Fostex D-1624 User guide

<About this manual>
This manual is the Quick Operation Guide for the Model D824/D1624.
This manual describes important information for using the recorder for the
first time including "Preparation of a recording medium" and "Formatting a
disk". Please read this manual carefully before using the recorder.
In addition, this manual also describes the basic operations such as "Connect-
ing the recorder to an external mixing console", "Basic recording for analog
source" and "Basic recording for digital source". Even if this is the first time
for you to use the recorder, you will be able to understand the basic opera-
tions of the recorder by reading this manual.
To use all of the recorder’s functions, please also read the separate Reference
manual. The pages of the Reference manual to be referred to are shown on
page 25.
<Note>
Because all keys and buttons on the Model D824 and D1624 are identical,
most descriptions are done based on the Model D1624. Please note any dif-
ferences between the Model D824 and D1624, the explanation or note for
each model will be described.
Quick Operation Guide
8 Track Digital Recorder
8288 463 000
Model
16 Track Digital Recorder
Model

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
"WARNING"
"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE."
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. FollowInstructions-Alloperatinganduseinstructionsshould
be followed.
5. Waterand Moisture -The appliance shouldnot be usednear
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundrytub,inawetbasement,ornearaswimmingpool,and
the like.
6. Cartsand Stands - The applianceshould be usedonly with a
cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat
sourcessuchas radiators,heatregisters,stoves,or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an
appliance is not defeated.
12. PowerCordProtection-Powersupplycordsshouldberouted
sothattheyare not likely to bewalkedonorpinchedby items
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
14. NonusePeriods - Thepower cord ofthe appliance shouldbe
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period
of time.
15. ObjectandLiquidEntry-Careshouldbetakensothatobjects
donotfallandliquidsarenotspilledintotheenclosurethrough
openings.
16. DamageRequiringService-Theapplianceshouldbeserviced
by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objectshave fallen,or liquidhas beenspilled intothe appliance;
or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing-Theusershouldnotattempttoservicetheappliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
Thelightningflashwitharrowheadsymbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated"dangerousvoltage"within the product's enclosure
thatmaybeofsufficientmagnitudetoconstituteariskofelectric
shock to persons.
Theexclamation point within anequilateraltriangle is intended
to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TOPREVENTELECTRICSHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU'
AU FOND.
Anapplianceandcartcombinationshouldbemovedwithcare.
Quickstops,excessiveforce,andunevensurfacesmaycause
the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted
toawallorceilingonlyasrecommendedbythemanufacturer.
8. Ventilation-Theapplianceshouldbesituatedsothatitslocation
or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
<Recording media>
This recorder is not equipped with recording media for recording and playback. Please read the section
from page 5 to prepare the recording media to record, playback, and edit data on the recorder.
<Damages>
Fostex in not responsible for any direct or consequential damages caused by operating the recorder and/
or a connected E-IDE hard disk.
<Copyrights>
It is prohibited by law to use materials recorded on the recorder from music CDs and/ or video tapes for
which copyrights belong to a third party for commercial contents, broadcasts, sales, and/ or distribution,
except for your personal entertainment.

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
Contents
Package contents............................................................................................................ 5
Recording media ............................................................................................................. 5
Preparation for the current drive .................................................................................... 6
Installing a hard disk in a removable case ................................................................................. 6
Formatting a hard disk drive ....................................................................................................... 9
Checking the available recording time (REMAIN) on a formatted disk .................................. 11
Setup of the Internal Clock ........................................................................................... 12
Connecting a analog mixer........................................................................................... 13
Connections when using the D824 ........................................................................................... 13
Connections when using the D1624 ......................................................................................... 14
Connecting a digital mixer............................................................................................ 15
Connections when using the D824 ........................................................................................... 15
Connections when using the D1624 ......................................................................................... 15
Basic recording ............................................................................................................. 16
Initial settings ............................................................................................................................. 16
About sampling frequency ........................................................................................................ 16
Basic analog recording ............................................................................................................... 17
Undo and redo recording (single undo/redo ........................................................................... 18
Basic digital recording................................................................................................................ 19
Multitrack recording using overdubbing...................................................................... 21
Ping-pong recording ..................................................................................................... 21
MIxdown ........................................................................................................................ 21
Recording in a new Program ........................................................................................ 22
Basic Locate function ................................................................................................... 23
Playback using the Vari-pitch function ........................................................................ 24
Reference manual reference pages.............................................................................. 25

