Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface 

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

An update to my initial review.Been using this unit over a year with no problems.The included software is a trial teaser which i didn't purchase as i have my own.The onboard mics have done well with capturing sound, even with slightly overloaded levels now n then,the distortion is still acceptable.I was a little nervous about the plastic housing but it seems to be durable and it gets TLC.The print on the knobs and buttons have no wear and my recordings have no noise whatsoever.The volume sliders are still tight.Many of the effects and amp sims i find usable.The intuitive layout has helped me improve my skills at live recording and songwriting more than i expected,and i have mastered all the capabilities of this unit except using it as a daw interface.Been a customer of MF for over 12 yrs with no complaints on service or quality of their products as the Zoom R8 has performed above my expectations.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

I've had this unit just a couple weeks and am happy with it so far. I also own the MRS1044 so the transition was pretty easy to this unit. Before I starting using it I read and re-read the manual many times.
I just use this recorder for creating rhythm tracks - drum and bass, and then play guitar and sing live along with the tracks. There is no dedicated rythym track (like the 1044) and you must use multiple tracks to create a rhytym track. This isn't a problem for me since I'm only recording bass and drums. I easily created my own beats - steady, rolls, crashes, etc. The track sequencer makes it easy to create and entire drum track for any song. In total I dedicate 5 tracks for the drums and then one more for my bass guitar.
The LCD screen could be larger and my old eyes need reading glasses to see it. The file folder system is 8.3 format and you can only enter in capital letters (why can't this be full 80 characers?).
I do like the Mastering effects which is a big improvement over the 1044 and the entire sound is much better.
I also like the USB trasfer to PC (without having to reboot the unit like the 1044). Again the only issue is the 8.3 format which is a bit cryptic. I also found that the Master.wav file has the same name for every project so if you're downloading multiple masters, you need to rename them and keep them sorted accordingly.
I use software on my PC to compress and set the volume limit on each master track so they each have similar volume levels.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

I returned my Tascam DP-008 and got this, even though I'm a geezer. It just does way more. Most importantly, the mic recordings sounded better and had more effects available. end of story.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

Going to try another R8 hope I get a good one, but have no faith in it working any better, or at least for any length of time. Player would maybe power up one out of 5 times , tried new chord, and plugging into PC, nothing. No QA, or design Flaw? I had a Tascam 4-Track for 20 years, never failed but for the tape head. Powering issues on mine maybe they can address.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

I love this recorder. It does everything they say it will do. I use it as a controller for the included Cubase LE6 DAW. I have a 24 track Tascam studio but use the much smaller Zoom recorder in the house and in my church.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

Easy E-Q, Cubase sucks, unless you have a MAC, otherwise use some free mastering program off the net. SDHC cards awesome feature, great sound quality, lots of features, effects, options, internal mics are good for rough acoustic oriented ideas, come out clear. Simplier than BOSS, compact and still feels like a real workstation too- LOTS of features, and easy to undo mistakes or mishaps, totally made for the musician with no desire to become a full tech head!

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

I'm sure that within six months of this review being typed, something will surpass the R8's features and performance at this price-point but that should only force this device's price down, in which case it would still represent a bargain.

Very happy with my purchase and would recommend to any of my friends who were looking for something like this.

Also very happy with Musicians' Friend in terms of their shipping turnaround. I received the package in Australia about five or six working days ex-US.
In-built mics - Check!
Two-channel Mono / Single Stereo recording - Check!
Portable 8-channel mixing - Check!
Track and master FX - Check!
Guitar-amp modelling - Check!
Drum tracks - Check!
PC audio interface - Check!
DAW control surface - Check!
PC/Mac-compatible DAW packaged - Check!
Compared to the Native Instruments' gear I've had, the plastic casing of the R8 doesn't generate an immediate sense of ruggedness that an extruded aluminium case does.

It's very compact but the controls are well-laid out - I think you'd have to have banana-fingers to struggle with using it.

