Originally Posted By: rharv
What is the proprietary format file extension?
just curious

Not really a valid question.

FOSTEX used a few. All were compression algorithms designed to conserve drive space. Some recorders could also save files as 44.1/16 .wav including my FD8 in Mastering mode (required for using an ADAT converter to record 8 tracks), otherwise Normal mode used ADAC.
SOS Review FD8
FDMS and FDMs3 were earlier compression schemes. These were stored on the drive and you accessed them as audio from the recorder. If you hooked the drives or diskettes up to your computer, there was nothing that could read them.

The MR series stored files on removable CF cards (if you could keep the pins from getting bent). By using the aforementioned Wav Mgr app, you could import the files as 44.1/16 .wav from the CF card. It was the only way to import files recorded to the proprietary Extended mode but Songs recorded in Normal mode allowed Mac owners to just drag to the desktop (the USB port worked with PCs only).
SOS Review MR8

I bought and sold many FD8s over the years and was able to trick them into accessing 6GB on a 2.5" ATA drive. FOSTEX only supported up to 2GB on an internal hard drive or SyQuest externals. A MOTU 2408 in standalone mode was my analog to ADAT converter. With a Mackie 1604 mixer, it took up a card table, didn't weigh that much and was, by far, the most portable 8 channel recording rig that I could buy—or even imagine—23 years ago. That, of course, changed a few years later.

FOSTEX never got the firmware right on the original MR8. I bought mine 19 years ago but found it to be less than satisfactory. It's on perma-loan to a buddy and I never, ever want to see it again.


BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5