Fostex A-4 tape recorder

Introducing the A-4.

Four tracks on quarter-inch tape (a format our engineers pioneered) at a price that's as irresistible as we could make it. The A-4 drives 7" reels at either 7½ ips or 15 ips. So you can decide between the ultimate in multitrack economy or push for those extra dB's of sound quality.

Like its 8-track big brother, the A-4 has a transport system built from the ground up specifically for multitrack recording. Three low power consumption D.C. motors are used to eliminate the heat problems typical of A.C. motors. And an FG servo controls the capstan motor to prevent line voltage fluctuations from playing havoc with your sound.

The A-4 is a classic three-head design. Separate heads are used for recording, playback and erasing. We;ve even designed a new specially contoured head that gives you extended frequency response and fewer low frequency head bumps.

Operation is fast and easy, too. Select the tracks you want to record on. Then enter the record mode . The A-4 is set up to record where you want to record and automatically play back the other tracks. It also lets you punch in or out at the touch of a botton with no cliks or pops.

You can buy an optional remote foot-switch that gives you a third hand for punching in and out. Just play along with your song, then tap the footswitch to start recording. You'll be able to concentrate onn your music instead of your machine.

The A-4 brings you the kind of convenience we introduced on the A-8. easy to use digital tape counter with bright LED readout. And the Return To Zero memory function for fast tape checks. There's a ±10% pitch control for special effects, optional Dolby C noise reduction system, easy to use. Edit mode with tape dump capabilities and modular electronics for fast economical servicing.

It all adds up to an easy to use, easy to afford multitrack recorder. That's the A-4.

Specifications

Tape:  1/4 inch tape width, 1 mil base

Format :  4 track, 4 channel

Heads:  4 track record; 4 track reproduce, 4 track erase

Reel Size:  7 inch

Tape Speed:  15 and 7½ ips (38 and 19 cm/s) ±0,5%

Pitch Control:  ±10%

Line Input:  -10 dBV (0,3 V) / impedance 30 k Ω unbalanced

Line Output:  -10 dBV (0,3 V) load impedance 10 k Ω or higher unbalanced

Record Level Calibration Equalization:  0 VU referenced to 250 nWb/m of tape flux NAB

Wow and Flutter: 

±0,06% peak (IEC/ANSI) wtd., at 15 ips

±0,10% peak (IEC/ANSI) wtd., at 7½ ips

Fast Wind Time:  130 seconds typ typ. for 1800 ft of tape

Overall Frequency Response: 

At 15 ips :  40 Hz - 20 kHz ±3 dB

At 7½ ips ;  40 Hz - 18 kHz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Sync/Reproduce)

At 15 ips ;  65 dB wtd.

At 7½ ips :  referenced to 1 kHz , 3% T.H.D. level

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 1% at 1 kHz 0 VU

Crosstalk (Reproduce):  50 dB (at 1 kHz)

Erasure:  better than 70 dB at 1 kHz

Power Requirements:  120 V AC 60 Hz , 35 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  360 x 340 x 170 mm (14" x 13-1/2" x 6-3/4")

Weight:  13 kg (29 lbs)

I like

Fostex A-2 reel-to-reel

The A-2 is two track on quarter-inch tape, mastering machine. The standard of the industry. But with one added attraction. The A-2 has sync. Which means you can extend its usefulness. When you need to cut a high quality, low noise, low distortion master, ecord on the A-2 in its normal mode. But when you need to perform a little fixing up, or you want to do some added production (like adding a few ideas at the last minute), use the A-2's Sync mode. It's built-in to give you added performance flexibility for your dollar. Another way personal Multitrack fits the equipment to your needs. And your wallet.

The A-2 packs all the features and functions of our multitrack recorders into a rugged, relatively lightweight mastering machine. It includes LED indicators of peak transient overload in record or playback modes. The A-2 gives you the kind of quality needed to help you produce stereo masters that truly showcase your talent.

