Fostex VF80-EX Digital Mixer / Recorder & CD Burner

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The VF80 EX continues the Fostex tradition of offering high-value self-contained recording solutions which simply offer musicians everything they need. The VF80 EX is ideal for guitarists and musicians wanting a compact solution capable of capturing ideas and songs with minimal fuss. The superb amp simulators and flexible input stages make for easy sound capture.A total 8 track recording studio - complete with digital mixing, digital effects including stunning amp simulators and CD mastering. 8 main tracks plus 16 'Ghost' tracks mean you can record different versions of vocals, drum grooves, guitar parts, etc., and choose which of the 8 tracks you wish to reproduce and mix. Theres a built-in "Training Mode with "auto muting of sounds at the centre of the stereo mix and slow down of playback without altering pitch; high-gain input stages with balanced XLR / unbalanced jacks, trim control and switchable +48V phantom power; a great 2-band EQ with 36 presets; and a 99 "mix scene memory allowing you to store a complete mix for later recall or scene sequence. Mastering to CD is a snap. Bounce tracks 1-6 to a stereo pair with just one button push and add unique Mastering Effects.
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Technical Details

- Recorder and CD Burner
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 "great little device" 2008-01-01
By ophie99 (Littleton, Co United States)
I got this used on EBAY, and I'd say it's great, the only complaint I have is that you only have 2 simultaneous inputs, so you'd have to attach a mixer to get more digital tracks, but you can do a ton and the sound is great. I'd consider the fostex vf160 for more inputs and a similar price but.. it's all good! I found the manual pretty good to.



Also, I wouldn't bother with the effects, as I'd rather use something else, for editing, but that's my preference. They're ok effects but not as robust as pc software or the guitar effects I'm used to.

 "Not for cavemen" 2007-02-04
By Robert M. Kirwan (Planet Earth)
-I have read and went through the manual while using it and still haven't managed to record anything. It is complicated for those of us who just wish to press a button and record then press another button to burn a CD. I have figured out how to listen to myself playing on it though so thats a start. I am starting to think they sent the wrong manual for it. A friend of mine who was brought up around such items is going to hopefully show me how it works in a couple days after that I will edit this review.

 "Perfect for musicians.." 2005-11-09
By T. Stanley (Oregon)
Contrary to the poor comment below, the Fostex is quite easy to use; one must of course read the manual! It does everything it claims and quite well. For those who are hesitant about buying such a "complicated" piece of machinery, I suggest reading the manual and going through each function to learn how to properly use the machine. Doing thus, you will be rewarded greatly, knowing how to tap all the great features this machine possesses.

 "Good unit for solo songwriter or duo making demos" 2005-07-05
By Gerry L (Redmond, WA)
There's enough in this unit for the solo or duo looking to make a demo, or for the musician to sketch out ideas and take a CD to bandmates.



You open a file to get started, then plug in your instrument and mic, hit record and go. Repeat to add additional tracks. Add built-in effects, tweak the EQ, then press one button to mixdown to channels 7&8. When you've got the song the way you want it, press another button and you're mastering. Navigate the menu one more time and you're burning a CD.



If you need high-end fx, multiple busses, sends and returns, look elsewhere. This is for the folks at home who want to record a track, add a track, sweeten the sound, then burn a CD for friends and family. At that, it's brilliant.



I imagine you'd buy one of these if you don't want to tie up your computer for recording, or you want to have a portable unit for simple recording and then dump the files onto a PC for more processing. (Although that method requires a couple of extra steps in this unit.) It's simple to use, sounds great, and is comparatively cheap. For what it is, I think it's the best deal out there.

