Zoom R20 Multitrack Digital Recorder
This standalone recorder has it all: a 4.3" touchscreen, 8 mic preamps, 16 tracks, onboard editing, effects, drum loops, MIDI synths, and an 8x4 interface.
$449.99
- 8 x$56.25
- No Credit Check6 x$75.00
- No Credit Check4 x$112.50
Zoom MRS1608 16-Track Digital Recording Studio
No longer available at zZounds
Hard disk recorder, drum and bass machine, sampler, digital mixer, and multi-effects
Overview
The ultimate all-in-one machine. Hard disk recorder, drum and bass machine, sampler, digital mixer, multi-effects, CD-R/RW drive--you name it, the MRS-1608 has got it. Everything you need to create incredible sounding recordings is right here, in a user-friendly and accessible package.
Features
Recorder
16 physical tracks x 10 V-takes = 160 virtual tracks
Comes standard with a 40GB hard drive. This translates into 120 hours of high-quality recording.
Simultaneous live recording on eight tracks
BOUNCE key for instant mixdown
Marker function, A-B repeat, punch-in recording
Continuous project playback -- The master tracks of several projects can be played back in succession. This function--called sequence play--is handy to preview an album that you want to burn onto a CD, or to provide automated accompaniment during a live performance.
Track Edit
10 types of track edit functions
COPY Copy & paste. Easily repeat the contents of a phrase.
MOVE Assemble the best takes from various sources onto a single track.
ERASE Mute any specified range, for example to eliminate noise or clean up mistakes.
TRIM Remove unwanted portions before and after a stretch of recorded data, to keep only the parts that matter.
FADE I/O Select from three curves for fade-in and fade-out, and specify the time for the fade interval.
REVERSE Get wild and wonderful sound by reversing audio data.
TIME STRECH Change the tempo without altering the pitch. Great for tweaking the master data before… read more burning a CD.
PITCH FIX Match the pitch of vocal passages or provide pitch correct effect.
HARMONY GENERATE Create a 3-part harmony from the vocal track that matches the programmed chord.
DUO HARMONY Add a third up or down harmony component to the melody.
Scrub / preview function to find exactly the right spot
Internal 24-bit processing and mixing automation support -- The digital mixer handles a total of 27 channels: 19 playback tracks including internal drum and bass, plus 8 input channels. Parameters such as volume, panning, EQ, phase, and effect send level can be adjusted individually for each track. The convenient "scene" function saves up to 100 different setups, for instant recall of all parameters. By assigning a scene to a marker point of the recorder, it is even possible to change the mixing balance or effect settings automatically as the song progresses. A solo function that lets you monitor a single track also comes in handy.
Digital Mixer
3-band parametric equalizer
Separate SUB-OUT parameter settings for a different mix
Rhythm Machine
50 drum kits and 13 bass sources -- By freely combining 36 sound sources, you can also create your own drum kits while using the 12 mixing faders as drum mixer controls.
475 preset drum patterns ready to go
Truly "FAST" rhythm programming -- FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) is an innovative programming method developed by ZOOM that lets you build rhythm patterns using simple calculator-like symbols. With the drum pads serving as a numeric keypad, you can quickly enter a drum program for an entire song. For example, to play pattern number 010 eight times and then pattern number 020 sixteen times, you enter 10 x 8 + 20 x 16. After a song has been written with FAST, you can edit patterns and change event information in the same way as with a regular song.
High-performance sequencer also incorporates SMF player (Standard MIDI Files) -- The built-in rhythm sequencer can operate in sync with the recorder section, letting you create rhythm accompaniment and audio tracks in an interactive environment. If you import existing SMF (Standard MIDI Files), you can control the built-in rhythm sound sources or external multi-timbre sound sources connected via the MIDI link.
Phrase Loop
By freely combining parts of an audio track or WAV/AIFF file phrases imported from a sampling CD-ROM, you can create a loop track. Program the phrase sequence for an entire song using FAST, and then write the result to any track as audio data. Or go a step further and create multiple loop tracks with drums, bass, rhythm guitar and other instruments played by professional musicians.
