Heads up! Sale on the Fostex 302 recorder

E

Ed Jeffersen

Active member
Check out the offer at B&H.
Ordered mine last night.
The Tascam 60DII and 70D units I bought have been rejected. Bells and whistles in flimsy containers.
 
Interesting unit, though I think you are comparing apples to oranges a bit. The Fostex is a two track recorder and the others are four track recorders, the Fostex is 2 to three times the price of the others.

Not a knock, Fostex looks like a solid bit of gear but closer to a MixPre with a recorder. And that is where I think they could woo some buyers, not the 60D crowd.
 
I bought my Fostex DC-R302 about 15 months ago when it was on sale for $600, and spent another $50 for the shoulder-bag. ( it's included in the current deal )

It's a good unit, but the LCD display is a little underwhelming. ( I wish it was larger and showed more info on screen at the same time )

I haven't used the new Tascam DR-60 Mk2 or DR-70, but from the few test files I've played with I don't think the the Fostex unit is any better in terms of audio quality.

The physical construction of the Fostex is better as it's all metal, and the mixer-pots might be better, but if you take care of your gear I can't see the Tascam units falling apart.
 
flimsy containers

I have the 60D and the 70D - the 70D is metal, not plastic, although admittedly, the card access door is a fiddly bit of plastic. Looking at the Fostex, I am interested in knowing what I'd be getting for almost twice the money compared to the 70D. I'm not doubting the superiority of the Fostex, just inquiring - I try to be a practical person... if something is worth the money, I'm happy to pay up. If the only advantage of the Fostex is build quality, then at least for me, that's not a decisive factor based on the build quality of the 70D... I've used the 70D and the only build quality flaw it has is the terrible design of the media door/flap, but I wouldn't pay $200 extra to get rid of that particular issue. I assume there must be other advantages to the Fostex, because at least on paper it looks like the 70D has more "bells and whistles", even if some of them are not going to be useful to most people (like the onboard mics). So what are we buying with the Fostex compared to the 70D at $200 more - honest question?
 
OldCorpse said:
So what are we buying with the Fostex compared to the 70D at $200 more - honest question?
Click to expand...


I don't think it's fair to compare a unit that is 2+ years older with something brand new. The Fostex DC-R302 is an excellent mid-range unit, but it's nothing like the audio gear made by Sound Devices.

Thanks for the info on the DR-70 being metal, I had assumed it was plastic because of the low price.
 
I have a tascam DR100 Mark II. Two XLR inputs (your choice of xlr, uni, Omni, line 2).

It fell off a stage on day 1, took 8 months to get the parts, this unit is top heavy so when it falls, it falls on, guess what, the mics which have a plastic "guard rail" that "protects" the sides but not the top (bottom when it falls) of the mics.

Last nite at a concert, the music director backed up and knocked over the Tascam and a Zoom that were on little tripods on a carpeted floor. Way to go!

I am hoping to build a support cage that is decorated with razor wire.

I never used to have such problems protecting equipment. When my dog (a German Shepherd) was alive, I brought her to as many events as I could. There usually was a nice 8 foot perimeter, with no worries about equipment being stepped on or stolen
 
I have the original DR-60D and I have beat it up pretty well, and it is still chugging along like a champ. Granted, I keep it in my Norbert DSLR frame, so it is kinda protected, but still, I throw it around in the trunk of my car or our work van and it's been fine.

I have a DR-40, but I never use the XLR inputs. I only use the built in mics, and it's really for a last minute thing to record something in an emergency situation that wasn't planned and I just need something. It's awkward to set up as a recorder using the XLR inputs, so I try to use the right tool for the right job. Even though those hand held recorders have the XLR inputs, I find them impractical. Once you start plugging stuff in they become awkward and clumsy, unless you have them set up on a stand that has a 1/4 x 20 threaded stud on it. If I need to do an over the shoulder thing, then I'll use a mixer or recorder appropriate for that type of situation. My DR-60D lives in my Norbert DSLR frame and is only for hand held DSLR shooting where time is limited and I have to do most stuff myself. I'd never use a DR-40 in this situation, nor would I recommend using it in any situation other than a handheld situation. Don't get me wrong, it's a great piece of kit, but these things are inexpensive for a reason. They aren't the best "all around" recorders out there. They serve a pretty specific purpose, and they do that pretty well.
 
