THE ART OF ANALOG MASTERY
Brief History
Otari, a Japanese company founded in 1964 by former Teac engineer Masayuki Hosoda, specialized in manufacturing professional audio equipment, including reel-to-reel tape decks. The company gained prominence in the audio industry during the 1970s and 1980s, producing a range of high-quality tape recorders targeted primarily at studios and broadcasting applications.
​
Key Developments
​
-
1964: Otari Corporation was established, initially focusing on tape recorders and mixing consoles.
-
1967: The introduction of the MX-5000, Otari's first multi-track recorder, marked a significant milestone in their product lineup.
-
1970s: Otari expanded its offerings with models such as the MTR-60 (1968), a master tape recorder, and various other tape duplicators and recorders. The company began to establish a reputation for reliability and sound quality.
-
1977: The release of the MTR-90, a professional-grade reel-to-reel deck, further solidified Otari's status in the recording industry. It was designed for high-performance applications and widely adopted in studios.
-
1978: The MX5050 B2 HD was introduced, becoming one of Otari's flagship models. This series was known for its versatility, offering configurations for 2, 4, or 8 tracks and various tape speeds (3¾, 7½, and 15 ips).
Technological Advancements
​
Otari's reel-to-reel tape decks were characterized by their use of solid-state electronics, which improved reliability and sound fidelity compared to earlier tube-based systems. The MX5050 series, in particular, became popular in radio and television stations due to its robust design and ability to handle continuous operation. Many MX5050 models featured adjustable bias and equalization settings accessible from the front panel, allowing users to optimize performance for different tape brands.
In the mid-1980s, Otari continued to innovate with the introduction of digital recording systems alongside their analogue machines. The company also expanded its product line to include broadcast tape recorders like the BTR-5.
Legacy
​
Otari ceased production of reel-to-reel tape decks around 2005 but left a lasting impact on the audio recording industry. Their machines are still highly regarded for their build quality and sound performance. Today, vintage Otari decks remain sought after by audiophiles and professionals who appreciate analogue recording's unique qualities. The brand is often mentioned alongside other notable manufacturers like Teac/Tascam as one of the last standing producers of reel-to-reel technology during the transition to digital formats.
​
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in analog technologies, including reel-to-reel tape decks, as musicians and enthusiasts rediscover the distinct sound characteristics they offer.