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.
|