The area of application of the Fostex TH616
You should always keep two points in mind regarding the area of application. Should the headphones be used in the HiFi area or should they be used in the Pro area? The hi-fi area should primarily ensure a feel-good character and offer the listener a balanced, powerful and pleasant sound. Similar to your personal stereo system, you can assume different priorities or tastes and you must primarily ensure that the ambient sound matches the sound of the headphones according to your personal priorities.
The main thing with pro headphones is to reproduce a neutral sound so that irregularities in the frequency response, phase problems or other things that could disrupt the mix can be identified and corrected as quickly as possible. So you could clumsily claim that hi-fi headphones are, if anything, more likely to be a little more personal than studio headphones, although this statement should be viewed with caution.
With regard to the basic sound, however, this classification reveals a slight tonal orientation in advance, depending on the company philosophy. The Fostex TH616 headphones were classified by the manufacturer in the HiFi range, which suggests that the priorities, similar to a loudness switch, are to be found in the bass and treble range and the mids should be reproduced as tastefully as possible without them biting or even biting in the corresponding range hurt.
The construction of the Fostex TH616
The Fostex TH616 is a limited edition of dynamic, semi-open over-ear headphones made in Japan. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out how big the limitation is. The visually striking ear capsules are made of black walnut wood and, according to the manufacturer, are intended to reflect a subtle Asian influence. Personally, I really like this layout, especially if the room in which the Fostex TH616 is used also has a high proportion of wood. I know that wood tends to splinter a bit in the cutting area depending on the degree of hardness and which tools you use, but with headphones in this price category I would have liked the corresponding milling to be deburred a little more. If you take a closer look, you will notice several small splinters of wood, the edges of which have been left untreated and somewhat diminish the exquisite appearance.
A 50 mm neodymium driver with BIODYNA membrane was installed, which offers a frequency range of 5 - 45,000 Hz with an impedance of 25 ohms and a sensitivity of 96 dB (@1kHz, 1mW). The 25 ohm design allows the listener to be used on almost any device, even without an external headphone amplifier. However, for the consumer sector it is necessary to purchase an additional mini-jack connector, as the receiver only has a 6.3 mm stereo jack plug from the factory.
The headphones are delivered in a visually elaborate cardboard box and, in addition to a transport bag and a manual, include an approx. 3 meter long attachable headphone cable as accessories. The plugs click into place with a strong click and can only be removed from the headphone cups with great effort. Very good. However, opinions will probably differ when it comes to the textile cable used. There are plenty of fans who will enjoy the same vintage feel. For my part, with this type of textile version, I suffer a bit from the fact that the cable immediately gets twisted with every small movement. There are textile cables, for example from Cordial, which are almost impossible to twist. The Fostex TH616 requires this. a little more sensitivity.
The comfort of the Fostex TH616
With regard to the recesses for the ear cups, the slightly asymmetrical attachments made of low-resilience urethane padding (artificial leather) can be discreetly rotated in both directions and the fit of the respective ear cup can be optimally adjusted in terms of vertical alignment. So far so good. Nevertheless, at least given the shape of my skull, the headphones sit a little wobbly on my ears and slide a little forward on one side and a little backwards on the other side when I turn my head a little faster, although this should actually be much less the case due to the elongated recess . Everyone should check in advance whether the factory cutout in the over-ear headphones fits well.
In my opinion, a little more cushioning could have been applied to the padding of the bracket. At the top, the headband is only covered with a layer of artificial leather, which has no effect on comfort, but at the bottom there is a relatively thin, soft foam-like mass behind the artificial leather, which makes the headphones rest a little softer on the skull. The comparatively light headphones, which only weigh around 370 grams without the cable, seem significantly heavier than they actually are.
What has been solved very nicely is the latching of the carrying handle in the longitudinal axis of the receiver. There are two push bars on both sides, with which the upper bracket can be adjusted in a total of eight locking levels in its longitudinal axis and can therefore also be reached by users with a comparatively large head circumference.
The sound of the Fostex TH616
Regarding the sound, I would like to remind you in advance of the area of application of the Fostex. Since the listener is in the hi-fi area, it is only partially his job to provide a completely neutral reproduction. In general, most people who use hi-fi headphones have a certain loudness preference when it comes to bass and treble. It can therefore be assumed that this listener will also have a certain level of boost in this area. However, it is important that the listener does not sound “boomy” or sharp, as this quickly puts the intention of the mix in an unfavorable light.
