Topic: Fostex FR2-le "IN DA FIELD" (fr2le thread, pt 2)

[Massive Dynamic]

the fr2le doesn't seem top be to picky with cards, i am running adata 16gb

I have 2 A-Data 16GB cards (one bought new from Newegg, one in the YS), but I have not been able to re-format either of them in the Fostex. I had to use Disk Utility to erase them first, and then I could format them. Luckily, I checked this at the last minute, literally, just before leaving for a festival. Had no problem recording, but I am curious if my cards are somehow different from yours. Have you reformatted yours in the deck without issue?

[Massive Dynamic]

How many batteries and total CF card storage space would you guys bring to a 3 day festival?

I've updated my post about battery results. Want 75+ hours? You might consider an external 8x D-cell sled. Scroll down to the edited paragraph.
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,98557.msg1389778.html#msg1389778

[willndmb]

the fr2le doesn't seem top be to picky with cards, i am running adata 16gb

I have 2 A-Data 16GB cards (one bought new from Newegg, one in the YS), but I have not been able to re-format either of them in the Fostex. I had to use Disk Utility to erase them first, and then I could format them. Luckily, I checked this at the last minute, literally, just before leaving for a festival. Had no problem recording, but I am curious if my cards are somehow different from yours. Have you reformatted yours in the deck without issue?

i have ONLY reformatted in the deck
and i have had no issues at all using the card (record, transfer, format, record then transfer in a different unit, reformat in a different unit after recording in the fr2le)

[jonbo]

Thanks for all the info people.  Looking at an upgrade.

[flintstone]

"Want 75+ hours? You might consider an external 8x D-cell sled..."

Not sure how this is possible.  An AA cell has about 2850 mAh, a D cell 20,500 mAh.  That's roughly 7 times more power in a D cell.  If the FR2-LE runs about 4 hours on 8 AA cells, then it should run about 28 hours on 8 D cells.

Flintstone

[sygdwm]

i know its splitting hairs, but the fr2le will run about 3-4 hours on 4 AA batteries. with phantom on.

[flintstone]

Dang, wrong again! 

Let's try this arithmetic again.  If the FR-2LE lasts 4 hours on four AA batteries,
then eight D cells should power it for 56 hours.  That's still quite a
bit short of the 75 hours claimed in the earlier post.

I have to admit, 56 hours of recordings is a very long time!  You'd need a pocketful
of Compactflash cards.  Still, if you plan be away from a power source for a week,
this power sled would be good insurance.

[Will_S]

The power draw of the mics used will also affect battery time quite a bit.  56 v 75 hours isn't that huge a difference, percentwise.  I get a similar proportional difference in run times using my LSD2 vs my power hungry Audix Micros.

[Massive Dynamic]

The 75+ figure is just an extrapolation of my results, so it may be an inflated number. Still, if my 32 hours is only 40% of the pack's capacity (based on the deck's battery level meter), that would put the figure at 80 hours. If the current draw isn't linear (or, faster as the voltage drops), the total number of hours could be significantly less. I can't be certain until I run it dead, but I don't really plan to just to prove a point. For the record, my mics draw 4.6 mA each, so they are average. The LSD2 draws less, the Audix more.

[oivindi]

Would a pair of DPA 4060s go well with the FR2-LE?

(I was thinking about buying a pair of DPA 4060s with the MMA 6000 pre-amp for my recorder, but then it struck me that the price of the MMA 6000 alone (in Norway) is higher than me buying a FR2-LE off eBay ... which got me thinking, and since I don't own a recorder with 48V ... well, you catch my drift   )

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Would a pair of DPA 4060s go well with the FR2-LE?

