Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
PD Series Professional DVD / HD Location Recorders
DV824 Multitrack DVD Recorder
PD204
PD606
It's all about professional pedigree
Back in 1991, Fostex revolutionised the world of professional location recorders with the world's first timecode digital unit - the acclaimed PD-2. In 1995, the PD-4 was launched and quickly established itself as the industry standard timecode DAT recorder. In 2003, Fostex moved the game on with the innovative PD-6, the world's first portable recorder offering 6-track recording to DVD-RAM. And now, with the launch of the the PD606 and PD204 recorders, Fostex is again leading the way. 8-track (PD606) or stereo (PD204) poly-file recording, intelligent dual battery management, USB 2.0 interface, recording to either built-in hard drive or standard 12cm DVD discs, etc. - The innovations just keep on coming.
Portable Locati
Feature films
PD Series
Portable Professional DVD / HD Location Recorders
Carrying on from the revered PD-6, Fostex are proud to announce the new PD606 and PD204 professional location recorders - the culmination of years of market research canvassing opinion from our professional users, listening to their needs and acting upon their experience. Designed from the ground up to excel in `real-world' applications, both offer spectacular audio quality, flexible multi-drive recording options, rock solid timecode implementation, extended battery life, loads of `instant access' knobs, buttons and switches plus a whole battery of interface options. But impressive features are only part of the script. Fostex's unrivalled pedigree in designing and manufacturing world class location recorders for over 16 years and our unique understanding of the broadcast, film, tv and audio acquisition environments means that these new recorders aren't just the best PD recorders ever, they're simply the best professional location recorders available today.
Documentary
Broadcast
TV
on Recorders
HD and DVD recording
Direct recording at 24bit/192kHz to either internal hard drive, standard 12cm DVDRAM discs or both at the same time.*
Extended battery life
New for the PD606 and PD204 are VMounts for mounting Endura battery cells. With each battery offering up to 4 hours of operation and intelligent power management, these recorders are always ready for that important take.
Up to 8 tracks
The PD606 can record up to 8 tracks of audio simultaneously (6 channels analog + stereo mix tracks or 8 channels digital), to industry standard BWF files. The PD204 can record 2 tracks from 4 channels of analog or 2 channels of digital.
USB 2.0 data transfer
The new PD series offer a high-speed USB 2.0 port for easy data transfer of files to a PC or Mac for further audio editing.
Real knobs and switches
Both the PD606 and PD204 feature an army of real knobs, switches and buttons. The `analog' nature is a direct result of our dialog with professional users who value the ability to control and use their
The new PD machines can record to either internal hard disc drive, DVD-RAM, or both simultaneously.
Timecode and sync
Typically with a professional Fostex machine, timecode implementation is exemplary with ±1ppm (0.0001%) accuracy for recording and playback of SMPTE format timecode. Jam Sync, VIDEO, WORD, DIGITAL and Tri-Level sync also available.
machines without scrolling through multiple menus on a screen.
*Direct recording to DVD-RAM requires the unit to be mounted horizontally on a stable surface. Mirror recording up to 48kHz/8trk or 96kHz/2trk
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Portable Location Recorders
PD204 Main Features
2 track simultaneous recording 4 ch Analog inputs (XLR) 2 ch Analog outputs (XLR), 2 ch AES/EBU Digital I/O's (XLR)
Recording to (user replaceable) 1.8" 80GB HDD (Model EX-HD1) and 12cm DVD-RAM Backup to DVD-RAM, -R and -RW disc. Approx. 256 min recording at 24bit/ 48kHz per 4.7GB DVD-RAM or HDD partition Recording across multiple HD partitions Mirror recording to HD and DVD* BWF file format files - easily imported into PC editing software with TC. 24bit audio at 44.1/ 48/ 88.2/ 96/ 176.4/ 192kHz, 16bit audio at 44.1/ 48kHz Digital Mixer with Analog like operation. Equipped with channel link, HPF and limiter 0.1% Fs pull up/down Automatic file closing every 60 seconds 10 seconds (max) of pre record to minimises the risk of missing the start of a take USB 2.0 interface for mounting HDD partitions as well as DVD-RAM contents on PC desktop Two battery V-Mounts (up to 4 cells mounted) AUX input for headphone monitoring of audio from a camcorder 9 pin remote port enabling connection of a 2nd PD606 or PD204 for simultaneous recording Fully functional SMPTE Timecode generator with jam sync to external TC VIDEO, Tri-Level and WORD sync available
PD204
The PD204 offers identical timecode implementation and smart battery management as the PD606, but can only record to 2 tracks simultaneously.
