Recorder Section

Employs the FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3) Fostex format. 16-track (plus 8 additional tracks) REC/PLAY with high quality uncompressed 16 bit/44.1kHz sound. Roughly 3 hour recording per 1GB in mono-track. Nondestructive voice editing of copy/paste, move/ paste, erase, and undo/redo features as expected from a digital recorder. PROGRAM feature names musical pieces and manage up to a maximum of 99 titles. +/-6% pitch control. CD S/P DIF or adat digital signal direct digital recording.

Product Features

Mixer Section
Standard high performance DSP multi-effects with A.S.P. Fostex Advanced Signal Processing technology. Intuitive control of all signals with 16-input and stereo master fader. All input channels come with channel ON/OFF switch, 3-band equalizer, PRE/POST switchable 2-channel EFF/AUX send. All 8 channel analog inputs come with built-in trim. Mic to line level compatibility. Analog channel input 7 and 8 come with phones connector and XLR connector for phantom power. Built-in insert terminals. 2 Record Assigns: DIRECT Rec to simultaneously record 8 analog channels and REC BUS Rec for pingpong recording. 16-track simultaneous recording of adat digital signals in DIRECT Rec. Built-in Scene Memory function to set fader/effect setting and to program/search up to a maximum of 99 mixer modes. Output mixed-down signals as S/P DIF digital signals and digital record with DAT and other external digital recorders. You can mixdown within the VF160 itself by utilizing the internal mixdown mode. In addition, a CD of the mixdown can be recorded.
Auto punch IN/OUT with rehearsal function set in 1/100 frame units. Foot switch for manual punch IN/OUT.
Dot matrix LCD and auto-illuminating keys. Graphic display of mixer and recorder settings/ modes. 3.5-inch E-IDE hard disk compatibility. Standard SCSI terminal to connect external SCSI equipment (MO, zip etc.). Save/load all VF160 data (recorder/mixer data), as well as read/write recorded sounds as WAVE files. Save/load of song data using CD-RW/CD-R discs is possible by mounting an optional Fostex CD-RW drive (Model CD-1A) in the VF160 or by connecting an external CD-RW drive unit via the SCSI port. You can also make an original audio CD using the CDR disc. (Note that not all SCSI CD-RW drives in the market can be used.) Save/load to S/P DIF or adat digital signal. MIDI clock and song position pointer and MTC (MIDI Time Code) output. MMC (MIDI Machine Control). Slave program (run) from external MTC input. Internal metronome function to rhythm guide recordings. Bar/beat edit (cut off clock) with bar/beat resolution. Six editing memory points and 7 marked points. 0-10 second pre-roll time settings.

Before Operating

Pressing the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key of channel 1-8 (or channel 9-16) while holding down the [SHIFT] key switches arms all tracks 1 through 8 (or 9 through 16) simultaneously.
Pressing the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key of channel 1-8 (or channel 9-16) while holding down the [SHIFT] key sets all channels 1 through 8 (or 9 through 16) to recording sources simultaneously.
In the following example, channel 16 which accepts input H is selected as a source channel.

RECORDING System

Unlike conventional systems, the VF160 records on a hard disk storage device, instead of cassette tape. Sound source recording can start from any point on a formatted disk, as long as the point is within a 24 hour time range in ABS time. Note that it is also possible to move (locate) to any point within that time range, as well. Just think of the VF160 as coming with a tape that is pre-programmed with a 24 hour counter.
ABS0 00m 00s REC END 15m 00s 23h 59m 59s

05m 00s

10m 00s
If you select channels 1 through 4 and 16 here, tracks 1 through 4 and input H are set as recording sources. Therefore, you can record mixed signals of track and input signals. If you also select "EEF1" or "EFF2", you can record source signals with internal effect. To bounce tracks, set all channel sources to "TRK" using the "SELECT INPUT/TRACK" and set source channel for recording as shown in the following figure. Then set tracks 15 and 16 as the recording tracks (see "[BUSS-REC TRK] key" below).

recorded area

unrecorded area

unrecorded area.

