The Best Multitrack Recorders - Digital
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Highest Rated 6 to 8 Track Recorders
This bracket presents economical solutions for home recording demos and small projects. These prioritize portability over the number of simultaneous inputs.
TASCAM DP-008EX
TASCAM has a storied history of making portable multitrack recorders for use by musicians.
When they first released their Portastudio series for cassette tapes, multitrack recordings were limited to going to big recording studios. TASCAM continues this design philosophy of making multitrack recording hardware accessible with its current range of multitrack recorders.
The TASCAM DP-008EX is still very popular with the number of user reviews having consistently increased over the past few years.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 2
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 8
- Virtual tracks: 6 with undo/redo history function on all tracks
- Inputs: 2 x balanced XLR with 48v phantom power & 2 x unbalanced mic/line/guitar
- Outputs: 2 x RCA line, 1 x 1/8" stereo headphone + USB
- Sample rate: 44.1kHz
- Bit rate: 16-bit
- On-board effects: 6 reverbs, 2-band shelving EQ, compressor, de-esser and exciter, mastering
- Effects send: Internal
- USB audio interface: No - USB is for transferring files only
- Storage medium: SD/SDHC card - up to 32GB
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
The quality and clarity of its sound, its portability, and ease of use are features that owners consistently refer to when rating it highly. Owners are continuing to praise the quality of the in-built microphones.
Cons
The most often cited complaint from reviewers was that it doesn't work as a USB audio interface, which is true, but it seems like an unfair complaint because it doesn't claim to be one. You can, however, transfer your tracks to a computer via USB. For its price, you can't expect it to have many more features than TASCAM have already packed into it - if you need one that also works as an audio interface then look at some of the other options below.
Overall
The TASCAM DP-008EX is well suited to musicians on a budget that simply want a reliable portable device that records songs and allows for mixing down to a final stereo track.
Zoom LiveTrak L-8
The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is marketed towards content creators, podcasters, and bands as an all in one mixer / recorder / streaming device.
It is capable of recording, playing back, and mixing 10 simultaneous tracks on its own or 12 if it is used as an audio interface.
It is also capable of functioning as an audio interface and have the audio feed go direct to streaming platforms.
Aside from the transport buttons, it also has 6 sound trigger pads for samples, canned laughter, or other sound effects for your podcast, interview recording, or live performance.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 10 (plus 2 stereo tracks if direct to DAW)
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 10
- Virtual tracks: 6 with undo/redo history function on all tracks
- Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" TS (ch 7/8), 1 x 1/8" TRRS (smartphone)
- Outputs: 2 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" TRS , USB
- Sample rate:96kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- On-board effects: 4 x Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Vocal, 3-band EQ, 75Hz Highpass Filter
- Effects send: Internal
- USB audio interface: Yes
- Storage medium: SDHC/SDXC Card Slot
- Export tracks to computer: Yes, plus capability to simultaneously act as an audio interface/livestream source
Pros
Users who bought the LiveTrak L-8 chose it for its rich feature set tailored towards their specific needs. Being able to simultaneously record to a DAW and external storage was seen as a plus for recording engineers who would want to have a backup copy of their session in other storage media. Being able to be powered by batteries was also seen as a plus for some users as they can record nearly anywhere.
Cons
From all the pros just listed, users cite one potentially deal-breaking flaw: the USB port is also used for AC power.
Overall
The majority of positive reviews come from podcasters on the go who love the Livetrak L-8's portability and features. Bands also love it for its capability to be an audio interface, enabling them to either record their rehearsals for demos or use the same unit to do their final production. All in all, the Zoom LiveTrack is a feature-laden but convenient and user-friendly device.
Highest Rated 12 to 16 Track Recorders
These are best for small recording projects like bands and podcasts. These are good for recording multiple instruments simultaneously.
TASCAM Model 12
The TASCAM Model 12 is designed as a standalone Mixer, Interface, and Controller.
