PD Series Professional DVD / HD Location Recorders
DV824 Multitrack DVD Recorder
Its all about professional pedigree
Back in 1991, Fostex revolutionised the world of professional location recorders with the worlds first timecode digital unit - the acclaimed PD-2. In 1995, the PD-4 was launched and quickly established itself as the industry standard timecode DAT recorder. In 2003, Fostex moved the game on with the innovative PD-6, the worlds first portable recorder offering 6-track recording to DVD-RAM. And now, with the launch of the the PD606 and PD204 recorders, Fostex is again leading the way. 8-track (PD606) or stereo (PD204) poly-file recording, intelligent dual battery management, USB 2.0 interface, recording to either built-in hard drive or standard 12cm DVD discs, etc. - The innovations just keep on coming.

Portable Locati

Feature films

PD Series

Portable Professional DVD / HD Location Recorders
Carrying on from the revered PD-6, Fostex are proud to announce the new PD606 and PD204 professional location recorders - the culmination of years of market research canvassing opinion from our professional users, listening to their needs and acting upon their experience. Designed from the ground up to excel in real-world applications, both offer spectacular audio quality, flexible multi-drive recording options, rock solid timecode implementation, extended battery life, loads of instant access knobs, buttons and switches plus a whole battery of interface options. But impressive features are only part of the script. Fostexs unrivalled pedigree in designing and manufacturing world class location recorders for over 16 years and our unique understanding of the broadcast, film, tv and audio acquisition environments means that these new recorders arent just the best PD recorders ever, theyre simply the best professional location recorders available today.

Documentary

Broadcast

ion Recorders

HD and DVD recording
Direct recording at 24bit/192kHz to either internal hard drive, standard 12cm DVDRAM discs or both at the same time.*

Extended battery life

New for the PD606 and PD204 are VMounts for mounting Endura battery cells. With each battery offering up to 4 hours of operation and intelligent power management, these recorders are always ready for that important take.

Up to 8 tracks

The PD606 can record up to 8 tracks of audio simultaneously (6 channels analog + stereo mix tracks or 8 channels digital), to industry standard BWF files. The PD204 can record 2 tracks from 4 channels of analog or 2 channels of digital.

USB 2.0 data transfer

The new PD series offer a high-speed USB 2.0 port for easy data transfer of files to a PC or Mac for further audio editing.

Real knobs and switches

Both the PD606 and PD204 feature an army of real knobs, switches and buttons. The analog nature is a direct result of our dialog with professional users who value the ability to control and use their
The new PD machines can record to either internal hard disc drive, DVD-RAM, or both simultaneously.

Timecode and sync

Typically with a professional Fostex machine, timecode implementation is exemplary with 1ppm (0.0001%) accuracy for recording and playback of SMPTE format timecode. Jam Sync, VIDEO, WORD, DIGITAL and Tri-Level sync also available.
machines without scrolling through multiple menus on a screen.
*Direct recording to DVD-RAM requires the unit to be mounted horizontally on a stable surface. Mirror recording up to 48kHz/8trk or 96kHz/2trk