 "Too complicated and the manual is poorly written" 2004-12-27
By ddsharper (Carson, CA)
I purchased this machine almost 2 months ago and it sits on the shelf, gathering dust, because I cannot figure out how to burn a CD. A simple task, it would seem, with all of the plug and play technology around. This machine is all in one which makes the $599.00 dollar loss even more painful. The manual is disjointed, the english hard to understand. Unbelievable that I wasted my time and money on this product which just reinforces the problems with products not made in America. I cannot find any help on the internet, on forums and have spoken with other Fostex multitrack recorders who get stuck when it comes to burning a frigin CD. I wrote the company from the website; no answer, no response. I say, do research on the web, find an easy to use product and go with that. Check out the manuals online before purchasing a digital recorder. The flow and usefulness of the manual will probably follow the ease of use of the machine. I am so angry I can't write anymore.


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Fostex FR2LE Portable Digital Recorder

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The Fostex FR2LE has been designed specifically for location sound recording; high quality sound effects acquisition; TV & radio documentary; in fact any application where quality audio recording is required.With excellent quality (up to 24-bit / 96KHz recording), BWF or MP3 file acquisition, extended battery life, huge feature list and a cost-effective price point, the FR-2LE offers users a more flexible, high quality audio acquisition machine without sacrificing features.Fostex FR2LE OverviewWith a location recording pedigree which includes the original portable timecode DAT machines (PD-2, PD-4), and more recently the innovative PD-6 DVD-RAM recorder, it was only natural that Fostex should develop the FR-2, the acclaimed professional CompactFlash-based field recorder.And now, it seems, Fostex have done it again with the launch of the new FR-2LE - a compact audio recorder designed from the ground-up to meet the needs of professionals in the field. For a start, the FR-2LE records to CompactFlash in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF) at 24bit 96kHz quality. It's equipped with two professional phantom powered XLR microphone inputs (XLR-phone combo) complete with precise control over the recording level.It features a 1 take = 1 file recording system which eliminates overwrites and the 2 second 'pre-record' buffer means there should never be a missed take or lost soundbite. There's even an MP3 mode and built-in stereo microphones designed for interviews. Feature rich and elegant in operation, the pedigree of the new FR-2LE looks assured.In DetailRecording pm Type II CompactFlash cardLight weight, yet tough with a highly rigid chassisFAT32 file system & BWF Stereo file formatMP3 recording and playbackUp to 24 bit 96kHz audio performanceTwo professional phantom powered XLR mic inputs with precise recording level adjustment controlALC (Off/On/Limiter) and HPF
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Technical Details

- Wired remote controller with mic attachment belt
- Approximately 8 hours battery operation
- 1 take = 1 file system (eliminates overwrites)
- 2 second Pre Rec buffer
- USB 2.0 for high speed file transfer to PC
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Fostex MR-16HD 16-Track Digital Recorder, Black

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Ever since they pioneered the first 8-track recorder that could use 1/4" tape (without the expected crosstalk), Fostex has found new ways to give you more in less space and for less money.The MR16 digital recorder gives you 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-track playback, plus the ability to bounce 16 tracks to a new song file, so you get your full 16 tracks at mixdown. A built-in 40GB hard drive gives you up to 8 hours of recording (16-track). The Fostex MR16 also provides 4 x analog inputs (mic/line) with phantom power, one of which features built-in analog distortion, amp simulation, and mic simulation, for guitar. Input EQ for sound-shaping is also available. Input signals can be assigned to the stereo buss to output through the monitor and stereo output along with playback audio.On the output side, the MR16 recorder offers 2 x aux output so you can use outboard signal processors, S/PDIF digital out (optical) for digital dubbing to MD/DAT recorder, and a MIDI output to send MTC or MIDI Clock to an external sequencer or recorder.You also get built-in digital effects including reverb and delay, plus dedicated mastering effects (3 presets) on a stereo bus (good for track bouncing or stereo mixing). The Fostex MR16 also features powerful editing functions including Copy/Paste, Move, Import, Exchange, Erase, etc of selected tracks or part.A USB 1.1 host port lets you to connect an external CD-R for creating audio CDs and a USB 2.0 port gives you high-speed transfer to a PC, plus easy file conversion of audio data on Track 15-16 to stereo WAV file. Used with the bounce function, this provides a convenient way to create audio CDs on PC, or music files for a portable player.
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Technical Details