It features an analog-style workflow and aesthetic with individual knobs for eq, compressors, and AUX.
One great feature of this recorder is the capability of routing tracks in your DAW back into the mixer's 10 channels and use it as an analog mixing console. The Stereo out is then routed back into a stereo track into your DAW as a mixdown.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks:10
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 6 Mono, 2 stereo
- Virtual tracks: 0
- Inputs:8 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 1 x 1/8" TRRS (stereo), 2 x 1/4" (L/R)
- Outputs:2 x XLR (main), 2 x 1/4" (L/R Subgroup)
- Sample rate: 48kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- On-board effects: 8 x Channel Compressor, Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Flanger
- Effects send: Internal
- USB audio interface: Yes
- Storage medium: SD Card Slot, SDHC (4GB-32GB), SDXC (64GB-512GB)
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
The TASCAM Model 12 put a big smile on the faces of those familiar with analog mixing consoles and workflow. Some reviewers noted that the unit's workflow "takes them back" to the days of the cassette recording. Another main selling point was the ability to use it as its on mixing console because of its flexible routing options. This means that users can route 10 tracks from their DAW and mix using the Model 12's faders, eq, and effects. The resulting sound was also said to be more "glued together" because of the summing effect using a console has.
Cons
Recent reviews show that some people have had problems with the USB signal of the unit dropping out. One user found a solution in changing the ports you plug into your computer. This might be addressed in future firmware updates.
Overall
The TASCAM Model 12 is a throwback to the '80s where Portastudios were an essential part of being in a band and recording demos. Many users fell in love with the idea of engaging in that workflow again and TASCAM was kind enough to provide a lot of modern optimizations to that style of production. Being a new product, it has its hiccups in the form of firmware. Future updates may address these.
Zoom LiveTrak L-12
Following up on the success of their R series recorders, Zoom released the Livetrak series in 2017 with new features previously unseen on any of their standalone recorder line.
While the R series is still in production today, the Livetrak series offers an upscale experience and looks more in place in studios while the R series caters more to the "prosumer" market.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 14
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 12. 4 if used as audio interface
- Virtual tracks: 0
- Inputs: 8 x XLR, 2 Stereo 1/4" TRS - Phantom power on 8 channels
- Outputs: 2 x XLR Master Out, 5 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Monitor outs, 2x 1/4" unbalanced LR Monitor out + USB
- Sample rate: 44.1khz, 48khz, 96khz (switchable)
- Bit rate: Up to 24-bit
- On-board effects: 16 onboard effects including delays and reverbs
- Effects send: Internal
- USB audio interface: 14 channels
- Storage medium: USB 2.0
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
Most users liked how it functions threefold as a digital mixer, an audio interface, and a standalone recorder. Some users who had the previous generation R series think that the Livetrak L-12 is a definite upgrade with its newer preamps and converters.
Cons
Reviewers criticized the lack of a solo button on the tracks as well as the absence of a polarity switch to reverse the phase. Both are essential functions for mixing. Filenames are also named similarly and can confuse when transferring the project to a computer for further mixing.
Overall
If you're looking for a jack-of-all-trades multitrack recorder that can help you keep track of rehearsals or live, small venue events, the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 is a great choice.
TASCAM Model 16
The Tascam Model 16 expands upon the Model 12's features by adding additional inputs and outputs.
The control room outputs add flexibility for use with larger studios while the additional inputs enable miking up more tracks, especially drums or full band setups.
60mm faders, classic 3 band eq, inline compression for select channels, and flexible aux and fx routing give a familiar feel for those used to analog mixer workflows. The HDDI Preamps ensure great quality captures with low noise.
