justanross Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 Hey Gang, Have any of you, tried or have a Fostex FM3? I've tried searching for reviews or anything and can't find much. I hear lots of good things about there recorders. Would just like some thoughts on there mixers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 Yes, I have the FM3 and I like it. Easy to use. Limiter is actually a compressor 3 to 1 or 5 to 1 at +6 or +12 dBfs, each selectable. Can do ISO on 2 of the 3 inputs selectable. T and 48 phantom power. Lots of gain. Runs about 15 hours on 8 AA lithium batteries, has DC out on Hirose and DC in on XLR4. Nice sound. Input and output transformers. Split master gain. Have used on music as well as dialog. Small screen. It's the same size as a Shure FP33. Runs warm to the touch, but has internal thermometer. http://www.fostexint...s/FM-3_om_e.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justanross Posted March 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 Yes, I have the FM3 and I like it. Easy to use. Limiter is actually a compressor 3 to 1 or 5 to 1 at +6 or +12 dBfs, each selectable. Can do ISO on 2 of the 3 inputs selectable. T and 48 phantom power. Lots of gain. Runs about 15 hours on 8 AA lithium batteries, has DC out on Hirose and DC in on XLR4. Nice sound. Input and output transformers. Split master gain. Have used on music as well as dialog. Small screen. It's the same size as a Shure FP33. Runs warm to the touch, but has internal thermometer. http://www.fostexint...s/FM-3_om_e.pdf Excellent. Thank you. What I'm wondering is. Let's say I need to run wireless to cam using the xlr outs, can I use the sub out to send a mix track to a recorder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Reilly Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 Like the ana-digi-meters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 Main out L-R on XLR3 w/transformer +4, 0, -20, -60. Sub out L-R on XLR5 electronic +4, 0, -20, -60. L-R tape out on 3.5mm TRS -10. Another output on 3.5mm TRS -10 or -60 and selectable L-R, L+R, 1-2, 1-3, 2-3. So I guess a mix out of this TRS mini can be done. If you select 1-2, 1-3 or 2-3 those I believe are prefader and the L-R. L+R is from the mix bus. I've thought about changing these 2 TRS minis to TA3. I've already had the mixer open to look. Take a look at the schematic on PDF. More useable than a SD302 IMHO. VU meter is adjustable 0 to +8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Reilly Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 I mean..is the digi simulation of analog meter reasonably readable during production compared to a SD302 etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 6, 2012 Report Share Posted March 6, 2012 I wish the meters were larger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 I dunno -- the 552 makes a lot more sense to me (albeit at more money). Demo video of the Fostex here: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 Well....Marc....I know. But keep in mind we're talking 3x2 instead of 5x2. I have FM3, the FM4 is rather expensive and the pdf user manual isn't online to look at. I am not ready to give up a couple of T-powered mics yet. FOR ME..... and my limited amount of part time work, although has been continuing over a number of years.... it's easier and more confident to flip a hardware switch than go into a menu with a cheat sheet stuck to the outside of the mixer. I actually like the metering of this FM3 better than SD302(although rather small), as it has Limit, Over, Peak & VU as separate meters rather than SD multifunction Christmas Tree light. As I said before, runs on 8 AA batteries for 15-16 hours powering one mic. I don't have external battery solution, as I am cheap and don't want the weight. Has mono output. If I had a job that needed 4-5 wireless seems it would be cart time, as I'm pushing 60 and can't see carrying all that stuff. Those jobs need to go to younger bucks, they can have them, I am not greedy. I used a 552 rental and it did the job. If they changed Sven to Helga I might consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justanross Posted March 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 I dunno -- the 552 makes a lot more sense to me (albeit at more money). Demo video of the Fostex here: Hey Marc, I have a 552. Looking for something smaller and lighter when I don't need 5 inputs only 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 What about this: http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/DC-R302.shtml#3 What until after NAB next month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) " the 552 makes a lot more sense " The FM-3 is an alternative to the 302, FP-33, etc. Edited March 9, 2012 by studiomprd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
José Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 Let's say I need to run wireless to cam using the xlr outs, can I use the sub out to send a mix track to a recorder? Yeah, based on the conditions you are looking for in a 3-channel mixer. I looked around and couldn't come up with one besides the FM-3 that provides two balanced L and R outputs. I was wondering about the Sonosax SX-M3, but their optional 7-pin output connector is for direct outs. And then I stumbled upon and got curious about a mixer made by Tascam called the Kamesan KS-T2000 3-channel mixer, and that mixer fell way short on spec. It does have an extra camera out, but via RCA jacks, which is a weird feature to have for a professional mixer in my opinion. I don't think there are any other 3 channel mixers besides the FM-3 that would offer two balanced L and R outputs. I think you have to bump up to the 4 channel mixers in order to meet those same output specs. In any case, that XLR5 aux input is a pretty cool feature on the FM-3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 The FM-3 is an alternative to the 301, FP-33, etc. The Sound Devices 302 is another terrific small-profile balanced 3-channel mixer, especially for $1295. I'd be curious what you gain by going with the Fostex FM3 ($2000), beyond the cool screen. BTW, speaking of small mixers, I just saw a hilarious picture of Bill Hanley mixing the 1970 Woodstock concert with what appears to be three or four Shure mixers... Apparently, that was good enough for a concert attended by 500,000 people, and a movie that made $50 million! