Fostex MR16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder
No longer available at zZounds
16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz -- no compression. 4-track simultaneous recording. 4 XLR inputs with phantom power.
Overview
When inspiration hits, the last thing you need is a user interface that gets in the way. Slows you down. Turns you off. No fear of that. 25 knobs and 13 sliders get you immediate access to where the action is.
Unique to the MR16HD are 33 stellar EQ presets available to each input and 2 AUX sends for connecting to external gear. Add to this the convenience of WAV file recording, digital effects, mastering effects, analog guitar distortion and mic simulation and you’ve got just about the slickest, highest quality and downright easiest to use 16 track available on the market.
Features:
16 recording tracks to hard drive 16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz -- no compression
4 track simultaneous recording -- great for capturing multiple instruments/vocal parts
4 XLR inputs With phantom power and trim control
Extended recording time -- more than 7.5 hours of 16-track recording at CD quality
Full 16-track bouncing Mix-down -- all tracks in stereo
FAT32 Disc Format and WAV Recording Plus USB port for easy transfer of recordings to PC
2 x AUX For connection to outboard gear
S/P DIF Digital Out For digital mastering to external CD recorder, MD etc.
Input EQ Library 33 sound shaping presets available for all inputs
Fantastic Built-In Digital FX Reverbs, guitar amp simulations etc. (see MR-8HD)
Analog Guitar Distortion Awesome distortion (see MR-8HD)
Direct CD-RW Connection via USB Master direct to USB CD-RW (no PC required)
MR16HD/CD model Features as above with in-built CD-RW… read more
WavManager(Windows) ver 2.01 WAV Manager is a utility software application that enables you to import each audio track from a song created using the MR-8, MR-8mk2, MR-8HD, and MR16HD (hereinafter called MR-8/HD) Multitrackers into your PC as a standard mono WAV file (eight files for an 8-track song). In addtion, WAV file data created and edited on the PC can be exported to MR-8/HD.
The New Version 2.01 Now Features:
CD Writing function (now you can burn a CD from your MR-8/HD using the CD-R/RW drive in your computer
A-B part Import Function
New Song Creating Function.
WavManager (Mac OS) ver 2.0 WAV Manager for Mac is a utility software application that enables you to import each audio track from a song created by the MR-8 and MR-8HD (hereinafter called MR-8/HD) into the Mac as a standard mono WAV file (eight files for an 8-track song). Also, WAV file data created and edited in the Mac can be exported to MR-8/HD. read less
Unique to the MR16HD are 33 stellar EQ presets available to each input and 2 AUX sends for connecting to external gear. Add to this the convenience of WAV file recording, digital effects, mastering effects, analog guitar distortion and mic simulation and you’ve got just about the slickest, highest quality and downright easiest to use 16 track available on the market.
Features:
16 recording tracks to hard drive 16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz -- no compression
4 track simultaneous recording -- great for capturing multiple instruments/vocal parts
4 XLR inputs With phantom power and trim control
Extended recording time -- more than 7.5 hours of 16-track recording at CD quality
Full 16-track bouncing Mix-down -- all tracks in stereo
FAT32 Disc Format and WAV Recording Plus USB port for easy transfer of recordings to PC
2 x AUX For connection to outboard gear
S/P DIF Digital Out For digital mastering to external CD recorder, MD etc.
Input EQ Library 33 sound shaping presets available for all inputs
Fantastic Built-In Digital FX Reverbs, guitar amp simulations etc. (see MR-8HD)
Analog Guitar Distortion Awesome distortion (see MR-8HD)
Direct CD-RW Connection via USB Master direct to USB CD-RW (no PC required)
MR16HD/CD model Features as above with in-built CD-RW… read more
WavManager(Windows) ver 2.01 WAV Manager is a utility software application that enables you to import each audio track from a song created using the MR-8, MR-8mk2, MR-8HD, and MR16HD (hereinafter called MR-8/HD) Multitrackers into your PC as a standard mono WAV file (eight files for an 8-track song). In addtion, WAV file data created and edited on the PC can be exported to MR-8/HD.
The New Version 2.01 Now Features:
CD Writing function (now you can burn a CD from your MR-8/HD using the CD-R/RW drive in your computer
A-B part Import Function
New Song Creating Function.
WavManager (Mac OS) ver 2.0 WAV Manager for Mac is a utility software application that enables you to import each audio track from a song created by the MR-8 and MR-8HD (hereinafter called MR-8/HD) into the Mac as a standard mono WAV file (eight files for an 8-track song). Also, WAV file data created and edited in the Mac can be exported to MR-8/HD. read less
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(92 ratings)
Submitted April 6, 2009 by a customer from michaelbray4.orangehome.co.uk
Fostex MR16HD Recorder Customer Review
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
The MR16 does all I want at a good price. It is straight forward to use (despite the Manual) and provides a high degree of flexibility. There are better machines on the market but, as all multitrackers in this price range are a compromise, the MR16 "ticked all the boxes" for me.
