New Fostex VM04 20-Bit Stereo Digital MixerIncludes 20 types of digital audio effects and built-in scene memory
January 28, 1999
If the battle cry of 21st Century technology is "better, smaller, faster,
cheaper," then the new Fostex VM04 Stereo Digital Mixer, introduced at
the 1999 NAMM Convention in Los Angeles at Booth # 1155 by Fostex Corporation
of America, could be its icon. The Fostex VM04 digital mixer has the capacity
to revolutionize the small-venue live sound market sector by bringing high-end
features and performance, all at an affordable price, as well as providing recording
environments with a highperformance digital mixer with its own EQ and DSP.
The Fostex VM04 Stereo Digital Mixer is the world's first compact digital mixing
system, designed to offer a full range of I/O interface and simple analog-type
operation with an extensive list of digital features, including high-performance
digital signal processing and scene memory automation. The VM04's interface
is comprehensive: a pair of trimmable MIC-level inputs are matched with two
linelevel outputs, each with individual panning and two-position shelving-type
EQ, effect sends digital/analog stereo outputs and high-quality 30-mm. faders.
An S/PDIF-format digital output is provided as standard equipment on the Fostex
VM04, which provides an interface with any similarly equipped digital recording
system, such as the Fostex FD-8, creating an instant and highly versatile sidecar
console. A standard headphone jack, with its own independent level control,
completes this comprehensive interface design.
The VM04 has a huge feature set, one which makes it appropriate for many applications.
The mixer incorporates 20-bit A-D converters, 24-bit internal data processing
and 44.1 kHz operation. This capability is clearly audible when the VM04's extensive
digital signal processing capability is brought to bear. Twenty types of DSP
presets are available, including hall, room, plate and stadium types of reverbs,
delays, chorus, flange and feedback, as well as a high degree of parameter control
including level, depth and rate controls. And all of these effects are changeable
in real time using the proprietary Fostex Data Dial (TM) jog wheel controller
on the VM04's front panel. In addition, DSP is assignable pre- and post-fader.
Both onboard and outboard digital audio effects are assignable using the VM04's
simple pan and effect send functions, also accessible using the Data Dial.
The VM04 features a level of automation that is unheard of in a digital mixer
of this size and price point. A 20-scene memory controls all mixer signal input
and effects sends levels, recallable by either scene number or user-designated
name.
The scene memory is protected with a battery backup, and an optional footswitch
controller (Model 8051) allows the memory to be scrolled sequentially, making
it incredibly easy to create stunning audio effects by musicians even as they're
playing on stage.
All of these features are accessible via a well-thought-out graphical user
interface design that includes a backlit LCD readout which displays input/output
levels, status of various parameters, and scene numbers/names, with a variable
contrast control which makes it easy to read under any lighting circumstance.
A View function allows users to scroll through DSP functions for all four input
channels with a simple press of the button. And even the soft-touch buttons
on the top panel of the VM04 are illuminated for quick and precise access.
"The levels of automation and DSP on a mixer this small and compact at
this price point have never before been seen by the professional audio industry,"
said Phil Celia, Fostex Corporation of America Director of Sales. "The
Fostex VM04 is truly a revolutionary product in that it brings the kinds of
performance parameters that were once found only on high-end expensive consoles
and mixers to a level that everyone can both afford and use. What the VM04 can
do for bands and musicians playing in small clubs is astounding. And those same
users can then take it home and use it in the studio as a secondary mixer loaded
with DSP and automation functions as good as found on larger digital recording
consoles. This is the kind of versatility and flexibility that Fostex has dedicated
itself to creating."
For more information, visit http://www.fostex.com/
|
