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 today’s, and tomorrow’s, 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 RECORDINF 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 industry’s 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 maximising 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 recognised 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 doesn’t 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.3
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 it’s integral 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port, and access the files via FTP.
- Recording and playback to and from industry standard DVD-RAM media
- Verify/Write feature constantly examines data being recorded ensuring no audio errors
- Universal Disc Format (UDF) ensures compatibility with most OS and computer based workstations
- Comprehensive on-board timecode offering 24H RUN, REC RUN, FREE RUN and EXT RUN modes
- TC generator equipped with the new 23.97F HD camera mode
- Up to 192kHz/24-bit performance. (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 kHz also available)
- Incredibly wide 20Hz - up to 80kHz frequency range
- Mono, stereo or 4-track recording modes
- SDII(TM) or BWF audio file formats in 16-bit or 24-bit resolution (on the same disc)
- Optional 6-track Playback card (Model 5050) is available to playback files with more than 4-track
- Various track files can be read; mono, 2-track, 3-track, 4-track, 5-track, 6-track and 8-track (audio playback up to 6 track only when model 5050 is installed
- Optional 2.5” internal 40GB HD (model 9055) for disk/file copy between disks
- High definition audio scrub via jog/shuttle dial - 200 pluses per rotation
- Destructive & non-destructive recording
- Full on-board copy, paste, insert, cut and erase features with high precision scrubbin
- Comprehensive I/O including 24 bit/192kHz on balanced XLR and 1/4" phone jacks; AES/EBU digital
- Word, Video, PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse (front panel) and 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking connectors as standard
- Ethernet allows DV40 to transfer files via FTP in the media network
- Files created by FAT16 hard disc recorders, such as the Zaxcom Deva II, can now be read and correctly played back with timecode directly by the DV40. Files need to be backed up to external DVD-RAM by the host machine in the BWF Polyphonic format
- EDL file. An EDL file with ALE (Avid Log Exchange) compatibility can be automatically generated and edited for each DVD-RAM disc used. If wished, a number of different EDLs can be created per disc
- Audio CD playback. Regular Red Book audio cds (CD-DA) can now be played back on the DV40 with the machine adding the advantage of timecode output for the CD material
- Circle Take function. Files (takes) on the DV40 can now be selected and deselected as 'Circle Take' providing for easier file selection in the editing process
- Avid compatibility. BWF files recorded on the DV40 can now import directly into Avid Film Composer (depending on software version) along with information about Scene, Take, Reel Number, Event, etc. being transported and read from the files Metadata. The Metadata area is user-editable for future expansion
- CD playback with TC for broadcast applications.
- Multi Playback modes and file linking. Files and TC can be linked in a linear fashion
- Full Metadata compantibility
DVD-RAM Recording times
Click here for a chart outlining available recording times at various frequencies when using a DV-40.
RECORDING WITH CONFIDENCE - SYNCING WITH PRECISION.
If the audio quality and editing facilities offered by the DV is spectacular, it’s the implementation of the timecode facilities which really sets the DV40 apart.
Here is a machine which elegantly addresses the challenges presented by today’s ‘random access’ requirements.
And it is here that Fostex’s expertise from a lifetime in timecode DAT design for post production facilities to sound mixers through machines such as the D-20, D-10 and portable PD-4, really comes into its own.
TOTAL TIMECODE FACILITIES
Slotting right into any environment where audio needs to be synced to picture, the DV40 not only reads timecode and syncs to any external sync reference, but will also generate and regenerate timecode in all the industry standard formats.
In short, it’s got every base well and truly covered.
The built-in timecode generator will generate, regenerate and externally synchronise through 24 hour run, record run, free run and external run modes at all industry standard frame rates including the new 23.97 HD camera mode. Timecode formats and LTC offset can be individually set for each new file and being able to switch between timecode and audio formats (with pull-up and pull down), helps solve tricky standard problems which can occur when using high-definition video and NTSC.
Offsets can be captured and adjusted on the fly whilst the large FL display can be scrolled to indicate generator timecode, absolute time, disc timecode, external timecode and remaining time all with simple key presses. Plus with 1/3rd to 100x play speed, the wideband reader will always keep up with external equipment.
THE NEW MASTER RECORDER WITH ALL THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS.
The Fostex DV40 offers perhaps the most user-friendly interface yet seen on a professional recorder. The clear and concise front panel features a large multi-function fluorescent display, oversized illuminated transport keys, a large high-resolution (200 pulses per rotate) jog/shuttle dial and the kind of logical button and switch layout which makes any new user feel instantly at home.
USER FRIENDLY ERGONOMICS
For example, cue point store and recall functions are based on the BWF format. Direct location of internal memory points and other locate functions such as Last Record Start/End points and Last Play Start point can easily be accessed via simple key presses.
A front-panel alphanumeric keypad makes for quick and simple file naming (up to 255 characters) and direct timecode entry, etc. while the added advantage of being able to add a standard PS/2 keyboard and pointing device4 via front-mounted sockets will be appreciated in busy edit suites.
The editing experience can also be enhanced by an optional VGA graphics card which supports a standard CRT monitor.
A comprehensive set of interfaces is, as would be expected from a machine of this calibre, provided on the rear panel.
INTERFACING CAPABILITIES
Each of the four audio channels feature balanced XLR inputs individually switchable between +4dBu and –10dBV and the highest quality 24bit/192kHz AD converters. The outputs are provided on both balanced XLR again with 24bit/192kHz DA converters as well as 1/4" unbalanced phone jacks for easy monitoring hook-up.
Flexible headphone monitoring is provided on the front panel with switchable source selection for Track 1+2, Track 3+4, Track 1+3/2+4 and each track individually.
Digital input and output for all four channels is taken care of via the AES/EBU format (doubling up for 176.4/192kHz) on XLR connectors, while the standard complement of timecode, video sync and word clock inputs and outputs are via BNC style connectors. Interoperability and system integration is taken care of via 9 and 15 pin RS-422 connectors, the latter also providing a 12V 400mA power source for future remote control applications. Both these interfaces comply to the Sony 9-Pin protocol for standard VTR emulation and Fostex’s own extended instruction set.
The 10Base-T/100-BaseTX Ethernet (RJ-45) port and a firmware-selectable GPI (General Purpose Interface) for remote control, fader starts and S-ID location rounds off this most comprehensive set of interface capabilities.
The latest DV40 software update and installation proceedures are available for download here:
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