As with all Model series mixers from Tascam, you can rout the audio from your DAW into the mixer and back into the DAW for analog mixing and summing.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks:14
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 8 Mono, 3 stereo
- Virtual tracks: 0
- Inputs:2 x 1/4" (line/Hi-Z), 6 x 1/4" (line), 4 x 1/4" (2 x stereo), 1 x 1/8" (stereo), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
- Outputs:2 x XLR (main), 2 x 1/4" (control room), 2 x 1/4" (L/R subgroup)
- Sample rate: 48kHz
- Bit rate: 24-bit
- On-board effects: 8 x Channel Compressor, Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Flanger
- Effects send: Internal
- USB audio interface: Yes
- Storage medium: SD Card Slot, SDHC (4GB-32GB), SDXC (64GB-512GB)
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
People who have checked out the Tascam Model series gravitated towards the 16 for its balance of size and number of inputs. Some who felt that the Model 12 had too few inputs and the 24 too large found a good balance with the Model 16. Having the inputs on top rather than behind was also mentioned as a plus over the Model 12. The number of faders also felt more familiar to those accustomed to analog mixing.
Cons
One user noted that the unit had a steep learning curve which is expected since it requires people used to digital workflows to adapt to analog workflows and vice versa.
Overall
The Tascam Model 16 has been gaining more traction as the favored "middle child" of the Model series. Get it if you feel that the Model 24 might be too much and the Model 12 might be too restricting.
Highest Rated 20 to 24 Track Recorders
These are best for medium size studio recordings of larger bands with more layers. Some models with several inputs can be used for live recording.
TASCAM DP-24SD
The TASCAM DP-24SD is designed to be a stand-alone audio workstation.
While this means that it does not offer any DAW controller or USB audio interface features, the design approach allows you to do all of your music production onboard and also lets you export tracks to your computer via USB.
It also features a complete suite of internal effects, 24-track simultaneous playback, and having 8 takes on virtual tracks on the ready for compositing.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 8
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 24
- Virtual tracks: 192 - 8 virtual track per actual track
- Inputs: 8 x Combo XLR/TRS - 1 channel switchable between line and guitar - Phantom power on all 8 inputs
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4" balanced TRS, 2 x RCA unbalanced, 1/4" TRS headphone jack, 1/4" TRS jack for effects send + USB
- Sample rate: 44.1k/48k
- Bit rate: 16/24-bit
- On-board effects: Many including 3-band EQ, reverb, compression, exciter, de-esser, noise suppression, amp models, mastering tools, and more
- Effects send: 2
- USB audio interface: No
- Storage medium: SD/SDHC card - up to 32GB
- Export tracks to computer: Yes via USB
Pros
The vast majority of musicians who have reviewed it praise if for its audio quality and ease of use. The amp simulations have mixed reviews - but overall they lean towards being positive. According to some users, the workflow feels like you're working between a mix of a DAW and mixing live music with a digital mixer. For those familiar with both, the DP-24SD will be a comfortable transition.
Cons
One issue that some owners report in a negative light is the limitation that you can't use more than one dynamic effect on a single track simultaneously - for example, you can't use the de-esser and compressor, or compressor and noise suppression, simultaneously on one track. The same applies to time-based effects since you can't have reverb and delay at the same time. You can work around this utilizing bouncing and virtual tracks, but it would have been better if you didn't have to. There were also some reviewers disappointed that it doesn't have motorized fades or mixing automation, however, those features probably would have caused the price to go up.
Overall
Overall this is well-liked as an all-in-one recorder for both live and home studio use.
The following review by Andi Picker of the previous model provides an excellent overview of its features and functionality - note that it no longer has a CD burner - you can export to your computer to do that:
Zoom LiveTrak L-20
The Zoom LiveTrak L-20 is Zoom's flagship Multitrack Recorder / Digital Mixer hybrid.
It features functionality more akin to dedicated digital mixers while balancing recording and mixing functionality.
The L-20 also adds a solo button for each channel -- a feature a lot of people were missing on the L-12.
