| I was fortunate enough to have a friend who owns a studio that had pro-tools and a 2" analog machine, so I got to hear lots of A/B comparisions... and it made the choice for me fairly easy: to have both as well in my studio. I started out with a 1" 16 track Otari. While that was a great machine, very stable, sounded really good, and had an amazingly quick and quiet transport system, the 1" - 16 track format was like being on a desert island. No one else had that format, so I couldn't track at my place and mix somewhere else, or visa versa. So, I sold it and committed to 2" tape. The machine I got sounds amazing (MCI JH-16/24), but is quite a bit "clunkier" than the otari. These older machines are just kinda like old washing machines, you have to expect to do maintenance on them fairly regularly, and you have to expect them to break down every so often. They also can get into bad shape by not being used... mine does not like being woken up after being asleep for even as long as a week. But, I do have a good local tech. I also set myself up with a tech service plan with an MCI expert... I can call him or e-mail him any time with any question, and he will respond right away... and that has been a life saver. <p> So, IMHO, I would recommend you do a few things before diving into tape. First, decide why you really want it/need it and see if it makes sense.... only you know that answer.... maybe rent some time at a studio that has both and do some comparisions. Second, make sure you have a way to support it, whether with a dependable service tech, or a plan like I have... or both. Third, make sure you have the work to keep it running.. nothing is worse for these machines than sitting idle. Fourth, if you get a used machine.. do some research and make sure the machine you are getting doesn't have critical parts that are no longer available. And Most Importantly.. do not buy a machine site-unseen on E-bay, or any other place without first testing the machine out. Other than all that... its a no brainer, tape rules. |