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Fostex DC-R302 3-Channel Audio Mixer and Stereo Recorder
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
Hands On with the Fostex DC-R302 Mixer/Recorder for HDSLR Video
A clever new piece of equipment is available that corrects all of the shortcomings of HDSLR audio, in a single compact, camera-mountable box. The Fostex DC-R302 is a three-channel field mixer, with a two-channel high-resolution audio recorder built in. It’s outfitted with staple features that are required for field audio production, and it does a few custom tricks that integrate it directly into your HDSLR video workflow. Most notably, the DC-R302 eliminates the need to have three separate devices for mixing, recording and plugging multiple XLR audio signals directly into a camera. If you’re a solo run-and-gun HDSLR shooter, this is the missing link that will both simplify and lighten the weight of the audio end of your camera rig.
One other interesting feature is the Remote Start function that allows the DSLR camera’s video recording to start and stop in sync with the Record button, via infrared triggering or a wired connection. For now, the infrared function only works with the Canon 5D Mark II, but Fostex is working on expanding this functionality with other camera manufacturers. The device is an intriguing advancement for HDSLR video production. For more information and to hear it in action, check out this hands-on review video.
| Inputs | 3x XLR, Reference Input Level Hi: -60, Mid: -55, Low -50 dBu (Mic), -10 dBu (Line), Maximum Input Level Hi: -32, Mid: -27, Low -22 dBu (Mic), +10 dBu (Line), Input Impedance: More than 10k ohm |
| Outputs | 2x 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS stereo mini (headphones and mic level for camera), 2x RCA Main Out |
| Phantom Power | P48V +/- 4V (10 mA/CH) (Mic), on/off switch on all three channels |
| Return In | Connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini (unbalanced), Refernece Input Level: -10 dBV, Max Input Level: +2 dBV, Input Impedance: more than 10k ohm |
| Main Out | Connector: 2 x RCA unbalanced, Reference Output Level: -10 dBV (at reference level input and -12 dBFS signal), Max Output Level: +2 dBV (at 0 dBFS), Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm |
| Remote Port | 1 x 2.5mm sub mini |
| Connectivity | 1 x USB |
| Card Slot | 1 x SD Card slot |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-1 dB at reference level, Line in - Main out), 40 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-3 dB at reference level, Mic In - Main Out) |
| S/N Ratio (A-weighted) | Line: more than 95 dB (input gain -10 dBV), Mic: more than 55 dB (input gain max/150 ohm loaded) |
| THD | Line: less than 0.01% at 1 kHz (input gain: Line), Mic: less than 0.1% at 1 kHz (input gain: Hi) |
| Power | 4x AA batteries, external power supply: AC adapter or equivalent / rated range 9 - 24VDC |
| Dimensions (w/o camera mount) | 6 x 1.8 x 4.2" (152 x 45 x 107mm) |
| Weight (w/o batteries) | 1.5 lb (690 g) |
Comments
Can you please give product names/links for the Shotgun and lav mics? I would like to buy the entire setup.
Hello,
Sorry about not including the additional items featured in the video. They do not state which Lav mic they are using, but the Audio-Technica AT803B is a miniature Omni-Directional Lavalier Condenser Microphone intended to be worn on the clothing of performers for excellent yet unobtrusive sound pickup. The wide range capability of the AT803B ensures clean, accurate reproduction with high intelligibility for lecturers, singers, stage and TV performers.
Available exclusively through B&H, the Rode NTG-1 Shotgun Microphone Kit is designed to eliminate the guess work in configuring a shotgun microphone system that delivers quality and reliability while remaining cost effective. The Rode NTG-1 Condenser Shotgun Microphone is designed for professional audio capturing in the field or indoors. With a history of manufacturing quality studio microphones, Rode has implemented low noise output electronics and wide bandwidth, both of which attribute to the NTG-1's broadcast sound quality.
Rode's "Branded" WSVM Shotgun Wind Screen
Also featured: Vello RS-P1II Wired Remote Switch for Panasonic
Please don't compare Fostex DC-R302 with Zoom H4n! Can you compare Sound Devices mixer with toy Karaoke machine? I am totally amazed by DC-R302 and I use many the high end recorders starting from Marantz, Tascam and Sony (also a Zoom H4n) and DC-R302 beats them all.
thats true ! i had buy the DC R-302 too ( im from germany )
the DC-R302 have amazing preamps, important check the new firmware upgrade 1.22 !
What's the sound quality like compared to Sound Devices 302? I've been looking at upgrading from my Zoom H4n so just want to know if the DC-R302 is great on it's own or would I get much better sound quality with the SD 302 and connect to it H4n to record the audio from it? Thanks.
Hello -
The Sound Devices 302 is a world class product with a superb track record and a legendary reputation among industryu professionals. The Fostex looks great and may be ideal for those looking to carry less equipment - like the DSLR shooter. Without doing a side by side comparison it would be unfair to compare them technically from a performance perspective. I suspect that the Sound Devices will be the best choice for film and ENG professionals while the Fostex will appeal most to the advanced DSLR film maker.
"What's the sound quality like compared to Sound Devices 302?"
This device is so new that there hasn't been enough testing in the market yet (as of April, 2012.) That said, this test (below) shows that the Fostex FR-2 LE is very, very good. If we assume that the DC-R302 is as quiet as the FR-2 LE (which is sort of an equivalent price point) then I hope the Fostex is going to be quite competitive.
http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm