Anyone here use the MR-16?

[Xarnon]

My Tascam DP-01 died and I need a good replacement. I've been considering going the 16 track route with the MR-16. One concern I have is that the MR-16 (unlike the Tascam unit I have) doesn't have analog bass and treble controls. The Fostex unit appears to have digital settings for sound customization, which I am not crazy about, but I'm willing to try if it produces good results. Hopefully someone here can let me know whether this unit produces a quality final recording or not. Thanks.

edit: After further review on this forum, it appears that the Fostex units require preamps for mixdown (unlike the Tascam). What inexpensive preamps are recommended for use with the Fostex MTRs?

 

[Terfyn]

I have the MR16 HD/CD and like it. I have produced a few CDs on it and the quality is good. There have been criticisms of the pre amps and the EQ settings with good reason. I am not happy with the 33 fixed EQ settings but have no problem with the pre amps. (probably because I record keyboards.)

One trick with the EQ settings:-
Record your "raw" input on to Tracks 1 & 2
Get two Mono patch leads and connect the Aux Out 1 and 2 to Inputs A/B.
Set Aux Out 1 to Track 1 and Aux Out 2 to Track 2.
Set REC SELECT for Tracks 3 & 4.
Re-record, in rehearse mode, Tracks 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 with Input A EQ and Input B EQ ON.
Listen to the recorded signal while turning the Menu knob to change the EQ Presets.
If you find one you like then re-record to 3 / 4!!!

If you don't find one you like!! Then the answer is a mixer to "front end" the MR16. The Behringer range is popular. I propose to buy a Xenyx 1204FX but a 1002 is a good choice.

No pre amps are required for mix down, direct connection is more than OK. Do not trust headphones for signal level but use the meters and keep the signal level up to the third line on the screen.
Remember, when "bouncing down" to keep the Master faders up to the = mark.

 

[Xarnon]

Wow, thanks for the comprehensive response. Great advice indeed. I am more encouraged about this unit than I was yesterday. It's always nice to know that someone out there is familiar with and has a positive take on something before you buy it. Thanks again.

 

[Terfyn]

Cheers for that. Can I suggest the User Forum found under www.fostexusa.com , the MR 16 has its own post box there.

One thing you will soon find with the MR16, it is very straight forward and quite flexible to use. When you first get your MR16 and read the (poor!!) manual, you could be quite confused. The "complexity" covers a versatile machine. For example the DIRECT LOCATE button covers a very accurate jog/shuttle system.

If you have any further questions, PM me and I will dig out my previous answers and e-mail them back.