Fostex MR8 8-Track Digital Recorder with Built-In FX
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Records on Compact Flash Card. Simple and easy Interface.
Overview
Fostex has broken the digital recorder price barrier with their new MR8. It's the world first 8-track that records into solid-state, Compact Flash Card memory - and there's more! It's got a USB port for WAV file data transfer to a Windows PC for data editing, CD burning, and backup. And operating the MR8 is more intuitive than many other digital recorders - it's ideal for users who have no experience in digital multi-track recording.
Most of the functions appear on the top panel physically instead of page surfing on LCD. Need to make a change? You don't have to page through menus, just grab a knob! The LCD and self-illuminating keys show you the current status visually. The MR8 also provides built-in digital reverb and delay, 2 inputs (one XLR and one 1/4 in.), uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz recording quality, 2-track simultaneous recording (full 8-track playback), mastering effects, an optical S/PDIF output, and a built-in mic so you never lose those melodies that pop into your head in the middle of the night. The MR8 may be powered by 6 AA batteries or the included AC adapter. Now high-quality digital recording is more affordable than ever!
Features
8 tracks recording and playback
128MB Compact Flash included!
The world first 8-track recording into solid-state memory (Compact Flash Card)
Records to CompactFlash (CF)
Simple & Easy Interface
No menus to navigate
Knob/Button for each function
On-Board Effects
Reverbs
Delays
Guitar FX
Amp Simulator
Mic Simulator
Mastering… read more
USB Port
.WAV import/export
Archiving
CD Burning
2 XLR Mic Inputs
2 Guitar Inputs
S/PDIF Digital Output
Built-In Microphone for quick recording of ideas or events
Portable - Battery Operated
2 Headphone Jacks
The MR8's main applications include: songwriters, traveling musicians, beginning recording enthusiasts, and project studios. With just over 2 hours of battery time (6 AA), the MR8 offers an affordable portable field recorder solution where timecode is not needed. read less
Most of the functions appear on the top panel physically instead of page surfing on LCD. Need to make a change? You don't have to page through menus, just grab a knob! The LCD and self-illuminating keys show you the current status visually. The MR8 also provides built-in digital reverb and delay, 2 inputs (one XLR and one 1/4 in.), uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz recording quality, 2-track simultaneous recording (full 8-track playback), mastering effects, an optical S/PDIF output, and a built-in mic so you never lose those melodies that pop into your head in the middle of the night. The MR8 may be powered by 6 AA batteries or the included AC adapter. Now high-quality digital recording is more affordable than ever!
Features
8 tracks recording and playback
128MB Compact Flash included!
The world first 8-track recording into solid-state memory (Compact Flash Card)
Records to CompactFlash (CF)
Simple & Easy Interface
No menus to navigate
Knob/Button for each function
On-Board Effects
Reverbs
Delays
Guitar FX
Amp Simulator
Mic Simulator
Mastering… read more
USB Port
.WAV import/export
Archiving
CD Burning
2 XLR Mic Inputs
2 Guitar Inputs
S/PDIF Digital Output
Built-In Microphone for quick recording of ideas or events
Portable - Battery Operated
2 Headphone Jacks
The MR8's main applications include: songwriters, traveling musicians, beginning recording enthusiasts, and project studios. With just over 2 hours of battery time (6 AA), the MR8 offers an affordable portable field recorder solution where timecode is not needed. read less
Specs
Recording Medium: Compact Flash Card
Recording Format: VFAT (FAT16)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz/22.05 kHz
Quantization: 16-bit linear
A/D Converter: 16-bit Delta-Sigma
D/A Converter: 16-bit Delta-Sigma
Number of Recording Track: 8 tracks (maximum 2 tracks simultaneous recording)
Recording/Reproduction Frequency: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Normal Mode)
Analog In (2ch) Connector: XLR-3-31 type and f 6mm TRS phone
Input Level: -40dBV (MIC) - +10dBV (LINE)
Input Impedance: 1.5k ohm or more (XLR)
Stereo Out (L, R) Connector: f 6mm stereo phone
Load Impedance: More than 16 ohm
Output Level: 20mW or more (at 32 ohm)
MIDI Out: Connector DIN 5 pin
Foot Switch: Connector: f 6mm phone Level TTL level
USB Connector: B type (data save/load controlled from PC)
S/P DIF Connector: Optical
Format: IEC 60958 (S/PDIF) 44.1kHz only (Normal Mode)
Dimensions (H x D x W): 65 x 215 x 283 mm
Weight: Approximately 1.9 kg (1.6 kg, without AC adapter)
Power Supply: AC Adaptor AD12A (supplied accessory) or 6 x AA alkaline battery
Recording Format: VFAT (FAT16)
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz/22.05 kHz
Quantization: 16-bit linear
A/D Converter: 16-bit Delta-Sigma
D/A Converter: 16-bit Delta-Sigma
Number of Recording Track: 8 tracks (maximum 2 tracks simultaneous recording)
Recording/Reproduction Frequency: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Normal Mode)
Analog In (2ch) Connector: XLR-3-31 type and f 6mm TRS phone
Input Level: -40dBV (MIC) - +10dBV (LINE)
Input Impedance: 1.5k ohm or more (XLR)
Stereo Out (L, R) Connector: f 6mm stereo phone
Load Impedance: More than 16 ohm
Output Level: 20mW or more (at 32 ohm)
MIDI Out: Connector DIN 5 pin
Foot Switch: Connector: f 6mm phone Level TTL level
USB Connector: B type (data save/load controlled from PC)
S/P DIF Connector: Optical
Format: IEC 60958 (S/PDIF) 44.1kHz only (Normal Mode)
Dimensions (H x D x W): 65 x 215 x 283 mm
Weight: Approximately 1.9 kg (1.6 kg, without AC adapter)
Power Supply: AC Adaptor AD12A (supplied accessory) or 6 x AA alkaline battery
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(570 ratings)
Submitted November 16, 2004 by a customer from comcast.net
"Most Bang for Your Buck"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
In my opinion, this product is one that can grow with me as I grow musically. As I said before it all depends on how dedicated you are as far as adding professional equipment around it. It is definintely worth the mony and it is in a class all by itself as far as value. If it were lost or stolen I would replace it, except I probably will not have $300 again any time soon.