- Recording on built-in 40 GB HD offering 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-rack playback. Approx.
- 4 x analog inputs offer phantom power for use of condenser microphone. 1 Input among them accepts Guitar, etc.
- Input signals can be assigned to stereo buss to output through Monitor and Stereo Out together with playback audio.
- Built-in Digital Effects (3 x reverb / 1 x delay) on 1 4 tracks.
- Dedicated Mastering Effects (3 Presets) on Stereo Buss good for track bounce or stereo mixing.
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Fostex MR8 8-Track Digital Recorder with Built-In FX

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Fostex has broken the digital recorder price barrier with their new MR8. It's the world first 8-track that records into solid-state, Compact Flash Card memory ? and there's more! It's got a USB port for WAV file data transfer to a Windows PC for data editing, CD burning, and backup. And operating the MR8 is more intuitive than many other digital recorders ? it's ideal for users who have no experience in digital multi-track recording.
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Technical Details

- 8 tracks recording & playback
- .WAV import/export
- Built-In Microphone
- 2 XLR Mic Inputs, 2 Guitar Inputs
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 "Can't beat it for the price" 2009-12-08
By D. Smith
I bought one of these about 5 years ago as a solo musician playing all instruments of a rock/progressive and ambient style. Able to record live mic'd drums, guitar, vocals, keyboards, bass directly into the unit; record 4 tracks, easily stereo submix them down to tracks 5/6 then record 4 more tracks and then easily stereo submix all of them to tracks 7/8; convert it to wav, pop on the computer and it's done. The built in guitar amp sounds are not the best but the reverb and delay are perfectly acceptable as are the mastering features. I made some really professional sounding songs on it. I then upgraded to the tascam 2488 24 track studio and loaned the MR8 to a friend I do recording with. He records pieces on the MR8; e-mails them to me; I put them into the 2488 and add bass and drums and mix down to a nice sounding song. Very versatile and well worth the money.

 "Very Nice for Solo/Band recording" 2009-11-18
By bsr2002 (USA)
I will record initial trax to the MR-8 and then transfer them to Sonar an make more trax...very nice.

 "Amazing for the price" 2009-06-18
By Robert MacDougall (Burbank, CA USA)
I've had this for over 5 years now and have recorded many a tune. When I purchased this, I had absolutely no clue about recording music, but the controls are simple enough to get anyone off the ground. After using it for about a year, I finally started messing around with punch in/out. It seems like this little machine can do it all. I've plugged in guitars, vocal mics, condenser mics (with phantom power) and amps. I would recommend upgrading to the 2GB flash card since the 128MB card it comes with can fill up fast. There is a list of compatible flash cards here:



http://www.fostexusa.com/support/pdf/fostex/mr8/mr8_confirmed_media_list.pdf



The faders respond beautifully and have a great feel. Overall, I consider this a great start for anyone looking to mess around with 8-track digital recording, especially for the price!

 "Fun little recording machine" 2008-05-22
By Rick H (NC)
I've had my MR-8 for 5 years now and, although I haven't used it a whole lot during that time, when I have recorded tracks with it, I've always been amazed at the results. Back in the 80's when those 4-track Teac cassette multitrackers came out, I wanted one pretty bad but never did get one, so when this "new toy" came out, I held out no longer. I decided to go with this unit due to being overwhelmed & frustrated with computer recording programs and, let me tell you, the day I brought the MR-8 home I was recording multitracks as easily as recording on a cassette machine. While you're obviously not going to get a polished studio sound out of this, you can get a pretty darn good recording out of it, if everything else is done right along the way (proper miking, good room acoustics...the basics of good recording). The main reasons you should get an MR-8 - especially if you're starting out and want to learn multitracking basics- is that it's easy to use, sounds more than good enough to post music recorded on it to MySpace and similar sites, and is just plain fun!

