Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface Review
Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface Feature
- Digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording utilizing Secure Digital (SD) memory
- 16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones
- Includes 1GB SD card and supports cards up to 32GB SDHC
- Allows simultaneous recording on up to 8 tracks
Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface Overview
The Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface lets you bring your recording studio to the music! Zoom has revolutionized digital recording again with the first digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording that utilizes Secure Digital (SD) memory. The new R16 recorder is three production tools in one incredibly versatile device. It's a digital multi-track recorder, an audio interface and a control surface, providing you with all the tools necessary to create studio-quality recordings anywhere. The R16 combines a remarkable level of functionality with exceptionally intuitive design. For recording purposes, the unit supports up to 32GB SD cards, allowing over 100 track hours of recording. The flexibility of SD recording not only makes the R16 lighter and more portable, it also ensures increased reliability with no concern for a crashing hard drive. You can even have respective SD cards dedicated to specific recording sessions. Back up your project on a USB memory stick. With the ability to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously, it's easy to capture a live band or even a complete drum kit. The R16 features built-in stereo condenser microphones for field recording or quick, convenient "sketch-pad" capturing of ideas and rehearsals. It also provides 8 combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs along with one Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitar or bass. And the R16 also runs on 6 AA batteries for the ultimate in multi-track portability. USB operation means you can control each function of your favorite DAW software from the R16 for easy mixing with fine-tuned control. Incorporate any of the 100+ built-in studio effects to enhance your recording and use the pro-quality mastering effects to complete that studio sound. You can even connect two R16s via USB for synchronized operation and 16 tracks of simultaneous recording.
Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface Specifications
The R16 Recorder/Interface/Control seamlessly combines multi-track recording, an audio interface, and control surface capability in a mobile production studio. Take your session anywhere.
 The R16 combines multi-track recording, an audio interface, and control surface capability in a mobile production studio. Click to enlarge. or view device connections. |
 Record 8 tracks simultaneously. |
 Audio interface with 8-in/2-out capability. |
 Control surface for all major DAW functions. |
 Built-in high-sensitivity stereo microphones. |
 Supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB. |
Record 8 tracks simultaneously with 16-track playback
Capture audio in any setting, from live music performance, drums with multiple mics to music rehearsals and songwriting, even audio for film and video. The R16's simultaneous 8-track capability makes professionalism easy. Playback up to 16 tracks using its 16/24-bit linear WAV format and 44.1kHz sampling rate.
Audio interface with 8-in/2-out capability
The R16 functions as an audio interface enabling direct input of sound to a computer. Support for high quality 24-bit/96kHz encoding ensures great sound. Eight input channels and two output channels can be used simultaneously. If you use the sampling rate of 44.1kHz, the internal DSP effects of the R16 are also usable on your computer tracks. A dedicated control lets you adjust the mixing balance between the DAW playback sound and the direct sound for monitoring.
Control surface for all major DAW functions
Transport and mixing operations of the DAW software can be controlled using the R16. This gives you greater control and a better feel for mixing. In Mackie Control emulation mode, major DAW applications such as Cubase, Logic, and Sonar are supported.
Sync two R16s for 16 tracks of simultaneous recording
The R16 is the first recorder that incorporates the ability to generate a synchronization signal based on USB data transfer timing*. By connecting two R16 units via USB, you can designate one to function as a USB host and the other as a USB slave, allowing synchronized transport operation. This lets you record on up to 16 tracks simultaneously to competently handle a live performance.
* Synchronization accuracy has a tolerance of about 1 to 2 milliseconds.
Built-in high-sensitivity stereo microphones
When you want to quickly record anything from songwriting ideas to ambient room audio, the R16's built-in set of stereo mics will come in handy. Vocals and acoustic instruments can be captured with excellent clarity.
Supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB
Because the R16 utilizes compact and readily available SD and SDHC memory cards as its recording media, there is no motor that can cause noise as with tape or discs. And you never need to worry about problems caused by external vibrations that can crash hard drives.
Versatile inputs for guitars, mics, and line sources
Its eight combination mic/line input jacks can handle mics or line-level signals. Phantom power is provided on channels 5 and 6 for use with condenser mics, and the Hi-Z switch for channel 1 accommodates a guitar or bass. The R16 is ready for any kind of input source.
Use master track for final mix
A dedicated master track lets you do the final mixdown right on the R16 without a separate master recorder. With sequence play, several projects can be mastered together and played automatically. And you can create playlists for finished songs in any order.
135 DSP effects including guitar amp simulations
The R16 comes preprogrammed with 135 types of digital effects for recording, mixing, and mastering. The insert effect has seven modules with algorithms optimized for guitar, bass and vocals. In addition, two send/return effects are also available, so that you can use up to three effects simultaneously. The R16 also comes with models of 18 different guitar amps such as Fender, Marshall, Vox and Mesa Boogie, and 6 bass amps such as Ampeg, Bassman and Hartke. A compressor and equalizer effect that handles 8 channels simultaneously provides further flexibility.
Tuner and metronome onboard
The R16's built-in tuner is great for quickly tuning an instrument or checking the pitch of vocals. During recording, the metronome provides a click track for your drummer and is also handy for practice. The metronome sound can be sent to the headphones, letting you use a previously recorded backing track on stage during a performance.
Locate function makes editing easy
Set up to 100 marker points and directly locate them whenever you want. Other convenient functions for editing include A-B repeat playback and auto punch-in/out, making it easy to re-track part of the recording. The R16 can be powered from the supplied AC adaptor or six AA/LR6 batteries. A set of batteries will last for about four and a half hours, and because they are standard batteries, changing them is always easy and convenient. The audio interface and control surface functions can also be operated on USB bus power, providing another power option.
Power options
The R16 can be powered from the supplied AC adaptor or six AA/LR6 batteries. A set of batteries will last for about four and a half hours, and because they are standard batteries, changing them is always easy and convenient. The audio interface and control surface functions can also be operated on USB bus power, providing another power option.
USB 2.0 hi-speed mode for fast file transfer
Because the R16 has a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible port, file transfer to a computer is quick and painless. Computer-based tasks such as editing with DAW software, burning your original CDs and importing WAV files are integrated smoothly into your workflow.
USB host capability for connecting USB memory
A USB flash drive or large-capacity external hard disk can be plugged into the USB port of the R16. This lets you quickly distribute a recording to band members after a rehearsal session or make a backup of your recordings even when you're not near a computer.
Bundled with Cubase LE 4
Cubase LE 4 is a powerful music production system that can handle recording, editing, and mixing tasks both for audio and for MIDI. It incorporates the same audio engine as the multi-award winning, higher-level version Cubase 4, and is ideal as an entry into computer-based music production.
What's in the Box
Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface, AC Adapter, 1GB SD Memory Card, USB Cable, Cubase LE Install Disc, User's Manual
Available at Amazon