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
Package contents
Main unit Detachable controller
Dust cover
Install this cover over the
connectors on the
removable case after you
install the hard disk.
Refer to page “7” for more
information.
Hard disk fixing screws
Use these screws to fix the hard disk to
the removable case. Refer to page “7”
for more information.
Lock-unlock key
Use this key when you install the
removablecasewiththeharddiskinthe
recorder. Refer to page “8” for more
information.
Insulation paper
Use these seals when you
install the hard disk into the
removablecase. Refertopage
“7” for more information.
The recorder is not equipped with any recording medium for recording/playback such as a hard
disk drive (in this manual, we call the installed medium "current drive"). Therefore, to execute the
multitrack recording using the recorder, you have to separately prepare a current drive.
For a current drive, you can use any universal "E-IDE" hard disk drive* which has been tested and
approved by FOSTEX. A hard disk drive can be installed in the removable case attached.
Recording media
Make sure that the package contains all the items listed below. The illustrations may not precisely
match the appearance of the actual items. If you find that items are missing, contact your local
dealer.
<OPERATION CONFIRMED HD & BACKUP MEDIA LIST for FOSTEX D824/D1624>
The updated information on the operation-confirmed HD and backup media for D824/D1624 is
mentioned in the following Fostex international web site.
<http://www.fostex.co.jp/int/index.htm>
For those who are not able to check our web site, please contact Fostex distributor in your territory.
Removable case
Install a hard disk into this removable
case. Refer to page “6” for more
information.

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
Preparation for the current drive
Removable case Hard disk unit
Dust cover
Insulation seals
Lock-unlock key
Fixing screws
This recorder has a slot for an optional hard disk. First you need to install a hard disk into the
removable case included in this recorder package before you install it into the slot.
The following instructions assume that you have already purchased an E-IDE hard disk unit.
Prepare the following items for hard disk installation:
<Note>
Be sure to turn off the power to the recorder (or remove the power cable from the AC outlet) before
installing a hard disk.
First, you need to disassemble the removable case included in the package so that you can install a hard
disk into it.
Installing a hard disk in a removable case
Disassembling the removable case
1.Apply your thumb to the edge of the case on the connector side as shown in the figure, and slightly pull the cover in the
direction of the arrow.
2.Apply your thumbs to the side of the case and open the cover. In the same manner, open the cover on the other side.
(Caution: Be careful not to pinch your fingers.)
<Notes on handling a hard disk>
• A hard disk is a high-precision device. Do not apply any impact to the disk when and after you install it in
the case. Do not leave the disk near a device that generates a strong magnetic field. Choose a level and stable
surface for installation. Be careful not to injure yourself.
Fostex is not liable for any malfunction or damage to the hard disk caused by mishandling.
• You need to set the DIP (Jumper) switch on the hard disk to “MASTER” before you install it into the removable
case. If the switch is set to “SLAVE,” the hard disk will not function correctly.
Refer to the instruction manual that came with your hard disk for more information on the DIP (Jumper)
switch setting.

