Fostex DC-R302

I hesitated to take sound design with a small external recorder to go upmarket compared to a Tascam DR100 ... then I had the opportunity to buy for a very reasonable price (500 euros) this machine precisely because of all these teething problems and negative reviews found as the one below, then finally I said a little prayer and I started ...
Well I love it!
The preamp is excellent, with real analog knobs and phantom power supply for input. In her little bag she is hyper and very small easy to use ...
Unlike Tascam, you have no option, everything is very basic, but it is functional and it works very well ...
So of course since its release there is the DR60 and especially the Zoom H6, but I think the philosophy of the product is not the same on these products (digital knobs, digital limiters, ergonomics curious far from a mixer)

Then the weaknesses that I found:
-It has three inputs that you mix on the fly but only 2 tracks ... you can not save them individually
-The menu is basic, and a little slow to use, but fortunately we are almost never goes ...
-The system to change the batteries could be easier and certainly more functional
-Protocol wireless shutter release is not really usable with the 5D mark2 without hacked ...
The XLR output data is missing to make it a more pro product.
The meter-view that even if he does his work is not as responsive and reliable as the LEDs found in sound device, for example ...

The positives:
-Very clean sound
-The much smaller size than we imagine.
-Stable with the latest firmware.
Auto-analog limiter on input, which is a real plus in my opinion.
The analog-input knobs and button are really convenient to use.
The knob-level headphone
-The output jack to send in a dslr. This output jack can also be used to initiate recording, but you have hacked a cable.
The back-jack which allows monitoring with headphones which is recorded in the dslr.
A true pro-mixer which allows more record sound 'even if it is a basic way and only 2 channels ...

Use for 5 months.
I have had nothing but trouble with this machine (FOSTEX DC-R302) for the placing on the market seems it was precipitated by FOSTEX.
Two defective firmware only led to failure until today (15 October 2012).
Error writing file, not powered XLR input, pollution producing electric infra bass sound and breath.
If you are looking for a reliable machine: go your way .... or wait FOSTEX has completed the development of this recorder, promising on paper and proves a daily nightmare for the user who is best considered by the manufacturer ( FOSTEX) and importer (FRANCE SENNHEISER) as a beta tester and at worst a pigeon who pays a high price for wasting his time with a machine unusable in professional conditions.
I had in hand two DC-R302 tested with several microphones, multiple cards, multiple cables ...

signed Mister Yep!