The Fostex PD-6 Portable Location Recorder was introduced as a new industry standard for multitrack portable recording on set or in the field. Specifically designed to address the needs of professional film and television production, the Fostex PD-6 offered six-channel recording at 24-bit/96kHz with timecode, writing to 8cm DVD-RAM or an optional 40GB internal hard drive.
By combining a high-specification recorder with a full-function six-channel mixer, the Fostex PD-6 provided an all-in-one solution for production sound mixers, delivering reliability, flexibility and professional connectivity.
Unlike earlier field recorders, the Fostex PD-6 was designed from the ground up to meet the demands of location recording. Its removable or internal media options ensured robust data security and workflow efficiency, with Dual Disk Recording enabling simultaneous writing to both DVD-RAM and hard disk for redundancy.
The addition of the EX12 docking station expanded storage capabilities further, supporting full-size DVD-RAM and an additional 2.5-inch 40GB hard drive. Auto Copy modes, immediate handover of audio files, and user-editable metadata fields streamlined the transfer of recordings into post-production environments.
The six-channel mixer featured microphone and line inputs with full phantom power, phase reverse, selectable high-pass filters, defeatable limiters, and flexible routing options. Each channel could derive its audio feed from three different sources, making the system adaptable to complex production workflows. Monitoring was equally sophisticated, with pre-fade, post-fade, and stereo bus routing via the PAN switch, enabling easy creation of mono or stereo guide mixes.
Timecode support was rock solid, with full compatibility across SMPTE/EBU formats and integration with metadata such as scene, take, and notes. The recorder also featured balanced analogue I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O, word clock, LTC input and output, and parallel/remote operation. These features made the Fostex PD-6 ideal not only for location sound recording but also for demanding broadcast and studio applications.
Compact yet powerful, with rugged build quality and a removable battery system, the Fostex PD-6 quickly became a trusted tool in high-end film and television production. Its combination of high-resolution multitrack recording, robust media management, and advanced mixer functionality ensured that it lived up to its billing as the “on-cart” industry standard of its time.
Features
- Recording and playback to and from industry standard DVD-RAM media
- BWF recording file format (interleave 1 file mode) in either 2, 4, 5 & 6 track modes along with simultaneous two file recording modes of 1+5 and 2+4 tracks for guide track audio
- Fostex Verify/Write feature constantly examines data being recorded to DVD-RAM
- UDF (Universal Disc Format) on DVD-RAM allows discs to be mounted & read instantly on both PC and Mac platforms
- On-board timecode generator with +/-1ppm accuracy and built-in backup offers all frame rates including 23.976 and 29.97+ drop and pull-up/down. Generator can be 24H, Rec Run, Free Run or external complete with jam, while output can be repro or generator derived
- Avid™ compatibility. BWF files recorded on the PD-6 can be imported directly into Avid Film Composer2 along with information about Scene, Take, Reel Number, Event, etc. being transported and read from the file’s Metadata. The Metadata area is user-editable for future expansion
- Circle Take with dedicated key, to mark files/takes for easy identification leading to quick imports referenced in the EDL
- Up to 100 cue points per file/take
- Alpha numeric keypad for quick file/take & track naming, EDL manipulation, location, etc.
- EDL management built-in to create & edit multiple ALE (Avid™ Log Exchange) compatible edit decision lists per DVD-RAM.
- IEEE1394 (FireWire) interface for fast mirror and restore. When interfaced to a PC, PD-6 DVD-RAM discs can be mounted on desktop
- USB port for keyboard connection (utilise keyboard shortcuts, easy data entry etc.)
- Pre Record enables PD-6 to constantly buffer up to 10 secs of audio (no more missed takes)
- 128 x 64 low power consumption back-lit dot matrix display offers various modes including alternative level meter resolution indication modes
- Auxiliary bus input/output provides for remote camera working and monitoring (e.g. HD cam) with switchable output between +4dBu, -10dBu and -60dBu to cater for most camera manufacturers requirements. Provided on industry standard 10-pin Hirose connector
- Two auxiliary 12volt outputs on industry standard Hirose 4-pin connectors provide power for radio mic receivers, etc. to allow for truly self-contained operation on location
- Optional* 1.8” 40GB Hard Drive (Model 9056) or 80GB Hard Drive (Model 9058) allows for Dual Disk Recording (Mirroring) as well as Auto Backup functions
- Manual Copy is also available whiere a file or a whole partition (disk) can be copied between a partition and DVD-RAM, or two partitions in the HD at any time
- Future software developments and updates via DVD-RAM cartridge and downloadable via PC from the dedicated web site: www.fostexdvd.net
- Flexible monitoring through headphones and/or built in speaker & amplifier. All track combinations can be monitored post-disc either individually, in summed mono or stereo modes. MS monitoring as standard. Aux return and stereo bus live monitoring is provided plus individual channel PFL. All accessed through just two rotary and one toggle switch
- Slate microphone and tone generator on-board
- Digital I/O software selectable between AES/EBU or S/PDIF with auto and manual input sensing, switchable in pairs: 1+2, 3+4 and 5+6
- NP-1 type battery provides an estimated 2 hours of operation
- External Word & Video sync inputs (auto selection) and Word Output plus parallel remote connector
- Optional AATON connector (model ATC-4) complies with ASCII & LTC I/O specifications for external loggers, timecode synchronisers, etc.
- Automated file/take naming routine speeds set-up time between takes complying to US and Euro standards. Individual track naming rolls through to next file/take until changed by user, if required
- Comprehensive software selectable UBIT output format combinations including Scene, Take, Event no. etc.
- Proprietory expansion connector to allow PD-6 to dock with the EX-12, rack-mounting full-size DVD-RAM & power supply unit for extended recording time on location
- Many express modes of operation via assigning F key Macros, additional screen monitoring displays and user requested U-Bit data and display modes
