Hi. I'm trying to compare the sound of two sets of microphones. The only trouble is that one pair can only be connected to my Sony PCM-10 and the other can only be connected to my Fostex FR2-LE. Does anyone know how good the Fostex preamps are, in relation to sound quality generally as opposed to noise levels. Would anyone expect the FR2-LE to have significantly better preamps than the Sony? When I say sound quality, I am thinking in terms of ability to reproduce the nuances of classical music, particularly piano.
Also, whether underpowering a microphone could reduce the sonority of recorded sound as well as introduce obvious distortion.
Thank you.
Can't answer the first question. But an underpowered mic will have reduced dynamic range and distort at lower volumes.
I own both and the Fostex preamps are way better than the Sony M10's. I run the Sony more because of size and convenience. I wish Fostex would come out with a new recorder, same preamps, but half the size. Don't know if that will ever happen.....
Thank you Spyder 9-very interesting. You must have a battery powered mic that can be used with both machines, or you would not be able to draw comparisons. Yes, I agree the Fostex FR2-LE is a bit more of a lump to carry around and when I use it with batteries I just cannot be bothered to try to fit the battery into the space at the bottom, because there is hardly enough room.
I sometimes wonder how where the quality of the Fostex preamps lies in relation to standalone preamps-is it better than the cheapest or somewhere between say a £100 Focusrite and £500 Focusrite 2-channel preamp. I get the feeling that few people use all-in-one box solutions now.
Quote from: seashore on August 28, 2015, 04:15:05 AM
Thank you Spyder 9-very interesting. You must have a battery powered mic that can be used with both machines, or you would not be able to draw comparisons. Yes, I agree the Fostex FR2-LE is a bit more of a lump to carry around and when I use it with batteries I just cannot be bothered to try to fit the battery into the space at the bottom, because there is hardly enough room.
I sometimes wonder how where the quality of the Fostex preamps lies in relation to standalone preamps-is it better than the cheapest or somewhere between say a £100 Focusrite and £500 Focusrite 2-channel preamp. I get the feeling that few people use all-in-one box solutions now.
Nope. Even better. I use phantom powered mics. I run the same preamp between the two recorders.
The FR2LE's preamp are above average... sound quite nice. And I agree, a new smaller updated version is welcome.