Fostex X-12 Before Using, Cassette tape suitable for recording, Using write-protection tabs

Model X-12 Owner's Manual

Before Using the X-12

<Differences between multitracker and cassette deck recording>

Boom boxes and stereo cassette decks record on both the A and B sides of cassette tape. As shown in Fig. 1, the cassette tape is divided in 4 tracks of which 2 are used for the A side and the remaining 2 for the B side (4 track 2 channel).

<Fig. 1> Boom box / Cassette deck

side B	ch L
	ch R

R ch

L ch A side

Hint!

You can perform multitrack recording using a tape that was recorded on a boom box or a cassette deck. Refer to page 16 for more details.

<Handling cassette tapes>

Cassette tape suitable for recording:

The X-12 is designed to perform best with high-position cassette tape (TYPE II, HIGH). We recommended these or their equivalent.

The tape in C-120 versions (60 minutes each side) is too thin and not suitable for repeated recording or playback. Use C-90 or shorter tapes for stable performance.

Using write-protection tabs:

A multi-tracker as shown in Fig. 2, all four tracks can be recorded without turning over the cassette (four track 4 channel). For the X-12, the 4 tracks are recorded one at a time (some multitrackers can record multiple number of tracks in each pass). Also, in multitrackers, since all tracks are recorded in the same direction, if such a cassette tape is played back in a radio cassette or cassette deck, tracks 1 and 2 will be heard correctly but if the tape is turned over, tracks 3 and 4 will be heard in reverse.

<Fig. 2> Multitracker, such as X-12

Track 4
Track 3	A side
Track 2
Track 1

On the spine of a cassette tape are write- protection tabs that are used to prevent any recorded data from being erased accidentally.

You may want to break the tab for side A and side B of a cassette tape that you have already recorded, since the X-12 uses all four tracks at the same time.

If you later wish to record data on a tape with broken tabs, apply a piece of scotch tape to cover the tab hole.

Write-protection tabs

** Advice **

Fresh or recorded tapes should not be kept in locations of strong magnetic fields (near speakers and TV sets) and stored in dust free and non-humid locations.

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