This is off topic, but I know quite a few of us here use these and have them in our set ups.

I just got my new Fostex MR8-B delivered today. Basically the same as the original MR-8, but already updated with latest software, and the unit is black instead of bright red (thankfully) because it looks much more professional black.

I just wanted to say that this is a very nice 8 track digital recorder. It records to CF cards and if I read the updated specs properly it will take up to a 2GB CF card.

The features on this little puppy are amazing! Especially when you look at the price.

-CD quality sampling rate
-Some effects (and even a dedicated knob for on the fly edit of distortion)
-8 tracks for recording
-2 track simul. recording
-Actually knobs on the face of the unit for controlling panning, ect. They designed it not to be a heavily (menu) based OS.
-Built in condenser mic with effects
-2 full size XLR mic inputs (not the annoying 1/4 input which requires a conversion adapter)
-2 Headphone outputs
-Midi Out
-Digital Out
-USB port for transfering files

Basically one hell of a nice multi-tracker for less than $300 bucks. If anyone is looking for a good stand alone unit I suggest looking at the MR8-B.

Regards,
Squeak

Squeak, how come we always spend thousands on our stuff, and you spend hundreds.....and get the same results???

It's what I use. I like it for the most part.

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Hey Fran, remember that song by Smoky Robbinson and the Miracals "you better shop around"...what are you using?????
TR

I think it's worth every penny. Personally I get bothered by people who review items and complain because it won't do something (that more expensive models) will do.

If you look at this little recorder, then take all that it does, and then look at the price paid. One will see the true value in this unit.

Squeak

Its follow-up has a hard drive and is a bargain, too. MR-8, I'm amazed t quality I can get using the tiny onboard mic for guitar/vocal recordings. I hate the screen, though. Just terrible.


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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Yeah that one with the hard drive is very nice! I think it's a 40 gig drive. I think there's also a CD burner upgrade coming for it as well.

The screen isn't bad in my opinion. I think it's well laid out and easy to understand. I also like the ability to turn the back light off when needed.

You're right about that internal mic. Damn is that thing sensitive. I was screwing around with my acoustic guitar and thought what the hell give it a shot. I recorded both vocal and acoustic using that mic, and man it picked up both the guitar and my voice very well. I think this puppy is a keeper in my home

SemiLive, do you have the red or black unit? I know there have been a few updates with the black unit.

Regards,
Squeak

I have red. The screen SUCKS. You have to be right over it to read it. It needs to tilt.

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Have you adjusted the contrast? I found that when I first turned the unit on it was way too light. I adjusted the contrast and the screen is beautiful now It was simple too. Just press and hold both the menu and enter button in at the same time. While holding those two buttons in you can use the left curs. and right curs. to adjust the contrast. (you probably know this already though, considering you've had your unit much longer than I have. I wonder if they improved the screen contrast on the black model.

Squeak

Hey, it IS a bit better because it still had a couple of clicks darker. I had adjusted it but it had two more to go, so, it is better. It mostly had to do with how I had it situated when recording with my keyboard. I haven't recorded a keyboard song in awhile but I was trying to watch the "meters" and play at the same time, achieving the right Trim setting and it drove me nuts... couldn't see the screen without leaning over.

Hopefully, this will help some, so, a fortuitous post.

If you figure out anything on how to record keyhboard/vocal, lemme know. I got guitar/vocal down pat. I record on the MR-8 and then polish with software... Krystal... which is FREE. It's awesome but hard as hell to learn. But now I know how to use it and it blows me away. Getting much better recordings now. But... as I said, haven't done a keyboard song in awhile.

Anyway, I know a thing or two since I've used it for months, if you have problems. Also, there is a Fostex MR-8 forum. Do you know that? They have helped me from time to time.

My brother just gave a b-day present -- a 128mb jumpdrive. Which I don't need. I wish he would have given me a Compact Flash card! That works with the MR-8.

Yes, they go up to 2GB! Record an entire gig on that.

Recording with multi-tracking... you will want a bigger CF card. I still use the 128mb original but you'll wish you had a bigger one. I have seen 1GB for $50 recently. But you have to make sure it will work with the MR-8. I think with the new OS, they have improved compatability dramatically, so, hopefully the one you buy will work. Or just do like me, record what you can, then upload to computer and do it again.

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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000