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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: dalejarvis on June 29, 2011, 01:18:04 PM

Title: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: dalejarvis on June 29, 2011, 01:18:04 PM
Hey all, I've inherited a Fostex FR-2LE for a project I'm working on, and I'm new to the machine. When I'm recording, with either the internal mic or an external, the volume of the recording is very low. Trim knob is turned up, not much of a difference. Any suggestions, or has anyone run into this with this product?
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: willndmb on June 29, 2011, 01:57:37 PM
Quote from: dalejarvis on June 29, 2011, 01:18:04 PM
Hey all, I've inherited a Fostex FR-2LE for a project I'm working on, and I'm new to the machine. When I'm recording, with either the internal mic or an external, the volume of the recording is very low. Trim knob is turned up, not much of a difference. Any suggestions, or has anyone run into this with this product?
trim knob is turned "Up" - which way??
to give it "higher volume" you want it turned to the right
what kind of mics/connections are you using?
do you need 48v power
in the menus you can select the input and power option, it is poss that you have the 48v off or some other setting not correct
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: Brian Skalinder on June 29, 2011, 02:30:30 PM
FWIW, this is all in the manual (http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/downloads/pdfs/fr2le_owners_manual.pdf).  There are two pairs of knobs on the FR-2LE that control levels for external mics, as you're facing the front panel:


Try using both pairs of knobs to adjust levels.

To adjust the levels using internal mics, there are two fixed sensitivity options:  low (16 dB) and high (32 dB).  The only way to further adjust levels is to control the internal mics' direction relative to and distance from the sound source.
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: dalejarvis on June 29, 2011, 02:48:41 PM
Thanks, the manual and I are old friends, at this point. I've played with both the trim control knobs, and yes, I realize that "up" is to the right  ;). I've played with the internal mic sensitivity options for internal mics, and have tried a variety of external mics.  I'll check the settings again. 

I'm curious to know if anyone has ever had volume issues with this recorder in the past.
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: Brian Skalinder on June 29, 2011, 02:49:52 PM
Do your external mics require phantom power?  Is phantom power on?

For testing purposes, you might try running another external signal into the recorder, like a tape/CD out or some such.
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: fmaderjr on June 29, 2011, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: dalejarvis on June 29, 2011, 01:18:04 PM
When I'm recording, with either the internal mic or an external, the volume of the recording is very low.

Don't even think of using the internals to record music. They were probably just designed to record speech in a pinch. Truly awful for music.
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: George2 on July 13, 2011, 07:48:37 AM
I would ask, "Are you using mics with 1/4 inch plugs instead of XLR?"
Title: Re: Fostex FR-2LE Low volume recording issue
Post by: page on July 13, 2011, 09:44:22 AM
Quote from: George2 on July 13, 2011, 07:48:37 AM
I would ask, "Are you using mics with 1/4 inch plugs instead of XLR?"

very good question, the trim knobs don't work on the TRS jacks as they are supposed to be line in. If you've got a powering solution further up the chain (like batteries in the mic bodies) then you wouldn't notice it except for the very low levels.