Sony / MCI JH-110B High-Profile Console Tape Machine (1/4" 2-Track & 1/2" 4-Track Stacks) with Original Technical Manual Binder, NAB Adapters, 1/2" Take-Up Reel, and 1967 Van McCoy Master Session Tape

Sony / MCI JH-110B High-Profile Console Tape Machine (1/4" 2-Track & 1/2" 4-Track Stacks) with Original Technical Manual Binder, NAB Adapters, 1/2" Take-Up Reel, and 1967 Van McCoy Master Session Tape

Fully refurbished MCI JH-110 consoles routinely fetch between $7,250 for 2-track models and upwards of $8,500 to $9,000 for 1/2" configurations through premier restoration shops, making this complete dual-format package at $4,700 an exceptional bargain for an iconic American analog machine, even factoring in the technical servicing it requires.

Condition:

Very Good (Vintage)

Listing Description:

American-built Sony/MCI JH-110B analog multi-track and mastering tape recorder housed in its original high-profile studio floor console.

This machine represents the golden era of analog tracking and mixdown, delivering the robust, discrete "MCI" sound and transformer-coupled punch that made MCI recorders the standard across major recording facilities throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

• Special Bonus: Historic 1967 Van McCoy 1/2" 4-Track Master Session Tape Included

Included at no additional charge with this machine is a genuine piece of American recording history: an original 1/2" 4-track master session reel recorded by legendary songwriter, producer, and arranger Van McCoy.

• Session Details: Recorded August 1, 1967, at the historic Regent Sound Studios in New York City.
• Content: 3 original Van McCoy compositions: "For You", "Sugar Baby", and "Sitting Pretty". Includes all complete master takes, false starts, and work-in-progress studio takes.
• Discrete Track Separation:
• • Track 1: Bass and Drums
  • Track 2: Horns
  • Track 3: Guitars and Vibraphone
  • Track 4: Strings (Note: on this machine's current playback setup, Track 4 exhibits the distortion noted below)
• A one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable archival recording and collectible studio artifact that serves as an immediate test reel for your 1/2" 4-track alignment.

Key Highlights & Features

• Versatile Dual-Format Setup: Configured for both 1/4" 2-track mixdown/mastering and 1/2" 4-track tracking/production. Both head assemblies and guide stacks are included.
• Heads in Excellent Condition: Both the 1/4" 2-track and 1/2" 4-track headstacks show very clean face profiles, intact gaps, and smooth tape paths with minimal wear.
• Superb 2-Track Playback: Standard 1/4" 2-track playback sounds phenomenal, providing clean, warm, wide-bandwidth stereo audio.
• Original MCI Factory Technical Manual Binder: Includes the comprehensive, original factory ring-binder manual containing complete engineering schematics, full-size foldout wiring diagrams, transport logic layouts, audio board signal paths, and detailed bench calibration specifications.
• Dedicated Internal Linear Power Supply: Original factory internal power supply assembly is fully intact and seated in the lower bay with its cooling fan assembly, providing stable DC voltage rails across the transport logic and audio drawer.
• Console Controls: Operates via the integrated standard console transport controls (Play, Record, Stop, Cue, Fast Forward, Rewind). No remote autolocator unit is included.
• Accessories Included:
• • Pair of authentic 10.5" twist-lock NAB hub adapters.
  • Empty heavy-duty 1/2" metal take-up reel.
• Cosmetics & Mobility: Studio cabinet, front armrest, VU meters, and deck surface are in very well-preserved vintage condition. The heavy steel console frame rolls smoothly on its original casters.

Technical Assessment & Known Service Points

Like any vintage studio recorder from this era, this deck is an active professional instrument that will benefit from routine bench calibration by the next owner or studio technician:

• Transport Braking: Mechanical brakes and dynamic reverse torque require attention and calibration. When pressing Stop from high-speed winding (Fast Forward or Fast Rewind), the reels remain loose and coast down rather than clamping to an immediate stop. Rocking ff/rw buttons (you engineers familiar with this type of machine know what I mean) solves this issue. The brake bands, solenoids, or torque board trimpots will need adjustment.
• 1/2" 4-Track Playback (Channel 4): During 4-track 1/2" playback, Channel 4 exhibits audible distortion. Because of the modular card architecture of the JH-110 audio drawer, diagnosing and repairing this should be straightforward (typically traced to an interstage coupling capacitor, op-amp socket reseat, or trimpot cleaning on that channel's Repro card), however no guarantee is implied. Channels 1, 2, and 3 play back cleanly.
• Cosmetic Caps: 5 silver decorative cosmetic insert caps are missing from the transport/monitor control knobs. The knobs themselves are 100% physically intact and fully functional.

What Is Included

• Sony/MCI JH-110B high-profile rolling console deck on casters.
• Dedicated internal linear power supply and cooling system.
• 4-channel audio electronics drawer.
• 1/4" 2-track head assembly and tape path hardware.
• 1/2" 4-track head assembly and tape path hardware.
• Pair of 10.5" twist-lock NAB hub adapters.
• Original heavy-duty 1/2" empty metal take-up reel.
• Historic 1967 Van McCoy 1/2" 4-track Regent Sound Studios master session tape.
• Original MCI factory technical manual and schematic binder.
• AC power cabling.

Shipping & Local Pickup

Due to the substantial weight and precision mechanical build of this studio console, local pickup is strongly preferred in northern New Jersey. Professional freight shipping or white-glove courier pickup can be coordinated at the buyer's arrangement and expense.