You can record at any point within 24 hours in ABS time.
The REC time of cassette tape type recorders vary according to the REC time of the tape. Recording with the VF160 is more efficient since unrecorded areas of the disk are not used although the REC time is not unlimited.
unrecorded 5 minute recording 5 minute recording unrecorded area (remain) 24 hour recording.

PROGRAM

You can use up to a maximum of 99 24-hour time counted tapes with the VF160. This tape is called a Program. Note that a program exists individually on the hard disk. Therefore, each respective program can be freely recorded, played and edited without affecting other programs. A program can be named with a program title, making it easier to identify and file the musical piece. In the usual menu, the Program appears on the LCD as shown in the following Figure.

[BUSS-REC TRK] key

P.EDIT

EVT MEM
* The tracks recorded vary, as shown below, according to the connection jack.
Current location of TIME BASE selected
Shows the current location of the sound.
REMAINING TIME BASE Selected (time remaining)
Shows the time remaining and space available on the disk for recordings (in terms of mono track).

MTC Time Input

Shows the MTC time input in the [MIDI IN] jack. This is a convenience for operations as a slave device.
26. [REC ASSIGN-BUSS-SOURCE] Key
* Select the channel (SOURCE) to send to the REC BUSS during BUSS recording. Select the SOURCE channel with the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key. * This key lights ON when the SOURCE is selected.
* The user can switch between time bases, as shown below, by pressing the [DISP SEL/TIME BASE] key, while the [SHIFT] key is depressed.
ABS (Absolute Time) Indication
An absolute time base from 00H 00M 00S (ABS 0) to 24H 00M 00S.
27. [REC ASSIGN-BUSS-REC TRK] Key
* The track (READY) to record in BUSS recording is selectable when this key is flashing. Set READY track with the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] Key. * This key lights ON when the READY track is set for BUSS recording.

BAR/BEAT/CLK (Bar)

The Bar, Beat, Clock of the beat and tempo set with the internal tempo map.

MTC (MIDI Time Code)

Display of the MTC time setting.
28. [REC ASSIGN-DIRECT-REC TRK] Key
* The track (READY) record in DIRECT recording is selectable when this key is flashing. Set READY track with the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key. * This key lights ON when the READY track is set for DIRECT recording.

30. [PGM SEL] Key

* This is used to switch between programs 01 to 99. This is also used to create new programs.

31. [SETUP] Key

* This is used to go into the setup mode to set various parameters of the recorder and mixer.
29. [DISP SEL/TIMEBASE] Key
* This key is used to alternate the menu shown on the LCD in the following order.
32. [AUTO RTN-START/MARK1] Key
* This key is used to CHECK/CHANGE the parameters saved at the start point (AUTO RETURN START POINT) when executing auto return or auto repeat. * Press this key while the [SHIFT] key is depressed to CHECK/CHANGE the parameters saved in [MARK1]. * This can be used as Locate Memory.

1-2. Press the [MARK 1-7] key while the [SHIFT] key is depressed.
The name of the Mark Memory and the time saved appears on the LCD.
Tips: How to check stored time data
To check the memory points, press the desired memory key. To check the mark memory, press the desired memory key while depressing the [SHIFT] key.
Direct Location of Memory key or Mark key
2. Change the parameter of the flashing column (cursor) (H/M/ S/F/SF or BAR/BEAT/CLK) using the [JOG] dial.
Move the flashing column (cursor) by pressing the [HOLD/ >] key.
3. Press the [STORE] key (RED: Light ON). 3-1. Press a voluntary Memory key.
The time modified is saved as the time point of the Memory Key, and the system returns to the Normal Display.
The time modified is saved as a Mark Memory of MARK 17, and the system returns to the Normal Display.

Locating an event memory

You can store up to 99 event memory points (00 to 99). These event memory points can be used for locate functions described below as well as for the scene event map function described in Chapter 3 Mixer functions.

