Fostex FR2LE High Definition Field Recorder

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.

Feature rich and elegant in operation, the pedigree of the new FR-2LE looks assured.

MAIN 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 with precise 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

Technical Info

RECORDING / GENERAL PLAYBACK
Recording Medium Compact Flash Card
Recording Time see "Recording Time Chart" below
File Format BWF (Broadcast Wave Format), MP3 (MPEG Layer-3)
Sampling Frequency 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 /96 kHz
Quantization 16-bit linear (44.1 / 48 kHz)
24-bit linear (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96)
MP3 192bps (stereo)
No. of Recording Track 2 tracks (stereo)
No. of Simultaneous Rec. 2 tracks (stereo)
Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±2dB (FS 44.1/48kHz)
20 Hz - 40 kHz ±3dB (FS 88.2/96kHz)
S/N (ADC-DAC, 24bit, 48kHz)
Line (Input Gain: +4dBu) 95dB (typical)
Mic (Input Gain: -60dBu) 85dB (typical)
Dynamic Range 95dB (typical) (ADC-DAC, 24bit, 48kHz)
T.H.D. (ADC-DAC, 24it, 48kHz)
Line less than 0.008% (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)
Connector XLR-Phone Combo Type
Line In
Connector 6mm dia TS Phone Jack (unbalanced)
Input Impedance more than 10k ohm
Reference Input Level -10dBV
Maximum Input Level +2dBV
Mic In
Connector XLR-3-31 Type (balanced, 2-pin hot)
Input Impedance more than 6k ohm
Reference Input Level -50dBu to -10dBu
Maximum Input Level +2dBu
Phantom P48
Monitor Out
Connector RCA Pin Jack (unbalanced)
Load Impedance more than 10k ohm
Reference Output Level -10dBV
Phones
Connector Stereo Mini Phone Jack
Load Impedance more than 32 ohm
Maximum Output Level 15 + 15mW (32 ohm)
USB 2.0 (for PC)
Connector Series "B" Receptacle
Built-in Speaker
Maximum Output 300mW

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

Lightweight, portable Compact Flash recorder for any mobile project! Records Broadcast WAV and MP3 formats, up to 24-bit 96 kHz quality. Features 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power for stereo recording, plus onboard stereo mics. USB 2.0 support for high-speed PC transfer. Includes 128 MB CF card, wired remote control, and carry pouch.