Recording to 80GB HD and 12cm DVD
Both the PD204 and PD606 records audio to the internal (user replaceable) 1.8-inch 80GB hard disc drive (HDD) and standard-size 12cm DVD-RAM discs. In addition simultaneous recording to both media is available either by mirroring or auto-copy. Further confidence is offered with an intelligent `background mode' which automatically copies recorded audio from the HDD to DVD when the machine is idling. The DVD drive can also write to DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs for easy data copy / backup.
of mixing options and recording sophistication. The PD606 for example offers flexible 8 track simultaneous recording via AES/EBU, (6 channels when using the analog XLR inputs), full 8 channel analog outputs and the ability to digitally store monitor mix settings.
Intelligent battery management
Battery life is perhaps one of the most important features of a location recorder and it's here these new machines really show their class. Not one, but two standard V-mounts are offered for with the user being in control of power management. Choose BATT.1, BATT.2 or External DC power. A smart function switches which battery is used when the primary source voltage falls below user-definable level.
Digital mixing and 8-track recording
Following Fostex's philosophy of `real knobs and buttons are better', recording, mixing and routing on these new recorders is an intuitive experience. No multiple button pushes and complex menus to change a level, just turn a knob. Yet don't confuse ease of use with a lack of features as these units offer a multitude
High speed data transfer to PC / Mac
When connected to a host computer via the USB 2.0 interface, the recorder can be directly mounted on the
* Mirror recording up to 48kHz/6trk or 96kHz/2trk. Future firmware update
PD606 Main Features
8 track poly file recording. 6 individual tracks + 2 stereo mix tracks or straight 8 track recording via 6 ch Analog I/O (XLR) or 8 channel AES/EBU Digital I/O's (D-sub25pin) Using the Stereo Bus output (XLR-5pin) together with the 6 channel discrete analog outputs creates 8 simultaneous analog outputs
Recording to (user replaceable) 1.8" 80GB HDD (Model EX-HD1) and 12cm DVD-RAM Backup to DVD-RAM, -R and -RW disc. Approx. 85 min recording at 24bit/ 48kHz per 4.7GB DVD-RAM or HDD partition Recording across multiple HD partitions Mirror recording to HD and DVD* BWF file format files - easily imported into PC editing software with TC.
PD606
desktop for easy drag and drop data copying. Future enhancements will include the ability to use USB 2.0 flash memory pens. A standard QWERTY keyboard can also be connected for easy file name editing. every point in the acquisition process there are clues: Automatic file closing in the background every 60 seconds means fast data recovery in the event of a power outage, 10 seconds (max) of pre-record means never missing the beginning of a take, the 99 cue point memory, an AvidTM compatible EDL file (ALE) can be created and edited, a 9pin remote connector for simultaneous recording using two PD606 or PD204s, the crystal clear 16 segment LED metering, the slate tone generator with hold mode, etc., the list goes on. These units are also tough, being manufactured from ultra-durable materials specifically designed for a busy life in the field.
8 track recording using 24bit/16bit, 44.1/48kHz, 6 track recording using 24bit, 88.2/96kHz (HDD only), 2 track recording using 24bit, 176.4/192kHz
Digital Mixer with Analog like operation. Equipped with channel link, HPF and limiter 0.1% Fs pull up/down Automatic file closing every 60 seconds 10 seconds (max) of pre record to minimises the risk of missing the start of a take USB 2.0 interface for mounting HDD partitions as well as DVD-RAM contents on PC desktop Two battery V-Mounts (up to 4 cells mounted) 9 pin remote port enabling connection of a 2nd PD606 or PD204 for simultaneous recording Fully functional SMPTE Timecode generator with jam sync to external TC VIDEO, Tri-Level and WORD sync available
Sophisticated timecode facilities
These being Fostex recorders, the implementation of timecode is beyond reproach with an incredible ±1ppm accuracy. That's 0.0001% accuracy for both recording and playback of IEC format timecode with Jam Sync also available. Four modes of timecode are offered: 24H RUN (sync to the internal clock); REC RUN; FREE RUN; and EXT RUN with 7 frame rates (23.97, 24, 25, 29.97ND, 29.97DF, 30ND, 30DF).