Creating an event memory

<Hint>
Event memory numbers are assigned in ascending order of ABS time, regardless of order in which event memories are created. For example, if you create event memories in order as shown in the upper diagram below, the event memory numbers are assigned as shown in the lower diagram.
3. After viewing the screen, press the [EXIT/NO] key.
The display returns to the Normal display.
You can delete unnecessary event memories. See Editing the event map in Advanced mixer operations described later for details.
Locate by specifying the event memory
1. Press the [SCENE-STORE MAP] key while holding down the [SHIFT] key to bring up the event map screen. 2. Use the [JOG] dial to select the desired event number, and press the [LOCATE] key.
The unit locate the selected memory point and stops, while the display returns to the Normal display. When selecting an event memory, you can know the nearest event memory point to the current point by the flashing event number (in the example below, event number 02 is the nearest).
02M30S 05M00S 07M30S 12M30S

12M30S 15M00S 17M30S

EVT 01 EVT 02 EVT 03 EVT 04 02M30S 05M00S 07M30S 12M30S

Programming the PUNCH IN/OUT points
When programming a PUNCH IN/OUT point, the time of the punch IN point must always be before the time of the PUNCH OUT point. If the PUNCH OUT point precedes the PUNCH IN point, a [Void Out!] error message appears on the LCD and prevents use of the AUTO PUNCH mode.

Light up

3. Press the [STOP] key to stop the VF160. Tips: Undo/Redo
If you are not satisfied with the take, you can rerecord after pressing the [UNDO/REDO] key.
1. While the system is in the PLAY or STOP mode, press the [HOLD/>] key at the time to program as the PUNCH IN or PUNCH OUT point.
3. The PUNCH IN point is programmed when the [AUTO PUNCH IN] key is pressed. The PUNCH OUT point is programmed when the [AUTO PUNCH OUT] key is pressed.
AUTO PUNCH IN/OUT rehearsal
1. Press the [RECORD] key while the [SHIFT] key is depressed to go to the AUTO PUNCH Mode.

RHSL starts flashing.

2. LOCATE the point immediately before starting the recording. 3. If only the [PLAY] key is pressed, the recordings are rehearsed.
RHSL steadily lights. In the rehearsal mode, even though recording is not actually executed, the monitor signal for a record-armed track changes to input at the punch-in point and returns to source at the punch-out point. You can check or adjust the record level and timing in the rehearsal mode as many times as you want until you are satisfied.
4. Press the [STOP] key to stop the VF160.

Track Exchange

Up to now, we changed the input channel according to the track to record. However, there is also a way to record all tracks with one input jack. You can do this by exchanging a recorded track that was recorded normally with an unrecorded track. This procedure is called Track Exchange. This feature is convenient to use when recording with all G and H [INPUT] jacks that can be connected with a condenser mic or balanced output, for example. Note that the VF160 comes with 16 tracks, plus 8 additional tracks. The Track Exchange feature makes it possible to exchange these tracks with any unneeded tracks 1-16. Tips: The Track Exchange can be done among all 24 real and additional tracks, as shown in the figure below. You can exchange track(s) in single, stereo, or 8track units.

2. Turn the [JOG] dial to select the effect type.
3. Press the [ENTER/YES] key.
The mode switches to the effect selected. It is possible to adjust the parameters of the effect in this state.
2. Press the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key of the channel intended to adjust the effect send level.
The channel name and current setting of the channel selected appears on the LCD. Press the [MASTER CH STATUS/ CH SEL] key to adjust the master send level. The parameter settings alternate every time the [EFF EDITEFF1] key or [EFF EDIT-EFF2] key is pressed. Turn the [JOG] dial to modify the parameters. Only the effect type is modified here. For more details refer to a later section.
4. When adjustments are completed, press the [EXIT/NO] key several times. 3. Turn the [JOG] dial to set the effect send level.

Mix Down

Create the master tape after adjusting all tracks. Start recording the piece with a master recorder (cassette tape, DAT, MD, etc.). The VF160 can output S/P DIF (optical) digital signals making it is possible to directly mix down digital signals if the master recorder can input S/P DIF (optical) digital signals. Tips: Internal Mixdown Mode The VF160 features an Internal mixdown mode. By using the Internal mixdown mode, you can mix-down up to 16 tracks without using an external master recorder. Also, by using the optional CD-RW drive or an external SCSI-type CD-RW drive, you can make your original audio CD from materials mixed-down by the Internal mixdown mode. See Advanced Features on page 79 for the Internal mixdown mode and Save/load of Song Data on page 119 for making an audio CD.

