Fostex 280 - SECTION 2 before Operating the Model 280

SECTION 2. BEFORE OPERATING THE MODEL 280
There are a few important considerations which you should
be aware of before you attempt to operate the Model 280:
1. R ecording Format.
Standard cassette recorders record up to two tracks at a
time; two in one direction (Side A) and two in the opposite
direction (Side B). As shown in the diagram below, the multi¬
track format allows recording of up to four tracks in the same
direction. After completing a multitrack tape on your 280,
remove both cassette tabs to prevent accidental erasure or
re-recordings.
2. Tape Speed.
Standard cassette recorders record and play back at 1-7/8
ips (inches per second). The model 280 records and plays
back at 3-3/4 ips—twice the speed for better fidelity. Thus a
C-90 will yield 22.5 minutes of recording time; a C-60, 15
minutes, and a C-30, 7.5 minutes.
3. Type of Tape.
Use High Bias (CrOi Type II) tapes ONLY. We recommend
Maxell UD-XL2 or TDK SA or the equivalent—always look for
the 70 psec EQ designation.
NEVER USE: (1) C-120 type tapes of any kind because the
tape is too thin to withstand the rigors of multitrack recording;
(2) metal tape
4. Impedance.
All electronic devices have a characteristic called impedance
which refers to resistance in the circuit(s). The unit of meas¬
urement is stated in Ohms (G). In general, input impedance
should be about ten times higher than output impedance.
When connecting other equipment to the 280, check to see
that there is an impedance match (specifically with micro¬
phones); if a mis-match occurs, anything from sound deterio¬
ration to serious damage could result.
NOTE: You’ll find that most “outboard" gear available today
and most musical instruments can be connected to your 280
readily and without worry.
The main exception is electric guitars, just because there is
such a wide variety of design, plus the tendency to cus¬
tomize stock designs for a "hotter sound.” Thus in some
cases, a-"direct box" will be necessary. Never plug anything
rated in watts (W) directly to a 280 input.
5. The difference between track and channel.
“Track" refers to a physical space on the cassette tape (1 ~4);
“channel” refers to a signal pathway through the mixer (1 —8),
as shown in the diagram below.
The difference between track and channel.
Tracks 1 ~4
Channels 1 ~8
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