Pad Sampler
The pads on the MRS-1608 can also be used to play parts of V-takes or WAV/AIFF files. Add samples and sound effects to a song, and play them in the drum track sequence. Up to 1000 samples can be stored in a "sample pool" on the internal hard disk. A project can contain up to 10 sampler programs, each using 36 samples (total playing time 22 seconds).
Effects
Insert effect -- Nine types of effect algorithms optimized for various input sources, such as guitar / bass, synthesizer, vocals, and mic recording of acoustic instruments are built into the MRS-1608. The algorithms are configured using six effect modules with 103 effect types.
8-channel COMP EQ for dynamic multi-miking -- The 8-channel COMP EQ algorithm applies compression and equalization to eight input channels, with individual settings for each.
BPM sync effects
Send / Return effect -- Two types of send / return effect (chorus / delay and reverb) can be used simultaneously.
Mastering effect -- When you are creating the final mix, you have access to quality effects such as the high-performance equalizer and the multi-band compressor with individual parameters for each band.
CD Burner
CD-R/RW drive for creating audio CDs and backing up data
Disc-at-once for efficient CD writing
Interface
XLR input with phantom power supply and digital output -- Up to eight mics can be plugged in at once. Four channels are equipped with a +48V phantom power supply. Hi-Z jacks for guitar/bass and RCA type jacks are also available. An optical S/P DIF output lets you send a digital signal to a DAT or MD master recorder.
Synchronization with MTC and MIDI clock
USB 2.0 support ensures high-speed data transfer -- The optional USB interface board UIB-02 lets you connect the MRS-1608 to a computer (Windows or Mac) equipped with a USB port. read less
Features
Recorder
16 physical tracks x 10 V-takes = 160 virtual tracks
Comes standard with a 40GB hard drive. This translates into 120 hours of high-quality recording.
Simultaneous live recording on eight tracks
BOUNCE key for instant mixdown
Marker function, A-B repeat, punch-in recording
Continuous project playback -- The master tracks of several projects can be played back in succession. This function--called sequence play--is handy to preview an album that you want to burn onto a CD, or to provide automated accompaniment during a live performance.
Track Edit
10 types of track edit functions
COPY Copy & paste. Easily repeat the contents of a phrase.
MOVE Assemble the best takes from various sources onto a single track.
ERASE Mute any specified range, for example to eliminate noise or clean up mistakes.
TRIM Remove unwanted portions before and after a stretch of recorded data, to keep only the parts that matter.
FADE I/O Select from three curves for fade-in and fade-out, and specify the time for the fade interval.
REVERSE Get wild and wonderful sound by reversing audio data.
TIME STRECH Change the tempo without altering the pitch. Great for tweaking the master data before… read more burning a CD.
PITCH FIX Match the pitch of vocal passages or provide pitch correct effect.
HARMONY GENERATE Create a 3-part harmony from the vocal track that matches the programmed chord.
DUO HARMONY Add a third up or down harmony component to the melody.
Scrub / preview function to find exactly the right spot
Internal 24-bit processing and mixing automation support -- The digital mixer handles a total of 27 channels: 19 playback tracks including internal drum and bass, plus 8 input channels. Parameters such as volume, panning, EQ, phase, and effect send level can be adjusted individually for each track. The convenient "scene" function saves up to 100 different setups, for instant recall of all parameters. By assigning a scene to a marker point of the recorder, it is even possible to change the mixing balance or effect settings automatically as the song progresses. A solo function that lets you monitor a single track also comes in handy.
Digital Mixer
3-band parametric equalizer
Separate SUB-OUT parameter settings for a different mix
Rhythm Machine
50 drum kits and 13 bass sources -- By freely combining 36 sound sources, you can also create your own drum kits while using the 12 mixing faders as drum mixer controls.
475 preset drum patterns ready to go
Truly "FAST" rhythm programming -- FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) is an innovative programming method developed by ZOOM that lets you build rhythm patterns using simple calculator-like symbols. With the drum pads serving as a numeric keypad, you can quickly enter a drum program for an entire song. For example, to play pattern number 010 eight times and then pattern number 020 sixteen times, you enter 10 x 8 + 20 x 16. After a song has been written with FAST, you can edit patterns and change event information in the same way as with a regular song.
