Fostex D-160 User manual

D-90 &D-160
8 & 16 Track Digital Multitrack

C
hoosing to ‘go digital’ is fast
becoming one of the easier
equipment decisions you have to
make when considering a new
multitrack.
But choosing the right digital
multitrack can be somewhat more
difficult.
Before this decision can be made,
you have to be sure that your
chosen recorder excels in four
critical areas: audio quality,
expansion, synchronisation and
editing.
DDIIGGIITTAALLQQUUAALLIITTYY
Both the D-90 8 track and the D-160
16 track offer industry standards in
digital recording specification.
Using a combination of both 18-bit
& 20-bit converters, the machines
provide for CD-quality audio with
a choice of 44.1kHz & 48kHz
sample rates. Above all, the audio is
non-compressed meaning no
compromise in quality.
The optical digital I/O provides
dual functionality by offering
stereo in & out of any pair of tracks
via S/P-DIF plus a full 8 channel I/O
via the industry standard
ADAT™ format.
This allows for import and
export of digital linear recordings
to the Fostex non-linear format for
ease of editing as well as utilising
an ADAT™ compatible multitrack
for near real-time backup and
restore.
EEXXPPAANNSSIIOONN
At the heart of the design
philosophy of these two
multitracks is the ingenious
use of ‘caddy-held’ hard
drives as a recording medium
- increasing available
recording time is simply a
matter of changing and
inserting new hard drives.
SCSI-2 devices such as
SyQuest, Jaz, MO, etc. can
be used as another fast
backup and restore
solution.
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Both machines are able to act as
master or slave with the ability to
chase to incoming MTC; MTC plus
S/P-DIF or ADAT™ (optical); or run
free after MTC lock. In addition, by
adding the optional Model 8345
timecode board the D-160 can
chase and lock to incoming LTC
with the option of referencing to
video or word clock.
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Being non-linear format machines,
full and easy to operate copy, paste,
move and erase (with undo & redo)
editing is available across all tracks.
Your choice is now more simple.
At least you know it’s going to be a
Fostex.
Professional Digital Multitrack Record
D-90 &D-160
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK

ding
■ 16 track digital multitrack with no compression
■ 8 further ‘ghost tracks’ for additional takes
■ ADAT™ Digital Interface (simultaneous 16 channel)
■ ±6% pitch control with no loss in audio quality
■ Optional LTC Timecode board with Word & Video sync
■ SCSI-2 interface as standard for fast back-up of sessions
■ Balanced I/O option (+4dBu I/Os on D-sub 25-pin)
■ 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample frequencies
■ Up to 99 ‘Virtual reels’
■ Tempo mapping - create up to 64 tempo and signature
changes per song
■ Midi clock with song position pointer
■ MMC & FEX implemented for external MIDI control
■ Copy, paste, move & erase editing with undo & redo
■ Analogue & Digital I/0 (S/P-DIF & ADAT interface)
■ True multitrack recording - simultaneous 16 track
(8 analogue + 8 digital or 16 track digital) recording
D-160 features..
■ 8 track digital multitrack with no compression
■ 8 track simultaneous recording / playback
■ Copy, paste, move & erase editing with undo & redo
■ ADAT™ Digital Interface (simultaneous 8 channel)
■ ±6% pitch control with no loss in audio quality
■ SCSI-2 interface option for fast backup of sessions
■ MMC & Fostex Exclusive Message for controlling transport
from external MIDI device, e.g. sequencer
■ Approx. 150 mins recording to 6.4Gb drive @ 44.1KHz
■ 9 ‘Virtual reels’ ■ Versatile chase mode
■ Tempo mapping - create up to 64 tempo and signature
changes per song
■ Midi clock with song position pointer
■ Analogue & Digital I/0 (S/P-DIF & ADAT interface)
D-90 features..
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
EEXXPPAANNSSIIOONNWWIITTHHHHAARRDDDDRRIIVVEECCAADDDDIIEESS
Hard drives can be exchanged in a matter of
seconds by use of a key-lockable caddy system -
just like changing a reel of tape.
