steps for basic use of VF80

[slide_blues]

OK, I've read the manual (still trying to absorb it all!) and recorded some raw "dummy" tracks to play around with. What I'd like to get some feedback on are the basic steps one uses to produce a finished CD with the VF80, just so I know I'm understanding the process. Here's how I think of it:

1. Record basic tracks as good as possible w/o eq or effects

2. Mix these down in stereo to tracks 7 and 8 with eq and effects as needed

3. Master tracks 7 and 8 to tracks 1 and 2 using mastering effects if needed (not sure on how necessary these are)

4. Burn CD from the data on tracks 1 and 2

Do those seem like the basic steps? I'll have more ??? coming soon - these forums are a great resource!

Special thanks to Bill K. for selling me his VF80!

 

[billisa]

OK, I've read the manual (still trying to absorb it all!) and recorded some raw "dummy" tracks to play around with. What I'd like to get some feedback on are the basic steps one uses to produce a finished CD with the VF80, just so I know I'm understanding the process. Here's how I think of it:

1. Record basic tracks as good as possible w/o eq or effects

2. Mix these down in stereo to tracks 7 and 8 with eq and effects as needed

3. Master tracks 7 and 8 to tracks 1 and 2 using mastering effects if needed (not sure on how necessary these are)

4. Burn CD from the data on tracks 1 and 2

Do those seem like the basic steps? I'll have more ??? coming soon - these forums are a great resource!

Special thanks to Bill K. for selling me his VF80!

You're pretty much on target, in the sense that some of these points are subject to personal opinion.

When you finish a Master, the VF80 automatically creates a new program that begins with MST in the name... So if your song is program 2 and named "HEY", then the new program will be called MST HEY by the VF80 and will automatically be the last program saved on the HardDrive (could be PGM 10 MST HEY).

When you burn, you can burn any Mastered program (any program that the VF80 has named MST...).

Personally, I rarely used any effects in mastering, only in mixing down to 7/8 prior to the Mastering step. If you do use the Compression on Mastering realise that by adding gain you will be pulling up the noise floor during quiet passages. I used to set the Gain setting to 0 on the rare occasion I used compression. On Mastering, or Mixdown, you can test how various settings effect the final mix before actually hitting both Record/Play...

Also, if you don't like a Mixdown to 7/8, just do it again. Same thing with Mastering, except each Master will be made into a new program... I've made 3 Masters of a mix, decided on one I liked best and simply deleted the others.

Send an email if you ever have questions.

Bill Keane

 

[slide_blues]

Thanks Bill, that helps a lot! Interesting idea about compression (or the lack of it). It's great that one can do several mastering takes and just delete the bad ones.

 

[billisa]

One thing (and I tried to make this clearer in the highlighted copy of the manual)... When burning a CD, the machine wants you to 1st select the 1st track on the blank disc labelled NON... (you hit enter/yes) then you have to select which mastered program goes on that first track (after highlighting the right program, hit enter/yes); then if you're burning more tracks on the same CD you repeat the first step by scrolling down to the second track labelled NON (hit enter/yes), scroll through to the program you want to burn (hit enter/yes), then you hit Record and Yes. I mention this because I don't think the manual is clear on the need to designate each track on the CD.

Tips... The VF80 does a very clean, no errors burn, but it's not fast. It'll take a few seconds to set-up after a CD is inserted; a few seconds to start burning after you hit Record/Play, etc... After a burn is completed it will ask you if you want to make another copy. If you select YES, it will say to insert a new CD. When you do, it will take 10-15 secs for the machine to start burning the new CD -- this is normal.

The point is to let it finish each step before pushing buttons for the next. Also, write down the Program number(s) you want to burn because when you're having to select them for burning the display doesn't show the whole program name.

Once you do this, it all makes perfect sense...

 

[Floored_Music]

Would you recommend it?

Was just wondering, as a new purchase would you recommend the VF 80? Am looking for something in that general price range for a starter home studio setup (an online store has it for $699 right now), and for the overall power of what you get I cant seem to find a better combination.

Is this a good assessment?

Thanks in advance,

 

[billisa]

Re: Would you recommend it?

Was just wondering, as a new purchase would you recommend the VF 80? Am looking for something in that general price range for a starter home studio setup (an online store has it for $699 right now), and for the overall power of what you get I cant seem to find a better combination.

Is this a good assessment?

Thanks in advance,

Yes, I think that's a good assessment. The VF80CDR's are very sturdy, reliable, rarely if ever freeze, and can produce an excellent final product. The manual is not the best (or worst), but after a while the machine becomes very intuitive. The Fostex people made it so the hard drive is optimized as you record, and there's no need to "save" -- it does so automatically -- behaving in that way like an analogue tape recorder. Just turn it off when you're done and everything you recorded is on the hard drive ready for the next time. Very well thought out product.

The only other thing better than a VF80CDR at $699. is a VF160 @ $850.