Audio Design Reading: Audio IP Codecs, Masterclocks & Network Display Clocks

Fostex Products from ADR

Location Recorder - FR2LE Compact Flash RAM Location Recorder
[FX-FR2LE]

Price: £550.00 inc VAT

The Fostex FR-2LE - a compact audio recorder designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of professionals in the field.

The Fostex 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.

Fostex FR-2LE main features include

Records 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

Location Recorder - FR2 Compact Flash RAM Location Recorder
[FX-FR2]

Price: £1260.00 inc VAT

The new Fostex FR-2 has been designed specifically for location sound recording; high quality sound effects acquisition; TV & radio documentary; in fact any application where quality audio recording is required. With excellent quality (up to 24-bit / 192KHz recording - a first for a CF recorder), huge feature list and a cost-effective price point, the FR-2 offers users of portable DAT and other formats the opportunity to make the switch to a more flexible, higher quality audio acquisition machine without sacrificing features.

Features:

Recording industry standard, PC-compatible BWF files (stereo/mono) on a FAT32 media format
Up to 24-bit/192kHz uncompressed recording
Includes a unique 22.05kHz sampling frequency setting for extended recording
Records to both Type II CompactFlash™ cards and PCMCIA 1.8” hard disk drives*1
Fostex’s “File per Take” system with auto scene & take naming/increment
Two balanced XLR microphone inputs with switchable phantom power and top quality, high headroom mic pre-amps
132 x 64 dot matrix LCD screen for ease of use & high visibility in the field
Uses AA-sized rechargeable NiMH batteries which are widely available due to the popularity of digital cameras. 8 AA cells will provide approximately 2.5 hours operation when recording to a CF card
Easy file transfer to PC/Mac via PCMCIA, CF adaptor or standard on-board USB connection for data editing and/or backup*2
Quick and easy on-board file naming or via external keyboard through standard USB keyboard port
“Pre-record” loop buffer of approximately 10 seconds*3
Easy software update via CF or PCMCIA card with downloads from the internet
Optional timecode generator / reader card
Notes
*1 May require software update for PCMCIA HD operation
*2 Complies with Windows ME/2000/XP, Mac OS 10.2 or higher
*3 Varies depending on sampling frequency"

Fostex FM-4 - 4 Channel Portable Field Mixer
[FX FM4]

Price: £2100.00 inc VAT

OVERVIEW.

As a 4-channel portable audio mixer designed specifically for EFP, broadcast, on-location TV and film applications, you would expect exceptional audio performance with flexible output options and the FM-4 does not disappoint. Each of the 4 balanced XLR inputs can accept mic or line level inputs and features 12T and 48V Phantom power, an ultra-low noise pre-amp design with high quality custom transformers and switchable Hi Shelving EQ and Mid Sweep EQ. Metering is taken care of by an easy to read, highly visible organic LED display with high resolution metering offering both VU and peak level indication, battery level and selectable stereo and mono modes.

There are multiple output options including sub outputs, a Tape output and 2 x AUX outputs with channel select. The main outputs (x2) and sub outputs (x2) also double as 1-4ch Direct Out (post-fader). In addition, a dedicated monitor return input is available for referencing audio from VTR or Camera feeds.

With their low-noise circuitry, exceptional audio fidelity and unique feature sets the new Fostex Portable Mixers are not only more than suitable for all professional broadcast and film applications, they set a new benchmark for portable on-location mixing devices.

SPECIFICATION.

Inputs
INPUT 1 through INPUT 4: XLR-3-31 type (transformer balanced)
MIC input
Input impedance: 2 k Ohm or more
Nominal input level: -70 dBu to -30 dBu
Phantom Power: P48V or T12V (selectable)
LINE input
Input impedance: 10 k Ohm or more
Nominal input level: -20 dBu to +4 dBu
AUX IN: XLR-5-51 type (electronically balanced)
Input impedance: 20 k Ohm or more
Nominal input level: +4 dBu
RTN IN: Connector: ø3.5mm stereo mini-phone jack (unbalanced)
Input impedance: 10 k Ohm or more
Nominal input level: -10 dBV

Outputs
MAIN OUT (L, R) / DIRECT OUT (CH1-2): XLR-3-32 type (transformer balanced)
Applicable load impedance: 600 Ohm or more
Nominal output level: +4, 0, -10 or -60 dBu (FM-4) / +4, 0, -20 or -60 dBu (FM-3) (switchable)
FM-4 SUB OUT / DIRECT OUT (CH 3-4): XLR-5-52 type (electronically balanced)
FM-3 SUB OUT: XLR-5-52 type (electronically balanced)
Applicable load impedance: 10 k Ohm or more
Nominal output level: +4, 0, -20 or -60 dBu (switchable)
TAPE OUT: Connector: ø 3.5mm stereo mini-phone jack (unbalanced)
Applicable load impedance: 10 k Ohm or more
Nominal output level: -10 dBV
AUX OUT: Connector: ø3.5mm stereo mini-phone jack (unbalanced)
Applicable load impedance: 10 k Ohm or more
Nominal output level: -10 dBV or -60 dBV (switchable)
PHONES: Connectors : 1/4” stereo phone jack and ø3.5mm stereo mini-phone jack
Applicable load impedance: 8 Ohm or more
LIMITER:
Attack time: approx 5 msec. Release time: approx 200 msec.
Threshold level: +6, +9 or +12dBu (FM-4) / +6 or +12dBu (FM-3) output level
Ratio: 3:1 or 5:1 (level and ratio can be selected using the status mode)
DC IN: XLR-4-32 type (male). Input voltage: DC10V to DC 24V
DC OUT: Hirose 4 pin (female). Applicable plug: Hirose HR10A-7P-4P. DC7.2V - 24

Performance
Frequency response:
LINE IN - MAIN OUT: 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 1dB (reference level)
MIC IN - MAIN OUT: 40Hz to 20kHz +/- 1dB (reference level)
HEADPHONES (32 Ohm load, 25mW output power): 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 3dB
S/N ratio (A-weighted):
LINE (INPUT GAIN: +4 dBu): 80dB or better
MIC (INPUT GAIN: -70dBu: 55dB or better (equivalent input noise: -125 dBu)
Total harmonic distortion:
LINE: 0.1% or less at 1 kHz (Input Gain +4dBu)
MIC: 0.1% or less at 1kHz (Input Gain -70dBu)
Headphones residual noise: (PHONES level control at minimum)
-72 dBV or less (A-weighted)
Crosstalk: -70 dB or less at 1kHz
HPF: 40Hz to 200Hz, -12dB/oct. The cutoff frequency is continuously sweepable.
EQ: HI: 10kHz fixed, +/-12dB MID: 200-8kHz variable, +/-12dB

Physical
External dimensions: 274 (W) x 57 (H) x 180 (D) mm (Including protrusions)
Weight: Approximately 1.5kg (not including the internal batteries)

Internal batteries: Eight AA batteries (alkaline: 12V, nickel hydride: 9.6V)
Power requirement: DC7.2 to 12V
External power supply: Optional AC adaptor (AD15C / AD15-4300)