One feature quite well appreciated is the ability to provide 6 separate personalized headphone mixes while recording.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 22
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 20
- Virtual tracks: 0
- Inputs: 16 x XLR/TRS combo jacks, 2 x Stereo Line in
- Outputs: 2 x XLR Master out, 2 x TRS phone jacks Monitor speaker out, 6 x Headphone monitor mix out, 1 x Headphone out
- Sample rate: 44.1/48/96 kHz
- Bit rate: 16/24-bit, mono/stereo
- On-board effects: 20 Types of Reverb, Delay and Modulation
- Effects send: 2
- USB audio interface: 22 Channels In, 4 Channels out
- Storage medium: SDHC/SDXC
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
Most user reviews came from people who use the unit as a live mixer that can record performances. Some bands with more than 5 members bought this over the L-12 for the extra inputs. It also gets praise for the individual monitor mix for 6 headphones.
Cons
Many users disliked the fact that the EQ channel also affects the monitor mixes. Front-of-house (FOH) mixes going out through the monitors is usually a recipe for feedback and a few users had trouble finding a compromise between having a good audience mix and a good monitor mix.
Overall
The LiveTrak L-20 is great for recording and monitoring live sessions which are increasing popular these days as Youtube content. It may not be optimal for live sound because of the linked channel EQ for both the FOH mix and monitor mix. For your rehearsal space, studio, or radio station, the LiveTrak L-20 is a handy tool for capturing performances.
Highest Rated 32 Track Recorder
TASCAM DP-32SD
The TASCAM DP-32SD is designed to be a standalone recording workstation similar to its ancestor, the TASCAM Portastudio Tape recorders.
While it does not offer USB recording and DAW control features, it was designed with people used to computerless recording workflows in mind.
According to TASCAM, many well-known songwriters have used their 32 track recorders including Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Main Features:
- Simultaneous recording tracks: 8
- Tracks playback/mix simultaneously: 32
- Virtual tracks: 256 - 8 virtual track per actual track
- Inputs: 8 x XLR/TRS balanced combo - 1 channel switchable between line and guitar - Phantom power on all 8 inputs
- Outputs: 2x 1/4" balanced TRS, 2 x RCA unbalanced, 1/4" TRS headphone jack, 2x 1/4" unbalanced jack for effects send + USB
- Sample rate: 44.1k/48k
- Bit rate: 16/24-bit
- On-board effects: Many including 3-band EQ, reverb, compression, exciter, de-esser, noise suppression, amp models, mastering tools, and more
- Effects send: 2
- USB audio interface: No
- Storage medium: SD/SDHC card - up to 32GB
- Export tracks to computer: Yes
Pros
Most positive reviews come from users that are accustomed to computerless setups and love how familiar the DP-32SD's workflow is to what they're used to. Many of these reviews are from people who gained experience with tape and early digital recording.
Cons
Older customer reviews of the TASCAM DP-32SD rate it slightly lower than owners of the TASCAM DP-24SD and the main reason being that they expected more than just an additional 8 tracks of playback for the higher price tag. That being said, it appears that more people have purchased the 32 than the 24 over the last few years based on the relative numbers of new user reviews favoring the 32 track version.
Overall
TASCAM's reputation for offering standalone multitrack recorders goes back decades. The DP-24SD is a modern take of the old Tascam Portastudios of the past. For artists or performers that require multiple inputs that prefer having the ability to record and mix without using a DAW, the DP-32SD is a perfect choice.
Things to Consider When Buying a Digital Multitrack Recorder
- Take note of the distinction between "Channel" and "Track". Channels refer to your inputs (including the preamps and line inputs) and the accompanying set of controls (the channel strip). Tracks refer to a recording done in its discrete area on the tape. In the case of digital multitrack recorders, these are your files that are recorded from a specific channel. Over the years, they have been used interchangeably but clarifying the distinction helps to keep you from buying the wrong item.
- When multitrack recording was done on tape machines you could generally record tracks on all channels simultaneously, however, digital systems usually only permit recording on a limited number of channels at the same time - make sure the recording system you choose provides enough recording channels for the kind of work you do. A recorder can have 8 simultaneous recording channels but could be capable of recording 16 or more tracks. Make sure you check all the specifications before purchasing.
