Re: Marantz PDM 661 Vs Fostex FR2 LE - which one should I buy??!

["escalation746" escalation746]

I don't think I have got as much as four hours out a set of batteries in th=
e FR-2LE when using a pair of phantom mics (AT3032). The again, I hardly ev=
er run it all the way down. I should invest in some RC batteries which I th=
ink will help a lot. Anyone using those in the Fostex? Results?

As for noise, I don't think you are going to get quieter than the Fostex un=
less you pay four times as much (or more). And yes, this does really matter=
 if you are doing recordings of quiet locations, ambiance, etc. Noise floor=
 (and its quality) matters more than any other factor in the recorder.

But also the mic you use is critical. If you want to pick up particular sou=
nds you might want a directional (shotgun) mic. Getting one of those with l=
ow self noise is a rather expensive proposition.

-- robin