FostexEarly-to-mid 1980s2-trk2-Track$Budget($50–250)
Fostex 250 Multitracker
Collectors and historians recreating the earliest personal 4-track recording workflow.
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Calculate pitch & speed changes for the Fostex 250 Multitracker
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Strengths
- One of the pioneering personal multitrackers credited with helping launch the format
- High-speed-only transport delivers noticeably better fidelity than a standard cassette deck
- All-metal chassis construction has proven durable over decades
Trade-offs
- No pitch control at all limits creative tape-speed manipulation
- Mono monitor bus makes true stereo mixdown workflows awkward
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fostex |
| Model | 250 Multitracker |
| Era | Early-to-mid 1980s |
| Typical Price Tier | Budget ($50–250) |
| Tape Speed | 3.75 IPS |
| Dual Speed | No |
| Noise Reduction | Dolby C |
| EQ Type | 2-Band Shelving (High, Low) |
| Simultaneous Record Tracks | 2 |
| Mixer Inputs | 4 |
| Aux Sends | 1 |
| Tape Type Required | Type II High-Bias CrO2 |
| Pitch / Varispeed Range | None |
| XLR Mic Inputs | No |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Fostex 250 Multitracker.
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This deckFostex 250 Multitracker
Match56
Audio Fidelity60
Flexibility48
Portability62
Ease of Maintenance55
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Maintenance & Supplies
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