Fostex A8

The Fostex A-8 is a compact 8-track, 8-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder/reproducer from the early 1980s, designed for portable multitrack studio use on ¼-inch tape at high speed. 

Key Specifications

It runs exclusively at 15 ips (38 cm/s) with up to 7-inch reels under NAB equalization, offering frequency response of 40Hz–18kHz, wow and flutter of 0.06%, signal-to-noise ratio of 72 dB, and total harmonic distortion of 1%. Line inputs are 300 mV (15 kΩ impedance), with RCA outputs and no Dolby noise reduction.

Design Features

As a 2-head machine (record/playback combined, plus erase), it supports 4-channel recording across two banks (tracks 1-4 or 5-8 via 4 inputs) with full 8-channel playback, belt-driven transport (3 motors), ±10% pitch control, and simple controls like fast wind, cue monitoring, and memory stop. Compact at 14" x 13.5" x 8" (356 x 343 x 203 mm) and 29 lbs (13.2 kg), it prioritizes lightness for home demos.

Launched around 1981-1982 as the top of Fostex's A-series (A-2/A-4/A-8), the A-8 targeted budget multitrackers seeking 15 ips speed on narrow ¼-inch tape, popular despite limited inputs and belt wear issues; later A-8L/R variants added flexibility.