 "Great for what I do with it." 2006-11-14
By Mike Halloran (San Jose, CA United States)
I have an MR-8 and have had it since new. I use it for field recording and live recording of concerts. It works very well and files transfer to my Mac quite easily. I know that I could edit and mix internally but I can't imagine ever doing so -- I use this to bring outside sounds to my studio. For this reason, I will never use most of the functionality. It can be used with CF cards up to 2 Gig -- the web site has a list of cards that have been tested and are known to work (interestingly, the SanDisk cards that I use are not recommended but I have had no problems).



The manual and web site do not mention that all of the file transfer functions and systerm updates can be done on a Macintosh but it's easy and intuative using the USB port.



Tech support is inadequate but there is a good user forum that is up to date and knowledgable. The Mr-8 comes in two colors: red and black. The black one was later but updating the firmware makes both identical.



If I had my way, there would be support for more than 2 tracks of simultaneous record and phantom power would be available (it is on the MkII). Using a mixer bypasses the adequate (but not great) mic pre-amps. For what I use it for, I am happy with the job it does.


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Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder, Silver

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The Fostex MR-8 Mk II Digital Multitrack Recorder makes capturing your music a snap thanks to its intuitive design and wealth of controls. All of the unit's major controls are placed on the top panel for easy access and a smooth workflow. Killer digital effects are built right in, as well as guitar amp and microphone simulators and handy mix-down effects. USB connectivity makes it simple to transfer your data for computer editing or CD burning with an external burner. The MR-8 Mk II records in 16-bit/44.1kHz Normal Mode or 16-bit/22.05kHz LP Mode for double the recording time. Records to CompactFlash (128MB card supplied). Self-illuminating keys and a 132x64 dot-matrix keep your status up-to-date at all times. Analog guitar distortion on Input A and DSP effects including reverb and delay give you no-fuss enhancement to your recordings.
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Technical Details

- 8-track recording onto CompactFlash Card (128MB card supplied )
- High-quality sound recording and playback with uncompressed linear 16-bit/44.1kHz digital audio (normal mode)
- 2 track simultaneous recording and 8 track playback
- LP Mode (16-bit/22.05 kHz) doubles the recording time
- Dial knob for menu selection
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Fostex FR2LE CF Recorder

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With a location recording pedigree which includes the original portable timecode DAT machines (PD-2, PD-4), and more recently the innovative PD-6 DVD-RAM recorder, it was only natural that Fostex should develop the FR-2, the acclaimed professional CompactFlash-based field recorder.
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Technical Details

- Fostex should develop the FR-2, the acclaimed professional CompactFlash-based field recorder.
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 "The Fostex FR2LE" 2009-10-29
By Thomas A. Tellesbo (Phoenix, Az)




I am not an audiophile...I am not a professional in the sound industry. That being said, I spent innumerable hours researching portable digital recorders and found that I was continually routed to the same three manufacturers. More research, and (of course) budget constraints led me to the easy decision to purchase the FR2LE. The sound recorded, to my untrained ear and the use of relatively inexpensive dynamic microphones, provides so much more than I am capable of asking of it at the present time...the menus seem intuitive, controls all simply placed, retrieval of recorded material to PC is quick and painless, the unit is small and light fitting very easily and handily in a smallish shoulder bag.



I have much to learn and am pleased that I chose this machine to facilitate that process.

 "Great field recorder" 2009-06-30
By Chauncey Gardiner
I use my "fertooli" to record live music (with an external pair of microphones). It's well built and hasn't malfunctioned since I've owned it (1 year, purchased used). Although you should wait a second before hitting buttons/turning off AFTER recording, since I got it to freeze trying to turn it off immediately after stopping a recording.



