Zoom R24 24-Channel Multitrack Recorder User Reviews at zZounds

"Great device for the on-the-go music producer !" submitted September 20, 2011

By a customer from live.com

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Musical Background: Producer/ recording engineer

Music Style: Industrial/electronic/darkwave/EBM

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SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

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Sound: The sound quality is excellent. No fans or other sounds for the recording to pick up like on older hard disc recorders. Good clean sound IF you don't use the gain knobs. The mic pre-amps get a little noisy at high volumes (not unexpected but much worse in comparison to Roland or Korg models). Feature: ZOOM has included all kinds of features on this one, many of which are more fun than useful. Let's start with what I actually bought it for - file transfer to my PC. The SD cards are a great way to go (I bought a 16GB one), they are a much better option than a hard disc recorder because they keep getting bigger, cheaper and there isn't any annoying file formats to get around. Just pop it out of the Zoom and into my PC (running win 7) and there are my wav files, waiting to be tossed into any of my multi-track editors. Also you can import files directly from USB flash drives with ease. I do really like the sample sequencer on this, I didn't think I'd even use it but it is really convenient and useful for arranging. You can treat every track in you song like a long sample loop and with the quantization it makes it easy to write or re-mix songs all by it self. The effects are functional, but not very useful. If you want great effects on a device like this buy a Roland...but you won't be able to transfer your files back and for as effortlessly (if at all). The drum machine is laughable but also remarkably easy to program. Ease of Use: I have owned many devices like this and have several workstation keyboards, drum machines, and samplers, I can tell you that you will not find a portable multi-track recorder that is easier to use. The manual is simple and barely needs glancing at. I am particularly impressed with the pattern sequencer. If you are familiar with pattern/grid style sequencers you will find a slightly easier and more fluid editing than Yamaha or Korg, and far easier than Roland ridiculously awkward systems. Note: I have not owned a Fostex Wave editing is also super simple, you can see the wav forms and zoom in with ease and even cut them into even bars. Quality: It's plastic and it's light as a feather...think cheap laptop or netbook. I carry it in a computer bag and it does fine, but if I dropped it, it would probably be done for. that is totally expected for the price range if you want light and portable for under 2 grand. I will say for those that are curious that knobs all seems pretty solid. Devices like this often have wobbly or flimsy knobs that get shorts in them over time through moving them around or packing and unpacking. The design of this does much to prevent this by having guard-rail style mics on the sides. Value: Totally worth the price. No doubt. Manufacturer Support: Haven't needed it. Overall: I bought this to record my vocals anywhere (other than my apartment), to record all may gear at once, and to transfer the files to anything easily. It does all these things extremely well and more. Pros: Light, portable,easy to use, perfect for my every need, Saves everything automatically Cons: Software is pretty slow, sequencer can get overloaded when using effects and go off time (weird bug), not as many undo functions

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"R24 great for the working small combo or single performer" submitted December 21, 2010

By a customer from gmail.com

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Musical Background: active musician

Music Style: jazz, blues, light rock

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Feature: I bough this unit because it had the extra inputs and the drum machine (which I haven't had a chance to work with yet) Ease of Use: I've only had to check the manual once so far. The rest is intuitive Quality: The unit is well designed, but lightweight and some may prefer the feel of an older Yamaha unit. Value: I have had portable recording units since the mid 1980s when I bought my first Tascam PortaStudio which recorded 4 tracks onto a cassette tape. Since then I have owned Korgs, Aiwas and Yamaha units. In 2005 I paid over $900 for a portable Yamaha unit with a CD player. While this doesn't have the internal CD player, this unit has more inputs, and I love the USB connectivity as well as the fact it records onto SD chips. I have several 8gb chips, and the transfer to my laptop recording system is the easiest thing. If I need to print a CD, I'll do it off my laptop Manufacturer Support: I haven't had to contact the company for support...hope I don't need to. Overall: From the day I received the R24, I've been using it nonstop. I use it to record our rehearsals, to record shows, for song writing (as a DAW controller/interface for Reaper) The unit is intuitive: I have only had to check the manual once. Individual tracks are saved in .wav format and easy to upload or import. The unit is very light, easy to carry. I recommend the padded case highly, because the very thing which makes the R24 light means it's not built for rough handling. Not an issue for me, as I don't expect to be tossing it around. I recommend this unit highly.

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"The WOW factor!" submitted December 11, 2011

By a customer from hotmail.com

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

Music Style: Rock

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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. Feature: 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 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. Overall: 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!

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"The R24 SUPER RECORDER" submitted April 11, 2012

By Phillip B in Shawnee, OK

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Musical Background: I've been a musician 35 years and play many instruments Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, steel

Music Style: I love my county and a little pop.

