Fostex FD-8 User Manual

Owner’s Manual
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REWIND/ F FWD/
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MID
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SELECTOR
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DIGITAL MULTITRACKER
PLAYSTOPRECORD
LOCATE REC END
LOCATE ABS 0
CLIPBOARD PLAY
AUTO
PUNCH
ACCESS
TIME BASE
/NO
EXIT
SELSETUP
AUTO RTN
PGM SEL
AUTO RTN
OUTINEND
STOREHOLD/ /YES
EXECUTE
AUTO PLAY
OUTINSTART
EDIT
REDO
LOCATE
1/L
DISP SEL
2/R 3/L 4/R
RECORD TRACK
SCRUB
VARI
PITCH
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EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ EQ
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INPUT SELINPUT SELINPUT SELINPUT SELINPUT SELINPUT SELINPUT SEL
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L/R
LOC MEM
SHUTTLE
EJECT
CLIPBOARD
AUTO PUNCH
PREVIEW
Digital Multitracker
Model

Fostex FD-8 Specifications

General

Type	Digital Multitrack Recorder
Number of Tracks	8
Sample Rate	44.1kHz
Bit Depth	16-bit
EQ	3-band EQ per channel
Display	LCD
Inputs	8 x XLR/TRS combo
Outputs	8 x TRS
Effects	Built-in effects
Connectivity	MIDI In/Out
Dimensions	420 x 380 x 100 mm

Summary

Safety Instructions

Introduction, Main Features, and Precautions

Introduction

Overview of the Fostex FD-8 eight-track multitracker and its recording capabilities.

Main features

Details on the mixer section and recorder section of the FD-8, including input/output capabilities.

Precautions

Important safety and operational guidelines for using the FD-8, including notes on repair and copyrights.

Names and Functions

Rear Panel Input/Output Section

Description of the connectors and ports on the rear panel of the FD-8.

Front Panel Input/Output Section

Description of the connectors and ports on the front panel of the FD-8.

Display Section

Explanation of the FD-8's LCD display, including indicators, time display, and message display.

Control Panel (Mixer Section) Overview

Detailed explanation of the mixer section controls, including faders, EQ, panpots, and monitor controls.

Control Panel (Recorder Section) Overview

Detailed explanation of the recorder section controls, including track select keys, LCD, and transport buttons.

Before Starting

Time Base

Explanation of the three Time Base concepts: ABS, MTC, and BAR/BEAT/CLK.

Recording Method and REMAIN Indicator

Details on the FD-8's recording method using SCSI disks and the REMAIN indicator display.

Managing Songs by Program Change Function

How to manage songs using Programs and the Program Change function for organization.

Real Tracks and Additional Tracks

Explanation of the FD-8's twenty-four mono tracks and how to swap data between them.

Input Monitoring and Playback Monitoring

Methods for monitoring track sound during recording and playback operations.

Signal Flow (The PAN Knob Function and Stereo Bus)

Visualization of signal routing through the mixer, including PAN knob function and stereo bus.

Audio File and Event

Explanation of audio files, events, and the concept of event number overflow.

Formatting a Disk

Recording Mode Overview

Explanation of the three recording modes: Normal, Mastering, and Backup.

Formatting a Current Drive Disk (SCSI Disk)

Procedure for formatting a new SCSI disk as the current drive.

Re-formatting a Formatted Disk

Procedure for re-formatting an existing current or backup disk.

Formatting a Current Drive Disk (2.5-inch Hard Disk)

Procedure for formatting an optional internal IDE hard disk.

Formatting a Backup Disk (SCSI Disk)

Procedure for formatting a SCSI disk for backup purposes.

Formatting a Backup Disk (Fixed Disk)

Procedure for formatting a fixed disk as a backup disk.

Handling Programs

Creating a New Program

Step-by-step guide to creating new Programs on the disk for managing songs.

Using a Program Change Function

How to select an existing Program for recording, playback, or editing.

Deleting a Program

Procedure for deleting unnecessary Programs to free up disk space.

Editing a Program Title

How to change the title of a selected Program.

Playback in Vari Pitch Mode

Recording to a Metronome Sound

Connecting a Sound Source and an Effect Unit

Instructions for connecting instruments and effect units for recording with a metronome.

Setting the Switch and Knob

Specific switch and knob settings for recording to a metronome sound.

Creating a Tempo Map

How to set time signatures and tempos to create a Tempo Map.

Turning the Metronome Function On

Procedure to activate the metronome sound output.

Punch In/Out Recording

What is Punch In/Out Recording?

Explanation of Punch In/Out recording and the FD-8's two functions: Auto and Manual.

Auto Punch In/Out Operation

Steps for setting edit points and previewing for Auto Punch In/Out.

Rehearsing Auto Punch In/Out Recording

Guide to practicing Auto Punch In/Out operations before actual recording.

Auto Punch In/Out Take

Procedure for performing the actual take after rehearsal.

Undo/Redo Auto Punch In/Out Recording

How to undo or redo Auto Punch In/Out recording operations.

Manual Punch In/Out Operation

Procedure for performing Manual Punch In/Out using a foot switch.

Undo/Redo Manual Punch In/Out Recording

How to undo or redo Manual Punch In/Out recording.

Digital Recording

Connecting an External Digital Device

Instructions for connecting external digital devices for recording audio data.

Digital Recording from an External Digital Device

How to digitally record data from connected devices to FD-8 tracks.

Digital Recording to an External Device

How to record digital data from the FD-8 to external devices like MD, DAT, or adat.

Digital Mixdown

How to mix down digital signals from tracks to an external digital device.

Digital and Analog Simultaneous Recording

Simultaneous recording of digital and analog signals on different tracks.

How to Use the RECORDER IN Jack

Synchronizing External MIDI Sound Sources

Synchronizing MIDI sound sources with tracks and digitally mixing sixteen channels.

Direct Recording of External Sound Sources

Directly recording external sound sources to the recorder section without mixer routing.

Editing Tracks

Copy & Paste and Move & Paste

Functions for copying or moving audio data between tracks.

Erase Function

Methods for erasing data from specified parts or to the end of the track.

Track Exchange Function

Function to swap mono or multiple track data between Real and Additional tracks.

Cue & Review Function

Cue & Review Using REWIND and F FWD Buttons

Using transport buttons for cueing audio data at three-times speed.

Digital Scrubbing Using SCRUB Mode

Performing digital scrubbing on a selected track while the recorder is stopped.

Cue & Review Using the SHUTTLE Feature

Using the SHUTTLE feature for cueing and reviewing data at various speeds.

Storing a Locate Point (Edit Point)

Storing Locate Points to Memory Keys

How to store time information (edit points) in memory keys for various operations.

Storing in Real-time

Procedure for storing locate points in real-time while the FD-8 is playing.

Editing and Storing Locate Data

How to recall, edit, and re-store data stored in memory keys.

Editing Data Stored in the LOCATE Key

How to recall and edit the last located point stored in the LOCATE key.

Locate Function

Direct Locate Operations

Locating specific points like Program start/end, memory keys, or specified times.

Auto Play Function

Automatically starting playback from a located point.

Auto Return Function

Automatically locating the AUTO RTN START point after reaching the AUTO RTN END point.

Auto Repeat Function

Repeating playback between AUTO RTN START and END points.

Preview Function

Previewing Sound Rise (Fade In)

Auditioning the fade-in effect at a locate point.

Previewing Sound Fall (Fade Out)

Auditioning the fade-out effect at a locate point.

Executing the Preview Function

Steps to preview sound at locate points using memory keys.

Trimming the Sound While Previewing

Fine-tuning locate point positions using the JOG dial during preview.

