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Fostex MR16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder

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. Learn More...

    • New from $399.00
  • Installment Plan:4 payments of $99.75
    • free ground shipping
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

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.

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.

Desirability:
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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Sound:
I had read some reviews on having hum problems on your recordings with this unit, but I have not had any. The sound quality is good.

Ease of Use:
Just take time to read the manual and will be fine. This is my frist recorder, and I had a song recorded in a few hours.

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