Topic: Anyone know anything about this Fostex FR2 LE (previously FR3 LE)

[smuff]

Seen at this years Musikmesse! It looks interesting.


edit by Moke:
correcting product name in thread title.
as you were........

[spyder9]

What are the dimensions of this box?  Have any other info? 

[smuff]

I am afraid not. I was hoping someone might know somthing? If I find out anything I will let you know.

[splodeit]

It appears to be the Fostex FR2 LE due out in July for around  €700

http://www.tastenwelt.de/newsmeldung.0.html?&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1905&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=140&cHash=f73cfe7636

[smuff]

Thanks for that. It looks very interesting. I don't suppose you could translate some of the details as I cannot understand German? I think, that it records stereo /mono to CF card and disc cards and is 24/96Khz, but I am guessing. One buring question for me is does it have a digital in? Once again many thanks for the info.

[splodeit]

I don't know any details other than what I found by searching via Google. I had to blow up the photos and reverse them to read the reflection on the glass of the display cabinet. Such dedication.  The information on the German site translates (courtesy of Google) as:

To the music fair Fostex presented the successor of the successful Field recorder Fr-2 - the Fr-2le.  The new model permits photographs in stereo or mono on a Cf or Micro drive map in the standardized, to PC compatible BWF file format in the FAT32-Dateisystem.  Both the linear data recording with 24 Bit/96 kHz and compressed recording formats are supported such as MP3.  The taken up files automatically in the minutes pulse secured, for the datentransfer to the computer exists a US B interface.  The Fr-2 LE is available starting from July for 700 euro.

Sounds interesting. Looks like another difficult buying decision coming up in the next few months.   

[smuff]

I agree. For me, if it has an SPDIF in and there are no major bugs, it looks ideal. But it is a 'wait and see'. Thanks for the translation by the way.

[0vu]

At the moment it's not known whether or not it has a digital input but here are a few extra bits of info not yet mentioned:-

It will have a record buffer like the original.
Improved mic. pres.
Swtchable ALC - ALC/Limiter/Off
Wired remote control as standard
Editing functions
Internal mics
Read after write monitoring
4h battery life on an inexpensive rechargeable pack as well as AA cells.

[spyder9]

Improved mic pres?  From what I read, Doug Oade liked the pres on the original FR2.  Interesting.   

[JasonSobel]

I agree. For me, if it has an SPDIF in and there are no major bugs, it looks ideal. But it is a 'wait and see'. Thanks for the translation by the way.

if all you need is S/PDIF input and no major bugs, why not just go with a Marantz PMD-671 or a Tascam HD-P2 ??

[smuff]

Price. It looks like the Fostex might come in about £300 cheaper, and it is a bit smaller. I am considering the Microtrack now it can take 24/96, but I dont like the build quality. But I agree the Tascam is tempting maybe if one came up second hand.

[hammerhorror]

More info and pics taken directly from a brochure I received at NAB this week in Las Vegas on the new Fostex FR-2LE filed memory recorder:

-BWF (stereo) or MP3 recording on Type II Compactflash Card or micro Drive
-Approx. 8-hour operation possible with Tamiya RC3600HV, Ni-MH battery
-FAT32 file system. 16/24 bit, 44.1/48/88.4/96kHz
-USB 2.0 for high speed transfer to PC
-1 take = 1 file system to eliminate overwriting
-Pre Rec Buffer
-Built-in Editing Function
-Phantom Power
-ALC (OFF/ALC/LIMITER)
-Wired remote controller supplied as standard
-Read After Write (RAW) monitoring







They did not have an actual floor model to look at, just the brochure. I did ask the sales rep at the booth if it will have digital in, and he said that it would. But, I got the impression he didn't know what he was talking about, so I wouldn't hold your breath!

[timP]

I really hope this things pans out.. could be just what i am looking for

I have been waiting for Marantz to release a smaller version of the 671 ala the 660, with no luck


really want a small, xlr in, decent pre, 24 bit box that goes for under a grand


can't stand having a ton of money's worth of gear sitting in bag unused, but want a good 24 bit budget rig to use when I do get and and want to tape

[smuff]

I agree. I hope this is just a demo model and in production they include a SPDIF I/O @24/96. I guess I will just have to keep waiting. Thanks for posting the update.

[spyder9]

I really hope this things pans out.. could be just what i am looking for

I have been waiting for Marantz to release a smaller version of the 671 ala the 660, with no luck


really want a small, xlr in, decent pre, 24 bit box that goes for under a grand


can't stand having a ton of money's worth of gear sitting in bag unused, but want a good 24 bit budget rig to use when I do get and and want to tape

Just looking at the XLR and RCA connectors, the 2LE looks to be over half the size of the 2.  Which would put it around the size of a 722 or 660.  Certainly, looks to be the length (approx 8 inches) and width (approx 5 inches) of the 660.  Just thicker, like the 722.  If this thing sounds as good as the 2 (according to Doug), the 2LE will be a homerun.  Lets hope the price is somewhere near $1,000.