H M S F

Portable Location Recorders

PD204 Main Features

2 track simultaneous recording 4 ch Analog inputs (XLR) 2 ch Analog outputs (XLR), 2 ch AES/EBU Digital I/Os (XLR)
Recording to (user replaceable) 1.8 80GB HDD (Model EX-HD1) and 12cm DVD-RAM Backup to DVD-RAM, -R and -RW disc. Approx. 256 min recording at 24bit/ 48kHz per 4.7GB DVD-RAM or HDD partition Recording across multiple HD partitions Mirror recording to HD and DVD* BWF file format files - easily imported into PC editing software with TC. 24bit audio at 44.1/ 48/ 88.2/ 96/ 176.4/ 192kHz, 16bit audio at 44.1/ 48kHz Digital Mixer with Analog like operation. Equipped with channel link, HPF and limiter 0.1% Fs pull up/down Automatic file closing every 60 seconds 10 seconds (max) of pre record to minimises the risk of missing the start of a take USB 2.0 interface for mounting HDD partitions as well as DVD-RAM contents on PC desktop Two battery V-Mounts (up to 4 cells mounted) AUX input for headphone monitoring of audio from a camcorder 9 pin remote port enabling connection of a 2nd PD606 or PD204 for simultaneous recording Fully functional SMPTE Timecode generator with jam sync to external TC VIDEO, Tri-Level and WORD sync available
The PD204 offers identical timecode implementation and smart battery management as the PD606, but can only record to 2 tracks simultaneously.
Recording to 80GB HD and 12cm DVD
Both the PD204 and PD606 records audio to the internal (user replaceable) 1.8-inch 80GB hard disc drive (HDD) and standard-size 12cm DVD-RAM discs. In addition simultaneous recording to both media is available either by mirroring or auto-copy. Further confidence is offered with an intelligent background mode which automatically copies recorded audio from the HDD to DVD when the machine is idling. The DVD drive can also write to DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs for easy data copy / backup.
of mixing options and recording sophistication. The PD606 for example offers flexible 8 track simultaneous recording via AES/EBU, (6 channels when using the analog XLR inputs), full 8 channel analog outputs and the ability to digitally store monitor mix settings.

Intelligent battery management
Battery life is perhaps one of the most important features of a location recorder and its here these new machines really show their class. Not one, but two standard V-mounts are offered for with the user being in control of power management. Choose BATT.1, BATT.2 or External DC power. A smart function switches which battery is used when the primary source voltage falls below user-definable level.
Digital mixing and 8-track recording
Following Fostexs philosophy of real knobs and buttons are better, recording, mixing and routing on these new recorders is an intuitive experience. No multiple button pushes and complex menus to change a level, just turn a knob. Yet dont confuse ease of use with a lack of features as these units offer a multitude
High speed data transfer to PC / Mac
When connected to a host computer via the USB 2.0 interface, the recorder can be directly mounted on the
* Mirror recording up to 48kHz/6trk or 96kHz/2trk. Future firmware update

PD606 Main Features

8 track poly file recording. 6 individual tracks + 2 stereo mix tracks or straight 8 track recording via 6 ch Analog I/O (XLR) or 8 channel AES/EBU Digital I/Os (D-sub25pin) Using the Stereo Bus output (XLR-5pin) together with the 6 channel discrete analog outputs creates 8 simultaneous analog outputs
Recording to (user replaceable) 1.8 80GB HDD (Model EX-HD1) and 12cm DVD-RAM Backup to DVD-RAM, -R and -RW disc. Approx. 85 min recording at 24bit/ 48kHz per 4.7GB DVD-RAM or HDD partition Recording across multiple HD partitions Mirror recording to HD and DVD* BWF file format files - easily imported into PC editing software with TC.
desktop for easy drag and drop data copying. Future enhancements will include the ability to use USB 2.0 flash memory pens. A standard QWERTY keyboard can also be connected for easy file name editing. every point in the acquisition process there are clues: Automatic file closing in the background every 60 seconds means fast data recovery in the event of a power outage, 10 seconds (max) of pre-record means never missing the beginning of a take, the 99 cue point memory, an Avid compatible EDL file (ALE) can be created and edited, a 9pin remote connector for simultaneous recording using two PD606 or PD204s, the crystal clear 16 segment LED metering, the slate tone generator with hold mode, etc., the list goes on. These units are also tough, being manufactured from ultra-durable materials specifically designed for a busy life in the field.

