Fostex FR2

I use it for 2-3 weeks to make its taken outdoors.

Storage is on CompactFlash II or PCMCIA hard drive 5 GB

the most: his impeccable, clear and easy navigation menu, very good ergonomics (quick access to all parameters). Nothing is missing. Possibility of frequency to 88.2 and 176.4 kHz.

Cons: plasticky casing in a bad bill, it does not inspire confidence at all (it was the rec impresssion the button will be the trunk). No battery in favor of batteries (very restrictive).

Bought in a hurry, then compared with the Nagra Ares-BB Thereafter, I do not regret that choice ultimately not that I would do without hesitation.

Attention, it is stated in the doc that the link USB can not be done on MAC. This is not, and it works very well.

- Use 3 weeks abroad in conditions such report ...

- From a features standpoint, the Fr2 done rather well what is asked without hesitation and regardless of the conditions. For the story and the soundtrack is really very good. No vibration constraints, the connection is complete and serious, all functions are directly accessiblent. And data transfer is done directly (I use a PCMCIA adapter to transfer directly to my FC in my laptop without using the USB)
Although binding, the use of batteries (LR6 ... 8 to 1:30 of autonomy) is justified because it can be found everywhere on the planet. Provide all the same two sets of rechargeable batteries!
Pre-rec function is really convenient.
Ergonomics General published my rather average: Can not cut a sample taken to eliminate unnecessary parts and the memory optimizer ... probably a security measure but it's a shame. Use of CUES (locators) on the fly would be a good idea if it really works: when importing the audio, all CUES end up at 00:00 ... a bug?? (Found on PC (SoundForge) and MAC (PEAK) with firmware V1.08)
Try it with a 2GB CompactFlash SMART, I had no problem. However I would not recommend the use of CompactFlash-based microdisk, it becomes catastrophic addition access times become very long when we want to be operational soon ... (That is ennervant) I had a lot of mistakes not to mention that I appeared to be an increase in noise such as "digital" in the use of this type of memory .... bizare ...
The A / D converters are very good and the sound is clear but the phantom power is activated when a breath and induced crachottements significant at low levels (I did some tests with Studio Project C4 and NEUMAN KM184 ...) and those who want to record low levels are likely to be disappointed on that. It would then prefer micro electret battery powered or static to circumvent this. Frankly the price of such equipment were expected better quality electronics ...
Same for the finish: to € 1500, no house transport, no transformer either, no part of the front flap configuration buttons and avoid such errors by switching 16 to 24 bits or enclenger cuts down ... the plastic does not seem very strong, the REC not least, fostex could make the effort on the transparent part of the display that despite my efforts to protect it has mocked very quickly (that was so simple to the thick glass rather than plastic bad ...). Same, the LCD and backlight are of a quality worthy of the devices in the late 80's ... that is abusing + value!

Finally I would say I would do probably buy the same unit as part of this apareil is reliable, on the other hand there is no concurrency in 24bit/192kHz memory card ..

I add that I have compared the sound of this unit with a SoundDevice. For me there is no picture, sound is much better on the FR2 yet sound device is much more expensive ...

I've used the about 4 times in professional situation.
it works really well.
effectively with falling prices it's worth ..
enface recess now there is the tascam HDP2 for which the time code n is not optional but included dorrigine.
for those of autonomy is a term some soundman disconnect their keg of it that are on their sound and uses less ca!
external power supplies of some prennenet for the ghost ... personally I j a small box with 2 xlr xlr out in 2 and 4 batteries of 12 volts in pictures ... AC drive very long time ... attention the neumann are v 48 + / - 4 v while akg example is 9 to 52 v. ..
actually the ergonomics could be better
it is a bit bulky
but the preamps are still very good ... as well as the headphone amp ... except that if it exceeds 85% with a 600 ohm headphone heels ca ... evdement 7506 with a sony or other in 80 ohms it goes without prob.
there are more and read of choice but when you see the signal-noise preamps that is sometimes scary ...
It was interesting to record the birds that can modulate ptits BEYOND - breathless 18.
personelelment I head over to nagra ares bb but it's more expensive and not ride a 192 ca ..?
Good luck to all and good record
ps I also have a belt with 8 batteries size price leader D. .. but it is very heavy with the weight left it going and lasts ca extrememnt long!!
j did urban environments like this by placing the gear on the roof of a car to rest and after I walk with the batteries, shoulder strap is cool!
and no need for 23 euros ... bcp ca pollute too much in this acs it is better to buy rechargeable batteries and settle according to the fr 2 (page power supply to the battery type in that he knows that he will receive 8 * 1.2 * 1.5 8 and not otherwise it not work)

a yes for usb is apparently one of the usb?
by connecting the PC to my fr2 full card of 2 Giga takes ca 20 minutes
by removing the compact flash and the metant in the computer or card reader is ca 4 min max
that's very bad!
because it often marrive to clear my 2 gb card for the applause and resume recording of the concert on the same card.
4 GB card is still expensive
Jacques