Fostex VM04 User Manual

Model
Owner’s manual
4CH DIGITAL MIXER WITH DSP EFFECTS
Introduction
Thank you very much for having purchased the Fostex VM04.
This unit is a digital mini-mixer so the internal signal processing is all done digitally.
Its input section consists of four analog input channels including two that can take a
microphone. The output section, in addition to normal analog outputs like two channel
stereo outputs and a headphone output, also has an S/P DIF digital output via an optical
format with a 44.1kHz sampling frequency and a 20 bit resolution.
Its internal Buss consists of a two channel Stereo L/R and also an independent Effect Buss.
The VM04 also incorporates an internal high quality digital effect (1in/ 2out) employing
the A. S. P. (Fostex Advanced Signal Processing Technology)*, which is newly developed by
Fostex. It can provide a wide variety of Effect sounds. You can also store all the mix settings
you have made in the Scene Memories and recall them instantly.
The VM04 is a light and compact piece of precision sound technology which offers high
quality sound performance and considerable scope for experimentation.
To fully exploit all of its many useful features and functions, we recommend you read this
manual first before you start using the VM04.
* See page 18 for more details of the A. S. P. (Fostex Advanced Signal Processing Technology).

Fostex VM04 Specifications

General

Type	Analog
Channels	4
Gain Control	Yes, per channel
Pan Control	Yes, per channel
Headphone Output	1 x 1/4" TRS
Inputs	4 x XLR/TRS Combo
Outputs	2 x 1/4" TRS
EQ	3-band EQ per channel
Phantom Power	+48V (switchable)
Aux Sends	1
Power Supply	External AC adapter

Summary

General Safety Precautions

Electrical Shock and Water Warnings

Warnings regarding electrical shock hazards and avoiding exposure to rain or moisture.

Detailed Safety and Operating Guidelines

Comprehensive list of instructions for safe operation, placement, and maintenance of the appliance.

Precautions Before Use

Power Supply Handling

Guidelines for safe connection, disconnection, and handling of the power supply adaptor.

Environmental and Location Considerations

Recommendations for optimal placement to avoid temperature extremes, moisture, dust, and vibrations.

Front Panel Controls and Connections

Power and Digital I/O Connectors

Audio Input and Output Jacks

User Interface Elements

Gain, Scene, and Master Controls

Effect and Editing Navigation Keys

Display Screen and Indicators

Initial Setup and First Use

Removing Battery Insulation Paper

Safe Power-On Procedure

System Reset Functionality

Explains how to reset the internal CPU and clear all stored Scene memories.

Initial Setting Display Configuration

LCD Display Character Sections

Channel and Level Displays Explained

VIEW Status Indicator Function

Normal Mix Mode Operation

Normal Mix Mode LCD Display Layout

Fader Operation and Gain Control

Fader Adjust Key Warning Indicator

Channel Edit Mode Navigation

Entering and Exiting Channel Edit Mode

Channel Edit Mode Display Elements

PAN Setting Adjustment

Channel EQ Adjustments

Adjusting Low Frequency EQ (LO)

Adjusting High Frequency EQ (HI)

Effect Send and Routing Settings

Setting Effect Send Level

Choosing Effect Send Position (Post/Pre)

Internal Digital Effect Types

Reverb, Delay Parameter Details

Explains parameters for Reverb (Time, Pre-Delay, High Dump, ErBal) and Delay (Level, Time, Feedback).

Chorus & Flanger Parameter Details

Covers parameters for Chorus (Level, Rate, Depth) and Flanger (Level, Rate, Feedback).

Selecting and Setting Effect Types

Setting Effect Send Level for Monitoring

Effect Type Selection Process

How to cycle through and select effect types using the DATA ENCODER.

Confirming and Exiting Effect Mode

Detailed Effect Parameter Settings

Reverb and Delay Parameter Details

Explains parameters for Reverb, Delay, and combined Delay/Reverb effects.

Chorus and Flanger Parameter Details

Covers parameters for Chorus, Flanger, and combined Chorus/Flanger/Reverb effects.

Parameter Adjustment Examples

Reverb Level and Time Adjustment

Pre-Delay Time and High Dump Adjustment

Scene Memory Management

Early Reflection Balance Adjustment

Scene Memory Overview

Explains the 21 Scene Memories, including preset and user-storable slots.

Storing Custom Scene Settings

Step-by-step guide to storing current settings into a Scene Memory, including naming.

Recalling Scene Memories

Scene Recall Process

How to recall stored Scene settings and interpret the FADER ADJUST key indicator.

Fader Position Discrepancy Handling

Explains the FADER ADJUST key flashing and how to resolve fader position mismatches.

Fader Adjustment and Direct Recall

Manual Fader Adjustment Mode

How to manually align physical faders to match stored Scene positions.

Scene Direct Recall Method

Method to recall Scenes sequentially by pressing specific keys.

System Setup Options

Entering and Navigating Setup Mode

How to enter Setup mode by pressing key combinations and navigate options.

Fader Fix (FdFix) Setting

Configuring Fader Fix to prevent accidental operation during Scene recall.

Setup Modes and Utility Functions

Fader Recall Settings (chRCL/MSRCL)

Technical Specifications