D
dinofond
New member
Well they do have several HDD recorders out on the market, a forum would be sweet.
Viva la Zoom Forum!
Viva la Zoom Forum!
honedawg
New member
1266
I have the Zoom 1266 and am very pleased with it. I initially purchased it because of my limited budget and it's numerous features. The thing I have found is that a lot of people expect to just plug in, hit record, and have a CD that's comparable with a commercially produced one. This WON'T happen but you can get some great results. The main thing is to devote the time to learning how use the ZOOM (or any other DAW) just like you learned to play your instrument. I don't think anyone was playing 'Eruption' the day after they got their first guitar. YOu can check out some of my first projects at:honedawg
The thing I find lacking in the ZOOM is that they don't offer a tutorial video like some of the others (Boss, Yamaha) have. This would greatly improve the learning curve. I spent many an all-nighter when I first got mine trying to figure things out.
I have the Zoom 1266 and am very pleased with it. I initially purchased it because of my limited budget and it's numerous features. The thing I have found is that a lot of people expect to just plug in, hit record, and have a CD that's comparable with a commercially produced one. This WON'T happen but you can get some great results. The main thing is to devote the time to learning how use the ZOOM (or any other DAW) just like you learned to play your instrument. I don't think anyone was playing 'Eruption' the day after they got their first guitar. YOu can check out some of my first projects at:honedawg
The thing I find lacking in the ZOOM is that they don't offer a tutorial video like some of the others (Boss, Yamaha) have. This would greatly improve the learning curve. I spent many an all-nighter when I first got mine trying to figure things out.
Z
zim
New member
my nickel's worth...
hey y'all...
well, here's my story:
i started out with a yamaha 4-track, too (MT3x, analog tape) and 'moved up' to digital with a zoom MRS-4 (4 track w/virtuals, efx tho not much, bouncing etc.) & a zoom MRT-3 drum machine... while at the same time i purchased a Korg D8 (digital, 8 tracks...)--i'm an ebay whore, i admit it. anyways, i liked the zoom way better--it wasn't as deep, and i find it best in the studio to work as easily as possible--bottom line, the korg sucked. so i got rid of it on ebay (though i marketed it well and made a killing off of it, heh).
with the zoom machine, although only four tracks and the fact that it only records at 33khz, it's not a bad deal. when i end up mastering it through the p.c. with the software mentioned, i just convert into 41 or 44khz or whatever .mp3's read at... along with the drum machine, it works very well for someone (like me) who was just jumping into the digital realm. you can bounce, and end up with a clean sound; although not professional in my opinion. some of my music is here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/zimmusic.htm
i was really happy with it when i got it, and i guess i still am. the unit uses compact flash instead of a hard drive, but it's portable and easy to function--backlites even (the korg didn't even have this)! all in all, it's my favorite multitracker i've had, but i've got an analog yamaha MT8x coming next!! so we'll see if there's a huge difference in the sound, or not...
i've also looked for a good deal on ebay for a zoom PS-02. this is the model made before the PS-04--it's 3 tracks to record on, along with a track for bass (programmable) and a track for drums (programmable as well)--5 tracks in all, with bouncing, efx, etc. all this in a walkman-size unit.
i've also used the zoom efx products--the 505, which i'm learning is really not that great. the distortions are so digital that i'm afraid to lay a track down using it anymore. BUT, i also have an old zoom 2100--more efx, which are actually better than the later-made 505, but the big thing on this is the sampler/looper--up to 32 seconds! plus, great delays--up to 10 seconds, lasting forever... it's a great little unit and i suggest to anyone looking to get into the looping field, and can't afford a boss or boomerang, find one cheap on ebay and you'll love it.
that's my tirade. i'm not really happy all the way around with zoom, but for my wallet size, it's shown me more than any other company. i know their tech support is known to suck, but they've been very innovative in their products, albeit cheaply done most of the time.
it's good to see this thread--the pros out here probably don't even lurk around in here...
