Fostex DMT-8VL Digital Multitrack, Hard Drive Recording System
January 16, 1997
With twice the number of tracks, no compression and a lower price, the new Fostex DMT-8VL
provides the MI industry with a clearly superior-and upgradeable hard disk digital multitrack
recording and editing system.
At a time when the MI industry is demanding new
levels of higher performance value, Fostex Corporation of America today announced the introduction
of the Fostex DMT-8VL, a revolutionary technological achievement that combines the best of
proven, professional hard disk technology with a price that literally redefines what a cost-effective small eight-track digital recording and editing system can do.
Instead of a limited play, four-track system that relies upon digital compression schemes, the
Fostex DMT-8VL offers eight uncompressed digital audio tracks, a full
featured analog mixing console and the massive storage power of a hard drive-based architecture
for the unprecedented low price of only $1,295.00.
The Fostex DMT-8VL offers hard disk technology's proven reliability to provide users with eight
tracks of 16-bit, 44.1 kHz (CD digital quality standard) uncompressed digital audio. Other
specifications of the DMT-8VL include 18-bit, 128X oversampling A-to-D conversion, and 20-bit
D-to-A converters. The integrated mixing section of the Fostex DMT-8VL incorporates two-band
equalization on each of eight channels and two aux sends.
Each channel has an input channel select switch, a long-throw 80-millimeter fader for precise level
settings, and a stereo in-line monitor section. There are also direct inputs and outputs, and
independent monitor outputs. Furthermore, by connecting the monitor outputs to the recorder
inputs, the monitor signal appears in digital form at the data output ports. The DMT-8VL's
input/output versatility of configuration means that at mixdown, the DMT-8VL offers the user the
eight recorded tracks, plus eight input signals, plus a pair of stereo aux returns for a total of 20
separate, discrete signal sources.
But before you get to the mix, the DMT-8VL offers plenty of versatility for editing. Better
cut-copy/paste/move word processing-type edit functions are ergonomically located and
straightforward to use for fast, accurate manipulation of text file audio. A large fluorescent display
panel tells users at a glance the operational status of all machine and recording functions. The
entire DMT-8VL was designed to be easy and intuitive to use. The Fostex DMT-8VL hard disk
recorder is also an expandable platform, with Fostex already researching the implementation of
removable hard drives to further expand its storage capabilities.
The introduction of the Fostex DMT-8VL at the 1997 Winter NAMM Show is significant in that it
reflects Fostex's expectations that the DMT-8VL will carve out a large niche in the fast-growing
market for small digital linear recording systems. "What's happening is that many manufacturers
are looking to a new format-MD -in a sort of planned obsolescence move," explained Dick
Ravich, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Fostex Corporation of America. "While
the market for the analog cassette-based multi :rack remains strong -- and Fostex remains
committed to that market with an extensive product line -- that market sees itself transitioning to a digital environment.
"Fostex has already established itself as a leader in linear hard disk recording with products such
as the DMT-8 and the D-80 hard disk recorders. The introduction of the DMT-8VL takes that proven
technology to a new price point, one never seen before for a linear hard disk recording system."
At a retail price of $1,295,00, the Fostex DMT-8VL offers the industry's very best performance value
for digital multitrack recording and editing. Using a hard diskbased system the DMT-8VL offers far
superior sound quality with no compressed audio. And the use of a hard drive for data storage
eliminates any compatibility issues between systems. The Fostex DMT-8VL is simply a smarter
implementation of existing technology in a more innovative manner. Those interested in learning more about the complete Fostex product line can visit the company's
World Wide Web Site, "Fostex Online," at http://www.fostex.com. | 
