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OTARI MX-50II Series Operation And Maintenance Manual

Professional tape recorder
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Part No. OS3-322
R
MX-50II
PROFESSIONAL TAPE RECORDER
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
FIFTH EDITION
Printed: June 1996
Ed 5 (GK)

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  • Page 1 Part No. OS3-322 MX-50II PROFESSIONAL TAPE RECORDER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FIFTH EDITION Printed: June 1996 Ed 5 (GK)
  • Page 2 Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 by Otari, Inc. Printed in Japan This manual may not be reproduced by any means without written permission.
  • Page 3 WARNING This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 5 CAUTION To prevent fire or shock hazard: Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Do not remove panels (unless instructed to do so). There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. PLEASE READ THROUGH THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE.

  • Page 6: Safety Instructions

    SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read Instructions All safety and operating instructions should be read before the device is operated. Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be complied with.

  • Page 7: Communication With Otari

    : (02159) 1778 Another part of Otari's continuing technical support program for our products is the continuous revision of manuals as the equipment is improved or modified. In order for you to receive the information and support which is applicable to your...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    ..........4-2 4.2 Mounting the Reels and Threading the MX-50II .

  • Page 10: Circuit Diagrams

    Table of Contents MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 5.2.3 Reel Brake Adjustment ..........5-5 5.2.4 Tape Lifter Adjustment .

  • Page 11: Section 1 Introduction

    Section 1 Introduction This section contains general information about the MX-50II two channel analog tape recorder and about this manual. 1.1 General ..............1-2 1.2 Using this Manual...

  • Page 12: General

    (15 ips and 7.5 ips) speed pair operation. (7.5 ips and 3.75 ips) The MX-50II series machines provide switch selection of NAB or IEC equalization with front panel indication of equalization. XL type connectors are provided for inputs and outputs.

  • Page 13: Using This Manual

    Section 1 Introduction 1.2 Using this Manual This manual is intended for use with both MX-50II models. For convenience, the descriptions and references apply to the MX-50II-N, where any differences exist between this model and others in the series, those differences will be fully explained in context.

  • Page 14: Specifications

    Section 1 Introduction MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 1.3 Specifications 1.3.1 Transport Track Configuration 1/4" (6.3 mm), 2 track Heads Erase x 1 Record x 1 Reproduce x 1 Motors Capstan x 1 Quartz PLL Servo Controlled Direct Drive Brushless DC Motor...

  • Page 15: Physical

    3.75 ips Min. 62 dB Min. 63 dB 740 nWb/m Distortion (THD) Max. 0.3% (MX-50II-N: 1 kHz, 250 nWb/m, 15 ips, Rec/Rep) Max. 0.7% (MX-50II-D: 1 kHz, 510 nWb/m, 15 ips, Rec/Rep) Crosstalk Min. 55 dB (MX-50II-N: 1 kHz) Min. 50 dB (MX-50II-D: 1 kHz) Depth of Erasure Min.

  • Page 16: Accessories

    11.2" DIN Reel ZA-5EG Rack Mount 19" Rack Adapter ZA-5EK VEM Unit ZA-5EL Pedestal (Stand) ZA-5ET Input Transformer ZA-5EY Output Transformer ZA-5EZ Proximity Sensor SR-21F-S Otari reserves the right to change specifications without notice or obligation. 1 - 6 January 1992...

  • Page 17: Unpacking And Inspection

    Section 2 Installation This section contains the necessary information for unpacking, inspecting, and installing the MX-50II, and includes procedures for customizing the MX- 50II. 2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ......... . 2-2 2.2 Connecting the MX-50II...

  • Page 18: Unpacking And Inspection

    When sending the machine back to Otari or to your Otari dealer, follow the packing instructions printed on the carton. CAUTION: The MX-50II weighs approximately 25 kg .