Peace of Mind $100
Confidence $100
USB audio i/o interface $100
Metal case $100
Carry Case $49
Less menu diving $100
Higher quality sound (96/24) $100
Better preamps $100
Real hardware switches and pots $100
Better meters
Multiple options for mounting tripod plates top and bottom
Its adding up quick


OldCorpse - look again. The 70D I received is all plastic as far as I can tell. My main gripe is the 1/4" tripod socket embedded in genuine plastic. They tried to improve it with a scrap of rubber??? The camera wiggles at the slightest touch.

But wait there's more. Both 60DmkII and 70D experienced "write failure" using 16gb Sandisk Ultra class 6 formatted (always) in the units.
The 1/8" output on the 70D I received is defective with major white noise present no matter if set to line or mic and regardless of the level setting.

3 Strikes and yer out Tascam. We get what we pay for.
 
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Ed Jeffersen said:
But wait there's more. Both 60DmkII and 70D experienced "write failure" using 16gb Sandisk Ultra class 6 formatted (always) in the units.
Click to expand...

To be fair, this sort of thing happens with every single manufacturer that makes audio recorders that write to SD cards. maybe not with those specific cards, but this just recently happened with Sound Devices and has happened with Zaxcom. You can't blame the recorder manufacturer on that one. Different SD cards have different specs, and there are SO many out there that it is impossible to know which cards will work without looking at what Tascam recommends. If they don't list recommended recording media on their website one can always call them to find out. Also, it is important to test media when prepping gear before a gig so if an SD doesn't work there isn't a crisis.
 
I actually bought the Fostex then sold it. It does have great pre's but I preferred the controls, the SD limiter and the workflow of the MixpreD running right to the camera. It's easier that way. Recently, I was offered a good deal on the 70D which I've been using it for backup sound and when I need additional channels. Having four XLR lines in with four discreet recorded channels is great. The Fostex is three channels in and one mixed stereo channel out so not as flexible. The Fostex meters are not that much better if at all than the Tascam. Neither is anywhere near as good as the Mixpre. The 70D has the same pre's as the new 680 which many people here use as a bit bucket behind a SD mixer, the Tascam does 96 khz 24 bit recording, there are plenty of cases that can accommodate the Tascam, how can you say peace of mind or confidence since you don't even have the Fostex yet? I also got a write error with a Lexar Pro card when I first got the unit. It froze the recorder and had to be rebooted. I didn't sweat it. I was never able to repeat the problem and the card has been fine with every other device I've used it in since.


Peace of Mind $100
Confidence $100
USB audio i/o interface $100
Metal case $100
Carry Case $49
Less menu diving $100
Higher quality sound (96/24) $100
Better preamps $100
Real hardware switches and pots $100
Better meters
Multiple options for mounting tripod plates top and bottom
Its adding up quick
 
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DNN said:
I actually bought the Fostex then sold it. It does have great pre's but I preferred the controls, the SD limiter and the workflow of the MixpreD running right to the camera. It's easier that way. Recently, I was offered a good deal on the 70D which I've been using it for backup sound and when I need additional channels. Having four XLR lines in with four discreet recorded channels is great. The Fostex is three channels in and one mixed stereo channel out so not as flexible. The Fostex meters are not that much better if at all than the Tascam. Neither is anywhere near as good as the Mixpre. The 70D has the same pre's as the new 680 which many people here use as a bit bucket behind a SD mixer, the Tascam does 96 khz 24 bit recording, there are plenty of cases that can accommodate the Tascam, how can you say peace of mind or confidence since you don't even have the Fostex yet? I also got a write error with a Lexar Pro card when I first got the unit. It froze the recorder and had to be rebooted. I didn't sweat it. I was never able to repeat the problem and the card has been fine with every other device I've used it in since.