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 Personnally, for a very small recorder, I'd wait for the R302. Unless SD hits us with something new at NAB (who knows, could happen). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berniebeaudry Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 The Sound Devices 302 is another terrific small-profile balanced 3-channel mixer, especially for $1295. I'd be curious what you gain by going with the Fostex FM3 ($2000), beyond the cool screen. BTW, speaking of small mixers, I just saw a hilarious picture of Bill Hanley mixing the 1970 Woodstock concert with what appears to be three or four Shure mixers... Apparently, that was good enough for a concert attended by 500,000 people, and a movie that made $50 million! As the Senator would say: "Its the archer not the arrows" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 " As the Senator would say " I've moved on... It is the golfer, not the clubs... aka <tiger> Oh, and at Woodstock, they were using (MI product) Shure 585 mic's for everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justanross Posted March 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 The Sound Devices 302 is another terrific small-profile balanced 3-channel mixer, especially for $1295. I'd be curious what you gain by going with the Fostex FM3 ($2000), beyond the cool screen. BTW, speaking of small mixers, I just saw a hilarious picture of Bill Hanley mixing the 1970 Woodstock concert with what appears to be three or four Shure mixers... Apparently, that was good enough for a concert attended by 500,000 people, and a movie that made $50 million! Actually Marc, it use to be only 1500 but they raised it. You can still find it on eBay for 1500. I'm not getting it if I can't find it for that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 10, 2012 Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 I paid less than $1499 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Thomas Posted March 10, 2012 Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 Yeah, based on the conditions you are looking for in a 3-channel mixer. I looked around and couldn't come up with one besides the FM-3 that provides two balanced L and R outputs. I was wondering about the Sonosax SX-M3, but their optional 7-pin output connector is for direct outs. And then I stumbled upon and got curious about a mixer made by Tascam called the Kamesan KS-T2000 3-channel mixer, and that mixer fell way short on spec. It does have an extra camera out, but via RCA jacks, which is a weird feature to have for a professional mixer in my opinion. I don't think there are any other 3 channel mixers besides the FM-3 that would offer two balanced L and R outputs. I think you have to bump up to the 4 channel mixers in order to meet those same output specs. In any case, that XLR5 aux input is a pretty cool feature on the FM-3. The Sonosax SX-M32 will do 2 lots of balanced out on the XLR5 main outs and umbilical connector (optional). The direct outs (XLR7) and sub outs (TA3) are unbalanced but on locking connectors. There's also a mono mix out. (TA3) I had a really good look at the FM3 and FM4 before going for the Sonosax (which I got for a really good price), and they have decent preamps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justanross Posted March 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 The Sonosax SX-M32 will do 2 lots of balanced out on the XLR5 main outs and umbilical connector (optional). The direct outs (XLR7) and sub outs (TA3) are unbalanced but on locking connectors. There's also a mono mix out. (TA3) I had a really good look at the FM3 and FM4 before going for the Sonosax (which I got for a really good price), and they have decent preamps. I'd love a Sonosax but I think it's alittle out of my price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justanross Posted March 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 Personnally, for a very small recorder, I'd wait for the R302. Unless SD hits us with something new at NAB (who knows, could happen). What's the R302? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angelo Waldron Posted March 10, 2012 Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 I think it's this. 3x2 mixer with SD card recorder. http://eadox.com/EAwebPubDocs/PLretail/Fostex_jan12_retail.pdf Fostex US distributor American Music and Sound sent me an email saying it would ship in March or April. Actual street price not known yet. http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/DC-R302.shtml#3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted March 10, 2012 Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 See here Justan: http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/DC-R302.shtml Sonosax... holy they look and sound great... but like you say, price = ouch ! (but you certainly got what you pay for... and then the post and broadcaster destroy it all, lol! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
José Posted March 10, 2012 Report Share Posted March 10, 2012 The Sonosax SX-M32 will do 2 lots of balanced out on the XLR5 main outs and umbilical connector (optional). The direct outs (XLR7) and sub outs (TA3) are unbalanced but on locking connectors. There's also a mono mix out. (TA3) preamps. Oh wow! I didn't see the optional wiring schemes for the optional connector at the website page. My bad. Version A with the 10 pin Hirose scheme (if it has the same identical wiring connections as the Alphamix and 442) works out well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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