Fostex A4

The Fostex A-4 is a compact 4-track, ¼-inch reel-to-reel tape recorder/reproducer from the early 1980s, designed for home and semi-professional multitrack recording with synchronous record capabilities.

Inputs & Outputs

• Line inputs: nominal ~300 mV (–10 dBV) 

• Line outputs: ~0.3 V (unbalanced) 

• Connectors: Likely unbalanced RCAs (the standard for A-series machines) 

• No balanced professional XLR I/O (typical for machines in this class)

Recording & Control Features

• Multitrack recording: record/playback four separate channels to tape, ideal for overdubbing and small-studio production. 

• Punch-in / punch-out: accessible record control (often used in project environments) 

• Digital tape counter: LED display for locating tape positions 

• Pitch control (varispeed): ±10 % for speed adjustment and creative effects 

• Return-to-zero feature: convenient counter memory rewind stereonomono.blogspot.com

• Optional accessories: remote footswitch for hands-free recording control 

This feature set reflects the idea that the A-4 was designed for recording music with creation flexibility, not just playback.

Typical Use Case & Context

The Fostex A-4 was a mid-range multitrack reel deck designed for:

• Home and project studios

• Multitrack recording and overdubbing

• Musician production workflows

• Acting as a mastering or mixdown machine in a modest studio environment 

It was part of a family of Fostex multitrack decks (A-2, A-4, A-8), all intended to make multitrack tape recording accessible and practical without the size and cost of full broadcast decks.