Topic: FR-2 questions

[reesey]

ok look.  i cant wait anymore to have the convenience of tapeless recording and im thinking seriously about dropping the dosh for a fostex FR-2 with the warm mod.

i need you guys to go over, once again, the pros and cons of not waiting for the SD.  i know some of you have comments, but i've been digging around and reading here and there and im like itching to go lite on the gear.  help me make a decision, and let me know what concerns you guys have about it and i would be grateful. 

i look at it like this.  say i dont like it, i dump it and keep the CF memory for the 722/744.  at least i dont have to be dissappointed by the lack of info for the SD release everyday.

thanks in advance dewds

[keepongoin]

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=27240.0

that is a 4-page thread on that topic.

From my perspective:  FR-2 is light and made of plastic.  It may sound good, especially with the Oade mods.  The issue with the HDD skipping and locking up when music is loud or the bass is deep kind of has me concerned.  Overall, bringing into the field, taking it on planes and the overall punishment that field recording brings, I think it will only last 6 months to a year.  I don't want to spend that much money on something that is going to only last that long.

The 722 promises to be a very rugged 2-track unit, and the 744 a very rugged 4-track unit.  I have thought for a long time that I wanted to purchase a 744T when it became available.  However, looking at the price difference, my bank account, and the amount that I may actually run it with 4 tracks, I have decided to go with the 722 after it has seen some field use by a few tapers.   The 744 looks great, but if I am going to spend that much, I might as well step up to the Nagra V or Cantar X.   

[Brian Skalinder]

I know you asked about the FR-2 and SD 7xx machines, but just reminding you of another option:  if you don't want to blow a big wad of cash immediately on first-gen, mostly untested/unproven gear and prefer to not blaze the early-adopter path, or if you especially like your pre/ADC combo, you can run MMe > Hosa ODL-312 > NJB3 for all of about $200.

Cheap.  Well tested and proven.  Available immediately.

Just a thought.

[keepongoin]

while true, Brian, 24 bit recordings are where I want to head.  I have a rig that I am happy enough with for 16 bit.

FWIW, the Nagra V and Cantar X are far from unproven; they have become somewhat standard in the movie industry. The 744T has a similar time-clock to these devices.   I would buy one of the right now if I could afford it.

[Brian Skalinder]

while true, Brian, 24 bit recordings are where I want to head.  I have a rig that I am happy enough with for 16 bit.

Yup, I hear you.  Didn't see an indication in the original post that 24-bit was a requirement, so I chucked the option out there.

FWIW, the Nagra V and Cantar X are far from unproven; they have become somewhat standard in the movie industry. The 744T has a similar time-clock to these devices.   I would buy one of the right now if I could afford it.

Nagra / Cantar definitely proven.  SD still has a ways to go, IMO - first gen *anything* technical in nature will have it's problems.  They just haven't been on the street that long.  If they'd just strip out the pre/ADC and drop the price a good chunk, I'd be all over one!  At any rate, I'm looking forward to hearing more FR-2 and 7xx recordings as more tapers use 'em. 

[keepongoin]

I figured that since both devices were 24 bit, that 24 bit devices were being discussed, not 16 bit.  I agree that if you are going to want CD quality, the whatever > JB3 is the way to go right now.

I will be on the waiting list for either a 722 or 744 as soon as I feel like I can afford one and still afford to go to shows, and I have some idea of how it sounds.  If it sounds anything like the mp2, as far as sound, I will be more than happy to run the TLs through it. Maybe I will have one for Rockygrass or Northwest string summit next year? 

We'll see - if people are disappointed, maybe I will just continue to save and get the Nagra V - it may be the best option anyhow - just going to take a long-ass time to save up for one.

[Brian Skalinder]

I will be on the waiting list for either a 722 or 744 as soon as I feel like I can afford one and still afford to go to shows, and I have some idea of how it sounds.  If it sounds anything like the mp2

Have you heard the V3 / 722 comp Chapper put together?  Both sources sound mighty fine.  I suspect I'd be very happy with the 722 (if only I weren't so attached to my V3!).

[keepongoin]

I am d/l it now.