Analog Mix Down

1. Connect the IN (input jack) of the master recorder with the [ST OUT-L/R] jack of the VF160. 2. Adjust the recording level of the master recorder. 3. Start recording with the master recorder and then play the song on the VF160 from the beginning.
4. Stop both machines when recording is completed.

Tips: Fade IN/OUT

The VF160 Master Fader provides a feature to Fade IN (gradually increase the volume) or Fade OUT (gradually decrease the volume) the sound.

Analog master recorder

Digital Mix Down
1. Connect the digital IN (input jack) of the master recorder with the [DIGITAL/DATA OUT] jack of the VF160. Direct connection is possible if the master recorder has a S/P DIF (optical) digital input. Use the Fostex COP-1/96k for connections if the master recorder has a S/P DIF (coaxial) digital input jack. 3. Fine tune the output level of the VF160 master fader. In General, the optimal level is when the level meter of the master recorder is 0 at the maximum volume of VF160. Note that any level exceeding 0 may cause sound distortion. 4. Start recording with the master recorder and then play the song on the VF160 from the beginning. 5. Stop both machines when recording is successfully completed.

Channel mute and Solo function
In the Normal display, pressing a [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key mutes the corresponding channel. The [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key for the muted channel is unlit. Pressing the key again releases muting and lights the key. If two adjacent channels are fader-paired, pressing one of the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key for the two channels mutes both channels. Also, pressing the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key while holding down the [SHIFT] key alternates on and off of the solo for that channel.

Master channel mute

While the Normal display is shown, pressing a [CH STATUS/ CH SEL] key for the master channel mutes the stereo output signals. The [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key of the master channel is unlit. Pressing the key again releases muting and lights the key.

Channel Parameter Edit

You can edit the various parameter settings such as pan and equalizers for channels 1 through 16 and the master channel. We refer this type of editing as "Channel parameter edit". There are several channel parameter edit keys on the top panel (as shown below) and pressing the dedicated key for the parameter you want to edit brings up the corresponding edit screen. Some keys also handle the second parameter (labeled under the key) and you can bring up the corresponding edit screen by pressing the key while holding down the [SHIFT] key. You can view and/or edit the following parameters. <Caution> EQ/COMP

EFF1/EFF2 HI-G/F/Q

Pan setting 3-band equalizer setting Effect send level setting Pre/post selection of the effect send Aux (auxiliary) send level setting Pre/post selection of the Aux (auxiliary) send Compressor setting Fader level setting Channel view (viewing only)
If you must edit channel parameters such as setup of PAN or EQ, be sure to check that the "Scene Sequence Mode", explained later, is switched "Off". Should the parameters be edited with this "Scene Sequence Mode" switched "On", the parameters will be returned to their original setting when VF160 is operated in PLAY or STOP. Refer to page 66 for "On/ off of the Scene Sequence Mode".

Setting the compressor

You can apply the built-in compressor only to the channels selected by "Compressor channel setting" in the Setup mode. <Compressor function>
The compressor is used to compress the dynamic range of the input signal. If the input signal exceeds a given level (the threshold level), the gain is decreased as the input signal level increases, to reduce the dynamic range of the output signal.

Channels to be selected

Channels 13-14, 15-16 and the master channel

Available values

Threshold level: 0.0 dB to -50.0 dB (in 0.5 dB increments) (The default setting: 13-14/15-16->20dB, master:->-25dB) -:1, 20:1, 10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3.5:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1.7:1, 1.5:1, 1.3:1, 1.1:1, 1:1 (The default settings: 13-14/15-16 -> 10:1, master -> 4:1) 5 ms to 75 ms (in 1 ms increments) (The default settings: 13-14/15-16 -> 60ms, master -> 8ms) 0.0 dB to +18.0 dB (in 0.5 dB increments) (The default settings: 13-14/15-16/ master -> 0.0 dB.)

