Tascam HD-P2 vs Fostex FR2(TC)?

Alpha Flying Monkey

Alpha Flying Monkey

Well-known member
I haven't needed time code (so far) but I'm thinking that if I get into a situation that calls for TC I should be ready... So, the question: Do I send my FR2 in & get the TC card installed ($550!) or do I sell the FR2 & pick up a Tascam HD-P2?

I know that the Sound Devices 702T is a great machine... I just don't have the $$$ for that right now (even used)!

Whadyathink?
 
Haven't used the Fostex but I have the P2 and I'll say it's great for in the studio but seems kinda fragile for run and gun and the menu system is not that intuitive. I'd say put the Sound Devices on a credit card- that's ssweeet. :)

Noah
 
I agree. If you don't need a unit with TC right now, then I would start saving up for the Sound Devices 702T. That way you'll have a top of the line unit that will still excel with your non TC projects.
 
I say send in Fostex for the TC option card to be installed.
FR-2 w/TC generates TC.....Tascam does not.
 
If I could find the TC card for a reasonable price I would do this... But, I'm thinking I should just try to figure out how to pay for an SD 702T (like- if I could just get paid for some of this addiction!).

BRH said:
I say send in Fostex for the TC option card to be installed.
FR-2 w/TC generates TC.....Tascam does not.
Click to expand...
 
marstaton4 said:
You may want to wait for the SD 552.
Click to expand...

Without being able to generate TC or label files, it really is best kept as a backup recorder (which SD even says is what they designed it to be).

The SD 702T would be a much better investment as a primary recorder imho.
 
Yes, I agree.....save for the 702T if possible, even good used. Try not to invest $ in the big Fostex piece of plastic.

New SD 552 has TC input, but no TC generator.. so appears must be feed constantly.
Won't really know until it come out.. or I RTFM! Really meant for Reality TV where always do single system and SDHC card is just a backup and 99% of the time never used.
But none the less....looks like a winner of a product.
 
Alpha Flying Monkey said:
I haven't needed time code (so far) but I'm thinking that if I get into a situation that calls for TC I should be ready... So, the question: Do I send my FR2 in & get the TC card installed ($550!) or do I sell the FR2 & pick up a Tascam HD-P2?
Click to expand...
In your shoes I would get the TC board for the FR-2. I had an FR-2 since it came out and was very happy with it. I only (reluctantly) sold it when I upgraded to the Nagra VI.


BRH said:
I say send in Fostex for the TC option card to be installed.
FR-2 w/TC generates TC.....Tascam does not.
Click to expand...
Good point.


marstaton4 said:
You may want to wait for the SD 552.
Click to expand...
I doubt it - the 552 is almost £3,000!
 
I have an HD-P2 and it has served me very well, both on my cart and in a bag. For the price, you really can't beat it and it records high quality audio. And yes, (please search the archives, there have been many discussions around this) it does not have a TC out capability, but does generate TC and can be jammed from an external source. When the HD-P2 was my primary recorder, I used my TS3 as the source for everything. Now I have an SB3 as my source for everything and all is well.

Phil
 
ptalsky said:
I have an HD-P2 and it has served me very well, both on my cart and in a bag. For the price, you really can't beat it and it records high quality audio. And yes, (please search the archives, there have been many discussions around this) it does not have a TC out capability, but does generate TC and can be jammed from an external source. When the HD-P2 was my primary recorder, I used my TS3 as the source for everything. Now I have an SB3 as my source for everything and all is well.

Phil
Click to expand...

I've heard that before.. but I think you are getting lucky that it runs by itself after jamming and disconnecting. I haven't used it, but have read the manual.
 
I'm not sure why you consider it luck. The product works as it was designed. Would I be happier if it had TC out, of course I would. But it jams correctly and holds the TC accurately for as many as 10 hours without a re-jam, both on my cart and in my bag.

I really do think it's funny how many people that have not used the HD-P2 don't seem to like it. But, of course that's the nature of sound equipment. For the price, IMO (as a user of it) it is an excellent option. And I have a long list of films that have been recorded on it that sound very good.

Phil
 
Looks like a good product, it just doesn't say in the manual it'll run code and keep generating it accurately.
I said I haven't used it.
I wouldn't buy it.. because of the Tascam name, that's all.
Just like i wouldn't buy Sony sound gear.
That's my preference. I have problems. :)
 
Much like I avoid the plague that is known as Azden. :-)

Yeah, the manual is pretty much lacking on the HD-P2.

Phil
 
Update: Well, I've found an affordable ($275) TC card & have installed it into the FR-2. Was a bit hesitant to do the motherboard mod myself, but it turned out quite nicely- although my wife thought I was nuts to try it myself... Heck, I figured if I really screwed it up it would be an opportunity to buy an SD 702T (heh).

So- I've already got 2 gigs that want to use TC: One with a Panasonic HVX200 & one with a Canon 5D... Now I have to figure out the best workflow & cabling setups for these shoots. I guess it's time to search in the other forums!
 
BRH said:
I say send in Fostex for the TC option card to be installed.
FR-2 w/TC generates TC.....Tascam does not.
Click to expand...

I agree - if you can't afford an SD 702T then get the timecode card for the FR-2.

The FR-2 is a great little machine - I had mine for several years before I upgraded to the Nagra VI.
 
e(vil)Bay... There were a couple more available, but I haven't seen them listed again. The seller was everythingmusic4less, so you might contact them & see if they have any left.
 
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