The Fostex D-160 is a digital multitrack recorder capable of recording up to 16 tracks and eight additional tracks, using a 3.5-inch E-IDE removable hard disk as the recording media instead of traditional tape. For 16-track recording and playback, an optional Model 9041 (1.3GB removable hard disk cartridge) is available. It offers a recording/playback time of 240 minutes based on a single-track calculation. The Fostex D-160 employs a non-compression recording technique and 16-bit linear quantisation to achieve high-quality recording/playback. It features two “Adat I/O” that are switchable for S/P DIF, allowing for 16-track simultaneous recording (8 analogue, 8 digital/16 digital) as well as 8-track simultaneous recording and 16-track simultaneous playback.
By combining the Fostex D-160 with different digital mixing consoles, it’s effortless to set up a completely digital recording system. Additionally, you have the option to back up your recordings from the hard disk to an Adat or DAT machine.
The Fostex D-160 offers a standard SCSI terminal for high-speed backup. Additionally, it includes several non-destructive editing functions, including copy, move & paste, erase, etc., utilising three-time bases, and a +/-6% Vari-pitch function. It supports MTC and MMC, output of MIDI clock and Song Position Pointer via an internal Tempo Map, and advanced controls by FEX, creating a complete MIDI environment.
The Fostex D-160 also has a Program Change function to manage up to 99 Programs, and you can assign a title to each song (Program).
Installing an optional 8345 TC/SYNC card enables the Fostex D-160 to support slave operation for the incoming LTC, and synchronisation with video reference signals and Word Clock, as well as to output Word Clock signal to an external digital device. Installing an optional 5041 balanced 8-16 I/O card would add +4dBu analogue, balanced I/Os. Please read this User’s Guide thoroughly and keep it in a safe place so that you will be able to produce high-definition, high tonal quality music and make the best use of the Fostex D160 for a long time.
The Fostex D-160 is equipped with the following functions:
- Employs a 3.5-inch E-IDE type removable hard disk system. With an optional 9041 (1.3GB removable hard disk cartridge), 16-track (plus additional 8 tracks) recording and playback. Total 240 minutes recording/playback time based on a single-track calculation.
- Non-compression recording/16 bit linear quantisation and sampling rates of 44.1kHz and 48kHz (assignable for each Program and each playback), achieving true CD quality. “Adat optical I/O” (switchable to S/P DIF), enables 16-track simultaneous recording (8 analogue, 8 digital). Connecting ADAT output (x2) of a digital console and ADAT optical inputs (x2) of the D-160 allows for 16-track simultaneous digital recording.
- Employs a new disk management method, “FDMS-3” (Fostex Disk Management System-3). With this method, only the recorded part consumes the disk space, which allows highly efficient multitrack recording.
- Program Change function for managing up to 99 Programs (each Program title editable).
Non-volatile locate memory for each Program, with a pre-roll time of 0 – 10 seconds. - Bar/beat Resolution function for storing memory in Bar/Beat units.
- Significantly improved efficiency with an FL display that features a high-visibility 16-character indication.
- Erase Program function and Delete Program function, convenient for efficient song management.
- MIDI IN/OUT/THRU terminals support the output of MIDI clock and Song Position Pointers via an internal Tempo Map, as well as support MTC/MMC. They also support advanced recorder control via FEX (Fostex System Exclusive) for advanced functions. These terminals, along with the functions to store the MTC output offset by Bar/Beat, to store 24-hour MTC offset, and to display external MTC (or LTC), will facilitate configuring an integrated MIDI environment.
- A programmable internal Tempo Map, with a selection of eleven time signatures and a quarter note range of 30 to 250, and Metronome function.
- REC Protect function to prevent accidental recording
- Number Of Events Monitor function that monitors the overflow of events. The number of created events can be displayed for each track.
- Installing an optional 8345 TC/SYNC card allows for the MTC-to LTC conversion and output, as well as the slave operation for incoming LTC.
- It also allows for synchronisation with video reference signals and Word Clock, as well as output of Word Clock signal to an external digital device.
- Selectable reference time code (MTC/LTC), with six frame rates (24/25/30ND/30DF/29.97 ND/29.97DF).
- Wide selection of slave types (Vari, S/P DIF, ADAT, Free), 8345 clock (INT/VIDEO/WORD/AUTO), and WORD out (8345/D-160) to support various sync environment. Eight Sync Presets available to recall complex sync settings at once.
- The optional 5041 will add eight +4dBu, analogue balanced inputs (D-SUB25 pin x 1) and 16 outputs (D-SUB25 pin x 2) to the D160’s -10dBV unbalanced I/Os (RCA pin).
- Adat backup as well as conventional DAT backup supported. Equipped with a standard SCSI interface, which allows for a highspeed data backup to an external SCSI device. Also, a Save Length Setting function enables backup of the specified part of a Song.
- +/-6% Vari-pitch function for fine pitch adjustment without significant tonal quality deterioration.
- Sixteen standard tracks, plus eight additional tracks (Tr. 17-24).
- Track Exchange function for swapping any tracks 1-24. Track exchange of eight tracks (1-8, 9-16, 17-24) is also available.
- Detachable controller, which can be extended up to 10 meters with two optional 8551 extension cables (5m).
- High-speed edit functions, typical for a hard disk, such as non destructive copy & paste, move & paste, erase, and undo/redo. You can also specify the number of repeated operations (up to 99 times).
- Three Time Base (ABS, MTC, Bar/Beat), REMAIN indication based on each Time Base, and indication of remaining hard disk space.
- Auto Punch In/Out with rehearsal, Auto RTN/Play, Locate ABS 0, and Locate ABS END function for checking the recording end point.
- Digital scrubbing with the JOG dial, and audio cue with the SHUTTLE dial.