Ratio:

You can apply the built-in compressor only to channels 13 through 16 and the master channel. You can select the channels to be compressed between channel 13-14 and 15-16 by using "Compressor channel setting" in the Setup mode. You can apply the compressor to the master channel anytime regardless of the compressor channel setting. See the detailed information on page 140 for the Setup mode. Attack time:
Compressor on/off: On, Off (The default is Off.)
4. After completing the parameter setting, press the [EXIT/NO] key.
If you try to select a channel to which the compressor cannot be applied, a warning message ("Can't select!") will flash and the operation will be cancelled. The following screen shows that you can apply the compressor to channels 13-14 and the master channel.
If two adjacent channels are fader-paired, when pressing the [CH STATUS/CH SEL] key for the even channel, the fader icon in the figure shown in step 3 above is shown in dotted line. See page 138 for details about how to pair faders of adjacent two channels.

Mono pitch effect parameters (parameter type: MONO PITCH)
For effect type 37 of the preceding "Effect type" table, the following three parameters can be adjusted.
1.Eff Level 2.Pitch 3.Adjust 4.Mode Adjust the effect return level: 0~99 Adjust the amount of pitch shift. Range: -24--0--+24 * +/-12 is one octave. +/-24 is two octaves. Make fine adjustments to the amount of pitch shift. Range: -50--0--+50 * +50 is a semitone sharp. -50 is a semitone flat. Select the processing method. Range: 1--3
Delay pitch effect parameters (parameter type: DELAY PITCH)
For effect type 38 of the preceding "Effect type" table, the following four parameters can be adjusted.
1. Eff Level 2. Pitct 3. Adjust 4. Delay Time 5. Feedback Adjust the effect return level: 0~99 Adjust the amount of pitch shift. Range: -24--0--+24 * +/-12 is one octave. +/-24 is two octaves. Make fine adjustments to the amount of pitch shift. Range: -50--0--+50 * +50 is a semitone sharp. -50 is a semitone flat. Adjust the delay time until the pitch-shifted sound is heard. Range: 0--500 ms Adjust the number of delay repeats. Range: 0--99

Scene Memory

The VF160 provides 100 scene memories (Scene numbers 00 to 99). You can store a set of desired parameter settings to each memory. Items to be stored include all parameters set by the channel parameter edit and effect edit modes, as well as all channel fader levels. Furthermore, you can give a desired scene name with up to 16 alphanumeric or symbolic characters to each scene memory. In addition to 100 scene memories, the VF160 also provides 10 temporary memories (Temporary numbers 00 to 09). Note that all the setting stored in a temporary memory disappears when turning off the power.
Storing to a scene memory
You can store the current settings to a scene memory by the following procedure. 1. Press the [SCENE-STORE] key.
The display shows the screen for selecting the scene number.
3. Enter the desired scene name using the JOG dial for selecting a character and using the [REWIND]/[F FWD] keys for moving the editing (flashing) point.

You can specify a scene name with up to 16 alphanumeric or symbolic characters and can see up to 14 characters on the display. The following characters can be entered:
2. Use the [JOG] dial to select the desired scene number to which you want to store the current settings, and press the [ENTER/ YES] key.
The display shows the screen for editing a title of the s e lected scene number. The name of the program which you worked before entering the scene memory mode is duplicated to the name of the selected scene number, whose first character flashes, showing that it can be edited.
A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, + - * / # & ! ? ( ) [ ] < > :. _ ,<- -> 4. After completing the scene name entry, press the [ENTER/ YES] key.
The display will change to the Normal display of the program whose scene name has been set.
Scene memories stored in the scene numbers (00 to 99) are preserved even if the power is turned off. However, a temporary memory stored in the Temporary numbers disappear and all the parameters return to the default "Un-defined" settings when the power is turned off, though they do not disappear when changing the program. If you want to store the temporary memory to a scene number (00 to 99), recall the temporary number before turning off the power and store the memory to the desired Scene number (00 to 99).

Level adjust

When recalling a scene memory, if the recalled fader level does not match the current physical fader position (the red indicator of the [FADER ADJUST] key flashes), you can adjust the level to match the current fader position. 1. Press the [FADER ADJUST] key while holding down the [SHIFT] key.
The unit enters the Level adjust mode. The fader icons appear on the display, as well as flashing "Sure?". The recalled fader positions are shown as fader knob positions while the current fader positions are indicated by > and <. In the following example, all recalled fader positions are at the lowest positions.

