Fostex Debuts NF-1A Powered Studio Monitor

NF-1
(Click for a close-up)

February 10, 2000 -- Fostex announces the introduction of the NF-1A, a powered version of the recently-introduced NF-1 near field studio monitor. Both models feature patent-pending ‘HP’ (hyperbolic parabolic) technology and radical new design concepts.

The NF-1A is bi-amped with two proprietary 60-watt amplifiers and features balanced XLR and unbalanced phone inputs. In order to match the response of different rooms, the units have adjustable boost / cut filters at 60Hz and 10kHz, and a 3dB attenuator at 3kHz to help reduce the possibility of ear fatigue. The tweeter level is also adjustable +/-3dB.

"The NF-1A carves quite a niche in the near field studio monitor market," says Phil Celia, director of sales for Fostex Corporation of America. "There is nothing on the market that can match its performance and price-point. Given the positive reaction we have enjoyed with the NF-1, the new powered version should obviously do well in studios and with independent recording engineers who move from room to room. Both products employ the patent pending technology termed ‘hyperbolic parabolic’ (HP), which is the result of years of transducer research and development. This represents the first major breakthrough in component design in years. The HP design concept contributes to superb imaging and horizontal dispersion, providing the tightest off-axis response of any monitor in its class."

The NF-1A’s new 6.5-inch HP woofer design not only adds more strength than a conventional cone, it also contributes to wider horizontal dispersion and extremely low distortion. Additionally, the cone material utilizes a unique combination of wood and banana pulp fibers. Developed by Fostex, this proprietary process provides a distortion-free cone without sacrificing the intrinsic properties of pulp.

The newly developed URD tangential diaphragm edge and push-pull damper provide unparalleled linearity and responsiveness. The tweeter employed utilizes a newly designed polyurethane film lamented cloth (UFLC) diaphragm (soft-dome) that provides exceptional frequency response up to 40kHz. The woofer operates at full-range from 50Hz to 10kHz and a simple network ensures a seamless transition between components without the distortion associated with a conventional LC crossover.

The time-aligned enclosure features a baffle shape to minimize reflective frequencies and has internal HP sound reflectors, which virtually eliminate standing waves. The enclosure also employs magnetic shielding for use in close proximity to CRT video monitors.

Suggested retail price on the Fostex NF-1A is $1,598.00 per pair.

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