MIDI Synchronization

MIDI Clock Sync System

Configuring sync system with a stand-alone sequencer as a MIDI clock slave.

MTC Sync/Machine Control System

Synchronization system using MMC and MTC with computer software.

Sync System in Slave Mode

Synchronizing FD-8 in Slave mode to an external master MIDI device.

Sync System with "adat" by the Slave Mode

Explains sync system using 'adat' equipment in slave mode.

Saving and Loading Song Data

Outline of the Save/Load Operation

Overview of saving and loading recorded song data to various media.

Saving and Loading Data Using a SCSI Drive

Procedures for saving and loading data to/from SCSI drives.

Saving and Loading Data Using Another SCSI Drive

Details on connecting and managing multiple SCSI drives for data transfer.

Saving Data

Step-by-step guide for saving Programs to backup media like DAT, Adat, or SCSI.

Loading Data

Step-by-step guide for loading Programs from backup media.

Saving/Loading Data via a DAT or Adat

Procedure for saving/loading data to/from DAT or Adat devices.

Saving/Loading Data Using a 2.5-inch Internal Hard Disk

Saving/loading data when using an internal IDE hard disk as the current drive.

Quick Troubleshooting for Save/Load

Troubleshooting common issues encountered during save/load operations.

Changing the Initial Setting (SETUP Mode)

Selecting SETUP Mode

How to enter and navigate the FD-8's SETUP mode.

Setting a Time Signature

Procedure to set time signatures for measures in the Tempo Map.

Modifying or Deleting Stored Time Signatures

How to edit or delete previously stored time signature data.

Clearing All Time Signature and Tempo Settings

Procedure to reset all time signature and tempo settings to initial defaults.

Setting a Tempo

How to specify tempo at a given point in a song for the Tempo Map.

Modifying or Deleting Stored Tempo Settings

How to edit or delete previously stored tempo data.

Setting the Metronome Function

Enabling or disabling the metronome sound output.

Setting a Preroll Value

Setting the preroll time in seconds before a locate point.

Setting MIDI Sync Output Signal

Selecting the type of MIDI sync signals (MIDI Clock or MTC) for output.

Setting an MTC Frame Rate

Setting the frame rate for MTC output to an external MIDI device.

Setting an MTC Offset Value

Specifying an offset time difference for MTC output.

Setting Offset Mode

Determining MTC output point at ABS 0 or BAR/BEAT/CLK.

Setting the Slave Mode

Enabling or disabling Slave mode for synchronization with master devices.

Setting the Slave Type

Selecting the type of external sync signal when FD-8 is a slave.

Setting the Record Protect Function

Turning the Record Protect function on or off to prevent accidental erasure.

Setting Digital Input Tracks

Assigning digital signals from DATA IN connector to FD-8 tracks.

Setting Digital Output Tracks

Assigning tracks to output digital signals from the DATA OUT connector.

Setting BAR/BEAT Resolution Mode

Enabling or disabling BAR/BEAT resolution mode for automatic beat-based storage.

Setting the MIDI Device Number

Setting the FD-8 device ID number for MMC or FEX control.

Checking the Number of Track Events

Checking the number of events on each track to avoid 'event number overflow'.

MIDI Implementation Chart/MMC List

MIDI Implementation Chart

Chart detailing MIDI functions, transmitted/recognized data, and remarks.

MMC Command List

List of MMC commands for controlling recorder functions and their corresponding movements.

Inquiry Message List

List of identity and Fostex ID inquiry messages for communication.

Maintenance/Specifications

Maintenance: Cleaning the Exterior

Guidelines for cleaning the exterior of the FD-8 using soft dry cloths.

Specifications: Mixer Section

Technical specifications for the FD-8's mixer section, including inputs, outputs, and EQ.

Specifications: Recorder Section

Technical specifications for the FD-8's recorder section, including recording medium and format.

Block Diagram

A visual representation of the FD-8's internal signal flow and component connections.