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Fostex MR16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder
16-bit resolution at 44.1 kHz -- no compression. 4-track simultaneous recording. 4 XLR inputs with phantom power.
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Manufacturer's Description for Fostex MR16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder
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
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.
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Fostex WarrantyFostex Warranty
Fostex offers a warranty of 1 year for parts and 90 days labor.
If you have additional warranty questions,
please call the manufacturer at 800-994-4984
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Fostex MR16HD Recorder Customer Review
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.
Feature:
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 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.
Overall:
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.
Style of Music: all mainstream and some classical
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"Excellent for the aspiring newbie home recording enthusiast"
Sound:
Sound is very good through my KRK RP6 monitors. My unit developed a buzz after a month of use, but I sent it back to Fostex with an RA number and they fixed it. It was not an electronic hum, but rather a physical buzz, as if the outer casing was touching the hard drive and vibrating. I could touch the top of the casing near the hard drive and the buzz would stop, starting again when I let off. Fostex did a good job fixing it - they did some insulation and padding. No buzz now. A little hard drive noise but fairly quiet.
Feature:
Lots of features (input EQ presets, amp and mic simulation, 1 guitar input (DIST or CLEAN), INSERT for external equipment, reverb, 4 recording channels with XLR and TS connections), 3 mastering settings (bright, natural, powerful). Onboard preamps are a bit weak for my needs (acoustic guitar recording), but they work well enough with mics with >10-15mv/Pa sensitivity. Preamps almost too weak for my SM81 mic (5.6mv/Pa) and definitely for my SM57 mic (1.6mv/Pa) without external preamp. I wish it had stronger preamps, TRS mic inputs, and ability to turn phantom power on/off by individual channel (phantom power can only be all on or all off for the 4 input channels). I got a cheap external preamp (ART Tube MP PS) and it sounds very warm and detailed with the SM81 mic. Looking to try upscale preamp now that I know what they can do.
Ease of Use:
Manual is very thorough and easy to understand. Albeit written by a foreigner, but very clear and complete nonetheless. Read it through to make sure you see all the features. I made my first recording in an hour. Very easy to use basic settings to do recording. Punching in looks laborious. Very easy to edit tracks (copy, delete), bounce tracks to 2 stereo tracks, make WAV files, and export to laptop. I am still amazed at how easy it is to use, even though it is feature-packed (for a $400 recorder).
Quality:
Seems solid and reasonably heavy. All the knobs and faders are tight and work well. TS connections are tight - the XLR inputs seem to be not as tight but work very well. No complaints except for the buzz mentioned above (now fixed).
Value:
Lots of features and quality for the price. I set up my studio with this recorder, two SM81 mics, one SM57, one Rode NT-1a, KRK RP6 monitors, 4 mic stands, Yamaha RH5MA and Sennheiser HD280 headphones, and ART Tube MP Project preamp, for around $2500 and I am very pleased thus far. Looking to now expand my mic collection and hunting for the magical preamp.
Manufacturer Support:
Great support thus far. Knowledgeable tech folks have answered my two email questions promptly, and service folks handled my one return for repair very professionally.
The Wow Factor:
Not all that sexy but it works well so I don't care about the looks. Its high appeal is purely for the VALUE of it - very high bang for the buck (features/quality for the price). Lowest price of any recorder in its class.
Overall:
I will probably use this for 5 years and move on up. It is just fine as recorder for now and I would rather save my $ for microphones and a preamp. I would probably get a Roland 2480 next but that is a long way off and quite pricey. I thought about going with an audio interface and computer, but I need portability and the Fostex multitracker seems to fit the bill.
Style of Music: old time fiddle tunes on guitar, fingerpicking, song-writing
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Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
