(soon to be discontinued by Fostex)
Fostex FR-2 Digital Recorder, only $1299.00 (non-timecode version)
Fostex FR-2/TC (with timecode) field
recorder for under $1900!
Finally, a fully professional digital recorder (with complete SMPTE timecode)
that we can actually afford to own! Ideal for universities, colleges,
independent filmmakers, videographers, and all manner of sound folk.
The Fostex FR-2 non-timecode** version is list priced at
only $1499, but on sale at Equipment Emporium for only $1299.00. The Fostex FR2/TC
timecode version is on sale for only $1898.
Optional AC power supply (Fostex does not include the AC supply in the box
with FR2) is just $49.95 (or $69.95 if you did not purchase your FR2 from us).
**The non-timecode version can be factory upgraded with the timecode module (now available) for a moderate $599.
(Shipping not included.)
Main Features:
•Records to PCMCIA 1.8" HD or Type II Compact Flash card
•Stereo/mono selectable
•Up to 24 bit/192 kHz
•8 AA batteries will last around 2 hours
•File transfers via PCMCIA cards or USB
•Quick file naming
•Optional timecode
Initial Specs:
•8 x AA batteries or 12v DC power
•5w power consumption
•10"(w) x 4"(h) x 8.5"(d)
•About 2 Kg w/o batteries
•100 dB dynamic range
•2 analog audio inputs via 3 pin XLR connections
•+48v phantom power
•RCA analog outputs
•1 watt speaker output
•Digital XLR input
•Optional timecode cards
FR2 recorder $1299.00
Timecode Module for FR2 $599.00
AC power supply $49.95
AC power supply is $59.95 if you did not purchase your FR2 from us.
12vDC CIG-FR2 adapter cable $19.95
Power your FR2 from any 12vDC battery pack with a CIG connector. Note, these
custom cables are $29.95 if you did not purchase your FR2 from us.
Omnicron 12vDC 7amp battery pack w. overnite charger, CIG socket
$89.95
PortaBrace FR2 case $200.00
FR2 case is $225 if you did not purchase your FR2 from us.
Prices on Compact Flash memory cards are falling every day, but are
relatively inexpensive!
Timecode cable for FR2/TC. Heavy duty , 40 foot length, with XLR 3-pin
"breakaway" connectors in the middle, so you can add standard balanced mic
cables to extend the length. 1/4-inch phone plug to heavy duty RCA plug
(connects FR2 to Denecke slate). $25.00
Our review of the FR2:
The FR2 is fun and easy! It is a nice machine to own, and has replaced the Nagra as
a common standard of the industry! Sure, the major studios will use
the expensive PD6 and DEVA recorders, but the FR2 will be what all of the rest
of us are going to have.
It can record two tracks (stereo) or single track (mono), in sampling rates from
22k up to 192k, with 16 or 24 bit quantization. Chances are, you will never need
anything above 48k sampling rate (with a freq response of up to 22k), but the
FR2 can do it all.
Every time that you hit the record button, you create (record) a FILE. Within
each file (I prefer to use the term TAKE), you can place cue points (markers) so
that you can easily cue up to that part of the take. After the fact, you can
even go into the menu and edit the cue points that you created. Cues can be
deleted, named, and even slid back or forth (like when you hit the cue button a
moment AFTER talent says something notable during an interview).
FILES (takes) are automatically named every time you begin recording. The names
can be a time stamp or a SCENE/TAKE. When you select to use the SCENE/TAKE mode,
the FR2 allows you to select a name from the menu. The default is "SCENE 01,
TAKE 01" from a menu including up to SCENE 99. The system will stamp TAKE 01 on
the first take, and then automatically increment the take numbers every time you
hit record. The scene number does not update by itself; you have to manually
select a new scene name.
You can plug in a USB keyboard, and easily create (rename) the scenes. (If you
love text messaging on your cel phone, you can also 'search & tap' letters and
numerals via the menu buttons.)
In production, we tend to use scene names like SCENE 101A, and SCENE 101B, etc.
It is simple to customize the scene names to whatever you like. You can also
change the take numbers if you need to. SCENE and TAKE labels can be edited
anytime after the recording, so you are free to go into the data and correct
your "paperwork" whenever you need to.
Powering is from the optional AC adapter (have no idea why Fostex did not
include one in the box with the FR2, but take that up with them); or from a
custom configured 12vDC external cable (Fostex may be offering these in the very
near future, but we have already started making our own); or from 8 internal AA
batteries. Disposable AA batteries work fine, though the price adds up after a
while. 8 AA for approx 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Rechargeable AA batteries are better,
and there is a menu setting to tell the FR2 what kind of AA's you are using so
it can monitor the power. We sell an 8-bay AA charger, so it is easy to cook up
a batch of batteries. We also sell a 7amp sealed lead acid battery pack
that fits perfectly into the front pouch of the PortaBrace case.
The FR2 makes file transfers (WAV format) to your PC or MAC a breeze. Just
connect a USB A-B type cable between the recorder and your computer; select USB
mode on the menu; and your computer will recognize the FR2 as an external drive.
Just drag and drop. Nothing complicated about it!
You could also just remove the media card and use an external card reader to
transfer to your computer.
You get approx 90 minutes of stereo audio (16bit/48K) per gigabyte; and the cost
of memory cards has dropped to almost nothing.
The new timecode module features convenient RCA jacks for timecode in/out.
All the popular timecode rates are supported, as well as pull-up and pull-down
capability.
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We are authorities in production sound recording
for video and filmmaking. We also have lots of accessories for videography; and
are dealers for Casablanca, AVIO, and Renommee
non-linear video editors; as well as turnkey AVID & AVID Liquid (aka
Pinnacle) editing solutions.
If you would like a copy of our
2005/2006 "cowboy cover" catalog (free, of course), please phone or
e-mail us. We are working on a new 2007 catalog, coming later this year.
