Fostex 450

Here’s a kind of unknown but cool 8 channel mixer from the late 80’s that adds a few refinements it’s previous version or competitors (like Tascam) didn’t offer.

Each channel has line inputs on jack and XLR mic input with individual phantom for each channel (not very common on this kind of gear)

Both inputs have the trim control.Practically, the jack input will allow to use anything, from a bass or guitar directly without D.I,  to a synth

Channels also have  tape in and line in on rca/cinch (independent from trim control, those)

What’s interesting also is that you have dedicated direct outputs (after eq, so that you can benefit from eq corrections before your DAW), and not only a send/return insert. 

But you’ve got also this send/return insert ; ) Pretty thorough in terms of connections.

Another "luxury": Sends are stereo, aux 1 being post fader, aux 2 pre or post or from tape signal.

Eq is a High shelf, but you havre TWO two semi parametric sweepable eq. One takes care of hi mids, the other low end and low mids.

Each channel is assignable to either bus 1-2 or bus 3-4

You have a stereo output and a dedicated stereo monitor output, bus out and bus in (for 4 additional signals), and 2 stereo returns for mixing effects to the LR bus.

Solo bus of course to monitor individual signals through the monitor output.

The console is kind of wide for an 8 channel console, knobs are not cluttered, so you have space to comfortably operate those and they got a great feel.

I’ve taken time to test the console throughly. No stones left unturned.

Everything works, every in, but a few points need to be mentioned.

-lower three light of bus 1 lcd vu and higher three lights of bus 4 lcd vu don’t light up. 

-faders don’t have a great feel ( a bit « dry ») and will produce a « shhh » while moving them. Not loud, though.

-Channel 7 input selector:  you sometimes have to wiggle a bit to get clean signal going and not a spitty one

-Aux 2 toggle switch, sometimes a bit fiddly

-A few sweep eq’s were crackling when i’ve tested the console after a few months of storage. It’s now fluid but chances are it comes back if you don’t use the console for a long period or if it gathers dust.

That being said, issues are kind of minor and won’t prevent you from making good use of it.

Will be packed, protected with great care for shipping, as always here.

Shipping quote includes full insurance.