ZIM
hey y'all...
well, here's my story:
i started out with a yamaha 4-track, too (MT3x, analog tape) and 'moved up' to digital with a zoom MRS-4 (4 track w/virtuals, efx tho not much, bouncing etc.) & a zoom MRT-3 drum machine... while at the same time i purchased a Korg D8 (digital, 8 tracks...)--i'm an ebay whore, i admit it. anyways, i liked the zoom way better--it wasn't as deep, and i find it best in the studio to work as easily as possible--bottom line, the korg sucked. so i got rid of it on ebay (though i marketed it well and made a killing off of it, heh).
with the zoom machine, although only four tracks and the fact that it only records at 33khz, it's not a bad deal. when i end up mastering it through the p.c. with the software mentioned, i just convert into 41 or 44khz or whatever .mp3's read at... along with the drum machine, it works very well for someone (like me) who was just jumping into the digital realm. you can bounce, and end up with a clean sound; although not professional in my opinion. some of my music is here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/zimmusic.htm
i was really happy with it when i got it, and i guess i still am. the unit uses compact flash instead of a hard drive, but it's portable and easy to function--backlites even (the korg didn't even have this)! all in all, it's my favorite multitracker i've had, but i've got an analog yamaha MT8x coming next!! so we'll see if there's a huge difference in the sound, or not...
i've also looked for a good deal on ebay for a zoom PS-02. this is the model made before the PS-04--it's 3 tracks to record on, along with a track for bass (programmable) and a track for drums (programmable as well)--5 tracks in all, with bouncing, efx, etc. all this in a walkman-size unit.
i've also used the zoom efx products--the 505, which i'm learning is really not that great. the distortions are so digital that i'm afraid to lay a track down using it anymore. BUT, i also have an old zoom 2100--more efx, which are actually better than the later-made 505, but the big thing on this is the sampler/looper--up to 32 seconds! plus, great delays--up to 10 seconds, lasting forever... it's a great little unit and i suggest to anyone looking to get into the looping field, and can't afford a boss or boomerang, find one cheap on ebay and you'll love it.
that's my tirade. i'm not really happy all the way around with zoom, but for my wallet size, it's shown me more than any other company. i know their tech support is known to suck, but they've been very innovative in their products, albeit cheaply done most of the time.
it's good to see this thread--the pros out here probably don't even lurk around in here...
ZIM
G
Gabriel_0
New member
Just picked up the Zoom MRS 1608CD and so far having a blast with it. I also would like to see a forum dedicated specifically to Zoom. So much to learn...so lil time ...hehe
Gabriel
Gabriel
EdWonbass
pull the goalie
Gabriel_0 said:
Is that the machine with the 8 XLR/ 1/4inch inputs?
If so, I want that machine.
I love my MRS 1044 but would like to have more mic inputs and the ability to record 8 tracks at one time.
I imagine it's as easy to use as the 1044 but I will say that it took me some effort to understand it.
I found the best way to learn how to use it is to record something you allready know instead of writing a song because you will quickly lose your creativity trying to figure it out. That's just my experience. I have A.D.D. so trying to concentrate on anything complicated can be a chore.
F
Feanor IV
New member
Well, I never thought very highly of Zoom, but a friend of mine had a zoom guitar pedal and it was fantastic for the price. Generally, I don't think Zoom is the best quality, but they have very good prices..........
R
roadiewife
New member
Me too
Hi,
I just picked up one of these as a gift. You've got my vote for a Zoom forum!
Hi,
I just picked up one of these as a gift. You've got my vote for a Zoom forum!
Kevin Deschwazi
Well-known member
My first recording unit was a Zoom (MRS1266). It served me very well as an entry level unit.
I think they're excellent for the money and as someone said earlier in the thread they're a 'first step on the ladder'. No I wouldn't use it to record anything for serious public consumption but for learning the ropes and producing rough demos and such they're just the ticket.
In fact I suspect someone with good recording/mixing skills could get very respectable results out of it.
I think they're excellent for the money and as someone said earlier in the thread they're a 'first step on the ladder'. No I wouldn't use it to record anything for serious public consumption but for learning the ropes and producing rough demos and such they're just the ticket.
In fact I suspect someone with good recording/mixing skills could get very respectable results out of it.
D
Danny B.
New member
There is a zoom forum at yahoo. It's under Zoom MRS. I too have a 1266 and I will say it sounds pretty dang good for the money. You can look at any of the stand alone recorders and find things that are wrong with them all. It takes alot of practice and dedication to make recordings. When I first went from reel to reel to digital I was totally lost. But with some common sense, listening to other people and purchasing good cables and a good pre-amp I have been able to make some decent sounding CD's.
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Gabriel_0
New member
Bump to keep the Zoom forum prospect alive. C'mon Dragon, lots of us Zoom users here 
B
bjbell52
New member
I have a Zoom MRS-802CD and am very happy with it.
I use to have a Fostex VF-08 and while it is a nice recorder, it is very limited!
