Fostex VF16

I purchased this item from Mars Music For $799.99.
I'd beel looking to move into the digital realm for quite some time and when the motor in my four-track refused to play at the same speed two takes in a row I had the excuse i needed to jump into the world of hard disk recording.

I like Having sixteen digital tracks. The onboard effects are some of the best i've ever heard and with adjustable parameters your set for most home recording needs. The copy and Paste function works well. Hands down the Automated mixing function is the greatest apsect of this unit. It's a very simple approach allowing the user to take a "snapshot" of the faders effects and pan knobs. Multiple snapshots can be edited into a program that changes as your song does. This allows for some wonderfully dynamic mixing!

The Bus set-up makes it difficult to use a microphone on all tracks. The absence of Low end E.Q. is nearly criminal.

The Unit is made of a very solid metal houseing which is no worse for the wear over one year post purchase.

Great Unit!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this unit as an open-box special at a local music store here in Memphis, Tennessee. I paid $699 (pre-tax) for it. Because it was a display model, it came without a box, manuals, or even a power cord. It took me all of 5 minutes to find a spare AC cord around the house and to download the user manual from Fostex's web site. Having previously owned the Fostex FD-8 as my first recorder, I knew that the Fostex would be a good unit to expand my studio with.

This recorder is VERY simple to use. Of the handful of digital recorders that I have used, this is by far the easiest. The manual is fairly straightforward in explaining how to use the different features of the machine, and makes perfect clarity of how to set it up to do simple records. If you want to get more in-depth, just find your topic in the index, read the material, and jump to the recorder. It couldn't get too much easier. Although I'm not the style police, I think this is a good-looking unit, too. The layout is very clear, and all of the most commonly used inputs, buttons and knobs are easily found on the compact front panel.
Also big plusses of the VF-16 are the fact that it includes two phantom powered XLR inputs, therefore reducing the amount of equipment required to set up and record a quick tune before it gets forgotten. Noise is a thing of the past with a very low noise floor. One thing that I have grown to love is it's on-board effects processors. Yes, that's plurar. Unlike my previous FD-8 (8-track knob-turner's dream), the VF-16 brings two effects processors to the table. These can be added to the recording permanently, or after the recording just to get an idea of how you want it to sound. Dial in as much or as little as you want to give your drums, vocals, or other sound sources that ambience of an ideal room without having to record in a million-dollar studio. I could go on and on, but im sure the site could run out of space.

Not much... I do a lot of moving around with my gear, and there have been two or three times that a knob or fader has come off, but they easily re-attached. The smallish 5 gig hard drive doesnt hold but a few hours of my recordings (but to be fair, I record 8-20 tracks per song..). It is easily upgradable though, and with the price of today's EIDE hard drives, you can bump it to an 60-100gb hard drive for chump change, and still end up with a big savings over other units. Aside from that, a more vivid, larger display would be cool, but the one it has does fine. My last complaint, although minor, is that you can't process compression and effects on the same channels. The VF-16 offers compression on two channels at a time, but you have to sacrifice your on-board effects to do so. That's not a big issue with me, since my final mixes take place on the PC where I can do virtually anything.

This thing is built almost like a tank. I say almost because of my experiences with the knobs and faders popping off. I haven't found a case that is made especially for the VF-16, but that may be in part to its durability.

This is my second digital recorder, and definitely my favorite of all that I have used. The learning curve is just barely steeper than that of self-explanatory. The features of this unit are great. It has enough inputs to record a complete band live without having to go back and re-record someone that you left out. Effects, compression, phantom power, EQ, non-destructive editing, internal hard drive, and other features makes this a self-contained studio. Theoretically, you could buy a microphone and a CD-burner, and make a complete recording. This is also a great unit for the beginning recorder. I strongly recommend it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased my VF-16 from Musician's Friend 3 months ago for $799.00. I liked what I read about the unit before making my purchase

I am really new to digital recording and I need the simplicity whenever I can get it. I first bought a Roland Machine (I forget the model) and it was so complicated to operate,I sent it back. I want to record without hassles and extra bells and whistles. I have made 2 live recordings of 5-piece groups with much success. Mixing is easy and the effects are great.

The trim pots don't really start to peak until you reach about 9 (on a 1-10 scale) and then you get slammed with volume. I am learning to adjust. Being one of the "over 40" crowd, my eyes are not what they once were. The readout has all the features that I need but it could stand to be twice it's size for my taste.

I love the compact size and weight. It is heavy enough to let you know there's actually something inside. It appears to be constructed well. Time will tell with a few on location recordings.

Overall, I am gald I sent the Roland back and decided on this unit. To be able to get 16 tracks plus great effects for a fair price was enough to sell me. If you are looking for a great, user-friendly machine, the VF-16 is your best bet!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this unit online from KTJ music in Scottsdale, Arizona. I bought it from them because they had the best price. I paid $919.00. I need to upgrade from my Korg D-8 because I need more tracks.

I love this unit, so far. I've only had it about 4 days but I've already learned how to use all the basics. It sound WAY better than the Korg and the 16 separate track is great! I has a small harddrive (5.1) compared to some other brands but you can upgrade it with any compatible drive. It's easy to change. That's why it costs less than the other boys. I love the 2 separate effects units, and all the other features included. The instructions are fairly easy to read and understand. I definitely helped that I had the other one first. It's small and nice looking. Seem rugged. I like how all the inputs are on the top and easy to get to. It's loaded with great features.

The smaller hard drive, but as I said that's why is cost less and I will upgrade it soon. The screen could be bigger, but it's readable. Nothing else I don't like, so far!

Fostex is know for good quality and this is no exception. Very good construction. If it's half as dependable as my Korg was I'll be a very happy camper!

So far I'm very happy with this unit. 16 seperate channels is bliss! I'd recommend to it to anyone.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com