Can you help me KEEP my (still unused!) Fostex VF160?

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prayingd

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This may sound stupid, but I’m on the level here. Please give a listen and provide any direction/input that might be helpful!

I have a new Fostex VF160 unit that is still unopened in the shipping box. I ordered it after 2 weeks of research into similar 8/16 track recorders. From what I read, the 160 provides the “most bang for the buck”.

But after doing more research into this unit, I’ve discovered the following. Many VF160 users, although stating that the learning curve for competitive units tends to be “steeper”, still admit that the VF160 in not exactly user friendly, especially if one has little recording experience and must rely on the manual. A few “experienced” veterans even admit to being baffled regarding certain capabilities of the machine, even after using the unit for over a year.

OK—I fall in the category of the technically challenged. I’ve only used a 4 track Tascam Porta-3 cassette recorder. And IT was a challenge at first! (I also have limited experience with a Tascam 488.)

Is the VF160 destined to sit on my desk with only about 10-20% of its capabilities ever realized? ($799 paperweight or frustration box?)

Here is the good news—my recording needs are SIMPLE! 98% of my work is pure vocal (acapella) gospel music. I stack my voice up to 8 times (maybe more with a 16 tracker), singing 3-5 part harmonies. I have a new MXL V69 Mogami microphone and a small pre-amp (no compressor…I read that the VF160 may have a usable one?).

So I need to know…what do you think my chances are of learning this machine well enough (in 2-3 weeks) to do some serious vocal recording and justify the cost?

Even more importantly, what do you recommend in terms of tips or DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS, as far as using it for my purposes?

With time, I know I can experiment much more with the sound, but how hard will it be to record my voice on 8-16 tracks, mix down and burn to CD (burner installed)?

Should I keep the VF160, or send it back (unopened) for a full refund, “back up” and go with a 8 track digital machine like the Tascam 788 or one of the “older” Fostex units?

THANKS for your input. It will HELP.

Dennis Swindle
Adrian, MI
 
Dennis,

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome to the wonderful world of HomeRecording.com. On behalf of the members here I hope you enjoy your visit and take advantage of all the free information available. :) :)

To your questions:

I just got my VF160 a few days ago. It will defintely fit your needs. It does seem intimidating at first, but the manual will walk you through how to record. It took me a 10-15 minutes and I was recording away. I have only a few hours on it and it is pretty easy to remeber everything. I know it has a lot of buttons on it. But you only need to push 3 or 4 to start recording.

I ended up getting the VF160 after buying an MR8 first and that didn't fit my needs. I also have a 16-track DAW (Computer based recording system) in the studio. I got the VF160 for portable recording. The preamps are very good and quiet. The reverbs aren't bad, just cant put too much on.

I haven't burned a CD yet, but if its like everything else, the book walks you through how to do it.

I messed with the EQ a little, I think it's decent, not enough control for me though. Others have stated they don't care for it. It took me about 7-8 weeks to make a decision on the VF160 after looking at all the other manufacturers as well. I think for the price you will not be able to beat it. I also think it you dropped down you would be disappointed.

My vote: Keep it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and if you have any problems come back and someone here will sure have an answer for you. Also check out VF16.com its a VF16/160 users site. Although I'm partial to here, lots of great people here in the fostex forum on HRBBS.

good luck and feel free to ask any more questions :) :)
larry
 
Keep the unit for sure. No other unit is as user friendly. Go to VF16.com and download the quick start guides to DIRECT RECORDING and BUSS RECORDING. These processes are the same for the VF160. Laminate them. Stick with DIRECT recording, and use Track Exchange to move microphone recorded tracks 7 or 8 to wherever.

Tell you what. Email me at: billisa@erols.com

I will send you my phone number. You can call me and, within reason, and as time allows, I will walk you through anything -- at least to get you started.

I guarantee you, you can use this machine (or if not, then you can't use anything else). Don't be afraid. Open the box. You have a great machine.
 
Thanks Larry and billisa!

Your words bring comfort. My plan is to OPEN the box tomorrow night--and perhaps bug poor billisa to death with a lot of questions. I'll be in touch!

Dennis
 
Open the box Dennis, open the box...!

I think the VF160's manual has got a bad press. I didn't find it too bad at all, and if you're just doing vocal layering, once you've worked out how to do one track, the rest will just follw. The VF160 is a great machine, enjoy it.

Dave
www.DaveWare.co.uk
 
It sounds like you're already convinced - but the above comments are right on - at least based on my experience with the "little brother", the VF08. It's really simple and straight forward - tape-deck simple with all the advantages of being digital.

So don't let the features intimidate you.

However, it's also got a lot of capabilities that you don't yet know you need. I got mine last Fall, and with each recording I made I learned more features.

You'll be glad you kept it.
 
The manual can be a little garbled in places but I've figured most things out with minimum effort, and I'm a pretty non-technical person.

The other thing I noticed about my VF160 is that once you get used to it, it's easy to understand. For instance, the procedures for using different features all follow the same sort of pattern, it really does get less daunting every time you use it!

The compressor is quite workable. You can use it a lot for a particular effect or just a little and it's very subtle. I don't have the link, but somewhere on this site there is a great article explaining compression, I read it and went from "zero to sixty" with compression in no time.

If you don't have one, you might want to get a pop filter for your microphone. it's a little mesh screen that fits on the microphone stand and goes inbetween your mouth and the microphone, when you sing it keeps your 'P's and "S" sounds from exploding too loud into the mic. Sorry if you know this already!
 
VF160 and Dennis

Hey Dennis,

I've had a Fostex VF160 for several years now and love it. But here how I use it. I also found the instruction manual useless pretty much. Here's what I did:

I treat the machine the same way you would a cassette recorder. I direct record by the number counter and keep a log. I can record one track or up to eight at a time.

1. Turn it on
2. Press direct record button
3. Select the track or tracks you want to record and press those buttons.
4. Press the record button.
5. Plug in your source--mic -guitar,cd, ect.
6. Set the gain knob as the source inputs and watch the screen. Set the gain to about 3/4. Do not let it peak
7. Press play & record buttons at the same time and start recording.
8. When you finish, press stop.
9. Then rewind and listen to what you've recorded. If you like it--good, if not
rewind and do it again.
10. When your satisfied with all you input recorded, then add any effects
you want to each track and eq if necessary.

Note: I do not use the internal mixdown mode and the built in burner. I use an outside cd burner. This is why--with an outside burner you can record
as many mixes as you want of a song and then choose the one you like best. If you use the internal mixdown mode and the built in burner, you get one recording.

11. When you mix, get each track as you want it and pan as you need to get balance. This takes some practice but it's worth it. This machine will do a lot of things but for me I just want to direct record. All that terminolgy and crap in the manual is difficult. The way I have described to you has produced many, many great recordings, in fact three full CD's. It is so much fun.

My email is stirlunin22@hotmail.com and I will help you if you want.

Ken Barthell
 
Dude. Great answer, but the question was asked 6 years ago! :confused:
 
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