Fostex B16

The Fostex B-16 is a 16-track, 16-channel analog tape recorder introduced in the early 1980s. It was notable for packing 16 tracks onto a ½″ (12.7 mm) tape — significantly narrower tracks than earlier professional machines — making multitrack recording more affordable and compact than larger studio recorders of the era.

Transport & Track System

• Track format: 16 tracks / 16 channels (allowing individual recording/playback on each channel) hifiengine.com

• Tape width: ½″ (12.7 mm) tape — high density for 16 tracks 

• Reel size: 10.5″ NAB reels (standard professional size) 

• Heads:
  Typically a combined erase & record/playback head design in the base model (two-head layout), meaning recording and playback use the same head element — simplifying azimuth alignment and reducing cost.

Front Panel:

• Solenoid transport buttons: Play, Stop, Rec, Fast Forward, Rewind, and Zero Return. 

• 16 LED bargraph meters: Peak-indicating level metering for all tracks. 

• Track arm/status LEDs: Enable/disable individual tracks for recording. 

• Real-time tape counter: Hours, minutes, seconds display with reset. 

• Pitch control: Dual concentric knobs for coarse and fine speed control. 

Rear Panel:

• 16 × inputs/outputs (unbalanced phono): One for each track. 

• Noise reduction switch: On/off for built-in Dolby C. 

• Remote connectors: Multipin sockets for synchronizers, meter expansion, and remote control units. 

• Footswitch jack: Punch-in/out control input.

• Logic transport control: Smooth transitioning through FF/REW/Play without needing to stop first — quicker editing. 

• Cue function via remote: Tape lifters retract for cueing in fast wind modes (remote unit option). 

• Self-diagnostic tension: Transport can indicate tension issues by how it stops. 

• Playback/record monitoring: More complex due to two-head design; consulting manual recommended for correct operation.

• First true 16-track recorder on ½″ tape: Previously such track counts required 1″ or wider tape — much more expensive and bulky. 

• Affordability: Positioned to bring extensive multitrack capability to project and semi-professional studios without the enormous footprint and cost of full broadcast machines. 

• Compact but capable: Excellent balance of multitrack performance in a desktop-sized package compared with full rack 1″ machines.