Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I kept finding myself saying "I wish Zoom made a big brother to the H4N." I finally decided to google that question, and here it is.

Pros:
Affordable. Only $100 more than the H4N.
Intuitive for non-experts.
Records to SD cards
Runs on batteries (if you're desperate)
Doubles as a hardware interface for your computer (I haven't used it for that, but it's a cool concept)

Cons:
The menu system is kludgy, but it works.
It's sort-of portable. Granted, I'm using it for something it isn't really designed to do. It chews through batteries very quickly. It doesn't feel very rugged. But for the price, it was exactly what I needed.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

have used this and the R24 for 6 months now, in various situations, with ac, as well as batts only, with at least 14 different mics, half dynamic and half condenser...
but
unfortunately...this is NOT a CLEAN way to record...due to the PRE AMP noise, no matter which mic u use, and what wires you use and how you set up...

the pre amp noise is just about always there, on all channels, some more, some less,, and after 2 pm position, it gets worse...

for kidding around, cheap and fast home recording, these machines are great... to use nero and make your own CD, good... but
if you wish to really make even a semi quality
LOW HISS CD, PLS LOOK ELSEWHERE.
thanks

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I purchased two of the R16 recorders for a video project where I needed to have discrete recordings of up to 12 wireless microphones. This product, synched with another of the same model, worked flawlessly. Records separate audio tracks to SDHC cards. Each of the 8 channels has its own fader, pan and signal level. Sound quality is fine, especially at this price point.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

The product is advertised as use by musicians and to use to record music, which I am sure it is very good at. We purchased it, hoping it would also function well as a field mixer and recorder for video productions, seeing that it has battery power options, we figured it should work, and 16 channels is pretty awesome! It probably would have worked, but the biggest issue we had was that when you stop or pause recording you can't tell the mixer to record to a new file when you start recording again. Once again for music this is probably great, but for video productions it makes it virtually useless.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

Pretty easy to use, its the perfect tool for independent filmmakers on the run. Good for Documentaries and works of fiction.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

The preamp's quality is not the best but it is almost there, has a little restricted range in dynamics but we can make great things with it.

Its portability is awesome, 8 tracks wherever you want to record.

It would be great that all the inputs had phantom power, but being objective the zoom r16 brings us a lot for this price.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

Work for endless applications. Battery life is good and phantom power is great on a device like this. On board mics are good and the interface is very user friendly. I use it at least 3 times a week for filming, recording bands and also as an interface for Logic. One thing, doesnt effect it that much but the levels after recording are a bit low, but better then peaking :-)

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

Perfect quality for all money.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I purchased this product to record interviews for our weekly podcast. I love the fact that you can record 8 tracks simultaneously. The audio quality is clean. However, I find that the channel sensitivity is a little too low and there's no way to increase it. In order to get a halfway decent recording I have to bring the channel input gain almost to the maximum and the volume slider to 0dB. Anything higher than this will produce hiss. These levels will give me a recording that I have to normalize in post. This adds more work to the process. I've tried with hi Z lavalier mikes, low Z dynamic mikes and even with large capsule condensers. Maybe it's a software thing and they'll fix it in the future. In any case, being able to record panel discussions with up to 8 people at a time alone is worth every penny.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

COMPACT PRODUCT AND OF EASY OPERATION, EXCELLENT FOR AUDIO-VIS

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

Don't ever run into a problem with this thing! All of a sudden the unit didn't turn on even in usb mode. My warranty ends at the end of next month. Samson's warranty department hasn't been returning my phone calls! AHHHHH [$]! Don't even get me started on how the cuebase software doesn't even work and their customer service is even worse!

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

This mixer/recorder does a great job of live recording. The effects and patches need a lot of work in that there is no metering, for example, on limiting or compression. The extremely poor user manual make using the effects and patches a real learning experience. (Why won't mfgs hire someone who can communicate with people to write user manuals?) A good product that deserves a better manual.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

This is a great unit for capturing ideas quickly, sound effects recording, and small live recording projects; such as jazz trios and acoustic projects.

