The new Fostex FR-2 has been designed specificall
y 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 / 192KHz recording - a first for a CF recorder), huge feature list and a cost-effective price point, the FR-2 offers users of portable DAT and other formats the opportunity to make the switch to a more flexible, higher quality audio acquisition machine without sacrificing features.
Excellent Audio Compatibility In adopting the BWF Broadcast WAV file format, the FR-2 offers what is now the most popular choice for professional recording. It can be set to record mono or stereo files with 16 or 24-bit quantisation over a vast range of frequencies from 22.05kHz for extended recording time up to 192kHz for the highest quality audio acquisition. Transferring files for editing and/or backup is fast and simple via a Compact Flash reader attached to a computer; a PCMCIA slot and/or a CF adaptor - ideal for those editing with a laptop; or indeed the on-board USB port.
Professional Features The FR-2 incorporates a number of features developed through Fostex’s work in location DVD-RAM recording with the PD-6 and DV40. Automated file/take naming speeds up time spent naming files between takes on location and complies with both US and Euro clapper board standards. In addition, the inclusion of a ‘pre-record’ buffer (user adjustable) means there should never be another missed take or lost soundbite!
Easy to use Controls Taking its cue from the PD-6 timecode DVD location recorder and Fostex’s excellent pedigree in portable timecode DAT recording, the FR-2 is ergonomicall
y designed so that all controls fall easily to hand. The large 132 x 64 dot matrix display provides clear and concise information at all times, while innovative features such as automated file/take naming enhance still further the usability.
Interfacing
The FR-2 is very well connected: the two analog inputs switchable between Mic & line on XLR connections link to top quality microphone pre-amps with selectable phantom power, while analog out is offered on RCA connectors. Digital I/O is selectable between AES/EBU and S/P-DIF, again on balanced XLR connections. The USB ports allow direct connection to PC and MAC with an additional port allowing for an external keyboard to be used to aid file naming and operation.
Robust Design, Tough Construction Designed from the ground up to withstand the rigours of in-the-field use, the FR-2 is constructed out of high-grade materials and tried & tested components.
Timecode The FR-2 can be retrofitted with an optional, fully featured timecode card offering both reader and generator thus turning it into the ideal production and location recorder, whether it be used as a master or backup machine.
All Bases Covered Excellent audio integrity, fully flexible recording, top quality mic amps, extensive interfacing plus optional timecode prove the Fostex FR-2 has all bases covered.
CHOICE OF MEDIA The FR-2 can record to Type II CompactFlash cards and the new breed of PCMCIA 1.8-inch hard disk drives (up to fs 96kHz), offering maximum flexibility and choice. The new 1.8-inch Type II PC Card hard disk drives pack high capacity into a very compact format. Their powerful, lightweight design makes them an ideal acquisition media offering, for example, 289 minutes of stereo recording at 24-bit/48kHz.
GENERAL
Recording Media CompactFlash card, PCMCIA HD Recording Format BWF Number of Channels Stereo / Mono Sampling Frequency 22.05 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192kHz Quantization 16 bit (22.05 - 48kHz), 24 bit (44.1 - 192kHz) PHYSICAL
Power Requirement 8 x AA type dry cell (NiMH recommended) AC adaptor (optional) DC 12V Power Consumption approx. 5W Dimension 250(W) x 77(H) x 220(D) mm Weight 1.5kg (w/out battery) PERFORMANCE R/P Frequency Response 20Hz to 10kHz +/-1dB (fs: 22.05kHz) 20Hz to 20kHz +/-1dB (fs: 44.1 / 48kHz) 20Hz to 40kHz +/-2dB (fs: 88.2 / 96kHz) 20Hz to 80kHz +/-3dB (fs: 176.4 / 192kHz) S/N (ADC-DAC, 24-bit, ref: -20dB, fs:48kHz) Line (input gain: +4dBu): 100dB (typical) Mic: (input gain: -60dBu): 87dB (typical) Dynamic Range 100dB (ADC-DAC, 24bit, ref:-20dB, fs:48kHz) typical T.H.D. (ADC-DAC, 24-bit, ref:-20dB, fs:48kHz) Line (input gain: +4dBu): Less than 0.005% (at 1kHz, -1dB typical) Mic (input gain: -60dBu): Less than 0.008% (at 1kHz, -1dB typical) Power Life approx. 2 hours 30 min. (8 x AA NiMH type/2300mAH) INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTORS ANALOG AUDIO INPUT L/R Connector XLR-3-31 type (Pin2: Hot) Line Input Impedance : More than 6k ohm Reference Input Level +4dBu Maximum Input Level +24dBu (Trim: +4dBu, at the prefader stage) MIC Input Impedance More than 6k ohm Input Level -60dBu Maximum Input Level -40dBu (Trim: +4dBu, at the prefader stage) Phantom Power P48 ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT L(Mono)/R Connector RCA pin type Output Load Impedance more than 10k ohm Nominal Output Level +4dBu HEADPHONE OUTPUT 50 + 50mW (32 ohm) Max Speaker Output Level 1W DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT (except for 176.4, 192kHz) Connector XLR Input Format S/P DIF / AES/EBU automatic Output Format S/P DIF / AES/EBU switchable USB x 2 (keyboard / PC only) TIMECODE CARD (OPTIONAL, T.B.A.) LTC Input/Output LEMO Frame Rate 23.976/24/25/29.97DF/29.97ND/30DF/30ND Gen Mode 24H RUN / REC RUN / FREE RUN / EXT RUN
Fostex FR2 Field Memory Recorder at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
Sound Quality
10
Features
9
Ease Of Use
10
Value
10
Reliability
10
Overall
10
Simply a great recorder. Easily the best bang for the buck. I depend on the recordings made on this deck for my job, and I have no problem counting on it... Love it's ease of use, and small size, but most of all I love the quality of the sound it records... Great pre-amps... Great dependability, great manufacturer-Fostex! Very little to gripe at if anything.... OK the DC in plug I am not crazy about, but that is it. Everything you need to record quality tracks is right there in front of you...Nothing more, nothing less. I bought the Time code version since I am in the film industry. I depend on this deck to get my job done. It is not a toy or a casual piece of equipment. It will be depended on to get it done right. I would prefer you read my complete review at : Rollsound.biz News and reviews page, It is only a real review,It's my actual long form review of this piece of recording equipement. Read it! I am not selling anything!
3900 Fiscal Ct, Suite 200
West Palm Beach
Florida 33404
USA
Telephone:1-877-778-7845 Toll Free
or 561-842-7451 Fax: 561-840-9032E-mail Us! Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am -7 pm EST, Sat 10 am -5 pm EST
FOSTEX FR2TC FIELD RECORDER
