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Average Price: $770
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$499
$1700+
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Description
Step back in time with the Fostex E-16, a classic analog multitrack recorder that brings the warmth and charm of tape recording to your studio setup. Designed for musicians and audio engineers who appreciate the tactile and authentic experience of analog, the E-16 offers a robust solution for capturing sound with depth and character. Whether you're laying down a full band track or layering complex compositions, this recorder provides the reliability and quality that Fostex is renowned for.
The Fostex E-16 features 16 tracks, allowing for extensive multitrack recording and mixing capabilities. With its 3-head configuration, users can enjoy simultaneous record, playback, and off-tape monitoring for seamless operation. The recorder employs a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to analog recording. The precise VU meters ensure that your levels are always in check, providing clear visual feedback during recording sessions.
This model is equipped with a sophisticated transport system for smooth tape handling, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the risk of tape wear. The Fostex E-16 is a testament to the enduring appeal of analog technology, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound that digital systems often lack. For those who seek the nostalgic feel of tape with modern functionality, the E-16 is a perfect choice.
Key Features:
- 16-track analog recording capability
- 3-head configuration for record, playback, and off-tape monitoring
- Direct drive capstan motor for stable tape transport
- Precise VU meters for accurate level monitoring
- User-friendly interface for easy operation
- Durable build for long-term reliability
Product specs
| Brand | Fostex |
| Model | E-16 1/2" 16-Track Tape Recorder |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Categories | Recording Gear |
FAQs
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What tape width does the Fostex E-16 use for recording?
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The Fostex E-16 uses 1/2" tape for recording, allowing for 16 tracks to be recorded simultaneously, which is ideal for analog multitrack recording setups.
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Is the Fostex E-16 suitable for professional studio use?
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Yes, the Fostex E-16 is designed for professional studio use, offering high-quality analog recording capabilities with its 16-track format, making it suitable for complex recording projects.
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What maintenance does the Fostex E-16 require?
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Regular maintenance for the Fostex E-16 includes cleaning the tape heads and ensuring the tape path is free of debris to maintain optimal sound quality and performance.
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Can the Fostex E-16 be integrated with modern digital recording setups?
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While primarily an analog device, the Fostex E-16 can be integrated into modern digital setups using analog-to-digital converters, allowing for hybrid recording workflows.
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What is the sound quality like on the Fostex E-16?
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The Fostex E-16 is known for its warm and rich analog sound, characteristic of tape recordings, which is highly sought after for its unique tonal qualities.
Videos
marcusdolby1
Fostex E-16 16 Track Reel to Reel Tape Deck. Multitrack Analog Recorder.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fostex E-16.
Features and functionality
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The E16's narrow track design results in more crosstalk, necessitating the sacrifice of track 15 as a guard band if using timecode.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Noise reduction is essential due to the E16's high noise floor from 16 tracks on a half-inch tape, often employing Dolby C for better sound fidelity.
Source
Comparisons
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The E16's noise reduction with Dolby C is considered more transparent compared to the Tascam MSR16's dbx system, impacting tape saturation quality.
Source
Build quality
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Older Fostex models like the R8 have plastic pulleys prone to breaking; metal replacements are recommended for durability.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
243
Total Tape Awesomeness.
99% of the time it works flawlessly. When it doesn’t, it’s relatively easy to service.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video "AR Rahman & Firdaus Studios: A Scoring Stage for the 21st Century," produced by Sound On Sound magazine, A.R. Rahman mentions at 4:36 that he possesses a Fostex E-16 multitrack recorder in his home studio.
The standard writing procedure is to demo the rough ideas either at home or in their 24-channel Allen & Heath GS3/Fostex E16 equipped facility.
"On 'Blackwater' I decided I wasn't happy with the original brush part", says Jansen. "The studio time had finished, so I had time to go away and think about it and I really didn't like what I'd done. I had taken samples of the sounds at the time so I took a SMPTE mix of the track home to our E16 and started to duplicate what I'd played using an Akai S1000 and the Macintosh. I used a variety of samples and literally compiled them on top of the original - slowing down where it slowed down and so on. Hopefully it doesn't sound too bad. I was surprised at the quality of the Akai; it was the first time I'd used one."
Most of the album was recorded and mixed in Brook's flat, the guitarist having turned a spacious living room into a home studio centred around a 24-channel Allen & Heath Sabre mixing desk and a Fostex E16 multitrack, with monitoring via Yamaha NS1000s. Along with footpedals and rack-mount effects units, the studio includes an Atari 1040ST, C-Lab's Notator software, a Digital Music MX8 MIDI patchbay, a Yamaha DX7 synth with TX802 synth module, a Roland R8M drum module and (recently-acquired) S770 sampler.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fostex E-16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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