Recalling a scene memory

You can recall the settings stored in scene memories. 1. Press the [SCENE-RECALL] key.
The display shows "Completed!", immediately followed by the Normal display after each actual (internal) fader position is set to match the corresponding physical fader position. The flashing indicators of the FADER ADJUST turn off. With the example above, all actual faders are set to minimum.
2. Use the [JOG] dial to select the desired scene number to be recalled, and press the [ENTER/YES] key.
After "Scene Recalled" appears on the display, the selected scene is recalled and the display changes to the Normal display.
The contents recalled differ depending on the settings in the "Fader recall" menu in the SETUP mode. See "Settings for fader recall" menu in the SETUP mode for the detailed information. Regardless of the current physical positions of channel and master faders, audio is output at the fader position location when they were stored. We suggest you turn the audio volume down when recalling a scene memory to prevent accidentally accessing high-volume sound. When switching the display to the fader adjust, level adjust or fader view screen, the [FADER ADJUST] key may flashes (when the fader recall setting is not set to "Off"). This indicates that the fader position in the current scene does not match the physical fader position. In such a case, you can turn off the key by adjusting the fader to the position in the current scene or by adjusting the level to the current phisical position. See the following description for details about the fader adjustment and level adjustment.

2. Carry out the same procedures as steps 1 through 3 described in the previous section "Loading from a single disk".
The display shows the screen for selecting a program loaded. If the program is saved over more than one disks, backup file number "B01" flashes, as well as the recorded data size is shown.
If the current drive disk (destination disk of loading data) does not have enough available space for accepting the loaded data, The display shows "Disk Full" and the returns to the screen shown when carrying out step 3.
5. Use the [JOG] dial to select the load destination program and press the [ENTER/YES] key.
The data load to the selected program starts. The following screen example shows that the "B01" data on the backup disk is now being loaded to "P02" on the current disk. As the data load goes on, the remaining data size shown on the screen counts down.
By using the [JOG] dial in this step, you can select "Eject" as well as destination programs. To eject the disk, select "Eject" and press the [ENTER/YES] key.
If Disk-2 (the second disk when saving) is inserted in mistake, the VF160 automatically recognized that the wrong disk is set. The display shows "Wrong Disk", followed by "Illegal No!", and the disk is automatically ejected. Then, as the display shows "Insert Disk", insert Disk-1.
The display shows the screen for selecting the destination program to whicha data is loaded. In the default setting, "New PGM" is selected so that the data is loaded to a newly created program.
You cannot abort the load operation before completed using SCSI, unlike the load operation using the S/PDIF or adat signal.
When the load operation is completed, "Completed!" appears, while the VF160 stops.
You can select any existing program available on the current drive by rotating the [JOG] dial besides "New PGM". When selecting an existing program, the data size of the current program is also shown. When you select load data to an existing program, the backup data overwrites the existing data. If you do not like any track to be overwritten, select "New PGM".
6. Press the [EXIT/NO] key (or the [STOP] key) repeatedly until exiting the Setup mode.
4. Use the [JOG] dial to select the load destination programand press the [ENTER/YES] key.

The data load to the selected program starts. The display changes to something like the screen below. As the data load goes on, the remaining data size shownon the screen counts down.
After completing the data load from Disk-1, the display shows "Insert Disk 2", while Disk-1 is automatically ejected.
5. Insert Disk-2 (the second disk) to the SCSI device according to the display message.
In a while after inserting the disk, the VF160 automatically starts loading data from Disk-2. The screen looks similar to the one when loading Disk-1. As the data load goes on, the remaining data size shown on the screen counts down.
You cannot abort the load operation using SCSI before completed, unlike the load operation using the S/PDIF or adat signal.