Important projects can also be archived to DAT,
external SCSI-2 media, ADAT™ compatible
machines or stored on cost effective E-IDE hard
drives - all in native digital format.

he D-90 is packed with
the professional features,
innovation and usability you have
come to expect from Fostex.
JJUUSSTTLLIIKKEETTAAPPEE
The transport keys mimic a regular
multitrack with the addition of
being able to instantly locate to ‘0’
or the end of a ‘virtual reel’ as well
as auditioning the clipboard by
holding STOP plus PLAY, REWIND,
or F FWD.
Familiar functions available such as
5x fast forward and rewind in play
mode with full audio monitoring as
well as conventional wind and
rewind buttons which “spool” at
30x normal speed.
Six further locate points are derived
from Clipboard IN/OUT; Auto
Return START/END; and Auto
Punch IN/OUT. Once programmed,
these allow for Auto Return and
Auto Play. Auto Punch IN/OUT has
a handy rehearsal mode to audition
your ‘take’ before committing to
disk. Cue points can be set by using
the jog shuttle wheel to locate a
desired point or, ‘on-the-fly’ by
hitting the HOLD/
©
key while you
listen to your track.
IINNTTEELLLLIIGGEENNTTFFEEAATTUURREESS
The D-90 features ±6% vari-pitch
enabling precise pitch changes
without any loss in audio quality
and enhanced synchronisation
to the outside world
by chasing to
incoming MTC for
sequencers and computers,
with or without external word
clock (via S/P-DIF), and with near
instantaneous lock-up times.
ADAT™ Digital Interface or
'Lightpipe' is fitted
allowing real-time transfer
of ADAT format
recordings to be loaded into the
D-90 for non-linear editing and of
course the easy interfacing with the
latest digital mixers.
The optional Model 8338 SCSI-2
interface card provides for fast
backup and restore to a large range of
SCSI-2 removable cartridge devices
such as MO, PD, Jaz, SyQuest, etc.
Finally, there’s the option of adding
balanced I/Os at +4dBu with the
Model 5040 card to complement the
standard -10dBV connections on
RCA connectors.
8 Track Digital Multitrack
D-90
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The chart above gives the total amount
of 8 track recording time available for a
range of hard drive capacities. Please
contact your authorised Fostex dealer
for a list of approved hard drives.
CCAAPPAACCIITTYYTTIIMMEExx88TTRRAACCKKSS
1.6Gb approx 37 minutes
3.2Gb approx 75 minutes
4.3Gb approx 100 minutes
6.4Gb approx 150 minutes
8.6Gb approx 202 minutes
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SCSI backup across multiple disks
Ready to repeat Paste 3 times?
D-90 slave to MTC
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To perform a given task only requires you to follow a simple
‘question’ and ‘answer’ step by step routine. All of which are clearly
shown in the FL tube ‘display centre’ window in plain English.
backup in real time to ADAT
D-90 configured as 2nd machine
Vari-pitch minus 4.3%
T
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For ultra-fast backup &
restore to removable
media
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK

VVEERRSSAATTIILLEEDDIIGGIITTAALLII//OO
The optical S/P-DIF provides for
stereo digital IN & OUT of source
signals; DAT connection for
archive & restore; and offers Word
Clock for sample accurate
synchronisation.
IINNSSTTAANNTTSSEEAARRCCHH
Unlike conventional analogue
multitracks, or for that matter tape
based digital recorders,
the D-90 has instantaneous
search to ZERO, ABS END or any
of the in-built 6 cue points.
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
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Use a D-90 to control further D-90s and/or D-80s
backwards compatible) all from one remote
control, locked to sample accuracy.
Unlike many digital recorders available
today which insist on using
compression techniques as a trade-off
for extended recording time, the D-90
uses 18-bit & 20-bit converters at
sample rates of 44.1kHz & 48kHz to
offer 8 tracks of true CD-quality
recording and playback demanded by
professional users.
All to and from caddy-
held standard E-IDE hard
drives.
Being a non-linear
format, the D-90 offers easy to use
non-linear editing via the extensive
front panel controls and highly visible
FL tube display.
PPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONNAALLEEDDIITTIINNGG
Dedicated keys for Copy, Paste, Move
& Erase when used with edit points
programmed via the jog/shuttle wheel
or ’on-the-fly’, make intricate edits
easy. In addition, clipboard data can be
pasted to the same, another or
multiple tracks and automatically
repeated up to 99 times.
The D-90 offers enhanced
synchronisation and can chase to
incoming MTC, with or
without external word
clock (via S/P-DIF), and
with near instantaneous
lock-up times.
True CD quality digital recording direct to hard disk
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The 10-digit, 7 segment display shows the current time base in 3 user-selectable modes.
ABS - Absolute Time MTC - Midi Time Code Midi Bar/Beat/Clock
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
MMOODDEELL55004400BBAALLAANNCCEEDDII//OOOOPPTTIIOONN
The optional Model 5040 expansion board provides for 8 balanced
inputs and 8 balanced outputs at +4dBu on D-sub 25-pin
connectors for connection to professional level studio equipment.
These inputs and outputs work simultaneously with the standard
RCA connectors which provide -10dBV inputs and outputs.

SCSI-2
U
sing technology and
ergonomics successfully proven in
previous Fostex digital
multitracks, combined with the
Fostex hallmarks of innovation and
clear ergonomics, the D-160 sets
new standards in affordable
professional digital multitracking.
The D-160 records true CD-quality
uncompressed digital audio using
18-bit & 20-bit converters to
caddy-held standard E-IDE hard
drives - all under the full control of
Fostex’s new Disk Management
System - FDMS-3 (meaning that, for
example, up to 615
minutes of mono
recording is possible on a
3.2Gb drive).
RREEAALLUUSSAABBIILLIITTYY
Usability plays a major
role in the design of the
D-160 with features
present such as a
removable front-
panel, which doubles
as a remote control, a
further 8 'ghost tracks' for multiple
takes of one or more tracks, three
time bases (ABS, MTC &
bar/beat/clock) and the ability to
have up to 64 tempo and signature
changes per song.
PPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONNAALLEEDDIITTIINNGG
Naturally, being a digital non-linear
system, full Copy, Paste, Move &
Erase with Undo & Redo is
achievable via the extensive front
panel controls and highly visible,
‘plain english’ FL tube display.
And when used with edit points
programmed via the jog/shuttle
wheel or ’on-the-fly’, intricate
edits are easy.
In addition, clipboard data can be
pasted to the same, another or
multiple tracks and automatically
repeated up to 99 times.
IINNTTEERRFFAACCIINNGG
A SCSI-2 interface is provided for
the fast backup and restore of
sessions to external cartridge
systems such as Jaz, PD, SyQuest
and MO with the ability to store
sessions across multiple
cartridges.
In addition, ADAT™
Digital Interface In/Out x 2 is
provided for all 16 channels.
16 Track Digital Multit
D-160
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
55004411BBAALLAANNCCEEDDII//OOOOPPTTIIOONN
The optional Model 5041 board provides for 8 balanced inputs
and 16 balanced outputs at +4dBu on D-sub 25-pin connectors
for connection to professional level studio equipment.
88334455TTIIMMEECCOODDEE//SSYYNNCCCCAARRDDOOPPTTIIOONN
The optional 8345 board allows the D-160 to chase to incoming
LTC with the option of resolving to Video or Word Clock. LTC
converted from internal MTC can be output.
Set-up is simplified by the addition of ‘sync presets’ which allow
you to select from a number of preset combinations - TC only
ANA / ADAT, Word Free ANA / ADAT, Video Vari ANA / ADAT,
Video Free ANA / ADAT.
SSCCSSII--22IINNTTEERRFFAACCEEAASSSSTTAANNDDAARRDD
The standard SCSI-2 interface allows for the ultra-fast archive and
restore of sessions to and from external SCSI-2 cartridge systems
such as Jaz, SyQuest, MO, etc.
HHiigghhllyyvviissiibblleeFFLLttuubbeeddiissppllaayy
To perform a given task only requires you to follow a simple ‘question’ and ‘answer’ step by step routine.
All of which are clearly shown in the FL tube ‘display centre’ window in plain English.
