Fostex G16
Fostex
Japan
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
3
Number of Heads
2
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.05%
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
65
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Speed
15
Max Reel [inch]
10.5
Tracks
1/2 Rec/PB
Price
Additional Information
The Fostex G16 is a 16-track, 16-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder from the early 1990s, using 1/2-inch tape at a fixed speed of 15 ips (38 cm/s) on up to 10.5-inch NAB reels, designed for professional home and project studio multitrack recording.
I/O & Connectivity
Rear Panel I/O:
16 × unbalanced line inputs and 16 × unbalanced line outputs via phono (RCA) connectors.
Timecode/track-16 loop-through: Track 16 can be used for SMPTE/MTC timecode synchronization and has dedicated loop-through connectors for routing to external gear.
Footswitch Connectors: Dedicated jacks for punch-in and Play/Locate footswitch operation.
Remote Panel: Connector for an optional remote control panel to operate transport functions off the main chassis.
Features & Operation
Dolby C Noise Reduction: Built-in per-track Dolby C noise reduction with selectable modes — tracks 1-15 on while leaving track 16 (usually timecode) off if needed.
Sync/Timecode Support: Designed to work with external synchronizers; can chase timecode in fast wind or play modes and support MIDI Time Code (MTC).
Transport & Cue: Optical end-of-tape and tension sensors help protect tape and heads; footswitch remote makes punch-in and locate easier during overdubs.
Practical Notes
Two-Head Limitation: The G-16 uses a combined record/playback head rather than dedicated separate record and playback heads, so off-tape monitoring during recording is limited compared to 3-head machines.
Maintenance: Like most vintage reel-to-reel multitrack machines, routine head cleaning, demagnetizing, and electronics service are needed for optimal performance — especially given known issues with aging caps in G-series boards.
Transport Sound: Despite improvements over the E-series, some owners note the G-16’s mechanics and electronics require attention when restored — e.g., head cleaning and cap replacement.
The Fostex G16/G16S is considered one of the final and best semi-pro 16-track recorders built, offering a high-level of functionality and sonic performance, particularly the Dolby S version, which dramatically reduced the hiss traditionally associated with 1/2" 16-track analog recording.