- If a digital recorder is listed as 8 tracks that means you can mix a maximum of 8 tracks regardless of how many you can record at once.
- Many digital multitrack recorders offer additional virtual tracks which are very handy because they allow for non-destructive editing. For example, if you have 8 virtual tracks per track you can do 8 extra takes without 'recording over' previous takes. Alternatively, you might have drums on 8 tracks and bounce them down to 2 tracks to free up tracks for other uses, however, if you need to change that mix later you'll still have access to the original 8 tracks which you can reload then remix.
- You won't be able to add plugins so you'll either want to select one that has all the effects you need or one that has an external effects send/loop so you can use additional outboard signal processing.
- You may want to record on a multitrack recorder, then later export your tracks to a computer so that you can do additional mixing / editing / processing on a DAW.
- Many models come with additional features such as drum machines or allowing you to use them as a USB audio interface with your computer.
Channels vs Tracks
Simultaneous Recording Channels
Total Number of Tracks for Mixing
Virtual Tracks
Effects
Export Functions
Additional Features
Which is the Best Budget Multitrack Recorder?
Selecting which Multitrack Recorder within your budget needs some special consideration. Since most recorders increase in price the more inputs you need, you have to consider how many inputs you will use. As a general tip, choose a recorder with around 2-4 more inputs than you need. Then when you have identified how many inputs you need, check our guide as we have categorized our selections according to the number of inputs and then price.
For small bands that don't need to record simultaneously, the TASCAM DP-008EX is a safe pick with 2 inputs if you don't need it as an audio interface.
Multitrack recorders with fewer inputs require a different workflow since you won't be able to simultaneously record your entire ensemble. If you need to record multiple sources simultaneously, the 12-16 track recorders would be a good place to start looking at a slightly higher cost.
Important Note About Digital Multitrack Recorder Memory
Many recorders only ship with a 1 or 2 GB SD card installed, and some don't ship with any at all, so you'll probably want to get some bigger SDHC memory cards. They're fairly cheap so you may as well go for the ones with bigger capacities beyond 32GB. You can buy them at a local store or online from Sweetwater.com.
Best Multitrack Recorder Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016 an the latest edition was published on August 5, 2021.
We looked at all multitrack recorders available from major online American music gear retailers, excluding handheld, dedicated podcast and field recorders. We came up with a shortlist of 18 products and entered all of them into our music gear database. We then analyzed forum discussions and reviews by users, owners, and audio engineers and processed that information, which included over 9,800 sources, with the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100 you see above. We selected the highest rated options in each sub-category of track numbers and recommended them above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Aside from endlessly window shopping and watching hours of gear reviews for leisure, he enjoys playing competitive FPS games, MMORPGs and caring for his 5 cats. He is primarily influenced by guitarists like Kurt Ballou and Paul Gilbert. His favorite pieces of gear are his Ibanez RG550RFR, Orange Brent Hinds Terror amplifier and EQD Acapulco Gold fuzz.
Contributors
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Supplemental writing, Editing and illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Compiled using photographs of the TASCAM Model 12 and Zoom LiveTrak L-20.
All the videos above have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
i have been using a boss
Submitted by Brian Woolley (not verified) on
I have been using a boss br1200Cd for several years and it has now broken. Is there anything on the market comparable to this machine with guitar/bass effects, amp modelling etc etc and also has an inbuilt rhythm section that can do basic beats fills etc.
Try the zoom R24 it does all
Submitted by Shawn (not verified) on
Try the zoom R24 it does all those things independantly and doubles as a computer audio interface. Also much better effects than the Tascams.
Hi Brian,
Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on
Hi Brian,
Unfortunately, the only thing remotely similar to the Br1200CD is the Boss Micro BR BR-80 and its interface is not as extensive as the BR1200CD.