My preamp is modded by the Oade Bros, but the stock one is considered to be of good quality. Potential buyers should determine if they need and prefer all the features (24 bit, built-in mics (which I haven't used and can't comment on), CF memory card storage). There are a few other great all-in-one type field recorders. If FR2LE specs suit your needs, then feel confident that these are well built. Also, look at the dimensions and weight before purchasing. It's not quite "hand-held."



If you don't think you'll utilize most of the FR2LE features, search for alternative (and cheaper) recorders that offer the features you need without extras you don't. That's my advice. The way people use these recorders is broad (live music, studio music, live speech, nature, with internal/external mics, needing various recording quality), so it's hard to "recommend" it to someone without knowing what they'll use it for.



It's a great product and I love mine.

 "Best quality-cost in its class" 2008-12-31
By Nathan Moody (San Francisco, CA)
I'm a bit of a phonographer; I've been field recording for a few years now, using everything from laptops to DAT to MiniDisc and, most recently, a Zoom H2. While the H2 is my go-to, always-in-the-bag recorder, its mic preamp is so noisy as to be useless for more exacting recording using external microphones. But I'm a hobbyist field recordist, musician, and sound designer, so I couldn't spend huge sums on a more serious recorder.



Enter the Fostex FR2-LE. Its preamps are solid, and the audio quality is far and away the best for its price range...truly impressive for such a low-cost device. Lots of thought went into this unit, all the way down to using either AA batteries or inexpensive rechargeable RC/toy vehicle battery packs, the latter lasting 4-8 hours. Nice! It's small enough that it can fit into a fanny pack or small satchel (I modified a surplus army first-aid shoulder bag so I could route the cables out to the side)...it's about the size of a large-format hardbound novel.



Sure, the case feels plasticky and wouldn't withstand a drop onto concrete. The control layout is diffuse, and the side (well, top, when used in the bag) gain LED's are hard to see in bright daylight. But such are the compromises for bringing the cost of this unit down. The only real "no-excuse-for-it" flaw is its noisy headphone amp...rest assured, though, that the audio being recorded is insanely low-noise and clean.



I use this unit primarily for collecting samples for sound design and musical projects, using mics that include shotgun, contact, large-diaphragm condensers, and dynamic. This is a serious, just-shy-of-pro tool that can handle everything but harsh environments and timecode-based video sync. I've been supremely happy with it from a value standpoint, and (of course) the clarity and presence of the final audio result.


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Fostex MR-16HD/CD Digital Recorder with CD Burner, Silver

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Ever since they pioneered the first 8-track digital recorder that could use 1/4" tape (without the expected crosstalk), Fostex has found new ways to give you more in less space and for less money.The MR-16 gives you 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-track playback, plus the ability to bounce 16 tracks to a new song file, so you get your full 16 tracks at mixdown. A built-in 40GB hard drive gives you up to 8 hours of recording (16-track). A built-in CD-R/RW drive lets you create your own audio CD or import/export WAV files.The MR-16 digital recorder also provides 4 x analog inputs (mic/line) with phantom power, one of which features built-in analog distortion, amp simulation, or mic simulation, for guitar. Input EQ for sound-shaping is also available. Input signals can be assigned to the stereo buss to output through the monitor and stereo output along with playback audio.On the output side, the Fostex MR-16 offers 2 x aux output so you can use outboard signal processors, S/PDIF digital out (optical) for digital dubbing to MD/DAT recorder, and a MIDI output to send MTC or MIDI Clock to an external sequencer or recorder.You also get built-in digital effects including reverb and delay, plus dedicated mastering effects (3 presets) on a stereo bus (good for track bouncing or stereo mixing). The Fostex MR-16 recorder also features powerful audio editing functions including Copy/Paste, Move, Import, Exchange, Erase, etc of selected tracks or part.A USB 1.1 host port lets you to connect an external CD-R for creating audio CDs and a USB 2.0 port gives you high-speed transfer to a PC, plus easy file conversion of audio data on Track 15-16 to stereo WAV file. Used with the bounce function, this provides a convenient way to create audio CDs on PC, or music files for a portable player.
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Technical Details