Full alpha / numeric titling of track names Originate Word clock from MTC, LTC or ADAT
Select your ‘take’ from one of the 8 ‘ghost tracks’ Select reference to chase SMPTE or MTC

This can be used for
importing and
exporting of ADAT™
compatible material,
archiving D-160
sessions to the
ADAT format and,
when interfaced
with the new breed of
digital mixing consoles,
realising a complete digital
recording/mixing solution.
VVIIRRTTUUAALLRREEEELLSS
The internal hard disk can be
partitioned with up to a total of 99
programme areas known as ‘virtual
reels’. Each virtual reel holds its own
timing and edit information just like
lacing up a new reel of tape but
with just a couple of button presses.
TTIIMMEECCOODDEE
The optional Model 8345 allows
the unit to chase and lock to
incoming LTC with the option of
referencing to video or word clock.
The timebase can be displayed in
ABS, MTC and Bars & Beats with a
programmable offset of up to 24
hours.
Finally,
with the
option of the
Model 5041, the D-160
gets a full complement of
balanced inputs & outputs at
+4dBu on three D-sub 25-pin
connectors in addition to the
standard -10dBV connections
which are provided on RCA
connectors.
rack
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
JJOOGGSSHHUUTTTTLLEEWWHHEEEELL
This dual function control lets you ‘fast
forward’ or ‘rewind’ through a
recording with full audio monitoring.
And unlike lesser machines it achieves
this without altering the pitch.
DDuuaallFFuunnccttiioonn
When using the inner wheel, the audio
scrub continuously loops around a very
small section of audio allowing
you to pinpoint
an edit start point precisely.
EEAASSYYRREECCOORRDDIINNGGTTIIMMEEEEXXPPAANNSSIIOONN
The chart left gives the total amount
of 16 track recording time available for
a range of hard drive capacities. Note,
the total times are calculated with
audio on all 16 tracks. With ‘FDMS-3’,
hard disk space is utilised more
effectively and can increase recording
times depending on how many tracks
are used.
CCAAPPAACCIITTYYTTIIMMEExx1166TTRRAACCKKSS
1.6Gb approx 18 minutes
3.2Gb approx 37 minutes
4.3Gb approx 50 minutes
6.4Gb approx 75 minutes
8.6Gb approx 100 minutes
HHAARRDDDDRRIIVVEECCAAPPAACCIITTYY//TTIIMMEECCHHAARRTT

Optional
extras
for use with
the D-90
and D-160
In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&OE.
88005511FFOOOOTTSSWWIITTCCHH
Footswitch for remote Punch In/Out
operation.
Comes complete with 2m cable.
CCOOPP--11
Optical S/P-DIF to coaxial S/P-DIF converter
for archiving or digital mastering to
non-optical equipped DAT machines.
DD--116600
Back panel
fitted with
Model 8345
Timecode and
Model 5041
balanced I/O
options.
DD--9900
Back panel
fitted with
Model 8338
SCSI-2 and
Model 5040
balanced I/O
options.
99004400BBEEMMPPTTYYHHAARRDDDDRRIIVVEECCAADDDDYY
Robust empty D-90 / D-160 caddy
for housing 3rd party
IDE hard drives.
Fostex Corporation. 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Distributor / Authorised D-90 & D160 Dealer
In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&OE.
NO COMPROMISE DIGITAL MULTITRACK
RREECCOORRDDEERRSSEECCTTIIOONN
Recording medium 3.5inch, E-IDE type hard disk x 1 (option)
Sampling frequency 44.1kHz, 48kHz (selectable)
Quantization 16 bit linear
A/D converter 18bit Delta-Sigma 64 times over sampling
D/A converter 20bit Delta-Sigma 128 times over sampling
Recording time 240 track - min. (FS 44.1kHz 1.3Gb hard disk drive)
No. of recording tracks 16 plus 8 additional tracks
(8 tracks of simultaneous recording)
Pitch control ± 6%
Crossfade 10msec.
