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Interestingly enough, I received a few emails this morning in reference to my prior post, and portables in general. I stressed that I am looking forward to some sort of high quality CF recorder to surface with excellent quality preamps, small form factor, BWF file compatibility, USB connectivity, XLR inputs, etc, that surpasses all recorders currently available. The Fostex FR-2 LE portable will warrant serious consideration. Available sometime in December, the FR-2 LE will record to standard CF Media as well as Micro Drive cards. Audio Specs include: Two combo XLR — 1/4″ inputs, 24bit/96kHz resolution, phantom power, pre-record buffer, and BWF compatibility. In case you are wondering – BWF is a Broadcast Wav file. They contain an extra data chunk in the header that is used to implement proprietary metadata … more to follow. Check out the hi-res image. $499 US.

Update- Additional specs include: USB 2.0, Coaxial RCA, ALC Limiter, Wired Remote [supplied], and operates on a Ni-MH battery.

-ptfigg.

Available in October, the new Samson H4 portable will be an interesting addition to the sub $500 group of recorders that may be of interest to Broadcasters and Podcasters. The recorder has two combo pro-inputs [XLR - 1/4"] with phantom power, and dual internal condenser microphones. Recording specs: 24bit/96kHz uncompressed digital audio, or record direct to MP3 with bitrates up to 320kbps. The player uses SD memory cards for storage, offers USB connectivity, and runs on two AA batteries. A final note: The H4 can be used as a 4 track audio interface to record 16bit/44.1 kHz digital audio when linked to a computer via USB. Check out the high-res image. $300 US.

-ptfigg.

Have you ever wondered how to expand the basic Mix-Minus Bus configuration for Digital Hybrid implementation into a Dual-Hybrid variation? This system provides the option of recording two incoming calls on independent tracks. The ‘Host’ and ‘Guest’ can converse freely, and I essentially sit back, monitor levels, and provide support if necessary. This is an interesting lesson in signal routing and configuration.-ptfigg.

The Mackie Onyx Satellite is unique and innovative design concept. The removable Satellite ‘Pod’ has two Onyx Preamps, Stereo Control Room output, and dual Headphone jacks with independent volume controls.

The Base Station remains in your studio with all necessary connections in tact. In the ‘docked’ configuration, additional I/O capabilities are available, including eight inputs [selectable], six 1/4″ balanced outputs, inserts, sends/returns, and a built in Talk-back microphone. The outputs can be used for six-channel surround sound mixing

The Satellite Pod and the Base Station can be powered directly from the firewire bus using a six pin FW connector, or from a 12V DC power supply included in the box. $399 US.Audio Spec: [Professional-grade AKM 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converter]

-ptfigg.