Fostex FR-2LE CF Recorder

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

And now, ladies and gentlemen, you will learn why I never have and never will pursue a VO career.

I have posted the Rightmark Audio Analyzer test results for the Fostex FR-2LE compact flash recorder here:

http://www.miclisteningroom.org/recorders_and_interfaces.html

The first set of results is for the E-MU 1212m sound card that was used as the test signal generator. As you can see the test results for the 1212m are quite excellent. Next are the test results for the FR-2LE going into the line input. The FR-2LE mic preamp is completely bypassed in this configuration. The test results are not stellar but they are more than adequate. The mic used for this test is a Shure SM7b, and the preamp is an AEA TRP. It is designed to provide the higher gain required by ribbon and dynamic mics:

http://www.wesdooley.com/aea/TRP.html

The FR-2LE was located less than 12" from the mic and emitted no acoustical noise.

Finally we come to the test results for the mic input. Rightmark didn't think much of the built-in mic preamp and the sample bears this out. There is a distinct background hiss throughout the mic input sample. The reason for this is simple: The built-in preamps have low gain. Speaking about 3" from the mic, the level of the recorded audio was quite low. It was necessary to normalize the recorded audio to bring the volume up to a usable level, bringing the noise floor up with it.

The methodology for the Rightmark mic input tests was to record the Rightmark test signal at an analog level of -70dBV and normalize the recording to 0 dBFS.

Mark Nicholson · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008, 10:15 (GMT) Post subject:

I've used the older FR2 on a few short film shoots and commercials as a mixer and the build quality of the device is awful. It eats batteries quickly, the record trigger sometimes does not function, especially in the cold. Definetly not user friendly either. Doesn't look like this one is much better! Glad to read this before trying it. Smile

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216