More recording power for less money with a compact footprint.
Ever since they pioneered the first 8-track recorder that could use 1/4" tape (without the expected crosstalk), Fostex has found new ways to give you more in less space and for less money.
The MR16 digital recorder gives you 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-track playback, plus the ability to bounce 16 tracks to a new song file, so you get your full 16 tracks at mixdown. A built-in 40GB hard drive gives you up to 8 hours of recording (16-track).
The Fostex MR16 also provides 4 x analog inputs (mic/line) with phantom power, one of which features built-in analog distortion, amp simulation, and mic simulation, for guitar. Input EQ for sound-shaping is also available. Input signals can be assigned to the stereo buss to output through the monitor and stereo output along with playback audio.
On the output side, the MR16 recorder offers 2 x aux output so you can use outboard signal processors, S/PDIF digital out (optical) for digital dubbing to MD/DAT recorder, and a MIDI output to send MTC or MIDI Clock to an external sequencer or recorder.
You also get built-in digital effects including reverb and delay, plus dedicated mastering effects (3 presets) on a stereo bus (good for track bouncing or stereo mixing). The Fostex MR16 also features powerful editing functions including Copy/Paste, Move, Import, Exchange, Erase, etc of selected tracks or part.
A USB 1.1 host port lets you to connect an external CD-R for creating audio CDs and a USB 2.0 port gives you high-speed transfer to a PC, plus easy file conversion of audio data on Track 15-16 to stereo WAV file. Used with the bounce function, this provides a convenient way to create audio CDs on PC, or music files for a portable player.
Fostex MR-16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder Features:
Recording on built-in 40 GB HD offering 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-rack playback. Approx. 8 hours recording (16-track)
4 x analog inputs (mic line level) offer phantom power for use of condenser microphone. 1 Input among them accepts Guitar, etc. with built-in analog distortion, amp simulation or mic simulation. Input EQ is also available for various sound designs.
Input signals can be assigned to stereo buss to output through Monitor and Stereo Out together with playback audio.
2 x Aux Out
Built-in Digital Effects (3 x reverb / 1 x delay) on 1 4 tracks. Dedicated Mastering Effects (3 Presets) on Stereo Buss good for track bounce or stereo mixing.
In addition to track bouncing inside a Song file, track bouncing / mixing of recorded 16 tracks to a new Song file.
Easy file conversion of audio data on Track 15-16 to stereo WAV file. Together with bounce function, convenient for creating audio CD on PC or music file for portable audio player.
Editing function such as Copy/Paste, Move, Import, Exchange, Erase, etc of selected tracks or part.
USB 2.0 port for high speed file transfer to PC.
USB Host port (USB1.1) to connect an external CD-R for creating audio CD.
S/P DIF Digital Out (optical) for digital dubbing to MD/DAT recorder
MIDI output to send MTC or MIDI Clock to an external sequencer or recorder
Get professional features and quality uncompressed digital sound at an amazingly low price. Your finished CD is just a click away.
