Fostex Debuts VM08 Eight-Channel Digital
Mixer with DSP Effects
February 10, 2000
Fostex continues its growth in the low-cost digital
mixer market with the launch of the VM08. Making its North American debut
at the 2000 NAMM Show in Los Angles, the VM08 is an eight-channel version
of the highly acclaimed VM04, offering 20-bit A/D-D/A converters, a 44.1
sampling rate and Fostex’s 24-bit A.S.P. (Advanced Signal Processing)
effects processing technology.
"Based on the success we have experienced with the VM04, there was a
demand to expand the product range," says Phil Celia, director of sales for
Fostex Corporation of America. "The VM08 is an outstanding value; for the
cost of an effects processor, you also get an eight-channel mixer. For recording
applications, it’s perfect for cleaning up analog projects and sweetening
the mixdown to DAT or CD-R. It also makes a great keyboard submixer, as well as
a small sound reinforcement mixer. We anticipate that the VM08 will open up new
markets previously dominated by more expensive, larger format mixers."
The VM08’s eight channels (four mic/line and four line) all offer three-band
EQ, two aux/effects sends and pan. A total of 38 A.S.P effects presets—made
up of reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers and combinations of multiple effects—are
selectable pre- or post-fader. Parameters are all accessed via the mixer’s
Channel Edit and View buttons, then adjusted by the intuitive Data dial. Mix and
effects information is clearly displayed on the VM08’s custom backlit LCD
display, while illuminated buttons provide high visibility even in low light conditions.
Up to 20 mixer and effects settings can be stored and recalled with scene
number and name. An internal battery backup preserves these settings when the
power is turned off. An optional footswitch can be used to scroll through a preset
order of scenes with the tap of a foot.
The digital mixer features stereo analog and S/PDIF digital outputs, as well
as a headphone output with rotary level adjustment. Via the S/PDIF output, the
VM08 can be connected to Fostex’s FD-4 and FD-8 digital multitrackers to
increase the number of simultaneous recording tracks.
The VM08’s excellent set of 24-bit digital effects utilize Fostex’s
new A.S.P. Technology to offer the kind of sonic quality not usually associated
with products at this price. By combining a special Harmonics Feedback Algorithm
with Hi-Density Logarithmic Processing, A.S.P. effects offer higher gain in the
early reflection characteristic and are free from the ‘grittiness’ associated
with lesser technologies.
The suggested retail price on the Fostex VM08 is $499.00
For more information visit
Fostex on the web at www.fostex.com. | 
