Fostex DMT-8

(Originally written by madkevil/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Types of connections (analog, digital, MIDI, etc.):

1/4" jacks for the 8 channel inputs, RCA input, 3 x 1/4" aux, Data in and out, 2 x Midi in/out, RCA rec output!

- What kind of memory (ZIP, MiniDisc, HDD,...)?

512 MB HDD for 12 min. recording. It's not much but you can replace the HDD!

UTILIZATION

- Is it easy to make settings?

It's pretty much the same as a 4-track cassette recorder, so it's a basic device. Nevertheless I needed one week to understand the separate recording concept, the user's manual is not clear at all!

SOUNDS

Recording is ok, considering the price! The sound is surprisingly clean and the quality is enough for a home studio!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?

6 months. I'm satisfied with the results: the sound is clean, recording and mixing are easy. I only miss some effects...

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

I sold a Yamaha Mg8/2Fx and a Yamaha MTX-4

- How would you rate its value for money?

Ok

Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Yes, I'm satisfied with this 8-track recorder. It's true that it's a bit bulky but it fits my needs perfectly (I produce basic rap instrumentals)! It's easy to use and sturdy!

What is the connection (analog, digital, MIDI)?

Jack inputs 8 track, came into RCA, 3 auxiliary jack, input and output and 2 Data input / output midi! Separate registration RCA Output or together!

- What is the storage media (ZIP, MiniDisc, hard disk ...)?

Disk 512 MB, so 12 minutes in all, light enough! But the DIY gifted can change the hard drive!

USE

- Is the general configuration is simple?

It functions as a track 4 a cassette, so it's still basique..J'ai took a week to understand the separate recording, manual is really lousy!

SOUNDS

At registration, it is very correct for the price! I was amazed at the cleanliness of the sound is more than enough for a home studio!

NOTICE GLOBAL

- How long have you use it?

6 months ago, I record from this table, I am satisfied with the result, a clean sound and ease of recording and mixing, though it incorporates no effect damage ...

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

I sold an MG8 Yamaha / Yamaha 2Fx and MTX-4

- How would you rate the quality / price?

Very honest

With experience, you do again this choice? ...

Yes I am satisfied with this 8 tracks certainly imposing, he fucks a little mess with the hard drive but I who works on pretty simple rap intruder, it suits me perfectly! Simple, quality and tough, that's my motto

very good connection:
- 8 analog inputs with 4 preamp on the first 4, 8 outputs separated by magneto tracks insers 4, 4 auxiliary, a rec BUS ES, ES 1 SPDIF output, midi duo

however the inputs are at the machine ... not super convenient, but offset by the connections it lacks the ADAT and the AC could have a sacred Machine

to sync, ca not noon, and it works pretty well

Sample Rate 44.1, basic but sufficient for the prototyping, no external support, no SCSI, just an internal IDE hard disk 540Mo, updatable, but with a limited capacity

8 tracks theoretically write, but 4 is already well in practice with the original hard drive

besides integrated analog console EQ for each track, effect send and assign group. compromise is boring and mostly it's all integrated, brief me who went through a Fostex D90, which did not have much room for a big rack, this is a good compromise. it is generally quiet, which for me was a very good surprise. Finally, the integrated power supply is convenient.

UTILIZATION

configuration very simple table, and quite full, the faders are good, not too soft and not too hard, the eq is useful, inserts and auxiliary Verily practice.

magneto part is also not too complicated when you have already used DTD short, it's simple

buttons are well positioned, the console looks like a real console
we mix, recording on the desired tracks, listening. brief practice, the shuttle provides jogg.
the manual is clear

SOUNDS

good, converters are not disgusting, it's not ultra luxury but they are good, no built-in effects, which for me is a good point to connect to my racks, analog table is not perfect, but the knobs and faders are touch, which for me is essential.

dynamic, yeah hey it is a little dated but it is generally correct

some are fans of convertos D80, basically the same machine, but without the table, so ca can do

OVERALL OPINION

I was looking for something in this genre, I hesitated between the most recent Tascam, the Rolands VS, the Akai DPS. Finally, I turned to this DMT8 to my songs and I must say it is a great surprise for:

Complete connectivity despite the abscence of ADAT (my only regret)
Analog EQ table, which gives me a good feeling (this is quite personal)
Part 8-track, highly integrated ultra simple with the table.

value rather cheap (for judging the price of D80 D90 D108 D160 and and what are not a bad deal ...

however, today there OCCAZ lse zoom R8 R16 for a more compact close enough price, but overall pretty boring and SD card. therefore require careful thought for the purchase of such a machine.

Full connectivity (minded)
8 voice recorder built-in hard disk and replaceable.
For more info:
http://mesnotices.fr/manuel-notice-mode-emploi/FOSTEX/DMT-8-_E

UTILIZATION

Usage is quite confusing at first. You must read the manual but a few surprises (clear ...!)

The manual is very clear, just take time.

For a mixing console that is listening and live multitrack recording with a maximum of managing a device, it can seem confusing, but it comes with time without any problems.

SOUNDS

Everything is transparent, no change in sound, tone, color etc ...

OVERALL OPINION

Most: a treat for registration and what is nice to tweak the little button (better than a mouse!)
Fewest: complex at the start (the notice must not be too far ^ ^)
Without a doubt, I will ever be the choice for the price (60 €). After, there are better but this is not the same budget!