ZOOM R16 Digital SD Card 16 Track Recorder
The Zoom R16 is a combined multi-track recorder/interface/controller that combines the best features normally associated with each of these categories. Essentially the R16 is a 16 track digital recorder saving data to an SD Card with maximum capacity reaching 32Gb of data. It has some really neat features - one of which is the ability to sync together 2 x R16 machines, this provides double the amount of simultaneous recorded tracks - 16, with a single machine normally allowing 8 simultaneously recorded tracks.
Quality levels are high with 16/24 bit linear WAV format and 44.1 Sampling rate, there are also 2 x USB 2.0 interfaces to allow connection to a PC/Mac with the added bonus that the internal DSP effects of the R16 are also usable on your computer tracks. A dedicated control lets you adjust the mixing balance between the DAW playback sound and the direct sound for monitoring.
Transport and mixing operations of the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software can be controlled using the R16.providing greater control and a better "hands-on" feel for mixing. In Mackie Control emulation mode, major DAW applications such as Cubase, Logic, and Sonar are supported.
The Zoom R16 also sports are pair of built-in quality condenser mics so that "Song-sketch" ideas can be captured quickly and with perfect clarity, the unit's eight combination mic/line input jacks can handle mics or line-level signals. Phantom power is provided on channels 5 and 6 for use with condenser mics, and the Hi-Z switch for channel 1 accommodates a guitar or bass.
The R16 comes pre-programmed with 135 types of digital effects for recording, mixing, and mastering. The insert effect has seven modules with algorithms optimised for guitar, bass and vocals. In addition, two send/return effects are also available, so that you can use up to three effects simultaneously. The R16 also comes with models of 18 different guitar amps such as Fender, Marshall, Vox and Mesa Boogie, and 6 bass amps such as Ampeg, Bassman and Hartke. A compressor and equalizer effect that handles 8 channels simultaneously provides further flexibility
Yet another handy option is the R16's built-in tuner - great for quickly tuning an instrument or checking the pitch of vocals. During recording, the metronome provides a click track for a drummer or instrumentalist and is also handy for practice. The metronome sound can be sent to the headphones, letting you use a previously recorded backing track on stage during a performance.
This device can be powered from the supplied AC adaptor or six AA/LR6 batteries. A set of batteries will last for about four and a half hours, and because they are standard batteries, changing them is easy and convenient. The audio interface and control surface functions can also be operated on USB bus power, providing another power option.
The final cherry on the Zoom cake is that it comes bundled with a free copy of Cubase LE4 along with a 1Gb SD memory card, the mains A/C adapter and a USB cable ... And at a lot less than five hundred pounds - this product offers staggering value for money ... See this amazing device now at the Nevada Music Warehouse ...