea for Kurt! Thanks for answering, Kurt....actually I'm sure I need some education in the matter. I really just assumed 1/2" would be easier to find(?).....I'm wanting it so I have tape to hit hard with guitars and to get sweeter vocals before bringing it to the DAW.

But, you're thinking I could get a 1" and use it for 2-bus master too? Hmmmm.........why can 1" do this and not 1/2" or even 1/4"? I seem to remember being in a studio (as musician) and the engineer was taking everything from the 2" Otari to
1/4"?? Was this just for mixdown to take to mastering?

If you have the time, dewd, I would love your feedback......
Thanks
--Daniel