Topic: Fostex FM-1/FM-3/FM-4, new range of preamp/mixers

[sunjan]

Didn't see any mentions of this series yet, but then again the aren't optimized for what we do.
FM-3 - announced Aug 2009, 3-channel mixer
FM-4 - announced Dec 2009, 4-channel mixer
FM-1 - announced Dec 2010, 1-channel preamp

Maybe the latest model could interest some, even though it's only one channel. Competing with SD MP-1 perhaps? The gain dial is hidden on the right side below.

Specs here:
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/portable_mixers.shtml

[datbrad]

Here is a better pic of the front of the mono preamp. A pair of these could be used, depending on how they sound.

[kirk97132]

The 3 & 4 channels look like wendts...rebranded maybe?

[sunjan]

Still quite a difference. Here's the X4 as a comparison. My impression is that the Fostex have a lot more buttons...

[H₂O]

defenitely not a wendt


the inputs on the FM-4 are transformer balanced  - wonder how it sounds!

[OOK]

The 3 & 4 channels look like wendts...rebranded maybe?

I think you meant Sonosax.................metering is different tho....






Peace OOk

[duch]

Maybe there is not that many useable and clever layout for a portable mixer, hence the resemblance. 

The fostex is bigger and heavier (almost one more pound with batteries) than a SX-M32 by the way. And the SX-M32 has electronically balanced inputs.

[theknight]

looks cool from the specs ...... getting interested in it 

[ArchivalAudio]

Just got my B&H gear email
here is their link
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743723-REG/Fostex_FM_4_FM_4_4_In_2_Out_Portable_Field.html

looks sweet but
    * Price: $2,495.00
is spendy!

[RichT]

Had a play with the FM-3 and FM-4 today.  The preamps are nice (I preferred them to the Sound Devices 552, but not as much as the Sonosax).  The build quality seems solid too, however I'm not convinced by the metering.

I'm not sure why so many mixers have their meters on the right, if you're right handed and mixing from the bag your hand's in the way.

[page]

The preamps are nice (I preferred them to the Sound Devices 552, but not as much as the Sonosax).

just curious; what made you make those selections, e.g. "I like the Sonosax ones because of characteristics X, Y, and Z when compared to the Fostex"

[RichT]

The preamps are nice (I preferred them to the Sound Devices 552, but not as much as the Sonosax).

just curious; what made you make those selections, e.g. "I like the Sonosax ones because of characteristics X, Y, and Z when compared to the Fostex"

I never feel that confident at describing these things but I generally prefer pre's where they bring out the detail of what's being recorded, more "open", "clean" and "smooth" (sorry for the woolyness).  I think the SD had the most colouration out of the three (which some may like).  All three showed very low noise.

Wasn't an ideal test (quite a high noise environment with headphones)

[page]

The preamps are nice (I preferred them to the Sound Devices 552, but not as much as the Sonosax).

just curious; what made you make those selections, e.g. "I like the Sonosax ones because of characteristics X, Y, and Z when compared to the Fostex"

I never feel that confident at describing these things but I generally prefer pre's where they bring out the detail of what's being recorded, more "open", "clean" and "smooth" (sorry for the woolyness).  I think the SD had the most colouration out of the three (which some may like).  All three showed very low noise.

Wasn't an ideal test (quite a high noise environment with headphones)

fair enough, was curious what your factor of focus was. Thanks.

[Erick del Valle]

I'm not sure why so many mixers have their meters on the right, if you're right handed and mixing from the bag your hand's in the way.

Because they are designed for electronic news gathering, where the right hand is always manipulating a boompole and the mixing is usually done with the left hand,

Saludos!

Erick del Valle
Santiago de Chile

[RichT]

I'm not sure why so many mixers have their meters on the right, if you're right handed and mixing from the bag your hand's in the way.

Because they are designed for electronic news gathering, where the right hand is always manipulating a boompole and the mixing is usually done with the left hand,

Ah, I was taught to do it the other way round (on an SQN, which has meters on the left)