Majority of music producers have moved from all-in one products like the BR series to either a computer-based workflow with DAWs and MIDI Controllers or an analog workflow with separate drum machines and synthesizers.
Your best bet would to scour the used market for another BR1200CD but that would mean that if it inevitably breaks down again, you'll have to look for another one, possibly at an astronomical price or bad condition.
Adapting to new music production methods is still the way to go. It will take a lot of work but it's worth studying.
-Raphael
Publication of our August
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our August 2021 Edition resulted in the following recorder coming off the recommended list above:
Thanks for the information,
Submitted by Andrew (not verified) on
Thanks for the information, any comments on the DP-03SD
Hi Andrew,
Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on
Hi Andrew,
The DP-03SD is decent at best. Many users who gave it a high rating just wanted a simple recorder that does the job. However negative reviews note that the unit itself is unintuitive, the lack of an input db pad also turned off some users. The screen is also small and doesn't show all the information you need. For the price, there are better options. For just a little more, The Zoom Livetrak L-8 is a good pick.
Personally, I'd save up even more and get the Tascam Model 12. It's an amazing piece of kit that I had the pleasure of using a while back.
-Raphael
Are there any recorders that
Submitted by Eric (not verified) on
Are there any recorders that have an HDMI output for a monitor? Those tiny displays are so tough to see. I know some of the old Roland VS-2400s had a VGA output. Thanks.
Hi Eric,
Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on
Hi Eric,
To my knowledge, only the Tascam DR-701D Field recorder has an HDMI out that I've encountered. However, It is not a multitrack studio recorder. I'm afraid there aren't any other options in the market today.
-Raphael
On the DP-32SD & DP-24SD, do
Submitted by Mario (not verified) on
On the DP-32SD & DP-24SD, do they record both main out on separate channel like the ZOOM L12? thank
Hi Mario,
Submitted by Raphael Pulgar on
Hi Mario,
The DP-32SD and DP-24SD are both capable of rendering a stereo mixdown aside from individual multitracks. Tascam made an official video about this feature:
I hope it helps!
We've removed the following
Submitted by Jason Horton on
We've removed the following recorder from the recommended list above due to having been discontinued, however you can still read our analysis of it: Sound Devices MixPre-10M.
Thanks for the article. I
Submitted by Richard J. Sullivan (not verified) on
Thanks for the article. I would be interested to know about the drum programming that each one offers
The Zoom R24 has up to 6
Submitted by Trevor Brawn (not verified) on
The Zoom R24 has up to 6 phantom-powered inputs. The R24 page is still out-of-date in this respect. Also, I found the R24 (and presumably R16) preamps inadequate for distant acoustic sources, e.g. group of unamplified singers or room mic for a solo piano, even with condensers. After adding a FocusRite Scarlett into the gain chain, everything worked much better though.
As a result of our August
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our August 2019 update the following recorder came off our recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of it: Zoom R24.
Why in the world would these
Submitted by Jesse (not verified) on
Why in the world would these companies start eliminating midi when most of the old AND new music devises do?
A deal breaker for many. The world is creeping more and more towards the insane Common sense is out the door!
It seems crazy to me that
Submitted by Bob (not verified) on
It seems crazy to me that what used to be standard features are no longer incorporated on the latest models, e.g. MIDI, mixing automation/scene memory, punch in/out footswitch.
We should be getter more features, not less.
The missing of Midi is a real
Submitted by Gerrit, Germany (not verified) on
The missing of Midi is a real hoax . Homerecording is the use of sequencers and Drummachines !
Maybe it will come back if the army of reissues of Vintage drumboxes and synths will enter the market ... Catched a Tascam dp24 Vers. 1.0 for me !
Just tried a Tascam 008.
Submitted by Peter A Bruce (not verified) on
Just tried a Tascam 008. Kinda quiet, no FX, unimpressive reverb. MY biggest problem: it displays time m/s/fr when i need Measure/beat, for accurate editing. Some ads don't specify. RRRRR!!!
