Model | Fostex FD-8 instruction

Owner’s Manual

Model

Digital Multitracker

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX RTN

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

AUX1

AUX2

EQ

EQ

EQ

EQ

EQ

EQ

EQ

EQ

HIGH

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HIGH

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HIGH

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HIGH

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1

OL

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-

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-

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-

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-

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-

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-

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-

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-

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0

10

6

MID

MID

MID

MID

MID

MID

MID

MID

12

GAIN

0

GAIN

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GAIN

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GAIN

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GAIN

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GAIN

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GAIN

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GAIN

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2

24

1 2

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7 8

L

R

-

+

-

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-

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-

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0

10

MID

900

MID

900

MID

MID

MID

900

MID

900

MID

MID

900

SHIFT

SHIFT

SHIFT

900

SHIFT

900

SHIFT

SHIFT

SHIFT

900

SHIFT

300

2k

300

2k

300

2k

300

2k

300

2k

300

2k

300

2k

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2k

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5k

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5k

200

5k

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5k

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5k

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5k

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5k

200

5k

RECORD TRACK

LOW

0

LOW

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LOW

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LOW

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LOW

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LOW

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LOW

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LOW

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1/L

2/R

3/L

4/R

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6/R

7/L

8/R

SCRUB

-

+

-

+

-

+

-

+

-

+

-

+

-

+

-

+

MON

MON

MON

MON

MON

MON

MON

MON

MON SECTION

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

PREVIEW

TIME BASE

START

IN

OUT

END

IN

OUT

DISP SEL

SETUP

SEL

INPUT

TRK 1

INPUT

TRK 2

INPUT

TRK 3

INPUT

TRK 4

INPUT

TRK 5

INPUT

TRK 6

INPUT

TRK 7

INPUT

TRK 8

AUTO PUNCH

CLIPBOARD

MASTER

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

AUTO RTN

UNDO/

EXECUTE

EXIT

HOLD/

STORE

EDIT

REDO

/YES

/NO

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

MON R

MON L

PAN

MON R

0

10

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PAN

PGM SEL

EJECT

VARI

AUTO RTN

PITCH

AUTO PLAY

LOCATE

ACCESS

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

L

R

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

INPUT SEL

SELECTOR

SHIFT

P.EDIT

LOC MEM

JOG

SHUTTLE

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

INPUT

L/R

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

L/R+MON

CLIPBOARD PLAY

TRK 1

TRK 2

TRK 3

TRK 4

TRK 5

TRK 6

TRK 7

TRK 8

MON

AUTO

PUNCH

LOCATE ABS 0

LOCATE REC END

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

L/R

RECORD

STOP

PLAY

REWIND/

F FWD/

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

H

H

M

M

L

L

DIGITAL MULTITRACKER

LEVEL

LEVEL

Image 1

Fostex FD-8 owner manual Model

FD-8 specifications

The Fostex FD-8 is a revolutionary digital multitracker that has garnered significant attention since its release. Designed for musicians and audio professionals, the FD-8 offers a compelling combination of functionality, simplicity, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for both studio recordings and live performances.

One of the key features of the Fostex FD-8 is its 8-track simultaneous recording capability. This allows users to record multiple instruments or vocal parts at once, enabling more complex arrangements without the hassle of overdubbing. With a built-in 20-bit A/D converter, the FD-8 captures high-quality audio, ensuring that every nuance of a performance is faithfully reproduced.

In addition to its recording capabilities, the FD-8 boasts a range of editing features that make it easier to fine-tune performances. The onboard digital effects processor includes reverb, delay, and EQ settings, which can be applied in real-time, offering users a versatile toolkit for sound manipulation. This means that the FD-8 not only serves as a recording device but also as a powerful mixing console.

The FD-8 employs a user-friendly interface, with a large backlit LCD display that provides clear feedback on track levels and settings. Navigating through the device’s extensive features is simplified by an intuitive layout, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users. The inclusion of USB connectivity allows for easy data transfer, enabling users to back up their projects or move recordings to a computer for further editing.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Fostex FD-8 is its compatibility with various media formats. It supports standard audio files, making it convenient for musicians to work with different file types. The ability to save work on standard CD-Rs or a removable storage device adds to the operational flexibility.

The robust build of the FD-8 is designed to endure the rigors of touring and live performances. Its compact size allows for easy transport, while the durable housing protects against wear and tear.

In essence, the Fostex FD-8 stands out as a remarkable digital multitracker that provides users with essential recording and editing features packed into a portable, user-friendly package. Its combination of quality, flexibility, and ease of use has made it a popular choice among audio professionals and hobbyists alike, securing its place as a staple in modern music production.

