I need to start using smpte. My Fostex B16 has a noise reduction defeat (Dolby C) for all channels, but not for track 16 only. Should I worry about this enough to hack a hardware bypass for track 16? And how would I do this? I have the service manual, but this is a little out of my depth.

(Of course, if someone has a dolby SR rack, 16 ch., that they'll unload cheap...)

I'm about to buy a B16 myself, and just to be safe I would be very thankfull if you could share that service manual here!

I'm not an engineer so I'm not fit to do any repairs, but just in case it's needed.

I hope you'll find the issue with yours, I've read a lot of things about the servicing and repairing these machines, and it seems it's hard to source the parts, best bet is to have a couple of them I guess...

I did find an ebay seller who's selling good drivebelts for these machines , will never hurt changing that one

eBay.be: Fostex B16 Main Flywheel Drive Belt - New - Reimen (object 120670837383 eindtijd 11-feb-11 00:53:30 CET)

Good luck!