8 track recording using 24bit/16bit, 44.1/48kHz, 6 track recording using 24bit, 88.2/96kHz (HDD only), 2 track recording using 24bit, 176.4/192kHz
Digital Mixer with Analog like operation. Equipped with channel link, HPF and limiter 0.1% Fs pull up/down Automatic file closing every 60 seconds 10 seconds (max) of pre record to minimises the risk of missing the start of a take USB 2.0 interface for mounting HDD partitions as well as DVD-RAM contents on PC desktop Two battery V-Mounts (up to 4 cells mounted) 9 pin remote port enabling connection of a 2nd PD606 or PD204 for simultaneous recording Fully functional SMPTE Timecode generator with jam sync to external TC VIDEO, Tri-Level and WORD sync available
Sophisticated timecode facilities
These being Fostex recorders, the implementation of timecode is beyond reproach with an incredible 1ppm accuracy. Thats 0.0001% accuracy for both recording and playback of IEC format timecode with Jam Sync also available. Four modes of timecode are offered: 24H RUN (sync to the internal clock); REC RUN; FREE RUN; and EXT RUN with 7 frame rates (23.97, 24, 25, 29.97ND, 29.97DF, 30ND, 30DF).
Professional operation, rugged reliability
Use a PD606 or PD204 in the field and youre immediately aware that Fostex know a thing or two about professional location recording. At almost
Up to 24bit / 192kHz audio
No MP3. No compression. No short cuts. No compromise. The new PD606 and PD204 simply feature sonically superior recording at up to 24-bit / 192kHz resolution.
The PD606 displays no shortage of interface options with full 6 channel analog I/O, AES-EBU digital I/O, timecode and more.

Specifications

PD606 Specifications
RECORDING / PLAYBACK Recording Medium HD/DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW Recording Time approx. 85 min. (48kHz/24bit/6trk) HD partition or DVD-RAM) File Format BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) Sampling Frequency 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz Quantization 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz) 24bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz) No. of Recording Track tracks (4trk 88.2/96kHz, 2trk 176.4/192kHz) Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz +-1dB (FS 44.1/48kHz) 20 Hz - 40 kHz +-2dB (FS 88.2/96kHz) 20 Hz - 70kHz +-3dB (FS 176.4/192kHz) Dynamic Range more than 110dB (typical) T.H.D.less than 0.008% (1kHz, -1dBFS,typical) Reference Level -20dB AUDIO INPUTS / OUTPUTS Analog In Connector Input Level Max Input Level Input Impedance Analog Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance Stereo Buss (TRK7~8) Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance Digital I/O Connector Format SYNC INPUTS / OUTPUTS Timecode In Connector Format Ref Input Level Min Input Level Input Impedance Timecode Out Connector Format Ref Output Level Output Impedance Load Impedance WORD/VIDEO In WORD Out USB For PC For HOST Phones Connector Maximum Output Load Impedance Parallel Remote 9PIN Remote DC In (DC11.5 ~ 24V) DC Out GENERAL Dimensions Weight Power Requirement Power Consumption

PD204 Specifications

RECORDING / PLAYBACK Recording Medium HD/DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW Recording Time approx. 256 min. (48kHz/24bit/2trk) HD partition or DVDRAM) File Format BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) Sampling Frequency 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz Quantization 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz) 24bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz) No. of Recording Track 2 tracks Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz +-1dB (FS 44.1/48kHz) 20 Hz - 40 kHz +-2dB (FS 88.2/96kHz) 20 Hz - 70kHz +-3dB (FS 176.4/192kHz) Dynamic Range more than 110dB (typical) T.H.D.less than 0.008% (1kHz, -1dBFS,typical) Reference Level -20dB INPUTS / OUTPUTS Analog In Connector Input Level Max Input Level Input Impedance Analog Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance AUX In Connector Ref Input Level Max Input Level Load Impedance Digital I/O Connector Format
XLR-3-31 type (balanced) x 6 -32 to +4dBu (LINE) / -70dBu (MIC) +24dBu (LINE) / -14dBu (MIC) more than 10k ohm (LINE) / more than 2k ohm (MIC) XLR-3-32 type (balanced) x 6 +4dBu +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-32 type (balanced) +4dBu / -10dBu / -60dBu (selectable) +24dBu more than 10k ohm D-sub25pin AES/EBU(IEC60958) or S/P DIF(IEC60958)
XLR-3-31 type (balanced) x 4 -32 to + 4dBu (LINE) / -70dBu (MIC) +24dBu (LINE) / -14dBu (MIC) more than 10k ohm (LINE) / more than 2k ohm (MIC) XLR-3-32 type (balanced) x 2 +4dBu +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-31 type (balanced) +4dBu / -10dBu / -60dBu (selectable) +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-31 type (Input) / XLR-3-32 type (Output) AES/EBU(IEC60958) or S/P DIF(IEC60958)

