Topic: A/D stage in Fostex FR2-LE vs. Sound Devices 702?

[jlykos]

I don't know whether this belongs in A/Ds and Processors, or Recording Devices, so I am posting this question here for the hell of it.

I am wondering if anybody has run any comparisons or can give me any input as to the A/D stages of the Fostex FR2-LE vs. the Sound Devices 702.  I am physically downsizing my rig and am tearfully waving bye-bye to my beloved MiniMe, still the best A/D I have ever used.

I would run Gefells > PSP-2 > FR2-LE / 702 in this setup.  Anything else I should look at?  Edirol units?  Sony D50?  Ease of powering is a major consideration as well.

[flintstone]

Raimund Specht's recorder tests include the 722 and FR-2LE.
http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

His results show the 722 preamp self-noise at -128dBu, and the FR-2LE at -125 dBu when the preamp is running at full gain.  This is a small difference, but audible as slightly less noise when recording a very quiet subject with the 722, and using a mic with very low self-noise.  The Sony PCM-D50 produced a -124 dBu result in Specht's tests, the best of the small recorders.

Depending on the subjects you plan to record, a measurement of preamp noise at full gain may or may not be helpful in choosing a recorder.  If you're mostly recording loud music, you won't be able to hear the difference.

The 722 and 702 use a Sony-style camcorder battery.  The FR-2LE can use an RC car battery mounted internally.  Both approaches are good solutions when you need more than 5 hours of continuous recording while providing phantom power to your mics.  The D50 runs more than 10 hours on 4 AA cells, but can only provide "Plug-in power" for mics. 

Flintstone

[jlykos]

Just went to ebay and jumped on a Sony D50 with the 25% cash back program.  I spent the last four hours on the Internet looking at all the reviews of these products and the build quality, ease of powering, and low noise floor of the D50 sealed it for me.  I will only be using it line-in anyway, so I won't be exposed to the mic preamps.

My question still stands.  Has anybody run any a/b comparisons with the A/D stages of some of these small recorders?

[ArchivalAudio]

don't know of a comp
but I have never seen anyone mod the 7xx series
though
Busman
does mod the FR2-LE
purchased anywhere - and a 2 year warranty

and
if you buy from the Oade's they mod the fostex

if you got the $
for a 7xx series ... throw down

if not FR2-LE moded could be a  good answer