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I've done searches here and haven't found the type of information that I'm looking for.

I'm looking for 2-track tape machine recommendations.

I know of the Otari MX5050, and am looking at this one, but the auctioner has no idea what it is when I ask him what size tape the machine fits. If any of you can tell by the pictures, I would be very grateful.

Also, I have looked into the 820, but cannot seem to find where to purchase one.

Also, as far as tape goes these days, what size is it easier to get ahold of these days? or is Ampex back and kicking to the extent that there's enough of each size?

I'm looking for the machine essentially as a mixdown deck for digital recordings (don't ask why or tell me it's a bad idea, i've read it already and i have my naive reasons), but also one that will be nice to go directly into from an 8-2 mixer (not digital).

Also, what are the thoughts on this "bang for buck" idea? The Studer, she is more of money, but likely worth it? but Otari, she may be all I am to need at this point in my recordings?

Also, it is will be my first of the tape machine kind. I have used this fancy "Pro Tooling" devices and she rub my skin like raw spaghetti. Still! she will be first tapes. I am not fool, but have not experience with these tape. (ok, so maybe i am tape fool, but ONE DAY! the tape, she will be fool to me, and not me to her).

Grazie

OH! and how i forget! also i am looking where to find the tape machine service specialista en the Santa Cruz california. if anyone is to know, please, enlighten!

thebookofkevin wrote:I've done searches here and haven't found the type of information that I'm looking for.

I'm looking for 2-track tape machine recommendations.

I know of the Otari MX5050, and am looking at this one, but the auctioner has no idea what it is when I ask him what size tape the machine fits. If any of you can tell by the pictures, I would be very grateful.

Also, I have looked into the 820, but cannot seem to find where to purchase one.

Also, as far as tape goes these days, what size is it easier to get ahold of these days? or is Ampex back and kicking to the extent that there's enough of each size?

I'm looking for the machine essentially as a mixdown deck for digital recordings (don't ask why or tell me it's a bad idea, i've read it already and i have my naive reasons), but also one that will be nice to go directly into from an 8-2 mixer (not digital).

Also, what are the thoughts on this "bang for buck" idea? The Studer, she is more of money, but likely worth it? but Otari, she may be all I am to need at this point in my recordings?

Also, it is will be my first of the tape machine kind. I have used this fancy "Pro Tooling" devices and she rub my skin like raw spaghetti. Still! she will be first tapes. I am not fool, but have not experience with these tape. (ok, so maybe i am tape fool, but ONE DAY! the tape, she will be fool to me, and not me to her).

Grazie

OH! and how i forget! also i am looking where to find the tape machine service specialista en the Santa Cruz california. if anyone is to know, please, enlighten!

I think that's a 1/4 inch machine.

I would heavily advise against buying that machine, or any other with out checking it out in person. By checking out in person, you can get it in the car and where you need it to go. I would be pretty nervous about having something like that shipped. It will get fucked up by UPS-that I guarantee. Maybe someone else know a good shipping company, but I still don't trust it. I went and bought a machine in Grand Rapids, MI and drove it back myself, and still managed to knock three cards loose. So to hammer the point home-no shipping.

Also, factor in a MRL tape so it can be setup correctly. You can still buy tape.

You can't go wrong with an Otari. I have one 1/2" eight-track and four 1/4" two-track machines. There are loads of them out there for cheap, and parts are readily available.

I definitely agree with Hiwatt about testing one out before you buy it. check to see if it plays back smoothly and with consistent speed. The heads need to be in good condition (they're very expensive to relap or replace). Also make sure it comes with a manual. Even if you find one in perfect working order, don't fool yourself: tape machines require regular maintenance.

That is a 1/4" Otari MX5050
I need to know more about your situation before I give a good recommendation.
How much money do you intend to spend?
How much time are you willing to spend learning a new skill?
Do you want this 2-track to sound "cool", or accurate?
A lot of people liken buying a tape machine to getting a great piece of out board gear. Are you one?
Is this something that will be in constant use or for certain projects only.
To me, it is more like buying a used car.
There is and will be plenty of tape for both 1/2" and 1/4."

Accuracy is preferable to "cool" or "warm" or "fuzzy" or whatever else you wanna call what you're refering to.

my cap on the budget is about $1000, though i would rather not spend that much on two tracks, and i'm not sure I want to invest in more than that yet, as if i invest in an 8 track, i will likely need a 2 track to mix down to. also, my only mixer at this point is an 8-2 , so multiple tracks won't do me TOO much good at this point.

i'm not one to liken it to buying a tape machine to a nice piece of outboard gear for two reasons: one is that it's a tape machine, not outboard gear. two, i have never purchased a "great" piece of outboard gear (or any at all for that matter, hopefully i will be getting a RNC pretty soon).

As for the learning of this new skill, she is a main reason for why i desire this "tape machine" equipment (a, not the).

semi constant use, at this point. it will probably be used on most/all of my projects, however, at this point i only record my band, my and their solo projects, and we all know that i'm learning and not professional. also, these projects are not like every day, but it will probably be in use for the next two or three years at least. perhaps even longer if it's a good enough machine.

i am also aware that whichever machine i choose, i will also have to deal with maintenance, etc, but i consider them part of the learning process.

ideally, i would like to master the machine that i buy.

I recommend getting a decent machine like the Otari MX5050 or a Studer A810. Both are 1/4" and found everywhere. Find one locally at a radio/tv resale place or audio broker. Some place that will offer you some confirmation that this thing works. If at all possible, have it tested in front of you. I don't generally recommend getting something like this off ebay.
The Studer will be fancier and more expensive. The MX5050 is a solid machine though, and if you keep it up you should be happy.

much thanks for the input, greg.

and now to find a store with one! the real challenge.