Professional operation, rugged reliability
Use a PD606 or PD204 in the field and you're immediately aware that Fostex know a thing or two about professional location recording. At almost
Up to 24bit / 192kHz audio
No MP3. No compression. No short cuts. No compromise. The new PD606 and PD204 simply feature sonically superior recording at up to 24-bit / 192kHz resolution.
The PD606 displays no shortage of interface options with full 6 channel analog I/O, AES-EBU digital I/O, timecode and more.
Specifications
PD606 Specifications
RECORDING / PLAYBACK Recording Medium Recording Time HD/DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW approx. 85 min. (48kHz/24bit/6trk) HD partition or DVD-RAM) File Format BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) Sampling Frequency 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz Quantization 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz) 24bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz) No. of Recording Track 1  8 tracks (4trk  88.2/96kHz, 2trk  176.4/192kHz) Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz +-1dB (FS 44.1/48kHz) 20 Hz - 40 kHz +-2dB (FS 88.2/96kHz) 20 Hz - 70kHz +-3dB (FS 176.4/192kHz) Dynamic Range more than 110dB (typical) T.H.D. less than 0.008% (1kHz, -1dBFS,typical) Reference Level -20dB AUDIO INPUTS / OUTPUTS Analog In Connector Input Level Max Input Level Input Impedance Analog Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance Stereo Buss (TRK7~8) Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance Digital I/O Connector Format SYNC INPUTS / OUTPUTS Timecode In Connector Format Ref Input Level Min Input Level Input Impedance Timecode Out Connector Format Ref Output Level Output Impedance Load Impedance WORD/VIDEO In WORD Out USB For PC For HOST Phones Connector Maximum Output Load Impedance Parallel Remote 9PIN Remote DC In (DC11.5 ~ 24V) DC Out GENERAL Dimensions Weight Power Requirement Power Consumption
PD204 Specifications
RECORDING / PLAYBACK Recording Medium Recording Time HD/DVD-RAM/DVD-R/DVD-RW approx. 256 min. (48kHz/24bit/2trk) HD partition or DVD RAM) File Format BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) Sampling Frequency 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz Quantization 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz) 24bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz) No. of Recording Track 2 tracks Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz +-1dB (FS 44.1/48kHz) 20 Hz - 40 kHz +-2dB (FS 88.2/96kHz) 20 Hz - 70kHz +-3dB (FS 176.4/192kHz) Dynamic Range more than 110dB (typical) T.H.D. less than 0.008% (1kHz, -1dBFS,typical) Reference Level -20dB INPUTS / OUTPUTS Analog In Connector Input Level Max Input Level Input Impedance Analog Out Connector Ref Output Level Max Output Level Load Impedance AUX In Connector Ref Input Level Max Input Level Load Impedance Digital I/O Connector Format
XLR-3-31 type (balanced) x 6 -32 to +4dBu (LINE) / -70dBu (MIC) +24dBu (LINE) / -14dBu (MIC) more than 10k ohm (LINE) / more than 2k ohm (MIC) XLR-3-32 type (balanced) x 6 +4dBu +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-32 type (balanced) +4dBu / -10dBu / -60dBu (selectable) +24dBu more than 10k ohm D-sub25pin AES/EBU(IEC60958) or S/P DIF(IEC60958)
XLR-3-31 type (balanced) x 4 -32 to + 4dBu (LINE) / -70dBu (MIC) +24dBu (LINE) / -14dBu (MIC) more than 10k ohm (LINE) / more than 2k ohm (MIC) XLR-3-32 type (balanced) x 2 +4dBu +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-31 type (balanced) +4dBu / -10dBu / -60dBu (selectable) +24dBu more than 10k ohm XLR-5-31 type (Input) / XLR-3-32 type (Output) AES/EBU(IEC60958) or S/P DIF(IEC60958)
DVD Multi Drive
PD606 and PD204 both feature a DVD multidrive. In additions to recording direct to DVD-RAM discs, the drive also backs up and copies data to DVD-R/RW and ...