High-performance sequencer also incorporates SMF player (Standard MIDI Files) -- The built-in rhythm sequencer can operate in sync with the recorder section, letting you create rhythm accompaniment and audio tracks in an interactive environment. If you import existing SMF (Standard MIDI Files), you can control the built-in rhythm sound sources or external multi-timbre sound sources connected via the MIDI link.
Phrase Loop
By freely combining parts of an audio track or WAV/AIFF file phrases imported from a sampling CD-ROM, you can create a loop track. Program the phrase sequence for an entire song using FAST, and then write the result to any track as audio data. Or go a step further and create multiple loop tracks with drums, bass, rhythm guitar and other instruments played by professional musicians.
Pad Sampler
The pads on the MRS-1608 can also be used to play parts of V-takes or WAV/AIFF files. Add samples and sound effects to a song, and play them in the drum track sequence. Up to 1000 samples can be stored in a "sample pool" on the internal hard disk. A project can contain up to 10 sampler programs, each using 36 samples (total playing time 22 seconds).
Effects
Insert effect -- Nine types of effect algorithms optimized for various input sources, such as guitar / bass, synthesizer, vocals, and mic recording of acoustic instruments are built into the MRS-1608. The algorithms are configured using six effect modules with 103 effect types.
8-channel COMP EQ for dynamic multi-miking -- The 8-channel COMP EQ algorithm applies compression and equalization to eight input channels, with individual settings for each.
BPM sync effects
Send / Return effect -- Two types of send / return effect (chorus / delay and reverb) can be used simultaneously.
Mastering effect -- When you are creating the final mix, you have access to quality effects such as the high-performance equalizer and the multi-band compressor with individual parameters for each band.
CD Burner
CD-R/RW drive for creating audio CDs and backing up data
Disc-at-once for efficient CD writing
Interface
XLR input with phantom power supply and digital output -- Up to eight mics can be plugged in at once. Four channels are equipped with a +48V phantom power supply. Hi-Z jacks for guitar/bass and RCA type jacks are also available. An optical S/P DIF output lets you send a digital signal to a DAT or MD master recorder.
Synchronization with MTC and MIDI clock
USB 2.0 support ensures high-speed data transfer -- The optional USB interface board UIB-02 lets you connect the MRS-1608 to a computer (Windows or Mac) equipped with a USB port. read less
Specs
Specifications
Recorder
Physical Track: 16
Virtual Track: 160(10 Virtual takes/track)
Master Track: 2 tracks(stereo) x 10V-takes
Drum Track: 2 tracks(stereo)
Bass Track: 1 track(mono)
Simultaneous Recording: 8 tracks
Simultaneous Playback: 19 tracks(16 audio + stereo drum + mono bass)
Recording Data Format: 16 bit linear with No compression
Recording Time: 120 hours(referred to mono tracks)
Marker: 100/Project
Locator: Scrub/Preview, A-B repeat
Location Display: Hour/Min./Sec./msec. or Meas./Beat/Tick
Track Edit: Copy, Move, Erase, Exchange, Bounce, Trim,
Fade in/out, Reverse, Capture/Swap, Time Stretch, Pitch Fix,
Harmony Generate, Duo Harmony
Punch In/Out: Auto/Manual
Rhythm Machine
Data Format: 16 bit linear PCM
Drum Kit: 50 kits
Drum Sound Generator: 36 sounds/kit(12pads x 3bank)
Bass Sound Generator: 13 sounds
Polyphony: 24 voices(Drum + Bass)
Drum Pad: 12 touch sensitive pads, self lighted
