Quote:
Originally Posted by grockvt  Brad -
What is a good 1/4 deck to get to mess around with for printing mixes onto (bang for buck / reliable)?
I'm new to this but it is very interesting!
Thanks! |
I think the Otari stuff is a good bargain and runs pretty reliably. The transports are nice. However, the sound is generally on the clean/boring side of thigns. It's not the kind of deck that will add tons of magic to the sound like an old Ampex or MCI that has transformers. If you are the DIY type then it is possible to mod the Otari's to sound better. Just know that the PCB's are kind of flimsy and don't like being worked on. I've lifted a number of traces on my MX5050.
If you want to hotrod the playback side only of an MX5050 here's a good resource:
the Tape Project
So the MX55 seems to still go for cheap these. The MX5050 prices are being driven up by audiophiles participating in the tape project. So Ebay may not be the best way to get an MX5050 right now. You could also look at some of the Revox decks (prosumer Studer), or older Studers like the B67. The key thing is you want a deck with good head life. Or better yet, one that has head reports from JRF Magnetics.
Brad