Topic: Anyone know anything about this Fostex FR2 LE (previously FR3 LE)

[Jamos]

Can one copy recorded files with a program like Explorer from the CF card to a PC? Or does one have to use special software for that? I ask because according to the manual, the FR-2LE stores its recordings in a kind of project container (card has to be specially formated for a certain recording quality) and so on. So when one connects the unit to a PC, does it become a drive and does one see files like 0001.wav or fos0003.bwf?

Thanks

I've only had it connected to macs, but it shows up as an external drive, like any other mass-storage device. 

It's true that once you format a card for a certain sample/bit rate, recordings have to adhere to those settings until you reformat the card with different settings.

No special software needed!

[Jamos]

I just placed my order with Doug for a TCM FR2LE, i'm stoked to hear what this bad boy will do.

Congrats man!  +T for new toys...
I'm sure it will sound mighty fine.

[audBall]

For those running these w/ pres in front, can you use it just as an A/D?

[Jamos]

For those running these w/ pres in front, can you use it just as an A/D?

Yep.
The 1/4" unbalanced line inputs bypass the mic pres.  I picked up tapermark's mini-mp and I'm thinking I may use it in front of the Fostex.

[audBall]

For those running these w/ pres in front, can you use it just as an A/D?

Yep.
The 1/4" unbalanced line inputs bypass the mic pres.  I picked up tapermark's mini-mp and I'm thinking I may use it in front of the Fostex.

That's good news.  This box is very tempting.

[Brian Skalinder]

The 1/4" unbalanced line inputs bypass the mic pres.

Does it actually bypass the pre gain stage, or is it just attenuated?  Most all-in-one recorders have a single gain stage for both mic- and line-in:  mic-in = no pad, line-in = pad.

[flintstone]

The online merchants I've checked all are quoting $599 for the FR-2LE.
Has anyone found a better deal anywhere?  Surely someone must want
to make a sale.

Flintstone

[Jamos]

The 1/4" unbalanced line inputs bypass the mic pres.

Does it actually bypass the pre gain stage, or is it just attenuated?  Most all-in-one recorders have a single gain stage for both mic- and line-in:  mic-in = no pad, line-in = pad.

Hey Brian,
Yeah that's a good point...although I can't give you a positive answer, connecting to the TS 1/4" jack makes the mic trim controllers inoperable.  The manual says that the 1/4" jacks take a -10 dBV signal, while the mic inputs can range from -50 to -10 dBU of gain.

I'll see if I can find out for sure.

[dointhatrag]

I just read in the PDF manual,  "provides combo type balanced connectors", I think these are just like the Mini Me xlr - trs combo.

.

[timP]

canceled my order today...


no word about when they would arrive for more then a week at a time.... it has been a month...


some story about them being stuck in customs.....


i give up

prob just get a r-9.... all i really need.

i was just excited to try some new tech'

[marc0789]

so, it's become clear to me that there's no way I'll have the scratch for a 722 without selling everything but mics...not what I want to do. I'm kinda focused on this box because of the price and the fact that for a third of the price of a 722 I'm getting what sounds like a nice a/d and flash recorder after doug mods. Any reliability/connection quality issues? Thanks, marc.

[Jamos]

so, it's become clear to me that there's no way I'll have the scratch for a 722 without selling everything but mics...not what I want to do. I'm kinda focused on this box because of the price and the fact that for a third of the price of a 722 I'm getting what sounds like a nice a/d and flash recorder after doug mods. Any reliability/connection quality issues? Thanks, marc.

Hey well, it's certainly not as "luxurious" a box as a 722, but it's really solid for what it does.
If you read all the posts in this thread, it should give you a good idea about it's strengths and weaknesses. 
After owning it for a little while, the only thing that bugs me about it is the noisy headphone output.  Again, if you are recording anything that is sustained and loud, it won't be an issue, but for quieter stuff it is disconcerting to not hear pure background silence while monitoring.  That being said, once I transfer the files and listen via computer, everyone of the files I've recorded is crystal clear. 

Anyway, seems like the challenge currently is finding one in stock.

[mmedley.]

Anyway, seems like the challenge currently is finding one in stock.

B&H has them in stock...or so says the website.

[marc0789]

I believe Doug also has them in stock, based on an email I just got from him.

[timP]

after all my stressing, they "finally got thru customs" or some shit...


anyways,

I really like the lay out and the build feels fairly solid... all plastic, but thicker build then the R-4(which is the only other plastic unit i've held,FWIW)

the old school meters on the side are nice, as well as digil readout meters on the top...
the trim pots are small, and i have big fingers, but i'd rather them not be bumped easily
recognized and formated my 8gb cards.. i selected 4gb splts via the menu
I guess the using .bwf format get around the 2gb file splt, but fostex tells me 4gb is the max

wish it had a hold button... easy pre-record>record function


first real run will be this weds running the V2 into the FR2le... I hope I can run the V2 wide open