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MCI JH 16 2" 16 & 24 Track tape recorder - $9,999 (san rafael)
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I first used this machine in 1985 at a studio I worked for at one point, and then ended up buying the machine in the early 90’s. It’s a fantastic sounding machine. The audio cards are based on the classic Ampex 440 circuit, discrete and with transformers on every input and output. Classic records by Bob Marley and the Stones were recorded on MCI machines, and the low end is legendary. The top end, especially at 30 IPS is smooth and quiet.
If you buy a tape machine, it’s an axiom that you’ll need to buy at least one more of the same machine so that you have parts. This listing has you covered as I did that and this comes with just about every spare part you could ever need.
here is a list of some of the extras with this machine:
-24 track headstack
-8 track headstack (w/ 1” rollers)
-extra 16 and 24 track heads, one newly re-lapped
-complete owner/service manual and schematics
-extender boards
-2 extra capstan motors
-2 extra reel motors
-autolocator
-extra power supply
-extra record and transport buttons for locator and cabling.
-lots of extra cards, see below for more details.
-extra transport logic boards.
-2” splicing block
-extra mother board and platter.
The machine is currently set up for 16-track. It was well maintained through the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s but started seeing less use in the 10’s. All 24 audio channels were recapped in 2008. In 2013 we had it completely rebuilt by SVT Audio with every card checked, molex connectors resoldered, etc. In 2021 it was once again gone over after an issue with the master bias oscillator and was again working well. It has not been used since 2023 when an engineer dropped something on the play button and broke it. I tested the machine with the remote and it seems to work fine, but we have not done a session with it since early 2023. I have not fixed the play button but there is a spare included in the auction so any tech should be able to easily fix it and the machine should get some routine maintenance anyway, especially after it is moved.
There are 24 main audio cards, 16 in the first 16 slots, 5 in slots 17-24 and three loose.
channels 17-24 are mostly loaded.
-6 extra repro cards not in machine
-10 extra bias cards not in machine
-12 extra record cards not in machine
-2 extra back plate cards.
For a bit of history, the parts machine that is part of this auction was bought from a friend of mine who bought it from Neil Young, so there is a small unknown part of Neil’s spirit in this machine…
Local pick up only and sold as-is!!
Please leave a phone number if interested.
Thanks for looking!