To answer your question that is a list of what I'm willing to pay for over the cost of the 70D. Your point is obvious to a 2 year old.
It failed during a shoot and I felt like a dink. This is what I get for giving my money to Tascam?? I come from a world of live broadcast and live sound reinforcement where things have to work the first time. There are no second takes, and I make no excuses. If the equipment fails it's my behind.

I own a MixPreD. Unfortunately, the "camera" level output is too hot for my GH4. Yes I know there are cables available to attenuate the signal, but I do not want to rely on special cables. Hopefully the Fostex will be a better match. Here again is where the 70D failed - it came defective out of the box which for me does not inspire much confidence in the product. The 60DmkII I had for a while worked perfectly feeding the GH4 input once I got things calibrated. Having said that, the in camera audio is no match for what can be recorded externally, but regarded as a back-up.

I am spoiled by the sound of my MixPreD which I feed in to a Marantz PMD661. I did not expect the Tascam to equal it, and honestly was very pleased with the recordings. Not as warm and full yet totally acceptable. The PMD661 has NEVER failed and has had the same generic Micro Center card in it for two years. Peace of mind. I don’t expect the 302 to sound as good as the MixPreD either. I just need it to conveniently do what it is supposed to do.

So you may wonder why I want to replace the SD/Marantz duo? I only wish to simplify my work with one less device, less cables, less batteries, less to remember, less weight and more space in the kit. I have had fantastic results sending the USB out of the MixPreD in to an iOS device. I mounted an iPod Touch on top of my camera and recorded in my favorite 2 track app "Twisted Wave". No analog conversion, small size and a rechargeable battery that lasts for hours is great, but I just don't feel I can rely on it. Too much to go wrong. Why oh why can't they just put digital inputs on cameras? It would solve so many problems.

Now let me say this: I don't care what you guys think, and if you are happy with your Zooms and Tascams that's great. More power to you. Bells and whistles do not impress me. Good solid performance that works as promised is all I ask for and expect from a well established company like Tascam. I'm sorry if it offends you, but the 60D and 70D are not good enough FOR ME.


I was excited to find this $499 offer for a premium product that sold for $1200 when it was released two years ago and thought I’d share it here. Apparently “DSLR” users are not willing to pay for audio gear, so the 302 has not been a huge success for Fostex. So don't buy one.
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DNN said:
I own a MixPreD. Unfortunately, the "camera" level output is too hot for my GH4
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The GH4 wants a true MIC level -50 dB signal, so you should have no problems provided you can output an actual MIC level signal. The FOSTEX has a MIC level output for the camera.
 
Ed Jeffersen said:
Peace of Mind $100
Confidence $100
USB audio i/o interface $100
Metal case $100
Carry Case $49
Less menu diving $100
Higher quality sound (96/24) $100
Better preamps $100
Real hardware switches and pots $100
Better meters
Multiple options for mounting tripod plates top and bottom
I...
Click to expand...

Looking over your reasons (including later posts) These are rather personal opinions and are strong reasons for you but not necessarily compelling to others.

I see a bit of a contradiction in your reasoning. Especially the "I need the best most reliable" and the fact that you are buying pretty far down that food chain mostly, the MixPre being a major exception. Of the above list #1 and #2 are completely personal and don't relate to folks general experience. #3 is a ??? If quality is your thing then using your field gear for your studio interface is not a great choice - but for convenience it's a point.
#4 is a ? You say plastic and OC says metal, I haven't seen it or heard anyone else comment one way or the other. You must have had one of the first units out the door since it has just been released and you had it played with it and sent it back, so maybe there was a change? Either way I have used many "plastic" Tascam recorders in quite rough environments and have yet to have anything break. Zoom on the other hand has been actually flimsy and I have seen lots with broken parts. Also the recorder you have now has a plastic case so? You seem to want to mount this between a DSLR and a tripod, that would make the rigidity of metal case more important. I don't think most folks are going to use it that way and either way it has nothing to do with audio quality.

