With the market buzzing with a variety of multitrack recorders, each more expensive and complicated than the last, deciding which one to go with becomes a complex mess. As a practicing musician with over 4 years of experience I will shed some light on what makes the Zoom R8 different from the Mulch.
What do you look for in a multitrack recorder?
With an amazing range of multitrackers currently on the market, it’s very difficult to single out a decent entry-level workstation from the rest. People who want to break into the amazing world of recording music are discouraged by sheer choice and the fear of making a mistake by choosing the wrong equipment. Most of them end up buying a workstation that compromises
– User experience with 74,000 different modules and a dictionary-sized manual.
– Sound quality – because the device couldn’t deliver or they didn’t know how to “dial in” to their sound.
The worst part is that they spend thousands of dollars making these wrong decisions.
What should an ideal workplace offer?
For this article, I’m going to summarize 4 years of recording experience and tell you that you can analyze an entry-level multitrack recorder for the following points:
– Ease of use and user interface
– sound quality
– Price
Why the Zoom R8 is miles ahead of everyone else
These 7 features of the Zoom R8 make it immediately clear that it stands out; and it delivers what it sells.
1. user friendliness
In terms of usability, the Zoom R8 offers an extremely easy to understand, intuitive user interface. The acid test I went through when buying my device was digging into the device’s features – without reading the manual. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that most of the functions were very simple and intuitive. I was able to apply send and return effects with a little trial and error. I only got stuck when I reached the drum machine programming section.
Usability: 9/10
2. features
One thing the Zoom R8 isn’t lacking is features. For a machine with the footprint of a standard A4 sheet of paper, the device is jam-packed with features that would take months to fully explore. Yes, the most basic of these can be mastered in a very short amount of time, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With an amp simulator, a drum machine, a sampler and a built-in control surface, this is a real eye-catcher.
Properties: 8/10
3. sound
The Zoom R8’s sound has garnered frenzied praise across the internet, with people raving about the clear sound quality and amazingly dry tracks this machine produces.
Tone: 9/10
4. Sound effects and presets
The device is also a powerful effects machine. With around 150 DSP effects and 370 guitar patches, guitarists like me are spoiled for choice. I particularly like how this can emulate the G2 Nu Guitar Effects processor.
FX: 9/10
5. Sampler and the drum machine
The drum machine has 10 kits to choose from. It takes very little effort to recall presets or even create your own drum tracks. The drum tracks sound as organic as can be, but I was a little let down by the overall barely organic tone of the drums.
Drum machine: 6/10
6. Simple USB setup with Cubase
This workstation also acts as a DAW control surface. The included Cubase makes it easy to connect and use with your computer. This gives you a high level of control over your tracks and the final mastering.
Easy USB setup: 9/10
7. Price
One of the most affordable units on the market; it packs the most punch for its price. It’s one of the best sub-$500 multitrack recorders out there.
Thanks to Daniel Wrightman | #reasons #Zoom #easiest #multitrack #recorder