The finish is excellent, and the ruggeness comment aside, none of the controls feel flimsy or loose.
The rails at either end of the upper surface act like a roll-bar so that should the R8 end belly-up, the control surface has some protection.
To my mind, the best multi-purpose recording device package in it's price range.

Whether you don't like being tied to computers for recording & mixing, or you want a decent Audio Interface and controller for a computer, or you want something portable, the Zoom R8 is one device you should consider.

Also, if you've used a DAW but never used an 8 track recorder before, it's pretty easy to pick up without too much reference to the manual.

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

As was the case with the Zoom 1044 I got a decade ago, the instruction manual for the R-8 is a bit challenging to figure out. Thanks to some on-line forums and you tube videos, I was able to grasp a couple of things which were not well explained in the manual. The more I use it, the more I learn, and in time I'm sure I will be pressing all the right buttons without a second thought. I don't mix on computer, so with only 8 tracks to work with, I have to mix the stereo drum loops to sequence a rhythm section, mix to a stereo master, and then import that 2-track project mix to a new project, where I add guitars, bass, keys, vocals, etc.
The R-8 has so many features that make it an amazing, affordable recorder. I don't intend to use them all, but sophisticated technical types will have a field day with this thing. The wide variety of editable effects will keep me busy looking for just the right tones for guitar, bass, etc., and the built-in mics are really good, although I usually plug in mics for vocals, acoustic guitar, and saxophone parts.
No complaints so far. I think its being small and lightweight is a good thing.
I bought a Zoom 1044 12-track about 10 years ago. When Musician's Friend ran a recent sale, I jumped on it and got the R-8 for 1/4 (!!!) the price of the 1044. The drum loops and computer program included in the R-8 are worth the price alone (even if I have no plans of mixing with the computer software).

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

This is perfect for simple fun recording.
This is a great little 8 track. I own a Zoom H4n and use it on occasion, but it can be a challenge to get your head around something that small, with it's limited buttons and many menus. The R8 is great for people who need a bit more visuals and knobs to turn, while remaining super portable. I watched a tutorial on youtube before I received my own in the mail and was able to use it successfully, pretty much right out of the box. Really fun for quick demos and includes customizable effects- I was able to put down a quick track using three different amps, recorded direct, without having to hook up my amp just to catch an idea. I'm someone who'd rather not record on solely on computers and the simpler the better. This is definitely doable. I do recommend!
No problems so far. Seems pretty solid. Nice knobs and sliders.
I think the price for this product is quite reasonable. It does what it's supposed to do and has a bunch of cool features. Thanks again Zoom and MusiciansFriend!

Comments about Zoom R8 8-Track SD Recorder, Sampler & USB Interface:

Make sure you get a 1/4 cable (or an 1/8 with a 1/4 adapter) with either XLR (for your stereo) or an 1/8 end (for amps with a cd input). Because if you are on a budget and buying the Zoom R8, you probably don't have a REAL monitor system to hook up to. This is what I do and it works fine with no feedback. You won't need your amp for recording anyway. I use the on board simulators and effects so all I have to do is plug into the Zoom and go!
Just got my Zoom a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier with it! This is my first purchase of a digital 8-track, so I can only assume that this is not the highest quality recorder, but it does everything I need it to and more! The price tag seemed like I might be getting a cheap recorder, but that is far from the truth. The manual is a little confusing and the 'hints' it gives only repeat what the chapter already said.
This thing easily adapts to the multiple kinds of music I write. The amp/guitar simulators and effects are awesome and you can adjust them easily and almost on the fly. The track swap makes it ridiculously simple to use all 8 tracks. Over 400 drum tracks are nice but a little thin. I can have an idea and within an hour have it saved, dumped to a computer (just take the memory card and insert it in a laptop) and burned to a CD. The mastering function is also extremely easy to use. If you are on a budget and want to record your tunes quickly and right out of the box, this is the recorder for you!