DVD Multi Drive

PD606 and PD204 both feature a DVD multidrive. In additions to recording direct to DVD-RAM discs, the drive also backs up and copies data to DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW.

Digital Mixing

SYNC INPUTS / OUTPUTS All timecode and sync specifications as per PD606 XLR-3-31 type SMPTE/EBU 2Vp-p 0.25Vp-p more than 20k ohm XLR-3-32 type SMPTE/EBU 2Vp-p less than 1k ohm more than 600 ohm BNC type (automatic) Ref Input Level: TTL with 75 ohm terminator SW BNC type Ref Output Level: TTL Connector B type (USB2.0) Connector A type (Keyboard USB1.1, Device USB2.0) 6.3mm dia. Stereo Phone more than 200mW (32 ohm loaded) more than 32k ohm Mini DIN 8pin D-SUB 9pin, Protocol: Sony 9pin (P2) XLR4-32 type Hirose 4pin (HR10A-7R-4S, female), Max 0.5A GENERAL Dimensions Weight Power Requirement Power Consumption

PD606 and PD204 both feature on-board digital mixers with rotary controls for gain and buss send and pan. The PD606 also has the ability to select and store channel combinations to output from Monitor.
116.5(H) x 325(W) x 234(D) mm Approx. 3.3kgs IDX Endura V-mount battery AD-15C (optional) 13W

Channel LED Indicators

Optonal Accessories (for PD606 and PD204)

Fostex Accesories

EX-HD1 Pre-formatted 80GB HDD unit AD-15C AC Adapter EX-BP1 Replacement V-connector Panel for IDX A-NH2E ZP-62 PortaBrace Carrying Case for PD606 / PD204
PD606 features individual metering for each channels for more precise mixing.

IDX Accesories

ENDURA-10 (E-10) 98Wh ENDURA-7 (E-7) 71Wh Lithium Ion V-Mount Battery Packs with Power Link* NH-100 Single NP Battery Holder IDX A-NH2E V-Mount Adaptor Plate for NP/BP battery holder* NH-100 Single NP Battery Holder*

Dual Battery V-mounts

Both recorders are equipped with dual V-mounts and intelligent battery management with auto cell switching on low voltage levels. Fostex recommends Endura cells from IDX Co., Ltd. Conventional NPtype batteiers can be used with the dedicated holder from IDX with the optional EX-BP1 attachment.
116.5(H) x 325(W) x 234(D) mm Approx. 3.4kgs IDX Endura V-mount battery AD-15C (optional) 16W
EX-HD1 IDX NH-100 IDX A-NH2E
* IDX products are not supplied from Fostex. For details, visit www.idx.tv

IDX ENDURA-7 (E-7)

Recording Times

All times are in minutes

PD606 4.7GB MONO 2-TRK 4-TRK 6-TRK 8-TRK 16-BIT 44.1kHz 48kHz 44.1kHz 70 48kHz 64 24-BIT 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz 192kHz - *46 *42 - - - - -
3,5,7TRK omitted *HDD recording only

PD204 4.7GB 2-TRK

16-BIT 44.1kHz 48kHz 419 385

44.1kHz 279

48kHz 256
24-BIT 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz 192kHz 69 64

DVD Multitrack Recorder

DV824 Main Features
Up to 8-track simultaneous recording at 24bit/48kHz. Up to 4-track simultaneous recording at 24bit/96kHz New v2 software allows recording across multiple HD partitions Analog balanced XLR inputs and outputs for all 8 channels AES/EBU digital I/O for connection to analog and digital audio mixers Flexible AC or DC (for location use) power operation

