Fostex FR2-LE

With a location recording pedigree which includes the original portable timecode DAT machines (PD-2, PD-4), and more recently the innovative PD-6 DVD-RAM recorder, it was only natural that Fostex should develop the FR-2, the acclaimed professional CompactFlash-based field recorder.

And now, it seems, Fostex have done it again with the launch of the new FR-2LE - a compact audio recorder designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of professionals in the field. For a start, the FR-2LE records to CompactFlash in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF) at 24bit 96kHz quality. It's equipped with two professional phantom powered XLR microphone inputs (XLR-phone combo) complete with precise control over the recording level.

It features a 1 take = 1 file recording system which eliminates overwrites and the 2 second 'pre-record' buffer means there should never be a missed take or lost soundbite. There's even an MP3 mode and built-in stereo microphones designed for interviews.

Features

• Recording on Type II CompactFlash card
• Light weight, yet tough with a highly rigid chassis
• FAT32 file system & BWF Stereo file format
• MP3 recording/playback
• Up to 24 bit 96kHz audio performance
• 2 x professional phantom powered XLR mic inputs withprecise recording level adjustment control
• ALC (Off/On/Limiter) and HPF (On/Off, 100Hz -12dB/Oct)
• Built-in stereo microphones for quick memo recording
• USB 2.0 for high speed file transfer to PC
• 2 second Pre Rec buffer
• 1 take = 1 file system (eliminates overwrites)
• Approx. 8 hours battery operation
• Wired remote controller with mic attachment belt

Recording/General Playback Specifications

• Recording Medium: Compact Flash Card
• File Format: BWF (Broadcast Wave Format), MP3 (MPEGLayer-3)
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz
• Quantization: 16-bit linear (44.1/48 kHz); 24-bitlinear (44.1/48/88.2/96); MP3 192bps (stereo)
• No. of Recording Tracks: 2 tracks (stereo)
• No. of Simultaneous Rec.: 2 tracks (stereo)
• Recording/Reproduction Frequency: 20Hz-20kHz +/-2dB(FS 44.1/48kHz); 20Hz-40kHz +/-3dB (FS88.2/96kHz)
• S/N (ADC-DAC, 24 bit, 48kHz): Line (Input Gain:+4dBu); 95dB (typical); Mic (Input Gain: -60dBu): 85dB (typical)
• Dynamic Range: 95dB (typical) (ADC-DAC, 24 bit, 48kHz)
• T.H.D. (ADC-DAC, 24 bit, 48kHz): Line: less than0.008% (at 1kHz - 1dB, typical); Mic (trim max): Less than 0.01% (at 1kHz -1dB, typical)
• Channel Separation: more than 90dB (at 1kHz 0dB) (24bit, -20BFS, 48kHz)
• Reference Level: -12dBFS
• Locate Memory: 99 Cue points per file
• Battery Operation Time: approx. 8 hours (Tamiya RC3600HV, Ni-MH battery);approx. 4 hours (4 x AA alkaline/Ni-MH battery)

Inputs/Outputs

• Analog In (L/R): XLR-Phone Combo Type
• Line In: 6mm dia TS phone jack (unbalanced); InputImpedance: more than 10k ohm; Reference Input Level: -10dBV; Maximum InputLevel: +2dBV
• Mic In: XLR-3-31 Type (balanced, 2-pin hot); InputImpedance: more than 6k ohm; Reference Input Level: -50dBu to -10dBu; MaximumInput Level: +2dBu; Phantom: P48
• Monitor Out <L, R>: RCA Pin Jack (unbalanced);Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm; Reference Output Level: -10dBV
• Phones: Stereo Mini Phone Jack; Load Impedance: morethan 32 ohms; Maximum Output Level: 15 + 15 mW (32 ohm)
• USB 2.0 (for PC): Series "B" Receptacle
• Built-in Speaker: Maximum Output: 300mW

Physical Specifications

• Included: CF card (128MB), AC Adaptor, shoulder strap,remote control and carry pouch
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 57 x 206 x 132 mm
• Weight: approx. 0.8 kgs (w/o battery)

TMGR# FR2-LE