I am seriously looking into purchasing something for recording purposes but I don't want to break the bank.  I've been looking around at these Fostex digital recorders and was wondering if anyone has any experience with these?  Opinions?

http://www.fostex.com/index.php?file=products/digital/mr8

Thanks

I have one, in addition to some computer based recording equipment.  The computer based stuff was so hard to get the latency issues dealt with that I bought the Fostex.  It isn't the most capable hard disk recorder, but for small recording projects it works great.  I usually make soundclips for customers, and lay down a couple of tracks when I get an idea for a song, and it does great for these types of recordings.  It has more capability than I am using, and does have good sound quality.  My biggest weakness is that my recording setup is in a room with a computer and my microphone picks up the sound of the computer fan, as well as any other ambient noise.  It is amazing how quiet a room can sound until you put on the headphones and activate your mic's.  I recommend it for anyone looking for a relatively easy unit to work with, at an affordable price.  It is actually pretty simple to mix down to a wav file and import to your computer also.  You could use it as an input device for PC recording software as well.  If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to call or email.  J

PS - You'll need to get a bigger CF Card right away.  The one that comes with it is very small.  J

No experience with it, but I think there's now one with an internal 40GB hard drive.

I did a coin toss on asking for this for Christmas or the Zoom PS4. The PS4 won, I don't have any direct feedback though, and if it isn't under the tree I'll have to redecide and just buy one or the other.

Andy

Quote from: Fergy07 on November 17, 2005, 10:55:54 AM
I did a coin toss on asking for this for Christmas or the Zoom PS4. The PS4 won, I don't have any direct feedback though, and if it isn't under the tree I'll have to redecide and just buy one or the other.

Andy

If you find it isn't under the tree, I have an MR-8 that has been scarcely used.  Send me a PM if turns out your interested.  I was gonna put it on ebay but I'm not in dire need of the money and figured the christmas season might not be the best time to try and sell it there.

Denis the above thread kind of relates to this...  If you by chance already have a decent computer from the last two, three years, you could just pick yourself up an M-box or Firebox or m-audio whatever and record to your computer.  All these boxes start at about$150 and they usually come with software for recording.  In terms of quality, you probalby will get something close to whatever is in the fostex in terms of preamps and converters.  Plus, there is no comparison to being able to arrange your stuff on the screen.  Just my plug for going the computer route, once you are spending money.  I had the Boss Br-8 and it was fine but it picked up a ton of noise from its own drive, so go figure.  The zoom is a good buy, but don't expect studio sound.  There is a whole forum for the zoom thang. Google it.

Quote from: bluestrain on November 27, 2005, 11:06:27 PM
Denis the above thread kind of relates to this...  If you by chance already have a decent computer from the last two, three years, you could just pick yourself up an M-box or Firebox or m-audio whatever and record to your computer.  All these boxes start at about$150 and they usually come with software for recording.  In terms of quality, you probalby will get something close to whatever is in the fostex in terms of preamps and converters.  Plus, there is no comparison to being able to arrange your stuff on the screen.  Just my plug for going the computer route, once you are spending money.  I had the Boss Br-8 and it was fine but it picked up a ton of noise from its own drive, so go figure.  The zoom is a good buy, but don't expect studio sound.  There is a whole forum for the zoom thang. Google it.

Thanks bluestrain but in looking into the Fostex, I discovered the Tascam DP-01FX 8 track which has a 40gb hard drive and built in reverb and effects.  I got one from a reputable Ebay dealer for $345.  It's so easy to use, just like the cassette 4-tracks of days gone by.  It has phantom powered XLR inputs for use with condenser mics and a USB out, very very cool.