dpmac,
your problem is that the direct box needs phantom power to work. It doesn't use batteries (I assume) and therefor, you will need phantom power, which is usually supplied by your mixer. Also, is the Octava a dynamic mic (needing no external power supply) or a condensor mic (needing an external power supply or a battery)? If it is a dynamic mic I'm confused about why you need a direct box and all the adaptors. Seems to me that your setup should be as direct as possible: mic to XLR-1/4" cable, 1/4" plug to Fostex recorder. If the mic is a condensor then your problem also includes the fact that you have no power being supplied to the mic. What you will need then is a normal mic cord (XLRs on both ends) AND a phantom power supply. Now Rolls makes them, but I have no idea how much. tdukex recommends a small mixer, but if you want a nice preamp with phantom power in a small package you may want to consider an ART MP Tube preamp. They cost $100 and you can use it with either condensor or dynamic mics. You can also use it with guitars and such so you will basically eliminate the need for a direct box at all. I'm sure the Fostex recorder has a mixer as part of the unit, so buying the mix may be unnecessary (not to be confused with a waste of money). Also, many on this board will agree, a $150 mixing board will not give you mic preamps that will come close to equalling the ART preamp.
Peace, Jim
[This message has been edited by Jim Marquard (edited 05-16-2000).]