The R8 8-Track Digital Recorder/Interface/Controller/Sampler from Zoom is an ultra-portable music production solution, ideal for the musician on the go. The R8 packs the versatility of the larger R24 into a fresh compact design. Not only is the R8 an 8-track recorder that writes to SD flash memory cards, it's also a USB audio interface, a controller, and a pad sampler!
The R8 has 2-track simultaneous recording and 8-track playback. It can record WAV files at sample rates of 44.1/48kHz and bit rates of 16/24-bit. The files are captured to SD memory cards with capacities up to 32GB for making lengthy recordings. There are built-in stereo condenser mics for making recordings without extra equipment. There are also XLR/TRS combo inputs for connecting external microphones and instruments. There is 48V phantom power available on 2 tracks for supporting condenser mics. You can choose from over 140 DSP effects to add to your recordings, including guitar amp models and mastering effects.
The R8 has a USB connector, allowing you to use it as a high-definition audio interface with your computer. It supports rates up to 24-bit/96kHz and offers 2 x 2 in/out over the USB connection. Steinberg Cubase LE DAW software is included so you can record, mix, and edit on your computer right away. The R8's controls provide full mixing and transport options for Cubase, Logic, Sonar, and other popular DAW software options. The control surface uses Mackie Control emulation for wide compatibility.
Other features of the R8 include a pad sampler with 8 voices, as well as a loop-based audio sequencer for music creation. The R8 can operate on 4 standard AA batteries, USB bus power, or the included AC adapter for excellent versatility.
- 8-Track Recorder
- Writes to SD Cards
- 16 or 24-bit WAV files
- XLR/TRS Combo Inputs with 48V Phantom
Zoom R8 Overview
- 1Description
- 2General
- 3Recorder
- 4Interface
- 5Controller
- 6Sampler/Drum Machine
Zoom R8 Specs
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Number of Tracks | 8 |
| Maximum Simultaneous Tracks | 2 x Recording / 8 x Playback |
| Display | LCD (Backlit) |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 48 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Built-In Microphone | 2 x Omnidirectional Condenser (Stereo Pair) |
| Input Level Adjustment | 9 x Fader |
| Gain/Trim Range | Built-In Mic: -50 dBm to +4 dBm |
| EQ | 3-Band EQ |
| Built-In Effects | 387 x Effect (Type Unspecified) |
| Analog Audio I/O | 2 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Balanced Input 2 x 1/4" TRS Monitor Output 1 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output |
| Phantom Power | 48 / 24 V |
| Host Connection Protocol | USB 2.0 |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" Footswitch Input |
| Headphone Output Power | 20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
| Impedance | Inputs: 1 Kilohm (Balanced) 50 Kilohms (Unbalanced) Hi-Z Inputs: 470 Kilohms |
| SNR | 93 dB |
| Audio File Formats | WAV |
| Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 kHz (Record, Playback) 96 kHz (AD/DA Conversion) |
| Bit Depths | 16 / 24-Bit (Recording) 24-Bit (AD/DA Conversion, Delta-Sigma) |
| Supported Media | SD Card |
| Memory Card Slot | 1 x SDHC |
| Supported Media Capacity | SD: 16 MB Minimum to 2 GB Maximum SDHC: 4 GB Minimum to 32 GB Maximum |
| Power Requirements | Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter (Included) |
| AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC at 1 A (Included) |
| Battery Type | 4 x AA |
| Approximate Battery Life | 5.5 Hours (Backlit Display, Phantom Off) |
| Dimensions | 10.1 x 7.48 x 2" / 257 x 190 x 51 mm |
| Weight | 27.5 oz / 780.0 g |
| Package Weight | 2.83 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 13.55 x 8.35 x 3.45" |
Zoom R8 Reviews
great audio recorder
this is a good audio recorder for fild work the only thing I cand find the low cut filterI used it one time for a movie and most for sound effects they told me you can plug to a camera but I dont see how its a good mixer the other thing is that it captures sound from around you like behind you for some reason
It doesn't do separate channel output.
It doesn't do separate channel output. This device is not ideal for location sound recording for a film set. You can record separate channels into the recorder, but if you need to send to camera, you can ONLY send a stereo mix, you can not separate the channels in the mix. This may be great for music, but is not sutable for use on a film set.
Very good!
Very nice product. As a semi-professional composer and a song writer I find this product very good for my needs. I can use it as a stand-alone (44.1kHz with effects), or as an interface with the computer for a higher quality recording.
A GREAT alternative for indie filmmakers
I use this for indie filmmaking instead of a 2 to 3 thousand dollar field mixer. I think for ten times less, it's a better buy considering that you have redundancy built right in. Not only can I record directly to my camera, but I can have a redundant backup via the R8's SD card slot. The fact that you can also record HD audio via a computer only makes it that much better. Currently, I only use it as a mixer to camera, but having options is always a plus. Sure on-location portability options are a bit limited with concerns toward live-event/ENG purposes, but for narrative filmmaking it's a very good option.One of the things that I think the R8 has over conventional lower to mid-range mixers is that you not only have volume, gain and pan control, but you also have access to a 3-channel EQ through the menu display, so you can get the best possible sound in-camera and on-location.It's very easy to use, if you're using it just as a field mixer, but requires a little manual reading and time to get familiar with the other options.The only con, I can think of, is that for an 8-track recorder, it only has two live inputs. However, this is perfectly fine for what I use it for.Overall, I think that this a great buy for indie filmmakers. I also think it's better than the Zoom H4n, because its small enough to be portable, but offers a bit more tactile control. I think if it were water-resistant, it would be perfect.
Impressive Package
This is a powerful bundle though I purchased it based on its portability and features for the price. My main thing is to make quick demo's and record our band live. The instructions are excellent and clear, and the unit has been well thought out. Things are not too deep in menus and it remembers where you've been before. It's great that using a built rhythm is stereo but only takes one track. The on board mastering creates a new file for every master, and this is also a separate stereo track. All the audio including track takes are in wav format, (not proprietry like some brands) and I am impressed with the quality (given the price) of demos and band recordings so far. Sequencing is easy, drum sounds are excellent apart from the cymbals. The attention to detail has really been taken here and its out of box v1.00. - I haven't seen the need to check for updates. Although it only is an 8 track with 2 simultaneous recordings, everything has been done to ensure maximum tracks are available. So far drawbacks is the screen size, but at least it is clear, the cymbal sounds and it seems light weight, so don't drop it. All of these can be somewhat countered.
All-in-One!
This recorder has everything you need in it to make professional-sounding audio recordings. I use it to record stereo keyboard, vocals, and some guitar and sax and the recordings come out sounding very well. The usage of the R8 seems intriguing at first but after going through the very easy-to-follow manual and playing around a bit, I figured out how to use it. It feels a bit cheap, though, and the button-feel is out-of-date, but don't let this fool you, as the inside has very high-quality stuff. The screen is rather small and the menus can be confusing, but again, the more you use it the easier it gets. Another thing that bothered me is the fact that you can't organize the folders to your liking, unless maybe you can and I don't know how... on the computer it won't work to create folders on the memory card. Speaking of which, the memory card slot is very convenient and the recorder itself is very portable and lighweight. All-in-all I am very satisfied with this purchase and don't regret not getting the TASCAM DP-008EX which I was deciding to get, since the R8 has so many more features packed into it... You won't regret your purchase of it.
Great Product. I am so happy I got it!
I just love it. I am not an expert so for my the sound quality is excellent. It has more features than I need right now.
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