Topic: Zoom R24- the cheapest route to large multitrack?

[acidjack]

I was looking into solutions to do a semi-pro sort of recording in a more controlled environment than normal taping, but something that maybe could come in handy for taping too, and came across this: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/R24/  I know, I know, it's a Zoom product... but it does have some interesting features. 8 mic inputs, plus another 16 line inputs.  Mic inputs have phantom.  Powered on AAs and thus presumably can be powered by a Tekkeon or whatnot. 

Running external pres, etc. into it, I'm wondering if it could be a viable solution for the right circumstances (like installing in a venue or other more fixed-position uses).  It doesn't do 96kHz but it will do 24/48, which is fine by me.

Anyoen have any experience with it?

[rastasean]

As you may know, there are a couple (maybe 3) of us (me being one) who own the r16 and enjoy it. The r16 has only two phantom power inputs but that wouldn't stop someone from running a pre-amp or power supply in between the input and the mic. The r16 does 44.1/16 unless you're connecting to a computer and then I think its 24/48 at the minimum, maybe higher. The r16 also have 8 inputs but it does not have the drum machine built in. One small disadvantage is that you cannot provide a mix to each person without the use of a mixer with bus inputs. That may not be an issue for a live recording session since the musicians are not likely going to be wearing headphones.

As far as I am concerned, the r16 and r24 are fine machines that are useful for multitracking purposes. There's no reason for a new band to blow a wad of cash in a recording studio for something that they can do on their own with less expensive gear and similar results.

[acidjack]

I was not aware of that, but that is useful to know.  It seems like, especially if you have external pres, it's a pretty simple and inexpensive solution if you mostly just want a bunch of inputs and are not too concerned with some of the issues tapers are usually concerned about.

[kirk97132]

from the SW page:
"6-channel simultaneous 48V phantom power supply capability"

[acidjack]

^^ Yeah, I saw that. I just assume that for taping applications one might not want to trust the Zoom's own pres.... of course, most people here don't seem to trust/like Sound Devices' pres either.