Fostex VF80 User Manual

Digital MultitrackerOwner’s Manual8588 011 000(356698)DIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITA

10Basic Features of VF80Remain indicatorRecording methodProgramProgram number/title ("01" is the program number while"#0001" is a

100Save/Load of Song dataFlashingOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATADigital EquipmentVF80S/P DIF DATA INPUTLoading data using

101Save/Load of Song dataYou can select a load destination program from existingprograms on the current drive as well as "New PGM".When sele

102Save/Load of Song dataPlease read this first!Save/Load using CD-RW/CD-RBy installing the optional CD-RW drive (Model CD-1A) to the VF80, you can sa

103Save/Load of Song dataWith an optional CD-RW drive, you can use not only CD-RW discs but also CD-R discs. Note thatCD-R discs has some restriction

104Save/Load of Song dataAfter turning on the VF80, insert a disc to the CD-RWdrive.Press the [SETUP] key of the VF80 to enter the setupmode.The displ

105Save/Load of Song data<About save error>If an error occurs for some reason during the saveoperation, the error message as below appears.If it

106Save/Load of Song dataImmediately after completing erasing the disc, thedisplay shows the same screen (for selecting a pro-gram to be saved) which

107Save/Load of Song dataPress the [SETUP] key to enter the setup mode.The display shows the screen for selecting the setupmenu.Use the [JOG] dial to

108Save/Load of Song dataWhen completing the load operation, “Load Com-pleted!” appears on the display (as shown below) andthe VF80 stops access to th

109Save/Load of Song dataSaving a WAV fileSong data can be saved to or load from a CD-R/CD-RW disc by the FDMS-3 (Fostex Disk Management System-3) for

11Basic Features of VF80Input monitor and Repro monitorEventAdditional trackTrack 1Track 2Track 3Track 4Track 5Track 6Track 7Track 8Track 9Track 10Tra

110Save/Load of Song dataFlashing7After selecting the track(s), press the [ENTER/YES]key.The display shows the screen for selecting a WAV fileon the d

111Save/Load of Song data•Showing the title and "-****MB":Even if the specified file is deleted, the space forcreating a new WAV file on the

112Save/Load of Song data###### 01. WAV###### 02. WAV###### 24. WAV<About WAV files saved>•WAV file structureA WAV file on the backup disk has 2

113Save/Load of Song data6Loading a WAV filePress the [SETUP] key to enter the setup mode.The display shows the screen for selecting the Setupmenu.Use

114Save/Load of Song data****** 01. WAV****** 12. WAVBackup Disk 1****** 13. WAV****** 24. WAVBackup Disk 2<< Special loading method when using

115Save/Load of Song dataMaking an audio CDThe following procedure describes how to record mastered songs (using the internal mastering function) to a

116Save/Load of Song dataTo change the setting, press the [ENTER/YES] key whenthe “CD-DA Setup” screen is shown.The current setting starts flashing, s

117Save/Load of Song data<Hint>When a CD-RW disc on which any data is recordedis set, if you perform step 7 above (i.e. pressing the[ENTER/YES]

118Save/Load of Song dataLoading from an audio CDYou can load a desired song to the VF80 from an audio CD you created by recording on a CD-RW/CD-R dis

119Save/Load of Song dataWarning!You are responsible for use of this digital de-vice. Be sure to abide by the copyright condi-tions of the source mat

12Basic Features of VF80Time Base...ABSMTC00M 00S 00M 03S 00M 06S00H 59M 57S 01H 00M 00S 01H 00M 03SBAR/ /CLK001BAR 1- 002BAR 1 002BAR

120Save/Load of Song dataAfter specifying track(s) to be loaded, press the[ENTER/YES] key while holding down the [RECORD]key.The VF80 starts loading t

121SETUP modeSETUP modeThe SETUP mode of the VF80 offers the “Changing the initial settings” menus, which configure the operatingenvironment of the VF

122SETUP modeTime signature setting [“Signature Set”]Select a program for which to set a time signature.In the menu selecting display, select “Signatu

123SETUP mode<Note>You cannot register the “001BAR“ of “001BAR 4/4 .”• Correcting the Registered Time SignatureUnder the previous “Confirmatio