The first listening impression in the bass area paints a good impression of the Fostex TH616. The sub-bass range in the double-digit Hertz segment is captured well without booming, while the typical bass range from around 100 Hz feels slightly boosted, but without losing the necessary definition. The low-mid/mid range is also well reproduced acoustically, without being too drowned out in the scoop or, on the other hand, “biting” too much into the human frequency response.
What causes me a bit of problems personally, however, is the high-mid range around 2K, i.e. the area where a de-esser does its job for good reason. Here the Fostex TH616 has a clear peak, which, for example, acoustically reproduces almost all sibilants in singing in a disproportionate manner. I checked the listener with several reference mixes and some of my own productions where I knew the mix from the monitors and came to the same conclusion everywhere. Even in the higher frequency ranges, the Fostex TH616 offers a very pronounced treble reproduction, which on the one hand suggests a disproportionately “fine” reproduction in the treble range, but on the other hand, the sound is very different from the original mix.
Each user must decide for themselves to what extent this corresponds to their personal taste; I do not want to make a general statement regarding the practical area. Anyone who likes strong treble reproduction up to 12k will definitely feel very comfortable with this product in terms of sound reproduction.
Conclusion
With the Fostex TH616, the Asian manufacturer has a visually attractive headphone in its portfolio. At just under €1,000, the listener designed for the hi-fi sector is in the manufacturer's high-price segment and in return offers a balanced sound in the bass and midrange with a strong high-midrange and presence emphasis from around 2K upwards.
Each user must decide for themselves to what extent this comparatively non-linear reproduction suits their personal taste. I can well imagine that the result will polarize the buyer group.
————————-
Additional Informations:
Fostex, a name synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, boasts a rich and remarkable history spanning over seven decades. From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of OEM speakers to its current status as a pioneer in digital recording technology, Fostex has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
**The Birth of Fostex: A Subsidiary of Foster Electric**
The story of Fostex begins in 1948 with the establishment of Foster Electric Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan. Foster Electric quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of OEM speakers and transducer products, supplying components to numerous audio equipment brands worldwide. Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality audio components, Foster Electric decided to venture into its own consumer electronics brand, giving birth to Fostex in 1973.
**Early Success and the A-8 Multitrack Recorder**
Fostex's early years were marked by a series of groundbreaking products that cemented its reputation for innovation. In 1978, the company introduced the 8024, a 4-channel reel-to-reel tape recorder that revolutionized home recording. This was followed by the release of the A-8 multitrack recorder in 1983, which further expanded the creative possibilities for musicians and audio engineers. The A-8's compact size, affordable price, and versatile features made it a popular choice for both professional and home recording studios, establishing Fostex as a frontrunner in the multitrack recorder market.
**Digital Revolution and the V Series Recorders**
The 1980s saw Fostex embrace the digital revolution, introducing a range of innovative digital audio products. In 1985, the company launched the D-80, the world's first affordable digital multitrack recorder, marking a significant turning point in the industry. The D-80's groundbreaking technology and user-friendly interface made it a favorite among musicians and producers, paving the way for a new era of digital recording.
Fostex continued to push the boundaries of digital audio with the introduction of the V Series recorders in the early 1990s. The V-8, V-16, and V-24 recorders offered exceptional sound quality, flexible recording options, and a host of advanced features, making them the go-to choice for professional recording studios worldwide. The V Series recorders solidified Fostex's reputation as a leader in digital recording technology.
**Beyond Recording: Expanding into Audio Equipment**
While Fostex was initially known primarily for its recording equipment, the company gradually expanded its product line to encompass a wider range of audio products. In the 1990s, Fostex introduced a series of high-quality studio monitors, headphones, and microphones, quickly gaining recognition for their exceptional performance and durability. These products further established Fostex as a comprehensive provider of professional audio solutions.
**Fostex Today: A Legacy of Innovation**
Today, Fostex remains a leading innovator in the audio industry, continuing to develop cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of musicians, producers, and audio professionals. The company's product portfolio now includes a wide range of digital recorders, studio monitors, headphones, microphones, and software, all designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and versatile performance.
Fostex's commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing development of new technologies, such as the R8 multitrack recorder and the VR Series recorders. These products showcase Fostex's dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and providing users with the tools they need to create exceptional music.
**Conclusion: A Pioneer in Audio Excellence**
Throughout its rich history, Fostex has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and excellence in audio products. From its early days as a manufacturer of OEM speakers to its current status as a pioneer in digital recording technology, Fostex has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a legacy of groundbreaking products and a continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio, Fostex is poised to remain a leader in the field for generations to come.
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen