Fostex FR2LE...anyone know the quality?

Yes, very good machine. I bought it as a backup and wound up using it as my portable. I mostly used it with the Schoeps, but recently with the MKH 20, 40 and 80, happy with the sound. Obviously if you want to lug around custom preamps and a multitracker you can do better, but that isn't what it is for, really.
 
It was the first shoulder/bag recorder I bought. Value-wise, it slays. I'd argue the preamps are pretty amazing...for the price. But, I found that operating out of a bag with the FR2-LE was a nightmare, for a few reasons. First, the control surfaces are on two sides; many other units like Tascam's share this, and it's a hassle with it over your shoulder. Way better used on a cart. Second, the most useful display isn't on the top (speaking bag orientation here), but on the side...the top LED's for levels are impossible - not hard, impossible - to see in direct sunlight, or even bright shade. Third and finally, the headphone preamp is garbage. You hear a ton of hiss, but it's not being laid into the recorded track...hard to assess if your signal is well and truly clean. But, the tracks recorded to it sound pretty great compared to other units of the same price. It was a great starter unit, but it didn't take long at all for me to really get chafed by the limitations.

For audio quality, it's an unsung underdog that's great on its own, killer with higher-end preamps. But I found the usability and headphone issue made it a questionable long term investment. Again, audio quality wise, I think it kills the H4n in the preamp department.

Right now it's my backup unit to my Sound Devices 702, the only regret around which is that I couldn't justify a 744T for my uses (primarily interviews with the 7D, so no timecode, sound effects gathering, and stereo field recording).
 
I agree with a lot of what atomick says.

I had the original FR-2 for several years (before I upgraded to the Nagra VI) and I actually wrote the first UK review of the FR-2 for LineUp (I also did one on the FR-2LE).

I too found the headphone amp a bit week and asked Fostex about iot.

Basically it's a compromise - putting in a quality headphone amp means that the recorder will draw a lot more power and the battery life goes down. SO the amp is a very low current draw one.

I found the solution was to use high efficiency headphones. The HD 25-1 work perfectly with it (they are low impedance and 120dB efficient) and that's what I used with mine with no problem at all.
 
Thanks for the info guys...and thanks for the write up John. I read through it and ordered it online. Can't wait to start using it!
 
I've got one...great machine, great pre-amps. Like one of the above said, probably the least expensive model that could really be a pro piece of gear...and that's what I needed!
 
atomick said:
Way better used on a cart. Second, the most useful display isn't on the top (speaking bag orientation here), but on the side...the top LED's for levels are impossible - not hard, impossible - to see in direct sunlight, or even bright shade.
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Yeah I wanted to get one also but because I'm on run and gun or needing to put it in a bag makes it difficult to see the screen. But it would make a great recorder for a cart and/or backup.


Nicole
 
Add $300 to it and you could have gotten the FR-2TC version. I am going to get the FR-2TC or either the 702T I can definitely use the TC. Provide your personal review once you receive it. (if you don't mind)

Nicole
 
misscc803 said:
Add $300 to it and you could have gotten the FR-2TC version. I am going to get the FR-2TC or either the 702T I can definitely use the TC. Provide your personal review once you receive it. (if you don't mind)
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I had the original FR-2 for several years (before I swapped to the Nagra VI) and wrote magazine reviews on both the FR-2 and the newer FR-2LE.

The FR-2TC is the time-code version of the original.

Personally I preferred the ergonomics of the original.

BUT

If you can afford the FR-2TC or the SD 702T - then I would go for the 702T every time.
 
I had the FR-2 for a while and although I was happy enough with it's performance I didn't like the control layout and the size for bag work. I ended up buying the 702T. I liked it so much I bought a 744T.
I would second John's recommendation and buy the Sound Devices.
 
Thanks guys for your feedback. If I can get my hands on a used nicely priced 702T then I'm going for that but if not my second option would be the FR-2TC. But yeah the SD stuff is really nice. I have gotten the chance to use the 302 and 442 and both where amazing.

Nicole
 
I picked up my review sample Nagra LB today - I will be writing a review for Sound on Sound.

The LB is a good alternative to the SD 702, but does not have time-code.
 
I have done some initial sound tests with the Fostex FR2LE and so far I am really impressed. Much better sound and better preamps than the H4. I will be using it for the Betrayal Fest to really test the waters.
 
So I have a big question about the Fr2le. Why when I am recording some dialogue onto the machine my levels look like they are at about -12db but when I bring it into editing software they are closer to -29db? Am I doing something wrong?
 
Can someone compare the Fostex to the Edirol R-44?
My only question is which one has the better preamps?
 
Firmware Version

Firmware Version

Hi, i bought the Fr-2le in december 2009. When it comes i check the firmware version and is the V1.30. It Comes with "Enhancing the ALC (Auto Level Control) function" (That means with the option of ALC; off, on, limit, Off+12dband Lim+12db) and the option of using the Remote control buttons as Stop Play Rec\Stby.

I search any further firmware upgrade but i dont even find the version v1.30(release in April 2009).

Any information about that? And i bought the MDR 7506, I tested with the fostex and i dont her any hiss or distortion reported in various post.
Cheers
 
lemondepetit said:
Hi, i bought the Fr-2le in december 2009. When it comes i check the firmware version and is the V1.30. It Comes with "Enhancing the ALC (Auto Level Control) function" (That means with the option of ALC; off, on, limit, Off+12dband Lim+12db) and the option of using the Remote control buttons as Stop Play Rec\Stby.

I search any further firmware upgrade but i dont even find the version v1.30(release in April 2009).
Click to expand...

Interesting - Fostex software updates are HERE - but the latest listed for the FR-2LE is v1.20 :huh:
 
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