  • Page 19: Connecting The Mx-50Ii

    Brake (Normally closed) contact closure, or logic level active high. ________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Turn off the power to the MX-50II whenever changing the setting of SW1 or SW2. The change of setting does not take effect until the power is turned back on.
  • Page 20 8 Input Command Pulse: 100 ms (min) 9 Tach Pulse: 50 µ s (min) 10 Capstan Clock Duty Cycle: 40–60% Table 2-4 FADER Connector Pin Assignment (Only MX-50II-D models) ____________________________ No. Description ____________________________ 1. Fader Play Switch 3. Repro Contact* 6.

  • Page 21: Transport Control Panel

    Section 3 Controls and Indicators This section describes the controls, indicators, and connectors on the MX- 50II tape recorders. 3.1 Transport Control Panel ..........3-2 3.2 Connector Panel .

  • Page 22: Transport Control Panel

    Section 3 Controls and Indicators MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 3.1 Transport Control Panel FIX VARI EXT VEM DOWN POWER POWER PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK 3 10 1 2 3 3 10 1 2 3 3 10 1 2 3...
  • Page 23 , in which the input(s) to the channel(s) ECORD EADY MODE will be recorded on the tape when the transport is placed into R ECORD MODE Setting this switch to “READY” while the MX-50II is in P places the LAY MODE channel in R immediately.
  • Page 24 Section 3 Controls and Indicators MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual REEL SIZE REEL SIZE T.UP T.UP TAPE SPEED TAPE SPEED 3 10 1 2 3 PEAK 10 6 CLEAR CLEAR ZERO ZERO INPUT FADER FADER EDIT EDIT READY TAPE SAFE...
  • Page 25 CUE is pressed. BUTTON [17] EDIT Pressing this button while in S causes the MX-50II to enter E BUTTON AND INDICATOR TOP MODE , in which the take-up motor is turned off, the safety switch for the EADY MODE supply swing arm is deactivated, and EDIT flashes.
  • Page 26 INPUT INPUT Figure 3-3 Transport Control Panel — 3 [23] S Repeatedly pressing this button causes the speed mode of the MX-50II to PEED ODE BUTTON AND INDICATORS step through the four speed modes in the sequence ( (FIX, VARI, EXT, VEM)
  • Page 27 MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 3 Controls and Indicators [24] P When the speed mode is set to VARI, the Pitch Control changes the tape ITCH ONTROL KNOB speed in R and P ECORD LAY MODES [25] H The erase, record, and reproduce heads are mounted on the head assembly.

  • Page 28: Connector Panel

    Section 3 Controls and Indicators MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 3.2 Connector Panel CAUTION TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

  • Page 29: Section 4 Operation

    (or modes) explanation of each operation or activity associated with the operation of the MX-50II Tape Recorder. Please read both parts of this section when first becoming familiar with the machine, and then refer to them whenever more information about the operation of the machine is required.

  • Page 30: Modes Of Operation

    Section 4 Operation MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 4.1 Modes of Operation Table 4-1 Transport Modes ___________________________________________________________________ MODE CONTROL EXPLANATION ___________________________________________________________________ STOP Tape motion stops. PLAY Tape moves from supply to take-up at the currently selected speed. F.FWD Tape moves from supply to take-up at fast wind speed.

  • Page 31: Mounting The Reels And Threading The Mx-50Ii

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 4 Operation 4.2 Mounting the Reels and Threading the MX-50II 4.2.1 Placing the Reels on the Machine For 5–7" EIA Reels 1. Turn the reel clamp portion of the reel spindle until it lines up with the three reel drive blades on the reel table.

  • Page 32: Threading The Tape

    Section 4 Operation MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 4.2.2 Threading the Tape 1. Mount an appropriate empty reel on the machine. Place the empty reel on the take-up reel table. Place the reel of tape on the supply reel table.

  • Page 33: Transport Modes

    , press PLAY while holding RECORD down*. The indicator above BUTTON BUTTON MODE RECORD will become steadily illuminated when the MX-50II is in R BUTTON ECORD without stopping the tape, press STOP . To exit from R BUTTON MODE ECORD MODE...

