
Krakit
Rzzzzz!
Ok, here's the deal. I'm comparing both of these supposedly non comprable units.
I think that they are actually very similar indeed and that since the MR-8 can only record 2 tracks at a time (just like the MRS-4) that they are indeed very alike.
The things that it seems the MR-8 has over the MRS-4 seem pretty obvious.
7 physical faders
Higher resolution
USB port
supposedly unlimted media expandability
balanced mic inputs
tons of onboard tweakers
included 128MB FC and AC adapter.
What does the MRS-4 seem to have over the MR-8?
Tons of affordability. Affordability, not in the form of retail price, but in recordable media.
My understanding about the MR-8 (and please correct me if I am wrong) is that with the included 128MB FC, you get about 3 real minutes of recording time. That is really tight, if you asked me, for such an expensive media. The MRS-4 uses SmartMedia cards, the 128MB variety can be had for around $20. Furthermore, I am informed that you get more than just a mere 3 minutes of recording time on the included 32MB Smart card than the MR-8 gets out of the 128MB FC. I am assured that buying a 128MB Smartcard and USB reader would keep me very content record time wise.
I also found an online retailer that will sell the MRS-4 AC adapter for $5 with the purchase of the MRS-4 itself (at $219).
Now, I know that I would also have to buy a Smartcard reader (about $10 more) for a grand total of $255 for the whole package. Still less than the lowest price ($279) that I have seen the Fostex go for.
Still, am I really better off? I don't know. I've heard both units demonstrated as mp3's, but mp3's are really no way to judge.
I also understand that the onboard effects on the MRS-4 are superior to the Fostex, but again, I haven't been able to judge this first hand, so I only have hearsay on that score.
I am selling a lot of gear just to get by right now, but I would like to have something to record on!
After several successful eBay auctions I could easily afford either the MR-8 or the MRS-4 (with tons left over for food and toilet paper)
I can already hear the resounding "get the Fostex, you fool!", but before you admonish me off the bat, consider this. 3 minutes is not even close to long enough a recording time for me to be happy. I would certainly have to get a larger FC which would cost me hundreds of dollars more. So, tell me, is it really worth it?
Perhaps I have bad information and my facts need revising, please let me know if that is the case. I want to get something soon as I have sold everything else that I use to make recordings and want to keep making music no matter how poor I get.
I am sure that overall the Fostex is the better unit, but at my financial lever I can't rationalize the added expense of 512MB or 1GIG Flash Cards.
Thanks,
Carl
I think that they are actually very similar indeed and that since the MR-8 can only record 2 tracks at a time (just like the MRS-4) that they are indeed very alike.
The things that it seems the MR-8 has over the MRS-4 seem pretty obvious.
7 physical faders
Higher resolution
USB port
supposedly unlimted media expandability
balanced mic inputs
tons of onboard tweakers
included 128MB FC and AC adapter.
What does the MRS-4 seem to have over the MR-8?
Tons of affordability. Affordability, not in the form of retail price, but in recordable media.
My understanding about the MR-8 (and please correct me if I am wrong) is that with the included 128MB FC, you get about 3 real minutes of recording time. That is really tight, if you asked me, for such an expensive media. The MRS-4 uses SmartMedia cards, the 128MB variety can be had for around $20. Furthermore, I am informed that you get more than just a mere 3 minutes of recording time on the included 32MB Smart card than the MR-8 gets out of the 128MB FC. I am assured that buying a 128MB Smartcard and USB reader would keep me very content record time wise.
I also found an online retailer that will sell the MRS-4 AC adapter for $5 with the purchase of the MRS-4 itself (at $219).
Now, I know that I would also have to buy a Smartcard reader (about $10 more) for a grand total of $255 for the whole package. Still less than the lowest price ($279) that I have seen the Fostex go for.
Still, am I really better off? I don't know. I've heard both units demonstrated as mp3's, but mp3's are really no way to judge.
I also understand that the onboard effects on the MRS-4 are superior to the Fostex, but again, I haven't been able to judge this first hand, so I only have hearsay on that score.
I am selling a lot of gear just to get by right now, but I would like to have something to record on!
After several successful eBay auctions I could easily afford either the MR-8 or the MRS-4 (with tons left over for food and toilet paper)

I can already hear the resounding "get the Fostex, you fool!", but before you admonish me off the bat, consider this. 3 minutes is not even close to long enough a recording time for me to be happy. I would certainly have to get a larger FC which would cost me hundreds of dollars more. So, tell me, is it really worth it?
Perhaps I have bad information and my facts need revising, please let me know if that is the case. I want to get something soon as I have sold everything else that I use to make recordings and want to keep making music no matter how poor I get.
I am sure that overall the Fostex is the better unit, but at my financial lever I can't rationalize the added expense of 512MB or 1GIG Flash Cards.
Thanks,
Carl