My Fostex R8 died, what's next? Suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter hungovermorning
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hungovermorning

Dr. Caveman.
So I was recording this last week and my Fostex R8 died (specifically the rewind quit working and the playback became fluttery). I took this as a sign to maybe step up to the plate a little bit so I've come to Analog only to ask the question that has been asked so many times: what should I get next? I have a few things in mind, either a 1/4" 4 track, 1/2" 4 track or 1/2" 8 track. I don't want DBX noise reduction, Dolby is just peachy with me but my ear has never liked DBX. I previously owned a Teac 80-8, it was okay but the bottom end was a little too syrupy for my tastes. Also the Fostex R8, it was okay sonically, just didn't look like it was built to last and 8 tracks on 1/4" tape seemed stretching it even at 15 IPS. I owned a Tascam 688 but I'd rather not talk about it. Also I currently have an Akai GX-630D. I like it a lot sonically abd construction wise but it's essentially a quarter track machine. Not a whole lot I can do with it.

Hopefully this gives you an idea for suggestions. I'd like something that is a step up from the R8, perhaps also something you can still get parts for and can be serviced by any competent tech. This time I want a "keeper" if you will. I thank you all in advance for your help.

cheers,
scott
 
hungovermorning said:
So I was recording this last week and my Fostex R8 died (specifically the rewind quit working and the playback became fluttery). I took this as a sign to maybe step up to the plate a little bit so I've come to Analog only to ask the question that has been asked so many times: what should I get next? I have a few things in mind, either a 1/4" 4 track, 1/2" 4 track or 1/2" 8 track. I don't want DBX noise reduction, Dolby is just peachy with me but my ear has never liked DBX. I previously owned a Teac 80-8, it was okay but the bottom end was a little too syrupy for my tastes. Also the Fostex R8, it was okay sonically, just didn't look like it was built to last and 8 tracks on 1/4" tape seemed stretching it even at 15 IPS. I owned a Tascam 688 but I'd rather not talk about it. Also I currently have an Akai GX-630D. I like it a lot sonically abd construction wise but it's essentially a quarter track machine. Not a whole lot I can do with it.

Hopefully this gives you an idea for suggestions. I'd like something that is a step up from the R8, perhaps also something you can still get parts for and can be serviced by any competent tech. This time I want a "keeper" if you will. I thank you all in advance for your help.

cheers,
scott
Click to expand...

Well, it's the same track gauge as the B16 and E16 which were used on a number of successful albums, so it can't be that bad.
The logical next step is 1/2" 8-track, such as the TASCAM 80-8, '38 or TSR-8, Otari 5050-8 or Revox C278. There are a few more but they're kind of exotic - more ornaments than useful systems ;-)
The only system with integral NR is the TSR-8 which has DBX. Unless you can get 8 channels of Dolby S in some weird rackmount or somehow gut a Fostex and make your own Dolby system, you'll have to use DBX or go without.

Ignoring the horrifically expensive 2" 8-track system, the only other possibility is 1" 8-track which was all the rage in 1969 and doesn't really need noise reduction. You can find Otari MX80s with this configuration although they are rare - it would probably be easier to get one with 1" 16-tracks and replace the headblock if you can get one without paying more than the machine.

Anyway, realistically I'd say "TSR-8" - but that's because I've got one. :)
 
Repair Information For FosteX Model R8

ok there is a couple of things you can try on the R8 to posatively identify the exact problem.

Ok here is how it works

The reel turntables are powered by a DC 24v motor with 2 drive belts on a pulley system leading up to the reel turntable. note: this machine is NOT direct drive

1st you can check to see if you can hear the motor running on the left reel by holding up the tension roller of either side of the tape transport and pressing rewind.
If you can hear the motor running then there is a strong chance you can repair it without too much trouble

I will explain how to access the belts.

1) For this you will need a very small flathead jewelry screwdriver. Next see the automatic stop switches both on the left and right side. The silver collar has a small hole in the side and inside there is a small grub screw. Turn the grub screw counter clockwise until this becomes loose. Next turn the black cap on the end counter clockwise and it will come off with the white roller. The larger roller type tape guides dont have to be removed. Next turn the black cap on the pinch roller and that will come off. When removing the pinch roller be careful not to lose the washer. Next get a hexagonal screwdriver to fit the 2 screws on the head cover and undo these to to remove it. Now comes the next part

2) There are 3 screws on each side towards the front of the machine. Remove these turning them counter clockwise. and also another 4 on the back cover. Now the back cover will slide off. The reason for removing the back cover is the front plate is held on with 4 screws inside the machine. What you will now be looking for is 4 slightly large brass colored screws 2 in each top corner and another 2 about halfway down. Once these have been removed you should now be able to remove the front cover to replace the belts if needed. While you have thre front cover off you can check and adjust the reel brakes, and see that the brake felt on the reel drums is not too badly worn.

This guide is based from the Fostex Model 80 which i use quite often for high quality recordings.

I hope this information will help you repair this machine :D
These machine are so easy to use and the sound is practically unmatchable compared to other machines.

Keith
 
Ok well I live just about a mile and a half from ISU.
I have 2 tascam 38, 1 tascam 34 3 tascam 22-4,s 2 388,s and a fostex R8 I bought new with only 12 songs on it. I am in the middle of a move to bloomington right now but if you would like to look at any of those I might be willing to part with one of them. I wont be able to set anything up to listen to for about 3 weeks cause I just tore everything apart to move on the 30th.
 
If you are up for adventure, this AMPEX 4 track is FS on EBAY. It's up in the Chicage burbs. Sorry, I cant cut and paste the link...heres the ebay auction #

Looks kinda dusty, so may be a gem or a dog :confused:

130017614419
 
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