The case would also have a lot to do with who and what you plan to do with the unit. Any recorder I get is going to go in my portabrace bag with other devices so the bag might get some use but probably not from me. You also don't need the bag if you are using the unit mounted to the camera.

I hate menu driving so it would get some points there, but part of that is less options so there is a bit of a trade off there.

Higher Quality sound fails on two levels. First the Tascam units also record at that sample rate, second sample rate does not translate to quality in and of it's self.

But you brought it up so lets look at some other numbers.
THe Fostex edges out IF you are going line in With a Response of 20 - 20k +- 1dB VS 20 - 20k +0.5/ -2 for the 70D.
But when you look at Mic in the Fostex drops to 40 - 20k +- 3dB , where Tascam stays the same.

S/N Line Fostex edges out with >-95dB to Tascam's >92dB, but use the Mic ins and Fostex drops to >-55 and Tascam stays at >-92. This would imply a fairly noisy Mic Pre but?

Distortion Tascam wins with a <-0.02% VS Line <0.01% Line and <0.1% Mic for the Fostex.

I'm not a big numbers guy and so I would actually want to hear them, but the numbers for the mic ins would give me a little pause.

I'm not sure the word is in on the preamps being "better". Fostex has had some issues with low gain and noise in the past with there lower priced units so that for me would still be a maybe. But the above numbers would put that statement in question.

Not sure what you mean by "real" switches and knobs. Certainly the 70D has knobs and switches. They are probably "encoders" activating digital circuitry so maybe you want to call them "virtual", but that is also likely the case with some or all of the switches on the Fostex. I also like "real" switches and knobs but "real" switches get dirt in them and real knobs wear out and need maintenance and real ones expose your sound to weak spots in the signal chain, so I'm not really sure it's the "better" choice. Which is why I highly suspect that everything that can be done with an encoder and digital switching is.

Meters? That is probably a bit of a toss up. Tascam is bigger, but has more info on it. Personally All of these recorders have only slightly usable meters. THey are too small low resolution and not nearly as visible as they should be. I want SD style bright LED's, and lots of them. But I use a MixPre as my front end 90% of the time so...

The last I can't really speak to. I wouldn't be mounting the unit so it doesn't mater to me. But it could be a killer for someone else.

Even high end recorders and mixers are compromises between your ideal and what will fit, or make the unit too expensive/ power hungry etc. and everyones needs are a bit different so none of what I have said means that this won't be exactly what you want and will be the best choice for you.
It wouldn't be for me. But I thank you because I wouldn't have really looked at the specs if you hadn't brought it up. The Mic pre performance probably would kill this unit for me. Plus at the price it's close enough to a SD unit (maybe used) that I would probably save for that step up if I were ready to spend $600+ on a new recorder. A few years back and I would have been a lot more interested. My PMD-671 cost a fair amount more than this when I bought it, heck I spent more for the MixPre.

But I think today this unit is in a kind of awkward position. Big price bump over Tascam and company, good price compared to SD but not nearly the performance.

BTW the only silly bells and whistles that I have noticed are the built in mics. Pretty much everything else is a useful/ practical function. I would actually put the "audio interface" into the silly bells and whistles category.

Also I only referenced the DR70D above because the 60D, to me, seems like a different beast. You can't really use it in a bag, only two XLR ins and generally mostly useful as a camera add on. Just my opinion YMMV.
 
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Ed, what I'm saying is that how do you know the Fostex is bulletproof if you haven't tried it yet? I had both and the Fostex had the same issue you mentioned. It froze up while recording and corrupted the file. But I didn't toss it due to one failure. By the way, if you look online, people were complaining about the Fostex in every forum when it came out before they updated the firmware. I had my issue with a later model with updated firmware. To me, Sound Devices is the only external pre that I have 100 percent confidence over.


>>To answer your question that is a list of what I'm willing to pay for over the cost of the 70D. Your point is obvious to a 2 year old.
It failed during a shoot and I felt like a dink. This is what I get for giving my money to Tascam?? I come from a world of live broadcast and live sound reinforcement where things have to work the first time. There are no second takes, and I make no excuses. If the equipment fails it's my behind.
 
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Ed, given your stated needs, it seems like you might want to step up to a SD recorder. Recently, I went with a used 744 and now have a wealth of redundant options; hdd, cf, and output to cam or other devices. Another option would be to use the YAGH unit on your GH4 and use the Mixpre to feed line in. No funky 1/8 audio cables or unsecured power cables.
 
ggrantly said:
Ed, given your stated needs, it seems like you might want to step up to a SD recorder. Recently, I went with a used 744 and now have a wealth of redundant options; hdd, cf, and output to cam or other devices. Another option would be to use the YAGH unit on your GH4 and use the Mixpre to feed line in. No funky 1/8 audio cables or unsecured power cables.
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My needs are not much. I just want quality design and build a level above the Tascam. I had no problem with the recordings from it. Only used for speech with an MKH50.

YAGH - will be obsolete when the GH5 is announced. Seriously considered that, but it only works with a GH4. I don't think I would need to use an external pre. The mic preamps on my AF100 are very good. That brings up another option...go back to using the AF100. If the YAGH was under a grand I would own one.

The next option I have also considered a SD recorder. No doubt we are getting in to top of the line territory there, and I don't mind investing that lind of money. It's just more than I need, and does not fit under the camera!
 
My studio (which you presume to know something about) has Universal Sound Apollo, Sound Devices USBPre2 and Apogee Duet interfaces. Also there is the M-Audio Lightbridge that carries 32 channels between my computer and Yamaha console. I own 6 mac computers so YEAH audio interfaces are things I can use. Most people use the damn headphone output on their Dell and never know the difference.

With a real switch I can pad an input, pan a mic or choose to monitor my camera return without even looking at it.

[For use between a DSLR and tripod] These Tascams are marketed and (poorly) designed to do that. Should we not expect them to do the job? I got a $500 tripod with this YES PLASTIC thing on top? I did not buy it to use in a bag. OK Plastic: I don't care, many wonderful things are plastic, but any competent engineer would know that a little 1/4" socket jammed in to a plastic hole is not going to be solid and I am, from my real life hands on experience, here to tell anyone it matters to that it is not. BTW This is a question I asked here on other D70 threads that nobody answered.

DO you have any numbers you can show us for "warm" or "brittle" or "nasel"? I don't care about specs. They are easily manipulated and you being an intelligent person should know that. I'm not recording silence in an empty room. The acoustic noise floor is almost always over 45dB which is going to mask the tiny bit of hiss from the preamp. Heck the hiss from my wireless mics will mask it. With proper mic placement and a decent quality microphone (MKH50 in my case) I will never need that much gain. Add to that in post I spend a lot of time and effort with noise reduction software.

Yes these are VERY PERSONAL reasons and that is all that matters to me. Yeah the Tascams are huge bang for the buck and I would even go as far as to recommend them. I want something better. I would never pay $1200 for the Fostex, but I can handle $499.



Noiz2 said:
Looking over your reasons (including later posts) These are rather personal opinions and are strong reasons for you but not necessarily compelling to others.

I see a bit of a contradiction in your reasoning. Especially the "I need the best most reliable" and the fact that you are buying pretty far down that food chain mostly, the MixPre being a major exception. Of the above list #1 and #2 are completely personal and don't relate to folks general experience. #3 is a ??? If quality is your thing then using your field gear for your studio interface is not a great choice - but for convenience it's a point.
#4 is a ? You say plastic and OC says metal, I haven't seen it or heard anyone else comment one way or the other. You must have had one of the first units out the door since it has just been released and you had it played with it and sent it back, so maybe there was a change? Either way I have used many "plastic" Tascam recorders in quite rough environments and have yet to have anything break. Zoom on the other hand has been actually flimsy and I have seen lots with broken parts. Also the recorder you have now has a plastic case so? You seem to want to mount this between a DSLR and a tripod, that would make the rigidity of metal case more important. I don't think most folks are going to use it that way and either way it has nothing to do with audio quality.

