Otari
MX-5050 BQII
The Otari MX-5050 BQII is a professional-grade 1/4" 4-track, 4-channel multitrack recorder from Otari's long-running MX-5050 series, built for two-speed operation and widely used in project and broadcast studios for its rugged mechanical transport and switchable IEC/NAB equalization (stereonet.com forum listing; Otari MX-5050 product literature). The broader MX-5050 platform remains one of the most actively serviced and collected professional reel decks, with parts, alignment tapes, and technical support still available through vintage pro-audio specialists (hifiengine.com).
MSRP
$1,000
Used market · Good
$2,075
MSRP to used market
From $1,000 at launch to $2,075 today.
Specifications
- Heads
- Optimized three-head design
- Motors
- 1 DC brushless PLL servo capstan motor; 2 AC induction reel motors
- Weight
- 28 kg
- Dimensions
- 527 × 430 × 275 mm (H × W × D)
- Tape speeds
- Two-speed pairs available across the line: 15/7.5 ips (high-speed) or 7.5/3.75 ips (low-speed)
- Wow and flutter
- Peak-weighted per DIN 45507: max ±0.06% at 15 ips; max ±0.08% at 7.5 ips; max ±0.12% at 3.75 ips
- Maximum reel size
- 10.5" NAB
- Frequency response
- 30 Hz–20 kHz ±2 dB at 15 ips; 30 Hz–18 kHz ±2 dB at 7.5 ips; 20 Hz–10 kHz ±2 dB at 3.75 ips
- Track configuration
- 1/4" tape, 4-track / 4-channel (BQII variant)
- Signal to noise ratio
- 15 ips: 69–73 dB (NAB/IEC, weighted/unweighted); 7.5 ips: 67–73 dB; 3.75 ips: 64–67 dB
Active listings (0)
Similar but better
Matched by the Audiophilia engine on character, specs and market position.
Step up
Ampex · reel-to-reel
ATR-102
$8,750$11,195
- A step up in the same category
Mara Machines · reel-to-reel
JH-110
$4,200$6,500
- A step up in the same category
Sonorus Audio · reel-to-reel
ATR10 mkII
$32,500$32,500
- A step up in the same category
J-Corder · reel-to-reel
Technics RS-1500 McIntosh-Style
$12,000$7,735
- A step up in the same category
More affordable