Why no mention of Roland? Don
Submitted by Rick 'BlueRick... (not verified) on
Why no mention of Roland? Don't they compete in this market anymore. I have several that work pretty well.
Roland does still compete in
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Roland does still compete in this market under their Boss brand including the Boss BR BR-80 and the Boss BR-800.
They used to compete with the larger Tascam models with now discontinued recorders like the Roland VS-2000CD.
Does any one know of you can
Submitted by Dony Anders (not verified) on
Does any one know if you can use the r24 and the r16 together as a slave to the r24?
Yes..I have both and use the
Submitted by Curtis Johnson (not verified) on
Yes..I have both and use the R24 as the master...40 tracks and works great!
I have the Tascam DP-24 and
Submitted by Nash (not verified) on
I have the Tascam DP-24 and it's amazing after 20 years of Sonar on PC, these work flawlessly EVERY time I use it. Saves on crash.(Even saves last 10 undos after crash:)
Should mention the Roland. If anyone aver makes one with automation and automated faders(with memory after crash) that would be the perfect machine.
I tried using digital multi
Submitted by Robert Szymanski (not verified) on
I tried using digital multi track recorders.very frustrating to me and I wished 4 -8 track tape recorder make a comeback! Recording life was easier for me...
I'm a Huge Tascam fan - got
Submitted by bill (not verified) on
I'm a Huge Tascam fan - got lots of their products and recorders throughout the years. Currently using the 32sd primarily - nice unit. There are going to be some limitations due to price point, and that's ok. I still enjoy playing around with the old tape machines though.
You can synchronize two Zoom
Submitted by George Taus (not verified) on
You can synchronize two Zoom R16's via a simple USB cable for 32 tracks of playback and 16 tracks of simultaneous recording. The R16 can also run on batteries. No midi input or rhythm machine on the R16 was a deal breaker for me, at the time, and I ended up paying more for the older Zoom HD16 which had both.
Does the tascam dp32 sd have
Submitted by NURREDIN (not verified) on
Does the tascam dp32 sd have the capabilities of panning the stereo tracks to different locations in the mix?
Boss BR1600 is best of
Submitted by Vlado Bartolic (not verified) on
Boss BR1600 is best of
It was a good machine about
Submitted by Jason Horton on
It was a good machine about 14 years ago - still worth considering if you find one second hand for a good price, but it uses a built-in hard drive and CDRW drive rather than the SD cards that current ones use.
Great information here, I am
Submitted by Jessie (not verified) on
Great information here, I am glad I popped in to check things out. Am in the process of getting a multi track recorder, and for me, and me needs, the Zoom r16 is the one I will get for sure, thx again!!
I have a Zoom R24 and it's a
Submitted by Mark Ash (not verified) on
I have a Zoom R24 and it's a great bit of kit for the price. However I still feel I get better results from my Boss BR1600 which I prefer to use.
And yet none of those
Submitted by SEAN (not verified) on
And yet none of those recorders supports MIDI. You can't sync multiple passes from a drum machine or sequencer, etc. Deal breaker for some of us. :'(
No solution fills all the
Submitted by Lumpy McPhoomph (not verified) on
No solution fills all the requirements, but - I opted, last year, to purchase a used Yamaha AW-1600, and because I have a dedicated Studio PC (not connected to the internet)for mixing and mastering, I've bypassed some of those issues common to the stand-alone DAW. In addition, it features full midi sync-ing. Again, not perfect, but 'perfectly fine' for my needs...
I contacted a few of the
Submitted by Jason Horton on
I contacted a few of the manufactures to see if there were any undocumented features that might enable syncing - both Zoom and Tascam got back to me but external syncing isn't possible with their current recorders.
Tascam did point out that the original DP-24 and DP-32 had the ability to MIDI sync with external devices, but that was removed in the 24SD and 32SD models.