Save/Load a WAV file

Song data can be saved to or load from a SCSI disk by the FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3) format, as well as by the WAV file format (RIFF WAVE file format) using a DOS-formatted disk. As you can handle song data of the VF160 with a WAV file, it is possible to directly import/export data from/to a personal computer, to playback/edit a data file with various software applications, and to import a data file edited by a computer to the VF160.
<Important notes for using a WAV file>

About backup disks:

The save/load by a WAV file can be done only by using a disk DOS-formatted with FAT16.
The VF160 executes the save/load of a WAV file when it recognizes the disk DOS-formatted with FAT16. The VF160 cannot recognizes a disk DOS-formatted with FAT32.
You cannot DOS-format a disk from the "Disk Format?" menu in the SETUP mode.
A backup disk that handles WAV files must be DOS-formatted with FAT16 by a personal computer in advance. When a disk larger than 2 GB is DOS-formatted with FAT16, the disk is partitioned at the 2 GB maximum size. In such a case, the VF160 only recognizes the first partition and does not recognize the following partition(s). Therefore, the maximum available size of a backup disk for the VF160 is 2 GB. To avoid an accidental erasure of data by overwriting, etc., we suggest to use a clean disk just formatted for the save/load of WAV files.

Setting Digital Output [Digital Out]
In the Setup of digital output menu, the type of digital signal to be output to external digital equipment from the VF160 DIGITAL/DATA OUT connector, can be setup. By using this feature, digital signals recorded in VF160 can be directly sent without conversion to external digital equipment (MD, DAT, adat, digital mixer).
When outputting digital signals to external digital equipment, the external digital equipment sampling frequency must be set identical to that of theVF160.
* * Initial setting: SPDIF Options: SPDIF or adat You can set the mode for each Program individually. The settings can be saved and loaded as part of the song data. * The settings are maintained after you turn off the power to the VF160.
2. Select the desired digital out with the [JOG] dial.
Depending on the selected item, LCD will be as follows. AT SELECTING OF SPDIF (initial setup) When this setting is selected, STEREO BUSS L, R signals will be output as S/P DIF digital signals and should be selected at digital mixdown to a digital master recorder.
1. Select Digital Out in the menu selection display and press the [ENTER/YES] key.
The current setting will flash. SPDIF will flash in the initial setting.
AT SELECTING OF adat At selecting of adat, signals from tracks 9-16 will be output as adat digital signals. If signals from tracks 1-8 are to be output as adat digital signals, it must be executed after exchanging between tracks 1-8 and 9-16 by using the track exchange function (The same applies at output of data in the additional track).
3. Select the desired digital out and press the [ENTER/YES] key.
The selected digital out will be setup.
Setting BAR/BEAT Resolution mode [Resolution]
The Setting BAR/BEAT resolution mode menu enables you to turn BAR/BEAT resolution mode on and off. The initial setting is Off. When you turn this mode On, the CLK (clock) digits will be always round off to 00 and be stored in the memory key while the VF160 is using the BAR/BEAT/CLK time base. That is, beat-resolution is used. Using this function allows you to automatically store a beat-resolution value of the CLIPBOARD IN/OUT points and other points in real-time. (Press the [STORE] key, then the corresponding memory key while playing the VF160.) Therefore, it is very convenient when you perform the Copy & Paste or Move & Paste operation in beat-resolution.
For example, assume that you have stored the value for 001bar clk as the CLIPBOARD IN point, and the value for 002bar clk as the CLIPBOARD OUT point. These values will be used as they are if BAR/BEAT resolution mode is turned off. However, the mode is turned on, the following values will be stored instead. The following example has a time signature setting of 4/ 4.

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VF160 Digital Power T ool

Main Features

An internal CD-RW drive the CD-1A. .WAV file import/export via internal CD-RW ADAT Mixer Mode when using PC/Mac-based audio/midi software and an ADAT audio card, the VF160 can be used as a full function mixer with its high-quality mic amps, digital EQ and effects processing available for inputs and simultaneous monitoring of the audio on the PC, each with its own fader. Scrub Zoom allows zooming-in of the current waveform display by up to 16 times, so that editing points can now be selected more precisely. Fader Pairing allows channels be paired or ganged in stereo sets i.e. Ch 1-2, 5-6, etc. and have the stereo level controlled by the odd numbered respective fader. Channel Solo allows any number of channels to be placed into solo mode quickly and easily. In addition to individual track and 8 track modes, Track Exchange is now enhanced to include stereo pair exchange. BPM Delay will automatically calculate the feedback time of the delay according to any change of tempo as designated in the tempo map. Event Map Locate allows instant access to points displayed on the Event Map Screen. Locate to Last Rec Point will instantly return to the point where the last recording began.