124SETUP modeTempo MapTime signature settingTempo setting001 BAR 4/4 005 BAR 3/4 001 BAR 1 = 120003 BAR 1 = 90005 BAR 3 = 60007 BAR 2

125SETUP mode• Erasing of the Registered TempoSetting the Metronome function [“Click”]<Note>Metronome sound will be output from track 6.For this

126SETUP modeSelect the desired MIDI sync signal with the [JOG]dial and press the [ENTER/YES] key.Setting MIDI sync output signal [“Midi Sync Out”]Sel

127SETUP modeSetting MTC Offset mode [“Offset Mode”]Select “Offset Mode” in the menu selection displayand press the [ENTER/YES] key.The currently set

128SETUP modeSelect the desired offset mode with the [JOG] dialand press the [ENTER/YES] key.The selected offset mode will be set.Setting the Slave mo

129SETUP modeSetting the Record Protect function [“Rec Protect”]The “Setting the Record Protect function” menu allows you to turn the Record Protectio

13Names and functionsRear panelTop panelOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATADIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTI

130SETUP modeSetting Digital Input [“Digital In”]In the [Setting digital input] menu, whether the signal assigned to tracks 7 and 8 are S/P DIF digita

131SETUP modeSelect desired device number with the [JOG] dial andpress the [ENTER/YES] key.Press the [EXIT/NO] key (or STOP key) to exit fromthe SETUP

132SETUP modeSelect the desired item with the [JOG] dial and pressthe [ENTER/YES] key.The selected item will be set.Fader Fix Mode Setting [“Fader Fix

133SETUP modeInput the desired item with the [JOG] dial and pressthe [ENTER/YES] key.The selected item will be set.Fader Recall Mode Setting [“Fader R

134Appendix (Installing the optional CD-RW drive)*a blank panel*two screws for mounting the drive*a CD-RW drive unitInstalling the CD-1A<Usable dis

135Appendix (Installing the optional CD-RW drive)1<Notes on installing the CD-RW drive>• The CD-RW drive is made of precision parts.Do not apply

136Appendix (Installing the optional CD-RW drive)• To open the tray, press the eject switch lightly.Pressing the switch will open the tray slightly.Th

137SpecificationsBasicChannelFunction...DefaultChangedTransmittedRecognizedRemarksModeDefaultMessageAlteredNoteNumber:True VoiceVeloc

138SpecificationsCommand list Movement (Recorder)01: STOP STOP02: PLAY PLAY03: DEFERRED PLAY DEFERRED PLAY04: FAST FORWARD F FWD05: REWIND REWIND06: R

139SpecificationsMaintenanceSpecificationsRecording/ReproducingRecording Medium : 3.5 inch, hard disk (E-IDE type)Recording Format : FDMS-3 (*)Save/Lo

14Names and functionsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXM

140SpecificationsGeneralDimensions : 307 (W) x 108 (H) x 217 (D) mmWeight : Approx. 3.2kgPower Supply : 120VAC 60Hz, 230V~ 50/60Hz (AC inlet type)Powe

141SpecificationsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXMASTE

FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE* Including non-EU countries (as of January, 2002).<ITALY>NAME: Proel S.p.A.ADD: Zona Artigianale 64047-Sant’

FOSTEX CORPORATION3-2-35, Musashino, Akishima-shi, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021FOSTEX AMERICA15431, Blackburn Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650, U. S. A.© PRINTED IN J

15Names and functionsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXM

16Names and functionsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXM

17Names and functions<Caution>Do not turn off the VF80 power while this indicatorlights. Data recorded in the disk may be erased.25. [TRACK EDIT

18Names and functionsIn the example below, pressing the [SETUP / F1]key, [TIME BASE SEL / F2] key or [UNDO/REDO / F3]key executes "RECALL",

19Names and functionsOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATA49505152 5354 5556Rear panelSide panel56. Slot for the optional CD-RW

2Safety Instructions/PrecautionsCAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.REFER S

20About the hard disk storage device“Standard”“Erase”“Quick”orFlashingAbout the hard disk storage deviceThe VF80 is complete with a 3.5-inch E-IDE har

21About the hard disk storage deviceSelect the format type with the [CURSOR / ] key. Thenpress the [ENTER/YES] key.The format type selected is set

22About the hard disk storage device12341243Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the mainunit that are fixing the panel.Turn over the panel that

23About the hard disk storage device<Normal Screen>Formatting the Hard diskCarefully follow the instructions below to newlyformat the hard disk

24Basic Recording/PlaybackBasic Recording and PlaybackThis chapter describes the basics of recording and playback audio using the VF80.Before carrying

25Basic Recording/PlaybackDIGITAL MULTITRACKERPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXMASTERING TRAININGEFFECTEQPANSCENE SEQ.

