A "why" question about Fostex:...

[A Reel Person]

Why (based on known fact or opinion) does the MR-8mkII seem to be readily available while the more highly capable MR-8HD seems to have disappeared completely? And... upon quick-check it also seems the MRS16 seems to have entirely disappeared,... (was there a MRS24?) ... rounding back again: Is it that the MR-8mkII was a little sold new item as it was introduced, and is therefore still being sold off as a new-old-stock use-til-gone item? (I'll be honest, that's my present opinion, outright).

As a different but related question, what is it out there in Fostexland and/or why would I choose Fostex if I were looking for a recorder and/or mixer (porta format) solution?

Just curious and/or maybe a fun topic? I'm really puzzled. I looks like Fostex's presence has almost disappeared completely. I want to pick people's brains on this.

Thanks

 

[A Reel Person]

Wait!...

Upon closer check, NO music sites seem to have new MR-8mkII's for sale at all. Musicians Friend com is selling only 1 as a "restock" item. The only source I could dig up on-the-quick was AMAZON, with "Only 16 Left". Amazon is not specifically a music gear site. A little research and I think I've answered my own question, but I'm still interested in discussing this and other Fostex issues, if anybody's interested in participating.

Thanks again!

 

[THX1136]

With the advent of other digital technology, perhaps Fostex has decided to "get out of the business" so to speak. Interesting.

 

[A Reel Person]

Hi, and thanx for your interest.

Last time I looked on the Fostex website their leading product was a small rig that enables stereo recording onto an iPhone.

The rest of their product line seems to have dried up and gone away. I was never a huge Fostex booster, but I thought they had some nicer products here and there in their line. I have several, myself. I was very surprised recently to realize they've all but disappeared from the scene, lately.

I also read and was reminded in a round about way of the history, apparently that some original Tascam Portastudio division engineers defected from Tascam back in the day to start Fostex as a competing entity. I guess they had a 30 year run, but now have little or no presence. Meanwhile, Tascam is putting out 32 track Portastudios. Go figure.

 

[Lt. Bob]

I've always liked Fostex and, in fact, my main machine is a D1624 which is a nice stable recorder.
I also have the MR8 HD for dragging around to places for live recording. Then I dump the tracks to my bigger machine for mixing since the EQ'ing and FX on the machine are dreck.
And there were always a few Fostex machines I lusted for back in the day.

But ....... there's becoming a smaller market for the stand-alones as even novices are turning more and more to getting an interface and using the 'puter they already have.

Someone's gonna go bye-bye when you have quite a few companies selling to a shrinking market.