Fostex CR500 CD-R/RW Master Recorder

Not only will the new Fostex CR500 professionally master stereo recordings to CD-R/RW, it also offers the world’s first direct Broadcast WAV recording to a UDF formatted disc at up to 24bit/96kHz resolution.
This means, among other things, easy transport to Pro Tools® and other computer-based professional editing environments without audio ripping*.

And as a ‘pro’ mastering machine you get balanced XLR connections, easy track naming via a USB keyboard, LED meters. Plus instant play, fader start, 10 memory points / program play memories per disc and more.

CD-mastering, live recording, BWF file creation, stage, event and broadcast playback. - The new Fostex CR500.

Equipped with 24bit quality at up to 96kHz and high precision laser technology you would expect the CR500 to deliver excellent quality recordings, and you would be right. Recording to standard recordable data CDs from a variety of analog and digital inputs, the CR500 generates discs of exceptional accuracy and integrity.

But that’s not the whole story, because the CR500 is the world’s first professional machine to offer direct BWF (Broadcasting WAV format) recording/generation to UDF formatted CD-R/RWs at up to 24bit/96kHz resolution.

And this is a big deal, as these discs can be recognised by PC editing systems directly (available on Windows XP only). No more time-wasting with real-time audio ripping, just simple ‘cut & paste’. In addition, you get multi-record settings (16bit/44.1kHz and 48kHz plus 24bit/44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz), easy track naming and simple transport controls via an ‘off the shelf’ USB keyboard and the kind of attention to detail you would expect from a professional master recorder designed by Fostex. 

The CR500 is also perfectly equipped for today’s professional playback environments. Equally at home in the conference centre, theatre, stadium or broadcast studio, it bristles with thoughtful features. For example, you can program 10 memory points per disc with a 100 discmemory, there’s instant play for event applications, fader start for broadcast use, power-on play for installations and a flexible array of balanced and unbalanced digital and analog outputs.

CR500 Recording Features

• CD-DA and BWF (stereo poly-file) recording: World’s first BWF recording to UDF formatted discs
• Up to 24bit/96kHz resolution:16bit/44.1kHz 48kHz, 24bit/44.1, 48 and 88.2kHz also available
• BWF files compatible with PC workstations: Easy data transfer via simple ‘cut & paste’ instead of time-consuming real-time audio ripping
• Digital I/O: AES/EBU and S/P DIF digital inputs and outputs
• Analogue I/O: Balanced XLR and RCA inputs and outputs
• Front mounted USB port: For connection of standard PC USB keyboard for file easy name editing and simple transport controls

CR500 Playback Features

• Fader Start: For playback applications in a broadcast environment
• Instant Play, Program Play and Cue Points: Program Play with up to 99 songs per disc, 10 memory points per disc and Instant Play make the CR500 ideal for Event and Installation playback applications
• Digital Scrub: Digital scrubbing with waveform screen in 10 msec. step using the MENU dial.

- See more at: http://www.fostexinternational.com

Owners Manual [PDF]
Brochure [PDF]

Specifications

RECORDING / PLAYBACK
GENERAL
Recording Media CD-R, CD-RW
Sampling Frequency / Quantization 44.1kHz / 48kHz, 16bit
44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz, 24bit
File System CD-DA (CD rec/repro)
ISO9660 (CD-ROM, repro. only)
UDF ver.1.02 (CD-ROM, rec/repro)
File Format CD-DA, BWF-P
S/N 100 dB (typical)
Dynamic Rage 100 dB (typical)
Reference Level -12dBFS / -20dBFS
T.H.D. less than 0.01 % (typical)
INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Analog Input (L/R, balanced)
Connector XLR-3-31 type x2
Input Impedance 10k ohm or more
Standard Input Level +4dBu
Maximum Input Level +24dBu
Analog Input (L/R, unbalanced)
Connector RCA pin jack x2
Input Impedance 10k ohm or more
Standard Input Level -10dBV
Maximum Input Level +10dBV
Analog Output (L/R, balanced)
Connector XLR-3-32 type x2
Loaded Impedance 10k ohm or more
Standard Output Level +4dBu
Maximum Output Level +24dBu
Analog Output (L/R, unbalanced)
Connector RCA pin jack x2
Output Impedance 10k ohm or more
Standard Output Level -10dBV
Maximum Output Level +10dBV
Phones 
Connectors Ø6mm Stereo Phone Jack x1
Loaded Impedance 8ohm or higher
Maximum Output Level 100mW (32ohm)
Digital Input (balanced)
Connector XLR-3-31 type x1
Input Format IEC60958 Part2 (S/P DIF)/IEC60958 Part3 (AES/EBU)
Automatic detect
Digital Output (balanced)
Connector XLR-3-32 type x1
Output Format IEC60958 Part2 (S/P DIF)/IEC60958 Part3 (AES/EBU)
Switchable
USB (for USB Keyboard only)
Connector USB series A receptacle x1
GPI (for fader start)
Connector Ø6mm Phone Jack x1
Format Short : Start / Open : Stop
PHYSICAL
Power requirements AC 100V – 240V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 14 W
Weight (without package) 4.8 kg
Max. dimensions 482 (W) x 93.5 (H) x 321 (D) mm - See more at: http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/CR500.shtml#3