Fostex DV40

Last modified: August 30, 2004

Having been a leading pioneer in the field of professional digital audio mastering technology for over 15 years, it seems only natural that Fostex, the inventors of timecode DAT and portable timecode DAT, should bring the world the next mastering standard.

The DV40 DVD-RAM Master Recorder

Working hand-in-hand with post production facilities, sound mixers, broadcast professionals and recording houses, Fostex have developed a mastering machine ready to handle every application and exception in todays, and tomorrows, constantly changing and challenging audio environments. In short, you can now move from Timecode DAT to Timecode DVD-RAM with supreme confidence.

DVD-RAM and Recording Format

Fostex chose DVD-RAM as the most suitable successor to Digital Audio Tape after extensive research and testing. DVD-RAM has excellent reliability and has already established itself as the film industrys preferred media format due to its built-in error correction and longevity. This security is enhanced by the employment of state-of-the-art Verify/Write technology1 which constantly examines the recorded data being stored on DVD-RAM, in real-time, for total error-free recording.

In order to ensure the widest range of compatibility throughout the industry and maximizing the
DVD-RAM technology, the DV40 can record up to four channels of simultaneous audio in a vast number of permutations.

Two recording modes are offered: Normal non-destructive, (akin to what you would expect with current random access recorders), and Tape destructive, (think traditional tape recorder but with the added advantage of securing recorded data instantly meaning that in the event of a power failure, no work up to that point would be lost). Files are created as either new files (New File) or inserted audio (Insert) providing true flexibility dependant on your required preference.

Universal Disc Format

As the DV40 employs a UDF (Universal Disc Format) file layout, its DVD-RAM media can be removed, (or accessed via the house media network), and instantly read by Mac and PC workstations running a variety of operating systems.

This can be a huge time saver as it alleviates the resource-consuming and costly process of having to convert audio data through third-party programs beforehand.

Currently the DV40 can record in either industry standard SDII (Sound Designer II) or BWF (Broadcast .wav File) formats with others in development.

Both of these industry recognized formats can exist together on the same DVD-RAM disc and have been enhanced by the ability to include Fostex User Bit (UBIT) information in the file format.

DV40 files can be set-up as 4-track (Multi), stereo or mono files in either 24 or 16-bit resolution with a vast choice of sampling frequencies: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz2. A 0.1% pull up/pull down can also be applied to the selected frequency.

Editing Facilities

And the flexibility doesnt stop with the recording process. Once files have been recorded or imported, (again ensuring compatibility with third-party systems), they can be processed with extensive in-built non-destructive editing functions such as Copy, Paste, Insert, Cut and Erase with a virtually unlimited number of Undos.

Functions made easy with the combination of a high precision, jog/shuttle wheel and a clear and concise FL display.

File backup and duplication functions are also provided, either to the same DVD-RAM disc, or via the fitment of an optional internal hard disc drive.

Finally, when it comes time to pass the recorded audio to other parts of the production process, simply eject and pass on the DVD-RAM disc or have the DV40 connected as part of your media network through its integral 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port, and access the files via FTP.