Fostex Introduces New Digital 8-Track

The VF 80 is Fostex's new hard disk based digital recorder in the tradition of the basic features of its 16-track predecessor, the VF60, according to Phil Celia, Director of Sales & Marketing. The new model is presented as an all in one solution for 8 channel multitrack recording and mastering. New improved features include a superior on board effects chip and an optional internal CD-R/RW drive.

"Our new and improved ASP Effects are equivalent to the EFF2 that our 16-track model uses to great advantage," Celia said, "and anyone who has heard these sophisticated effects will agree that we have a winner here."

A new microphone simulator and guitar effects have also been added. These improvements are responsive to market demands forever increasing the musicality of effects that began as crude electronic enhancements.

"Our market research also found that guitar inputs were most desirable for this type of product. Players want to be able to have the freedom to plug their instruments directly into the recording unit in order to avoid the noise factor typical when a mic is picking up guitar amp," Celia explained.

The VF80 also has sophisticated Mastering Effects for better, cleaner finished mixes. The carefully chosen equalization frequencies, together with built-in compression and reverb are available on the master tracks. "The results are much more professional sounding-no more distortion caused by peak overload and no more dry, flat-sounding vocals-Celia said, "and the optional built-in CD burner gives the customer the choice of having everything self-contained, or using an external CD device."

16 virtual tracks along with 8 real tracks offer the user a total of 24 tracks to work with. This functionality expands the scope of 8-track recording, giving the user additional tracks to experiment with, so that the creative flow isn't hampered by product limitations.

Additional features include:

• 2 band EQ with Library
• Highly informative dot matrix LCD display (128x64mm)
• 3.5" E-IDE HD incorporated as standard
• Non-linear editing, e.g., Copy, Move, Paste, Erase and Exchange
• Non-destructive editing offers 1 level Undo/Redo
• 99 Scene Memories including Sequential Recall Playback
• Training mode on Playback (to learn/practice musical passages)

The VF80 will be available in February and will carry a MSRP of $699.00 without the CD burner. . MSRP for the CD-1A integral CD burner is $499.00. MAP is $299.00.