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
<Note>
When you assemble the case, follow the note below:
If a projecting part on the hard disk touches the cover, apply the insulation seal (included in the
package) to the surface of the case where the part would touch. If you use the disk with its part
touching the cover, a short-circuit may occur, leading to a malfunction.
1.Assemble the case by installing the covers.
After you assemble the case, store the case in a place not subject to magnetic fields. If you remove the case
from the recorder and store or move the unit, cover the connectors on the removable case with the dust cover
(included in the package) to protect the hard disk from building up static electricity and dust.
Do not touch the connectors with your fingers to avoid static electricity.
Assembling the case
Connecting cables
1.Connect the cables in the removable case to the connectors on the rear of the hard disk.
As shown in the figure, first connect the power supply cable. Make sure that you connect the cables securely
in the correct direction.
Fixing the hard disk to the case
1.Align the screw holes.
As shown in the figure, align the screw holes on the side of the disk with the holes on the case.
2.Insert four included fixing screws (two screws on each side) and tighten them.
Align the screw holes on the other side of the hard disk with the holes
on the case. Tighten four screws (two on each side).
<Note on the connectors>
Some connectors on the hard disks may be too tight to connect cables easily. Do not apply excessive
force to such connectors to avoid injury or damage to the hard disk.
<Note on tightening the screws>
Do not tighten the screws too much. Otherwise, you may damage the case.

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
Installing the removable case in the recorder
1. Remove the blank panel that covers the slot for the disk on the front panel of the recorder. (Note: Do not insert your
fingers into the slot when the slot cover is open. Otherwise, electrical shock or injury may occur.)
2. Install the removable case (containing a hard disk inside) into the slot.
Push in the case with the correct side facing toward you. (Use both hands to push it in so that the surface of
the case and the front panel become flush.)
3. Use the included key to lock the removable case.
Connecting a detachable controller
1. Attach a detachable controller (included) to the hooks on the front panel.
2. Securely insert the controller’s connector cable to the connector on the front panel.
Instead of using the controller, you may use an optional extension cable (Model 8551). Consult your dealer
for more information.
Model 8551 Optional extension cable
Consult the dealer you purchased the recorder from or our sales office about information on
the extension cable.
Blank panel Removable case
<CAUTION>
Do not forget to lock the removable case installed into the slot.
When locking or unlocking the removable case with the key, make sure that the recorder's
power is off.
Lock-unlock key