Fostex MR-16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder Specifications:
Recording/reproduction
Recording Medium: 3.5 inch, hard disk (E-IDE type)
Recording Time: Approx. 472 minutes (16-track on 40GB)
Recording Format: FAT32
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
Quantization: 16-bit linear (non-compression)
A/D Converter: 24-bit Delta-Sigma
D/A Converter: 24-bit Delta-Sigma
No. of Recording Track: 16 tracks maximum
No. of Simultaneous Rec: 4 tracks
Recording/Reproduction Frequency 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Dynamic Range: 89dB or more (typical)
T.H.D.: 0.06% or less (typical)
Inputs/outputs
Analog In (4ch)
Connector: XLR-3-31 type (Pin2:hot) and › 6mm TRS phone
Input Level: -48dBV (MIC) - +4dBV (LINE)
Input Impedance: 1.5k ohm or more (MIC/BAL, 400k ohm or more
(GUITAR/UNBAL)
Phantom Power: P48V
Insert (Input A)
Connector: › 6mm TRS Phone
Output Level: -10dBV
Load Impedance: 10k ohm or more
Input Level: -10dBV
Input Impedance: 10k ohm or more
AUX Out
Connector: › 6mm stereo phone
Output Level: -10dBV
Load Impedance: 10k ohm or more
Stereo Out (L, R)
Connector: › 6mm stereo phone
Output Level: -10dBV
Load Impedance: 10k ohm or more
Headphones
Connector: 2 x › 6mm stereo phone
Max. Output: 50mW or more (@32 ohm)
Load Impedance: 16 ohm or more
MIDI Out
Connector: DIN 5 pin
Format: MIDI Standard
Foot Switch
Connector: › 6mm phone
Level: TTL level
Digital Out
Connector: Optical
Format: IEC 60958 (S/P DIF) 44.1kHz
USB (USB2.0 Hi-Speed)
Connector: B type (data save/load controlled from PC)
USB HOST (USB 1.1)
Connector: A type (external CD recorder)
General
Dimensions: (W x D x H): 19 in x 15 x 6.3 in, (400 mm x 264 mm x 85 mm)
I've had this unit for about 4 months and recorded several songs on it. Overall the unit was easy to use and I was pleased with the sound quality. I took immaculate care of this unit and even bought the special case for it. Then while I was working on a song the unit freezes up and wouldn't work again. All this after only 4 months of use not too mention all the work I put into the materal stored on the HD. I was very disappointed. Fostex isn't known for quality.
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Tons of fun!
Posted by french foreign minister from georgia on Aug 9, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: drummer for active band, acoutic guitar duo
Reviewer's Play Style: rock, country, toto
This is my first multi-track recorder and I have had a blast with it. I have had it since January 09, and have used it quite a bit (recorded 17 ditties so far). It came down to this and the tascam and I chose this one.
Reasons for choice:
-4 inputs instead of 2. With my acoustic duo buddy, can record rough demo tracks of both of us playing and singing at once, though haven't done that. Also, can use more than 2 mics for recording drums without using a separate mixer, though again haven't done that.
-16 channels rather than 8 means you never even worry about running out or having to bounce and therefore lose adjustment capability.
-great price (I caught it at 350) since I didn't want the burner. Have seen many reviews that indicate everybody's burners tend to fail. It is a breeze to transfer to a pc.
-It does have some eq control but limited to preset settings. Not able to see what those settings are, just things like warm vocal, bright vocal, ac guitar, etc. The 8 channel fostex don't have any eq capability
-top inputs are sooooo much easier rather than having to spin the thing around every time you change inputs as you would with the tascam.
Things I wish it had:
-better eq capability, even just low/mid/high like my mixer
-non-plasticky construction, but then again it's basically made to sit on a desk in a room so why does it need to be built like a hummer. The tascam is sturdier though with more metal and better feeling controls.
-more effects (only has hall, plate, delay, and room)
All in all I have been very pleased with this purchase. It is easy to use, and I haven't had any problems with it freezing. The 40gig hard drive holds tons of tracks, as I haven't even begun to worry about what to delete. The top inputs and the 4 at once capability are the key reasons I still think this is the one to go with. What a blast!!!
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
GREAT unit for Home Recording!
Posted by GM from Georgia on Jul 5, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active musician (Drums, Piano, Guitar)
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Classic Rock, Folk
I just bought the Fostex MR16, it shipped in about a week ago. To be honest, I had no idea about multi-track recorders or how to use them. I'm 19 years old, and I've never recorded anything on my own, and I didn't have any studio equipment before I bought the MR16. This is the PERFECT unit to buy if you're in my situation. My goal is to record all of my songs, tracking guitars, drums, and vocals and complete my first album.
The learning curve almost doesn't exist with this recorder. A quick glance at the manual and you'll be tracking songs in minutes (It is best to thoroughly review it though, just to know how to do everything).