Specifications

Tape:  1/4 inch tape width, 1 mil base

Format :  2 track, 2 channel

Heads:  2 track record; 2 track reproduce, 2 track erase

Reel Size:  7 inch

Tape Speed:  15 and 7½ ips (38 and 19 cm/s) ±0,5%

Pitch Control:  ±10%

Line Input:  -10 dBV (0,3 V) / impedance 30 k Ω unbalanced

Line Output:  -10 dBV (0,3 V) load impedance 10 k Ω or higher unbalanced

Record Level Calibration Equalization:  0 VU referenced to 250 nWb/m of tape flux NAB

Wow and Flutter: 

±0,06% peak (IEC/ANSI) wtd., at 15 ips

±0,19% peak (IEC/ANSI) wtd., at 7½ ips

Fast Wind Time:  130 seconds typ typ. for 1800 ft of tape

Overall Frequency Response: 

At 15 ips :  40 Hz - 20 kHz ±3 dB

At 7½ ips ;  40 Hz - 18 kHz ±3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Sync/Reproduce)

At 15 ips ;  65 dB wtd.

At 7½ ips :  referenced to 1 kHz , 3% T.H.D. level

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 1% at 1 kHz 0 VU

Crosstalk (Reproduce):  50 dB (at 1 kHz)

Erasure:  better than 70 dB at 1 kHz

Power Requirements:  120 V AC 60 Hz , 35 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  360 x 340 x 170 mm (14" x 13-1/2" x 6-3/4")

Weight:  13 kg (29 lbs)

I like

Fostex GZ 1001

 The Printed Ribbon Planer Loudspeaker - Patented Technology.

The GZ Series employs the Fostex RP (Regular Phase) principle embodied in the acclaimed Printed Ribbon Microphone Series, a technology protected by 19 patents pending. An extremely thin and lightweight diaphragm is used whose entire effective plane is driven at the same phase. The mass is small and uniformly driven, which results in high efficiency and durability not found in similar units. This is a unique loudspeaker with all the classic characteristics:  flat frequency response, high definition, superior transient response, low distortion and unusually good front-to-back depth perception.

 Edgeless Woofers SLE34W SLE24W (GZ1001) - Articulate Reproduction of the Fundamentals.

The cone surround, weak point of most cone woofers, is completely eliminated in the SLE34W and SLE24W. An acoustic low pass filter in the form of a sloted ring replaces the conventional cone surround. The voice coil/cone assembly is supported by push-pull, distortion-cancelling double spiders. Employing also a super heat-resistant voice coil, this special synthetic material (SM) cone reproduces powerful and articulate low frequency sound-the fundamentals of music. Of particular note are the excellent transient response and low distortion - the perfect complement to the Printed Ribbon Planer Loudspeaker.

Midrange FS21RP (GZ1001) - True Dipole Radiator for the Heart of the Music.

Although its size is about half that of the mid-bass, the midrange construction is identical. The system consist of a flat coil diaphragm with a polyamide film as the base material, and a powerful magnetic circuit of high flux density through the use of a high coercivity ferrite magnet. This driver possesses superior acoustic response in the mid and mid-high regions (1 kHz to 7 kHz). The construction is such that sound is symmetrically projected from both the front and the rear. This true dipole radiator design reproduces the heart of the music with astonishing depth and clarity.

 Super Tweeter FT7RP - High Fidelity Reproduction Clear Up TO 45 kHz.

The super tweeter FT7RP boasts a flat, non-distorted response clear up to 45 kHz, far beyond the audible range of human hearing. The 12,5 mm effective width diaphragm is made from an extremely lightweight polyamide film of 12,5 µ thickness, and it is formed in a special rib patern. Disperision is further enhanced by making the front and rear dimensins of the magnet assembly non-symmetrical. This super tweeter employs a Samarium Cobalt magnet 3 times more powerful than conventional units. Due to this design, super high frequencies and important musical harmonics are faithfully reproduced in a wide dispersion pettern.

Specifications GZ1001

Impedance:  6 Ω

Frequency Range:  40 - 45,000 Hz

Output Sound Pressure Level:  90 dB [W/1m]

Input:  100 W Music

Driver Complement:

Tweeter :  FT7RP

Mid-Range:  FS21RP

Woofer :  SLE34W

Dimensions (H x W x D):  1115 x 400 x 250 mm

Weight:  25 kg

Enclosure Type:  Bass reflex

Fostex GZ 2001

The Printed Ribbon Planer Loudspeaker with Super Long Excursion (SLE) Edgeless Woofer  an Artistic Blendig of High Technology.

The GZ Series of high performance speaker systems has been developed in pursuit of true fidelity reproduction throughout the audible spectrum. These absolutely natural and live sounding systems make you forget about the speaker source, so clearly is the acoustic image positioned within the rich sound field. A true dipole radiator design provides startling front-to-back depth perception. The GZ Series directly represents the achievement of true fidelity - not only for traditional music, but also foe new sonic dimensions - with accurate reproduction of all information from any type of program source.

 The Printed Ribbon Planer Loudspeaker - Patented Technology.

The GZ Series employs the Fostex RP (Regular Phase) principle embodied in the acclaimed Printed Ribbon Microphone Series, a technology protected by 19 patents pending. An extremely thin and lightweight diaphragm is used whose entire effective plane is driven at the same phase. The mass is small and uniformly driven, which results in high efficiency and durability not found in similar units. This is a unique loudspeaker with all the classic characteristics:  flat frequency response, high definition, superior transient response, low distortion and unusually good front-to-back depth perception.

 Edgeless Woofers  SLE34W (GZ2001) - Articulate Reproduction of the Fundamentals.

The cone surround, weak point of most cone woofers, is completely eliminated in the SLE34W and SLE24W. An acoustic low pass filter in the form of a sloted ring replaces the conventional cone surround. The voice coil/cone assembly is supported by push-pull, distortion-cancelling double spiders. Employing also a super heat-resistant voice coil, this special synthetic material (SM) cone reproduces powerful and articulate low frequency sound-the fundamentals of music. Of particular note are the excellent transient response and low distortion - the perfect complement to the Printed Ribbon Planer Loudspeaker.

Mid-Bass FS41RP (GZ2001) - Accurate Reproduction of Important Bass Harmonics.

With the tremendous progress in music program sources, the role of the mid-bass is becoming increasingly important. In the nerly perfect GZ2001 4-way speaker system, the mid-bass FS42RP handles the important 200 Hz - 1 kHz range, a key to excellent sound reproduction. A powerful magnetic circuit uses a 1,8 kg high coercivity ferrite magnet. The planer diaphragm is made of polyamide film, onto which the high density voice coil is precision etched. The result: brisk and lively mid and mid-bass reproduction.

 Midrange FS21RP (GZ2001) - True Dipole Radiator for the Heart of the Music.

Although its size is about half that of the mid-bass, the midrange construction is identical. The system consist of a flat coil diaphragm with a polyamide film as the base material, and a powerful magnetic circuit of high flux density through the use of a high coercivity ferrite magnet. This driver possesses superior acoustic response in the mid and mid-high regions (1 kHz to 7 kHz). The construction is such that sound is symmetrically projected from both the front and the rear. This true dipole radiator design reproduces the heart of the music with astonishing depth and clarity.

 Super Tweeter FT7RP - High Fidelity Reproduction Clear Up TO 45 kHz.

The super tweeter FT7RP boasts a flat, non-distorted response clear up to 45 kHz, far beyond the audible range of human hearing. The 12,5 mm effective width diaphragm is made from an extremely lightweight polyamide film of 12,5 µ thickness, and it is formed in a special rib patern. Disperision is further enhanced by making the front and rear dimensins of the magnet assembly non-symmetrical. This super tweeter employs a Samarium Cobalt magnet 3 times more powerful than conventional units. Due to this design, super high frequencies and important musical harmonics are faithfully reproduced in a wide dispersion pettern.

Specifications GZ2001

Impedance:  6 Ω

Frequency Range:  30 - 45,000 Hz

Output Sound Pressure Level:  92 dB [W/1m]

Input:  150 W Music

Driver Complement:

Tweeter :  FT7RP

Mid-Range:  FS41RP and FS21RP

Woofer :  SLE34W

Dimensions (H x W x D):  1300 x 540 x 280 mm

Weight:  45 kg

Enclosure Type:  Sealed

Fostex RM 765

The typical placement of speakers in the typical room results in a confusion of sound. You end up hearing a lot of the room colorations and reflections mixed in with the direct source. Sure, you can spend even more money and equalize the room. Even then you may have to invest in an outboard crossover in order to compensate for the loudspeakers design.

Avoid all these problems with Fostex Near-Field Monitors. They are Point Source, coaxial speakers. A,, the sound emanates from a point reference, just like in nature, so all the sound reaches your ears at the same time. Stereo imaging is rock solid.

This design produces a "sweet spot" so you know that what you're hearing from the RM Series will sound proportionally the same in a car, on a hi-fi system or through a custom-tuned playback system in the studio.

An unusually low crossover point gives you another imoprtant benefit not found in conventional designs: vital midband information like vocals will not be modulated by high impact low frequency sounds like kick drums.

The same RP patented driver gives you uniformly flat high frequency response in all three models; the woofers increase from 6,5 inches to 8 inches to 10 inches. The two drivers in the RM 765 are the identical elements in the RM 865 3-way system, which simply adds a 10-inch woofwr.