Recording to DVD-RAM and HD
BWF file format and UDF disk format combine for excellent PC/Mac compatibility Playback of disks recorded on both Fostex PD204, PD606, DV40 and PD-6. High-speed 10/100Base-T Ethernet Flexible programmable playback function Interface expansion available via optional cards (fitted at a Fostex service centre) Optional Timecode/Sync (Model 8348) card allows for both internally-generated and external timecode with +/-1ppm accuracy to be integrated into the recording process. An LTC offset can be set independently for each file Bi-Phase input included on Timecode/Sync card for synchronization to film projectors Optional Hard Drive (Model 9058) allows for Dual Disk Recording as well as Auto Backup functions Optional IEEE1394/USB 2.0 (Model 8370) for fast data transfer to/from PC/Mac
The DV824 provides supreme quality 8-track recording to standard 12cm DVD-RAM disks (or optional internal hard disk), in a unique package representing the very forefront of multitrack recorder design. Able to record up to 8 channels of simultaneous audio in BWF format, supporting the FAT32 disc format in playback and the universal nature of UDF formatted discs means that the DV824 offers seamless integration into the daily acquisition, editing and screening rushes process. Predictably with Fostex, excellent audio quality is assured thanks to the high-definition recording engine which allows multitrack recording in one of seven audio formats up to 24bit / 96kHz. Theres a full compliment of balanced analog I/O and AES/EBU digital I/O, a programmable playback feature (ideal for telecine playback), comprehensive headphone monitoring, smart file administration and Ethernet networking. Plus, as the DV824 can be powered via AC or DC current, its ideally suited to on-cart location applications.
Intuitive operation, wide-ranging applications
Fostex multitrack recorders have always been intuitive in operation and the DV824 is no exception. The large 132 x 64 dot LCD display, the positive-action buttons / switches, a large LED time indicator, 18-bar level metering and intelligently written software all aid the ease of use. Ready for TV show recording, live stage recording, small event playback, large scale live theatre SE playback, on-cart location sound recording, telecine playback, and more, the Fostex DV824 is probably the most versatile multitrack ever designed.
Easy integration with PC / Mac
Fast transfer to computer-based audio editing packages is a snap. With the model 8370, USB/Firewire card, the DV824s internal hard disc (if fitted), can be mounted on a PC or Mac desktop via USB2.0 or Firewire in addition to the DVD media.

DV824 Specifications

GENERAL Recording Medium File Format Sampling Frequency Quantization 24bit (44.1/48/88.2/96kHz) Recording Tracks 12cm DVD-RAM (optional internal 2.5 hard disk) BWF 22.05/44.1/48/88.2/96kHz 16bit (22.05/44.1/48kHz) See chart below

