Fostex Fr2 Memory Recorder Owners Manual

							Model FR-2
8588 029 000
(390172)
OwnerÕs Manual
FIELD MEMORY RECORDER 
						

							FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
3
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or
as marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken
so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is
not defeated.
12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed
so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced
by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits  a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
18. The appliance should be situated away from drops of water or
spray of water.
19. Objects containing liquid such as vase must not be put on the
appliance.
20. The appliance is not completely isolated from the power supply
even if the power switch is at off position.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU
AU FOND.
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause
the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to
a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location
or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase
or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation
openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a
cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. 
						

							FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
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Table of contents
About this manual .........................................................................................................................................7
Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................7
Precautions on installation ..........................................................................................................................8
Brief guide to this manual ............................................................................................................................9
Manual organization .........................................................................................................................9
Manual conventions .......................................................................................................................10
Chapter 1: Product overview ..................................................................................13
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................14
Main features ...............................................................................................................................................14
What is in the box ........................................................................................................................................15
FR-2 options and related Fostex products ..............................................................................................15
Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2 .....................................................................17
About power supply ...................................................................................................................................18
Operating on batteries ....................................................................................................................18
Inserting batteries .................................................................................................................18
Reducing battery power consumption ..............................................................................19
Operating on AC adaptor ...............................................................................................................20
Connecting the AC adaptor .................................................................................................20
Turning on the power .....................................................................................................................20
About power supply voltage ..........................................................................................................21
Setting the display backlight/contrast .....................................................................................................22
Turning the backlight on or off .....................................................................................................22
Adjusting the display contrast ......................................................................................................22
About the realtime clock ............................................................................................................................23
About memory cards ..................................................................................................................................24
Inserting/removing a memory card .............................................................................................24
Inserting a card ......................................................................................................................25
Removing a card ....................................................................................................................27
Initial format of a memory card ..................................................................................................................29
Chapter 3: Names and functions ...........................................................................31
Front panel ...................................................................................................................................................32
Top panel ......................................................................................................................................................34
Left side panel .............................................................................................................................................37
Right side panel ...........................................................................................................................................37
Bottom panel ...............................................................................................................................................38
Details about screen ...................................................................................................................................39
Home screen .....................................................................................................................................39
When no memory card is set in the slot .............................................................................39 
						

							FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
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Chapter 4: Basic connections ................................................................................43
Audio input/output connection .................................................................................................................44
Analog audio input connection .....................................................................................................44
Digital audio input connection .....................................................................................................45
Analog audio output connection ..................................................................................................45
Digital audio output connection ...................................................................................................45
PC/Keyboard connection ..........................................................................................................................46
Connecting the FR-2 to a PC ...........................................................................................................46
Connecting the FR-2 to a USB keyboard .......................................................................................46
Chapter 5: Recording / playback ............................................................................47
About recording system ............................................................................................................................48
Recording analog audio .............................................................................................................................49
Selecting the input source ..............................................................................................................49
Adjusting the input gain .................................................................................................................49
Filter setting .....................................................................................................................................49
Limiter setting ..................................................................................................................................50
Selecting the sampling frequency/quantization bit length ......................................................50
Selecting the track mode ................................................................................................................51
Adjusting the recording level ........................................................................................................51
Monitoring recording signals ........................................................................................................52
Checking the remain for recording ..............................................................................................52
Making recording ............................................................................................................................53
Recording with PRE REC active ............................................................................................54
About overloading ................................................................................................................54
Recording digital audio ..............................................................................................................................55
Selecting the track mode ................................................................................................................55
Selecting the sampling frequency /bit length .............................................................................55
Setting cue points .......................................................................................................................................56
Setting a cue point on-the-fly ........................................................................................................56
Viewing cue point information .....................................................................................................57
Deleting a cue point in realtime ..................................................................................................57
Playback .......................................................................................................................................................58
Normal audio playback ..................................................................................................................58
Cueing playback ..............................................................................................................................58
Skip / locate functions ................................................................................................................................59
Skipping by file ................................................................................................................................59
Skipping by cue point .....................................................................................................................59
Locating to the beginning (ABS 0) of a file ...................................................................................59
Locating to the end (REC END) of a file .........................................................................................59
Locating to the desired cue point ..................................................................................................59 When a virgin memory card is set in the slot ....................................................................40
When a recorded memory card is set in the slot ..............................................................40
MENU mode screens .......................................................................................................................40
Warning messages ...........................................................................................................................41 
						

							FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
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Inputs / Outputs .........................................................................................................................................104
Recording / Playback ................................................................................................................................105
General .......................................................................................................................................................105
Physical dimensions ................................................................................................................................106
Chapter 7: Exporting audio files to a PC ...............................................................97
Connecting the FR-2 to a PC .....................................................................................................................98
Connecting the FR-2 to a PC ...........................................................................................................99
Exporting audio data to a computer application (example) ..................................................100
Chapter 8: Main specifications .............................................................................103
Menu mode outline .....................................................................................................................................62
Cue menu .....................................................................................................................................................63
Locating to a cue point (Locate) ....................................................................................................63
Renaming a cue point (Rename) ...................................................................................................64
Editing time data of a cue point (Edit) ..........................................................................................66
Deleting a cue point (Delete) .........................................................................................................67
File menu ......................................................................................................................................................68
Selecting an audio file to be played back (Select) .......................................................................68
Renaming an audio file (Rename) ................................................................................................69
Deleting an audio file (Delete) .......................................................................................................70
Audio file protection on/off (Protect) ..........................................................................................72
Restoring an audio file (Restore) ...................................................................................................73
Disk menu ....................................................................................................................................................72
Selecting the current drive (Select) ..............................................................................................72
Optimizing a memory card (Optimize) ......................................................................................75
Formatting a memory card (Format) ...........................................................................................76
Editing a volume label of a memory card (Volume Label) ........................................................77
Viewing information of a memory card (Disk Info.) ..................................................................79
Setup menu ...............................................................................................................................................80
Selecting default file name type (File Name Mode) ....................................................................81
Setting the default file name (Default File Name) ......................................................................82
Adjusting the real time clock (Adjust Real Time) .......................................................................85
Speaker mute function on/off (Speaker Mute) ..........................................................................86
Setting error tone output condition (Error Tone) ......................................................................87
Setting the peak hold time of the level meters (Peak Hold Time) ............................................88
Setting the time length stored in the buffer for Pre rec mode (Pre Rec Time) .......................89
Selecting the remain display mode (Remain Display) ...............................................................90
Setting the digital output signal format (Digi Out Type) ..........................................................91
Selecting the battery type (Battery) .............................................................................................92
Selecting the USB keyboard type (Keyboard) .............................................................................93
Checking the ROM version (Version) ...........................................................................................94
Initializing settings of the Setup menu (Init Setup) ....................................................................95
Chapter 6: MENU mode ...........................................................................................61 
						

							7
FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
About this manual
This manual covers all about how to use the Fostex FR-2 Field Memory Re-
corder.
Its explanations assume that you have basic knowledge and experience of
professional digital recording.
To understand the FR-2 features and learn how to use the FR-2 quickly and
roughly, we recommend reading Chapter 1: Introduction and Chapter 3:
Names and Functions.
Chapter 2 (Before using the FR-2) describes important basics about power
supply and memory cards. We recommend to read this chapter before using
the FR-2 first time.
Precautions
¥When supplying the power to the unit from the AC power outlet, only
use the Fostex Model AD12-1300 AC adaptor (note that the AD12-1300
is an option).
If you use any other AC adaptor, the unit may not work correctly and
there is a serious risk of damage to the unit.
¥Make sure that the voltage of your AC power outlet matches the
voltage requirements printed on the AC adaptor.
If you wish to use the unit in a country where the voltage of the AC
power outlet does not match your AC adaptor, ask your local Fostex
dealer or service station for purchasing an appropriate AC adaptor.
Note that the AC adaptor can be used both in 50 Hz and 60 Hz areas.
¥When operating the unit on batteries, use alkaline, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH
batteries. Rechargeable batteries should be fully charged.
¥When removing batteries or disconnecting the AC adaptor, make sure
that the unit [POWER] switch is set to OFF.
Removing batteries or disconnecting the AC adaptor while the power is
ON may damage data because the unit always transfers data between
the current card and memory.
¥While the unit is accessing a memory card (for example, during
recording), never turn off the power. Make sure that the unit
completely stops accessing the card before you turn off the power.
Otherwise, recorded data may be lost, as well as the memory card may
be damaged.
Note that Fostex assumes no responsibility on data loss or whatsoever
due to use of the unit.
¥Fostex is not responsible for any direct damage or indirect damage
caused by using the unit. 
						

