and variable high pass filter and an individual
defeatable limiter, with software selectable
characteristics and linking, are also provided.
The most ingenious part of the mixer however
is the routing capability: working in conjunction
with each channel’s level controller, the ‘Disc
Feed’ switch allows the recording section of
the machine to derive its audio ‘feed’ from
three different sources.
1. PRE the channel level control, meaning
levels are set once with the earlier trim pot,
leaving the front level controls for bus
mixing
2. POST the channel level control providing for
regular level adjustment on the easily
accessible controls
3. From the Stereo Bus, routed by the PAN
switch
These three modes provide simple stereo
mixing of all six channels and by using a
combination of modes, mono or stereo parallel
mix (guide) tracks can be made.
Rock Solid Timecode
Add to this the ‘easy access’ monitoring,
rock solid timecode functions,
new EX12 docking station for
multi-format recording
and all the
connectivity one
would expect and it’s
easy to see why the
PD-6 is becoming the
new ‘on-cart’ industry
standard.
Future software developments and updates are via DVD-RAM cartridge and downloadable from the dedicated web site: www.fostexdvd.net
Balanced AUX I/O
10 sec (256MB) pre-record
6 channel mixer
Flexible monitoring
Main Features
• 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 read by both PC and Mac platforms
• *Dual Disk Recording (Mirroring): records to both HD
and 8cm DVD-RAM simultaneously. Even file edits
performed on either disk after recording will be
reflected (mirrored) to the other one
• *Two Auto Copy modes;
(1) Auto Copy (Immediate). Recording to HD with
immediate copy to 8cm DVD-RAM disk
(2) Auto Copy (Background). Audio recorded to HD is
copied to 8cm DVD-RAM automatically while PD-6 is
idling (i.e. not in record).
• Manual Copy is also available where a file or a whole
partition (disk) can be copied between a partition and
DVD-RAM, or two partitions in the HD at anytime.
• 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. Repro or generator output
• Avid™ compatibility. BWF files recorded on the PD-6
can be imported directly into Avid Film Composer
along with information about Scene, Take, Reel
Number, Event, etc. being transported and read from
the file’s, user-editable Metadata
• Circle Take with dedicated key, to mark files/takes for
easy ID leading to quick imports referenced in the
EDL. Up to 100 cue points per file/take
• 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
• Pre Record enables PD-6 to constantly buffer up to 10
secs of audio (no more missed takes)
• 128 x 64 highly visible, low power consumption back-
lit dot matrix display. Alternative level meter resolution
indication on display
• Auxiliary bus input/output provides for remote camera
working and monitoring (e.g. HD cam) with switchable
output b4dBu, -10dBu and -60dBu to cater
for most camera manufacturers requirements.
Industry standard 10-pin Hirose connector
• Two auxiliary 12volt outputs on Hirose 4-pin
connectors provide power for radio mic receivers,
etc. to allow for self-contained operation on location
• 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
• 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.
• External Word & Video sync inputs (auto selection)
and Word Output plus parallel remote connector
• Optional AATON connector (ASCII & LTC I/O compliant)
for external loggers, timecode synchronisers, etc.
• Automated file/take naming speeds set-up time
between takes complying to US and Euro standards
• Comprehensive selectable UBIT output format
combinations including Scene, Take, Event no., etc.
Paul Brincat - Sound Mixer
From the tropical jungle to the
desert wastelands of Tatooine,
30-year veteran and award-
winning sound recordist Paul
Brincat has enjoyed a career that
has led him to all corners of the
globe. Paul used a Fostex PD-6
on the recent Star Wars III shoot
and his experiences are relayed
to Audio Technology Magazine in
an excellent article which is
available to view online at
www.fostexdvd.net
Movie Production
Brian Laurence - Sound
Designer & Producer
Brian pioneered the 6-channel
full-surround audio format first
seen at the Australian Pavilion at
EXPO in Spain. Recently he was
commissioned to record the
audio for the Lions section at
Werribee Open Range Zoo on the
outskirts of Melbourne, requiring
him to capture sound on location
in Botswana. “It all worked
perfectly, under reasonably
extreme conditions of heat, dust
and bumpy vehicle tracks. The
ability to ‘pre-record’ was great
for nature recording, where you
can wait hours for a single lion
roar.”
“The 6-channel format also fits
easily into the Dolby Digital 5.1
format, providing rich, involving
true-to-life atmospheres, for just
about any scene.”
Soundscape Project
*When 9056 installed or EX12 connected