26Basic Recording/PlaybackNormal screenNormal screen with BAR/BEAT/CLK time baseNormal screen with MTC time baseScreen example while starting upRemain

27Basic Recording/PlaybackBALANCEUNBALANCETRIMPEAKCH ON/OFFBALANCEUNBALANCETRIMPEAKCH ON/OFFTRACK 1TRACK 2TRACK 3TRACK 4TRACK 5TRACK 6TRACK 7TRACK 8TR

28Basic Recording/Playback12345DIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MI

29Basic Recording/Playback67891011LOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASEUNDO / REDOSETUPPUNCH I/OAUTOLOOP PITCH SCRUBVARIF FWDREWINDPLAYSTOPRECORDWAVE

3Safety Instructions/PrecautionsPrecautions• Be sure to connect the VF80 to the power supply specifiedin the Specifications section of this owner’s ma

30Basic Recording/PlaybackDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN

31Basic Recording/Playback678910<Note>Set the gain not to light the [PEAK] indicator.When the [PEAK] indicator lights, the input level istoo hig

32Basic Recording/Playback12 [ I] key [I ] key123Mark functionThe VF80 has the Mark function which allows you to set marks at the desired positions i

33Basic Recording/PlaybackDIGITAL MULTITRACKERPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXMASTERING TRAININGEFFECTEQPANSCENE SEQ.

34Basic Recording/Playback31During playback, this counter shows the currentrecorder position in real time.2The time (or bar/beat) stored is shown here

35Basic Recording/Playback123Showing a mark.1234Blinking56• Taking a mark point in the punch in or punch out pointYou can take a mark point in the pun

36Basic Recording/Playback112MASTERING TRAININGEFFECTEQPA NSCENE SEQ.SCENETRACKMIX PARAMETERPGMFADERMAPON/OFF2TRK MODEBOUNCEEDITREC EFF[PAN] key23451M

37Basic Recording/Playback342341MASTERING TRAININGEFFECTEQPA NSCENE SEQ.SCENETRACKMIX PARAMETERPGMFADERMAPON/OFF2TRK MODEBOUNCEEDITREC EFF[EFFECT] ke

38Basic Recording/PlaybackDIGITAL MULTITRACKERPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXMASTERING TRAININGEFFECTEQPANSCENE SEQ.

39Mixer FunctionsNormal screenDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MI

4Contents“See this page” information by subjectThe following shows reference pages where you can find information you need.See also “The table of cont

40Mixer FunctionsFlashingEFFECTEQPA NSCENE SEQ.SCENEMIX PARAMETERFADERMAPON/OFF12435Mix parameter sectionThe Mix parameter section provides five keys

41Mixer FunctionsFlashing123456Editing EQThe VF80 is equipped with 2-band (HI and LO) EQ for Tracks 1 through 6.36 preset entries are available in the

42Mixer FunctionsGainFreq.QLO HI+6.0-12.0400Hz600HzL-S 5.0L01: LightKickCreates a light and jaunty kicksoundGainFreq.QLO HI+7.0+10.0400Hz4kHzL-S 8.0L0

43Mixer FunctionsGainFreq.QLO HI-5.0+4.0170Hz5.8kHz0.7H-SL31: Female_VoEffective for a whole chorus part byemphasizing the high frequencyrange.GainFre

44Mixer FunctionsSetting EffectsThe VF80 provides 38 digital effect types used for the loop effect and 6 types used for the insert effect.As you can s

45Mixer FunctionsHow to make the loop effect settingThere are two methods for using the internal effect processor of the VF80; "loop effect"

