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i have asked on this forum a few times about the apr 24.
i was offered one a couple times and had to say no because i couldn't get any info...

someone told me that they sound "digital"... i got scared and didn't buy it.

i use a 1977 mci JH-16 for tracking and otari(s) MTR 10 to mix to. the otari is like a honda (it just always works, and you can park it anywhere). the mci is a great machine if a sumo fighter is cool for D&D, charmed...(all transformer in and out) , but punching in and out, makes my heart heavy, but drums! and tracks of self contained good musicians (bands!), that is a good medium...i do not hit tape "Hard."

I've never been in the same room with one, but the APR reports to sound and act very well. Sony began making the APR line in the mid-1980s. This represented (as near as I can tell) a break from the previous MCI/Sony brand, obvious in the JH-16/24 and JH-110 model lines.

As I mentioned above - without personal experience on the APR line - Sony's APR machines are in the same range as the Studer 82X model line. Jack Endino's analysis presented here is pretty convincing. The problem with the APR machines is not the design. But Sony's significant design changes between the JH and APR series meant losing continuity of an installed user base. For most JH series users, the APR machines were totally alien. Sony effectively cut off any brand allegiance with nearly all of its (extensive) exitisting users by introducing a whole new model (under an altered brand, no less).

Even worse, Sony abandoned analog recording shortly after its obviously intensive investment in the APR line. EA user ladewd, a former Sony employee, tells awful stories of a deliberate corporate decision to abandon user support by throwing away parts. For a high-priced professional machine sold with the understanding of ongoing support, this self sabatoge for the masturbation fantasy of some wonderful new/untried/unstable digital technology, this is obviously awful customer service.

So, for the new analog user? I say history says you should go with a JH machine over an APR. The APR is probably a better design. But it's more complicated with fewer users, fewer techs familiar with it and fewer replacement parts. The JH machines, on the other hand, have well known an documented quirks, are still widespread in their use and parts are pretty available. Granted, they also have a few years on them, but I think the trade-off is worth it. If you decide -either out of necessity or choice- to go with an APR machine, you should at least be aware of what you're getting into.

= Justin

interesting about the APRs. Didn't know the sabotage story... I'd like to work with one some day, though.

I don't hit tape hard either. Specially drums. I mostly work at 15 ips and IEC (IEC1) eq. What speeds/eqs do you guys use?

So which of you two guys just purchased the Otari 2" at Clayton Studios for $500 before my envious eyes?

im using a borrowed Tascam TSR-8 8 track 1/2 inch machine. works wonderfully, never a problem. Mackie VLZ series 16 channel desk. that part of the set up needs an upgrade!

2 3M M79's right now. Hopefully more 3M's soon.

Oh and I can't forget my dear portastudio.

belmont wrote:So which of you two guys just purchased the Otari 2" at Clayton Studios for $500 before my envious eyes?

Me. How did you know that it would someone related to this forum? Was it the fact that I was wearing pants that fit?

i'm a tascam man but not for choice just accidentally
8 tracks 1/2" tascam 38 and 16 tracks 1" atr60
they're my first machines, the only ones i could afford here
around and the only ones i have ever tried.
the atr60 is in mint conditions, heads too.
they fit well in my home ex-bedroom studio.
i master to digital, stay on tape all the time
but i'm trying to sync atr60 and pc, just need the device for smpte!
whenever i should enter in the business of recording, i would
like to get a studer 820 or 827 and maybe sync them with the tascam
for a 32-40 tracks setup!

I'm currently using a 1" Tascam MSR-24. 24 tracks 1" tape. Not the best format but it sounds pretty good. I'd like to get a 1" 16 track. Don't know if I could justify the size of a 2" machine + the tape cost are high for the clients I work with. I'm using a Tascam 32 1/4" 2 track for mixdown however I just picked up an Otari MX-5050 MKIV-2 for $200 bucks and it apperars to be in fine shape. I need to check it out some more but I'm pretty psyched about getting it for $200 (with original stand too).

Scott