Fostex MR-8 Multi Tracker

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:57 pm

I have seen these inexpensive multi track Fostex recorders that use Compact Flash for memory and transfer the 8 track digital recordings to your PC for burning a CD using a USB connection. They have been out on the market for a couple of years.

Are these Compact Flash memory cards very practical ?? Do they run out of memory too quickly ?

Have many Forum-ites used these Fostex MR-8 devices and what are the pros and cons, for someone looking to get some inexpensive home-recording equipment ? Are other manufacturers making similar or better products like this ? Would appreciate any wisdom from the Forum members who may have used these units.

shinynewtoy · Post by **shinynewtoy** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:31 pm

I had one... I personally don't highly recommend it. Not at all straightforward to use... it makes ProTools look like a toaster oven in terms of simplicity. The pres suck, you'll spend alot of time clearing off CF cards (you can buy a big one... but for a big percentage of the cost of the recorder)... IMO go with a nice FireWire interface and use your computer. You can start off small, MUCH more memory and as your recording needs grow, you'll be able to upgrade.

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 3:15 pm

A good friend of mine has the Marantz CF recorder that he uses to record orchestras and various chamber misic performances with great results. These air on NPR and PBS through WOSU

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:52 am

Bob & Jeff thanks for your input on these CF memory card recorders. Regards Rich F

revolver · Post by **revolver** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:53 pm

I owned a Fostex VF16 hard disk recorder for a couple years. These machines are very portable, some are quite intuitive for anyone who had ever used a 4 track cassette machine.

For the price I would highly recommend getting into the game using computer software. Assuming your computer is fast enough.

For under $500 you can get a two input Digidesign MBox. It comes with loads of plug ins and extra software these days.

I'm using an older Digi 001 on a 466mHz G4 with 512MB ram. My computer only starts to get sluggish when I have 24 tracks of audio with several plugins going. Easy to work around.

I don't think the learning curve for simple recording and playback is much worse than a portable machine. It's the flexibility which is great. Once you get into editting, time compression etc. Plus you're on the same platform as the pros. You can take your Pro Tools into virtually any studio and it's compatible.

I spent $2000 on my VF16 and sold it for $500. I should never have bought it. Go computer. Just my two cents.

notviceversa · Post by **notviceversa** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:28 pm

I used to work for Fostex. Almost 7 years. I was the Parts Manager, and I also did repairs. I did shipping for them from time to time too.

notviceversa · Post by **notviceversa** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 8:24 pm

You guys can keep posting. I don't care. I work for RIC now. But I, personally, do have to tread lightly about what I say about Fostex.

As for the MR-8's, the first batch went out with 128 MB compact flash cards. Which was just enough space to record about 5 minutes of 8 track recording. Then they started shipping them with the 512 MB compact flash cards, which doubled the time. At this time the price of compact flash cards were dropping rapidly. When the MR-8's first came out, a 1 Gig CF card cost twice the amount of the unit. About 6 months in you could get 1 gig CF cards for around $150. Now you can get 1 gig CF cards for as low as $20. I just noticed on the Fostex website that the MR-8's include a 128 CF card. So, I don't really know for sure now, but obviously they noticed the problem with CF cards and now have the MR-8 HD. Personally I think they ship the MR-8's out with same cards because the market prices are constantly changing. So it would just be easier for the consumer to buy the size CF card they think they needed.

I haven't been at Fostex since May 2005. So I don't know how much has changed. Soooooo, don't quote me on anything.

qmoder · Post by **qmoder** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 7:46 am

Richard do you know anything about the Fostex eight and sixteen track models with the build in CD burner? They are looking attractive to me. I don't wanna move any thing big out to the band room.

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:39 am

Just a recording novice question here....

If I were starting from scratch and wanted a portable recorder, I might think about getting a laptop with a "virtual studio" of some sort and a multiple-port recording interface. Would that be a better way to go intead of a larger/heavier multi-track recorder?