Switching the time base, Disk remain indication

Basic Recording/Playback

LCD

This section describes major contents on the LCD display and their operations.

Switching the time base

Each press of the [TIME BASE SEL] key cycles the time base of the Normal screen between “ABS”, “BAR/BEAT/ CLK” and “MTC”.

Display when turning on the power

When turning on the power of the VF80 on which a formatted hard disk is installed, the unit starts up and “Initial..” and “version number” appears on the LCD display, followed by “Current Dr”, “IDE”, “hard disk name (momentarily)” and “record mode (Standard or Quick)”. Then the unit gets ready at the beginning (ABS 0) of the program which was selected when the power was turned off last time. The current position is shown by the time base previously selected.

The display that appears when the unit gets ready is call “Normal screen”. The Normal screen shows the fol- lowing items.

Screen example while starting up

Normal screen

1. Scene number & name

With the initial setting, “S00: Initial Mix” appears.

2. Program number & name

With the initial setting, “P01: #0001” (#0001 is a tentative name) appears.

3. Mark number & name

With the initial setting, “00: ABS 0” appears, showing that the current location is at the beginning of the program. When the recorder starts running, “:” between the number and name is replaced with “+”.

4.Time base

With the initial setting, the ABS time base is selected.

You can change the time base by using the [TIME BASE SEL] key (see the next section).

5.Level meters for Tracks 1 through 8

6.Master level meters for the Stereo output (L, R)

Normal screen with ABS time base

Normal screen with BAR/BEAT/CLK time base

Normal screen with MTC time base

“Disk remain” indication

You can check the disk remaining space which shows the “recordable space left on the current disk”.

The disk remaining space (REM) is shown during “Rec ready” or “Recording”, in “time” when the remaining time is less than 100 hours, or in “MB (Megabyte)” of the remaining space when it exceeds 100 hours.

Note that the remaining time is shown as the record- able time when you record onto a single track.

You can calculate the recordable time for recording onto 8 tracks by dividing the displayed remaining time by 8.

Remaining time displayed in time

Remaining time displayed in MB

VF80 specifications

The Fostex VF80 is a notable addition to the world of compact digital recording, particularly appealing to musicians, producers, and sound engineers looking for a portable device that doesn’t compromise on quality. This versatile digital multitrack recorder provides a mixture of user-friendly features that make it ideal for both studio and mobile applications.

At the heart of the Fostex VF80 is its 8-track recording capability, which allows users to capture multiple audio sources simultaneously. This is particularly advantageous for band setups or when layering various instruments. The device operates using a 20-bit A/D and D/A conversion for top-notch audio quality, ensuring that each recording is crisp and clear. The VF80 supports both analog and digital inputs, accommodating a variety of equipment, thereby enhancing its versatility.

One of its standout features is the built-in CD-R/W drive, allowing users to easily burn their recordings onto CDs, making it simple to share demos and final mixes. The VF80 utilizes a 10-voice digital mixer with various built-in effects such as reverb and delay, enabling musicians to craft their sound directly on the device without the need for external processing.

The user interface is designed for efficiency, featuring an easy-to-read LCD screen and intuitive controls, which makes navigating through tracks, edits, and settings straightforward. The VF80 also includes a metronome and tuner, essential tools for musicians during recording sessions.

Storage-wise, the Fostex VF80 employs an internal hard drive, ensuring ample space for long sessions and large projects. Accessibility to a broad range of file formats allows for efficient track management and compatibility with computer-based audio editing software.

Included with the device are various input options like standard mic preamps, making it suitable for various recording scenarios, from vocals to instruments. The robust construction of the VF80 ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments, making it a reliable choice for professionals.

Overall, the Fostex VF80 merges functionality with portability, making it a fantastic companion for anyone looking to produce high-quality audio recordings without the fuss of intricate equipment setups. Its blend of features makes it an attractive option for both amateurs and seasoned audio professionals alike.

Fostex VF80 Switching the time base, Display when turning on the power, Disk remain indication

Models: VF80

LCD