Topic: Zoom R8 2-tr desk type recorder (announced at NAMM)

[sunjan]

Zoom takes the turbocharged design of the R24 and reduces the footprint for a portable, powerful music production solution. Like its predecessor, the R8 combines four production tools in a small, incredibly versatile device. In addition to 8-track playback and 2-track simultaneous recording using SD memory cards, the R8 is a digital multi-track recorder, an audio interface, a control surface and a pad sampler.

“The R8 will fit in a guitar case, for a flexible, multi-track solution and the ultimate in portable recording,” says Rob Garofala, National Accounts Sales Manager for Samson.  “More than ever before, Zoom users have all the tools necessary to create studio-quality recordings on-the-go.”

With a sampler function that consists of 24 built-in voices, the R8’s built-in drum sounds can be triggered using 8 pads and 3 bank keys to assign sounds to each track and create loops.  You can also use the unit’s drum machine to create original backing beats, or simply output a metronome for tempo control.

The R8 comes with a 2GB SD card and supports up to 32GB SDHC cards for a maximum of 100 track hours. Using SD media for recording not only makes the R8 lighter and more portable, it also ensures increased reliability with no concern for a crashing hard drive.

Take your R8 into your studio and record additional tracks using its USB audio interface. Then when you’re ready to mix, use the R8’s control surface capabilities to manage each function of your favorite DAW software. Incorporate any of the 150 guitar and studio effects to enhance your recording and use the pro-quality mastering effects to complete that studio sound.

Zoom compresses much of the functionality into a decidedly more compact footprint with the brand new R8. Giving you 2-track recording and 8-track playback, the R8 is a great solution for tracking your next album. Like its predecessor, the R8 is equipped with built-in effects and a pad sampler, making the R8 a full-function audio production center. Plus, you can use the R8 as an audio interface, further bolstering the functionality of this sweet little recorder.

Zoom R8 Features:

    * 8-channel playback, 2-channel simultaneous recording
    * Built-in effects
    * Records to SD cards (2GB card included)
    * Pad sampler with 24 voices
    * Can act as a 2 in/1 out 24-bit/96kHz audio interface

[Brian E.]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/zoom-r8-8-track-recorder-promises-total-production-to-go/