Alternate to Fostex fr2-le for recording ambient nature sounds in stereo

[wlp]

I currently have a Tascam dr-100, but have not been completely satisfied with the recording quality when used with an AT 4025 stereo mic. I am waiting on a Fostex fr2-le recorder for an project this summer, but supplies are being delayed (I have one on order with Doug Oade). Is there a comparable recorder (in price) that I should look at? As an alternate solution, would it be worth it to add the Sound Devices Mixpre D to use ahead of the Tascam, or just go with a higher quality recorder? Weight is an issue as I will be backpacking all my gear into some remote locations. Any advice/opinions would be very much appreciated.

 

[John Willett]

I currently have a Tascam dr-100, but have not been completely satisfied with the recording quality when used with an AT 4025 stereo mic. I am waiting on a Fostex fr2-le recorder for an project this summer, but supplies are being delayed (I have one on order with Doug Oade). Is there a comparable recorder (in price) that I should look at? As an alternate solution, would it be worth it to add the Sound Devices Mixpre D to use ahead of the Tascam, or just go with a higher quality recorder? Weight is an issue as I will be backpacking all my gear into some remote locations. Any advice/opinions would be very much appreciated.

At it's price point, the FR-2LE is probably about the best around.

Next, going up, I would say, is the Tascam DR-680.

Similar size and weight to the FR-2LE but has extra channels.