- Recording on built-in 40 GB HD offering 4-track simultaneous recording and 16-rack playback. Approx. 8 hours recording (16-track)
- 4 x analog inputs (mic line level) offer phantom power for use of condenser microphone.
- Input signals can be assigned to stereo buss to output through Monitor and Stereo Out together with playback audio.
- 2 x Aux Out
- Built-in Digital Effects on 1 4 tracks. Dedicated Mastering Effects (3 Presets) on Stereo Buss good for track bounce or stereo mixing.
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Fostex MR8 mkII 8 Track Multitrack Recorder

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The Fostex MR8 mkII is the easiest to use digital multitrack ever. If you can operate a tape recorder, youll be recording and multitracking within minutes of opening the box. It records to affordable Compact Flash cards.By putting all the major controls and functions right there on the top panel instead of buried in a confusing menu system, the MR-8 Mk II, unlike some other recorders, actually aids you in capturing your musical ideas. In addition theres great sounding built-in digital effects, guitar amp and mic simulators, 2 mic inputs with +48V Phantom Power, handy mix-down effects, plus the ability to hook up to a PC for data editing, and backing up your songs. New for the Mk II is the USB host feature which allows for the easy connection of an 'off-the-shelf' CD-R burner via USB. Making CD masters has never been more simple.Fostex MR8 mkII Features8-track recording onto CompactFlash Card.High quality sound recording and playback with uncompressed linear 16-bit/44.1 kHz digital audio (normal mode) with 2 track simultaneous recording and 8 track playback.LP Mode (16-bit/22.05 kHz) doubles the recording time.Physical knobs and buttons for intuitive operations. A new dial knob for menu selection.Newly added +48V Phantom Power on all two Mic Inputs for wider choice of microphones.USB Host function ready for CD burning on an off-the-shelf external CD-R drive.Improved 132 x 64 dot-matrix LCD and self illuminating keys visually show the current status.Improved built-in digital effects including Reverb, Delay as well as Guitar Amp and Microphone simulationsBlack colored top panel designAnalog Guitar Distortion with the dedicated knob on Input A.Full-track (8-track) bouncing to aNew Song(track 7/8) for PC transfer and CD burning.Mastering effects for stereo buss.USB port for stereo WAV file transfer to and from PCAC and Battery (6 x A
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Technical Details

- 8-track recording onto CompactFlash Card (128MB card supplied )
- High-quality sound recording and playback with uncompressed linear 16-bit/44.1kHz digital audio (normal mode)
- 2 track simultaneous recording and 8 track playback
- LP Mode (16-bit/22.05 kHz) doubles the recording time
- Dial knob for menu selection
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 "Durable, Great for price" 2009-07-24
By Zachary A. Nyquist (Turlock, CA)
This product is kind of difficult to use if you have never recorded before. After a few months, you can become pro at using it. It's a great product for a great price. With the right equipment and mics, you can sound pro. However, avoid plugging 1/4" guitar cables in. The pre-amp and effects inside the recorder are not that great. I bought mine for $249.99 at Guitar Center a couple years ago. I've already gotten my moneys worth for this product. Buy it!

 "Great product and reasonable price" 2007-10-02
By J. Ballard
I purchased the MR8-mkII with some trepidation. However, I've grown to appreciate the technical expertise and real world practicality of the product. Should the power go out, the back up batteries work as advertised. The sound quality with the headphones is superb. The various sound combinations and recording quality far exceeded my expectations. The only real fault I find with the MR8 is the documentation which accompanies the product. It's very hard to follow, and is ambiguous (at least for me). However, the product is superb, and I highly recommend it for musicians or others who need great sound reproduction.


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