If you want to sync you'll either have to get one of those older Tascam models, or do what we did in the old days of tape machines where we'd record SMPTE time code on one of the tracks and sync via that - this is what my band used to do.
Here's an article explaining syncing with audio recordings using SMPTE: Getting Recording Devices In Sync: The Basics Of Timecode And Synchronization
There is a work-around for
Submitted by HDA (not verified) on
There is a work-around for MIDI sync on the Zoom R8 and Zoom R24 (not the Zoom R16) using a striped track for time code (the old fashioned way) on a 'hidden' output via one channel of the headphone socket. This is not the original article where I read about it, but it still covers the basic idea of how to do it.
http://www.henkybacker.com/2011...
Hi Deano, which is the best
Submitted by Ads (not verified) on
Hi Deano, which is the best device that is compatible with pro tools 12? Would have loved to have got the Zoom R16 but it doesn't work with Pro Tools.
Hi there I notice that the
Submitted by Deano (not verified) on
Hi there I notice that the Boss BR-800 Multitrack Digital Recording Studio is not mentioned in your review. Please can you provide me with the pros and cons....I thought it was a great bit of kit?
Hi Deano,
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Hi Deano,
The Boss BR-800 was included in our research but it didn't have high enough scores to be included in this guide when it was published.
It didn't miss by much so there is a chance it might be included when we next update this guide - in the meantime you can see its Gearank score in our Music Gear Database here.
Thanks Jason, it looks (as a
Submitted by Deano (not verified) on
Thanks Jason, it looks (as a layman) the easiest to use, I am a not sure what to buy as this is the 1st time Ive bought a recording device. Thanks for the link BTW.
The Tascam knobs and faders
Submitted by Music Teacher (not verified) on
The Tascam knobs and faders are from a material that after two years of use starts to fall apart. Bought a DR24SD in 2013 en after 3 years of use the rubber starts to like melt or crack away.
I do like the tascams alot,
Submitted by Vince (not verified) on
I do like the tascams alot, but i've had lots of issues with the buttons failing because little switches inside wear out fast.
really frustrating..
Hi, nice article. The Zoom
Submitted by Peter Strietman (not verified) on
Hi, nice article. The Zoom R16 is actually an 8in/2out usb audio interface (same as the R24),
Cheers
I got my R16 to record 8
Submitted by Martin C (not verified) on
I got my R16 to record 8 tracks simultaneously into the computer using Reaper.
I've been using the Zoom R16
Submitted by David Hoyte (not verified) on
I've been using the Zoom R16 for awhile, now I need something better.
To record music on.
It's Time for a better way to Record Artist and Bands.
I always thought to be a Recording session Engineer.
It's a fun Job.
Bless you all.
Just a quick correction as it
Submitted by rob (not verified) on
Just a quick correction as it was made me upgrade from the Zoom R16 to the R24 - the latter has SIX phantom powered channels, not four! It should also probably be noted that the bit rate is either 16 or 24 - mostly pertinent because at 24 you can't use the built-in effects features.
I want to note for buyers to
Submitted by Jeff Stockton (not verified) on
I want to note for buyers to be aware the Zoom recorders, either 16 or 24 track recorders do not have the ability to use a footswitch. Therefore for punching in and out is a deal breaker and I chose the Tascam 24 for this reason. Who wants to set auto points everytime to fix a spot? I use punch in tool for writing solos and experimenting so it's an important tool for me.
I had the same issue with my
Submitted by Ed Ham (not verified) on
I had the same issue with my Zoom 24... if there was only ONE thing more I wish it had... it would be a foot-pedal punch in. This mark in/out thing gets old right off the bat. Otherwise it's a great recorder!
Thank you Rob - I have
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Thank you Rob - I have updated the Zoom R24 description to show that it has 6 inputs with phantom power.
According to the R24 manual, the limitation on effects is when using it as an Audio Interface - you can only use the effects in this mode with the sampling rate at 16-bit/44.1 kHz.