naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Fostex FR-2LE: best inexpensive recorder with phantom power

Subject: Fostex FR-2LE: best inexpensive recorder with phantom power
From: "oryoki2000" oryoki2000
Date: Sat Mar 6, 2010 8:55 am ((PST))
Recently, several people have asked about recorders that can power pro mics in 
the field.  Here's my choice, with comments about other recorder options.

When you need a recorder with sturdy XLR inputs and 48V phantom power for mics 
at an affordable price, the Fostex FR-2LE gets my top recommendation.   The 
FR-2LE is large and clunky compared to today's pocket size recorders, but its 
preamp has very low self noise, remarkable for the $600 price.  

The recording controls are designed for use while the device is carried on a 
shoulder strap or standing in a gear bag, a convenience missing in many 
recorders.  A wired remote control is included, which adds convenience.

The Standby, Record, and preamp Volume controls are all easy to find without 
looking.  Each works in a different direction (Volume rotates, Standby pushes 
in, Record slides to the right) so you're unlikely to make a mistake.  There 
are independent gain controls for left and right channels.

The FR-2LE has its quirks.  One example:  The FR-2LE requires you to specify 
recording parameters when you format the Compactflash memory card (e.g., PCM, 
24/48).  If you need to change these settings, you have to format the card 
again, erasing any recordings on the card.)  Another example:  You can't erase 
a recording while in the field.  While these features can be annoying, they are 
designed to help avoid mistakes in the field.

The FR-2LE is a large recorder by today's standards. Dimensions are 206 x 132 x 
57 mm, weight with battery 910 g.   It's like carrying a school lunch box from 
your shoulder.  The internal speaker is rated at 300 mW, which is not loud 
enough for field playback.  The jack for headphones is 1/4", more durable than 
the 1/8" jack found in many recorders.

The FR-2LE runs about 4 hours on 4 AA cells, or up to 8 hours using an optional 
7.2V DC rechargeable battery with Tamiya connector (commonly used in radio 
control cars).  Neither can be changed quickly in the field.

Here are links to posts I made about the FR-2LE that provide more details.
FR-2LE first impressions
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/message/27940
Setting FR-2LE record level
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/message/29455
FR-2LE battery life
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/message/31078

The FR-2LE was introduced in 2007.  It has proven to be a reliable, durable 
device for field recording.  There are several other high quality field 
recorders that provide phantom power and XLR inputs (e.g., Marantz PMD671, 
Tascam HD-P2,  Edirol R-44).  All are larger, heavier, more expensive, and have 
shorter run time than the FR-2LE.

Here are other inexpensive field recorders that provide phantom power:

Marantz PMD661
Price $550. Very good preamp, slightly more self noise than FR-2LE.  Weight 530 
g.  Many parameters controlled through menu settings, an inconvenience.  3-4 
hour battery life.  Digital inputs.  Internal speaker with 450w output. Solid 
construction.  Definitely worth your consideration if a super quiet preamp is 
not required.  The PMD661's smaller size and weight will be welcome at the end 
of a long day in the field.

Zoom H4N
Price $300.  Preamp self noise poor for XLR input, good for 1/8" mini jack.  
Weight 340 g.  In my tests, barely 90 minutes battery life from 2 AA cells if 
providing phantom power.  Others report up to 4 hours battery life.

Tascam DR100
Price $300.  Preamp self noise only mediocre, not suitable for quiet ambience.  
Proprietary Li-Ion battery plus AA cells provide about 7 hours run time. 







<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU