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Zoom R8 8-track SD Recorder / Interface /Sampler

2-track Digital Recorder/USB Interface with 8-track Playback
Rated 4.5/5 36 Item ID: R8zoom

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Zoom R8 8-track SD Recorder / Interface /Sampler
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An All-in-one Recording Solution

A true studio-to-go, the Zoom R8 multitrack recorder gives you all of the tools you need to turn your ideas into finished tracks. This ultra-compact recorder packs many of the best features of Zoom's R series recorders into a road-ready format. Toss one into your gig bag and you're ready to record, wherever your music takes you! Loaded with the I/O, effects, and even a looper/sampler, the R8 gives you all the on-the-go recording options you need. And you get even more great options, when you hook your Zoom R8 up to your computer!

SD card sold separately

Fully loaded standalone recorder

It may be small, but the Zoom R8 is packed full of recording options. A pair of combo jacks give you the option of hooking up any microphones you have (even condenser mics), or going direct. Plus, there's a pair of fantastic-sounding mics onboard, so you don't need to carry any extra gear to record on the R8. Looking for effects? The R8 comes loaded with over 140 built-in studio-style effects you can use to enhance your sound. Best of all, even with tons of recording options, the R8 is still super easy to use!

Flexible options for your studio

The R8 isn't just an amazing battery-powered multitrack recorder, it's also an invaluable studio tool! When you hook your R8 up to your computer via USB, it instantly becomes a quality 2-channel audio interface. But that's not all — Zoom also designed the R8 to function as an excellent hands-on control surface. Compatible with almost any recording software, you'll love how flexible you Zoom R8 is in your studio!

Onboard sampler/looper lets you get creative

Looking for extra inspiration? Want to record along to more than just a click or a pre-canned drum loop? No problem! The Zoom R8 adds a full-fledged sampler/loop workstation to its already impressive bag of tricks. You can trigger the R8's eight sampler voices right from its built-in pads, allowing you to create fun and exciting new grooves.

Zoom R8 Portable Multitrack Recorder Features:

  • 8-channel playback, 2-channel simultaneous recording
  • 48V phantom power available on 2 tracks
  • Over 150 DSP effects including guitar amp models and mastering effects
  • Records on up to 32GB SDHC (sold separately)
  • 2 balanced XLR-1/4" combination inputs
  • Records in WAV 48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
  • Over 4 hours of operation using 4 AA batteries/USB bus power (AC adapter included)
  • High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software
  • 2 in/1 out (2 x 1) via USB
  • Full mixing and transport controls for Cubase, Logic, Sonar and more!
  • USB Control Surface uses Mackie Control emulation
  • Pad sampler with 24 voices (8 pads x 3 banks)
  • Loop-based audio sequencer for music creation
  • Built-in stereo condenser microphones for instant recording

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Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Simultaneous Rec Tracks: 2
  • Simultaneous Play Tracks: 8
  • Sample Rate: 48kHz
  • Bit Depth: 24-bit
  • Effects: Yes
  • EQ: Yes
  • Compression: Yes
  • Phantom Power: Yes (2 Channels)
  • Number of Mic Preamps: 2
  • Audio Interface: Yes
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Built-in Mics: 2
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR/Combo
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" (Headphones)
  • Storage: SD/SDHC Card Slot (up to 32GB)
  • Faders: 8 + 1 Master (Fader/Encoder)
  • Power: 4 x AA Batteries / USB 5V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 2"
  • Depth: 7.8"
  • Width: 10"
  • Weight: 2 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ZR8

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Customer Reviews

Rated 5/5

Next Generation

I bought this for my son for his birthday recently, as he's been wanting to record and mix his own work. When I was his age and just getting started with recording I had a Tascam Portastudio (4-track/Cassette Tape). This ZOOM recorder is amazing, and he's already making music and having the time of his life. The recorder arrived on time (as expected), and my sales engineer Ryan even called to make sure I received it! Best customer service/support from any company I've dealt with...something that's very rare these days. Sweetwater (and Ryan) are awesome...looking forward to my next order! Rob
Music background: Keyboardist/Vocals
Rated 5/5

Zoom R8 Powerhouse

The looping function is fantastic.

Recording with the onboard mics offers unlimited potential, and the ability to sample / loop in general using the onboard mics is simply awesome. I've owned Tascam DP's and a Model 12, and they pale in comparison to the easy workflow of Zoom, in my opinion. Easy USB to computer. Effortless file transfers. I spent a year with a Zoom handy recorder in multitrack mode, and the Zoom R8 was exactly what I needed. Easy to use, easy directions, and basic commands makes multitrack recording easy and fun. Buy one.
Music background: 30 years of creating content
Rated 5/5

Swiss Army Knife of music gear

.
Well done Zoom., well done indeed.!
Music background: I do things with strings and electricity
Rated 5/5

Zoom R8 is a little workhorse!

Guys, I'm so glad I decided to get the Zoom R8. I had originally settled on buying a much cheaper multitracker in order to save money, but I decided to spring for the R8 because it had some features that really interested me. I do NOT regret spending the extra money! This little unit handles everything I throw at it, and the final mastered mixes sound AMAZING! I still have yet to figure out how to sequence full drum tracks, but everything else I have attempted on the R8 has been easy as pie.

I love the onboard effects for the guitar, bass, and keys - I haven't had to use anything external for processing yet, save for a simple single-channel tube preamp (which I've used for the vocal mics as well as the bass as a DI box). I mix down to headphones first and then master on a set of stereo speakers with a subwoofer. I've been through more than a dozen songs since I got the unit a few weeks ago. Tracking is quick and easy, and mixing is a joy!

The one thing I wish it had is physical knobs for pan and reverb (like the less expensive unit I looked at). I like turning those myself (jog-wheel scrolling is easy enough, though). I can't say enough good things about this little gem. Perfect for my walk-in closet studio in a house full of kids. Great price for all the features. Well worth the investment!
Music background: Playing since 1982. Seasoned veteran of studio and stage.
Rated 5/5

love this unit.....

I love this unit so easy to work . so portable i am able to take it to the band house plug in and recorded or use the built in mic.
then i export all the files ... i can master them down and use the audio for band demo's . great to listen back to so easy i was tried of spending
hours fighting computers and software this is the stuff .... plus the songwriting and laying out songs on this unit i opening doors everyday.
I also use the unit for production and commercials for radio and t .v. audio ... so many ways you can use this unit ... the drums are also a great add on ... loving it .
Music background: engineer for radio & t.v. and semi pro musician for years / songwriter too
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