There are lots of multitrack recorders available these days, so it can be a chore choosing one that works and has all the elements you need. Thankfully we have reviews to help us find the best products available. This review will focus on the Zoom R24 Digital Multitrack Recorder. Let’s find out if this product is worth your hard-earned money.
Features
- Can record 8 tracks simultaneously
- Can playback and mix 24 racks simultaneously
- Has 8 XLR/TRS balanced combo with one option switchable to high impedance for the bass and guitar
- Has phantom power on 4 channels
- Has a variety of sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz
- Has 24-bit bit rate
- Has over a hundred onboard effects from reverb, EQ, mastering tools, amp models and a lot more
- Has internal effects send
- Has 8-channel USB interface
- Can store up to 32 gigs through SD/SDHC card
- Can export tracks to computer
Advantages
The sounds that one makes on the Zoom R24 are a breeze to capture and control. The tracks that we have tested out turned out spotless, which is good for a unit at such a low price.
It is filled with features, some of which you might not really need, but still, it helps to have them because this encourages experimentation. Also, it’s awesome to have all these features included for the unit’s overall price.
- Serves as a stand-alone multi-track recorder, and a USB 2.0 computer audio interface/control surface, as well as a battery powered field recorder, mixer, drum machine, and sampler
- Compatible with Mac and Windows, and supports up to 32GB SD Cards
- Powered by the included AC adapter or by 6 AA batteries for up to 4 hours
- The Samson is a high-quality handheld microphone designed for vocal and general instrument capturing in recording and sound reinforcement applications
- Bundle includes Samson mic, 16GB memory card, and 2 large XLR cables
As a recorder, the unit did wonderfully and is totally portable to boot. The microphones that came with it were a nice surprise as well and are more than enough for demos, field recordings and for working on songs while out and about. It is also quite good as a musician’s audio interface.
It has 8 simultaneous inputs so you can document any item into your choice of DAW application. It also includes 2 outputs and a headphone output with separate level adjustment for standard supervising and mixing procedures.
For standard level and transport control over the course of mixing, you can use the control surface function; although you do have to select which function is operational with the softkeys located below the screen. The unit’s faders will also manage and modify your songs in your preferred DAW too.
The R24 has a 1 gig SD card and a 1 gig flash drive that is packed with preset drum loops, which is nice for experimenting with different beats and rhythms.
If you want to maximize your use of this recorder, you have to read the manual so you can learn all about its capabilities, especially when it comes to file importing and exporting.
Furthermore, using the manual will also help you find out all of the effects the unit has.
Is this recorder worth the money? We think this is worth the buy. It has plenty of excellent features and is extremely advantageous and convenient to have on hand.
Disadvantages
Users can only employ the banks 1 to 8 and 9 to 16 together with the DAW tracks. For some reason unknown to us, the banks 17 to 24 did not function.
There were a few customers who complained that the product was made with plastic material and thus is a bit more vulnerable to damage compared to other multitrack recorders.
- Serves as a stand-alone multi-track recorder, and a USB 2.0 computer audio interface/control surface, as well as a battery powered field recorder, mixer, drum machine, and sampler
- Compatible with Mac and Windows, and supports up to 32GB SD Cards
- Powered by the included AC adapter or by 6 AA batteries for up to 4 hours
- The Samson is a high-quality handheld microphone designed for vocal and general instrument capturing in recording and sound reinforcement applications
- Bundle includes Samson mic, 16GB memory card, and 2 large XLR cables
Verdict
You should check out the Zoom R24 Digital Multitrack Recorder, especially if you are the type who wants to have a nice selection of drum loops to play with. Many customers were satisfied with the functions of this particular unit.
It is lightweight and quite portable, makes use of adapters and batteries and has an easy-to-understand manual. This is a product that will give you loads of great value for money.
Still not quite sold? This device also made our list of best budget multitrack recorders!