Fostex FD-8?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LTG
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LTG

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I currently have an analog mixer that has outputs running into a sound blaster live sound card. Would the FD-8 have much better quality? Does it distort guitar? And Can I run the S/PDIF to my computer I/O card that has S/PDIF?
 
I can tell you one thing about the FD-8, don't use it to get distortion it's nasty. The FD-8 will give you better results than an analog mixer though. If you buy a live drive II along with a SB live you would be able to run digital optical in out of the FD-8
 
LTG,
I have a tm-d1000 and a fd4 and use both with my computer, so I will give you the basic comparison.

The tmd1000 is a wonderful tool for both recording and sound reinforcement, and it offers some great effects. I use mine with a Mixtreme TDIF card and with one cable you get 8 in and 8 out of your computer. The mixer is quiet and has a very good feel, once you get used to it. It is much harder to use right out of the box then the fostex, but after a little time it all comes together beatifully. I love the ability to both record and playback with one cable.

The FD4 is a wonderful tool for recording, although the soung isn't as good as the tascam's when going direct to computer. It also doesn't have the ability to record 8 tracks at a time. However, I love using my tmd1000 and fd4 together when recording anywhere but home, and I must say I have been quite impressed with the results so far. I use a zip 250 drive when recording gigs and whaterev else, and when I use the tmd1000 as a submixer and effects unit, I have gotten great results.

The prices of both of these units is CHEAP right now, although the fd4 doesn't come with a drive. At musician's friend the tmd1000 is $499 and the fd4 is only $299, so the total cost is about what an fd8 is, I think. I already had my zip drive when I bought both of my units, so I got lucky.

Overall it depends on what you want to do. If you are going to record strictly at home, get the tascam. If you want to record somewhere else and do not want to carry your computer (tried it, it sucks!)get the fostex, although if you go the route I did you can get the features of both for CHEAP.

If you have any more questions, post 'em and I'll see if I can help.

Madadam
 
Thanks for all the info! I only need to record at home really. The Tascam TM-D1000 sounds the best for me so far. I have a Sound Blaster Live Sound Card, which has an I/O card with SPDIF. Would I use the SPDIF to connect the TM-D1000 to the computer or is there another way?
 
LTG,
Glad I could help. And yeah you can easily use your sound card to connect the TMD1000 to your computer. A "stock" tmd1000 will have two SPDIF outs(named A and B) and one in(all RCA type). They can be configured in numerous ways and should work perfect, provided you do not want to record more than four seperate tracks at a time. If you are like me, two at a time is dangerous enough! However, if you want to record, say a small group live you can get any of the numerous cards with a TDIF connection. Most of these will support 8 in and 8 out simultaneously, but they cost some dough.

If you have anymore questions let me know, and you might also want to check out the digital mixer bbs forum at Tascam's website. They have helped me put my entire set-up together.

Madadam
 
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