(I was thinking about buying a pair of DPA 4060s with the MMA 6000 pre-amp for my recorder, but then it struck me that the price of the MMA 6000 alone (in Norway) is higher than me buying a FR2-LE off eBay ... which got me thinking, and since I don't own a recorder with 48V ... well, you catch my drift   )

You would have to get some DPA Phantom Power adapters as well to do this (without the MMA6000). I don't recall the model number of those adapters, but if you have a look at the accessories for the 4060's on the DPA website you will find them. The 4060's need about 9V, and the FR2LE will give them 48V. Those adapters convert the microdot connector to XLR and also drop the power to 9V.

I have run 4060>MMA60000>FR2LE a few times lately. The ONLY time I was happy with the results was running the 4060's split about 6 feet outside (at Red Rocks). The other times have been running them in my hat FOB at a few shows. When the sound where you are is great, the 4060's are awesome. If the sound isn't so great...so is your recording.

Anyway...I'd much rather have something different than the 4060's in most situations.

[oivindi]

You would have to get some DPA Phantom Power adapters as well to do this (without the MMA6000).

I'm thinking of the SMK 4060 kit (matched pair plus accessories), which I'm pretty sure includes those adapters. Maybe. I think. It's not a large sum of money in any case.

I have run 4060>MMA60000>FR2LE a few times lately. The ONLY time I was happy with the results was running the 4060's split about 6 feet outside (at Red Rocks). The other times have been running them in my hat FOB at a few shows. When the sound where you are is great, the 4060's are awesome. If the sound isn't so great...so is your recording.

Hmm. You're one of the first people I've heard being negative towards the 4060s. I won't be using it to tape shows (mostly field recording of soundscapes, instruments, sound effects material etc.), so perhaps we have different needs.

I wouldn't mind hearing about the other mics you'd rather use, though.

[willndmb]

Hmm. You're one of the first people I've heard being negative towards the 4060s. I won't be using it to tape shows (mostly field recording of soundscapes, instruments, sound effects material etc.), so perhaps we have different needs.

I wouldn't mind hearing about the other mics you'd rather use, though.

i have no experience with them myself but i have read here a few times that they are "picky" mics and if the room sound isn't the best they are not good to use compared to some other more forgiving mics

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

You would have to get some DPA Phantom Power adapters as well to do this (without the MMA6000).

I'm thinking of the SMK 4060 kit (matched pair plus accessories), which I'm pretty sure includes those adapters. Maybe. I think. It's not a large sum of money in any case.

I have run 4060>MMA60000>FR2LE a few times lately. The ONLY time I was happy with the results was running the 4060's split about 6 feet outside (at Red Rocks). The other times have been running them in my hat FOB at a few shows. When the sound where you are is great, the 4060's are awesome. If the sound isn't so great...so is your recording.

Hmm. You're one of the first people I've heard being negative towards the 4060s. I won't be using it to tape shows (mostly field recording of soundscapes, instruments, sound effects material etc.), so perhaps we have different needs.

I wouldn't mind hearing about the other mics you'd rather use, though.

I'm not sure about field recordings.

They are great mics, but in tough situations (poor sounding venues, running stealth) they can be tough. If it sounds good, they sound great.

I would imagine that running them for field recordings would provide great results as you are unlikely to run into the trouble you can FOB (and stealth) at a concert.

I have had good results at shows FOB, but it can be difficult sometimes.

[page]

I'm looking to buy an FR2LE.  There is someone onsite that I could get an Oade mod from, but while searching, I came across this:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,106560.0.html

$450 Buy it Now on eBay; 6 units remaining.  The seller's feedback is very positive.  Does the unit s/he's selling on eBay look like it's missing anything, or is it just a really good deal?

(BTW, once I pick up an FR2LE, I'm going to need your guys' help to help me get all the necessary accessories (currently building my first rig).  Here's a direct link to the item: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370065462198

Please help me make an educated decision on this item-- the low price shocked me, so I'm coming to you guys for input.  Thanks!

For what its worth for those who are considering it, the lowest offer  (on his 599 BIN w/ BO) I could get one from said merchant was $438 before shipping. I know in the past folks have scored them for 400 and 415ish. Just a current update.