Contents

Model Safety Instructions Table of contents Introduction Precautions Rear panel Names and Functions Input faders Input select switches Input SEL INPUT/OFF/TRKPanpot knobs PAN L/R Monitor panpot knobs PAN MON L/MON R Monitor level control knob MON INPUT/TRK Input level switches Level H/M/LEqualizer control knobs EQ HIGH/MID/LOW AUX send knobs AUX AUX 1/AUX LCD Contrast adjustment knobScrub key Scrub Access LED Access Setup key SetupDisplay indication select key Disp SEL Time Base select key Time Base SEL Stop button Stop Play button PlayRecord button RECORD/ Auto Punch Shift key Shift Vari Pitch key Vari PITCH/ P.EDIT Auto Return/Auto Play mode on/off keyLocate key LOCATE/ LOC MEM Hold/ key Hold Undo/Redo key UNDO/REDO Store key StoreEdit key Edit Auto Return Start key Auto Punch In key Auto Punch IN/ Preview Auto Return End key Auto RTN END/ PreviewAuto Punch Out key Clipboard In key Clipboard IN/ Preview Monitor Out jacks MON OUT L, R Connector RCA pin Input jacks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Connector phoneStereo Out jacks ST. OUT L, R Connector RCA pin Front Panel Input/Output Section Midi OUT jack Midi OUT Connector DIN 5-pin Balanced input connectors 7, 8 Input 7Midi in jack Midi in Connector DIN 5-pin AUX Send jacks 1, 2 AUX Send 1 Data input jack Data in Connector Optical Data output jack Data OUT Connector OpticalAC in connector Power switch Power Preset display Time Base is MTC Time Base is ABSTime Base is BAR/BEAT/CLK Void Out ! message Acc Error messageTrack Over message Rec + Yes ! message Time Base Before Starting Remain indicator Recording method and Remain indicatorRecording method Managing songs by Program Change function You can swap data between twenty-four mono tracks Real tracks and Additional tracks When you set a track to recording stand-by mode When you set a track to recording modeInput monitoring and playback monitoring Input monitoring Signal flow The PAN knob function and Stereo Bus About an audio file Audio file and event Formatting a Disk Recording mode Formatting a new disk Formatting a current drive disk Scsi disk Insert a formatted disk into the Scsi drive Re-formatting a formatted diskPress the EXECUTE/YES key Press the EXECUTE/YES key again Formatting an unformatted disk for backup Formatting a backup disk Scsi diskInsert a new disk into the backup drive Formatting a current drive disk 2.5-inch hard disk Re-formatting a formatted disk for backup Formatting a backup disk fixed diskInsert a formatted disk into the backup drive Creating a new Program Handling ProgramsTurn the JOG dial clockwise To enter a title Using a Program Change function Deleting a Program Press the Setup key while the FD-8 is stopped JOG dial to enter characters or numbers Editing a Program titleAfter you enter the title, press the EXECUTE/YES key Menu Set the desired pitch data using the JOG dial Playback in Vari Pitch Mode Recording to a Metronome Sound Connecting a sound source and a effect unitConnect a microphone to input jack Punch In/Out Recording What is Punch In/Out recording?Auto Punch In/Out Storing the edit points Setting the mixer section Connecting the instrumentSet up the mixer section as follows Preparation Press the Record button while holding down the Shift key Rehearsing Auto Punch In/Out recordingSet the track for Auto Punch In/Out to Ready Recording level Undo/Redo Auto Punch In/Out recording Auto Punch In/Out TakePress the Record button while holding down the Play button Manual Punch In/Out Connecting the instrument and a foot switchRehearsing Manual Punch In/Out recording While holding down the Stop button, press the foot switch Cancelling Rehearsal modeManual Punch In/Out take Out point Undo/Redo Manual Punch In/Out recording Creating a Tempo Map Setting the switch and knobChecking the metronome sound Turning the Metronome function on Checking the recorded sound Quitting recordingStarting recording Press the Record button Digital recording from an external digital device Digital Recording Digital recording to an external device Setting a digital output track Assigning output tracks Digital mixdown Settings for the effect units Setting the output level and the master recorderMixdown Quitting mixdown Digital and analog simultaneous recording Using an optical cableStarting the recording Program Monitoring digital inputs Settings on the FD-8Four-track simultaneous recording Play the connected digital device Sixteen channels of digital mixdown How to use the Recorder in jack Patch Bay Mixer etc Direct recording of an external sound source Copy & Paste and Move & Paste Editing TracksCopy & Paste Move & Paste Checking the clipboard data Executing Copy or MovePaste start point Key for which you wish to check the edit point Undo/Redo Paste Executing PasteSelect a destination track to paste data Turn the JOG dial to enter the number of repeats Repeat= Erasing a specified part of the data between ABS 0 EraseErasing data from a specified point to REC END Undo/Redo Erase