The MCI JH-16 Multitrack Recorder was created through a combination of modern engineering design principles and MCI’s extensive experience in the professional recording industry. It was developed as a complete multitrack recording system that prioritised reliability, efficiency, and ease of use in demanding studio environments. The MCI JH-16 delivered a professional level of operation supported by a foolproof control logic system, fully remotable switching functions, and the option of automated rewinding. These features allowed engineers to remain focused on the musical material rather than machine management. Its simple, accessible design also directly contributed to reduced downtime and increased serviceability.
The MCI JH-16 was built into a steel cabinet with decorative aluminium and walnut vinyl trim. The automatic rewinder and remote control units were housed in a brushed anodised aluminium case with a table top cradle. Operator controls were designed with flexibility and ease of use in mind, supported by fully interlocked transport logic derived from the JH-100 system, enabling any command to be selected at any time without risk of tape spill. A photocell activated head shield, threading idle mode, and clear tape path made tape threading straightforward, while servo driven reels provided constant tension during playback.
A remote control was supplied as standard. This remote offered complete access to all deck and electronics functions, including fast forward, rewind, stop, play, and record. Master controls switched between reproduce, input, auto cue, and auto cue/input. Individual track switches selected input or auto cue mode. An optional Auto Locator was integrated into the remote, maintaining a tape log, providing a running time display, and performing automatic rewind.
All daily maintenance points were arranged for quick access through the console’s front doors, with adjustments grouped vertically by channel. Serviceability was a key priority, with component layout designed to avoid complex removal procedures. Active circuitry was placed on plug in printed circuit cards, and mechanical sub assemblies were built as complete modules. Bus board construction reduced hand wiring, with each channel employing an individual bus board that interfaced directly with the channel modules and master bus assembly.
The MCI JH-16 console opened for full access to internal systems. The deck plate swivelled on a horizontal axis and latched in two service positions. The electronics card frame folded outward between the front doors, providing access to its associated channel bus boards. Both sections of the remote control were removable for servicing, and overdub and safe ready switches were mounted on printed circuit assemblies using plug in lamps for easy relamping. The Auto Locator was built as a separate, self contained module that plugged into the remote section.
Rear access panels folded down to reach the transport assembly, connector panel, reeling motors, and meter housing. Bus boards inside the meter housing reduced wiring complexity and simplified lamp replacement. Interfacing connectors were located at the back of the console, with XLR connectors used for audio input and output. The remote system connected via two sockets on the meter panel and an additional socket on the Auto Locator power supply. All power supplies were mounted on a shelf at the rear of the console, cooled by two quiet fans. The cabinet employed quarter turn fasteners for secure and rapid opening of all access points.
Features
- Fully interlocked transport control logic
- Optional automatic rewinder
- Complete remote control of all deck and electronics functions
- Auto cue and auto cue/input operation
- Optional Auto Locator with tape log and running time display
- Accessible daily maintenance points through front console doors
- Plug in printed circuit cards for active electronics
- Bus board construction reducing hand wiring
- Swivelling deck plate for service access
- Fold out electronics card frame for channel access
- Removable remote control sections for servicing
- Rear access panels for transport, motors, and meter housing
- XLR audio connectors and dedicated remote sockets
- Internal power supplies cooled by two quiet fans
