> What are some of the "idiosyncrasies and quirks" of [the FR2-LE]?
Here are notes from my review, posted here in July 2007. --oryoki
First, when you format the Compactflash card for use in the FR-2LE, you spe=
cify the bit depth and quantization rate to be used (like 24/96). These se=
ttings are stored in a text file on the flash card. If you want to change =
this setting (say, to MP3 or 16/44.1), you have to re-format the flash card=
. The formatting will lose any data already on the flash card. This is a =
quick format, just a few seconds.
Second, the maximum file size is 4GB. When the recorder gets to 4GB, it ju=
st saves the file and stops. 4GB is space for six hours of continuous reco=
rding in 16/48, but only two hours at 24/96. This is not an issue for most=
nature recording scenarios, but could be a problem if the recorder will do=
double duty as a concert recorder.
Third, the FR-2LE has only one bit depth for MP3. It's 192kbps continuous =
(no variable rate). Recording at this rate, a 1GB card can hold approximat=
ely 11 hours of recordings. You'd need to change batteries or run from an =
external power supply to record for such a long time.
Fourth, you can't erase any tracks from the machine in the field. You can =
remove tracks from the edit decision list, or change the order of the track=
s in the list, but you can't delete any. When you attach your flash card t=
o a computer, you can delete if you want to. Or you can format the card in=
the recorder. But an individual file can't be deleted in the recorder.
Fifth, the FR-2LE records in stereo only. This is wasteful of storage spac=
e if you are recording with a single mic. I guess you could use a "Y" cabl=
e to send the mono signal into both channels of the recorder, and then reco=
rd at different preamp levels.
I think these last two design decisions are part of a strategy Fostex has t=
o reduce errors when the machine is being used by a less-experienced record=
ist, perhaps a news reporter. An audio technician sets up the recorder, in=
cluding the flash card, in the shop. The FR-2LE stores settings like ALC o=
n/off, high pass filter on/off, Input mode, digitizing rate, phantom power =
on/off, and so on, in non-volatile memory that retains the settings even wi=
th the battery pack removed. The Compactflash card holds information like =
the digitizing rate, the project name or reel number, and pointers to the s=
tart and stop points of any existing tracks and cue marks.
Once the FR-2LE is configured, the field recordist doesn't need to think ab=
out settings, just when to push the Record button. It doesn't matter which=
XLR jack a mono mic is plugged into. Most relevant settings are visible on=
the LC screen if you want to check.
I'm sure Fostex worked a long time with customers like radio stations to co=
me up with this fail-safe arrangement. The FR-2LE forces you to work a pa=
rticular way to maximize the likelihood that your recordings will come home=
intact, and in the format you want. But some people will find these restr=
ictions burdensome.
These points aside, the FR-2LE seems to be a great machine. The preamp is =
quiet, the controls are easy to use, the machine is well-designed for use i=
n a shoulder bag, and the Tamiya RC3600 NiMH battery solution is good for 8=
hours of run time.
"While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
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