46Mixer Functions234561FlashingSetting effect send levelsYou can set send levels from Tracks 1 through 6 to theinternal A.S.P. effect processor.Press

47Mixer Functions12Selecting an effect typePress the [EFFECT] key to bring up the effect type/parameter setting screen.The first time you bring up the

48Mixer FunctionsTurning the effect processor on or offYou can select the on or off of the effect processor.• To turn on the effect processorPress the

49Mixer FunctionsName Parameter type ExplanationL01 Norm HALL REVERB Standard hall reverb; detailed and transparent, with a moderate amount of early r

Contents5I want to put a desired name to a program.Please read page 62.I want to record a material while monitoringthe input signal.Please read page 7

50Mixer FunctionsEffect parameter detailsThe parameters that can be adjusted will depend on the parameter type.The following describes parameters for

51Mixer FunctionsChorus effect parameters (parameter type: CHORUS)For effect type 35 of the preceding "Effect type" table, the following fiv

52Mixer Functions12341FlashingScene memoryThe VF80 provides 100 Scene memories (S00 to S99) for each program. You can store a set of desired parameter

53Mixer Functions1234123235Use the [JOG] dial to select the desired scene numberto be recalled.Press the [SETUP/F1] key while holding down the[SHIFT]

54Mixer Functions1234Scene titleScene numberMark title5Scene sequenceUsing the scene sequence function, you can recall desired scene memories at the d

55Mixer Functions4123HighlightedDeleting a mark from the mark mapYou can delete an unnecessary mark from the markmap.<Note>You cannot delete mar

56Recorder FunctionsThe VF80 is "cueing" in the forward direction.The VF80 is "cueing" in the backward direction.21312The VF80 is

57Recorder Functionscurrent scrubbing position4321Digital scrubbingDigital scrubbing can be done between 0x and 1xspeed without changing the pitch whi

58Recorder FunctionsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXMA

59Recorder Functions<Loop Function>Current time (or musical position)The Start point is set to the captured time (or musicalposition), which is

6Contents• Safety Instructions ...2• Precautions ... 3About

60Recorder FunctionsThe "seconds" value flashes.A mark is shown.Flashing123453234512To edit the Start point, press the [ENTER/YES] key while

61Recorder Functions3412ProgramThe VF80 can have up to 99 programs (P01 through P99) and usually each program manages one song.You can make recording

62Recorder FunctionsP01P02P03 P04P05P01P02P03 P04P03 is deleted.1341212Selecting a programWhen more than one program exists on the disk, youhave to se

63Recorder Functions4325Use the [JOG] dial to highlight (select) the desired pro-gram and then press the [TIME BASE SEL/F2] key whileholding down the

64Recorder Functionsor "MovePaste"612345Performing Copy (or Move) & PasteSet the Start and End points for the copy (or move)operation an

65Recorder Functions786• To set editing points by marks:Press the [TIME BASE SEL] key.Each data field for the Start, End and To points changesto show

66Recorder Functions45312Erasing track dataYou can erase a desired part of track data. You canselect a track or tracks (of which you are going to eras

67Recorder Functions6• To set editing points by marks:Press the [TIME BASE SEL] key.Each data field for the Start and End points changes toshow the cu

68Recorder Functions<Example 1> Exchanging Track 8 and Track 24<Example 2> Exchanging Tracks 1&2 and Tracks 7&8<Example 3> E

69Recorder Functions12345123BlinkingEditing MarksThis section describes how to edit marks, assuming that more than one mark is already stored in realt

Contents7Assigning scene memories to the mark map ... 54Deleting a mark from the mark map ... 55Scene sequence on/off selection ...