The case would also have a lot to do with who and what you plan to do with the unit. Any recorder I get is going to go in my portabrace bag with other devices so the bag might get some use but probably not from me. You also don't need the bag if you are using the unit mounted to the camera.

I hate menu driving so it would get some points there, but part of that is less options so there is a bit of a trade off there.

Higher Quality sound fails on two levels. First the Tascam units also record at that sample rate, second sample rate does not translate to quality in and of it's self.

But you brought it up so lets look at some other numbers.
THe Fostex edges out IF you are going line in With a Response of 20 - 20k +- 1dB VS 20 - 20k +0.5/ -2 for the 70D.
But when you look at Mic in the Fostex drops to 40 - 20k +- 3dB , where Tascam stays the same.

S/N Line Fostex edges out with >-95dB to Tascam's >92dB, but use the Mic ins and Fostex drops to >-55 and Tascam stays at >-92. This would imply a fairly noisy Mic Pre but?

Distortion Tascam wins with a <-0.02% VS Line <0.01% Line and <0.1% Mic for the Fostex.

I'm not a big numbers guy and so I would actually want to hear them, but the numbers for the mic ins would give me a little pause.

I'm not sure the word is in on the preamps being "better". Fostex has had some issues with low gain and noise in the past with there lower priced units so that for me would still be a maybe. But the above numbers would put that statement in question.

Not sure what you mean by "real" switches and knobs. Certainly the 70D has knobs and switches. They are probably "encoders" activating digital circuitry so maybe you want to call them "virtual", but that is also likely the case with some or all of the switches on the Fostex. I also like "real" switches and knobs but "real" switches get dirt in them and real knobs wear out and need maintenance and real ones expose your sound to weak spots in the signal chain, so I'm not really sure it's the "better" choice. Which is why I highly suspect that everything that can be done with an encoder and digital switching is.

Meters? That is probably a bit of a toss up. Tascam is bigger, but has more info on it. Personally All of these recorders have only slightly usable meters. THey are too small low resolution and not nearly as visible as they should be. I want SD style bright LED's, and lots of them. But I use a MixPre as my front end 90% of the time so...

The last I can't really speak to. I wouldn't be mounting the unit so it doesn't mater to me. But it could be a killer for someone else.

Even high end recorders and mixers are compromises between your ideal and what will fit, or make the unit too expensive/ power hungry etc. and everyones needs are a bit different so none of what I have said means that this won't be exactly what you want and will be the best choice for you.
It wouldn't be for me. But I thank you because I wouldn't have really looked at the specs if you hadn't brought it up. The Mic pre performance probably would kill this unit for me. Plus at the price it's close enough to a SD unit (maybe used) that I would probably save for that step up if I were ready to spend $600+ on a new recorder. A few years back and I would have been a lot more interested. My PMD-671 cost a fair amount more than this when I bought it, heck I spent more for the MixPre.

But I think today this unit is in a kind of awkward position. Big price bump over Tascam and company, good price compared to SD but not nearly the performance.

BTW the only silly bells and whistles that I have noticed are the built in mics. Pretty much everything else is a useful/ practical function. I would actually put the "audio interface" into the silly bells and whistles category.

Also I only referenced the DR70D above because the 60D, to me, seems like a different beast. You can't really use it in a bag, only two XLR ins and generally mostly useful as a camera add on. Just my opinion YMMV.
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Ed Jeffersen said:
My studio (which you presume to know something about) has Universal Sound Apollo, Sound Devices USBPre2 and Apogee Duet interfaces. Also there is the M-Audio Lightbridge that carries 32 channels between my computer and Yamaha console. I own 6 mac computers so YEAH audio interfaces are things I can use. Most people use the damn headphone output on their Dell and never know the difference.

With a real switch I can pad an input, pan a mic or choose to monitor my camera return without even looking at it.