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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
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Formatting a hard disk drive
After installing a hard disk drive into the recorder, you must format the disk; otherwise you cannot
record or playback any data. Note that the following explanation assumes that the disk is
unformatted. If you want to know how to reformat a formatted disk, see the Reference manual.
1. Turn the power on.
The display will show the ROM version and time/date,
followed by [Initializing...] -> [Current IDE Drv] -> [(hard
disk model name)]. Then after [Unformat!] appears
momentarily, the recorder automatically accesses the Disk
Format menu in the SETUP mode and the following screen
appears.
2. Press the EXECUTE/YES key.
The model name of the currently installed hard disk
appears with a flashing [SURE?], asking whether or
not to format the installed hard disk. The model
name is shown in *** area in the example below.
Flashing
<CAUTION>
Be sure to connect the recorder to the power supply specified in the specification section of the Refer-
ence manual. Do not use an AC outlet of any other voltage.
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Flashing 3. Press the EXECUTE/YES key again.
The display changes the screen for setting the sampling
frequency and quantization (default indication is [44.1kHz
24bit?]).
You can select a desired sampling frequency and quanti-
zation via the JOG dial from the following options;
[44.1kHz_24bit], [44.1kHz_16bit], [48kHz_16bit],
[48kHz_24bit], and [96k_24bit_8trk].
The following table may be helpful for you to make your
option.
Flashing
44.1kHz 48kHz 96kHz
16 bits 24 bits 16 bits 24 bits 24 bitsQuantization
Sampling frequency
D824
D1624
8 real tracks
+
16 additional tracks
16 real tracks
+
8 additional tracks
8 real tracks
+
16 additional tracks
Number of available
tracks
<Available recording time after formatting (common to D824 and D1624)>
A greater sampling frequency will reduce the available recording time/space after formatting. Under the same
sampling frequency setting, the greater quantization (bit number) reduces the available recording time.
The following table shows the "approximate available recording time" under each sampling frequency/quantiza-
tion. Depending on your medium, the available recording time may differ slightly. It will be a good idea to check
the available recording time. See “Checking the available recording time (REMAIN) on a formatted disk” on page 11.
Note that the available time values in the following table are based on a mono track recording.
10.0G Approx. 1258min. Approx. 1735min. Approx. 1156min. Approx.
577min.
Approx. 1888min.
44.1kHz 48kHz 96kHz
16 bits 24 bits 16 bits 24 bits 24 bits
Capacity
<Note>
As shown in the table above, if you format the current drive at 96 kHz/24 bits, only eight real tracks are available,
even with the D1624. Also note that data recorded on the current drive of the D824 or D1624 which is formatted at
96 kHz/24 bits cannot save to an external DAT recorder or adat. See the Reference manual for details about the
save/load operations.
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D824/D1624 Quick Operation Guide
SETUP
REMAIN FORMAT
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7. Press the EXIT/NO key or the STOPbutton.
The screen changes from the format menu in SETUP
mode to the ABS Time Base display.
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6.PresstheEXECUTE/YESwhileholdingdown
the RECORD button.
The size of unformatted area on the hard disk appears
on the display, and counts down as the formatting
progresses. (The following example shows a disk with
2100MB of unformatted space.)
Also, the segments in the “∞” column of the level meters
light up, and they turn off one by one starting from
the right end.
It will take a while to complete formatting, especially if
you are formatting a large-capacity disk.
This indicates the size of the unformatted area on the
hard disk.
The segments turn off one by one from
the right end as the formatting
progresses.
When the format operation is complete, the screen
changes as follows and disk operation stops.
When the format operation is
complete, [COMPLETED!] appears
and the disk stops.
For the D824, the indicators for tracks 1 -
8 will always light regardless of the se-
lectedsampling frequency. Forthe D1624,
the indicators for tracks 1 - 16 light when
selecting 44.1kHz or 48kHz while tracks
1- 8 light when selecting 96kHz.
4. Select the desired sampling frequency
usingtheJOG dialandpress theEXECUTE/
YES key.
By pressing the EXECUTE/YES key after selecting the
sampling frequency, the screen for the multiple undo On/
Off setting will appear. To select On or Off, the JOG dial
can be used. (The default setting is On.)
5.SelectOnorOffviatheJOGdial,andpress
the EXECUTE/YES key.
The screen for selecting the format appears (the default
shows [Standard Format?]).
You can select the format type between Standard Format
and Quick Format using the JOG dial. See the following
table about the format types.
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Flashing
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Flashing
Format type
Standard Format (default) Quick Format
Multiple Undo function
On (default) Off
During formatting, the re-
corder checks the hard disk
performance including the
access time of each block.
The time required for the for-
mat is longer but the reliabil-
ity is enhanced.
In general, it is best to select
this default format type.
Formatting this way, the re-
corder assumes that all sec-
torsin thehard diskare good
and simply formats the disk.
The time required to format
is very short, however, bad
sectorson the diskwill not be
found.
Select this format type only
when using a new hard disk
that is checked by FOSTEX.
Indicates the selected sampling fre-
quency (44.1kHz or 48kHz). When 96kHz
is selected, nothing will be indicated.
44.1kHz
SETUP
FORMAT
COMPLETED!
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When set to On, the undo
functionis appliedto all takes
(recording, editing, etc.) ex-
ecutedafter the diskhas been
formatted. However, con-
sumption of the hard disk in-
creases, so if the disk capac-
ity is not large enough, we
recommendsetting thisfunc-
tion to Off.
When set to Off, the undo
function is only applied to the
current take (recording, edit-
ing, etc.).
Ifthe disk capacityis not large
enough, we recommend set-
ting this function to Off.
For details on multiple undo function, refer to the Refer-
ence Manual.