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.

Fully adjustable pop screen for studio microphones

• Screen material: Nylon
• Frame material: Plastic
• Gooseneck material: Metal
• Pop screen diameter: 19 cm (7.5)
• Gooseneck length: 39 cm (15.4)
• Fixing: Clamp (for a stand with a diameter of 22 mm (0.87) maximum)

• Midi mixer to control virtually any DAW
• 8 individual line faders, 1 master fader
• 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel
• 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel
• Sends all mixer settings to the DAW with a single button press
• 1 to 1 mapping with Ableton Live (Ableton Live Lite included)

• Material: Metal (structure), rubber (anti-skid clamp)
• Fixing: On any 18-mm to 45-mm-diameter tube (0.7" to 1.8"), attachable to any cymbal, microphone or music stand
• Feature: Reinforced screw-in clamping system
• Angle: Adjustable
• Thread adapter: Universal, 3/8" to 5/8"
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 300 g (0.66 lb)

FEATURES

• Four input channels, each with gain, three-band EQ, and LED metering
• USB computer connection for playing and recording with Mac or PC
• Play music from music-player software
• Record your mix to your computer
• Multiple phono, line, and mic inputs
• Dedicated XLR mic channel and additional mic input on channel 4
• Replaceable crossfader with slope control
• Assign any channel to either side of the crossfader
• Class Compliant: this product is immediately compatible with every current and future version of Mac OS X and iOS and with Windows (98SE and up) operating systems.

• Metal structure with rubber anti-skid clamp
• Attachable to any cymbal, microphone, or music stand
• reinforced screw-in clamping system and hook for bow
• Adjustable, 2 section angle
• Fits small stringed instruments (ukulele, violin, or mandolin)

• 8 total inputs
• 2 mic input channels with gold plated XLR and balanced line inputs
• 2 stereo input channels with balanced TRS jacks
• Extremely high head room offering extra dynamic range
• 3-band EQ on each channel
• 2 AUX sends pre-channel for external effects and monitoring
  Main output, control room, and headphone outputs