The Zoom R8 combines four production tools in one versatile device.
In addition to being an 8-track recorder that utilizes SD memory, the Zoom R8 is an audio interface, a DAW control surface and a sampler complete with drum pads and a rhythm machine.
The R8 is the perfect tool for capturing audio on-the-go. Record live music performances, rehearsals, songwriting sessions or even audio for film and video. Playback up to eight tracks of audio at up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution as WAV files.
When combined with your computer, the R8 becomes a powerful audio interface. Connect the R8 to your computer via USB, launch your favorite DAW or use the included Cubase LE software and start laying down your tracks. Simultaneous 2-in/2-out capability allows you to record up to 24-bit/96kHz high definition audio.
If you use the 44.1kHz sampling rate, the internal DSP effects of the R8 are also available for your computer tracks. A dedicated control lets you adjust the mixing balance between the DAW playback sound and the direct sound for monitoring.
The R8 can be used as a control surface for DAW transport functions (play, record, stop) and mixing operations. Through a USB connection, you can control the transport and mixing functions of major DAWs such as Cubase, Logic, and Sonar from the R8. In addition, you can easily move multiple faders at the same time. No more mixing with a mouse! The R8 makes mixing a pleasure.
The built-in sampler functions allow you to loop audio data on any track. You can play the pads in real-time and combine loops to create a performance for an entire song. When setting loop intervals, you can see the waveforms for visual confirmation.
Time-stretching, which allows you to change the tempo without changing the pitch, and trimming the unneeded parts of loops, is also possible. You can use the sampler and recorder functions together seamlessly to play back loop tracks while recording instrumental performances on other tracks.
The included 2GB SD card contains 500 MB of drum loops from Big Fish Audio, one of the top producers of sample libraries.
The built-in high-sensitivity stereo microphones are convenient for recording sketches of musical phrases and melodies as they come to mind.
The R8’s built-in tuner is great for quickly tuning instruments and checking vocal pitch. The metronome can provide a click track for a drummer during recording and is also useful in practice settings. The metronome can also be sent to just the headphones.
Zoom R8 Main Features Include:
- Physical Tracks 8
- Simultaneous Recording Tracks 2
- Simultaneous Playback Tracks 8
- Recording Data Format 44.1/48kHz, 16/24bit WAV
- Maximum Recordable Time 200 minutes / GB (44.1kHz 16-bit, mono tracks)
- Input Channels 2
- Output Channels 2
- Quantization 24bit
- Sampling Frequency 44.1?48?88.2?96kHz
- Mixer Faders 9
- Level Meters 19-step LCD, Post-fader
- Track Parameters 3-band Equalizer, Pan (Balance), Effect Send x 2, Invert
- FX: 146 types, 8 Algorithms (CLEAN, DISTORTION, ACO/BASS SIM, BASS, MIC, DUAL MIC, STEREO, MASTERING)
- Sampler Playback Data Format 44.1/48kHz, 16/24bit WAV
- Sampler Voices 8
- Sampler Editing Functions Trim, Time-stretch
- A/D Conversion 96kHz 24bit delta-sigma ADC
- D/A Conversion 96kHz 24bit delta-sigma DAC
- Display 128 x 64 pixel LCD (with backlight)
- Inputs 2 x XLR-1/4''Phone Combo Jack
- Built-in microphones Omnidirectional condenser microphones / Gain: -50dBm to +4dBm continuously variable
- Battery Life 5.5 hours (with backlight on and phantom power off)
- Dimensions 257(W) x 190(D) x 51(H) mm
- Weight 780g (without batteries)