Categories: Pro Audio Archive

The Fostex A-8 multitrack tape machine

Download the original 2-page product sheet for the Fostex A-8LR tape machine.

DOWNLOAD: FostexA8LR

Billed as being “about the size of twenty albums stacked together,” the A-8LR differed from the more common A-8 by virtue of 8-track simultaneous recording (as opposed to 4-track simultaneous on the A-8).  We had one of these machines in the house briefly when we were kids and it did not sound very good.  The A-8 records on 1/4″ reel tape.  It is certainly very small for an 8-track machine.

chris

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    • I do know someone selling an A-8. It's it almost in
      perfect condition. Original owner w/ original
      boxes, manuals. I mean this guy said he only used
      it twice. There wasn't a scratch on it. It was very
      clean. He also has the 8ch. mixer w/ VU meter
      bridge which was also in perfect condition. Email
      me if interested. D.C. AREA/ earforsound@hotmail.com

    • I just happened across one in a thrift store. It starts up, but not having reel to reel tapes to test all functions, I can't say if it works. By the time I figure it out, it may be gone, but priced at $124.99 as of 8/28/21

  • Keep in mind that the track width on the A8 would have been about the same as a standard consumer cassette; machine care and tape choice could be hugely influential in the quality of recording/playback. I used one of these for years, kept it de-mag'ed and clean, and restricted my tape choice pretty much to Maxell UD35-90B. And was always happy to go into my home studio. For the money spent the A-series open reel studio was solid.

  • Did you find a deck to buy?
    I have an A-8 and an A-2 that I will be selling.

  • I have an A8, A2, matching mixer and transport pad (navigator) for sale. This was THE set to have in the 80s! Email me.

  • if anyone has a A-8 LR for sale I am willing to buy and have a Paypal account if preffered.

    • Hey Teresa,

      Can I get your contact info to get more info on the Fostex A8?

      Thanks,
      Matt

    • Hello,

      Do you still have this A-series multitrack. I have tapes from way back then that i would like to play so if you want to sell, I would buy...

      thank you

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