This larger system is also ready for biamplification. In our listening tests with 800W -1000W per side, these beauties have generated 116 dB SPL at the console with no audible distortion. The Near-Field Monitors from Fostex give you clarity and punch and definition - as loud as you need it.

The Initail Reference

RP stands for Regulated Phase. It's new a new trasducer technology which has been under development at Fostex for the last ten years. So far, more than 20 international patents have been awarded. The first products with the RP Technology were Headphones. The idea worked so well, the inventors immediately began applying it to the reciprocal trasducer, the microphone.

A whole series of microphones now exists' with the same basic principles embodied in the new RM 765 and RM 780 tweeters. The essential idea of this RP Trasducer is a flat, thin film diaphragm onto which the voice coil is printed; this assembly is then suspended between magnetic circuits arranged on both side of the diaphragm, with the same polarities facing each other and the opposite polarities adjacent to one another.

The end result of this arrangement permits the diaphragm to be driven with absolute uniformity. Which means it doesn't sound differently at different levels. It provides the same uniform frequency response across an extremely wide dynamic range.

It won't break up, either. Which means three won't be the usual high frequency distortion to mask the over-use of 12 kHz boost, for example.

Because the printed film diaphragm moves identically in both directions, and the entire diaphragm surface is with in the magnetic field, it by-passes all of the response variations caused by conventional mounting designs. There simply is no mechanically induced distortion in the RP tweeter. It functions as an edgeless device.

In this sense, the double spider design of the RM-Series woofers is the perfect complement to the RP tweeter. In a conventional single spider design, the compliance from one direction differs from the other. This difference produces unacceptable distortion, particularly in the second harmonic region. Fostex engineers added a second spider in a push/pull complementary configuration to cancel the compliance effects of a single spider design. The result is a 10 dB improvement in second harmonic distortion. A 2" voice coil/magnet assembly and a computer modeled bass reflex design complete the profile of what is definitive low and response in the Reference Monitor Series.

Specifications

RM 765

Enclosure Type:  Vented reflex

Power Capacity: 

150 watts continuous program power;

75 watts continuous pink noise.

Frequency response (2 TT or 4 TT):  58 Hz to 20 kHz  ±3 dB

Sensitivity (1W, 1m):

2 TT : 93 dB

4 TT : 90 dB

Reference efficiency

2 TT : 1,25 %

4 TT : 0,63 %

Distortion (10 W):

less than 2%  2nd harmonic;

less than 1% 3rd harmonic (from 58 Hz to 20 kHz)

Nominal impedance:  8 ohms

Miniumu Impedance:  6,5 ohms

Controls:  Field controls; High frequency level

Cabinet finish:  Mar resistant matle

Dimensions (W x H x D):  264 x 430 x 270 mm (10⅜ x 17 x 10⅝ inches)

Weight net:  8,5 kg (18,7 lbs)

Fostex RM 780

Fostex reference Monitor System Features:

The first 6½" and 8" Coaxial Reference Monitors

Phase and Time Coherent - Piont Source

Uniform Flat Response Across Expanded Dynamic Range

Uniform Flat Response in Both 2 TT and 4 TT Environments

Extended Bass Response -865 with 10" woofers

The Point Source Reference

These two exceptional drivers are first placed in a coaxial relationship, then time compensation adjusted in a true concentric design. So all the music arrives at your ears simultaneously, not unlike the natural phenomena of sound.

Both drivers are now phase coherent and time coherent. They now produce a point source reference so clean and well defind that the experience approaches the theoretic ideal of a pulsating sphere. It's hard to imagine another close field monitor coming anyhwere near the overall performance of the Fostex RM. Harder still would be to find one with uniform frequency response in both 2 TT and 4 TT environments.

Most small reference monitors like the 765 and 780 are designed for rack, wall or soffit mountins (2TT).

Unlike the others ours have a switch for free field or console mounting (4 TT).

Regardless of the placement, the Fostex 765s and 780s may be switched (front panel, of course) for proper response. And because they are phase and time coherent, you can mount them vertically or horizontally. Rack adaptors and mounting hardware are available, and all holes have been pre-drilled for convenient interface with any standard rack. The problems of placement have been anticipated so that you can get on with using them.

The typical placement of speakers in the typical room results in a confusion of sound. You end up hearing a lot of the room colorations and reflections mixed in with the direct source. Sure, you can spend even more money and equalize the room. Even then you may have to invest in an outboard crossover in order to compensate for the loudspeakers design.