Resolution: 48 PPQN
Odd Meter: 1/4-8/4
Song: 10 songs/project
Pattern: 511 patterns(475 factroy, 36 blank)
Maximum Bar: 999 bars/song, 99 bars/pattern
Maximum Note: Approx. 20,000 notes(events)/song
Tempo: 40.0-250.0BPM
Mixer
Input Channel: 27 channels(19 tracks + 8 inputs)
Scene Memory: 100 scenes/project(Linkable to marker)
Fader: 15(1-8 mono, 9-16 stereo, Drum, Bass, Stereo Master)
Level Meter: 10 segments x 29 bar(Pre/Post fader selectable)
Track Parameter: Equalizer, Effect Send, Pan(Balance), Subout Send, Invert
Equalizer:
High: 500Hz-18kHz, Gain �12dB
Mid: 40Hz-18kHz, Gain �12dB
Low: 40Hz-1.6kHz, Gain �12dB
Effect Send: Chorus/Delay send level, Reverb send level
Stereo Link: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 tracks selectable
Effects
Algorithm: 9 types(Clean, Dist, Aco/Bass Sim, Bass, Mic, Dual Mic, Line, 8x Comp EQ, Mastering)
Effect Type: 103 types
Effect Module: 6 for Insert, 2 for Send/Return
Max. Simultaneous Effect: 8 types
Effect Patch: 320 for Insert, 60 for Send/Return
Tuner: Auto chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Open A/D/E/G, D modal
Pad Sampler
Simultaneous Sample: 36 samples, total 22 seconds(mono)
Max. Storable Sample: 1,000 samples
Phrase Loop
Max. Storable Phrase: 100 phrases / project
Phrase Edit: Start / End, Measure, Name, Level
MRS1608
Project: Maximum 1,000
Hard Disk: E-IDE/3.5inch 40GB
CD-R/RW Drive: ATAPI/5inch bay type, Buffer Under-run Error Protection Supported
A/D Conversion: 24bit 64times over-sampling
D/A Conversion: 24bit 128times over-sampling
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
Signal Processing: 24bit
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz �1dB(at 10kohms load)
S/N: 93dB(IHF-A)
Dynamic Range: 97dB(IHF-A)
THD+N: 0.02%(400Hz, at 10kohms load)
Display: 122 x 65mm original LCD(with back light)
Guitar/Bass Input(Hi-Z): 2x 1/4in. Phone Jack, Input Impedance 500kohms
Balanced/Unbalanced Input: 8x XLR/1/4 in. Phone Combo Jack,(Unbalanced: Input Impedance 50kohms/Balanced: Input Impedance 1kohms, 2nd Hot)
Line Input: RCA pin jack(L/R), Input Impedance 10kohms, Rated Input Level -10dBm
Phantom Power: 48V(with On/Off switch)
Input Level: -50dBm
Master Out: RCA pin jack(L/R), Output Impedance 1kohms, Rated Output Level -10dBm
Headphone Out: 1/4 in. Stereo Phone Jack, 50mW(at 32ohms load)
Sub Out: 1/4 in. Stereo Phone Jack
Digital Out: S/P DIF Optical(20bit)
MIDI: In/Out
Control Input: 1x Expression Pedal, 1x Foot Switch
Optional Board Slot: 1
Dimension: 490(W) x 350 (D) x 125(H)mm
Weight: 7.8kg(with CD-R/RW drive), 7.3kg(without CD-R/RW drive)
Power Supply: DC12V, 3A(AC Adaptor AD-0011 specified)
Power Consumption: 30W(12V, 3A)TYP.
Supplied Accessory: Universal AC Adaptor AD-0011,CD-ROM
Optional Accessory: CD-02(CD-R/RW drive), UIB-02(USB Interface board), FS-01(Foot Switch), FP-02(Expression Pedal)
Recorder
Physical Track: 16
Virtual Track: 160(10 Virtual takes/track)
Master Track: 2 tracks(stereo) x 10V-takes
Drum Track: 2 tracks(stereo)
Bass Track: 1 track(mono)
Simultaneous Recording: 8 tracks
Simultaneous Playback: 19 tracks(16 audio + stereo drum + mono bass)
Recording Data Format: 16 bit linear with No compression
Recording Time: 120 hours(referred to mono tracks)
Marker: 100/Project
Locator: Scrub/Preview, A-B repeat
Location Display: Hour/Min./Sec./msec. or Meas./Beat/Tick
Track Edit: Copy, Move, Erase, Exchange, Bounce, Trim,
Fade in/out, Reverse, Capture/Swap, Time Stretch, Pitch Fix,
Harmony Generate, Duo Harmony
Punch In/Out: Auto/Manual
