The R8 8-Track Digital Recorder/Interface/Controller/Sampler from Zoom is an ultra-portable music production solution, ideal for the musician on the go. The R8 packs the versatility of the larger R24 into a fresh compact design. Not only is the R8 an 8-track recorder that writes to SD flash memory cards, it's also a USB audio interface, a controller, and a pad sampler!
The R8 has 2-track simultaneous recording and 8-track playback. It can record WAV files at sample rates of 44.1/48kHz and bit rates of 16/24-bit. The files are captured to SD memory cards with capacities up to 32GB for making lengthy recordings. There are built-in stereo condenser mics for making recordings without extra equipment. There are also XLR/TRS combo inputs for connecting external microphones and instruments. There is 48V phantom power available on 2 tracks for supporting condenser mics. You can choose from over 140 DSP effects to add to your recordings, including guitar amp models and mastering effects.
The R8 has a USB connector, allowing you to use it as a high-definition audio interface with your computer. It supports rates up to 24-bit/96kHz and offers 2 x 2 in/out over the USB connection. Steinberg Cubase LE DAW software is included so you can record, mix, and edit on your computer right away. The R8's controls provide full mixing and transport options for Cubase, Logic, Sonar, and other popular DAW software options. The control surface uses Mackie Control emulation for wide compatibility.
Other features of the R8 include a pad sampler with 8 voices, as well as a loop-based audio sequencer for music creation. The R8 can operate on 4 standard AA batteries, USB bus power, or the included AC adapter for excellent versatility.
R8 Features
- 8-track playback, 2-track simultaneous recording
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones
- Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
- Records 16-bit/24-bit, 44.1 kHz/48 kHz mono and stereo WAV files
- Dual mic/line/instrument level inputs on XLR/TRS combo connectors
- +24 and +48V phantom power
- Dual balanced ¼" TRS output jacks
- Headphone output with dedicated volume control
- Control input for foot switch start/stop/rewind, punch-in/out, and patch up/down
- Built-in metronome and chromatic tuner
- Over 140 send-return and insert DSP effects, including amp/preamp models and mastering algorithms
- User editing of effects parameters, with 370 patch memories for storage
- Independent level, pan, and EQ for each track
- Internal track bouncing and mixdown of multitrack to stereo
- Flexible overdubbing and both manual and automatic punch-in/out
- Loop playback with waveform zoom and user-defined start/stop points
- Variable playback speed from 50% to 150%, without affecting pitch
- Up to 100 marks per recording
- Invert track phase function
- Trim and Divide file editing
- 8-voice pad sampler with adjustable sensitivity
- Rhythm machine with 160 drum and percussion sounds
- Storage for 100 user-created rhythm patterns of up to 100 bars each
- Manual play or step entry of rhythm patterns with adjustable quantization
- Loop-based audio sequencer integrates recorder, rhythm machine, and pad sampler
- Backlit LCD with contrast control for easy viewing in low-light environments
- 2-in/2-out USB audio interface for PC/Mac computers
- High-definition 24-bit/96 kHz playback capability with DAW software
- Control Surface functionality (Mackie Control emulation)
- Full mixing and transport controls for Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, and other DAWs
- USB bus power
- SD card reader function
- Runs on 4 AA batteries, with alkaline battery life of more than 5 hours
- AC adapter included
- Steinberg Cubase LE DAW software included
Track count | 8 (mono) |
Maximum number of simultaneous recording tracks | 2 |
Maximum number of simultaneous playback tracks | 8 audio + metronome |
Recording data format | 44.1 / 48 kHz, 16 / 24-bit WAV format |
Maximum recording time | 200 minutes/1 GB (44.1 kHz 16-bit, mono tracks) |
Projects | 1000 |
Markers | 100/project |
Locator | Hours/minutes/seconds/milliseconds and bars/beats/ticks |
File editing | Divide, trim |
Track parameters | 3-band equalizer, pan (balance), effect send ×2, invert |
Stereo link | Tracks 1 / 2 ~ 7 / 8 selectable in pairs |
Other functions | Punch-in/out (manual, auto), Bounce, A-B repeat, Undo/Redo |
EFFECTS
Algorithms | 8 (CLEAN, DISTORTION, ACO/BASS SIM, BASS, MIC, DUAL MIC, STEREO, MASTERING) |
Patches | 310 insert, 60 send-return |
Effect modules | 7 insert , 2 send |
TUNER
Type | Chromatic, guitar, bass, open A/D/E/G, D modal |
RHYTHM
Voices | 8 |
Format | 16-bit linear PCM |
Drum kits | 10 |
Precision | 48 PPQN |
Rhythm patterns | 511/project |
Tempo | 40.0 ~ 250.0 BPM |
SAMPLER
Playback formats | 44.1 / 48 kHz, 16 / 24-bit WAV files |
Editing functions | Trim, time-stretch |
HARDWARE
Recording media | SD card (16MB – 2 GB), SDHC card (4 – 32 GB) |
Analog-digital conversion | 96kHz 24-bit delta-sigma ADC |
Digital-analog conversion | 96kHz 24-bit delta-sigma DAC |
Display | 128 x 64 pixel LCD (with backlight) |
Inputs | Input 1-8 Type: 8 XLR/TRS combo jacks Input impedance: (Balanced input) 1KΩ balanced (2 hot), (Unbalanced input) 50 KΩ unbalanced (1 with Hi-Z input impedance 470 kΩ (Hi-Z on), 2 with phantom power) |Phantom Power: 48V, 24V | Input level: -50 dBm < continuous < +4 dBm |
Built-in stereo microphones Type: Omnidirectional condenser microphones | Gain: -50 dBm < continuous < +4 dBm | |
Outputs | Output |Type: TRS phone (balanced) Phones | Standard stereo phone jack 20 mW x 2 (32 Ω load) |
Mixer faders | 9 (mono × 8, master × 1) |
Pads | 8 (velocity-sensitive) |
S/N ratio | 93 dB |
Control input | FS01 |
USB
Mini-B type (USB 2.0) | Operation as audio interface/control surface and mass storage |
USB AUDIO INTERFACE
Number of recording channels | 2 |
Number of playback channels | 2 |
Bit rate | 24 |
Sampling frequency | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz |
Compatibility | Windows® 10 32-bit: Intel® Pentium® 4 1.8 GHz or faster, RAM 1 GB or more 64-bit: Intel® Pentium® Dual Core 2.7 GHz or faster, RAM 2 GB or more |
macOS 10.14 / 10.15 / 11 with Intel® Core Duo 1.83 GHz or faster and RAM 1 GB or more USB 2.0 compatible port, Intel chipsets recommended | |
POWER
AC adapter | DC 5V 1A (ZOOM AD-17) |
Batteries | 4 AA batteries (5.5-hour continuous operation time with backlight on and phantom power off) |
OTHER
Dimensions | 257 mm (W) × 190 mm (D) × 51 mm (H) |
Weight | 780g |