The Fostex FD4 is a hard disk multitracker without a hard disk. Pardon? You'll have to read on for the detail, but I'll say at the outset that the FD4 isn't weighed down with features (as some hard disk recorders are) and that Fostex seem to have struck a happy balance between features and usability in their new machine — they appear to have remembered that most potential purchasers will probably be complete novices in the recording arts.

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• 18 mm capsule
• Max. SPL: 136 dB
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 200 Ohm ± 30% (@ 1kHz)
• Recommended load impedance:> 1000 ohms
• THD: 1% @ 1 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB
• Power supply: 9-48 V DC phantom power
• Power consumption: 3 mA typical
• Dimensions: 165 x 48 mm
• Weight: 0.3kg
• Incl. shock mount, windshield, tripod stand and male XLR to female XLR cable