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|  | | Fostex |
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Fostex FR2LE Portable Digital RecorderThe Fostex FR2LE has been designed specifically for location sound recording; high quality sound effects acquisition; TV & radio documentary; in fact any application where quality audio recording is required.
With excellent quality (up to 24-bit / 96KHz recording), BWF or MP3 file acquisition, extended battery life, huge feature list and a cost-effective price point, the FR-2LE offers users a more flexible, high quality audio acquisition machine without sacrificing features.
Fostex FR2LE Overview
With a location recording pedigree which includes the original portable timecode DAT machines (PD-2, PD-4), and more recently the innovative PD-6 DVD-RAM recorder, it was only natural that Fostex should develop the FR-2, the acclaimed professional CompactFlash-based field recorder.
And now, it seems, Fostex have done it again with the launch of the new FR-2LE - a compact audio recorder designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of professionals in the field. For a start, the FR-2LE records to CompactFlash in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF) at 24bit 96kHz quality. It's equipped with two professional phantom powered XLR microphone inputs (XLR-phone combo) complete with precise control over the recording level.
It features a 1 take = 1 file recording system which eliminates overwrites and the 2 second 'pre-record' buffer means there should never be a missed take or lost soundbite. There's even an MP3 mode and built-in stereo microphones designed for interviews.
Feature rich and elegant in operation, the pedigree of the new FR-2LE looks assured.
In Detail
- Recording pm Type II CompactFlash card
- Light weight, yet tough with a highly rigid chassis
- FAT32 file system & BWF Stereo file format
- MP3 recording and playback
- Up to 24 bit 96kHz audio performance
- Two professional phantom powered XLR mic inputs with precise recording level adjustment control
- ALC (Off/On/Limiter) and HPF (On/Off, 100Hz - 12dB/Oct)
- Built-in stereo microphones for quick memo recording
- USB 2.0 for high speed file transfer to PC
- 2 second Pre Rec buffer
- 1 take = 1 file system (eliminates overwrites)
- Approximately 8 hours battery operation
- Wired remote controller with mic attachment belt
Fostex FR2LE Specifications
RECORDING - PLAYBACK
- Recording Medium: Compact Flash Card
- File Format: BWF (Broadcast Wave Format), MP3 (MPEG Layer-3)
- Sampling Frequency: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
- Quantization:
- 16-bit linear (44.1, 48 kHz)
- 24-bit linear (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96)
- MP3 192bps (stereo)
- Number of Recording Tracks: 2 tracks (stereo)
- Number of Simultaneous Recording Tracks: 2 tracks (stereo)
- Recording-Reproduction Frequency Response:
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±2dB (FS 44.1/48kHz)
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz ±3dB (FS 88.2/96kHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (ADC-DAC, 24bit, 48kHz):
- Line Input: Input Gain: +4dBu, 95dB (typical)
- Mic Input: Input Gain: -60dBu; 85dB (typical)
- Dynamic Range: 95dB (typical) (ADC-DAC, 24bit, 48kHz)
- T.H.D. (ADC-DAC, 24it, 48kHz)
- Line: less than 0.008% (at 1kHz – 1dB, typical)
- Mic (trim max): less than 0.01% (at 1kHz – 1dB, typical)
- Channel Separation: More than 90dB (at 1kHz 0dB) (24bit, -20BFS, 48kHz); Reference Level -12dBFS
- Locate Memory: 99 Cue points per file
- Battery Operation Time: Approx. 8 hours (Tamiya RC3600HV, Ni-MH battery); approx. 4 hours (4 x AA Alkaline / Ni-MH battery)
INPUTS and OUTPUTS
- Analog In (L/R) Connector: XLR-Phone Combo Type
- Line In:
- Connector: 1/4-inch TS Phone Jack (unbalanced)
- Input Impedance: More than 10k Ohms
- Reference Input Level: -10dBV
- Maximum Input Level: +2dBV
- Mic In:
- Connector: XLR-3-31 Type (balanced, 2-pin hot)
- Input Impedance: More than 6k Ohms
- Reference Input Level: -50dBu to -10dBu
- Maximum Input Level: +2dBu
- Phantom Power: P48
- Monitor Out (L,R):
- Connector: RCA Pin Jack (unbalanced)
- Load Impedance: More than 10kOhms
- Reference Output Level: -10dBV
- Phones:
- Connector: Stereo Mini Phone Jack
- Load Impedance: More than 32 Ohms
- Maximum Output Level: 15 + 15mW (32 Ohms)
- USB 2.0 (for PC) Connector: Series “B” Receptacle
- Built-in Speaker
PHYSICAL
- Included: CF card (128MB), AC Adaptor, shoulder strap, remote control and carry pouch
- Dimensions: 57(H) x 206(W) x 132(D) mm
- Weight: Approximately 0.8kgs (without battery)
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Rate and Review this Product:
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| | 1 person wrote a review | |
| | L. Lantang from Ontario, CA, USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Ease of Use:
|  | | Features:
| | | Overall:
| | | Reliability:
| | | Sound:
| | | Quality:
|  | | Subject: | Great great product | | Quality:
| As far as workmanship, I'll give it 4, it feels plastic, although it's a good plastic. | | Features:
| All I ever need is there, nothing I don't. | | Ease of Use:
| Manual is actually pretty good.
IT's easy to navigate the menu, simple.
Some people mention about the battery compartment being so difficult to access. Yes, it's a little tricky, but no biggie, just a little patience, when inserting the the 3rd battery, just put it sideway in, the fourth almost a "drop", no struggle, and then after connect the connector, fold the cable down first toward the "opening" inside the compartment, then the battery holder will slide in smoothly, again no struggle here, really. The manual actually show you the way to insert the battery holder to the compartment.
Suggestion: if you're going to use the battery, often, like me, then buy Tamiya Rechargeable Battery sold in Hobby store or Radio Shack, make sure you buy the one in packaged of 4 with the "Tamiya Connector" built in. Don't forget to buy the charger, the whole thing will cost somewhere about $30, maybe a little more, but it's worth it.
I'm an RC racer, so I know this rechargeable battery will work. | | Sound:
| Great preamp and headroom. The built in mic is so-so. | | Reliability:
| I've been using it for about 6 months, so far so good. | | Overall:
| Great product! I'm a song writer and part time recording engineer, this Fostex has been one of my "tools of trade". Great to capture musical ideas, even lay down tracks and later bring them to your DAW.
Plus:
24/96!
Neutrik
AC/DC
Remote
Clean preamp, good headroom
Portable
Easy to navigate
Not so plus:
Feel plastic, although it's a good plastic.
Minus:
None, really. |
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