Record. Mix. Burn.

Heres the next generation hard disk 16-track digital recording/editing/mixing/CD mastering power tool all wrapped up in one easy-to-use package. Based on the popular VF-16, the VF160 comes standard with a built-in CD-RW so you can burn CDs directly in the unit! No options, no gimmicks - simply record, master, and let it burn. The recording engine features a total of 16 tracks plus 8 virtual tracks for recording additional takes. The simultaneous 16-track recording to a large capacity 20GB internal E-IDE hard disk gives you hours of record time on all 16 tracks all under the control of Fostexs clever FDMS-3 technology. This technology enables more efficient disk and CPU usage so you get more recording track minutes per drive all without data compression, and with faster editing and DSP operations.

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Specifications
REC/PLAY Recording media Recording format Internal E-IDE 3.5 hard disk FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3 ver. 1) Sampling frequency Quantization ADC DAC Recording time Number of tracks 44.1kHz 16bit linear (non compressed) 20bit 64-time oversampling Delta/Sigma 24bit 128-time oversampling Delta/Sigma depends on the HD capacity 16 tracks + 8 additional tracks maximum 16 track play and simultaneous recording Pitch control Crossfade Frequency response Dynamic range T.H.D Crosstalk Equalizer +/- 6% 10ms 20Hz 20kHz 88dB or more 0.01% (typical) 60dB or more @1kHz <Lo> 400Hz +/- 18dB (Shelving) <Mid> 500Hz 20.2kHz +/-18dB (Parametric) <Hi> 500Hz 20.2kHz +/-18dB (Parametric, Shelving)
The VF160 also provides easy-to-operate nondestructive editing with a waveform display and newly added zoom feature for precise waveform editing. The VF160s superb digital mixer provides 60mm faders for all 16 channels, 3-band EQ with parametric mid & high on all 16 channels, master EQ, channel and master compressors, 8 mic inputs (2 with XLR, inserts & phantom power), ADAT optical I/O, two effect sends and two aux sends per channel (switchable pre/post), and 99mix Scene Memory. Plus, the VF160 comes with two independent multi effect DSPs including a pre-set library with great sounding algorithms. Affordably priced, easy to use, and with hours of record time, the all-in-one complete digital recording solution just got a whole lot better. Check it out today at your Fostex Dealer.
INPUTS/OUTPUTS Input (A-H) Connector 6mm TRS phone jack (unbalanced) Level -50dBV (mic) - +2dBV (line), variable Impedance 50k ohm or more Input (G, H) Connector XLR3-31 type (balanced) +48V phantom power & 6mm TRS phone jack (balanced) Level -50dBu (mic) - +2dBu (line), variable Impedance 1k ohm or more (XLR) 50k ohm or more (phone) Insert x 2 Connector 6mm TRS phone jack (TIP: output / RING: input) Load Impedance 10k ohm or more Input/Output Level -10dBV Monitor Out (L, R) Connector 6mm phone jack (unbalanced) Load Impedance 10k ohm or more Level -10dBV Headphone Connector 6mm stereo phone jack Impedance 8 ohm or more Max. output 20mW or more@ 32 AUX Send (1/2) connector 6mm TRS phone jack (TIP: send 1 / RING: send 2) Load Impedance 10k ohm or more Level -10dBV Stereo Out (L, R) Connector RCA pin jack Load Impedance 10k ohm or more Output Level -10dBV Footswitch Digital In/Out Connector MIDI In/Out 6mm phone jack (Optional Model 8051) ADAT optical / S/P DIF 2 x DIN 5 pin / MIDI Standard

Distributor / Authorized Dealer

www.fostex.com

Fostex America 15431 Blackburn Avenue Norwalk, CA 90650 T 562.921.1112 Fax: 562.802.1964 el: Fostex Corporation, 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima, T okyo, Japan 196-0021 T +81 (0)42-546-4974 Fax: +81 (0)42-546-9222 el: 2002 Fostex America
In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. All trademarks respected.

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