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Sound: I record acoustic guitar every week and the sound is awesome clear and the sound that I wanted t o hear was right, my tip for recording acoustic guitar would be use two mics and place one about 9' from tth esound hole an done about 7" from the strings on the neck sound willbe awesome and clear and strong. Feature: the drums pads I've always used my kit but thats just me. Ease of Use: The R24 is easy to use and set up took me all of 10 minutes lol, It is great with your home recording pc and easy to set up there also, I fell there was no learning curve just a rush to get set up and start recording . Quality: It looks great its built well and I think if you took care of it could be using it 10 years from now. Value: Ohhhhhhhhhh Yes I think its a great price for what it is and how much help it gives musicians. Manufacturer Support: I never have had to call support so I wouldn't know! The Wow Factor: all of its fuctions are well worth the price and its weel worth a musican or a studio engineers time. Overall: I have had my R24 for three months now and I can'tr say enough great things about it and its performance, I uset o use just my computer but the R24 changed that, I can transfer data and mix downs burn CD's a world of things i use to hav eto do only on my pc now I can take it in the field and do awesome things.when I get back to my home studio, you can;t find another system like th R24.

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"zoom r24 dissappointment" submitted September 8, 2010

By a customer from gmail.com

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Musical Background: 30 years guitar music writing recording

Music Style: rock jazz electronica jam base

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Sound: ok...so im new to this type of menu- search- patch -file -search back and forth, select (save parimeter(..etc type of recording,but still i seem to figure it out..and what i figured is the r24 is not what i was hoping in a multitrack unit...im more into knob turning than file swapping to get things like reverb effects etc.let me explain...first its too cheap of a plastic shell on the outside to make me believe it can travel..second the manual is made as a flow chart more than it is a manual that can explain its features and how to apply them in a recording scenerio..as far as the effects..some ok but most i find of novelty qaulity..too much menu bouncing to do simple tasks..also i like to have variable tempo...not just a few pre select from a button..most of all i worked too hard at the options to see how i could just simply play some selected drum sounds and still record ideas from those inpired drum sounds, i think all of us have created a song that a drummer has kicked off...good points i do like ..no hard drive to crash..but honestly i tried to love this thing but it didnt love me back Feature: came with 1gb sd card Ease of Use: sounds of effects were not studio but ok Quality: very fragile plastic be careful Value: its new you pay for that till the ssgm price is exausted..but zzounds gave the best price on its price match Manufacturer Support: zzounds has exepted the return..they have always been great to deal with Overall: i have send this unit back to its creater and looking for something a bit more expensive but suitable for my needs

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"Great Product. Great Customer Service." submitted February 6, 2012

By Phil T in Wilmington, DE

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Musical Background: Play out occassionally, home recording, play drums and bass

Music Style: Passsion is Jazz/Fusion, but will play anything. Currently palying in classic rock and blues band.

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Overall: Purchase a "B" stock of this model for the 8 simultaneous inputs to mic my drums. When I turned on the phantom power the was a high pitched buzz. Contacted customer service and they promptly issued a return authorization and emailed me a UPS shipping label. They stated they would ship another unit as soon as my return label was scanned and shipping information received by UPS. Received the replacement in 2 days and it operates fine. This is the biggest bang for any dollar I've ever spent on music or recording equipment. The 8 simultaneous inputs, phantom power on 6 channels, and software were worth the price alone. Very happy with the replacement at the price I got and the customer service was fantastic. I am sold on Zzounds And Zoom.

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"NOT for the novice or perfectionist. Nice scratch pad for patient musician " submitted January 16, 2012

By Rob S in Oahu, HI

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Musical Background: 35 years. Strings, drums, brass

Music Style: All except Hi-Hop, Disco, and Balinese

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Overall: There are cheaper / easier machines to use. Purchase this if you need portability and interface. The onboard drums reverb and chorus and pre-amps should be the LAST reason you are buying this. Stay away also if hate reading manuals, and if you hate checking to see you have all the right buttons on and off for the most basic recording routines (i.e., effects on, bouncing). For example, a wrong setting in say a previous menu 3 deep left on/off will spell catastrophe for that one magic/perfect take. Also, after you record say 6 instruments individually, when you play it all back, the first few instrument tracks you recorded is not quite in-sync with the most recent recorded tracks. So if you suppose to record your rhythm tracks first, imagine how it will sound in the end when your lead guitar or solo is not in sync with the percussionist or bassist, Yuk! I do like the Neumann U87 microphone, and a myriad of amp/cabinet combo simulators for recording acoustic or electric guitar /bass is handy especially if one can't afford and arsenal of recording equipment. Customer support is there and they come back with all the right fixes/answers too if you are willing to wait for an e-mail response 48-96 hours later.

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Zoom R24 Multi-Track Recorder Controller

User Ratings

"Great device for the on-the-go music producer !" submitted September 20, 2011

"R24 great for the working small combo or single performer" submitted December 21, 2010

"The WOW factor!" submitted December 11, 2011

"The R24 SUPER RECORDER" submitted April 11, 2012

"zoom r24 dissappointment" submitted September 8, 2010

"Great Product. Great Customer Service." submitted February 6, 2012

"NOT for the novice or perfectionist. Nice scratch pad for patient musician " submitted January 16, 2012