Introduction

4

Main features

4

Recording Preparation

 

Connecting a SCSI drive

5

Formatting a new disk

6

Removing a disk from the SCSI drive

7

Formatting the disk again

8

Names and Functions

 

Control Panel (Mixer section)

10

Control Panel (Recorder section)

12

Front Panel (Input/output section)

18

Rear Panel (Input/output section)

18

Display Section

20

Before Starting

 

Time Base

24

Recording method and REMAIN indicator

25

Managing songs by Program Change function

25

Real track and Additional track

26

Input monitoring and playback monitoring

26

PAN knob and Stereo bus

27

Basic Application

 

Basic Recording and Playback

28

FD-4 initial settings

28

Recording one sound source to one track

28

Undo/Redo recording

30

Recording onto the additional track

30

Checking the recording sound

31

Basic Multitrack Recording

32

Recording a drum machine to track 1

32

Overdubbing the bass to track 2

32

Listening to the overdubbed sound

33

Undo/Redo overdubbing

33

Mixdown

34

Handling Programs

 

Creating a new Program

36

Using the Program Change function

37

Deleting a Program

38

Editing a Program title

39

Special Application

 

Playback in Vari Pitch Mode

40

Recording to a Metronome Sound

41

Punch In/Out Recording

43

Auto Punch In/Out

43

Manual Punch In/Out

46

Ping-Pong Recording

49

Ping-Pong Recording to Additional Tracks

51

Digital Recording

52

Digital recording from an external digital device..52

Digital recording to an external device

53

Digital mixdown

54

How to use the RECORDER IN jack

55

Table of contents

Editing Tracks

 

Copy & Paste and Move & Paste

56

Erase

58

Track Exchange

60

Cue & Review Function

 

Cue & Review function using

 

the REWIND and F FWD button

62

Digital scrubbing using the JOG dial

62

Cue & Review function using the SHUTTLE feature

62

Storing a Locate Point (Edit Point)

 

Storing in real-time

63

Editing and storing locate data

64

Editing and storing data

64

Editing the data stored in the LOCATE key

65

Locate Function

 

Direct Locate

66

Auto Play

66

Auto Return

67

Auto Repeat

68

MIDI Synchronization

 

MIDI clock sync system

71

MTC sync/Machine Control system

72

SYNC system in Slave mode

74

Preview Function

 

Executing the Preview function

69

Trimming the sound while previewing

70

Saving and Loading Song Data

 

Saving song data

77

Loading song data

79

Changing the Initial Settings (SETUP mode)

 

Selecting SETUP mode

81

Setting a time signature

82

Setting a Tempo

83

Setting the Metronome function

85

Setting a preroll value

85

Setting MIDI sync output signal

86

Setting an MTC frame rate

87

Setting an MTC offset value

87

Setting Offset mode

88

Setting the Slave mode

88

Setting the Slave type

89

Setting the Record Protection function

90

Setting digital input tracks

91

Setting digital output tracks

92

Setting BAR/BEAT resolution mode

92

Setting the MIDI device number

93

MIDI Implementation Chart

94

MMC Command List/Inquiry Message List

95

Maintenance/Specifications

96

Block Diagram

97

3

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Fostex FD-4 owner manual Recording Preparation, Introduction Main features
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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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