Otari

About the Company

Otari Inc. is a Japanese company founded in 1961, best known for its professional audio equipment, especially reel‑to‑reel tape recorders and studio tape machines. It became a major player in broadcast, studio, and post‑production markets worldwide. 

• Country: Japan

• Founded: 1961

• Industry: Professional audio, recording equipment

• Main products: Reel‑to‑reel tape recorders, multi‑track recorders, audio consoles, mastering machines

Production History Timeline

1961–1969 — Company Founding and Early Machines

• Otari was founded in 1961.

• Early production focused on professional reel‑to‑reel tape recorders, including mono and stereo machines for broadcast and recording studios.

• These machines emphasized reliability and precision, establishing Otari’s reputation for high‑quality transport mechanisms.

1970s — Growth and Studio Recognition

• During the 1970s, Otari became a leading Japanese exporter of professional reel‑to‑reel machines, competing with Studer (Switzerland), Ampex (USA), Revox (Switzerland), and Tascam (Japan/Teac).

• Key models introduced:
  MTR‑10 / MTR‑12: Early multitrack studio tape recorders
  MX‑5050 / MX‑5050B: Stereo and multi‑track professional machines

• Focused on precision tape transport, low wow & flutter, and stable tape speed.

1980s — Multi‑Track and Broadcast Expansion

• Otari developed the MX‑5050 series, a modular 1/2‑inch and 1-inch multitrack tape recorder, widely used in professional music studios.

• Innovations included:
  Automatic calibration features
  Remote control and SMPTE timecode integration
  Durable tape transport mechanisms

• These machines were often used in commercial studios, radio stations, and mastering facilities. 

1990s — Digital Transition and Legacy Models

• Otari continued producing reel‑to‑reel and multi‑track tape decks while the industry began transitioning to digital audio recording.

• Key 1990s models:
  MX‑5050 BII / MTR‑90 series: High-end studio decks

• Professional users appreciated robust mechanical design, excellent head alignment, and reliability in critical environments.

2000s and Beyond — Focus Shift

• Production of traditional analogue reel‑to‑reel tape decks declined as digital formats became dominant.

• Otari shifted focus to digital mastering, audio interfaces, and broadcast solutions, but their analog legacy remains highly respected.

Notable Otari Reel‑to‑Reel Models

MX‑5050 BII   1980s–1990s     Professional studio 24‑track recorder; SMPTE sync; 1/2" tape width

MTR‑90          1980s                 Multitrack 1/4" and 1/2" machines; used in small studios

MX‑5050 24   1980s                 High‑precision stereo/multitrack; widely exported

MTR‑10 / 12   1970s                 Early multitrack machines; broadcast use

Technical highlights:

• Tape speeds: 7.5, 15, and sometimes 30 ips

• Professional three‑head systems (record/playback/erase)

• Durable Japanese-built transports with precision motors

• Modular construction for studio flexibility

Market Role & Legacy

• Otari became synonymous with reliable, professional Japanese tape recorders.

• Their machines were heavily exported, often replacing European brands in studio environments due to reliability and cost-performance.

• Today, Otari decks are still used in archival work, mastering, and some boutique studios, and collectors prize vintage models for audio fidelity and mechanical quality.