My Zoom has a built in drum machine, nice effects, 8 tracks + 2 extra tracks for mix down. It is very easy to use and is loaded with good features.
Great bang-for-the-buck recorder! Zoom deserves its own forum!
BJB
I use to have a Fostex VF-08 and while it is a nice recorder, it is very limited!
My Zoom has a built in drum machine, nice effects, 8 tracks + 2 extra tracks for mix down. It is very easy to use and is loaded with good features.
Great bang-for-the-buck recorder! Zoom deserves its own forum!
BJB
O
OSB
New member
Ive got a 802CD & the only problem i have is whe the red HDD light flashes i get noise coming through. Ive tried different cables etc but no luck in getting rid of it. It comes through in recordings too, although it is quite faint. Has anyone else experienced this?
C
crzywvguy
New member
I have the mrs 802cd and i was wondering how to hook it up to a 24channel mixer and record live stuff if possible
C
chelmreich
New member
Zoom MRS-802CD
I have the Zoom MRS-802CD.
My previous equipment:
1) Yamaha Tape 4 track
2) Tascam HD recorder
3) Echo Mona
4) Zoom MRS-802CD
I loved the intuitiveness of the tape based recorder, and was dissapointed when I got the Tascam HD b/c it did not seem to be as easy to use. Same with the Mona. I felt teathered to the mouse and keyboard while recording and could never feel natural/comfortable. The Zoom, with the USB card addition, is the best of both worlds.
I am writing songs, preserving short ideas, and creating "demos" for an album I plan to press later this year. The Zoom allows me to quickly get something down so I do not forget it, and has been helpful in taking an idea all the way to a complete "demo".
Here is the first demo I created
It is a Martin 000-16RGT mic'ed with a Rhode NT1 and a CAD 179 (using the dual mic feature of the Zoom), then a slightly dirty Guild Starfire VI was added to the chorus and used in the guitar solo, vocals were added with an Sure SM-58, a terrible bass line was added with my danelectro bass, finally the click track was replaced with a drum pattern (it is a standard pattern, but I changed the drum kit to the "tight" kit.)
I was very happy with the results, given that I am a tallentless musician (thank goodness for law school and my day job). Then I had the brilliant idea to get the USB card since I had 53 ideas recorded on the Zoom and wanted to get them onto my MP3 player and a CD so I could "sort through them". The USB connection allows masters to be taken off the Zoom very quickly, but it also allows track by track export of wav files.
I took my first demo off the Zoom, track by track and imported the waves into Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit). I then rolled the bass off the vocals, played with amplitude settings to bring out the acoustic guitar, tweaked the dirty guitar levels on the chorus chords and the solo, and reduced the chorus effect I had applied to the vocals - wow! I love the results.
The remix is at:
The Zoom has surpassed my expectations for a $325 HD recorder (thank you ebay) with CD. And, in my opinion, the $79 I spent on the USB card is well worth it. Now if I could just finish my project before my 30 day trial period on Adobe Audition expires...
Craig
I have the Zoom MRS-802CD.
My previous equipment:
1) Yamaha Tape 4 track
2) Tascam HD recorder
3) Echo Mona
4) Zoom MRS-802CD
I loved the intuitiveness of the tape based recorder, and was dissapointed when I got the Tascam HD b/c it did not seem to be as easy to use. Same with the Mona. I felt teathered to the mouse and keyboard while recording and could never feel natural/comfortable. The Zoom, with the USB card addition, is the best of both worlds.
I am writing songs, preserving short ideas, and creating "demos" for an album I plan to press later this year. The Zoom allows me to quickly get something down so I do not forget it, and has been helpful in taking an idea all the way to a complete "demo".
Here is the first demo I created
It is a Martin 000-16RGT mic'ed with a Rhode NT1 and a CAD 179 (using the dual mic feature of the Zoom), then a slightly dirty Guild Starfire VI was added to the chorus and used in the guitar solo, vocals were added with an Sure SM-58, a terrible bass line was added with my danelectro bass, finally the click track was replaced with a drum pattern (it is a standard pattern, but I changed the drum kit to the "tight" kit.)
I was very happy with the results, given that I am a tallentless musician (thank goodness for law school and my day job). Then I had the brilliant idea to get the USB card since I had 53 ideas recorded on the Zoom and wanted to get them onto my MP3 player and a CD so I could "sort through them". The USB connection allows masters to be taken off the Zoom very quickly, but it also allows track by track export of wav files.
