Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $770

Standard/Professional

$499

$1700+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What tape width does the Fostex E-16 use for recording?

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.

Is the Fostex E-16 suitable for professional studio use?

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.

What maintenance does the Fostex E-16 require?

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.

Can the Fostex E-16 be integrated with modern digital recording setups?

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.

What is the sound quality like on the Fostex E-16?

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.

marcusdolby1

marcusdolby1

Fostex E-16 16 Track Reel to Reel Tape Deck. Multitrack Analog Recorder.

Video thumbnail for Fostex E-16 16 Track Reel to Reel Tape Deck. Multitrack Analog Recorder. by marcusdolby1

Fostex E-16 16 Track Reel to Reel Tape Deck. Multitrack Analog Recorder.

marcusdolby1

marcusdolby1

Video thumbnail for Fostex E16 Analog Tape Appreciation by victroid

Fostex E16 Analog Tape Appreciation

victroid

victroid

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Older Fostex models like the R8 have plastic pulleys prone to breaking; metal replacements are recommended for durability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The E16 was a staple in project studios, used by artists like Enya and for tracks such as "Everything Starts With An E" by E-z-posse.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fostex E16 Multitrack Recorder (SOS May 88)

muzines.co.uk

The Fostex E16 Multitrack Recorder shines as a highly user-friendly and cost-effective 16-track tape machine, offering excellent sound quality and flexibility. With its intuitive design, it's a joy to operate, making it accessible for both seasoned engineers and newcomers. Its ability to integrate with modern studio setups, despite being an analogue system, is noteworthy. However, the two-headed design may limit track bouncing, and the high impedance unbalanced connections require careful cabling to avoid signal loss. Despite these minor drawbacks, the E16 stands out for its value and expandability, making it a recommended choice for those seeking reliable multitrack recording.

positive

Fostex E16 Multitrack (MT Nov 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Fostex E16 emerges as an impressive successor to the B16, boasting better transport start times, enhanced features, and a more efficient recording experience. Despite a less appealing design and a cramped control layout, the E16 shines with its improved functionality, quick drop-ins, and minimal crosstalk, making it a solid choice for both music recordings and film soundtracks. While the dark styling and loud transport solenoids might deter some, the E16's ability to deliver clean, tight recordings at an affordable price point makes it a worthy upgrade. Overall, it's a commendable evolution in multitrack recording.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
frm
frm

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
See how A.R. Rahman uses Fostex E-16

A.R. Rahman

Singer, Keyboardist

SuperHeavy

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Graham Massey uses Fostex E-16

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

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.

See how Steve Jansen uses Fostex E-16

Steve Jansen

Drummer

Japan

...
Verified via Muzines

"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."

See how Michael Brook uses Fostex E-16

Michael Brook

Guitarist, Keyboardist

David Sylvian & Robert Fripp

...
Verified via Muzines

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fostex E-16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Fostex E-16, curated by the Equipboard community.

Tascam MSR-16

 

similar sound

Tascam made this machine after Fostex’s B16 and E16 as a competitor. It’s also a half inch 16 track, it just has the ability to do 7.5 ips and usually has dbx noise reduction (although some carry Dobly)

More Fostex Analog

Fostex Multitracker XR-5

 

# 56

Rank

Croatian Amor Samantha Crain Bombardier
3 artists using
Fostex A-8

 

 
Mac DeMarco Steve Vai Mick Jones
6 artists using
Fostex B-16

 

 
Mac DeMarco Dean Garcia Andy C
3 artists using
Fostex M80

 

 
Squarepusher
1 artist using
Fostex R-8

 

 
Andy Shauf Matt Berry Jacco Gardner
4 artists using
Fostex B16

 

 
Julian Koster
1 artist using
Tascam 414 Portastudio MKII

 

# 1

Rank

Clay Parton Alessandro Cortini Tim Feerick
20 artists using
Tascam 244

$913.78

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Kevin Shields Autechre
14 artists using
Studer A 827

 

# 8

Rank

Paul McCartney Mac DeMarco Jack White
26 artists using
TASCAM 38

$19.59 - $33.55

# 15

Rank

Stu Mackenzie Elliott Smith Kim Deal
8 artists using
Tascam Porta Two

$320.00

# 16

Rank

Merzbow Mike Krol Al Schnier
4 artists using
TEAC A3340S

$30.50 - $99.99

# 17

Rank

Kevin Parker John Foxx Isao Tomita
4 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    reifg
    reifg

    Gear IQ 303