Fostex Fr2-LE

P

Park Edwards

Veteran
I'm pretty sure I'll be buying one of these devices for separate sound, but was wondering if you guys think it's a good idea to still run sound into my camera (Gh2) form the Fostex? Would I still need to get a Sescom line to mic level cable?
 
IMO it's good idea to record tot he camera for easy sync reference not to mention as a backup in case something unexpected happens to the recorder's disc and/or files.
For a cable/connectors you need to match mic or line level. I don't know what the GH2 has for input options.
 
Sync in post is not a real big issue, get a clapper, or a couple of sauté pans. The GH2 audio would give you a very nominal backup if your scene is non-reproduceable. But if the output signal from the Fostex to the GH2 is broken, you won't even get that. If backup is your concern, think mixer and split the signal before the recorder. This is better on many levels. The other real consideration, and often the most important, do you want your camera tethered to the sound guy?

Grant
 
I plan to sync in post, most always, but not every production is mine and someone who I help out from time-to-time might not want to -- though they still want decent audio quality from the Fostex's preamps. That's it really. Using a clapper, or even a snap of the fingers, is fine enough for me. Can't wait to get the Fostex.
 
Unless I am mistaken, you don't have any time code options on a dslr, so you'll have to sync in post regardless when using the recorder files. I think you will need a bit more info before deciding your workflow. The output information on the Fostex output is a bit sketchy, so you might want to verify the output level (mic, line, or something else?) on the fostex before using that as a feed into your dslr. Also, latency is a possible issue there as well.

If you split the signal before the fostex, you won't have phantom power for a condenser microphone. That is why I suggested a mixer. Don't know what Sescom box you intend to purchase, but you will want to consider how this is going to work before purchasing anything.

Grant
 
If the Fostex is sending a "Line" level signal, you need a pad cable to go into the GH2. If the Fostex is sending a "Mic" level signal, then you do not need a pad cable. Read the specs on the Fostex.
 
This is the only specs I can find on the fostex...don't see any mention of line or mic level output.

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/FR-2LE.shtml#3

Analog In (L/R)
Connector XLR-Phone Combo Type
Line In
Connector 6mm dia TS Phone Jack (unbalanced)
Input Impedance more than 10k ohm
Reference Input Level -10dBV
Maximum Input Level +2dBV
Mic In
Connector XLR-3-31 Type (balanced, 2-pin hot)
Input Impedance more than 6k ohm
Reference Input Level -50dBu to -10dBu
Maximum Input Level +2dBu
Phantom P48
Monitor Out <L, R>
Connector RCA Pin Jack (unbalanced)
Load Impedance more than 10k ohm
Reference Output Level -10dBV
Phones
Connector Stereo Mini Phone Jack
Load Impedance more than 32 ohm
Maximum Output Level 15 + 15mW (32 ohm)
USB 2.0 (for PC)
Connector Series “B” Receptacle
Built-in Speaker
Maximum Output 300mW
 
It looks like there is no audio output other than the Headphone, and RCA. Just take the headphone out and use the headphone level to adjust for the GH2. Get a headphone splitter to monitor what you are recording.
 
I should be able to use the RCA to monitor the audio through headphones, yeah? Headphone to Gh2, will I have any problems with the audio being too hot? No reason to get a Sescom cable, right?
 
Got it. I'll just use the headphone out on the Fostex and feed that into camera. Then to monitor the audio, I'll just use the RAC out to headphones. Thanks for the help.
 
This is what I was thinking.

Headphones to to Gh2.
RCA splitter out to headphones because me and the boom op will need to monitor audio. No good?
 
"This is the only specs I can find on the fostex...don't see any mention of line or mic level output."

That was the point, there are no published specs on the RCA out, so before you buy a pad, figure out what you need.

I was also confused that you may want to use the GH2 audio in some cases and what you workflow would be to get it.

Also, apologies if I mis-understood your workflow and didn't know you were only thinking a pad. Sescom makes a lot of different products.

Grant
 
Car3o said:
This is the only specs I can find on the fostex...don't see any mention of line or mic level output.
...
Monitor Out <L, R>
Connector RCA Pin Jack (unbalanced)
Load Impedance more than 10k ohm
Reference Output Level -10dBV
Click to expand...

"-10dBV" is tech-speak for "line-level" (consumer line level.)

It seems simple enough to take the RCA output from the Fostex, run it through an attenuator cable and into the mic level input of your DSLR.

Radio-Shack sells a cable with a built-in attenuator to knock line-level down to mic level...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...03841&filterName=Brand&filterValue=RadioShack

OTOH, you could just use the acoustic signal into the crummy little mic on the DSLR as your reference to sync to the Fostex recorded track.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top