Technical Details
Brand: Otari
Model:MX-55
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Studio
Electronic:Solid State
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 17.3 x 8.75 x 19.2" (440 x 222 x 488 mm)
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo - Stacked
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v
Outputs: XLR Balanced
Frequency Response:30Hz to 20kHz. - 15 ips
Wow and Flutter:±0.06
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:71
Sound quality rating:8 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 67 Lbs.
Additional Details
Description
The Otari MX-55 series were high-tech/ high-performance quarter-inch tape recorders built on a compact die-cast aluminium alloy deck plates with side frames.
Two main variations were produced, the MX-55N and MX-55D. “D” indicated a DIN or “butterfly” configuration head, standard in Europe. The “N” variant had a normal parallel track head. A third (less common) type was the MX-55T with a centre time-code track (in conjunction with the N head)
All machines in the series could take any size reel from 3″ an 11.8″ DIN hub and different size reels could be used for supply and take-up.
The front panel pitch control provided ±20% variable speed range in 0.01% increments. The capstan motor speed could also be controlled by an external source for interface with a synchronizer or similar controller.
Reel size is selectable for Left and Right reel separately
Digital tape counter reads and hours seconds minutes with a GoTo and 3 separate memory settings
Additional Info
Fast wind time 100 seconds 2,500ft at 60Hz. 110 seconds at 50Hz
Start time 15ips 0.5s. – 7½ ips 0.3s. – 3¾ ips 0.2s
Frequency response (±2dB): 15 ips: 30Hz to 20kHz. 7½ ips: 20Hz to 18kHz: 3¾ ips: 20Hz to 10kHz
Signal to noise ratio Unweighted with audio filter (30Hz to 18kHz) at specified flux level
55N 71dB at 15 ips – 69dB at 7½ ips – 64dB at 3¾ ips
MX 55D 72dB at 15 ips – 69dB at 7½ ips – 65dB at 3¾ ips
Wow & flutter 15 ips ±0.06% 7½ ips ±0.08% 3¾ ips 0.12%
Distortion max 0.3% at 1kHz, 250 nWb / m, 15 ips
Bias & erase frequency 150 kHz
Built-in oscillator with test tones of 0,1-1-10 kHz for bias calibration
Tape speed accuracy: within ±0.2% / Tape speed deviation: 0.2% maximum / Pitch control: ±20% continuously variable / Inputs: Line: XL type female active balanced 10kΩ impedance, input level +4dBu Mic: XL type female active balanced 10kΩ minimum input level -70dBu / Line output: XL type male active balanced BAL / UNBAL switchable, less than 5kΩ output impedance, +4dBu (0 to +13 dBu adjustable) or -16 dBu (-7 to 20 dBu adj) / Dimensions: 17.3 x 8.75 x 19.2″ (440 x 222 x 488 mm) / Weight: 67 lbs (30 kg) / half-track stereo