70Recorder Functions123456Highlight (and flashes) this point.12345Enter a mark titleYou can enter or edit a title for each mark.While the recorder is

71Recorder Functions123412FlashingDeleting a markYou can delete an unnecessary mark.While the recorder is stopped, press the [SCENE SEQ./MAP] key whil

72Advanced Operations1234512311Advanced OperationsThis chapter describes advanced or useful functions of the VF80.Metronome functionThe VF80 provides

73Advanced Operations112123412Track bounce (Ping-pong recording)When the number of empty tracks is short in the recording process, you can solve the p

74Advanced Operations2DIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAX

75Advanced Operations111112123Slowing down the playback speedYou can change the playback speed only while therecorder is stopped.When "Norm"

76Advanced OperationsOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATASTEREO OUT L, RS/P DIF OUTPUTDigital master recorderAnalog master reco

77Advanced Operations31211234GainFreq. (fixed)Q (fixed)EQ LoEQ Mid00400Hz1kHzL-S 1L0: FLATEQ Hi04kHzH-SComp THSHDComp RatioComp GainAmbience0 (Rev Lev

78Advanced OperationsGainFreq. (fixed)Q (fixed)EQ LoEQ Mid0+4.0400Hz1kHzL-S 1.0L2: Light MixEQ Hi08kHzH-SComp THSHDComp RatioComp GainAmbience0 (Rev L

79Advanced OperationsThe internal mastering function is an expansion of the mastering function described earlier.It allows you to record a mixed-down

8ContentsSave/Load of Song Data• About Song Data ... 96Items that can be saved or loaded as song data ...

80Advanced OperationsSelect the desired program for mastering.To select the desired program, while stopped, pressthe [TRACK EDIT/PGM] key while holdin

81Advanced OperationsPerforming internal mastering<Hint>On the mastering screen, you can tailor the soundby adjusting EQ settings (HI, MID and L

82Advanced Operations<About Start and End points>As described earlier, the starting and ending times of internal mastering are automaticallyregi

83Advanced OperationsUnlike the loop effect described earlier in "Mixer Functions", the insert effect is applied whenrerecording any recorde

84Advanced OperationsThe following explains how to record a guitar solo to track 1 and rerecord it while applying theguitar distortion. Before executi

85Advanced Operations<How to edit parameters>The "L39: Gtr Dist" effect type has 11 parameters asshown below. (Note that the screen ex

86Advanced OperationsThe final step is to rerecord the recorded "dry" soundon track 1 while applying the effect (guitar distor-tion) with th

87Advanced Operations• Parameters for distortion effects(Parameter type: DISTORTION)Effect types No.39 through 42 (shown in "Effect type list&quo

88Advanced Operations• Parameters for distortion effects(Parameter type: AMP SIMULATION)Effect type No.43 (shown in "Effect type list" on pa

89Advanced OperationsTCon 3kTrad Condenser 3k (Low cut: Off)Simulates the sound of a multipurposeprofessional condenser microphone witha large diaphra

9Basic Features of VF80Basic Features of VF80The VF80 Digital Multitracker incorporates a digital mixer with an 8-track (plus 16-additional track)digi

90Advanced OperationsOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATA1211234Digital recordingYou can digitally record an external digital s

91Advanced OperationsOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATADIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOM

92Advanced OperationsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXM

93Advanced Operations1112345612Connecting to external equipmentConnect the VF80 MIDI IN/OUT to the computer (withMIDI interface) MIDI IN/OUT.MMC/MTC c

94Advanced OperationsDIGITAL MULTITRACKERLOCATE ABS 0LOCATE REC ENDSELTIMEBASECURSORPHANTOMACCESSPEAKCH ON/OFFLRGUITARGUITARLINE MIC LINE MIC MIN MAXM

95Advanced Operations<Precautions at MTC related setups>The position (ABS 0 or 001BAR/1BEAT/00CLK) when thesetup MTC (MTC offset time) should be

96Save/Load of Song dataTrk 1&2Trk 3&4 Trk 21&22Trk 23&24 Program 1 (P01)Program 2 (P02)Program 99 (P99)Trk 1 & 2 & 3 &

97Save/Load of Song dataREC END (07m 00s)of real trackREC END (10m 00s)of additional trackseven minutesAdditionalTracksReal TracksDATSave<Items tha

98Save/Load of Song dataDigital equipmentFlashingOFFONMIDIOUTPUT INPUT OUTPUTINPUTPOWERPHANTOMS/P DIF / DATAVF80S/P DIF DATA OUTPUTSaving data using t

99Save/Load of Song dataFlashingUse the [JOG] dial to select the program to be savedand press the [ENTER/YES] key.The display shows the "Save Len