Fostex DC-R302 Portable Recorder for DSLR

Many DSLRs can now capture HD video, many also have microphone inputs. However most do not have headphone monitoring or metering capabilities, and none have on-board mixers. Enter the new Fostex DC-R302.

The DC-R302 is a professional stereo recorder with on-board 3-ch pre-amp audio microphone / line mixer designed for use with video-capable DSLRs. Recording pristine quality stereo audio direct to SD cards, the DC-R302 not only allows DSLRs to be easily used in field production applications, it also simplifies the capturing process allowing the camera operator to operate the recorder and camera at the same time.

Housed in a rugged, extruded aluminium chassis the DC-R302 combines Fostex’s usual high pedigree of electrical engineering and mechanical construction with a compact footprint and high-quality components. Main features of this no-compromise unit include up to 24bit / 96kHz stereo recording to SDHC cards, 3 channel mic/line mixer with XLR inputs, 48V Phantom Power, limiters and high pass filters, slate tone, flexible on-board headphone monitoring, remote DSLR control and large LCD metering.

Features

• Compatible with off the shelf wired remote controller (such as Panasonic DMW-RS1 or equivalent)
• 3 XLR inputs with Limiter and High Pass Filter
• 48V Phantom power for use with condenser microphones
• Microphone Out in addition to Line Out to send stereo mix to the camera
• Headphone monitoring of Left / Stereo / Right / Return
• Auto Slate Tone (1kHz / sine wave) function convenient for subsequent synchronization
• USB for file transfer as well as USB audio output for for PC recording and live streaming*
• Powered by 4 x AA batteries (approx. 4 hours operation with NiMH batteries) or external DC (9 - 24V)
• Robust, yet light weight extruded aluminum chassis
• Can be used as an independent portable mixer/recorder

*24bit/96kHz recording and USB audio output to be available on the future firmware update

Specifications

Inputs

• Connector: XLR-3-31 (female, #2 hot) / electrically balanced
• Reference Input Level: HI -60 / MID -55 / LOW -50dBu (Mic), -10dBu (Line)
• Maximum Input Level: HI -32 / MID -27 / LOW -22dBu (Mic), +10dBu (Line)
• Input Impedance: more than 10k ohm
• Phantom power: P48V+-4V (10mA/CH) (Mic)

RTN In

• Connector: 3.5mm dia, stereo mini (unbalanced)
• Reference Input Level: -10dBV
• Maximum Input Level: +2dBV
• Input Impedance: more than 10k ohm

Main Out

• Connector: RCA Pin / unbalanced
• Reference Output Level: -10dBV (at reference level input & -12dBFS signal)
• Maximum Output Level: +2dBV (at 0dBFS)
• Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm

Mic Out

• Reference Output Level: -50dBV (at reference level input)
• Maximum Output Level: -30dBV
• Load Impedance: more than 10k ohm

Performance

• Frequency response:
  • LINE IN – MAIN OUT: 20 – 20kHz +-1dB (at reference level)
  • MIC IN – MAIN OUT: 40 – 20kHz +-3dB (at reference level)
• S/N ratio (A-weighted):
  • LINE: more than 95dB (INPUT GAIN -10dBV)
  • MIC: more than 55dB (INPUT GAIN Max / 150 ohm loaded)
• Total harmonic distortion:
  • LINE: less than 0.01% at 1kHz (INPUT GAIN: LINE)
  • MIC: less than 0.1% at 1kHz (INPUT GAIN: HI)

Physical

• External dimensions:
  • 152 (W) x 45 (H) x 107 (D) mm  w/o camera mount
  • 152 (W) x 52.5 (H) x 107 (D) mm w/ camera mount
• Weight:690g (excluding batteries)
• Internal batteries: AA x 4 (alkaline / NiMH ) /  Rated range DC4.8 – 6V
• External power supply: AC adapter or equivalent / Rated range DC9 – 24V