u/Glittering_Crow3767

Hey everyone,

I recently got an Otari MX-5050 bii and I'm trying to do a record/bias calibration, but I'm running into an issue with the reproduce/playback side during recording. I’ve already cleaned all the metal parts and heads, demagnetized it and now I’m trying to record calibrate it from a video I saw on YouTube.

The Problem:
When I engage the internal oscillator (1kHz / 10kHz tone) with the channels armed (Record LEDs lit red) and hit RECORD + PLAY, the signal reads great on the VU meters in SOURCE mode. However, as soon as I flip the monitor switch from SOURCE to TAPE, the VU meters drop straight to zero and I hear nothing.

Since SOURCE works, the oscillator and input electronics are fine. The signal is just completely failing to print to tape or feed back through the Repro circuit.

Has anyone experienced this on an MX-5050? Could this be an internal Repro level trimmer issue, a relay fault, or am I missing a specific switch setting on the front panel? Any troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated!

Hey everyone,

I recently got an Otari MX-5050 bii and I'm trying to do a record/bias calibration, but I'm running into an issue with the reproduce/playback side during recording. I’ve already cleaned all the metal parts and heads, demagnetized it and now I’m trying to record calibrate it from a video I saw on YouTube.

The Problem:
When I engage the internal oscillator (1kHz / 10kHz tone) with the channels armed (Record LEDs lit red) and hit RECORD + PLAY, the signal reads great on the VU meters in SOURCE mode. However, as soon as I flip the monitor switch from SOURCE to TAPE, the VU meters drop straight to zero and I hear nothing.

Since SOURCE works, the oscillator and input electronics are fine. The signal is just completely failing to print to tape or feed back through the Repro circuit.

Has anyone experienced this on an MX-5050? Could this be an internal Repro level trimmer issue, a relay fault, or am I missing a specific switch setting on the front panel? Any troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated!

Hey everyone,
I’m putting together a setup focused on getting a classic, warm, old-school hi-fi sound with plenty of analog character. I’m trying to make an album with my influences of Psych-folk/garage rock.

My current chain features:
Preamp: Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII
Console: Soundcraft 200B 8ch
Tape Deck: Otari MX-5050 BII (2-track)
DAW: Scarlett 18i20 into Ableton

Since the Otari MX-5050 is a 2-track (stereo) deck, I’m weighing two different tracking strategies and would love to hear what experienced tape users recommend for a solo workflow:

1. Option A (Final Stereo Print): Track everything into the DAW through the Pre-73 and Soundcraft console cleanly. Do all the arrangement and mixing in the DAW/console, and then run the final stereo mix out to the Otari at 15 IPS and print back to digital for mastering.

2. Option B (Multi-Pass / Individual Tracking): Run lead vocal, bass, guitars, etc. through the Otari during tracking directly into the DAW (one or two tracks at a time), and then also print the full mix through the Otari at the end.

For those who use 2-track machines in a modern hybrid setup:
Does tracking individual instruments through tape multi-pass add too much noise floor or latency hassle compared to just printing the final mix?

Is a final stereo print enough to give the whole track that cohesive analog glue and top-end roll-off?
Would love to hear how you structure your workflow for this kind of vintage vibe!