Feature:
Since i really havent needed to use the built in drum section I cant say wether this is the coolest feature, since ive been mainly recording with real drums so far. but Im sure it will come in handy and i do like real time input, (but like most drum machines , the maximum bar length stops at 4) this is an important fact. Someone should come out with a drum machine that is programmable up to the machines memory , so that you could quantize and edit an entire song without repeating patterns over and over(message to manufacturers) the 1608 has everything i need, good sound, effects, drum machine and guitar amp sounds, 8 xlr's 8 track recording at once, and cd burner. remember to master your mix , then burn , then finalize cd. this stumped me for a few days. I love the features and quality. solid sturdy metal chassis, not the molded plastic stuff from boss and others.
Quality:
I did think alot about the quality issue with this zoom unit. but, its got a warranty and its solid. the controls and faders seem sturdy , and all connections are solid. I would have liked if the front section where the headphone jacks are was made of metal instead of plastic as well but, still seems worthy. I
Value:
Im sure there will be something better in months, but for my purpose of use, which is to get great quality sounds in a portable unit without using alot of outboard gear and be able to work it, edit it, and burn to cd in one box, and have the least amount of diversions and distractions to get in the way of making music this is the unit with the most value for me. I dont need an external drum machine. I dont need a computer.
Desirability:
lets just say that i know zooms philosophy is to get the most bang for your buck by forgoing some of the features you may never get to use and keep the practical ones that are important, like the quality of sounds, hard drive space, multiple track recording, good effects and sturdy construction.
Sound:
Ive had this unit for a couple of months and just started to really get into the deeper features. It sounds great plugged straight in. I use an sm57 and plug my guitar and bass straight through and the sm57 on my bro's kit and sounds excellent. the noise gate and compression sound awesome on my bass and drums. the guitar patches are nice, not as good as a mic in front of an amp but, nothing is. still have to explore the built in effects, reverb, chorus,delay and creating my own combo patches of these, but so far I love this unit. its simple to use, unlike what I have read before about this unit. I did find the smaller zoom 4 track harder to figure out than this unit, but the manual is great. I have a small suitcase i take this over to my jammin buddies house and we just start creating on the spot, set up in 5 minutes and go. then i can take it home and add to it or edit it as I please... 40gb provides alot of room.
Support:
I called zoom maybe 6 times asking specific questions about this unit and always got someone to answer my questions. their good at support.
Overall:
i would buy another one if lost, or stolen, but I would probably hold onto this until the next one thats a little better comes out. I have always had the most success at recording with either a simple 4 track recorder or little compact tape recorder until this unit came along. I tried minidisc, 4 track digital ps-02, as well as computer based cakewalk and cubebase and this is what i like the most. the computer based systems are way deeper but also way more complex with software plugins and hardware thats endless and its messy , tons of wires and cables this is simple. I will probably explore the computer based recording format more but I cant take my computer with me llike i can this unit and record wherever there an electrical outlet. for the money this unit gets my guitar recorded quicker, cheaper and thats whats important to me. get it recorded.
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