Fostex XR5 Good 4 track opinions?

[tweakapalooza]

Hey guys, I might have a line on a fostex xr5 for not too much money. I understand that it lacks any XLR inputs. Does anyone here have any experiences with one? I'm trying to decide if I should snag this or wait for something like a 424, and information sparse online about it.

Thanks,

Alec

 

[A Reel Person]

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/tech_support/pdfs/xr5_owners_manual.pdf

There's nothing I see that's particularly great about the XR5, with 58 dB dynamic range using Dolby B and high (3-3/4 ips) tape speed. There are no XLR inputs, as you stated, which at minimum would require adapters, 2-band fixed (shelving) EQ, AND it will only record 2-tracks simultaneously/max. It's not the worst of the worst, but there are a lot of machines that are better.

I guess it all depends on how cheaply you can get it.

 

[soupdejour]

I'd pass on that unless it is 20 bucks or something and you aren't really looking for anything special. If you are looking for a "special" four track cassette then check out a tascam 246 or 234. I think 488 is cool, but it is 8 tracks. There are a few other gems out there including the stereomaster studio 4 (which you probably will never find) and the audio technica at-rmx64 (which I have and I can honestly say I have never seen a four track like this thing. Its pretty awesome and weighs 50 pounds!)