Avoid all these problems with Fostex Near-Field Monitors. They are Point Source, coaxial speakers. A,, the sound emanates from a point reference, just like in nature, so all the sound reaches your ears at the same time. Stereo imaging is rock solid.

This design produces a "sweet spot" so you know that what you're hearing from the RM Series will sound proportionally the same in a car, on a hi-fi system or through a custom-tuned playback system in the studio.

An unusually low crossover point gives you another imoprtant benefit not found in conventional designs: vital midband information like vocals will not be modulated by high impact low frequency sounds like kick drums.

The same RP patented driver gives you uniformly flat high frequency response in all three models; the woofers increase from 6,5 inches to 8 inches to 10 inches. The two drivers in the RM 765 are the identical elements in the RM 865 3-way system, which simply adds a 10-inch woofwr.

This larger system is also ready for biamplification. In our listening tests with 800W -1000W per side, these beauties have generated 116 dB SPL at the console with no audible distortion. The Near-Field Monitors from Fostex give you clarity and punch and definition - as loud as you need it.

RM 780 Specifications

Enclosure Type:  Vented reflex

Power Capacity: 

120 watts continuous program power;

60 watts continuous pink noise.

Frequency response (2 TT or 4 TT):  70 hz to 20 kHz  ±3 dB

Sensitivity (1W, 1m):

2 TT : 91 dB

4 TT : 88 dB

Reference efficiency

2 TT :  0,79 %

4 TT : 0,4 %

Distortion (10 W):

less than 2%  2nd harmonic;

less than 1% 3rd harmonic (from 70 Hz to 20 kHz)

Nominal impedance:  8 ohms

Miniumu Impedance:  6,5 ohms

Controls:  Field controls; High frequency level

Cabinet finish:  Mar resistant matle

Dimensions (W x H x D):  220 x 380 x 220 mm (8⅝ x 15 x 8⅝ inches)

Weight net:  6,4 kg (14,1 lbs)

Fostex RM 865

Fostex reference Monitor System Features:

The first 6½" and 8" Coaxial Reference Monitors

Phase and Time Coherent - Piont Source

Uniform Flat Response Across Expanded Dynamic Range

Uniform Flat Response in Both 2 TT and 4 TT Environments

Extended Bass Response -865 with 10" woofers

The Final Reference

With all the attention digital audio has been receiving for some time, it's important to remember that transducers will still be at the first and final points of any audio chain for a long time yet.

At Fostex, a quiet, ten year development of a new transducer technology has come full cycle. From headphones to microphones and now to monitors. The new refernce Monitor Systems from Fostex . Patented RP tweeter. Double Spider woofer.Coaxial with both Phase and Time Coherence for true, concentric point-source reference. Selectable 2 TT and 4 TT fields.

The rest of the final truth about these monitors, like all monitors, is subjective. It's in the hearing your final reference.

When you audition the RM Series, please listen Near-Field Monitors. That's the way these remarkable speaker systems were designed to operate. They avoid the typical problems of room coloration and teh Point Source design gives you a rock solid basis for stereo imaging.

The RM 765 and 780 are 2-way systems with 6,5 inch and 8-inch woofers, respectively. The RM 865 is a 3-way system with the RM 765 drivers and 10-inch woofer, ready for biamplification.

They all give you a reference which will translate accurately to other playback systems. So if you work with sound work with the Fostex Near-Fiels Monitors. The RM Series with patented RP Technology.

Fostex RM 865 Specifications

Enclosure Type:  Vented reflex

Power Capacity: 

120 watts continuous program power;

60 watts continuous pink noise.

Frequency response (2 TT or 4 TT):  50 Hz to 20 kHz  ±3 dB

Sensitivity (1W, 1m):

2 TT : 94 dB

4 TT : 91 dB

Reference efficiency

2 TT :  1,58 %

4 TT : 0,79 %

Distortion (10 W):

less than 2%  2nd harmonic;

less than 1% 3rd harmonic (from 50 Hz to 20 kHz)

Nominal impedance:  8 ohms

Miniumu Impedance:  6 ohms

Controls:  Field controls; High frequency level

Cabinet finish:  Mar resistant matle

Dimensions (W x H x D):  330 x 600 x 320 mm (13 x 23⅝ x 12⅝ inches)

Weight net:  20,5 kg (45 lbs)