Topic: Zoom R16: 8-tr portable rig (2ch P48) MRSP $400

[sunjan]

Don't know if anyone posted this yet?
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/06/15/samson-launches-zoom-r16-16-track-recorder/

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    Samson Debuts Zoom R16 Revolutionary Portable
    16-Track Recorder, Audio Interface and Controller

    State-of-the-art professional USB and battery powered recording device with simultaneous 8
    track recording, 16 track playback and 100+ built-in mastering effects

    Hauppauge, NY – June 16, 2009 – Zoom once again revolutionizes digital recording with the
    first digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording utilizing Secure
    Digital (SD) memory. The R16 is three production tools in one device: a multi-track recorder, an
    audio interface and a control surface, providing all the tools necessary to create studio-quality
    recordings. Additionally, the R16 runs on only 6 AA batteries for the ultimate in multi-track
    portability.

    With the R16, recording artists, songwriters, sound engineers and film sound professionals alike can
    record up to 32 GBs on an SD card. The SD recording, while incredibly convenient for file
    transferring, also makes the R16 significantly lighter. SD recording also avoids the pitfalls of a
    potential crashing hard drive and allows for up to 100 track hours of recording using all 16 tracks.

    “We have learned a great deal from the success of our H2 and H4n as well as HD8 and HD16, our past
    multi-track recorders,” says Masa Iijima, CEO of Zoom Corporation. “With the R16 we have brought the most important capabilities from each of these product lines into our design to make a unique and versatile music production solution.”
    Connect the R16 to your laptop or desktop computer via USB, launch your favorite DAW or use
    the included Cubase LE; and, immediately start laying down your production tracks. In addition,
    USB operation means you can control each function of your favorite DAW software from the
    R16 for easy mixing with fine-tuned control.
    “The R16 is the all-in-one solution for all kinds of challenges that musicians face,” says Mark
    Wilder, Samson Director of Marketing. “Its versatility and portability along with the power to
    record so many tracks simultaneously, makes the R16 another indispensible product from
    Zoom,” added Wilder.
    With the R16, versatility, control and portability come together in one recorder that lets you
    produce professional results everywhere you go.

    Complete product specifications are below:

    • Digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording utilizing
    Secure Digital (SD) memory
    • 16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format
    • Built-in stereo condenser microphones
    • Included 1GB SD card and with support for up to 32GB SDHC
    • Allows simultaneous recording on up to 8 tracks
    • Battery operation for remote recording
    • USB power for audio interface and control surface operation
    • 8 mic inputs / 2 outputs (8 x 2)
    • 8 combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs
    • High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software
    • 100+ built-in studio effects coming from advanced DSP which can additionally be used
    as outboard effects
    • Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitar or bass
    • Included preamp with phantom power on two channels
    • Mackie control emulation via USB for popular DAW software including Cubase, Logic,
    Digital Performer and more
    • Amazing guitar amp and effects models
    • Professional quality mastering effects including multi-band compressor, normalizer and
    more
    • Operates as USB storage device for quick data transfer
    • Connect two R16s via USB for synchronized operation and 16 tracks of simultaneous
    recording
    • Undo/Redo functions
    • Comes with Steinberg Cubase LE 4
    • Supports Windows XP/Vista, Mac operating systems

[stantheman1976]

So with this you could record 8 separate, synchronized tracks that can be mixed in post?

[yltfan]

That looks like a lot of stuff for $400. Is there any possibility this will compete with the R-44?

[boojum]

Uh-oh, " Includes preamp with phantom power on two channels"  Gonna need eight channels, not two, of pre-amps and P48.  Otherwise it looks cool.

[atleast6characters]

Does this mean what I think it does?

EIGHT VIBRATORS CAN BE RECORDED AT THE SAME TIME? W000T!

[notlance]

It appears to have 8 mic pres, but only two with phantom power.  That seems strange to me.  If they are going to have phantom power for two mics, how hard is it to make it available for all 8?  I wonder how good 8 mic pres can be for 400 bucks.

[yltfan]

I could be happy with phantom on just two channels. Board feed on two more, and if I was running another set of mics, use something battery powered.

I look forward to reading the first TS reviews, although I suspect it will disappoint.

[heyitsmejess]

saw this at sam ash this past weekend.  didnt get to run it (obviously), but it appeared to be a well built unit

[Nick's Picks]

I'm likely going to pick one of these up for my band.  Looks like a lot of fun for $400

[vegas06]

Is it just me or does it say that you can only record at 
• 16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format without a computer interface and at,   
• High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software

If this is the case, it's a downer in my book.
Great options, but lacking a little.
Still great for the price though.

[Carlos E. Martinez]

• High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software

And what "digital audio software" would that be?

Is it something that can be changed in firmware later on?

[heyitsmejess]

i t hink it means you can do 24/96 if you just use it as an interface for your computer

[Will_S]

I can't see any reason to want to use use 96kHz if the preamps and line inputs are of usual Zoom quality (if ever).  No big deal that it's limited to 44.1kHz.

Phantom power on only two channels is a little unfortunate, but if the FOH is up for it there's awesome potential for a 2 mix ambient matrix plus several individual instruments/voices to mix in later.  Besides, battery life would be just about zero if supplying P48 to all 8 channels!

[Carlos E. Martinez]

I can't see any reason to want to use use 96kHz if the preamps and line inputs are of usual Zoom quality (if ever).  No big deal that it's limited to 44.1kHz.

Not having at least 48KHz limits it a lot for film/TV location use.

[vegas06]

I can't see any reason to want to use use 96kHz if the preamps and line inputs are of usual Zoom quality (if ever).  No big deal that it's limited to 44.1kHz.

Not having at least 48KHz limits it a lot for film/TV location use.

I agree, as a video producer that was my main concern as well.  I don;t really ahve need for 96kHz. but do have a great need for 48kHz., which matches the audio being recorded to video.