I have been thinking about buying the FR-2LE for low-budget films (shorts, documentaries, etc.) Does anyone have any experience with this device? Or would you recommend something else? Musicians Friend has it for $599. I don't want to spend more than that.
Fostex fr-2le
- Thread starter zombi86
- Start date
John Willett
Veteran
For the price, the Fostex FR-2LE is the best around.
It's the cheapest unit I would call "professional".
It's the cheapest unit I would call "professional".
SMuir
Well-known member
In terms of quality, the FR-2LE is an excellent choice. The controls are a bit less ergonomic than the FR-2, but the price-point of the LE model more than makes up for that.
That said, I find the preamps to a ba bit more colourful and noisey than I would prefer. However, place a SD MixPre or 442 on the front-end, and it easily holds its own against more expensive recorders.
Battery consumption is a big issue, though, so you'll probably want to price out an NP-1 cup.
That said, I find the preamps to a ba bit more colourful and noisey than I would prefer. However, place a SD MixPre or 442 on the front-end, and it easily holds its own against more expensive recorders.
Battery consumption is a big issue, though, so you'll probably want to price out an NP-1 cup.
Brad S.
Well-known member
You can buy a modded FR2-LE from the Oade Brothers website for I think the same price as the regular unit. I've never personally tried their stuff, but they seem to get pretty good reviews. Of course, this voids any manufacturer's warranty.
http://oade.com/digital_recorders/hard_disc_recorders/FR-2LE_upgrades.html
John Willett
Veteran
Forget the NP-1 - expensive and the chargers are expensive as well.
Go for a couple of Tamiya batteries and a fast charger (the fast charger has two power cables - one for the mains and the other for a 12V car socket).
The battery compartment of the FR-2LE is designed to take the Tamiya battery inside and it lasts double what the AA cells do.