  • Page 34: Audio Channel Modes

    EARCH MODE illuminated, showing that a tape location has been stored as that cue point. The MX-50II will move the tape at fast wind speed to the cue point and stop. During S , the location being searched to will be shown on the EARCH MODE display briefly, and the key indicator will flash.

  • Page 35: Vari Speed Mode

    VARI becomes illuminated. ONTROL KNOB PEED ODE BUTTON INDICATOR NOTE: VARI and EXT speed modes are disabled when the MX-50II is in if SW1-4 on CONTROL PCB is “ON”. ASSEMBLY ECORD 4.7 Voice Edit mode (Optional with installation of VEM PCB...

  • Page 37: Section 5 Maintenance And Adjustment

    Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment This section describes the maintenance and adjustment procedures which are necessary to keep the MX-50II in peak operating condition, and when components are replaced for any reason. 5.1 Routine Maintenance ..........5-2 5.1.1 Demagnetizing the Heads and Tape Path .

  • Page 38: Routine Maintenance

    DEMAGNETIZERS; inexpensive “Hi-Fi” type demagnetizers can leave residual fields that will cause more harm than benefit. 1. Turn off the power to the MX-50II. With the demagnetizer at least 1 meter from the MX-50II, plug the demagnetizer into the AC mains and turn it on.

  • Page 39: Cleaning The Heads And Tape Path

    HEAD Cleaning the Head 5.1.3 Lubrication The capstan motor bearing requires lubrication. USE ONLY OTARI OIL P/N PZ9E003. To lubricate the capstan motor bearing, follow these steps: 1. Lay the machine on its back, with the reel tables uppermost. Remove the head housing cover by pulling it away from the deck plate.

  • Page 40: Transport Alignment

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 5.2 Transport Alignment Although the MX-50II tape transport does not require frequent alignment, re- alignment is required whenever any component is changed. We recommend that you check the performance of the machine at least every six months or every 2000 hours of operation and perform adjustments if necessary.

  • Page 41: Reel Table Height Adjustment

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment 5.2.2 Reel Table Height Adjustment 1. Measure the distance from the top surface of the deck plate to the metal REEL TABLE surface of the reel table. If the distance is 6.5 mm , then no (0.256 in)

  • Page 42: Tape Lifter Adjustment

    (12") the pinch roller shaft. 2. Attach the spring scale to the free end of the loop. 3. Turn on the power to the MX-50II. 4. Press EDIT and PLAY so the pinch roller engages the capstan shaft. BUTTONS 5.

  • Page 43: Capstan Motor Servo Adjustment

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment 5.2.6 Capstan Motor Servo Adjustment This procedure is not necessary unless the capstan motor is changed. 1. Remove the rear cover by removing the eight screws and lifting the cover off the machine. Loosen the two screws that hold CONTROL PCB and allow it to fold down.

  • Page 44: Audio Channel Alignment

    Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 5.3 Audio Channel Alignment Tools and Equipment required Calibration tapes suitable to the tape speed you will use most often. Otari Recommends the following calibration tapes. For MX-50IIN (NAB Equalization)

  • Page 45: Input/Output Level And Peak Indicator Level Adjustments

    [CH 2 INPUT LEVEL] [CH 2 OUTPUT LEVEL] 5. In the table below, locate the flux level at which you operate the MX-50II. The input level corresponding to 1040 nWb/m is the “additional level” above the level which causes VU to indicate 0VU.

  • Page 46: Reproduce Electronics Adjustments

    Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 5.3.2 Reproduce Electronics Adjustments NOTE: In the procedures that follow, it is assumed that your chosen studio operating level is +4 dBu. If your chosen studio operating level is different, then change the references to +4 dBu to the level you have chosen.

  • Page 47: Reproduce Level Adjustment

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment 5 3.2.2 Reproduce Level Adjustment If the machine is to be used primarily at 15 ips, perform the following procedure at 15 ips. If the machine is to be used primarily at 7.5 ips then perform this procedure at 7.5 ips.