INPUT/OUTPUT (0dBu=0.775Vrms, 0dBV=1Vrms) Reference Input Level +4dBu Analog Input (Tr 1 8) Connector XLR-3-31 type (balanced) (1:GND/2:HOT/3:COLD) Input Impedance 10k ohm or more Rated Input Level +4dBu Max. Input Level +24dBu Analog Output (Tr 1-8) Connector XLR-3-32 type (balanced) (1:GND/2:HOT/3:COLD) Output Load Impedance 10k ohm or more Rated Output Level +4dBu Max. Output Level +24dBu Headphones Output Connector 6mm stereo phone jack Load Impedance 8 ohm or more Max. Output Level 100mW (at 32ohm) Digital Input (Tr 1 8) Connector D-sub 25 pin (balanced) Format IEC60958 (AES/EBU) or IEC69058 (S/P DIF) Digital Output (Tr 1 8) Connector D-sub 25 pin (balanced) Format IEC60958 (AES/EBU) or IEC60958 (S/P DIF) 9P-REMOTE / ES BUSS (RS422) Connector D-sub 9 pin Protocol Sony 9 pin protocol / ES BUSS 9P-REMOTE / ES BUSS Thru Out Connector D-sub 9 pin Parallel Remote Connector Mini-DIN 8 pin USB (for Keyboard only) Connector USB Series A Receptacle Ethernet Connector RJ-45 Format IEEE802.3 (10BASE-T & 100BASE-TX standard)
PERFORMANCE R/P Frequency Response Signal to Noise Ratio Dynamic Range Reference Record Level PHYSICAL Power Handling Dimensions Weight
20Hz to 20kHz +/- 1dB (fs: 44.1/48kHz) 20Hz to 40kHz +/- 2dB (fs: 88.2/96kHz) 105dB (typical) 105dB (typical) -12dB / -18dB / -20dB (switchable on software)
120VAC / 230VAC 482 (W) x 98.5 (H) x 345 (D) mm 5.7kg
DV824 4.7GB MONO 2-TRK 4-TRK 5-TRK 6-TRK 8-TRK 16-BIT 44.1kHz 48kHz 44.1kHz 24-BIT 48kHz 88.2kHz 102 N/A 85 N/A 64 N/A 96kHz 64 N/A N/A N/A
TC SYNC Card (Model 8348, optional) TC Input Connector XLR-3-31 type (balanced) (1:GND/2:HOT/3:COLD) Format SMPTE/EBU Rated Input 2Vp-p Transfer Rate 2.4kbit/sec (SMPTE) Input Impedance 20k ohm or more Min. Input Level 0.25Vp-p TC Output Connector XLR-3-32 type (balanced) (1:GND/2:HOT/3:COLD) Format SMPTE / EBU Rated Output 2Vp-p Output Impedance 1k ohm or less Load Impedance 600 ohm or more Bi-Phase In Connector D-sub 9 pin Level 5V (470 ohm) or 24V (2k ohm) switchable Word/Video Input Connector BNC Rated Input Level 1Vp-p (with 75 ohm terminator SW) Word Output Connector BNC Rated Output Level TTL Level IEEE1394/USB Card (Model 8370 optional) IEEE1394 (for PC communication) Connector FireWire 400 (6 pin) USB (for PC communication) Connector USB Series B Receptacle OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 9058 Hard Disk Drive 8370 USB / Firewire Interface Card 8348 TC/Sync Card

TV Studio Recording

On-Cart Location

Stage Recording

TV / Movie Production

Versatile Applications

Perfect for todays surround TV sound recording requirements, the DV824 provides a full 8 channels of 24-bit recording and Timecode/Sync facilities with Model 8348 card fitted. The DV824 also fits right into the location recording and outside broadcast acquisition environments. Full timecode facilities are available with the Timecode/Sync card fitted.

DV824 Interfacing

8 channels of balanced analog I/O, AES/EBU digital I/O, 100BaseT Ethernet and RS422 Sony 9-pin. Timecode and sync facilities along with USB/Firewire card ports available as optional extras.
And being able to record 8-tracks simultaneously, the DV824 is well suited for recording live stage audio. Balanced XLR inputs are present for all 8 recording tracks.
Distributor / Authorised Dealer

www.fostex.jp

Fostex Company, 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021 Tel: +81 (0)42-546-4974 Fax: +81 (0)42-546-9222
In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&OE.

