Zoom R24 Multi-Track Recorder Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Get a 24-track recorder, 8-in/2-out audio interface, DAW controller, and sampler/sequencer/drum machine in one portable 3-pound package with the Zoom R24.

Is it an 8-input, 24-track recorder? Is it a loop sequencer, sampler, and drum machine? Is it an audio interface and DAW control surface? Yes -- the Zoom R24 is all of these things! Zoom packs functionality into an under-3-pound, 15-inch-wide package, making the R24 the perfect portable solution for multi-tracking live shows, band rehearsals, and song ideas -- even on six AA batteries. The R24 records up to 8 simultaneous tracks from its eight combination XLR-1/4" inputs, and with built-in stereo microphones, drum machine, and tuner, it's the perfect songwriting scratchpad. Use the R24's onboard effects to mix your masterpiece, or plug in a USB cable to transfer your WAV-format tracks to any digital audio workstation (DAW). You can even use the R24's faders and transport buttons as your DAW control surface. The Zoom R24 is one ultra-portable recorder -- and it's also right at home as the heart of your studio.

8 Versatile Mic/Line Inputs, Plus Built-in Mics

Whether you're tracking a full band, or a drum kit with multiple mics, the R24 allows eight channels of simultaneous recording from its eight combination XLR-1/4" inputs. One input accepts Hi-Z sources like a guitar or bass, and six can supply phantom power to condenser microphones or active DI boxes. All eight can accept line-level sources, such as synths or external mic preamps. And because the R24 has no hard drive or noisy fans, you can even make quick recordings with the built-in pair of microphones on the unit's read more left and right sides -- convenient for scratch vocals, hand percussion, or acoustic guitar.

Record 8 Tracks, Play Back 24

Record eight tracks at a time, or lay down your performances one by one. However you like to roll, the R24's audio recorder has helpful functions like manual and auto punch-in/out, markers, A-B repeat, trim, bounce, and undo. You get unlimited "virtual tracks" -- record a part as many times as you need, then choose the best take from a menu of numbered, saved takes on the LCD screen -- without eating up track real estate. And because this is the R24, you get 24 tracks of simultaneous playback. Use the eight faders to adjust volume, pan, EQ, and effects on each track, and apply send-return effects through the mixer's send-return bus. The R24 has hundreds of effects onboard, from guitar amp simulations to rich reverbs.

Easy File Transfer With SD Card or USB

With computers and software DAWs growing ever faster and more powerful, few musicians want to be limited to editing and mixing on a standalone hardware recorder. That's why Zoom makes it so easy to transfer your recording projects to your Mac or PC. The R24 saves individual tracks as industry-standard WAV files in 44.1 or 48 kHz, 16-bit or 24-bit format, on inexpensive SD card/SDHC media up to 32GB. This means no proprietary formats to deal with or hard drives to crash. Transfer files to your computer with the included USB cable, or plug in any USB thumb drive to make backups of your recordings when your computer's not handy.

Serious DAW Integration

Once you've transferred a project to your computer, keep that USB cable plugged in: the R24 now functions as a control surface for your DAW, using standard Mackie Control architecture. And if you want to track some overdubs into your DAW, go ahead and plug your mics or instruments into the R24: it's now an 8-in/2-out bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface, with 1/4" outputs to feed your studio monitor speakers. Switch to a 2-in/2-out setup for higher-definition 96 kHz/24-bit audio. The R24 ships with Cubase LE, so you can immediately start using its nine faders and transport buttons as a control surface and front end for Cubase, Sonar, Logic, and more -- just add a computer.

On-Board Sequencer, Sampler, and Drum Machine

Just take a look at the row of nine buttons across the bottom of the R24 labeled Kick, Snare, Open Hat, and so on. That's right, these are velocity-sensitive drum pads that you can use to play 10 types of drum kits. Use any of 400+ preset patterns, or edit and save your own -- then use the pads to trigger them within the R24's sequencer. It's simple to arrange songs, and even alter time signatures or delete beats from bars on the flexible grid. In the 24-voice sampler, you can import or record your own loops, trim and time-stretch the waveforms on-screen, then assign your loops to pads for real-time triggering. The sequencer and recorder work together, so you can lay down instrument or vocal performances on while playing back loops on other tracks.