[For use between a DSLR and tripod] These Tascams are marketed and (poorly) designed to do that. Should we not expect them to do the job? I got a $500 tripod with this YES PLASTIC thing on top? I did not buy it to use in a bag. OK Plastic: I don't care, many wonderful things are plastic, but any competent engineer would know that a little 1/4" socket jammed in to a plastic hole is not going to be solid and I am, from my real life hands on experience, here to tell anyone it matters to that it is not. BTW This is a question I asked here on other D70 threads that nobody answered.

DO you have any numbers you can show us for "warm" or "brittle" or "nasel"? I don't care about specs. They are easily manipulated and you being an intelligent person should know that. I'm not recording silence in an empty room. The acoustic noise floor is almost always over 45dB which is going to mask the tiny bit of hiss from the preamp. Heck the hiss from my wireless mics will mask it. With proper mic placement and a decent quality microphone (MKH50 in my case) I will never need that much gain. Add to that in post I spend a lot of time and effort with noise reduction software.

Yes these are VERY PERSONAL reasons and that is all that matters to me. Yeah the Tascams are huge bang for the buck and I would even go as far as to recommend them. I want something better. I would never pay $1200 for the Fostex, but I can handle $499.
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Basically you are agreeing that you don't need a cheap interface, which was my point.

Sorry YOU were the one who dragged out numbers to prove that the Fostex was "better". I just pointed out that the numbers actually say the reverse if you are using the mic pres.

Since you mentioned it in another thread you have Tinnitus, so your own hearing is going to mask the noise. But that is not a particularly good argument for their pre's.

I also mentioned, and if you have read much of my posts you know, that I take all spec's with a block of salt. And the "sound" of the pre's are of course not reflected in the specs, but since you haven't gotten this unit yet claiming a better "sound" is not based on any personal experience.

You may be right, but there is nothing that indicates that is so.

The hiss may be masked, and for dialog loosing the deep lows is not an issue, I usually cut off at 80 anyway, But for FX work it could be an issue.

BTW this is the sound forum. So while there are plenty of OMB folks here many/ most are here to do sound either because that is what they do or because that is what they got stuck with. For those folks mounting to a camera is not an issue. And it seems to me from the photos it's only an issue IF you sandwich the unit since the top bracket is metal.

Anyway I didn't post to try and convince you about the Fostex but to balance your comments for folks who might be looking at the unit. If they are doing what you are then it may be a good choice for them, and you made some valid points. But some were personal preference and some were just not correct.
 
FWIW I have found after a solid week of use in the field that I am completely satisfied with my decision. The Fostex does in fact best the Tascam on all items I listed. There are a few minor complaints though.

Display: There is only one parameter displayed at any given time. It would be nice to see elapsed time, audio levels, and battery voltage together.

Battery sled: It is a well built piece that holds batteries firmly. The problem is when it is time to remove it. The little pull tab provided is a piece of tape. Time will tell how long that lasts.

Front panel protection: There is none. the knobs are vulnerable to damage in a bag or case. The "handles" on the Tascams prevent that.

The preamps sound sweet and full with a very smooth top end. My mic has a strong output so noise floor is not an issue with me. The camera level output matches the input of my GH4. The free bag thrown in fits my MixPre-D perfectly so if or when an audio assistant is required I am ready. The USB audio i/o works flawlessly on my Macs and iOS devices. Note this is not a full duplex connection, and iOS does not play well with 24 bits.

Now regarding comments made by Mr Noiz. Your posts come across as hostile. Perhaps you are threatened by other poster on your little forum that actually knows something about audio. Your 5000 posts lands youself squarely in the category of "Internet Know-it-all". Before the internet I would have labeled you simply as "Knows enough to be dangerous". Normally I would not lower myself to your level of rudeness, but you have thrown several low blows in my direction. Especially in regards to my hearing. Do you make fun of people with cancer too?
Let me guess...you are one of those doing sound because (in your words) you got "stuck with it". Spoken like a true union man. Very very sad. Personally, I do sound because I love it and have for nearly 50 years.

It is unfortunaly a growing issue with internet forums such as this the proliferation of unhappy people who ruin it for everyone.
So long suckers....
 
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