Executing EraseStoring the erase start and end points Swapping mono track data between Real tracks, Addi Track Exchange Executing Track Exchange Cue & Review Function Cue & Review function using the Rewind and F FWD buttons Press the Scrub key while the recorder section is stopped Digital scrubbing using Scrub modeTurn the JOG dial to perform digital scrubbing Cue & Review function using the Shuttle feature Storing a Locate Point Edit Point Storing in real-time Storing and editing the locate points to the memory keysPress the Store key Press the desired memory key Editing and storing data Editing and storing locate dataPress the HOLD/ key while the FD-8 is stopped Press the memory key that you pressed in again Editing the data stored in the Locate keyPress the HOLD/ key, Rewind button, or To located the edited point, press the Locate key Direct Locate Locate FunctionAuto Play Executing the Auto Play function Auto ReturnPress the desired memory key Press the Locate key Executing the Auto Return function Auto RepeatStore the Auto RTN Start and Auto RTN END points Start playback a little before the Auto RTN END point Start playback a little before the Auto RTN Start point Executing the Auto Repeat function Previewing the rise of the sound fade Preview FunctionDisplay indication during the Preview operation Previewing the fall of the sound fade out Trimming the sound while previewing Executing the Preview functionMemory key Operation Example Time Base is ABS value of SF flashes Setting Midi Sync OUT Connecting and setting an external deviceMidi Synchronization Midi clock sync system Midi Mixing down while syncing Midi sound sources MTC sync/Machine Control system Please read this Mixing down while syncing the Midi sound sources Setting up the external device Sync system in Slave modeSetting the FD-8 Set the following items on the sequence software Recording Checking the chase and lock operation Setup of adat master Sync system with adat by the slave modeSetting on the FD-8 slave Equipment connections Checking Chase Lock Offset mode ABS Saving and Loading Song Data Using a Scsi drive as the current driveOutline of the save/load operation Fostex D-5, Pioneer D-05 Title of data to be saved to a backup Scsi disk Saving/loading data using another Scsi drive Press the EXIT/NO key to exit Setup mode Insert an unformatted disk into the backup driveSave PGM ? menu Load PGM ? menu Three backup disks are required Saving/loading via a DAT or adat Save DAT or adat Saving song data via a DAT or adat Start recording on the DAT or adat Use the JOG dial to select the desired tracksUse the JOG dial to select a Program to save Tips Loading song data via a DAT or adat Start playing the DAT or adat Use the JOG dial to select a Program into which to load data Set the Selector in the monitor section to MON Saving and loading song data via a Scsi drive If you do not wish to delete the existing data If you wish to delete the existing data Selecting Setup mode Changing the Initial Settings Setup Mode Storing a time signature Setting a time signature Sign. Set ? menuSelect a Program for which to set a time signature Modifying or deleting stored time signatures Clearing all time signature and tempo settingsRotate the JOG dial to enter the desired measure number Measures Checking the stored tempo setting Setting a tempo Tempo Set ? menuStoring a tempo value 100 Setting the Metronome function Setting the Metronome function Click ? menu101 Repeat steps 3-5 to store necessary tempo data Setting a preroll time Setting a preroll value Preroll ? menu102 Turn the JOG dial to select on or oFF Setting Midi sync signal Setting Midi sync output signal Sync Out ? menuTurn the JOG dial to select the desired Midi sync signal 103 Setting an MTC offset value Mtc Offset ? menu Setting an MTC frame rate Frame Rate ? menuSetting an MTC frame rate 104 Setting an MTC offset Setting Offset mode Ofset Mode ? menu105 Setting MTC Offset mode Setting the Slave mode Slave Mode ? menuTurning Slave mode on and off 106 Setting the Slave type external sync signal Setting the Slave type Slave Type ? menu107 Recording enabled/disabled Setting the Record Protect function Rec Protect ? menuUse the JOG dial to enable or disable recording 108 Setting digital input tracks Setting digital input tracks Digi. In ? menu109 JOG dial to specify a track Setting digital output tracks Setting digital output tracks Digi. Out ? menu110 Setting BAR/BEAT resolution mode Setting BAR/BEAT resolution mode Resolu ? menuUse the JOG dial to turn the mode on or off 111 Setting the Midi device ID Setting the Midi device number Device ID ? menuChecking the number of track events NOs Event ? menu 112 113 Checking the number of track events 114 Midi Implementation ChartTransmitted Recognized Remarks MMC Response/Information Field List Command Command List Movement Recorder115 Specifications Maintenance116 117 118 Block Diagram Index Fostex Corporation List of Scsi drive and media checked for function as of Aug