Tape Trail

RE: Otari MX 5050 BIII-2 question

76.99.187.185

Victor Khomenko

M

In Reply to: RE: Otari MX 5050 BIII-2 question posted by docbp on December 25, 2019 at 09:20:38

Congratulations! That is one fine deck, I still have mine. As far as the noise - I never noticed any difference in two directions. Is the speed normal? If the rewind is slower, then perhaps the brake is dragging on the takeup reel.
As far as four 4 tracks - do you mean 4 track recorded in the same direction, or playing standard 4-track stereo tapes? Because it will already to the later. The standard head block has 4-track stereo playback head. All you need to change the format is flip the switch under the head cover.

Edits: 12/25/19 12/25/19 12/25/19

Follow Ups:

RE: Otari MX 5050 BIII-2 question - docbp 13:11:30 12/25/19 (0)
The speed seems to be fine. It's just noisier than the fast forward. I tightened all the screws without change.
Agree with Dave, that this model didn't come with 4 track head. I sent it to JRF magnetics here in NJ to add the head that Is from the BII which are interchangeable.
RE: Otari MX 5050 BIII-2 question - Dave Pogue 09:54:57 12/25/19 (4)
Re the 4-track issue, my recollection is that the Model B-III, in stock form, did not include a 4-track playback head.
To the OP, can you describe the modification that is underway? Your deck WILL use any of the headsteack configurations used by the previous (B-II) models including the ones providing 4-track playback.
EDIT: Just checked my copy of the standard B-III data sheets and, no, it does not include a 4-track playback head. The version that DOES is listed under "Optional Accessories" and designated the Model BIII-P. Don't know why they made this change from prior models.

Edits: 12/25/19
- Thank you for the correction - Victor Khomenko 10:39:59 12/25/19 (3)
  I keep getting confused between BIII and MkIII - which I have.
  
  BTW - I once bought a "reverse" head block for it, which records and plays in 4-Tracks, plus plays in 2-Tracks. Was it offered as an option for some models?
  - RE: Thank you for the correction - Dave Pogue 11:25:08 12/25/19 (2)
    Victor, that "reverse" headstack was one of the optional ones that were available with my B-II version, along with one that recorded in full-track mono (and played in mono ... and 2-track stereo).
    
    For the OP, my Otari sounds exactly the same in playback and fast-forward.
    - RE: Thank you for the correction - Victor Khomenko 13:52:33 12/25/19 (1)
      Interesting, thank you!
      
      I also have, in my pile of things "just in case" a block with just the erase head. Bought it cheap with the idea of putting some high quality 2-track head for another direct output. It has all the mounting plates with screws and springs, but one has its head mounting holes already drilled bigger - apparently there was something different, not stock, mounted there.
      
      I wonder who makes heads with the same dimensions as stock Otari, but with larger diameter mounting screws?
      - RE: Thank you for the correction - Dave Pogue 14:06:55 12/25/19 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thank you for the correction posted by Victor Khomenko on December 25, 2019 at 13:52:33
        
        Flux Magnetic? Just a guess.

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