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Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder

BH #ZOR20 • MFR #ZR20
5 reviews
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Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder
Key Features
  • Standalone Recorder or 8x4 USB Interface
  • Record up to 16 Tracks (8 at Once)
  • 8 XLR Mic Preamps, 1 with Hi-Z
  • 4.3" Color Touchscreen Interface
An intuitive, all-in-one tabletop solution for recording, editing, and mixing music, the Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder merges a DAW-inspired touchscreen interface, color-coded tactile controls, and up to 16 total tracks so that solo artists and full bands alike can produce songs and let their creativity flow without relying on a computer. If a DAW-based workflow is needed, the R20 can serve as an 8x4 USB audio interface for virtually any audio production software.
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Zoom ZR20 Overview

From Manufacturer

An intuitive, all-in-one tabletop solution for recording, editing, and mixing music, the Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder merges a DAW-inspired touchscreen interface, color-coded tactile controls, and up to 16 total tracks so that solo artists and full bands alike can produce songs and let their creativity flow without relying on a computer. If a DAW-based workflow is needed, the R20 can serve as an 8x4 USB audio interface for virtually any audio production software.

The R20 is part recording console, part virtual instrument, and part effects unit; it comes loaded with eight preamps, channel strips, drum loops, synth sounds, and digital processing such as compression, EQ, gating, and more. Multiple mics, an electric guitar, headphones, speakers, and even a MIDI keyboard can be hooked up to the R20, making it a capable centerpiece for any home studio or mobile production rig.

Multitracking Made Easy
Equipped with a DAW-inspired touchscreen interface that feels instantly familiar, the R20 helps you focus on being creative by making it exceedingly easy to track, edit, and mix your songs.
Bring the Whole Band
The R20 has the best preamps and lowest noise floor of any multitrack recorder Zoom has ever designed. With six XLR inputs, two combo inputs, and 16 total tracks (record up to eight at a time), the R20 is perfect for singer-songwriters, full bands, and everything in between.
Just a Gesture Away
Navigate and edit with ease, via the R20's 4.3" color LCD touchscreen interface. Drag and drop, pinch, swipe, and more.
Color-Coded for Clarity
Color-coded faders, gain dials, and touchscreen track regions improve your workflow and ensure that you are always adjusting the correct channel.
Put the Pieces Together
Cut, copy, combine, and loop. The R20's interface provides intuitive editing, so you'll immediately feel at home.
Add Pro-Level Effects
Polish your tracks and mixes with professional effects such as EQ, compression, and more. The R20 provides a full MFX processor compatible with Guitar Lab software.
Drop the Beat
With 30 genres and 150 rhythm patterns and song form variations, the R20 can be a drummer when you need one.
Synth Sounds on Tap
Plug in a MIDI keyboard via USB Type-C or use the touchscreen to add sonic textures with the R20's 18 built-in synth sounds.
Backing Tracks
The R20 can import and playback standard MIDI files, allowing you to import bass lines, melodies, piano parts, and more.
Record to SD Cards
The R20 records directly to SDHC or SDXC cards up to 1TB, giving you plenty of space to track your next song or album.
Monitor and Playback
The R20 has a 1/4" headphone jack for monitoring while recording and dedicated 1/4" line outputs for mixing on your favorite monitors.
App-Based Wireless Control
Use the Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (available separately) to control the R20 wirelessly from an iOS device running the R20 Control App (available in 2022).
Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
Through VoiceOver and VoiceOver Gestures via the R20 Control App (available in 2022), the R20 allows accessibility for the visually impaired.
Attention to Detail
  • Hi-Z is available on input 1 for electric guitar and bass
  • 48V phantom power is available on inputs 5-8, switchable on pairs of channels
  • The locking power adapter ensures security against accidental unplugging
  • Access a fully adjustable click track at the press of a button
  • Record audio in up to 24-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution in BWF-compliant WAV format
  • The R20 also functions as an 8-input / 4-output USB Type-C audio interface
UPC: 884354025892

