Fostex Debuts VM08 Eight-Channel Digital Mixer with DSP Effects

February 10, 2000 -- Fostex continues its growth in the low-cost digital mixer market with the launch of the VM08. Making its North American debut at the 2000 NAMM Show in Los Angles, the VM08 is an eight-channel version of the highly acclaimed VM04, offering 20-bit A/D-D/A converters, a 44.1 sampling rate and Fostex’s 24-bit A.S.P. (Advanced Signal Processing) effects processing technology.

"Based on the success we have experienced with the VM04, there was a demand to expand the product range," says Phil Celia, director of sales for Fostex Corporation of America. "The VM08 is an outstanding value; for the cost of an effects processor, you also get an eight-channel mixer. For recording applications, it’s perfect for cleaning up analog projects and sweetening the mixdown to DAT or CD-R. It also makes a great keyboard submixer, as well as a small sound reinforcement mixer. We anticipate that the VM08 will open up new markets previously dominated by more expensive, larger format mixers."

The VM08’s eight channels (four mic/line and four line) all offer three-band EQ, two aux/effects sends and pan. A total of 38 A.S.P effects presets—made up of reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers and combinations of multiple effects—are selectable pre- or post-fader. Parameters are all accessed via the mixer’s Channel Edit and View buttons, then adjusted by the intuitive Data dial. Mix and effects information is clearly displayed on the VM08’s custom backlit LCD display, while illuminated buttons provide high visibility even in low light conditions.

Up to 20 mixer and effects settings can be stored and recalled with scene number and name. An internal battery backup preserves these settings when the power is turned off. An optional footswitch can be used to scroll through a preset order of scenes with the tap of a foot.

The digital mixer features stereo analog and S/PDIF digital outputs, as well as a headphone output with rotary level adjustment. Via the S/PDIF output, the VM08 can be connected to Fostex’s FD-4 and FD-8 digital multitrackers to increase the number of simultaneous recording tracks.

The VM08’s excellent set of 24-bit digital effects utilize Fostex’s new A.S.P. Technology to offer the kind of sonic quality not usually associated with products at this price. By combining a special Harmonics Feedback Algorithm with Hi-Density Logarithmic Processing, A.S.P. effects offer higher gain in the early reflection characteristic and are free from the ‘grittiness’ associated with lesser technologies.

The suggested retail price on the Fostex VM08 is $499.00

For more information visit Fostex on the web at www.fostex.com.