  • Page 48: Record Electronics Adjustments

    Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 5.3.3 Record Electronics Adjustment 5.3.3.1 Record Bias Adjustment 1. Thread the MX-50II with the tape type that you normally use for sessions Table 5-1 and set SPEED HI/LO to “HI”...

  • Page 49: Record Level Adjustment

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 5 Maintenance and Adjustment 5.3.3.3 Record Level Adjustment 1. Thread the machine with tape. 2. Set the external oscillator to produce sine waves at 1 kHz at +4 dBu. Connect the oscillator output to both channel INPUT CONNECTORS 3.

  • Page 50: Low Frequency Reproduce Equalization Adjustment

    [CH 1 BIAS] (arm) the GND test point as ground. 3. Thread the MX-50II with the tape type normally used for sessions and place both channels in R ECORD MODE 4. While recording on both channels, repeatedly switch between “READY”...

  • Page 51: Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts And Parts Lists

    Also the lists include the parts which should be replaced with the exact same parts supplied by Otari to maintain the performance. Many diodes, transistors, and ICs are well described in the schematic diagrams attached to the machine, so to find out the correct parts number of those parts you need, refer to the schematic diagrams.

  • Page 52: Control Pcb Assembly

    Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 6.1 CONTROL PCB Assembly Ref. No. Description Otari Part No. M5L8085AP IM5L8085 Main ROM Assembly PG-1391 HM6116P-4 I-0021 TC74HC373P IQ373 TC74HC393P IQ393 MC14518 IMC14518 MC14520 IMC14520...
  • Page 53 MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists CONTROL PCB Assembly May 1991 6 - 3...
  • Page 54 Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 6 - 4 May 1991...
  • Page 55 MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists AUDIO AMPLIFIER PCB Assembly May 1991 6 - 5...
  • Page 56 Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual 6 - 6 May 1991...

  • Page 57: Audio Amplifier Pcb Assembly

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Section 6 Printed Circuit Board Layouts and Parts Lists 6.2 AUDIO AMPLIFIER PCB Assembly Ref No. Description Otari Part No. IC501 NJM2043D I-0031 IC 502–507, 509–514 M5219P I-0067 IC508 NJM4556D I-0009 Q101–105, 201–205, 109, 209,...

  • Page 59: Section 7 Exploded View Drawings And Parts Lists

    Most all of exploded view drawings are not prepared for the parts which differ from those for the MX-50II, please refer to the parts list in which you will find the proper information. Following are the lists of the exploded view drawings included in this edition.

  • Page 60: Case Assembly

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.1 Case Assembly No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Cover L, Side K114701 Cover R, Side K114702 Sash A, Side K114707 Block A1, Corner CY5013 Block B1, Corner...
  • Page 61 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Case Assembly May 1991 7 - 3...

  • Page 62: Head Assembly

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.2 Head Assembly No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Cover Assembly, Head KH-43VA without hole Cover Assembly, Head KH-44AA with hole Head Assembly, Erase GH4E004H Bracket, Head...
  • Page 63 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Head Assembly May 1991 7 - 5...

  • Page 64: Reel Assembly

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.3 Reel Assembly No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Pin, Reel Shaft KW0E058 Spring GS2109 Clamp, Reel KW0B052 Nail, Reel Drive KW0E063 Reel Table Assembly KW-41DF Holder, Reel Table...
  • Page 65 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Reel Assembly May 1991 7 - 7...

  • Page 66: Transport Assembly (1)

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.4 Transport Assembly (1) No. Parts Name Parts No Remarks Block, Splicing T004109 Base, B1, Housing T005316 Panel, Deck Skin T007302 Panel, Top T007301 Panel L, Side...

  • Page 67: Transport Assembly (2)

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Transport Assembly (1) May 1991 7 - 9...