							8
FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
MODEL FR-2
FIELD MEMORY RECORDER
FOSTEX CO.
INPUT: 12VDC
SERIAL NO.MADE IN CHINA
¥Do not let water or other liquid, or metal objects such as pins,
accidentally enter the inside of the unit (especially inside of the card
slots) because this may lead to electric shock or damage. Should water
enter the inside of the unit, turn off the power, unplug the AC adaptor
and remove batteries, and consult your dealer or the nearest FOSTEX
service station.
¥Do not drop the unit or give it a strong shock. The internal circuits,
display, panels may be damaged. Although the unit is designed to
operate outside, handle the unit with great care because it is a
precision machine.
¥To prevent possible electric shock and damage to the unit, do not
remove the cover or reach the inside of the unit.
¥When using the supplied carrying belt, to prevent the unit from
dropping accidentally, make sure that it is attached to the unit
correctly.
¥Do not give a strong shock to the LCD display. The liquid used inside
the LCD display is toxic. If the liquid is spilled, do not suck it in. If it is
stained to your hand or skin, wash immediately with plenty of water.

The model name, power requirement and
serial number of the unit are labeled on
the bottom panel.
Precautions on installation
¥ Do not install the unit in the following conditions.
¥in a extremely hot or cold place
¥in a moist place
¥in a shaky or unstable place
¥in a dusty place
¥in a strong magnetic field or near a device which generates a
magnetic field
¥in the direct sunshine
¥in the direct rain or water
¥ Notes on moisture condensation
When you bring the unit from a cold place to a warm place, moisture
may condense on the drive, display, panels, etc. In such a case, leave
the unit for a while until it warms up and evaporates any moisture. 
						

							9
FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
Brief guide to this manual
This manual is intended to be used as a guidebook for using the Fostex FR-2
Field Memory Recorder.
The manual is divided into Chapters. Each Chapter covers instructions for a
specific subject or feature of the FR-2 which you should know for using the
unit, as well as safety instructions, precautions, etc. Please retain this manual
at hand so that you can read it whenever necessary.

The following shows a brief introduction of each chapter, though you may
know the contents of each chapter from the Table of Contents.
Chapter 1: Product overviw
This chapter describes the brief introduction of the FR-2, as well as main
features.
Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2
This chapter describes some notes on the power supply, as well as memory
cards including the initial format.
Read this chapter before using the FR-2 for the first time.
Chapter 3: Names of Functions
This chapter describes names and functions of keys and controls on the
front and top panels, as well as those of connectors on the left and right side
panels.
If you are familiar with digital equipment, you may roughly understand the
FR-2 functions
by looking through this chapter.
Chapter 4: Basic connection
This chapter describes basic connection between the FR-2 and external de-
vices. It includes details about how to connect analog and digital audio sig-
nals, as well as how to connect a PC and a USB keyboard to the unit via USB
connectors.
Chapter 5: Recording/playback
This chapter describes analog and digital audio recording/playback using
the FR-2.
Descriptions for storing cue points, as well as the skip and locate functions,
are also included. 
						

							10
FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
LocateUsed to locate to a desired cue point directly.
RenameUsed to rename a cue point.
EditUsed to edit a cue point.
DeleteUsed to delete a cue point.
1) Cue menu (including menu items regarding cue points)
SelectUsed to select a file for playback.
RenameUsed to rename a file.
DeleteUsed to delete a file.
ProtectUsed to select file protection on/off setting.
2) File menu (including menu items regarding audio files)
RestoreUsed to restore a deleted file.
SelectUsed to select the current drive.
OptimizeUsed to optimize a memory card.
FormatUsed to format a memory card.
Volume LabelUsed to edit a volume label of a memory card.
3) Disk menu (including menu items regarding a memory card)
Disk Info. Shows the current memory card information.
File Name ModeUsed to select the file name mode.
Default Scene NameUsed to set the default scene name and take number for a file name.
Adjust Real Time ClockUsed to adjust the real time clock.
Speaker MuteUsed to select speaker mute function on/off setting.
4) Setup menu (including menu items for FR-2 preferences, etc.)
Error ToneUsed to set the error tone output condition.
Peak Hold TimeUsed to set the peak hold time of the level meters.
Pre Rec TimeUsed to set the time length of audio stored in the buffer when the
Pre rec mode is set to ON.
Remain DisplayUsed to select the remaining display readout.
Digi Out TypeUsed to select the digital output signal format.
BatteryUsed to select the battery type.
KeyboardUsed to select the USB keyboard type.
5) USB mode menu (enables PC connection for file transfer)
VersionShows the current ROM version.
Init SetupUsed to initialize all Setup menu item settings to the default (when
the unit is shipped).
Chapter 6: MENU mode
This chapter describes details about each menu items on each menu in the
MENU mode.
Five menus are available in the MENU mode. Each menu includes various
menu items as shown below. (Note that menu items may change when the
FR-2 is upgraded.)