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Description

Unleash your inner producer with the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 Digital 8-Track Recorder. Designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians, this recorder is the perfect blend of simplicity and versatility. Its intuitive layout makes capturing your musical ideas a breeze, while the top-panel controls ensure seamless workflow, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your creativity.

The MR-8 Mk2 is equipped with killer built-in digital effects, offering a variety of guitar amp and microphone simulators, as well as mix-down effects that elevate your recordings to a professional level. Whether you're looking to lay down some guitar tracks or refine vocal harmonies, the analog guitar distortion on Input A and DSP effects like reverb and delay are here to enhance your sound effortlessly.

Say goodbye to complicated data transfers. With USB connectivity, easily move your masterpieces to your computer for further editing or CD burning. The MR-8 Mk2 records in two modes: 16-bit/44.1kHz Normal Mode for high-quality sound, or 16-bit/22.05kHz LP Mode for extended recording time, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your project best. Plus, the self-illuminating keys and clear 132x64 dot-matrix display keep you informed of your recording status at all times.

Key Features:

  • 8-track digital recording with easy top-panel controls
  • Built-in digital effects including guitar amp and mic simulators
  • USB connectivity for seamless data transfer
  • Records in 16-bit/44.1kHz Normal Mode and 16-bit/22.05kHz LP Mode
  • CompactFlash recording with 128MB card included
  • Self-illuminating keys and 132x64 dot-matrix display

Product specs

Brand Fostex
Model MR-8 Mk2 Digital 8-Track Recorder
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Recording Gear

FAQs

How many tracks can the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 record and play back simultaneously?

The Fostex MR-8 Mk2 can record up to 2 tracks simultaneously and play back up to 8 tracks.

Does the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 offer phantom power for microphones?

Yes, the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 provides +48V phantom power on both mic inputs, allowing you to use condenser microphones.

What type of storage does the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 use for recording?

The Fostex MR-8 Mk2 records onto a CompactFlash Card, and it comes with a 128MB card supplied.

Can I transfer audio files from the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 to a computer?

Yes, the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 features a USB port for transferring stereo WAV files to and from a PC.

Does the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 have built-in effects?

The Fostex MR-8 Mk2 includes built-in digital effects such as reverb and delay, as well as guitar amp and microphone simulations.

Is it possible to power the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 with batteries?

Yes, the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 can be powered by six AA alkaline batteries, providing approximately 4 hours of operation time.

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Fostex MR8 MKII - Gear Review 1

Video thumbnail for Fostex MR8 MKII - Gear Review 1 by David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Fostex MR8 MKII - Gear Review 1

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Video thumbnail for FOSTEX MR8 MKII MULTI TRACK RECORDER DEMO Tutorial by stringsNsprings

FOSTEX MR8 MKII MULTI TRACK RECORDER DEMO Tutorial

stringsNsprings

stringsNsprings

Video thumbnail for FOSTEX MR-8 MK II Digital Multitrack Recorder (deutsch) by MusicStoreTV

FOSTEX MR-8 MK II Digital Multitrack Recorder (deutsch)

MusicStoreTV

MusicStoreTV

Video thumbnail for Fostex MR8 MKII - Powered Up In 2020 by David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Fostex MR8 MKII - Powered Up In 2020

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

David Stroz - Sonic Orb Studios

Video thumbnail for Fostex MR-8 MK II Overview by Jayce Allan Guitar

Fostex MR-8 MK II Overview

Jayce Allan Guitar

Jayce Allan Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fostex MR-8 Mk2 Digital 8-Track Recorder.

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the Fostex MR-8 Mk2 is limited to 16-bit recording, which offers less headroom compared to modern 24-bit interfaces.

    Source
  • The device can record two tracks simultaneously, which may be sufficient for solo performances or simple multi-instrument setups.

    Source
  • The MR-8 Mk2 is not designed to function as an audio interface with a DAW, making it less effective for this purpose compared to dedicated interfaces.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A compact flash card is necessary for storage, allowing you to transfer recordings to a computer for further editing.

    Source
  • The recorder can act as a MIDI master clock, syncing with a DAW via a USB MIDI interface, useful for integrating with digital setups.

    Source
  • While the MR-8 Mk2 has USB output capabilities, exporting individual tracks might require verification in the manual to ensure seamless file transfers.

    Source

User experience

  • It's reported that using a pencil can help operate buttons when some become unresponsive, indicating potential durability issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The onboard microphone is highlighted for its clarity, making it useful for capturing quick sketches or ideas without needing additional equipment.

    Source
  • Owners find the MR-8 Mk2 valuable for minimizing distractions during creative sessions, as it avoids the interruptions common with PC-based setups.

    Source
  • It's a suitable tool for field recording or sketching multi-part musical ideas without the complexity of computer-based systems.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its limitations, a well-maintained used unit can be valued at around $150, indicating some market demand for this model.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fostex Mr-8 Mkii Multitrack Recorder Review

guitarmasterclass.net

The Fostex MR-8 Mk2 shines with its user-friendly interface and impressive sound quality, making it a joy for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Its 8-track recording capability, built-in mic, and effects provide a versatile setup for capturing ideas on the go. However, some users may find the lack of advanced features limiting, and the reliance on flash media can be a drawback for those preferring modern storage solutions. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, portable recording solution, especially at around $100 on the second-hand market.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tendon Levey uses Fostex MR-8 Mk2 Digital 8-Track Recorder

Tendon Levey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tendonlevey

From the Tendon Levey website:

“I received my first multitrack recorder, a red Fostex MR-8, as a birthday gift in 2004 after years of recording via a handheld tape recorder. The buttons ended up breaking in 2007 from heavy use and I immediately replaced the device with the newer Fostex MR-8 MKII on my eighteenth birthday (with which I would record the entirety of the Tendon Levey discography). Over time, the Play, Stop and Record buttons ended up breaking once again from heavy use and I had to rely on a screwdriver to hit the triggers for several months in 2010. Once the triggers were sufficiently worn down and damaged from being repeatedly stabbed by a screwdriver I replaced the MKII with an identical model in October 2010. Although I stopped recording music in 2011, I’ve continued to use the MKII for mixing over the years (particularly in the case of unreleased track compilations) and, as of 2020, it is still in perfect working order.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fostex MR-8 Mk2 Digital 8-Track Recorder, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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oneball

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