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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: fmaderjr on January 24, 2009, 08:57:51 AM

Title: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: fmaderjr on January 24, 2009, 08:57:51 AM
I've had a FR2-LE for about 18 months and it's the only recorder I've ever owned that I can't make successful recordings with. It's a Busman job, but I'm sure the problem has nothing to do with his work. It sounds like maybe I can't find the proper CF card to use. I am recording at 24/44.1 and have used cards including a Hitachi Microdrive and currently an 8 gig "Speedy" A Data card that I thought were supposed to be OK with the machine.

Have just PM'd Busman about this, but am looking for other ideas as well.

On almost every recording, I get spots like this in my files maybe as much as 40 times in 60 minutes (several  times none in the first 15 minutes or so & then it started happening).
(http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/7e2615ef880f62b9d82a64f4309688474g.jpg)

The 2 times I used a 48 volt phantom mic, I don't remember it happening, but it may have happened a bit & I may have corrected it in post. It always happens with various mini mics with 2 different phantom adapters and also happened when I tested with a ST-9100 into line in.

This is incredibly frustrating. I don't really need it (have other recorders that I can use fine) but I can't even put it up for sale unless I find out whether something is wrong with it or it is just a card problem.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Can't respond to anyone until tomorrow-about to leave on a day trip.
Title: Re: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: Belexes on January 24, 2009, 10:39:08 AM
My FR2-LE is also a Busman mod (T-mod to be exact).  I run 24/48 with an 8 gig "speedy" A Data card and have not had the problem you are facing.  All I run into it are my BSC1 mics.

Maybe you have bad card or there was a bad run of them? If it happens thought with 2 different cards  ???  Could be the Fostex.
Title: Re: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: MSTaper on January 24, 2009, 02:37:19 PM
I have a stock FR-2LE and I've had other problems, but not that one. I'm not sure if my issues are with the recorder or something else!  :P

MSTaper
Title: Re: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: willndmb on January 24, 2009, 03:47:08 PM
i did a short test with my microdrive (4gb) and use a speedy 16gb cf all the time
never had a issue

because you didn't have the problem with 48v mics i am thinking its a power issue or something related to the mini mics/adapters
so
do you make sure to change the setting in the menu for 48v? mic vs line in?
Title: Re: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: fmaderjr on January 24, 2009, 07:36:41 PM
Thanks for the responses so far.

Willndmb: While I had no major problems with a couple hours of recording with true 48 volt mics (may have been a few minor ones that I corrected and forgot about), I've had major problem with 9 volt mini-mics that were powered by the FR2-LE's phantom power > phantom power adapters (2 different ones). There was no need to turn of the phantom power for this. The one time I used a ST-9100 to power the mics > line in, it is possible I forgot to turn off phantom power, but that wouldn't account for the trouble with the phantom power adapters.

I've had probems with all cards  used-at least 4 different, including the microdrive and speedy cards.

Very frustrating. I can make great recordings with a Microtrack 24/96 despite its know flaws, but not with the FR2-LE.
Title: Re: FR2-LE Problem
Post by: fmaderjr on January 25, 2009, 02:32:47 PM
Busman has recommended that I send it to him to troubleshoot, so I'll see if he can figure out the problem. Thanks everyone for your responses.