Need help with analog tape...anyone?

MikeFFG · 8th July 2009

I have an Otari MX50II 2tk 1/4" machine. I don't know if it's broken or if I'm just completely missing something. It appears to look and work fine but it won't record anything!

I can get an input signal, and can monitor that, but I can't get any output signal and it is obvious that it is not recording onto the tape. I mean, all I need to do is put the thing in record mode and hit record/play right? What more could there be?

Is there a possibility the tape is on wrong? Theres two sides...ones black and ones (im colorblind, maybe brown?) I assume the brown side is the one I want to record on...

I'm totlly stumped unless the record head is totally shot but it looks completely fine. Any ideas?

Guybrush · 8th July 2009

If you put the tracks to "input" mode can you actually hear the input?

MikeFFG · 8th July 2009

yep....once i put them on "tape" i her nothing

John Eppstein · 8th July 2009

I'm sorry but my psychic ability is not working well today......

8th July 2009	#1
MikeFFG Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 895 Thread Starter 1 Review written	Need help with analog tape...anyone? I have an Otari MX50II 2tk 1/4" machine. I don't know if it's broken or if I'm just completely missing something. It appears to look and work fine but it won't record anything! I can get an input signal, and can monitor that, but I can't get any output signal and it is obvious that it is not recording onto the tape. I mean, all I need to do is put the thing in record mode and hit record/play right? What more could there be? Is there a possibility the tape is on wrong? Theres two sides...ones black and ones (im colorblind, maybe brown?) I assume the brown side is the one I want to record on... I'm totlly stumped unless the record head is totally shot but it looks completely fine. Any ideas?

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8th July 2009	#2
Guybrush Gear Head Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 69	If you put the tracks to "input" mode can you actually hear the input?

8th July 2009	#4
John Eppstein Gear Guru Joined: May 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA. Posts: 10,213 51 Reviews written	I'm sorry but my psychic ability is not working well today......