Fostex D15 Professional DAT Recorder

Manufacturer's Description for Fostex D15 Professional DAT Recorder

Quite simply, the D-15 is the lowest-prices timecode-capable DAT recorder available. Combining excellent audio specifications with featured that are necessary to professional sound and video production, this machine delivers rock solid performance for the most demanding of applications - all at an unbelievably affordable price.

Based on technology first seen in the market leadingD-10, the D-15 features 8 Mbit of DRAM on-card to provide instant start, 'RAM scrub' and 'RAM repeat' with 1 ms accuracy for precision cueing with advanced jog/shuttle techniques. In addition, this facility has been utilized to provide the simulated 'vari-speed' required to enable a linear DAT transport to perform the chase synchronization offered when the optional 8335 timecode expansion card is fitted. The 8335 card enables the D-15 to playback and assemble record externally generated timecode, as with the D-10, which is essential for, say, 'spinning in' timecoded audio program material to a digital audio editing system.

Furthermore, the 8335 card brings the D-15's new chase mode into its own by synchronizing to external LTC when playing back with the option of referencing to external Word, Video and AES/EBU. The D-15 is equipped with a full compliment of all standard audio interfaces such as balanced +4dBu XLR I/Os and -10dBV RCA connectors as well as standards not often implemented on a machine in this class. AES/EBU and optical S/P-DIF are provided along with a 37-pin parallel interface for connection to cabled remote controls. Also, a General Purpose Interface (GPI) is present - useful for remote and fader starts plus S-ID location - while the optional 8336 RS-422 card allows control of the machine via 9-pin protocol.

Usability
Fostex's reputation for ergonomic design is enhanced in the D-15's clear and concise front panel which features a large multi-function fluorescent display with 7 modes (5 different time scales plus 'non-hold' and 'permanent') of peak metering, soft touch illuminated transport keys, a large jog/shuttle wheel and the logical layout other buttons and switches.

Solutions
With such a comprehensive feature-set from a company with an unrivalled DAT pedigree, the D-15 is the perfect solutions machine.

Features

Expandable DAT

8MB DRAM - provides instant start, RAM scrub & RAM repeat

Simulated 'vari-speed'

Optional timecode/sync capabilities (Model 8335 Timecode/Sync Card)

Optional RS-422 serial interface (Model 8336 RS-422 Serial Card) zZounds is an authorized dealer of Fostex products.

Specifications

General

Recording Format:
- IEC DAT Standard Part 1
- IEC DAT Standard Part 5 (installed Model 8335)

Recording Tape: Digital audio tape

Number of Channels: Audio x 2

Recording Time: 120 minutes (with 120-minute tape)

Head Composition: Cylinder 2-head 30mm diameter, 2000rpm

Error Correction: Double Encoded Reed-Solomon Code

Sampling Frequency: 48kHz, 44.1kHz

A/D Converter: 18-bit Delta Sigma 64 times oversampling

D/A Converter: 20-bit Delta Sigma 128 times oversampling

Quantization: 16-bit linear

Copy Guard: Not provided

Power Requirements: 120VAC 60Hz, 39W

Dimensions (approximate): 19 x 5.9 x 14.6 in. (482 x 150 x 371 mm)

Weight (approx.): 19.8 lbs. (9 Kg)

Mechanical

Motor Construction: 2DD4 motors

Tape Loading Method: Tray method

Fast Wind Speed: Maximum 180 times from normal speed

Fast Wind Time: Approximately 60 seconds (with 120-minute tape)

Search Speed: 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 16 times

RAM: 8 MBit, 5sec. (48 kHz max.)

RAM Search Speed: 0-1 times

Electrical

R/P Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

S/N Ratio: More than 92dB

Dynamic Range: More than 92dB

THD: Less than 0.05% (1kHz, +4dBu)

Channel Separation: More than 80dB (at 1kHz)

Wow & Flutter: Unmeasurable

Reference Record Level: -20dB/-18dB/-12dB (selectable) (defauls: -12dB)

Input/Output

Analog Audio Input (balanced) Connector: XLR-3-31 type x 2 (pin 2 Hot)

Reference Input Level: +4dBu

Input Load Impedance: 20kOhms or more

Analog Audio Input (unbalanced) Connector: RCA pin type x 2

Reference Input Level: -10dBv

Load Impedance: 10kOhms or more

Analog Audio Output (balanced) Connector: XLR-3-32 type x 2 (pin 2 Hot)

Reference Output Level: +4dBu

Load Impedance: 600 Ohms or more

Analog Audio Output (unbalanced) Connector: RCA pin type x 2

Reference Output Level: -10dBV

Load Impedance: 10kOhms or more

AES/EBU Digital Audio Input Connector: XLR-3-31 type x 1 (pin 2 Hot)

Format: IEC 958 part 3 (AES/EBU)

S/PDIF Digital Audio Input Connector: Optical x 1

Format: IEC 958 Part 2 (S/PDIF)

AES/EBU Digital Audio Output Connector: XLR-3-32 type x 1 (pin 2 Hot)

Output Format: IEC 958 part 3 (AES/EBU)

S/PDIF Digital Audio Output Connector: Optical x 1

Output Format: IEC 958 part 2 (S/P DIF). RAM playback is not available

Headphone Output Connector: Stereo 1/4 in. phone jack x 1 (6 mm diameter)

Maximum Output Level: 100mW (at 32 Ohms)

Output Load Impedance: 8 Ohms or more