review

Fostex DV824
By luck or by design, the number 8 is big in the world of audio post and has been adopted as a means of carrying track data between production stages. How you choose to carry it is another matter but digital tape has now nally been laid to rest in the wake of the arrival of this latest advance from Fostex. NEIL HILLMAN nds himself largely satised on pretty much all counts.
ACK IN 2003, after Fostex had introduced its DV40 4-track DVD Master Recorder, the hugely complimentary Resolution review (V2.1) carried this rider: its great, its a huge step forward over DAT, but when can we have 8 channels to enable us to replace our obligatory DA-78/88/98s, please? This logical progression from 4 to 8 tracks seemed to be an obvious development for the DV40, given the need from the audio post community for continuing the long established procedure of supplying 8-tracks of audio with any syndicated television programme on a DA-88 tape; or the similarly well-established procedure of supplying 8-track tapes containing 5.1 stems for lm and DVD production. TV work generally breaks programme components down to a so-called DA-88 mix; a typical layout looking something like Tracks 1&2: Main Stereo mix (or the main Dolby Surround LtRt mix), Tracks 3&4: Clean Stereo Effects; Tracks 5&6: Clean mono Sync (on 5), Clean Commentary (on 6); Tracks 7&8: Clean Music. In a 5.1 environment this DA-88 process can archive the 6 stem tracks, with a guide Dolby Surround LtRt mix parked on the rst 2 tracks. So while this is all pretty efcient as a storage or delivery medium, at the other end of the remixing process, the linear importing of this stuff is frustratingly time-consuming; real-time is not really an acceptablyefcient transfer speed now. In fact, from time to time when we nd ourselves playing buzzword-bingo with our clients production managers their use of phrases like reversioning pipe-line and re-editing
work-ow certainly help our long, winter evenings to y by. Oh yes, I know were a crazy, zany, mad-cap bunch in audio post, but there is a more serious point to this: for a client, where time is money spent on postproduction, unless youre very careful in pricing a job, their expectation is for these sizeable transfer times to be absorbed at your own cost. Which is why, for me, the Fostex DV824 (UK2199 + VAT) is the most signicant audio postproduction product of 2005. Its almost taken care of everything on my wish-list. I say almost, because of two teeny-weeny yet fundamental shortcomings. First, due to the linear process of DVD as opposed to the random nature of hard-disk, the time-saving ability to ftp the Broadcast Wave.WAV les off supplied eld recording disks and into a DAW, works only in one direction from the 824; and in this lazy, IT-based world we now exist in, I would really, really like the option to just drop-anddrag nished mixes the other way, straight back on to the DV824. Second, you cant overdub. In fairness, the rst you cant do with tape either but with an optional hard disk tted to the Fostex you can at least write in multiple media recording modes including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW, copying to the DV824 via that internal hard disk; but with the second gripe, of course with tape, you can easily overdub. With the introduction of the DV824, Fostex would seem to have now completed its DVD-based audio production chain family and lets face it, it is no stranger to digital audio. It invented the timecode

resolution

DAT 15 years ago, introducing timecode capable location versions too. The successor to these fondlyremembered location PD2 and PD4 models the PD6 introduced the DVD format to feature lm location recording, and quickly established itself as a digital, versatile, disc-based platform: sales have already exceeded the magic 500 number. Fostex has been robust in championing the DVDRAM format as the natural successor to DAT, and its reasoning is sound enough: DVD-RAM has a proven durability 100,000 rewrites are assured; the cartridge-held disc offers better protection from the bumps and grinds that could cause external damage to the disc itself; it offers good editing facilities and built-in error correction capabilities; and with the realtime, error-free recording afforded by Fostexs Verify/ Write technology, the Film industry has taken to it. Now, with the introduction of the DV824, television studios and postproduction houses will also be taking note, while location drama recordists will welcome the extra capacity and exibility afforded by the device. Its a sophisticated beast, yet not complicated. The DV824 can record up to 8 channels of simultaneous audio, in a plethora of permutations: as well as mono and stereo track modes, the device offers 4, 5, 6, and 8 track modes, with the capability to handle 8-track simultaneous recordings at 24-bit/48kHz, and 4track simultaneous recording at 24-bit/96kHz. This new Fostex continues to use Type-2, one sided discs, offering a capacity of 4.7Gb (typically 96 minutes of 8-track at 48kHz/16-bit, or 64 minutes of 8-track at

