Topic: Fostex FR2

[Flushingdevice]

Hello,
does anybody here is experienced with the Fostex FR2?
I'm looking for a good device, mainly for nature recordings; the SD 722 would be perfect for my purposes but I have a low budget javascript:void(0);
Undecided and so I'd like to purchase something affordable and in the same time operative. I thought the FR2 could be a compromise...

Thanks a lot for help!
Alessandro

[Flushingdevice]

but that seems to be on the new FR2 LE...anybody knows something about the FR2? javascript:void(0);
Smiley

cheers

[Flushingdevice]

Thanks a lot! I go to browse...
Alessandro

[flintstone]

The FR2 is a well-regarded machine, but it's big and bulky,
not the sort of device you'll want to carry on your shoulder
for long. 

Another great choice is the Tascam HD-P2.  Its preamp is
almost the equal of the Sound Devices machines, it has
the timecode features found in the FR2, records at data
rates up to 24/192, and has a useful pre-roll function.
The HD-P2 has big, easy to use controls, XLR inputs,
and reliable 48V phantom power. 

Flintstone

[George2]

I have used the FR-2 and it's a very good machine. Larger than the FR2-LE, but it's also very light weight. You could carry it on your shoulder all day without feeling the weight. My choice would be the FR-2 over the tascam. Tascam doesn't have mic trim controls. Fostex is always right on top with new software fixes, and their service is extremely good.
Goes through batteries....

http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

[Flushingdevice]

Yes, in fact the mic's trim control is one of the reason that why I prefer the FR2 in comparison to the Tascam. On the other hand I've seen that it has a very short battery operating time...max 2.5 hours...is it so?
Many thanks!

[stirinthesauce]

Yes, in fact the mic's trim control is one of the reason that why I prefer the FR2 in comparison to the Tascam. On the other hand I've seen that it has a very short battery operating time...max 2.5 hours...is it so?
Many thanks!

More like 3.5 or more on lithium rechargeable AA 2500mah batts.  You can add an external lithium 9v 5400mah or a NiMH batt and it will run all day on the internals and external.  Great box, that sounds good out of the box. 

No experience with the fostex, sure it is a good box.

[George2]

It is so.... From the Fostex manual..2.5 hours on 8x AA NiMH...... 1.5 hours on 8x AA alkaline.
Powering from external requires a 12vdc power supply or battery.

[flintstone]

Here are the approximate weights of several popular "shoulder-carried" digital recorders.
The FR-2 weighs 1684 g = 59 oz ready to roll.   That might be considered "light weight"
compared to a Uher 4400, but it's at the heavy end of this list of modern recorders.

Flintstone

----------------

Fostex FR-2LE = (800 g) + 4 AA (92 g)

Korg MR-1000 = (1000 g) + 8 AA cells (184 g)

Tascam HD-P2 = (1200 g) + 8 AA cells (184 g)

Sound Devices 722 = (1200 g) + 4400 mah battery (200 g)

Marantz PMD671 =  (1300 g) + 8 AA cells (184 g)

Fostex FR-2 = (1500 g) + 8 AA cells (184 g)

Edirol R-4 = (1700 g) + 8 AA cells (184 g)

[stirinthesauce]

It is so.... From the Fostex manual..2.5 hours on 8x AA NiMH...... 1.5 hours on 8x AA alkaline.
Powering from external requires a 12vdc power supply or battery.

My bad, thought he was referring to the tascam.  After re-reading his post, I see it was the fostex that he was referring to for batt life.