Before Starting

Real track and Additional track

The FD-4 features four Real tracks (1–4) and two Additional tracks (L and R), for a total of six tracks.

Real tracks are used to record sound sources in real-time. Additional tracks are used to temporarily store the sound recorded in the Real tracks.

This is useful since you can move data from Real tracks to Additional tracks to obtain empty tracks for recording. The Track Exchange function of the FD-4 handles this op- eration. This function allows you to swap data freely be- tween six mono tracks. You can also swap Real tracks 1–2 or 3–4 with Additional tracks L and R.

Input monitoring and playback monitoring

There are two methods for monitoring track sound (only on the Real tracks): input monitoring and playback moni- toring. They are defined as follows:

Input monitoring

Input monitoring means to monitor via track output the recording signal sent to the Real tracks of the recorder. That is, you are monitoring a post-recorder signal, not a pre-recorder signal. The FD-4 enters input monitoring sta- tus when you perform one of the following operations.

• When you set a track to recording mode

You can swap

data between

six mono tracks.

Track R

Track L

Additional tracks

Track 4

Track 3

Track 2

Track 1

Real tracks

You can also

swap Real tracks

1–2 or 3–4 with

Additional tracks

L and R.

To set a track to recording mode, press the RECORD TRACK select key to set the track READY, then press the PLAY button while holding down the RECORD button.

When recording starts on the READY track, the FD-4 auto matically enters input monitoring status.

• When you set a track to recording stand-by mode

To set a track to recording stand-by mode, press the RECORD TRACK select key to set the track READY, then press only the RECORD button. (Pressing the RECORD button again will cause the FD-4 to enter playback monitoring mode.)

If the disk is formatted in Normal mode or Matering mode 1, you can record to Additional tracks in real-time.

This feature allows you to perform ping-pong recording from Real tracks 1–4 to Additional tracks L and R.

You cannot use this feature with a disk in Mastering mode 2, although you can still use the Track Exchange function.

<Note>

You cannot play back data on Additional tracks in all recording modes. If you wish to play data on an Addi- tional track, first use the Track Exchange function to move the data to a Real track.

<Note>

Data on the Additional tracks also affects the RE- MAIN value. If Real tracks contain no data, but Addi- tional tracks contain data, the amount of the data (time and space) will be reflected in the REMAIN value.

Refer to page 60 for more information on the Track Exchange function.

Refer to page 51 for more information on the Ping-pong re- cording to additional track.

Under this condition, only the READY track enters input moni toring mode, on stand-by for recording.

Track 4: INPUT monitor, Tracks 1~3: REPRO monitor

 

Track 4

 

 

Track 3

Monitor

INPUT

 

 

section

 

Track 2

 

 

 

Track 1

 

Playback monitoring

“Playback monitoring” means to monitor the playback sound of the tracks (only Real tracks). That is, you are moni- toring the playback sound on the track, not the sound be- ing recorded to the track.

All tracks: REPRO monitor

Track 4

Track 3

 

Monitor

section

Track 2

Track 1

26

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Fostex FD-4 owner manual Real track and Additional track, Input monitoring, Playback monitoring
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FD-4 specifications

The Fostex FD-4 is a cutting-edge digital multi-track recorder that combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, making it a preferred choice for musicians, audio engineers, and content creators. This portable device brings studio-quality recording capabilities in a compact format, ensuring versatility and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the FD-4 is its ability to record up to eight tracks simultaneously, allowing for complex layering and arrangements. The device supports a variety of audio formats including WAV and MP3, making it suitable for both high-fidelity recordings and efficient file storage. The high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz recording capabilities ensure that the depth and clarity of sound are preserved, regardless of the genre or style being recorded.

The FD-4 is equipped with a user-friendly interface, featuring a large, bright LCD display that provides an overview of tracks, levels, and settings. The intuitive navigation simplifies the process of creating, editing, and mixing audio. Users can easily maneuver through menus, making adjustments on-the-fly without disrupting the creative flow.

Additionally, the FD-4 utilizes advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance audio quality. Built-in effects such as reverb, compression, and EQ provide users with an array of tools to shape their sound before mixing. The flexibility offered by these effects, coupled with the device's capability to handle external effects processors, further expands its creative possibilities.

The FD-4 also features an extensive connectivity range, including multiple microphone inputs that support both XLR and TRS jacks, allowing for versatile recording configurations. This lets users connect various types of microphones and instruments seamlessly. With USB connectivity, users can easily transfer their recorded tracks to a computer for further editing and mixing in digital audio workstations (DAWs).

Moreover, the FD-4 is designed for portability, making it ideal for on-the-go musicians and producers. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the lightweight design allows it to fit easily into a travel bag.

In conclusion, the Fostex FD-4 stands out as a powerful digital multi-track recorder packed with features that cater to both professional and aspiring audio creators. Its combination of high-quality recording, user-friendly interface, and extensive connectivity options positions it as an essential tool for anyone looking to capture high-quality audio in any setting. Whether in a studio or out in the field, the FD-4 delivers the reliability and sound fidelity that users demand.
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