A Portable Powerhouse

Say you don't have a laptop to run a DAW on -- or you just don't want to lug around your computer, interface, and all the cables to shows or rehearsals. You're in luck: the R24 is made to travel. It runs for about 4.5 hours on six AA batteries, or you power it from the included AC adapter. The "guard rails" on the sides of your R24 protect its knobs and buttons from damage when you slide it into your backpack or laptop bag. With the Zoom R24, you get all the portability of Zoom's famous handheld recorders, plus the flexibility of a multitrack recorder, interface, controller, and sampler.

Features:

- 8 tracks simultaneous recording, 24 tracks playback
- 8 line/mic inputs -- 1 with Hi-Z input, 6 with phantom power
- On-board pair of omnidirectional condenser microphones
- 9 faders with 4-segment LED level meters
- 330 effects patches, plus on-board tuner -- great for guitarists
- 24-voice sampler with trim and time-stretch editing
- 500+ built-in drum patterns -- or create your own beats with 10 kits and 8 velocity-sensitive pads
- 8-in/2-out USB audio interface, up to 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution
- Control surface for many DAW software packages
- Cubase LE included
- Synchronize two R24s via USB for 16 simultaneous tracks
- Supports SD cards up to 32 GB (SD Card not included)
- Power via 6 AA batteries (not included) or AD-14 AC Adapter (included)
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RECORDER:
Track count: 24 (mono)
Maximum number of simultaneous recording tracks: 8
Maximum number of simultaneous playback tracks: 24 audio + metronome
Recording data format: 16 / 24-bit, 44.1 / 48 kHz WAV format
Maximum recording time: 200 minutes/1 GB (44.1 kHz 16-bit, mono tracks)
Projects: 1000
Markers: 100/project
Locator: Hours/minutes/seconds/milliseconds and bars/beats/ticks
File editing: Divide, trim
Other functions: Punch-in/out (manual, auto), Bounce, A-B repeat, Undo/Redo

AUDIO INTERFACE:
Number of recording channels: 8
Number of playback channels: 2
Quantization bit-rate: 24
Sampling frequency: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz

MIXER:
Faders: 9 (mono x 8, master x 1)
Level meter display: 4-segment LED
Track parameters: 3-band equalizer, pan (balance), effect send x 2, invert
Stereo link: Tracks 1 / 2 - 23 / 24 selectable in pairs

EFFECTS:
Algorithms: 9 (CLEAN, DISTORTION, ACO/BASS, BASS, MIC, DUAL MIC, STEREO, 8xCOMP, EQ, MASTERING)
Patches: 330 insert, 60 send-return
Effect modules: 7 insert, 2 send-return

TUNER: Chromatic, guitar, bass, open A/D/E/G, D modal

RHYTHM:
Voices: 8
Sound format: 16-bit linear PCM
Drum kits: 10
Pads: 8 (velocity-sensitive)
Precision: 48 PPQN
Rhythm patterns: 511/project
Tempo: 40.0 - 250.0 BPM

SAMPLER:
Playback formats: 16 / 24-bit, 44.1 / 48 kHz WAV
Editing functions: Trim, Time-stretch

HARDWARE:
Recording media: SD card (16MB - 2 GB), SDHC card (4 - 32 GB) (SD card not included)
Analog-digital conversion: 96 kHz 24-bit delta-sigma ADC
Digital-analog conversion: 96 kHz 24-bit delta-sigma DAC
Display: 128 x 64 pixel LCD (with backlight)

INPUTS:
Input 1-8:
- Type: 8 XLR/TRS combo jacks
- Input impedance: (Balanced input) 1KΩ balanced (2 hot), (Unbalanced input) 50 KΩ unbalanced (1 with Hi-Z input impedance 1 MΩ (Hi-Z on), 6 with phantom power)
- Phantom Power: 48V, 24V
- Input level: -50 dBm < continuous < +4 dBm
Built-in stereo microphones:
- Type: Omnidirectional condenser microphones
- Gain: -50 dBm < continuous < +4 dBm