January/February 2006

48kHz/24-bit). As with all Fostex DVD products, the discs are formatted in accordance with the Universal Disc Format (UDF), and data on the DV824 is stored in uncompressed Broadcast Wave (.WAV) format interleaved les. This means that the discs may be read by any of the main computer operating systems, including Windows, Mac and Linux; making for easy transfer to external editing systems. That optional 40Gb or 80Gb hard disk enables dual-disk recording, as well as offering an auto backup facility. Further options can also be found on the timecode/Sync card, which allows for internal and external timecode to be generated and integrated into the recording process, and includes a biphase input for synchronising the DV824 to a lm projector. The slim 2U device externally breaks-down into two major sections: front and rear. All connectivity is accessed through the rear panel: its eight +4dBu, balanced XLR-3 analogue inputs sit in a row above the eight analogue output XLR connectors, and its digital I-O is via a D-sub 25-pin with pin connections conforming to those found on Yamaha kit. This connector handles AES-EBU and SPDIF. The unit may be controlled remotely through a mini-DIN 8-pin connector, or through a conventional video-controller RS-422. A second through 9-pin echoes the signals received at the master 9-pin connector, enabling multiple units to be controlled. A 100ohm slider switches terminates the 9-pin connector, while a second, similar switch terminates the Word In signal. Two BNC connectors carry the Word clock I-Os while an RJ45 socket is used for the Ethernet port. This enables the DV824 to be connected to an Ether network conforming to 100/10 base-T. Accordingly, two lights illuminate the ports status: the Link lights when recognising the network, and the TX/RX lights when receiving or sending data. Power is supplied to the unit from an AC adaptor. The front panel is an altogether busier place, as a whistle-stop tour will conrm. The rst three eyecatching features are the disk loading-drawer on the left hand side above the power On/Off switch, this disk tray is operated by a key adjacent to the tray; the eight 18-bar level meters, showing the recording or playback levels of tracks; and a 132 x 64 dot-matrix LCD. The large, 7-segment time-display is located below this LCD, with the time displayed selected through the use of a Time Select/Contrast key, which
cycles through Absolute, TC In, Generator and LTC. Like many of the front panel buttons, it has a shifted and un-shifted function. A column of small indicator lamps on the right hand side of the display panel show which mode is selected, including Drop-Frame. A USB keyboard port is useful for quickly naming les and theres also a Phones section with a 1/4inch headphone socket, volume pot and switchable matrix combination allowing a variety of sources to be selected, including mono mix, stereo mix, stereo tracks and soloed tracks. Sandwiched between the edge of the disk tray and the level meters are two indicators related to disk access, indicating the condition of the currently selected drive. With the optional hard disk installed and selected, the HD light is lit; when the DVD drive is selected, the DVD light is lit. These tri-state lamps show green when a drive is selected, orange when reading data and red when writing. Below the level meters, time display and display panel are the familiar ve transport buttons. A three-by-four layout of buttons on the right hand side of the central display area takes care of various direct data entry/shifted functions. These cover functions such as alphanumeric entry, File Select, Drive Partition, Pre Record Slate Tone, List Play, Edit EDL, Chase, Time Select, Contrast, All Input, Safe: Ready, Mark:Cue, Locate, Edit Time and Clear, among

others. These buttons work in conjunction with the Skip/Cursor left/right keys on the bottom right hand of the front panel, the Shift key, and the Menu dial/ Enter:Yes dual function turn-to-select, push-to-accept knob. The DV824 neatly completes the Fostex suite of DVD-RAM products, and justiably sits at the top of its family tree. Anyone familiar with the ubiquitous DA-88 will quickly feel at home using the DV824, and barring my petty gripes about the small inexibility inherent with using DVD rather than tape, I am sure that the DV824 will soon become a familiar xture in postproduction studios.

PROS CONS

Almost everything you could want from an audio postproduction master recorder is here. Readily reads family discs from the DV40 and PD-6, but not DEVA II; special software is needed to play DEVA IV and V.

Contact

FOSTEX, JAPAN: Website: www.fostexdvd.net UK, SCV London: +418 1470

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