Sound
The sound through my Edirol monitors is very good using the optical connector. I find the choice of the 33 input equaliser presets rather limiting and wish that Fostex had cut the number of presets to allow for at least one variable equaliser setting. One advantage is that it is possible to re-record the raw input and try each equaliser setting in rehearse mode.
Features
A good selection of features. One of the strengths of the MR16 is its simplistic approach to editing, a feature that allows great flexibility. Clearly the MR range was originally intended for a computer based editing system and the process of downloading files is straighforward. The later models such as the 16 allow for stand alone CD creation but not for sophisticated sound modification. The Effects and the Mastering options go some way to improve this. My favourite option is the Direct Locate system which allows location of points in a recording to millisecond accuracy while continuously looping the recording. Its like getting frame accuracy on a video. The Aux Out jacks can be programmed to any track (and other options) allowing re-records through external systems… read more or using the internal effects.
Ease of Use
In my opinion the Owner's Manual is a disaster. I progressed from DAT and MD to digital so was somewhat unfamiliar with the process. The Manual confused and confounded. I wrote to Fostex with suggestions to improve the format. On the other hand the machine itself is a delight. Easy to use and quite intuitive. My own teaching process was try it and make it work. My Yamaha EL900 organ connects directly and without problem.
Quality
The MR16 is well made but I would doubt its dependability for on the road use. Other users problems stem from the Hard Drive ( judging by the User Forum postbag ) and from occasional problems with the press button switches. The software can be updated and occasional updates are issued by Fostex. (usually without an explanation as to what they do.)
Value
The price has increased since I bought my machine. The prise reflects good value and compares well to equivalent machines from other manufacturers.
Manufacturer Support
I bought from a local retailer but I have contacted the importing company, SCV London, and they have been very helpful regarding software updates and parts supply. (not needed yet) The most useful source of information is definitely the User Forum and, as more MR16s are purchased, the database of information increases. Fostex's own FAQ is quite good if a little hard to use.
The Wow Factor
The MR16 was the only multitracker in my price range with more than two inputs. (it has four) It is easy to use, in many ways it resembles a reel to reel recorder, and flexible in operation. It lacks many of the features of other machines, virtual tracks and time stretching for example. Products are always coming on the market and I would search before I bought another Fostex.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
all mainstream and some classical read less
Sound
The sound through my Edirol monitors is very good using the optical connector. I find the choice of the 33 input equaliser presets rather limiting and wish that Fostex had cut the number of presets to allow for at least one variable equaliser setting. One advantage is that it is possible to re-record the raw input and try each equaliser setting in rehearse mode.
Features
A good selection of features. One of the strengths of the MR16 is its simplistic approach to editing, a feature that allows great flexibility. Clearly the MR range was originally intended for a computer based editing system and the process of downloading files is straighforward. The later models such as the 16 allow for stand alone CD creation but not for sophisticated sound modification. The Effects and the Mastering options go some way to improve this. My favourite option is the Direct Locate system which allows location of points in a recording to millisecond accuracy while continuously looping the recording. Its like getting frame accuracy on a video. The Aux Out jacks can be programmed to any track (and other options) allowing re-records through external systems… read more or using the internal effects.
Ease of Use
In my opinion the Owner's Manual is a disaster. I progressed from DAT and MD to digital so was somewhat unfamiliar with the process. The Manual confused and confounded. I wrote to Fostex with suggestions to improve the format. On the other hand the machine itself is a delight. Easy to use and quite intuitive. My own teaching process was try it and make it work. My Yamaha EL900 organ connects directly and without problem.
Quality
The MR16 is well made but I would doubt its dependability for on the road use. Other users problems stem from the Hard Drive ( judging by the User Forum postbag ) and from occasional problems with the press button switches. The software can be updated and occasional updates are issued by Fostex. (usually without an explanation as to what they do.)
Value
The price has increased since I bought my machine. The prise reflects good value and compares well to equivalent machines from other manufacturers.
Manufacturer Support
I bought from a local retailer but I have contacted the importing company, SCV London, and they have been very helpful regarding software updates and parts supply. (not needed yet) The most useful source of information is definitely the User Forum and, as more MR16s are purchased, the database of information increases. Fostex's own FAQ is quite good if a little hard to use.
The Wow Factor
The MR16 was the only multitracker in my price range with more than two inputs. (it has four) It is easy to use, in many ways it resembles a reel to reel recorder, and flexible in operation. It lacks many of the features of other machines, virtual tracks and time stretching for example. Products are always coming on the market and I would search before I bought another Fostex.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
all mainstream and some classical read less
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