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Description

Step into the world of classic analog recording with the MCI JH24 1" 8 Track, a staple in professional studios since its inception. This multitrack recorder is renowned for its warm, vintage sound that has captured countless legendary performances. The JH24 offers the perfect blend of reliability and analog warmth, making it a sought-after piece for those looking to infuse their recordings with authenticity.

Designed with precision engineering, the MCI JH24 features eight separate tracks on a single 1" tape, providing ample space for intricate arrangements and dynamic recordings. Its robust build ensures longevity, while the straightforward interface allows both seasoned engineers and newcomers to navigate with ease. The JH24's unique sound quality is attributed to its all-analog signal path, offering a richness and depth that digital systems often strive to emulate.

Whether you’re a professional studio owner or an aspiring musician, the MCI JH24 enables you to achieve that coveted analog sound with minimal fuss. Its compatibility with a wide range of studio setups makes it a versatile addition to any recording environment. Transform your projects with the timeless character and unparalleled quality of the MCI JH24.

Key Features:

  • 1" tape format with 8 individual tracks
  • All-analog signal path for warm, vintage sound
  • Precision-engineered for reliability and longevity
  • User-friendly interface suited for all experience levels
  • Compatible with various studio configurations
Silo Sound Recording Studio

Silo Sound Recording Studio

MCI JH24 tape machine 1k playback repro & sync

Video thumbnail for MCI JH24 tape machine 1k playback repro & sync by Silo Sound Recording Studio

MCI JH24 tape machine 1k playback repro & sync

Silo Sound Recording Studio

Silo Sound Recording Studio

Video thumbnail for MCI JH24 analog tape machine in Record at Silo Sound in Denver Colorado by Silo Sound Recording Studio

MCI JH24 analog tape machine in Record at Silo Sound in Denver Colorado

Silo Sound Recording Studio

Silo Sound Recording Studio

Video thumbnail for Part 1: Analog Tape! MCI JH-24 Repro Calibration  @RiotHomeRecording by Riot Home Recording

Part 1: Analog Tape! MCI JH-24 Repro Calibration @RiotHomeRecording

Riot Home Recording

Riot Home Recording

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MCI JH24 1" 8 Track.

Comparisons

  • MCI JH24 machines are noted for their "fat" sound, often attributed to transformer balancing, contrasting with the more analytical sound of Studer and Otari machines.

    Source
  • Incorporating tape machine recordings into digital workflows can mimic the vintage sound of artists like PJ Harvey, who achieved notable results with similar equipment.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • MCI and Ampex machines are recognized for their ability to produce a "fat" sound, suggesting a preference for genres needing robust low-end frequencies.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Calibration tapes for MCI JH24 can range from $800 to $1700, with frequency options from 32Hz to 20kHz, crucial for precise setup.

    Source
  • Demagnetizers are recommended for regular use on tape machine heads to maintain quality and reduce hiss, crucial for maintaining the machine's performance.

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Use cases and applications

  • The tonal characteristics of MCI machines are favored for applications requiring warmth and fullness, particularly in producing rich low-end and midrange tones.

    Source
  • Using the MCI JH24 with a 16-track headstack allows for versatile, computer-free recording sessions, offering a purely analog experience.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the creative process improvements when using tape, such as enhanced problem-solving and embracing limitations, which can lead to unique musical outcomes.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
xaqary

Favorite recording medium I've ever used.

The thing is a TANK. Huge floor footprint, but lawd! Who gives a damn about the footprint, when you actually start to PRINT on this guy! You can slam the hell outta it & it just sings & sings more. All time favorite. Wouldn't trade for a 16 track 2". I love the limited tracks. It'll change the way you work forever, even in a DAW. The planning and preparation for a session sticks with you forever. When I do forget those lessons it's a cold bucket of ice water & quickly switch back. The love of my life.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Buck uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Peter Buck

Guitarist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used to record Murmur and Reckoning, as recalled by producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon.

Mix Online, February 1, 2009

Reflection certainly had plenty of tracks to offer. Easter recalls that studio owner Wayne Jernigan was also a pro audio dealer at that time and, in particular, an MCI rep. So the main recording gear at the studio included MCI JH24 and JH110 tape machines, and an MCI JH600 console.

(...) Recording to the JH-24 machine at 30 ips, Dixon and Easter tracked every song live, with the other three (gobo’d) bandmembers arranged around Berry’s kit in the main room, though Stipe’s vocals and some guitar solos would be replaced later.

Vintage King, June 11, 2019

When the band signed to IRS Records, the label insisted that they record in a 'proper studio,' which to them meant a studio with a 24-track tape machine. I only had 16. So we went to this place called Reflection, which was this really nice studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflection had an MCI 600 console, an MCI JH24 tape machine, and a lot of great microphones.

See how Mike Mills uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Mike Mills

Guitarist, Bassist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used to record Murmur and Reckoning, as recalled by producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon.

Mix Online, February 1, 2009

Reflection certainly had plenty of tracks to offer. Easter recalls that studio owner Wayne Jernigan was also a pro audio dealer at that time and, in particular, an MCI rep. So the main recording gear at the studio included MCI JH24 and JH110 tape machines, and an MCI JH600 console.

(...) Recording to the JH-24 machine at 30 ips, Dixon and Easter tracked every song live, with the other three (gobo’d) bandmembers arranged around Berry’s kit in the main room, though Stipe’s vocals and some guitar solos would be replaced later.

Vintage King, June 11, 2019

When the band signed to IRS Records, the label insisted that they record in a 'proper studio,' which to them meant a studio with a 24-track tape machine. I only had 16. So we went to this place called Reflection, which was this really nice studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflection had an MCI 600 console, an MCI JH24 tape machine, and a lot of great microphones.

See how Michael Stipe uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Michael Stipe

Singer

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used to record Murmur and Reckoning, as recalled by producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon.

Mix Online, February 1, 2009

Reflection certainly had plenty of tracks to offer. Easter recalls that studio owner Wayne Jernigan was also a pro audio dealer at that time and, in particular, an MCI rep. So the main recording gear at the studio included MCI JH24 and JH110 tape machines, and an MCI JH600 console.

(...) Recording to the JH-24 machine at 30 ips, Dixon and Easter tracked every song live, with the other three (gobo’d) bandmembers arranged around Berry’s kit in the main room, though Stipe’s vocals and some guitar solos would be replaced later.

Vintage King, June 11, 2019

When the band signed to IRS Records, the label insisted that they record in a 'proper studio,' which to them meant a studio with a 24-track tape machine. I only had 16. So we went to this place called Reflection, which was this really nice studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflection had an MCI 600 console, an MCI JH24 tape machine, and a lot of great microphones.

See how Alex Newport uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Alex Newport

Singer, Guitarist

Nailbomb

...
Verified via Sonicscoop

In this image Newport can be seen working on the MCI JH24 tape machine.

See how Jay Graydon uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Jay Graydon

Singer, Guitarist

Planet 3

...
Verified

A photo on Jay Graydon's official website shows the setup of his studio, where a controller for the MCI JH24 1" 8 Track is visible at the bottom, confirming his use of this specific music gear.

See how Bill Berry uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Bill Berry

Drummer

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used to record Murmur and Reckoning, as recalled by producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon.

Mix Online, February 1, 2009

Reflection certainly had plenty of tracks to offer. Easter recalls that studio owner Wayne Jernigan was also a pro audio dealer at that time and, in particular, an MCI rep. So the main recording gear at the studio included MCI JH24 and JH110 tape machines, and an MCI JH600 console.

(...) Recording to the JH-24 machine at 30 ips, Dixon and Easter tracked every song live, with the other three (gobo’d) bandmembers arranged around Berry’s kit in the main room, though Stipe’s vocals and some guitar solos would be replaced later.

Vintage King, June 11, 2019

When the band signed to IRS Records, the label insisted that they record in a 'proper studio,' which to them meant a studio with a 24-track tape machine. I only had 16. So we went to this place called Reflection, which was this really nice studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reflection had an MCI 600 console, an MCI JH24 tape machine, and a lot of great microphones.

See how Whitey uses MCI JH24 1" 8 Track

Whitey

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"Whitey used an MCI JH24 1" 8 Track recorder for their album 'Pines,' as shown in the user-uploaded photo."

Album Usage

The MCI JH24 1" 8 Track has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MCI JH24 1" 8 Track, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Neumann U47 FET
Neumann U47 FET Condenser Microphones
2
DeltaLab DL-1
DeltaLab DL-1 Effects Processors
1
Neumann U64
Neumann U64 Condenser Microphones
1
EXR EX2 Exciter
EXR EX2 Exciter Effects Processors
1
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
1
AKG C414 XLS
AKG C414 XLS Condenser Microphones
1
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
1
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
1

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Mac DeMarco Paul McCartney Jack White
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TASCAM 38

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Elliott Smith Stu Mackenzie Kim Deal
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Tascam Porta Two

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# 17

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Merzbow Mike Krol Al Schnier
4 artists using
TEAC A3340S

$30.50 - $400.00

# 18

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Kevin Parker John Foxx Isao Tomita
4 artists using
Tascam MSR-16

 

# 21

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Dave Grohl Boards of Canada Clay Parton
8 artists using
Fostex E-16

$766.84

# 24

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A.R. Rahman Michael Brook Graham Massey
4 artists using
TEAC A-3300SX

$849.00

# 25

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Pete Townshend Squarepusher Paul Meany
3 artists using
Akai 1710

$30.50

# 26

Rank

Bibio
1 artist using
Tascam TSR-8

$1,675.00

# 29

Rank

 
ATR Master Tape

$107.00 - $465.00

# 31

Rank

 
Revox Audio A77

 

# 35

Rank

Alex Turner Robert Fripp Daft Punk
13 artists using
See also: Analog

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