Rhythm Machine
Data Format: 16 bit linear PCM
Drum Kit: 50 kits
Drum Sound Generator: 36 sounds/kit(12pads x 3bank)
Bass Sound Generator: 13 sounds
Polyphony: 24 voices(Drum + Bass)
Drum Pad: 12 touch sensitive pads, self lighted
Resolution: 48 PPQN
Odd Meter: 1/4-8/4
Song: 10 songs/project
Pattern: 511 patterns(475 factroy, 36 blank)
Maximum Bar: 999 bars/song, 99 bars/pattern
Maximum Note: Approx. 20,000 notes(events)/song
Tempo: 40.0-250.0BPM
Mixer
Input Channel: 27 channels(19 tracks + 8 inputs)
Scene Memory: 100 scenes/project(Linkable to marker)
Fader: 15(1-8 mono, 9-16 stereo, Drum, Bass, Stereo Master)
Level Meter: 10 segments x 29 bar(Pre/Post fader selectable)
Track Parameter: Equalizer, Effect Send, Pan(Balance), Subout Send, Invert
Equalizer:
High: 500Hz-18kHz, Gain �12dB
Mid: 40Hz-18kHz, Gain �12dB
Low: 40Hz-1.6kHz, Gain �12dB
Effect Send: Chorus/Delay send level, Reverb send level
Stereo Link: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 tracks selectable
Effects
Algorithm: 9 types(Clean, Dist, Aco/Bass Sim, Bass, Mic, Dual Mic, Line, 8x Comp EQ, Mastering)
Effect Type: 103 types
Effect Module: 6 for Insert, 2 for Send/Return
Max. Simultaneous Effect: 8 types
Effect Patch: 320 for Insert, 60 for Send/Return
Tuner: Auto chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Open A/D/E/G, D modal
Pad Sampler
Simultaneous Sample: 36 samples, total 22 seconds(mono)
Max. Storable Sample: 1,000 samples
Phrase Loop
Max. Storable Phrase: 100 phrases / project
Phrase Edit: Start / End, Measure, Name, Level
MRS1608
Project: Maximum 1,000
Hard Disk: E-IDE/3.5inch 40GB
CD-R/RW Drive: ATAPI/5inch bay type, Buffer Under-run Error Protection Supported
A/D Conversion: 24bit 64times over-sampling
D/A Conversion: 24bit 128times over-sampling
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
Signal Processing: 24bit
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz �1dB(at 10kohms load)
S/N: 93dB(IHF-A)
Dynamic Range: 97dB(IHF-A)
THD+N: 0.02%(400Hz, at 10kohms load)
Display: 122 x 65mm original LCD(with back light)
Guitar/Bass Input(Hi-Z): 2x 1/4in. Phone Jack, Input Impedance 500kohms
Balanced/Unbalanced Input: 8x XLR/1/4 in. Phone Combo Jack,(Unbalanced: Input Impedance 50kohms/Balanced: Input Impedance 1kohms, 2nd Hot)
Line Input: RCA pin jack(L/R), Input Impedance 10kohms, Rated Input Level -10dBm
Phantom Power: 48V(with On/Off switch)
Input Level: -50dBm
Master Out: RCA pin jack(L/R), Output Impedance 1kohms, Rated Output Level -10dBm
Headphone Out: 1/4 in. Stereo Phone Jack, 50mW(at 32ohms load)
Sub Out: 1/4 in. Stereo Phone Jack
Digital Out: S/P DIF Optical(20bit)
MIDI: In/Out
Control Input: 1x Expression Pedal, 1x Foot Switch
Optional Board Slot: 1
Dimension: 490(W) x 350 (D) x 125(H)mm
Weight: 7.8kg(with CD-R/RW drive), 7.3kg(without CD-R/RW drive)
Power Supply: DC12V, 3A(AC Adaptor AD-0011 specified)
Power Consumption: 30W(12V, 3A)TYP.
Supplied Accessory: Universal AC Adaptor AD-0011,CD-ROM
Optional Accessory: CD-02(CD-R/RW drive), UIB-02(USB Interface board), FS-01(Foot Switch), FP-02(Expression Pedal)
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(265 ratings)
Submitted May 10, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Good all-round recording machine. Idiot proof."
If this was lost or stolen, I'd buy another one, or the new version that Zoom are bringing out.
Sound
It has very low noise. The preamps are pretty good. The effects are good as well, although the presets are set at ridiculously over-the-top levels.
