Fostex FD-8 Output to PC

[GeoffJA]

I just bought a Fostex vf-8, and so far so good...

I have a complete song that I want to export digitally to my computer, without loss of quality, is this possible?

Any help appreciated,
Thanks

Geoff

[bbbmusic]

GEOFFJA,
I dump my FD4 and my VF-16 to my computer. I had to get the optical converter from Fostex that converts to digital, then, I got a converter at MARS to go from digital to USB. Or, if you have a digital sound card you can eliminate one converter.
But I found the digital sound cards that would do the trick, were fairly expensive. Then you have to go to the setup menu on the FD4 and scroll to the outputs and tell it to send the digital signal out the optical port. You can only send 2 channels at a time. I haven't had a problem and it works real well.
The optical to digital I got from Fostex, it was about $89. The digital to USB is made by OPCODE and you can get them from most music stores. It was $129. Not all that cheap but, I wanted to use my laptop for my "studio" and the only route to go was USB. It works super.
I have an FD4 and can only dump 2 channels at a time so, I ping everything to 2 channels. I can also only dump 2 onto the FD4. I am not sure about adding a channel after the fact. I have heard that some do it by adding all the separate channels and then sync them using the time signatures.
Later
Bruce

[adam]

bbbmusic has the right idea. Another option, if you want to transfer asll 8 tracks at a time is to use a soundcard with an ADAT connection. I am not sure if you would still need an adapter for the fd8. I am going this route in the next 2 months to start using my computer to edit, mix etc.

[oneArtist]

Adam,
I just got Fostex's new D824 HDR and I already have two Pulsar cards in my PC(Athlon) with a Digital TMD-1000 mixer, that's 24 channels in/out of the Pulsars. I also have a Digital POD PRO. As we progress through our similar systems, it will help both of us to stay in contact.
csfeathers@hotmail.com
Chuck

[adam]

Chuck,

Good idea. I am investing in either the M-Audio 1010 card or one of the Aardvark cards. Probably in March as I am swamped with work right now and want to have time to focus on getting to know the DAW system. You can reach me at adrose@dc.com