R/P frequency response 20Hz-20kHz
IINNPPUUTT//OOUUTTPPUUTT
Input (1-8)
Connector RCA Pin jack x 8
Input impedance 10kΩ or more
Input level -10dBv
Output (1-16)
Connector RCA Pin jack x 16
Load impedance 10kΩ or more
Output level -10dBv
Data In / Out Optical x 4
Format IEC958 Part 2 (=S/P-DIF) Alesis Proprietary
Multichannel Optical Digital Interface
(selectable by setup mode)
MIDI In / Out / Thru DIN 5 pin x 3
Format MIDI standard
Punch In / Out Phone jack x 1
SCSI Port D-SUB 25 pin (compatible with Apple SCSI-2)
PPHHYYSSIICCAALL
Dimensions (mm) 482 (w) x 148 (h) x 381 (d)
Weight Approx. 8Kg (without hard drive)
Power requirements 120VAC, 60Hz
230V, 50/60Hz
28W
D-160
Specification
INPUT (1-8) D-Sub 25 pin x 1
Input impedance 10kΩ or more
Input level +4dBu
OUTPUT (1-16) D-Sub 25 pin x 2
Optimum load impedance 600Ω or more
Output level +4dBu
POWER SUPPLY Supplied from the D-160 main unit DC ±15V
Model 5041
TIMECODE IN
Format SMPTE/EBU
Connector XLR-3-31 type x 1 (pin 2 = HOT)
Ref. input level 2Vp-p
Minimum input level 0.25V p-p
Input impedance 20kΩ or more
TIMECODE OUT
Format SMPTE/EBU
Connector XLR-3-32 type x 1 (pin 2 = HOT)
Ref. output level 2Vp-p
Output impedance Less than 1kΩ
Optimum load impedance 600Ω or more
VIDEO INPUT BNC type x 1
Format Composite
Reference input level 1Vp-p
Input impedance 75Ω ON/OFF (switchable)
VIDEO THRU BNC type x 1
Output level Direct output of Video input
WORD INPUT BNC type x 1
Reference input level TTL level
Input impedance 75Ω ON/OFF (switchable)
WORD OUTPUT BNC type x 1
Connector BNC type x 1
Reference output level TTL level
Output load impedance 75Ω
POWER SUPPLY Supplied from the D-160 main unit
DC+5V, DC+19V, DC-15V
Model 8345
RREECCOORRDDEERRSSEECCTTIIOONN
Recording medium 3.5inch, E-IDE type hard disk (option)
Sampling frequency 44.1kHz, 48kHz (selectable)
Quantization 16 bit linear
A/D converter 18bit Delta-Sigma 64 times over sampling
D/A converter 20bit Delta-Sigma 128 times over sampling
Recording time Approx. 60 min. 8 track fixed
to 2.55Gb hard disk drive*
No. of recording tracks 8 (8 tracks of simultaneous
recording/reproducing)
Pitch control ± 6%
Crossfade 10msec.
R/P frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz
IINNPPUUTT//OOUUTTPPUUTT
Input (1-8)
Connector RCA Pin jack x 8
Input impedance 10kΩ or more
Input level -10dBV
Output (1-8)
Connector RCA Pin jack x 8
Load impedance 10kΩ or more
Output level -10dBv
Data In/Out Optical x 2
Format IEC958 Part 2 (=S/P-DIF), Alesis Proprietary
Multichannel Optical Digital Interface
(selectable by setup mode)
Midi In / Out / Thru
Connector DIN 5 pin x 3
Format MIDI standard
Punch In/Out Phone jack x 1
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Dimensions (mm) 482 (w) x 148 (h) x 328.5 (d)
Weight Approx. 7.5kg (without hard drive)
Power requirements 120VAC, 60Hz
230V, 50/60Hz
28W
D-90
Specification
IINNPPUUTT//OOUUTTPPUUTT
INPUT (1-8)
Connector D-Sub 25 pin x 1
Input impedance 10kΩ or more
Input level +4dBu
OUTPUT (1-8)
Connector D-Sub 25 pin x 1
Optimum load impedance 600Ω or more
Output level +4dBu
POWER SUPPLY Supplied from the D-90 main unit DC ±15V
Model 5040
* Drive not included