Way back when, I wrote about the Fostex MR-8. It had great specs (uncompressed .wav recording, XLR inputs, 8 channels, runs of 6xAA batteries). However, as I said at the time, it doesn't have phantom power, and "it's possibly the ugliest, reddest, cheapest-looking piece of music gear I've ever seen". Today, Cam wrote to me to let me know about the Fostex MR-8 Mk II. It now has full 48v phantom power, better A/D converters, better software, and is no longer red. But it's still $249. Result! For $150 more, there's also the MR-8 HD, with a built-in 40gb hard drive which is white. Double result! (Thanks Cam)
6/04/2006
8-track portable recording with phantom power: $250
Way back when, I wrote about the Fostex MR-8. It had great specs (uncompressed .wav recording, XLR inputs, 8 channels, runs of 6xAA batteries). However, as I said at the time, it doesn't have phantom power, and "it's possibly the ugliest, reddest, cheapest-looking piece of music gear I've ever seen". Today, Cam wrote to me to let me know about the Fostex MR-8 Mk II. It now has full 48v phantom power, better A/D converters, better software, and is no longer red. But it's still $249. Result! For $150 more, there's also the MR-8 HD, with a built-in 40gb hard drive which is white. Double result! (Thanks Cam)
my favorite line from the ad sheet:
ReplyDelete128 x 64 dot LCD with comprehensive indication
awesome!
Just a minor note, the MR-8HD model is silver, not white. I have been using one since last year and it works great!
ReplyDeletestill only two tracks simultaneous recording? Drag.
ReplyDeleteI have the older version (in black, thankfully) and it does its job, if without frills.
I also have the older (black HD) model and love it greatly for ease of use. i write most of my ideas on acoustic guitar and it is fantastically easy to use but beware cos its realistically stilll only a 6 track recorder for practical purpose.
ReplyDeleteI use my HD for podcasting and the only way to insure a clean signal is avoid the noisy amps/phantom power of the unit and purchase an external preamp, unless of course you like to sound like a ham operator is strattling your head.
ReplyDeleteI suggest swapping out the 20gig drive for a 100gig+ and buying this unit for a clean sound (don't worry about the unbalanced outs, makes no difference on such a short run to the HD)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--STOPR4
-jtrauer