Zoom ZR20 Specs

General
Form Factor
Desktop
Number of Tracks
8
Maximum Simultaneous Tracks
8x Recording / 16x Playback (at 44.1 kHz)
Display
4.3" Color LCD Touchscreen
Maximum Sampling Rate
44.1 kHz / 24-Bit
Number of Microphone Inputs
8
Built-In Microphone
No
Input Level Adjustment
8x Knob
Number of Headphone Mixes
1x Master
Sample Pads
No
Signal Processing
Pad
No
Gain/Trim Range
+6 to +50 dB
High-Pass Filter
No
EQ
Input Channels:
3-Band EQ
EQ Parameters
High: ±12 dB at 10 kHz
Mid: ±12 dB at 2.5 kHz
Low: ±12 dB at 100 Hz
Dynamic Processing
Input Channels:
Compressor, Limiter, Gate
Built-In Effects
Distortion
Auto-Wah
Chorus
Chorus+Reverb
ADT
Delay
Reverb
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
1x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line/Hi-Z Input
1x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input
6x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic/Line Input
2x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output
1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Phantom Power
48 V, Selectable On/Off (on 4 Channels)
Digital Audio I/O
No
Host Connection / USB
1x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol
USB 2.0
USB (Non-Host)
1x USB-A (Remote)
Sync I/O
No
Network I/O
No
MIDI I/O
No
Wireless
Bluetooth
*Via Optional Adapter
Performance
Frequency Response
Mic, Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz -1 dB
Maximum Input Level
Mic/Line Inputs:
+4 dBu for 0 dBFS
Maximum Output Level
Line Outputs:
+14 dBu
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance
XLR Mic Inputs:
3.9 Kilohms
1/4" Line Inputs:
5.3 Kilohms
Line Outputs:
200 Ohms
Hi-Z Inputs:
1 Megohm
Headphone Outputs:
33 Ohms
EIN
Mic Inputs:
≤ -121 dBu A-Weighted (150-Ohm Source, +40 dB Gain)
Digital Audio
Audio File Formats
BWF
Sample Rates
44.1 kHz
Bit Depths
16 / 24-Bit
Sync Sources
Internal
Audio Storage & Playback
Supported Media
SDHC Card, SDXC Card
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Supported Media Capacity
SDHC:
4 GB Minimum to 32 GB Maximum
SDXC:
64 GB Minimum to 1 TB Maximum
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
macOS / Windows
Mobile Device Compatibility
iPad
Required Hardware
Available USB-A Port
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
AC Input Power
Not Specified by Manufacturer
AC/DC Power Adapter
12 VDC at 2 A, Center-Positive (Included)
Power Consumption
11 W (Maximum)
Physical
Dimensions
14.9 x 8.1 x 2.3" / 37.8 x 20.6 x 5.8 cm
Weight
2.9 lb / 1.3 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.505 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.7 x 9.4 x 3"

Zoom ZR20 Reviews

good unit

By Eric
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-07-01

The 1/4 inputs are a little tight as mentioned in some other reviews, but it's not a big deal. Other than that, it's intuitive and easy to use, and produces good clean tracks. It's small and lightweight, so very portable. It has a bunch of features for editing, mixing, effects, etc. and also acts as a DAW, though I have not tried that. I was very happy with this purchase.

Great mixer/recorder

By Jorge
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-05-26

Straight forward and easy to use the Zoom R20 delivers beyond expectations

See any errors on this page?

If 12 separate songs (12 projects) are recorded, ...

If 12 separate songs (12 projects) are recorded, how does the R20 identify or label each different project?
Asked by: Charles
Yes, it is possible to tag or ID projects on the R20 RECORDER. The R20 saves and manages recording and playback data in units called projects. A list of projects is shown on the Projects Screen, and new projects can be created on the Projects Screen.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2024-12-06

How does it content to a reference monitor like ...

How does it content to a reference monitor like the Yamaha h3 or 6?
Asked by: Russell-Asante J.
The Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder has 1/4" TRS main outputs, which could be connected to monitor speakers.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-01-22

Will bluetooth headphones work with the Zoom R20?

Will bluetooth headphones work with the Zoom R20?
Asked by: Dan
No. You would need to use a bluetooth transmitter connected to the headphone output to be able to do that. The Zoom BTA1 adapter is for control via bluetooth to the R20.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2023-08-30

What is the maximum recording length?

What is the maximum recording length?
Asked by: Marius
The maximum recording time for the Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder is dependent on a few factors, including the capacity of the memory card and the number of tracks, which will determine the number of total hours of recording time that will fit on the memory card, but the R20 also has a built-in project-based limit for each individual project that allows a maximum of 1,350 bars for a single project. If you set the tempo to a slow speed (for example, 40 beats per minute) with a time signature of 4/4, this would allow for approximately 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes) of recording time for a single project.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2025-10-30

Are the faders motorized?

Are the faders motorized?
Asked by: Tingjia
The R20 faders are not motorized.
Answered by: Zoom Customer Support
Date published: 2022-08-07

Can you add more than 1 effect to each track for ...

Can you add more than 1 effect to each track for a live mix?
Asked by: Yosef
Yes. Up to three effects can be added to each track on the Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2022-10-09

Is it easy to line up the recorded tracks in your ...

Is it easy to line up the recorded tracks in your DAW when moving them from the R20?
Asked by: David
Yes, files recorded on the Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder can be moved into your DAW easily. Additionally, the R20 can also function as an 8x4 USB audio interface to record directly to your DAW.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2022-10-03

The descr says 24-bit 44.1 max. Is this accurate? ...

The descr says 24-bit 44.1 max. Is this accurate? Even my older R16 does 24-bit 48K if wanted.
Asked by: Rob
The Zoom R20 Portable Multitrack Recorder records at 44.1 kHz.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2024-08-07
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