Fostex DMT-8VL Digital Multitrack, Hard Drive Recording System

January 16, 1997 -- With twice the number of tracks, no compression and a lower price, the new Fostex DMT-8VL provides the MI industry with a clearly superior-and upgradeable hard disk digital multitrack recording and editing system. At a time when the MI industry is demanding new levels of higher performance value, Fostex Corporation of America today announced the introduction of the Fostex DMT-8VL, a revolutionary technological achievement that combines the best of proven, professional hard disk technology with a price that literally redefines what a cost-effective small eight-track digital recording and editing system can do.

Instead of a limited play, four-track system that relies upon digital compression schemes, the Fostex DMT-8VL offers eight uncompressed digital audio tracks, a full featured analog mixing console and the massive storage power of a hard drive-based architecture for the unprecedented low price of only $1,295.00.

The Fostex DMT-8VL offers hard disk technology's proven reliability to provide users with eight tracks of 16-bit, 44.1 kHz (CD digital quality standard) uncompressed digital audio. Other specifications of the DMT-8VL include 18-bit, 128X oversampling A-to-D conversion, and 20-bit D-to-A converters. The integrated mixing section of the Fostex DMT-8VL incorporates two-band equalization on each of eight channels and two aux sends.

Each channel has an input channel select switch, a long-throw 80-millimeter fader for precise level settings, and a stereo in-line monitor section. There are also direct inputs and outputs, and independent monitor outputs. Furthermore, by connecting the monitor outputs to the recorder inputs, the monitor signal appears in digital form at the data output ports. The DMT-8VL's input/output versatility of configuration means that at mixdown, the DMT-8VL offers the user the eight recorded tracks, plus eight input signals, plus a pair of stereo aux returns for a total of 20 separate, discrete signal sources.

But before you get to the mix, the DMT-8VL offers plenty of versatility for editing. Better cut-copy/paste/move word processing-type edit functions are ergonomically located and straightforward to use for fast, accurate manipulation of text file audio. A large fluorescent display panel tells users at a glance the operational status of all machine and recording functions. The entire DMT-8VL was designed to be easy and intuitive to use. The Fostex DMT-8VL hard disk recorder is also an expandable platform, with Fostex already researching the implementation of removable hard drives to further expand its storage capabilities.

The introduction of the Fostex DMT-8VL at the 1997 Winter NAMM Show is significant in that it reflects Fostex's expectations that the DMT-8VL will carve out a large niche in the fast-growing market for small digital linear recording systems. "What's happening is that many manufacturers are looking to a new format-MD -in a sort of planned obsolescence move," explained Dick Ravich, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Fostex Corporation of America. "While the market for the analog cassette-based multi :rack remains strong -- and Fostex remains committed to that market with an extensive product line -- that market sees itself transitioning to a digital environment.

"Fostex has already established itself as a leader in linear hard disk recording with products such as the DMT-8 and the D-80 hard disk recorders. The introduction of the DMT-8VL takes that proven technology to a new price point, one never seen before for a linear hard disk recording system."

At a retail price of $1,295,00, the Fostex DMT-8VL offers the industry's very best performance value for digital multitrack recording and editing. Using a hard diskbased system the DMT-8VL offers far superior sound quality with no compressed audio. And the use of a hard drive for data storage eliminates any compatibility issues between systems. The Fostex DMT-8VL is simply a smarter implementation of existing technology in a more innovative manner.

Those interested in learning more about the complete Fostex product line can visit the company's World Wide Web Site, "Fostex Online," at http://www.fostex.com.