For the price, you get great bang for the buck.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I use this Zoom R16 to record one track at a time, primarily electric and accoustic guitars. The built-in mikes work extremely well, though I am defaulting to a Shure SM58 on a boom to provide better mike placement.

The R16 has a ton more functionality than I currently need and I selected it primarily for the 24 bit recording capability plus the opportunity to expand my recording options in the future.

Overall it is fairly easy to use, though more complicated than a handheld recorder due to the need to create projects, and assign tracks. Still after 15 minutes it is easy to get the hang of it. As noted in other reviews, it is fairly solidly built even if in a plastic housing.

Play back, mix down and file transfer functions have presented no problems. I use a Line6 POD X3 for effects so have not experimented with the R16 features. However, recording dry and applying effects afterwards is a best practice if you want to get the best mix.

Haven't used this as an interface for Cubase yet, though I have an older version of Cubase and like the program. If it is possible to update this review I will comeback and provide additional detail on this function.

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

This is a bridge for future multi-tracks.
Why doesn't the maker provide us consumers with everything we need at once??? because they would rather ration the product to provide themselves with longevity. The Zoom R-16 is a good product.
However, it has its problems. Such as not syncing with video very well. If you roll with video it will drift a bit every minute. Plus it only records remotely at 44.1khz, but it also records simultaneously at 24bit which is different and good quality. I wish it had time=code. I wish it recorded at 48/24. I wish i could wait for roland tascam and korg to catch up but I can't. The R-16 is "socialism" because it gives us what we need for basically no charge.
good luck sound techs!

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I've been a drummer for over 27 years and I play in a couple of bands. About 7 years ago I got into recording. I built a studio in my new house with Pro Tools as my DAW platform and have the ability to record 18 tracks simultaneously. However, the Pro Tools recording option is not portable and I've been wanting something light, compact and easy to use to record live shows. Until now there was nothing on the market portable enough that offered 8 simultaneneous track recording.

Enter the Zoom R16. I read about this product in Recording Magazine and started to do some research. Three weeks ago I finally decided to buy it. Wow! I have been totally impressed. So far I've recorded two band rehearals and have been completely blown away with the results. After the first practice session I attempted to mix in the box (meaning totally with the R16). It's a bit cumbersome, but possible. The next practice session I exported the individual tracks to Pro Tools. The transfer process was a breeze and all the tracks lined up beautifully without any nudging or manipulating on my part. I was able to mix and master the whole session as if I recorded it directly into Pro Tools and it sounded great. This will likely be my primary method of using the R16. I don't need a control surface as I have the Digi 002, but for portability and convenience this thing cannot be beat.

In a nut shell, if you are looking for a feature packed portable recording device and 8 simultaneous tracks fit your recording requirements then you need not look any further than the R16. It's priced right and has tons of features. Couple of things to note however; you only get two tracks with phantom power, there is no way to pad the input signal on the tracks and the batteries don't last long at all (at least with phantom power turned on).

So, aside from that this is an outstanding piece of equipment. Well, what are you waiting for?...order yours today!

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I use this as a portable mixer for my video productions. Set up is quick I can plug it directly into my sony ex1 for stereo and I can dub voice overs in sycn at a later time. I have run it over 2 hrs on the 2a batteries. The sound quality is as good my camera.
I like recording on sdhc cards because I can use the same cards as I use on the camera. This unit is built good but it is not built like a tank so I am careful not to bump it around. I have not used it as a control surface because it does not have drivers for a 64bit software. All and all it does what I need with ease and speed of work flow

Comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Recorder & Mixer, Computer Interface & Controller:

I am moving up from a 4 track MD recorder and have been mixing down live from that into garageband on my mac. I have been doing that or something very similar for the past 10 years! This is the next level and then some. It was a little difficult to learn and had to search around for some software update but once this thing was up and running i was able to get into the song with a fine tooth comb (with out breaking the bank on protools)!