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Description
The Otari MX-5050BIII is a classic choice for audio enthusiasts and professional studio engineers alike, renowned for its reliability and superior analog sound. This tape deck remains a favorite in the world of professional studio recording due to its precision and durability. Tailored for those who demand the highest fidelity in their recordings, the MX-5050BIII delivers a warm, rich sound that digital formats strive to emulate.
Engineered with an acute attention to detail, this model features three heads, allowing for simultaneous recording and playback. This capability not only saves time during sessions but also provides immediate feedback on recordings, enhancing the creative workflow. The Otari MX-5050BIII supports both 15 and 7.5 inches per second tape speeds, offering versatility for different recording needs. Its robust build is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use, while the intuitive layout makes it accessible to both novices and seasoned professionals.
Whether you're restoring vintage recordings or capturing new audio projects, the MX-5050BIII is equipped to handle a diverse range of applications with outstanding clarity and depth. Its ability to manage various tape formats and sizes further highlights its adaptability in any studio setting.
Key Features:
- Three-head design for simultaneous recording and playback
- Supports 15 and 7.5 ips tape speeds
- Compatible with multiple tape formats and sizes
- Intuitive layout for ease of use
- Robust construction for long-term durability
- Renowned for its high-fidelity analog sound quality
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Otari MX-5050BIII.
Setup and maintenance
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The Otari MX-5050BIII may have reversed XLR pins 2 and 3, potentially requiring custom cables or rewiring for proper balanced I/O functionality.
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Mods and upgrades
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Replacement stop buttons can be 3D printed with a textured finish; available from companies like Shapeways.
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Features and functionality
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Gold anodized aluminum hub adapters can be sourced from Nashville Recording Supply, potentially through ATR.
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User experience
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Owners may prefer custom cables over modifying the machine to avoid inverting absolute phase for more accurate audio reproduction.
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Use cases and applications
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Trick cables recommended by owners can be sourced from signalcable.com for resolving pin configuration issues without altering the device.
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For mastering, calibrating the Otari MX-5050BIII with +6/185 nWb/m and mix levels at +2 or +3 VU can enhance high midrange and add sparkle at 15kHz.
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The Otari MX-5050BIII is recommended for mix down purposes or for adding tape flavor to individual tracks, particularly in jazz with Dolby SR at 15ips.
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Comparisons
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The Otari MX-5050BIII, often dubbed the "Japanese Studer," is preferred over the Ampex ATR-700 due to its higher quality build and superior performance.
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Unlike some older tape decks, the Otari MX-5050BIII, made in the late 80s and early 90s, tends to have fewer issues due to its more recent production.
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Artist usage
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Manuel Göttsching is listed as using the Otari MX-5050BIII tape deck on the official Ashra website, showcasing its presence in his Studio Roma setup.
Lisciel Franco uses the Otari MX-5050BIII tape deck in their studio, as shown in an Instagram post detailing its return to service after refurbishment.
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 Otari MX-5050BIII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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