FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Used Fostex

Question:
I'm looking into getting a four track to record rhythm tracks to improve my improvisation skills. I'd also like it to be versatile enough to record small jam sessions. I can by a used Fostex 28 H (I think that's the model) for $200 bucks in pristine condition (I think it was only used a couple of times.) Is this a reasonable price for this model and if any of you are familiar with it, what are some of the benefits/drawbacks? I know there's no XLR connection so I'd have to use an adaptor or something and I'm leery of the whole playback speed thing (don't really understand it well.) I'd even potentially like to use it to record original songs with more than four instrument parts. What other equipment would I need? Could I just record a number of tracks onto a tape and then record it back onto a single track on another tape? Can this be accomplished with just the recorder as long as only three of the four tracks were being used? (Transfer the existing three to the fourth?) What about playback of the rhythm track while I'm soloing? Do I need another system? Any help would be appreciated!!

Answer:
Channels, 4 tracks, no XLRs, Dolby C). Having no XLRs is a real drag, especially for vocals- I feel that you NEED XLRs for vocals, otherwise they tend to get lost in a loud mix. Also, when you get into having more than four separate parts, you have to start getting pretty creative with your EQ for it not to sound like doodoo- everything competes for a limited amount of sonic real estate. However, you can come up with some fairly okay results and an analog deck can give you a pretty good sketch of a song and allows for some serious jamming. Be prepared to get hooked. I personally recommend a cheap compressor (or a better one if you can afford it) and maybe a multieffects unit to add some reverb. These things are not essential, but do enhance the ambience of analog tape, which tends (to my ears, anyway) to sound a little lifeless without it.