FD8 vs NEW MODELS

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tomraffe

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I am borrowing someones Fostex FD8 and although I have only been using for a weekend, I am finding it quite difficult to pick up. The complicated manual doesnt help. Does anyone know of a simple tutorial, that explains how to use the basic features?

Also, does anyone know if the newer models, ie. the MR8 or VF80 are any easier to use? I dont want to do anything complicated with it and arent worried about the effects as I'm putting it through a mixer with inbuilt effects and just using it to record.

What are the main differences between the FD8 and newer models?

Many Thanks.
 
I don't know anything about the FD8, but the MR8 and the VF80 are pretty straightforward.

If all you want to do is record, then edit on a PC, well then the MR8 should be fine. It's a full 16bit CD quality recorder storing data on SmartCards. Or Compact Flash cards, whatever. On the MR8 you'd have to transfer your material onto PC fairly early on because the supplied memory card gives you about 3 to 4 minutes with all tracks used.

The VF80 is a very solid item that records onto a hard drive -- plenty of room.

Fostex manuals aren't the best, but the kit is great. Once you get the idea, it all becomes very intuitive.
 
Thanks for that.

Full specs of the FD8 are here - http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan99/articles/fostexfd8.256.htm

So other than the VF80 obviously having the freedom of a hard drive, are there any other major advantages over the MR8?

As for the manuals it would be great to have a 'getting started' section in all of them that just tell you the basic things. Then you can look at the more complex functions as and when you need them.
 
The VF80 has phantom power for its two XLR inputs, its a very solid machine, with a large amount of onboard effects and editing capabilities.
 
Although I am putting the mics through an amp which already has phantom power.

But so we dont get sidetracked, does anyone know of a tutorial or book?
 
Search this forum. I've written up quite a bit on the FD8 here. What specifically are you trying to do?

The vf08 and vf16 work very similar to the FD8. The major operative difference being that the FD8 has an analog mixer section. The analog mixer actually makes things a lot easier.
 
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