Fostex PD-6 operation manual Introduction

PD-6DVD Location Recorder (Chapter 1: Introduction)

Introduction

The model PD-6 is a portable 6-track DVD location recorder using an 8- centimeter DVD-RAM disk as a recording medium.

To get the best performance in the circumstance of location recording, the PD-6 is equipped with a six-channel mixer in a light-weighted and small body, and you can make reliable long-time recording with an internal battery (equivalent to the NP-1 type). The PD-6 also offers video/word sync capability, allowing the perfect synchronization to video/picture equipment such as a video camera. In addition, it is equipped with a connector, conformed to IEEE1394, for direct connection to a personal computer, allowing transferring recorded audio file data to a personal computer for editing.

The versatile functions of the PD-6 make it the best location audio recorder for broadcasts and post productions.

Main features/functions

•Equipped with an ATAPI 8-centimeter DVD-RAM drive.

This drive is designed vibrationproof, and ensures high-speed access and reliability, which only the optical disk system can afford.

•The DVD-RAM disk format is conformed to “UDF Rev1.5”, which ensures great compatibility with personal computers.

•The recording file format is conformed to the BWF interleave 1 file specification. When a file is imported to a DAW such as the Pro Tools from the PD-6, it is separated to mono files.

•Various recording track modes are available. You can select a desired t rack mode from among 2, 4, 5 and 6, as well as 2+4 and 1+5 track modes.

•Supports 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz sampling frequencies with 24 bit quantization. At 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling frequency, you can also select 16 bit quantization.

•Supports video and word synchronization, allowing the PD-6 synchronized with external devices (such as video cameras). The PD-6 automatically recognizes a video or word signal.

•“Pre Record” function, a useful feature for location recording, allows to store maximum 10-second recent audio data into the buffer. You can start recording from the current audio data in the buffer. The buffer time can be set between 1 and 10 seconds.

•A six-channel analog mixer is built in. You can make direct track recording or mix recording. For example, you can record signals of channels 1 through 4 to tracks 1 through 4 respectively, while record stereo mix (rough mix) signals to tracks 5 and 6.

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