Otari MTR-12 1/2-inch Tape Recorder

The Otari MTR-12 is a legendary studio machine built for serious mastering, archival work, and high-end audiophile playback. This unit is the 1/2-inch, 2-track configuration and operates at three selectable tape speeds: 30 IPS, 15 IPS, and 7.5 IPS, offering exceptional flexibility for both modern and vintage tape workflows.

This machine is in excellent cosmetic condition and has been fully serviced, calibrated to 355 nWb/m, and precisely aligned for optimal performance. It is currently set up for ATR Master Tape as well as RTM SM900, ensuring accurate, stable, and reference-grade playback and recording results.

The heads are exceptionally clean with very low hours, reflecting careful professional use and long-term preservation.

One of its standout features is the direct head output, allowing bypass of the internal electronics for use with external tape head preamps. This makes it an ideal partner for high-end playback systems such as the SMDA Tape Head Preamp, delivering an even more open, detailed, and pure analog signal path.

A rare opportunity to acquire a fully serviced, reference-calibrated mastering machine in outstanding condition — ready for professional studio use or high-end audiophile playback systems.