Advice on a Zoom 16 track

  • Thread starter Thread starter JeffNNash
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JeffNNash

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Hi Everyone! I am going to buy a 16 track for mostly home recording stuff (doing all the instruments, vocals, etc.) by myself. I DO NOT want to have a computer involved. I will also occasionally use it to record the garage band that I play with. I'm looking at the Zoom MRS1608CD because of it's ability to record 8 tracks simultaneously, and it's price. The question is whether I can get the quality I want out of it. If I have to I will go to Boss or Yamaha or Korg or SOMETHING, but I'd rather not pay the price difference if I don't have to. ANY advice on buying a machine would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for ease of use, sound quality, and dependability. Thank You in advance.
 
Hi Jeff,

Several years ago I used the predecessor to the 1604 (1204 or something like that)? To be honest I wouldn't want to go back to it (partly because of sound quality but also because of other factors which make PC recording preferable for me). Having said that you can get a decent sound out of most modern tools if you know how to use them and the source sounds are good.

A good room, good players, good sounding instruments, good use of the tool etc and I'm sure it would be capable of very respectable recordings.
 
I’d echo above point about much of a much ness with hard drive units. I’m a Korg fan myself and have a similar set up to you guitars, keyboards and Garageband to source other sounds. I started with the Korg D12 3 yrs ago and up graded to the D3200. I really like their compressor at record and mix down level. I also have the Korg hand held 4Tr as a little sketchpad.

I’m sure you could do all this equally well or better with Pro Tools or other computer based recording systems but I just like the work flow. I think Zoom do some good stuff I use their drum machine, sampler and guitar multi-effects. At the end of the day a decent big diaphragm mic (I use Behringer B1) and a nice little tube pre-amp go a long way to improve the sound you print for acoustic inst and voice and a Sans Amp (just purchased one!) is nice to put before the onboard compression, goes a long way to get away from a DI sound.

Learn good recording technique and play around with all the presets to start to understand how EQ and effects can shape your sound.

Good luck it is a great move to make – but the equipment never ends. PS if your anywhere near Hong Kong I’m selling my Korg D12 for ($3500HK)
U$438
 
Very true statements indeed!
It boils down preference and making what you got do what you need it to. I have a Zoom 1266 and I was able to learn the ins and outs rather quickly. I have a pc incorporated into my chain of processing, but I record directly on my Zoom, add initial effects in the Zoom, cut and paste with the Zoom, then I export each track out to the pc, because I feel it is easier to monitor my mix.
My mixes aren't quite where I am completely satisfied, but that comes from lack of time in the studio and not from the equipment used!
 
Zoom Vs Boss

Hi Jeff, I bought a Boss BR1600CD for the same reasons you are considering the Zoom. I believe the Boss units are better quality than Zoom and went Boss even though it was a little more expensive than Zoom. Have a look at the bbs Roland & Boss forum on this site. I left my 2cents worth regarding Boss BR1600CD vs Roland VS2000. Regards ~ Frambo
 
Zoom Vs Boss

Hi Jeff, I bought a Boss BR1600CD for the similar reasons you are considering the Zoom. I believe the Boss units are better quality than Zoom and went Boss even though it was a little more expensive than Zoom. Have a look at the bbs Roland & Boss forum on this site. I left my 2cents worth regarding Boss BR1600CD vs Roland VS2000. Regards ~ Frambo
 
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