Zoom R24 Multi-track Recorder:Interface:Controller:Sampler  

I bought the Zoom R24 to used as an interface with my PC computer so that I could record and edit live performances.  I also intended to use it as a stand alone recorder so that I could record 8 channels simultaneously. I like the idea that the bridge has 8 channels with 4 segmented LED on each channel. This makes it easy to visually monitor the input signal while playing and avoid distortion. This is a feature that my Yamaha AW 16G does not have.

I am disappointed that the Zoom R24 does not have Midi imputs that would allow connectivity via USB with  computer. This would have been be extremely useful to use with my Korg Pa1x. I have since learned that the Tascam US-1800 and has both 8 channel audio and midi inputs

I would have given the Zoom R24  "9" rating if it were not for the Steinberg Cubase LE 6 software. The claimed Audio/Interface system requirements state a minimum of Windows XP (SP 2 or later). I have Windows XP (SP 3) and spent about 4 hours each evening for two solid weeks (over 50 hours of trial and error)  while trying to get it to work correctly but always ended up with jutters, skips and distortion when I recorded into Cubase.

The Steinberg Website was no help at all. Each time I posted a question and request for help I would only receive an email survey from Steinberg asking how much I liked there assistance when ,in fact, I had receved none ~ accept for their survey.  After posting 4 request for help this became both frustrating and humurous.

The staff at Musicians Friend on the other hand were tremendous.  After receiving no response from the people at Cubase I finally contacted Tech Support at Musicians Friend. An audio Tech returned my call immediatly.  He called back several times and spent a lot of time atempting to assist me and to solve the problem. He was very patient, personable and helpful. He eventually concluded that Cubase LE 6 would not work correctly with Windows XP (SP3).  I then tried using Cubase LE 6 with the Zoom R24 on my Lap Top which has "Windows 7" and bingo everything seem to work well within minutes of the down load.

Great value for the money. I really like the Zoom R24 and find it very easy to use as a stand alone recorder. Save your self some frustration, don't buy this unit believing that the Cubase LE 6 is compatible with "Windows XP (SP3)"

I like the Zoom R24 as a stand alone recorder.

I like the 8 channel simultaneous recording feature.

I like the segmented  4 LED over each channel on the bridge.

I like the idea that I can visually monitor the imput signal on each channel while I am playing on stage to avoid distortion.

I like the fact that I can use the unit as an interface with my computer.

I like the idea that I can reveiw, remix and edit my recordings on my computer.

I am not sold on the Cubase product.

Cubase provided no assistance.

Cubase could have spared me two weeks of frustration if they had responded and told me that Cubase LE 6 does not work with Windows XP (SP3)

Cubase is very retentive and suspicious of unauthorized persons using their software so they have set up a complex rigamarole registration system that only adds to a users frustration.  I found it to be confusing, exhausting and far from user friendly.

Does OK but totally old-school feeling, everything is buried in menus. The "drum machine" is absolutely unusable, a throwback to the tech of ten yrs ago.

I

Very disappointed/

It is hard to believe the amount of features that this unit has.  It is smaller than a laptop.  This thing can be used with a computer,if you wish, or completely independent, which really makes it truely portable for location recording.  I also bought the pro audio dvd tutorial, which helps alot to understand the whole process.  This is my first venture into digital recording.  Back in the 1980's & 1990's, I had an 8-Track recording studio, (all analog) and it took about 10 times worth of Equipment to do what this unit does.  I'm still learning,so far so good.

It has tons of features, some less useful than others.    

It is quite well-built.

You can't get the same number of features for the price.

I have used the MRS-8 8 track recorder from Zoom for a few years already and it has worked great. However, the limited number of tracks (really only 6, since two of the 8 are stereo tracks) and inability to record more than one track at a time prompted the need for something more powerful. The R24 certainly fit the bill in terms of number of tracks and 8-track simultaneous recording capabilities. In addition, the R24 adds a number of additional features, including the sampler, computer connectivity, phantom power, more effects etc.

As a recorder the R24 works great. It is easy to record tracks, add effects etc. It is quite flexible. The built-in drum machine was one of the nice features of the MRS-8, and this is still present in the R24. Indeed they are identical. The drums sound OK, but the sounds are limited, and the built-in drum patterns are pretty limiting. I always used to record my own patterns using the pads, which you can still do here.

The biggest problem comes when you want to program an entire sequence, as e.g. a backing  track for a song. This was a breeze in the MRS-8: just make or pick the patterns you like and program it in like 8xpattern 1, 8xpattern 2, 4x pattern 3 etc. This is a complete pain to do with the R24. Each pattern has to be set to a separate track, which you then have to activate individually using the sequence editor. The tiny display makes this even more awkward. The advantage is that you can use audio loops (e.g. your own samples) to make the song, but if all you need is a rhythm track it is a real pain in the a**. There is a software editor available, but not for Mac.

In summary, while this is a powerful recorder, with lots of features, the pattern sequencer leaves a lot to be desired, especially in combination with the limited drum sounds and frustratingly small display. 

I'm currently running Pro Tools 10 on an OSX Lion Macbook Pro system.

When I first tried to install the drivers that came on the included CD, it wouldn't install. After a little research I discovered that the included software wasn't compatable with Lion and Zoom didn't have an updated firmware out. After a little more searching I came across a beta version released to someone who was nice enough to share. Upon downloading and installing, my R24 was recognized by my computer. Next i went to PT. As an interface, it got the job done. As controller, nothing. So again after research and a little tweeking I was able to get the main controls to read in PT, such as record, play, stop, faders 1-8, solo, mute, etc. But still, it wasn't everything I fully wanted it to do.

So I installed the included Cubase to see how it was suppose to work and to no surprise the interface and controller worked flawless. All buttons and ligts communicated how they're suppose to. So if you're a Cubase user, no worries. Pro Toolers unfortunately get the short end of the stick.

Nonetheless this is an awesome piece of machinery, just a bit behind in keeping up with all the updates and DAWs. Hopefully they'll release an official update soon.

10 stars for the R24, 4 for the limited programming.