Zoom R8 for starter recorder/interface

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paxsman
  • Start date Start date
P

Paxsman

New member
Hey guys I am very new to this so please be nice. I want to start recording myself playing guitar and attempt to create some tracks. I currently have a Mac book Pro equipped with GarageBand. I am using a Line 6 Pod HD 500 into a Line 6 DT50 head. The head is equipped with a line/xlr output. I am very confused with all the options available to accomplish the task of recording. I am interested in the Zoom R8 as it seems to offer a simple way to record and doubles as an interface to the GarageBand software. I am also interested in the drum track the R8 has onboard. I like the idea of being able to record directly to a recorder if I don’t want to mess with the software editing on a given night…I can always edit later. Is this a sound approach for a beginner or have I missed the boat.

The other recorders I have looked at are the Tascam DP-02 and Dp-008 because these can be had for around 200.00. I do realize the DP-02 is only a recorder and not an interface and it lacks the drum machine…but the price is right. I would like to keep my budget under 300.00 if possible. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
 
Paxsman said:
Hey guys I am very new to this so please be nice. I want to start recording myself playing guitar and attempt to create some tracks. I currently have a Mac book Pro equipped with GarageBand. I am using a Line 6 Pod HD 500 into a Line 6 DT50 head. The head is equipped with a line/xlr output. I am very confused with all the options available to accomplish the task of recording. I am interested in the Zoom R8 as it seems to offer a simple way to record and doubles as an interface to the GarageBand software. I am also interested in the drum track the R8 has onboard. I like the idea of being able to record directly to a recorder if I don’t want to mess with the software editing on a given night…I can always edit later. Is this a sound approach for a beginner or have I missed the boat.

The other recorders I have looked at are the Tascam DP-02 and Dp-008 because these can be had for around 200.00. I do realize the DP-02 is only a recorder and not an interface and it lacks the drum machine…but the price is right. I would like to keep my budget under 300.00 if possible. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
Click to expand...

I have the R16, and I can tell you, you will not be dissapointed with the R8. Zoom has done a great job in all of it's products in making things simple, innovative, and more focused on getting you into recording and less time jumbling around with settings and getting things to work properly.

A couple of things? Are you running Mac OS Lion? The current Zoom drivers don't work with Lion, but they are working on new drivers. Go to ZOOM to see when the drivers will be availible.

Also in Garage band, you won't be able to use the R8 as a control surface, as GB has no support for control surfaces.

Other than that you should be golden.
 
You know, I was just gonna post that he would be disappointed with the R8, as it has only two inputs. I have a R16, too, I like it lots, and would recommend it- but would not have wanted the R8 for the reason I just mentioned.
 
stevieb said:
You know, I was just gonna post that he would be disappointed with the R8, as it has only two inputs. I have a R16, too, I like it lots, and would recommend it- but would not have wanted the R8 for the reason I just mentioned.
Click to expand...

Depends on if he needs the extra inputs or not. I agree having them is nice, but the R8 is more meant to compete with some of the Tascam stuff in that price range or the Presonus Audio Box which only has two inputs.

They actually improved the UI on the unit on the R8 over the R16. It's more similar to the R24. I love the R16, but the R24 and R8 you get a graphical EQ on the LCD and other things.
 
Hi

I'm in a similar situation to the OP. I'm just feeling my way in this area and I also like the look of the R8. I just need to record myself and guitar and add some drums into the mix. I want to mic the acoustic guitar and also the amp when I play electric.

I recently bought an iMac and intended to use the R8 with Garage Band. But I note the comment from DenverDrummer above that I can't use it as a control surface.

Excuse my ignorance here, but what is a control surface and what would its absence mean to me?

Sorry to ask what appears to be a rather basic question, but I can't seem to find any reference to it on the internet. Well, not one I can understand anyway!

Whilst here, could someone direct me to a book that would be suitable for a beginner like me. I appreciate forums like this have a wealth of information but sometimes it's just nice to have a book in front of you!

Thanks in advance and look forward to picking up some useful advice from the forum

Graham
 
stevieb said:
You know, I was just gonna post that he would be disappointed with the R8, as it has only two inputs. I have a R16, too, I like it lots, and would recommend it- but would not have wanted the R8 for the reason I just mentioned.
Click to expand...

Will you also recomment R24?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top