
( Brand: Otari ), ( Part Type: Track Head ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The OTARI Playback MX-55 Track Head is a high-end professional audio device, renowned for its exceptional performance and precision in the realm of tape-based recording and playback. This versatile machine is designed to cater to the needs of studios, broadcasters, and audio engineers who demand the highest quality sound reproduction.
The MX-55 Track Head is equipped with a 24-track playback capability, allowing for the reproduction of complex multi-track recordings with remarkable clarity and accuracy. Each track boasts a sensitivity of -65dB, ensuring that even the subtlest nuances in your recordings are captured and played back with pristine fidelity.
The heart of the MX-55 is its advanced servo motor system, which provides superior speed consistency and stability, ensuring that your playback is always smooth and reliable. The machine's response time is remarkably quick, allowing for precise real-time adjustments during playback.
The MX-55 is housed in a sturdy, high-quality chassis that exudes a sense of durability and reliability. The control panel is logically laid out, making it easy for operators to navigate through the machine's various functions. The unit also features excellent metering, ensuring that you have a clear visual representation of the audio levels at all times.
In addition to its impressive technical specifications, the MX-55 is also renowned for its exceptional sound quality. The unit is capable of reproducing a wide frequency response, extending from 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring that your recordings are faithful to the original source material.
In conclusion, the OTARI Playback MX-55 Track Head is a must-have for any professional studio or broadcast facility. Its exceptional performance, precision, and sound quality make it an invaluable tool for audio engineers and a testament to OTARI's commitment to audio excellence. Whether you're working on a complex multi-track recording or a simple mono mix, the MX-55 will deliver the highest quality playback every time.
The Otari Playback MX-55 Track Head is a high-end professional tape machine designed for audio playback. Here are some potential pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to purchase this device:
Pros:1. High-quality sound reproduction: Otari is known for its excellent sound quality, and the MX-55 is no exception. The machine is capable of reproducing even the most subtle nuances in audio recordings.
2. Durable construction: Otari machines are built to last. The MX-55 is made with high-quality components and is designed to withstand heavy use in a professional environment.
3. Versatility: The MX-55 can play back a wide range of tape formats, including 1/4" and 1/2" tape.
4. Analog warmth: Analog tape has a distinctive sound that many engineers and musicians prefer over digital formats. The MX-55 allows you to access this sound and add it to your recordings.
Cons:1. High cost: The Otari MX-55 is a high-end machine, and its price reflects that. It may be too expensive for some users.
2. Maintenance: Tape machines require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This can be time-consuming and expensive.
3. Limited functionality: The MX-55 is primarily a playback machine, and does not have the same recording capabilities as some other tape machines.
4. Large size: The MX-55 is a large and heavy machine, which may make it difficult to transport or fit into small studios.
Conclusion:The Otari Playback MX-55 Track Head is an excellent choice for professionals who require high-quality sound reproduction and are willing to invest in a durable and versatile machine. However, it may be too expensive for many hobbyists or those with limited budgets. If you are looking for a more affordable tape machine with some recording capabilities, you may want to consider a different model. On the other hand, if you are a professional who values high-quality sound and is willing to invest in a machine that will last, the MX-55 is worth considering.
I used an Mel reproducer tape for playback calibration and the machine's test tones for record calibration. I cleaned and lubricated all moving parts, pots, capstan, lifters, etc. Playing 1/4 track tapes.
Since most of the items I sell are vintage or preowned, there are no warranted's or guarantee's of any kind. I have experience with reel to reels and I don't stop until the machine sounds and performs the way I want it to be.
I then calibrate the machine for playback and record. This machine is in excellent working condition and it has been gone through by me. Watch v 6x51lzvagyorecording.
I state the condition of the item to the best of my knowledge. The heads are in almost new condition.
Don't miss this opportunity.
That is to protect me from a few dishonest buyers. Let's keep analog alive.
This is a 2 track machine that records and playback in 2 track format, but it also came with the optional 1/4 track playback only head to play your 1/4 track tapes. The machine looks excellent, but it is used and there are a few light scratches here and there. All the machines I have sold in the past has been received in excellent condition and they have performed as stated. The purchase includes an Otari mx track reel to reel machine, with optional 1/4 track head, hub adapters, power cord, the gold Art master tape reel I mounted an Art master tape pancake on a gold anodize 3m precision reel and original take up reel.
Original Otari take up reel has many scratches, but it is straight and work as it should.
Once you get a taste of Otari professional quality and features, there is no way of going back to anything else. It will not record in 1/4 track format.
There is no audible difference between source and tape, the recordings are excellent, but don't take my word for it, watch the following videos I made in HD of the machine calibrating, recording and playing back. Up for sale an Otari mx 55 reel to reel recorder. Watch v Roku 9 lethal calibrating the machine to Art master tape.
I calibrated the machine for Art master tape, but you can calibrate the machine for the tape of your choice by fallowing the instructions in one of the videos below.