Fostex Fr2 Memory Recorder Owners Manual

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
This manual is described according to the following conventions.
1. The following abbreviations are sometimes used.

CompactFlash card -> CFC
Flash ATA Card -> ATA
Sampling frequency -> FS
Realtime clock -> RTC
Personal computer -> PC
 2. The names of keys, switches and connectors of the FR-2 used in this manual
match their labels on the panel.
 
Playback key -> the [PLAY] key
Sampling frequency select switch -> the [FS (kHz)] switch
Analog input connectors -> the [ANALOG IN] connectors
3. The on-screen messages and switch position names are surrounded by  .
4. The on-screen messages and items, as well as the indicators on the panel,
light or flash.
5. Notes give a tip or advice for using the FR-2 powerfully and skillfully.
Chapter 7: Exporting audio files to a PC
This chapter describes how to copy recorded audio file data (WAV file) to a
PC hard disk and how to export data to a computer application software such
as the Digidesign Pro Tools.
Chapter 8: Specifications
This chapter describes mechanical and electrical specifications of the FR-2.
Manual conventions 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder
Memo 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 1: Product overview)
Chapter 1: Product overview
This chapter describes the product overview as well as main features/functions, etc. 
						

							14
FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 1: Product overview)
Overview
The Model FR-2 is a portable two-track field memory recorder for profes-
sional use, which records to CompactFlash cards or Flash ATA cards. You can
make high quality recording either in stereo or mono.
Designed specifically for location recording, the FR-2 is a portable and light-
weighted machine, offering simple and easy-to-use operation. You can oper-
ate the FR-2 on batteries or on the optional AC adaptor.
The FR-2 provides two types of USB ports, allowing PC and USB keyboard
connection. By making PC connection, you can easily transfer audio files
from the FR-2 to a PC and edit the files on it.
Main features
¥Two card slots are provided; one for TYPE II CompactFlash cards, the
other for Flash ATA cards. You can use either of these slots according
to the card used.
¥Two ways to supply the power to the unit; batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cd, or
Ni-HM batteries) and the optional AC adaptor (Model AD12-1300).
¥Supports the FAT32 file system. The Broadcast Wave File (BWF)
recording file format (interleave 1 file mode) is used, which enables
exporting files to a DAW such as Pro Tools.
¥Supports a variety of sampling frequencies/quantization bits.
24-bit at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz.
16-bit at 22.056 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.
¥The Pre Record function, a useful feature for location recording,
enables FR-2 to constantly store up to approximately 20 seconds of
audio to the internal buffer. When you start recording, the previous
data is first delivered from the buffer (you can edit the time length of
audio stored in the buffer using the Setup menu in the MENU mode).
¥Provides the input selector, trim control, high-pass filter and limiter
for each of left and right channels independently.
¥128 x 64 highly visible, low power consumption, backlit dot matrix
LCD display shows various information.
¥USB port for PC connection. By connecting a PC directly, you can
transfer audio files (WAV files) between the FR-2 and the PC.
¥USB port for keyboard connection. By connecting a USB keyboard, you
can make some of setting or editing operations from the keyboard,
instead of operations using the FR-2 panel keys.
(Note that operations which you can make from a keyboard are
limited.)
¥You can set a marker (cue point) at a desired point during recording
(up to 99 cue points can be set per file).
You can locate or skip to a desired cue point quickly. 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 1: Product overview)
FR-2
Carring belt
Operation manual (this manual)1
1
1
The following FR-2 options and related products are available.
Apply to your local Fostex dealer or sale office for further details (prices,
specifications, etc). you can also get information from the Fostex web site by
accessing to the following URL.
http://www.fostex.co.jp
Options
¥External power supply unit (AC adaptor): AD12-1300
The following related products are also available from Fostex.
Related products
¥DVD digital master recorder: DV40
¥DVD location recorder: PD-6
¥DAT digital master recorder: D-15
¥Personal powered monitor: 6301B/BX
¥Stereo headphones: T20RP MkII/T-5/T-7/T40RP MkII/T50RP ¥The reference input level is fixed to -20 dB. The headroom margin of
the line input is +24 dB, while that of the mic input is +40 dB.
¥By installing the optional TC/SYNC card (available soon), you can stripe
the IEC timecode.
¥The error tone can be generated to warn you when the analog input
amplifier clips due to over level, when the battery voltage drops down
to the specific level, or when the remaining recording time of the
memory card gets short (you have to set the associated menu item
appropriately).
What is in the box
Make sure that the box contains the following. If any of them are missing,
please contact your Fostex dealer.

No power supply (batteries or the AC adaptor) for operating the FR-2 is supplied.
To operate the unit on batteries, use alkaline, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH batteries .
To operate the unit on AC adaptor, use the optional Fostex AC adaptor (Model
AD12-1300).
FR-2 options and related Fostex products 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 1: Product overview)
Memo 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2)
Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2

This chapter describes details about power supply for operating the unit and memory cards for
recording. Please read this chapter thoroughly before using the unit so that you can supply the
power to the unit properly, as well as make recording smoothly. Especially, never miss to read the
description of how to format a memory card.

