How to transfer my recordings from a VR-800 to my computer?

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Tadragh1

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Hello!

I am new to the forum and new to the Fostex devices.
I am planning to buy some recording equipment (at present I am recording into computer) and I am thinking about VM-200/VR-800 combination. However, I would like to transfer my recordings to the computer to tweak them further and to burn CDs.
Is it possible to connect a SCSI hard disk to the VR-800, record some songs and then connect the disk to my computer and read the files? Are they WAV or some other PC-readable format? Is there any other way of transferring files to my computer?


Regards everyone,
Tad
 
Fostex uses a proprietary disk system called FDMS-3 for the VR800. If you plan on getting the VM200 digital mixer, then getting an ADAT capable audio card is the route I suggest. I use the Terretec EWS800D and it works great.

The other option is to use a SCSI HD with your VR800 and then use a Linux program called FDMS3 Ripper and translate the files that way. Not exactly a plug and play process, but it works. I still recommend the audio card route. Some other notable cards are the Sonorus, EZ 8, Korg 1212, Adat Edit, and Sierra Wave Center. If you like spendy, then check out the RME Hammerfall line, Creamware, etc.
 
I see. The linux way is not plug and play for sure, but if it works, it could be OK.
I like my soundcard (Aureal Vortex AU8830) and would not rather like to spend additional money on a new one. So buying a new soundcard would be rather last resort.
Are there any Windows FDMS3 ripper programs out there?

Thank You very much, JR#97! You helped me a lot.
 
That is an excellent option provided your system is up to the task. I only use my HD recorder for tracking and use the PC for everything else. Plus, the HD recorder gives me a portable option as well. Either way, I highly recommend the VM200. It is a killer mixer and will also act as a DAW controller with moveable faders.
 
I think made my mind. I'll for the VM-200 and a soundcard.
One more thought:
if I use the VM-200, I only need a soundcard with good sound transfer quality and an optical input. It doesn't have to be a recording studio as the aforementioned Terratec. I do not need any special, additional features (e.g. thousands of various inputs), they raise the price. I'll try to find a soundcard, which could perform all the standard PC soundcard requirements + high sound quality + optical input.
Possibly it could be this:
http://www.terratec.com/products/Aureon_space/aureon_space_details.htm

with a digital input and 24bit/96kHz

or this:
http://www.terratec.com/products/ewx2496/ewx2496_details.htm

with similar specs.
Is this a way to go?
 
just be aware that the vm200 works at 16 bit 44.1k. So that's the resolution you would be tracking at. Once you're in the PC, you can upsample to whatever your card supports. but it's not quite the same as recording at the higher rates.
 
How much is that VM200&VR800 combo?

IHMO you'll do better with a VF160. I'm not familiar with the capabilities of the VM200&VR800 but I believe that VF160 gives you the same features and double the tracks in one package. I wouldn't spend my money on gear that the manufacturer has already abandoned. Terratec EWS88D ($199) is a good card and has everything you need to sync VF160 to computer and to transfer tracks between those two. In addition to optical input it's got coaxial SPDIF connectors so you can connect the gear that don't have optical output straight into the soundcard.
 
The regular price of a VF-160 in Poland is 1900 USD. The VM-200 cost 1250 USD. The Terratec EWS800D costs 350 USD. Bear in mind, that average salary in Poland is monthly 500 USD, while in the USA You get 2800 USD on average per month. I could get the VM-200 for about 350 USD. A 100 USD difference in price for me is like a 560 USD difference for an American.
 
The VF160 is a kick ass machine. I nearly bought one. However, if 16/44.1k isn't an issue, IMHO the VM200 & PC combo has the edge over the VF160 in performance and price.... given you already have a PC...

Even if I had the VF160, I'd probably still get the vm200 to get 16 tracks at once and have motorized faders that can also control the pc daw.
 
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