I took my first demo off the Zoom, track by track and imported the waves into Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit). I then rolled the bass off the vocals, played with amplitude settings to bring out the acoustic guitar, tweaked the dirty guitar levels on the chorus chords and the solo, and reduced the chorus effect I had applied to the vocals - wow! I love the results.
The remix is at:
The Zoom has surpassed my expectations for a $325 HD recorder (thank you ebay) with CD. And, in my opinion, the $79 I spent on the USB card is well worth it. Now if I could just finish my project before my 30 day trial period on Adobe Audition expires...
Craig
Z
Zoomer
New member
My buddy bought the MRS 1608CD a couple of months ago and I loved it. We had a song ready in a couple of days and within 2 weeks he had this awsome 12 track version of Layla, we're both new to recording. I just got my MRS 1044 ver. 2 about 2 weeks ago and have started recording my first songs. It's pretty easy to use and has a lot of nice features and for $300 (Ebay!) I couldn't ask for more. I am ordering the USB kit in a couple of weeks. The effects are not the greatest, not crap either.. we run our own pedal boards through it anyway, GNX-1. I still have many things to figure out on this machine, but so far the manuals are well written and easy to understand. For what the Zoom MRS series includes they are well worth the expense, wait a minute... they are several hundred dollars less and with more feature than some other high end brands. 
Good luck!
Good luck!
P
(progger)
New member
Not Great
Their products are not all that great. I had a few friends who owned them and they began to fall apart after a few years, and I never really thought that they had good sound. I'm the kind of person that would rather just plug straight into my amp, so take that however you want.
Their products are not all that great. I had a few friends who owned them and they began to fall apart after a few years, and I never really thought that they had good sound. I'm the kind of person that would rather just plug straight into my amp, so take that however you want.
C
Carvin man
New member
Former Zoom user
Well I must say that I too have used alot of Zoom gear and have added some positives to this thread. But I went from the 1266 to the Zoom 1608 and really didn't notice any difference in sound quality. So I returned that unit and purchased a Boss BR1200. In my opinion the Zoom still sounded better than the Boss unit and I wasn't happy at all with this purchase. So I sent it back too. I waited a couple of months and did some serious reviews and talk ed to two different sound engineers from two different recording studios that I have worked with. One guy highly suggested Fostex equipment and the other highly suggested Korg. I ended up going with the Korg D1200MK11 and I will say this Korg unit smokes the Zoom unit. The software is amazing!! This unit will not be sent back. Everyone has their own opinion on the gear they use. We really need to try different brands before we make judgements on the brand. I personally think that the Zoom drum machine and Bass sequencer sound like toys. I bought the Zoom pattern editor and it's a joke!! I think that every stand alone has its good points. To bad we cant take the good things from each unit and make one hellish unit.
Well I must say that I too have used alot of Zoom gear and have added some positives to this thread. But I went from the 1266 to the Zoom 1608 and really didn't notice any difference in sound quality. So I returned that unit and purchased a Boss BR1200. In my opinion the Zoom still sounded better than the Boss unit and I wasn't happy at all with this purchase. So I sent it back too. I waited a couple of months and did some serious reviews and talk ed to two different sound engineers from two different recording studios that I have worked with. One guy highly suggested Fostex equipment and the other highly suggested Korg. I ended up going with the Korg D1200MK11 and I will say this Korg unit smokes the Zoom unit. The software is amazing!! This unit will not be sent back. Everyone has their own opinion on the gear they use. We really need to try different brands before we make judgements on the brand. I personally think that the Zoom drum machine and Bass sequencer sound like toys. I bought the Zoom pattern editor and it's a joke!! I think that every stand alone has its good points. To bad we cant take the good things from each unit and make one hellish unit.
G
GmanJeff
New member
I've got a MRS802B and am very pleased with it. I did a lot of research before buying it, and concluded that it offered the most features within its price range. It's easy to use, which is another plus. On the other hand, I have found that only being able to record onto two tracks at once is a drawback if you want to record a whole band. At the time I bought it, I only anticipated using it for a personal scratchpad/practice tool, but now that I'm playing with a band, I would have liked to be able to more easily record the group as a whole, simultaneously. With only two inputs, the best I have been able to manage is to put two mics out in front and to cross my fingers. The band doesn't care for recording track by track, as they lose the "live" feel of playing together. But, that's not the Zoom's fault; it's a product feature I just failed to anticipate a need for.