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 memory card ......................................................................................25
Removing a memory card ....................................................................................27
Initial format of a memory card ......................................................................................28 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2)
Batteries are not supplied with the FR-2, therefore, if you wish to operate the FR-2 on
batteries, purchase appropriate batteries.

* Use alkaline, Ni-Cd, or Ni-HM batteries. Do not use manganese batteries.
* Use new batteries (or fully charged batteries) when replacing batteries.
* Do not mix old and new batteries together.
* Use the same type of batteries in the FR-2 at one time.
* Do not use leaked batteries.

* The FR-2 does not provide battery charging facility. To charge rechargeable Ni-Cd or
Ni- HM batteries, use an appropriate battery charger for the battery type and follow the
instructions of the charger to fully charge batteries.
About power supply
The FR-2 is powered either by eight AA-type batteries (alkaline, Ni-HM or Ni-Cd) or by
the AC adaptor (Fostex Model AD12-1300, optional).
Ask your local Fostex dealer or sales office for purchasing the optional AC adaptor.
: Make sure that the FR-2 power switch is set to OFF when changing batteries or
when disconnect the AC adaptor from the unit. The unit continuously accesses data when
the power is on, so the memory contents may be reset by the sudden power interruption.
Operating on batteries
¥ Inserting batteries

After inserting (or replacing) batteries and turning on the FR-2, be sure to select the battery
type (Ni-HM, Ni-Cd or Alkaline) to match the batteries inserted using the Battery Type
menu item on the Setup menu in the MENU mode. If the batteries in the battery compart-
ment do not match the battery type setting, the error tone function, etc. may not work
correctly because of the voltage difference.
See page 87 for details about how to set the battery type.
1) Remove the compartment cover on the bottom panel of the FR-2.
Use a coin, etc. to loosen the screw and remove the compartment cover.
fixing screw 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2)
: Used batteries should be disposed following to your local regulations to
avoid problems of environmental pollution.
¥ Reducing the battery power consumption
For reducing battery power consumption to extend the battery life, when the
internal monitor speaker is disengaged (i.e. when a headphones plug is inserted to
the [PHONES] jack), no power is supplied to the internal amplifier which is used
for driving the internal speaker.
You can also reduce power consumption by the following tips.
¥The lower the input impedance of a device connected to the FR-2s output
connectors, the less battery power the FR-2 consumes.
¥The lower the output level of headphones or internal monitor speaker, the
less power consumption.
¥If you do not use the FR-2 for a long period of time, you should remove
batteries (when batteries are inserted, the FR-2 consumes little power even
though the [POWER] switch is set to OFF). 2)  Insert eight AA-type batteries.
Make sure that the batteries are the right way round (+ and -), as shown below.
3)  Fit the compartment cover as it was before.
Be sure to fasten the screw tightly so that the compartment cover never drops while using
the FR-2.
The chart below shows the expected battery life of continuous operation by type.
Note that it depends on the circumstance the FR-2 is used (temperature, humidity,
the number of recordings) and battery manufacturers, therefore, use the chart
just for your reference.
The FR-2 can indicate remaining battery life, as well as can generate the error tone
when the power voltage drops down to the specific level. When you use batteries
for operating the FR-2, you should also read About power voltage described on
page 21.
Ni-HM Alkaline
approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
(using 2300 mAh)approx. 1 hours 20 minutes
(using 2300 mAh)
: Wipe terminals of the battery compartment and batteries with a dry cloth
on occasion. If terminals are dirty, the voltage supplied to the unit may drop down. 
						

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FR-2 Field Memory Recorder (Chapter 2: Before using the FR-2)
Operating the FR-2 on the AC adaptor
: Use only the AD12-1300 for an AC adaptor. Using another AC adaptor may
damage the FR-2 due to the mismatch of the power voltage, polarity, etc.
When connect or disconnect the AC adaptor, make sure that the [POWER] switch is set to
OFF.
¥ Connecting the AC adaptor
While the [POWER] switch of the FR-2 is set to OFF, connect the AC adaptor to the
[DC IN] jack on the left side panel of the FR-2, and then to the AC main outlet.
Turning on the power
To operate the FR-2 on an AC adaptor, use the optional Fostex AD12-1300 AC
adaptor.
12VDC IN32 1
COLDGND
HOT
KEYBOARD PC ONLY
USB
ONLY
DIGITAL OUT INAD12-1300
AC outlet
POWER
[POWER] switch
: The [POWER] switch is of the Òmomentary typeÓ, therefore, when turning off the
power, you move it to the same direction as when turning on the power. To protect a
memory card and data, the FR-2 is designed to disable the [POWER] switch during re-
cording or playback so that you cannot turn off the power.
: Do not unplug the AC adaptor while the FR-2 is accessing a memory card (i.e.
during recording, playback, etc.). By turning off the power, recorded or dacording data
may be lost, as well as the memory card may be damaged.
By setting the [POWER] switch to ON after inserting batteries or connecting the
AC adaptor, the FR-2 starts up. If you turn on the power while no memory card is
inserted, the screen as shown below appears on the LCD display.
This screen is called ÒHome screenÓ. See ÒHome screenÓ on page 39 for details.
When the FR-2 normally starts up, the BATT indicator at the lower right of the
screen (pointed by the arrow above) fully lights up. This indicates the sufficient
power is supplied to the unit.