I've been able to record 4 or 5 songs already, it really couldn't be easier. Also, this unit is pretty much one stop shopping. I haven't tried too much editing, mixing, or mastering yet, but this unit is capable of all of those; however, if you are looking for a wide variety of built-in effects, you may be disappointed. The MR16 does have 33 different EQ presets, but as far as general effects, it is very basic. (Room, Hall, Plate, and Delay effects...that's pretty much it.)
One of my biggest concerns was my budget, and I didn't know if I should buy a mixer, compressor, etc. Honestly, I still have no idea what exactly a mixer or compressor is, much less how to use one. That is why I'm stressing that this unit can be used effectively by complete beginners.
Here is a quick checklist of things you will need if you are setting up a home studio, maybe it will help, because I could've used some tips when I was shopping around:
-Studio monitors (important to hear inconsistencies/flaws in your tracks...try not to go too cheap on these, it's important. ALSO, make sure you know what kind of monitors you need, like Powered or Unpowered. Make sure you get monitors that your chosen recorder works with).
-Microphones (Drum mics, vocal mics, and instrument mics for any instrument you can't 'plug-in')
-Microphone cables/TRS cables (Almost all recorders DO NOT include any cables other than the power cord.)
-Headphones (You can use regular headphones you may have lying around the house, but the jacks are all TRS jacks for recording stuff, so you will need a TRS adapter for regular headphones (they cost like $2 or $3, or just buy some studio headphones that have TRS tips)
Those are the basics, but I can't stress enough, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING. It takes some time, but look through the specifications of all of the items you want to buy. Make sure everything is compataible, that is very important. Also, if you want to upload your music to your computer to edit it, then you can go with a recorder with a hard disk that can transfer via USB or other formats. (Make sure your computer is compatible with whatever the format is).
Or, if you want to do it all on your recorder, then look at the recorders with built-in CD burners. I almost purchased the MR16HD with the CD burner, but in the end, I decided to go with this one so I could save some money.
Do a lot of research before you commit to something though, it will pay off in the end, and it might save you a ton of money. Don't be afraid to ask questions about this stuff either, it's confusing!
If you would like to ask me any questions about my recording set up or suggestions on what to buy, then feel free to email me, I would be happy to answer anything for you. I'm just happy to be able to help someone who may know even less than I do about recording!
Overall, GREAT unit for the price. Very decent sound quality as well, I was surprised.
-GM
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
Great recorder for someone with limited knowledge!
Posted by Jamez from Chicago, Il on Jun 19, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: rock/metal
I bought this machine about 3 months ago, just to tinker around with it and I must say I was impressed.
While I really wasn't exspecting much due to the price, I was really surprised on the quality this little thing. The sound is just as good as any demo I've recorded with my band if not a little better. The only negative things I;ve noticed so far are customizing features, but if you have the sound you want already, I would recommend buying this unit!
Overall
Quality
Features
Value
disapointing
Posted by B. Von Pearl from Minnesota on Apr 23, 2009
Experience w/product: I have used it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Aternative-World-Blues-Groove
I was very excited to get this recorder, what with all the great features it offers. At first, I was very happy with the MR-16HD’s easy to use interface. I was up and recording immediately, with a very minimal learning curve to hinder me. I really liked the guitar distortion control and sound. However, after using the MR-16HD for a couple days, I became extremely disappointed. I'm fairly willing to look past the somewhat flimsy construction. (I’m used to Roland’s VS-1680) The major deal-breaker for me was the fact that the unit froze-up at least once every time I used it. We're talking un-plug froze-up. I never lost data but that's just not acceptable at any price. Another surprising problem is the fact that when the hard drive was active, the flashing icon and green light that pulsates on the unit, made noise on the recording; a loud pulsating white noise; again, totally unacceptable. If those problems were taken care of, and the units construction were beefed up a bit, this would be the greatest, most easy to use hard disk recorder a person could find in its price range. Sadly, I returned it. I hope Fostex can address these problems.
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