Feature:
Ok, the 'features' section gets a 10. Why? Well, because this thing let's you record 8 channels at a time with 8-XLR in's, 8-1/4", TRS-ins (two of which have hi-z switches for added guitar frequency boosting), and EVERY SINLGE INPUT (all 8 of em') HAS 48V PHANTOM POWER!!! That's just plain sick, especially since I use 5 mics which need this. Does any other 16-tracker boast that capability...didn't think so...
Quality:
Wow..that's about all I can say. This thing is sturdy to the max! It's soooo much heavier and sold metal-feeling than all of the other recorders in it's league (I've had the opportunity to mess around with the Yamaha & boss 16 trackers...and also the Zoom's predecessor, the MRS-1608). This thing has taken alot of bumps and shady, backroad car rides in nothing more than it's original carboard box...and it still works like the day I got it (about a year ago).
Value:
This is another '10' for the HD16. It out-preforms at least it's Yamaha and Boss competitors (like I said, I've tested all three), and it's better built than both of them as well, and it costs waaaay less than them, too...therefore...it gets a '10' for value. I'd easily have paid an extra $200 or $300 for this unit, it's a total steal at $700.00!
Desirability:
Well, I have it...therefore "I want it"...
...if my HD16 broke, I'd totally buy another one.
Sound:
It sounds fantastic! Especially for being a 16-bit recorder (with "24-bit conversion" of course...). Seriously though, it sounds awesome. The built-in effects and preset can be a little bit 'toy-ish' or 16-bit sounding...but if you mic your amps and everything (with halfway decent mics) and record that way, you can get superb results with this unit.
Ease of Use:
Somewhat intuitive. The instructions arn't the best, but instructions ALWAYS suck (especially when they're from another country). Basically, you'll have to do a few simple "starter projects" first so you can learn your way around, but after that (unless you have no recording experiece whatsoever), you should be fine. It's all about mic'ing techniques people....no matter what unit or method you use to record.
Support:
I'll say '7' just to be fair, because technically I've never needed them for anything, so I can't rightly give them a '10' or a '0'
Overall:
My band's CD sounds like we recorded it at a serious, pro-studio in LA, when in fact it was done quickly in a dirty basement with the Zoom HD16 and a couple decent mics. I'm not sure what the last couple of reviews here were talking about (and I'm not sure it's fair to give an accurate review of the HD16's features, sound, & use if yours was DOA...your local music vendor or where ever you bought it from should have fixed that for you, without having to deal with Zoom's support), but mine has been all but lifechanging! I give the Zoom HD16 a solid 9-9.5 overall...just cause nothing's perfect.
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