Fostex VF80EX Precautions at MTC related setups, One Point Advice, Offset mode For ABS

Advanced Operations (VF80EX)

Execution of recording

Carry out various recordings while the recorder is chase locked to the sequence software.

<Precautions at MTC related setups>

The position (ABS 0 or 001BAR/1BEAT/00CLK) when the setup MTC (MTC offset time) should be output was setup by the “MTC offset time setting” and “MTC offset mode setting.” In accordance to start time of the tune set by the sequence software, setup as explained below.

Offset mode: For ABS

Set the MTC offset time about three seconds prior to the start time of the tune set by the sequence software. Because the recorder cannot immediately chase lock after input of MTC, in order to sync the unit from head of the tune, set the preroll using the sequence software, and playback from before the actual head of the tune to allow the recorder to enter into sync by the time it arrives at the head of the tune.

Offset mode: For BAR/BEAT

The MTC offset time can be set to the same time as the start time of the tune set by the sequence software. Because the “ABS 0” position is set at the “002BAR/1BEAT/ 00CLK” position in the unit, as mentioned before, the preceding time required for sync is already set.

The preceding time of two bar lengths could change in length depending on the first bar’s “signature setting” and “tempo setting” mentioned before. For example, it will be longer if the tempo is slowed down.

<One Point Advice>

Sync signal “Vari” of the “Slave mode setting” menu: When the VF80EX is made to chase lock by MTC only, variable pitch will be constantly applied by external MTC. If a digital signal is output to an external digital equipment from the VF80EX, it will not be able to follow the speed difference (MTC speed difference of the master) of the VF80EX and the external digital equipment, in some cases, may not be able to input a continuous digital signal.

As a counter measure, the sync signal should be set to “Free” by the “Slave mode setting” menu. Using this setting, the VF80EX will enter self operation by the internal clock, after completion of chase lock, and it will be possible to supply a stable digital signal to the external equipment.

Under this setting, when MTC drift between the master recorder and slave recorder exceeds 10 frames, the VF80EX will assume that chase lock has been disengaged and the slave recorder will carry out position matching again with the master unit (re-chase operation).

During the re-chase operation, sound output will be muted and the digital signal will also be interrupted. If it is within 10 frames, the slave recorder will continue to run while admitting this drift.

<Notes>

•Chase lock of the VF80EX by MTC only is permissible when speed difference of the MTC from the master is within +/- 5.6%.

Against the MTC within this range, variable pitch will be constantly applied internally for chasing. Chase lock, however, will not function against MTC at a speed difference outside this range. Also, when the master speed difference is large, it is advised to let the VF80EX learn the master speed by entering PLAY prior to recording. By doing so, it will be lock faster from the second and later sessions.

•Normally, when “Setup of slave type” is set to “Vari,” the VF80EX will be constantly controlled by vari-pitch and follow the MTC, which is the master.

However, if the digital input is set to “On” via the SETUP mode “Setup of digital input” , it will be in “Word clock external sync operation” by the digital signal (S/P DIF) that is input.

Therefore, it must be noted that when “Setup of digital input” is executed, even though “Setup of slave type” is set to “Vari” , it will not follow by application of vari- pitch and upon completion of lock, it will change to external sync operation by the digital input signal.

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