We are reeltoreeltech dot com. We buy, service and sell reel to reel decks of all types and models, from mono tube machines, to 2" 24 track multitracks. We are ATR and RTM tape dealers as well, and have good stock.

This is the somewhat rare and early 1970s Otari MX-7000 reel to reel tape deck. It was Otari's first foray into multitrack recording and they did a really nice job of it. We got this deck from a tape transfer facility in Toronto where the owner had passed, and we picked up 10 pallets of RTR decks and assorted hardware and software a couple of years ago.

There's a few features that make this deck a bit unique compared to other multitracks.

-4 tracks, 1/2". With double the width of more conventional 1/4" wide tape, there's tons of headroom for some really PHAT sound.

-3 speeds. The deck runs at 3 3/4, 7 1/2 and 15 IPS. For some lo-fi recordings, record at 3 3/4. The spec sheet claims 8Khz frequency response, we got around 14Khz with new RTM 911 tape

-completely modular audio sections. WIth the removal of 4 screws, the audio sections can be pulled out to be serviced or swapped out with ease, and the cables in the back are long enough to put the module on a service bench, powered up, if needed.

-front panel bias, eq and level adjustments. Otari did this on a lot of their decks, other manufacturers kept a bunch of the adjustments on the back, or covers had to be pulled off to access them. Here, they are right on the front.

-minus 20db (-20db) line level inputs. For whatever reason, Otari made their line level inputs super sensitive, and while we put in a +4db level with no issues or overloading, the input pot is barely turned up to get a 0db reading.

-built in mic preamp. Do live recording from the floor right to the deck.

We did a ton of service work to this deck:

-it was obvious that this deck had sat for at least a couple of decades, as the main drive belt was in a million pieces when we got the deck. We changed both the counter and the main drive belts

-replaced the pinch roller with one from Terry's Rubber Rollers

-replaced all of the noisy and known-to-fail 2SC458 transistors with low noise KSC 1845s.

-replaced all the play and record relays (4 per channel) with modern day drop in PC boards. The original relays have long been discontinued, and we were having level issues when switching speeds when we first fired up the deck. That was due to bad relay contacts, that are in the eq feedback loop of each channel, causing both the eq and the levels to be all over the map. We therefore designed drop in replacement boards for these relays (we'll be selling them on our website for other MX-7000 owners having the same problems, as soon as we get another batch made up). With the new relays, the entire audio path cleared right up, and the levels were consistent when the speed is changed.

This deck very much has a 'tape sound' compared to later vintage decks like a Studer. At 7 1/2 and 15 IPS, there's a slight 4db rise in the top end, due to the current high output tapes like ATR and RTM that weren't available back when the deck was designed. Find an old 1960s roll of 3M or non back coated Ampex tape, and that will flatten out. Still, the gradual rise in the deck gives a really nice sweetness to the sound of the recordings.

With the adjustable bias and levels being available on the front panel, along with a 2 frequency tone generator, it's best to do a quick recalibration when changing speeds, as the optimal bias point changes slightly when changing speeds, particularly at 3 3/4 IPS. The built in tone generators per channel make this a snap to do, and it takes less than 10 minutes to do all 4 channels.

As shown, the chassis flips up by unlatching one lever, for easy access to the bottom of the transport.

If you're looking for a reliable, very vintage sounding deck to liven up your digital recordings, this deck is solid.
Cosmetically, there are minor bumps and bruises on it. The paint on the head cover is partially worn off, and a couple of the plastic lenses for the 'record ready' indicators are missing (but the bulbs work fine). The bulbs on the transport buttons were all changed, however they are a bit hit and miss.

The deck will come with a copy of the original service manual as shown, and a 10.5" takeup reel.

The deck will be crated in a 40 X 40 X 40" crate from Uline. The shipping price quoted includes the cost of the crate ($325), and delivery to a commercial loading dock, or for pickup at a truck dock near you. A residential delivery is possible, but will cost extra. (message us, and we can give you an accurate total to your location).

The VU meter bridge will be unbolted from the deck, and placed beside the transport in the crate. All wires are clearly labeled for easy assembly at its final spot in your studio.