Fostex MR-8 Update

[Randy]

A while back I posted an inquiry about the Fostex MR-8 digital multitrack recorder. Well, I did get one, and all things considered, it's a nice little relatively inexpensive machine. ($300 through Musician's Friend)
I've started making some simple recordings with the supplied 128MB card and have been able to tranfer the recordings to a decent quality CD.
But alas, the 128MB card has too small a capacity for most songs, so I got a Sandisk 512MB compactflash card that would provide all the time I need. But the kicker is, that the Sandisk card will not allow for the "bouncing" of tracks. Just won't do it. And you have to be able to bounce in order to transfer your recordings into a wavfile to download to a computer CD burner. Other cards will, but the Sandisk won't. And now I'm stuck with a $90 card with no other place to use it.
Bottom Line: Mandolin recording on Fostex MR-8 - Good;
Sandisk flash card on Fostex - Bad.

[yoods]

Randy,
Sorry to hear of the problem...you may already be there, but I would think it would be real easy to sell the card on ebay or similar and get most of your $$ back.

[Randy]

Might have to go that route even if I take a little beating on it. But the good news is - "I just saved money on my auto insurance." (Not really, but you gotta keep your sense of humor.)

[Windflite]

Randy,

I bought the same machine 3 days ago, and ironically was just investigating the memory card upgrade options yesterday. #I found a link at the Fostex website http://www.fostex.co.jp/int/hdlist/mr8cflist.html which lists the 'approved' cards. #As you discovered, the SanDisk is specifically named on the 'unsuitable' list...however hopefully the link will help you find a 'suitable' card!

I have only made a couple of recordings to date (just got it 3 days ago!) however, I must admit that it is one heckuva machine for 300 bucks. #Quick, easy and illustrates with extreme clarity the need for more practice!

Maybe a nice digital camera that uses CF cards is in your future!!??!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #

Best Regards,

Andy #

[Windflite]

For anyone using the Fostex MR8...the manufacturer just posted a new update to the firmware on 8/3/2004 #http://www.fostex.com/index.php?file=products/digital/mr8 which is supposed to support a broader range of CF cards. #I just downloaded it myself and plan on installing it this evening... #Randy, maybe the update will allow you to use your Sandisk card. #
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif