Hi everyone.. I am considering purchasing the vf160 as my first digital multitracker and have 10 questions -- thanks in advance if you decide to reply..
1. Is there a place to download the manual? I tried the link on Fostex's site but it was invalid.
2. I'm interested in connecting the VF to my computer via ADAT .. I understand the interface transfers 8 tracks at a time .. Is this in realtime or does it have a high-speed transfer mode? (Ie if I record an hour worth of music on the VF, is there anyway to automate and quickly dump songs into Sonar?)
3. When connected via the ADAT interface, do the inputs on the VF route directly to the computer? (ie I could hook into the VF and record directly to the computer w/o recording to the VF first)
4. Is it possible to record MIDI data to the VF? (my thoughts: I am going to be recording with an electric violin -- it has MIDI, so it would be nice to record that and then have the flexibility of downloading that data to Sonar and then correcting/replaying with one of my VL synths..)
5. Can I connect mics to the 1/4" inputs with a simple XLR->1/4" cable or do I need to run through a mixer/transformer/etc?
6. Interface-wise, people seem to say the Fostex is generally more difficult to operate then other machines.. Is this true? Or is it a case of a bad-manual?
7. If I was to get a unit within the next day or two, would I be crazy to think I could do a recording session with it on Monday (the 18th) and have some good results (demo cd quality) -- inputs include female vocals, piano, violin... (I've done this type of a recording before with tape & hauling my computer system... (mix down to one track however..)) -- I still plan on doing final mix/etc using my computer system.
8. Any other tidbits I should know (ie: Don't get the VF160, check out XYZ product -- it might fit your needs better..)
9. Is there a version of the VF160 w/o the CD drive? (it appears that Musicians Friend has a VF160 listed for $800 and it doesn't mention the CD drive..)
10. Any good places to buy the VF?
1. Is there a place to download the manual? I tried the link on Fostex's site but it was invalid.
2. I'm interested in connecting the VF to my computer via ADAT .. I understand the interface transfers 8 tracks at a time .. Is this in realtime or does it have a high-speed transfer mode? (Ie if I record an hour worth of music on the VF, is there anyway to automate and quickly dump songs into Sonar?)
3. When connected via the ADAT interface, do the inputs on the VF route directly to the computer? (ie I could hook into the VF and record directly to the computer w/o recording to the VF first)
4. Is it possible to record MIDI data to the VF? (my thoughts: I am going to be recording with an electric violin -- it has MIDI, so it would be nice to record that and then have the flexibility of downloading that data to Sonar and then correcting/replaying with one of my VL synths..)
5. Can I connect mics to the 1/4" inputs with a simple XLR->1/4" cable or do I need to run through a mixer/transformer/etc?
6. Interface-wise, people seem to say the Fostex is generally more difficult to operate then other machines.. Is this true? Or is it a case of a bad-manual?
7. If I was to get a unit within the next day or two, would I be crazy to think I could do a recording session with it on Monday (the 18th) and have some good results (demo cd quality) -- inputs include female vocals, piano, violin... (I've done this type of a recording before with tape & hauling my computer system... (mix down to one track however..)) -- I still plan on doing final mix/etc using my computer system.
8. Any other tidbits I should know (ie: Don't get the VF160, check out XYZ product -- it might fit your needs better..)
9. Is there a version of the VF160 w/o the CD drive? (it appears that Musicians Friend has a VF160 listed for $800 and it doesn't mention the CD drive..)
10. Any good places to buy the VF?