Hi,

I recently purchased an Otari MX5050 MKIII-8 (8 track half inch), which came
with no manuals or test tape. Had a look through the rec.audio.pro archives
via Google, and also at the FAQ, and found a few useful bits and bobs.

I've bought two reels of Quantegy 456-23711 tape. I believe my next port of
call is to acquire a MRL tape with test tones, to try to get the machine
aligned, but I'm somewhat foxed by the different types available. Can
anyone offer some advice, without getting too technical?

I intend to keep using the 456 tape. More than likely will send a fair
amount of level to it, often going into tape compression territory. Won't
be using noise reduction of any kind.

Another point: I was wondering if moving the machine about would knock it
out of alignment or something, as I don't have a set place for it - do you
have to be very gentle when moving them, or am I alright moving it from
storage to an operating surface for use? I was using a Fostex R8 before,
which was obviously a lot more portable.



Thanks,


Richard
(Scotland)