Fostex FD-4 User Manual

Introduction/Main features

Thank you for choosing the Fostex FD-4.  The FD-4 is a
four-track multitracker equipped with two additional
virtual tracks.  It uses a SCSI removable disk, such as a
Zip cartridge or an MO disk, as a recording media to
perform six-track recording and four-track playback.

The FD-4 is equipped with a four-channel analog mixer
that achieves the high tonal quality required by state-
of-the-art digital recording.

• The mixer section features four input channels.  Inputs 1

and 2 supports line level input and Inputs 3 and 4 support
a wide range of input sources, from line level to mic level.

• Inputs 3 and 4 are equipped with a microphone amplifier, a

three-stage trim switch, and an insert jack, as well as a
balanced XLR connector.

• All input channels have a three-point equalizer (two channels:

shelving, one channel: parametric), that allow for a sharp
and high-responsive tone adjustment.

• Two AUX sends and returns allows for flexible sound

processing.  You can connect two ambient-type signal
processors with stereo outputs.

• The mixer section also features an “All Stereo Mix function”

that facilitates producing a stereo masterpiece and allows
you to master all sources in stereo, including synchronizing
MIDI sound sources.

The FD-4’s recorder section uses a recording format called
FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3).  It uses an
external SCSI device (stationary disk or removable disk)
as the recording media.

• Two Additional tracks enable for stereo ping-pong recording

of four Real tracks.

• The FD-4 features non-destructive audio editing (a great

advantage of digital recording) such as Copy & Paste, Move
& Paste, Erase, etc.  You can choose Time Base (ABS or MTC)
or MIDI bar/beat/clock as the unit.

• Three recording modes: Normal mode, Mastering mode 1,

and Mastering mode 2, to support various recording media.

• A “Preview function” allows for an intuitive fine-adjustment

of an editing point (locate point).

• An “Undo/Redo function” enables you to easily correct

recording and editing mistakes.

• A “Vari Pitch function” allows you to fine-tune the pitch.

• A “Digital Input Track Setting function” is used to record

digital signals from CD or MD to any track on the FD-4.
(This function is available when recording mode is set to
Mastering mode 1 or 2.)

• A “Digital Output Track Setting function” enables you to

output digital signals by selecting any two output sources
from Real tracks 1-4 and the L/R outputs in the mixer section.

• You can also use the DATA IN/OUT jacks to mix down digital

signals to an external DAT, and to save and load song data
(audio data and SETUP mode settings) to and from the DAT.

• A “Digital Remix function” allows for digital output of all

twelve sources remixed in the mixer section.

• MIDI clock and Song Position Pointer can be transmitted

according to the internal programmable Tempo Map.
You can set up a synchronization system with a sequencer or
a rhythm machine without wasting a track.

• You can use the FD-4 as a sync slave machine by sending

MTC from a connected device.

• The FD-4 supports MTC, MMC, and Fostex System Exclusive

Message, which allows for advanced control and high-
precision synchronization from external sequencing software.
You  can set the device number and MTC frame rate for MMC
and Fostex System Exclusive Message.  Also, “MTC Offset
function” and “Offset Mode function” are useful for setting
up a sync environment using an external sequencing software.

• Auto Punch In/Out and Manual Punch In/Out

functions offer two modes: “Take” for a real recording,
and “Rehearsal” for monitoring the part between the in
and out points.

• The “Program Select function” enables you to select a

song from up to 99 songs and name the songs.

• Recorder In jacks (L/R) are used to record audio

directly to the recorder section, bypassing the mixer
section.

• A “Bar/Beat Resolution function” is used to edit audio

at the beginning of the beat (round up or round off to
a beat).

• The “Metronome function” can be used as a rhythm

guide for recording.

• Various edit functions using an edit point (locate

point), such as Copy & Paste, Move & Paste, Erase, Auto
Punch In/Out, Auto Locate, are available. You can also
locate ABS 0 or REC END regardless of the edit point
(locate point).

• You can set a preroll time of 0 to 10 seconds.

• A “Disk Remain Display function” offers a clear

indication of available recording time and disk space
(in mono track recording). You can choose the Time
Base from ABS, MTC, and BAR/BEAT/CLK.