Sound
Simply put: you get out of it what you put into it. I'm tired of people bashing this machine's sound. Take it for what it is: a recorder. It is not a mixer, it is not a sampler, or anything else. It records. So if you don't like the effects, buy a mixer or something so that you can add effects before you record. When you look at the big recording studios, you don't see cheap mics,setups with no mixers,or Casio keyboards. The actual recorder is just a very small part of a professional setup. So I think that anybody who complains about the MR-8's sound is expecting too much. I have created some beautiful sounding things and I'm sure if I had professional equipment, i could get near-profeesional sounding results.
Features
The MR-8 may not have quite as many features as the "big boys," but I could not give it any lower than a 7 simply because of the price. In my humble opinion, it has more than enough features for a novice recorder such as myself.
Quality
This is a tough category for me to rate because… read more I don't take it on the road, nor have a had it long enough to have any major problems. But it seems to be built well and I don't expect to hae any problems with it.
Value
Here is where this baby shines: It is the most inexpensive (cheap is not a word that should be associated with this product) 8 track recorder on the market, and it gets the job done. Just look at my title to this review and it is pretty self-explanatory.
Manufacturer Support
Like my quality rating, this one is hard to judge because I have not had to use it (which is a good thing). But I can say that the website has a lot of info and FAQs for this product. The Fostex website also has compatible flash cards for all of you babies who keep whining that there isn't enough time on the included card.
The Wow Factor
I had to take two points away in this area because if you are anything like me, the allure of the more expensive brands will tempt you because you don't know wether a product at this price is woth buying. Another thing that I have heard people complain about is the color. I kinda like the red. It's better than plain black, white, or silver that a lot of other brands offer. Besides, I have seen websites that have black Fostex MR-8's if you don't like red or need something that will fit in with the rest of your setup.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist/occasional church pianist
Musical Style:
Gospel read less
Sound
Simply put: you get out of it what you put into it. I'm tired of people bashing this machine's sound. Take it for what it is: a recorder. It is not a mixer, it is not a sampler, or anything else. It records. So if you don't like the effects, buy a mixer or something so that you can add effects before you record. When you look at the big recording studios, you don't see cheap mics,setups with no mixers,or Casio keyboards. The actual recorder is just a very small part of a professional setup. So I think that anybody who complains about the MR-8's sound is expecting too much. I have created some beautiful sounding things and I'm sure if I had professional equipment, i could get near-profeesional sounding results.
Features
The MR-8 may not have quite as many features as the "big boys," but I could not give it any lower than a 7 simply because of the price. In my humble opinion, it has more than enough features for a novice recorder such as myself.
Quality
This is a tough category for me to rate because… read more I don't take it on the road, nor have a had it long enough to have any major problems. But it seems to be built well and I don't expect to hae any problems with it.
Value
Here is where this baby shines: It is the most inexpensive (cheap is not a word that should be associated with this product) 8 track recorder on the market, and it gets the job done. Just look at my title to this review and it is pretty self-explanatory.
Manufacturer Support
Like my quality rating, this one is hard to judge because I have not had to use it (which is a good thing). But I can say that the website has a lot of info and FAQs for this product. The Fostex website also has compatible flash cards for all of you babies who keep whining that there isn't enough time on the included card.
The Wow Factor
I had to take two points away in this area because if you are anything like me, the allure of the more expensive brands will tempt you because you don't know wether a product at this price is woth buying. Another thing that I have heard people complain about is the color. I kinda like the red. It's better than plain black, white, or silver that a lot of other brands offer. Besides, I have seen websites that have black Fostex MR-8's if you don't like red or need something that will fit in with the rest of your setup.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist/occasional church pianist
Musical Style:
Gospel read less
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