  • Page 68: Transport Assembly (3)

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.5 Transport Assembly (2) No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Cap, Roller KI4P003 Ball Bearing BA1Z064 Spring B, Roller GS2145 Spring A, Roller GS2143 Collar B KZ7C102...
  • Page 69 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Transport Assembly (2) January 1992 7 - 11...
  • Page 70 Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.6 Transport Assembly (3) No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Roller Assembly, Pinch KP-4S-B Cover A, Pinch Roller KP0C031 Shaft, Pinch Roller KP0B053 Stopper, Lifter Arm KR4U007...
  • Page 71 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Transport Assembly (3) May 1991 7 - 13...

  • Page 72: Amplifier And Connector Panel Assemblies

    Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual 7.7 Amplifier and Connector Panel Assemblies No. Parts Name Parts No. Remarks Guard, Power Switch A KN5015 Bracket, Power Switch T005310 Switch, Power WH92194 Cap, Knob KN1099...
  • Page 73 MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists Amplifier and Connector Panel Assemblies January 1992 7 - 15...
  • Page 74 Section 7 Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists MX-50II Operation and Maintenace Manual Hardware Name Code Name Code Bind SEMS Screw Hex Head Bolt Pan SEMS Screw Hex Nut Triple Screw Flat Washer Fiber Washer Binding Head Screw Plastic Washer...

  • Page 75: Appendix: Optional Accessory Installation Procedure

    Appendix: Optional Accessory Installation Procedure This section contains the necessary information for installing the optional accessories. A: Rack Mount Kit (ZA-5EK) ..........AP-2 B: Pedestal (Stand) .

  • Page 76: A: Rack Mount Kit (Za-5Ek

    Appendix MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual A: Rack Mount Kit (ZA-5EK) 1. Remove the side covers (and handles) by removing the ten phillips head M4 screws. 2. Attach the rack mount adapters to each side of the machine using the M4 x 6 screws as shown in Figure below.

  • Page 77: B: Pedestal (Stand)

    MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Appendix B: Pedestal (Stand) 1. Remove the side covers (and handles) by removing the ten phillips head M4 screws. 2. Attach the rack mount adapters to each side of the machine using the M4 x 6 screws as shown in Rack Mount Kit Installation.
  • Page 78 Appendix MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual A: Optional Input/Output Transformers ZA-5EY Input Transformer Assembly and ZA-5EZ Output Transformer Assembly are mounted on the reverse side of the connector panel. 1. Remove the side covers (and handles) by removing the ten phillips head M4 screws.
  • Page 79 MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Appendix 17. Reinstall the parts removed. 18. Perform the input/output level setting procedure in §4.3.2. OUTPUT INPUT TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER MOUNTING HOLE MOUNTING HOLE CAUTION TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD: DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
  • Page 80 C: VEM (Voice Edit Mode) PCB Assembly The VEM PCB assembly is a small printed circuit board assembly which allows the MX-50II to be used for twice-speed listening without the pitch change normally associated with increasing the tape speed. 1. Remove the side covers...

  • Page 81: E: Low Speed Conversion

    Therefore, if continued operation at the Low Speed pair is expected, Otari recommends the installation of the Low Speed Conversion kit ZA-31Y. Please perform the following procedure.
  • Page 83 Index fast wind time, 1-4 power requirements, 1-5 frequency response, 1-5 POWER switch, 3-2 AC power, 2-3, 3-8 punch in/out method selection, 2-3 connecting AC power, 2-3 AEG hub, see DIN (hub) reel AUDIO AMPLIFIER PCB assembly, 5-9 Guide Roller, 3-7 audio channel modes, 4-2, 4-6 Rack Mount Adapter, AP-2 audio input/output, 2-3...
  • Page 84 Index MX-50II Operation and Maintenance Manual Transport Control Panel, 3-2 unbalanced. see balanced. Vari Speed mode, 4-7 VEM (Voice Edit mode), 4-7 VU meter, 3-3 weight, 1-5 wow and flutter, 1-2 wrap adjustment, 5-4 zenith adjustment, 5-4 Index - 2...

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