Hi Brendy,

I've never heard of the SD8 - though Fostex have launched a lot of Hard Disk Recorders (HDR) in a short space of time.

I think you probably mean the FD8 which is a upgraded version of the DMT8. The DMT8 is essentially an analogue 8 channel desk buit onto a an 8 track HDR. The FD8 added a number of features the most important being vitual tracks (ie a number of takes can be saved per track) and better backup capability. The D80 is like a DMT8 without the built in desk - there is nothing wrong with the DMT8 desk but an outboard desk is much more versatile in terms of patching and controlabilty. I went for a Mackie VLZ1604 which 4 years on I am still very pleased with - its just so easy to use and very versatile.

If you want to easily move your kit around then I would go for the FD8, but if you want a more permenent setup and more control then I would go for the separate route.

Hope this helps.

Ian Sherwood