OUTPUTS:
- Main Output: TRS phone (balanced)
- Phones: Standard stereo phone jack 20 mW x 2 (32 Ω load)

USB: Mini-B type (USB 2.0): USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (operation as audio interface/control surface/card reader/USB storage)

USB AUDIO INTERFACE:
Number of recording channels: 8
Number of playback channels: 2
Bit rate: 24
Sampling frequency: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Compatibility:
- Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10, Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz or faster, RAM 1 GB or more, USB 2.0 compatible port (Intel chipsets recommended)
- macOS 10.14 - 11, Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz or faster, RAM 1 GB or more, USB 2.0 compatible port (Intel chipsets recommended)

POWER:
AC adapter: DC 5V 1A (Zoom AD-14 adapter included)
Batteries: 6 AA batteries (4.5-hour continuous operation time with backlight set to 15 seconds and phantom power off)

PHYSICAL:
Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.8" x 9.34" x 2.05" (376 x 237.1 x 52.2 mm)
Weight: 2.86 lbs (1.3 kg)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/

Zoom R24 24-Channel Multitrack Recorder

The Zoom R series was designed to give musicians a portable recording command center that doubles as a digital audio interface for either Mac or PC. Using SDHC/SD memory cards for storage, every recorder in the R series features multiple channels of simultaneous recording, playback, and control for optimal musical blend, balance, and precision. The R24 controller is the most advanced device in the series, featuring eight more channels of playback than the R16, a sampler, a drum machine with velocity sensitive buttons, and four additional channels of phantom-power (for a total of 6).

The R24 is designed to deliver flawlessly produced recordings and a plethora of sound capture options. Eight tracks of simultaneous recording make recording groups or individually micing a drum kit fast and simple. A total of six phantom powered channels allow for multiple condenser microphones, perfect for capturing acoustic guitar or live group vocals. Twenty four channels of playback help you monitor the blend and find interesting layers of sound. Additionally, the R24 can be daisy-chained to another R24 or R16 for up to 16 channels of simultaneous recording or 48 channels of playback.

The SDHC cards help to facilitate the recording process. Each 32GB card can hold up to 100 hours of track recording. These cards can be easily swapped out, stored, and backed-up on USB memory sticks and other memory devices for excellent memory security.

But the R24 is much more than a simple recorder; it is also an incredibly helpful audio interface. With the convenient USB plug, the R24 can be attached to most computers or laptops. Although the R24 comes standard with Cubase LE, any standard DAW software will work with the R24. The simultaneous 8-in/2-out capacity allows the recording of 16-bit/44.1kHz audio. This setup can be reordered to a simultaneous 2-in/2-out configuration for higher definition 24-bit/96kHz audio. If the sampling rate is 44.1kHz, the internal DSP effects of the R24 can be added to the computer tracks. Dedicated controls let the R24 precisely tune mixing levels and balance between the computer playback and the source information, eliminating the frustrating exercise of setting EQ levels with a computer mouse.

The effects function of the R24 is incredibly intuitive and features almost limitless options. The 24 voice sampler allows you to assign audio files as loops on any of the tracks. Built-in drum pads let you choose from 10 different kit sound models, or you can play the touch-sensitive pads in real time and set your own loops and rhythms, storing up to 511 at once. The R24 also comes with 150 types of DSP effects, 390 patches, 16 guitar amp models, and 6 bass amp models for an inexhaustible assortment of sonic choices.

Features:

- Over 100 studio-quality effects including guitar amp models and mastering effects
- Records on up to 32GB SDHC cards for maximum recording time
- 8 balanced XLR-1/4-inch combination inputs
- Records in WAV 48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
- Easily viewable 4-segment LED meter bridge
- 6-channel simultaneous 48V phantom power supply capability
- Over 4 hours of operation using 6 AA alkaline batteries (AC adaptor included)
- Sync two R24s via USB for 16 tracks of simultaneous recording
- Audio InterfaceHigh-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software
- 8 in / 2 out (8 x 2) via USB
- Control Surface - Full mixing and transport controls for Cubase, Logic, Sonar and more!
- USB Control Surface uses Mackie Control emulation
- SamplerPad sampler with 24 voices (8 pads x 3 banks)
- Loop-based audio sequencer for music creation

With the R series, for convenience and expedience of use, Zoom has merged a multi-track recorder, audio interface, controller and a sampler into a single device. Loaded with more features and capabilities than the R16, but at a price that is still rather affordable, the R24 is the flagship of the R series armada.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (39 ratings)
Submitted December 11, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com

"The WOW factor!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've had the Zoom R24 for 6 months and it's gotten frequent use. Recording rehersals and tracking my band 2 or more times a month and tied to my desk serving as an interface/control surface/sketchpad the rest of the time. That said, I expect to be exteremely satisfied with this unit for years to come. I only plan on upgrading when the need arises, that is, I need more inputs! If I want better mic pres, I'll just get a standalone unit to use in conjuction with the R24. For the money, there is no better unit to affordably get into home recording. If you're unsure, or don't have the need for 8 simultaneous inputs or 24 simultaneous tracks, go with the R16 or R8. Zoom has made a follower out of me!

Sound
Your "sounds" are easy to capture and manipulate! :) Seriously, this is a great and affordable piece of gear! The pre-amps probably arn't the best, (I don't have any other experience) but so far, my recordings have come out clean and they don't seem to produce any noise.

Features
The R24 is packed with features! Some you might not need, (the sequencer and drum machine in my case) others are amazing for the price! As a standalone recorder it excels and is exteremly portable. Even the built-in mics are suprisingly good and are more than sufficient for recording rehearsals, field recording or use as a song writing scratch pad. As an audio interface, (which is what I primarily use it for) it's AWESOME! 8 simultaneous inputs read more to record anything from an acoustic singer/guitar player to tracking a full drum kit into your DAW of choice. (I use Reaper and it works flawlessly) It's got two outputs, plus a headphone output with individual level adjustment for basic monitoring and mixing. I also use the control surface function for basic transport and level control while mixing. (STOP, PLAY, FORWARD, REWIND plus transport between markers if you use them.) The solo and mute buttons work well, although you need to choose which function is active with the softkeys under the screen. The faders also adjust your tracks in your DAW as well. Note that you can only use banks 1-8 and 9-16 in conjuction with your DAW tracks. Banks 17-24 don't work for some reason. So, if you have more than 16 tracks in your project, you'll need to click on that track in your DAW and control it's level with the corresponding fader. i.e. track 17 in your project would be fader 1 on the zoom; track 18 would be fader 2 , so on and so fourth. As a control surface, the zoom also works while tracking as well. (REC. ARM, STOP, REC. PLAY, etc.) The R24 also comes with a 1GB SD Card and a 1GB flashdrive filled with pre-recorded drum loops. I've listened to them and they sound good, although I haven't used them, they could be useful.

Ease of Use
I give this an 8 because you really do need to read the manual to learn to use the zoom to its full potential. Especially regarding file import/export, etc. Additionally, you'll need to read it to fully comprehend how to navigate and use all of the insert effects the zoom has to offer. Plug and Play is possible, but to achieve the most this unit has to offer, READ THE MANUAL.

Quality
Yes, this product is plastic. How else do you think they can pack so many features into such an affordable product? So, if you're looking for a tank-like road-worthy piece of equipment, don't get this. Also, if you don't take care of your gear, DON'T GET THIS. That said, if you do take care of your gear, by all means, there will be no concerns with quality. The pots and faders ok and work like they should, but they will not hold up to negligent care or use. Honestly, if you're spending $500 on something, why wouldn't you take care of it?

Value
As stated before, the bang for the buck is definately here. It has too many great features and is incredibly useful for the price.

Manufacturer Support
10- Haven't needed it! :)

The Wow Factor
Those who seek, will find. This was exactly what I was looking for, and I knew it when I saw it.

Musical Background:
10 years playing music; drums, guitar, vocals. 1 year recording/engineering/producing

Musical Style:
Rock
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