Features
The Fx routing capabilities are minimal. You have 2 sends per channel, but you can only have one reverb and one delay and not, for example, two different reverbs. There is also one insert effect per channel, whereas 2 or 3 would be preferable. You can of course get over this by bouncing down a track with Fx added and then adding Fx to another track. But this means that the original track is now stuck with that Fx setting regardless of how your mix develops. The drum sounds are pretty good, and sampler capability is great. Drum programming is a pain the wotnot, and if you write songs with different combinations of beats it takes a long time, and then you can't really edit afterwards, you have to start from scratch. Other than that everything works as you would expect, or better. If you're into using a lot of effects, and complicated routing, you're better off with a Yamaha AW16G or similar. If you are like me and just want to record guitars etc with the minimum of fuss then this will give you high quality recordings. One other word of warning is that THERE IS NO UNDO, which means you have to be quite careful not to accidentally erase things etc. Probably not a… read more good purchase if you are a stoner and your mind and memory are shot to pieces. Also, if you are buying this, make sure you have the optional USB board if you have a PC. This will save you hours of time backing up your work etc, and it opens up loads more possibilities. USB works flawlessly.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use. that's the best thing about it. doesn't take long to learn, and once you know how you can set things up and record very quickly. Can be slightly confusing when you forget that you have just been setting the EQ or panning and start pressing buttons as if you were in the normal mode, but this doesn't cause any major problems. I don't understand why some people have said it's difficult to use...
Quality
This is a difficult one for me to comment on: I bought an MRS1608 and I immediately had problems with it. It kept conking out unexpectedly, as if there was a problem with the hard drive or the power to the hard drive. Went back to the manufacturer twice (via the dealer). The first time they said it was fixed but it wasn't. The second time they kept it for so long I complained and in the end the dealer said I'd been messed around for too long, and sent me a completely new one. The new one has worked 100 percent fine for 6 months now, with quite heavy use. Never a single crash, glitch or anything. I've not heard of any other MRS1608 owners who had the problem I had with my 1st one, so I think I must have just been very unlucky and got a rare dud one. Based on the current one, it would be 10 out of 10, as it is sturdy, well put together and never crashes.
Value
Definitely worth the price. Some of the recordings I've made have astonished my friends, who thought they were commercial recordings. Make sure you know what you want to record, and how, before buying this however. Great for people who want to record a demo with relatively little other equipment and no hassle. If you want to integrate it into a complicated studio setup it is maybe not ideal.
Manufacturer Support
See above. They were willing to repair but took months trying, in the end taking so long that I was supplied with a new one.
The Wow Factor
It looks good. My only criticism is that it's a bit big, and is quite cumbersome to carry to rehearsals. My friend has an AW16G which is much more portable (but doesn't have drum machine, sampler etc etc etc)
Musical Background:
Acoustic/folk musician. Play in/record a band.
Musical Style:
Celtic Folk, and other acoustic based music read less
Sound
It has very low noise. The preamps are pretty good. The effects are good as well, although the presets are set at ridiculously over-the-top levels.
Features
The Fx routing capabilities are minimal. You have 2 sends per channel, but you can only have one reverb and one delay and not, for example, two different reverbs. There is also one insert effect per channel, whereas 2 or 3 would be preferable. You can of course get over this by bouncing down a track with Fx added and then adding Fx to another track. But this means that the original track is now stuck with that Fx setting regardless of how your mix develops. The drum sounds are pretty good, and sampler capability is great. Drum programming is a pain the wotnot, and if you write songs with different combinations of beats it takes a long time, and then you can't really edit afterwards, you have to start from scratch. Other than that everything works as you would expect, or better. If you're into using a lot of effects, and complicated routing, you're better off with a Yamaha AW16G or similar. If you are like me and just want to record guitars etc with the minimum of fuss then this will give you high quality recordings. One other word of warning is that THERE IS NO UNDO, which means you have to be quite careful not to accidentally erase things etc. Probably not a… read more good purchase if you are a stoner and your mind and memory are shot to pieces. Also, if you are buying this, make sure you have the optional USB board if you have a PC. This will save you hours of time backing up your work etc, and it opens up loads more possibilities. USB works flawlessly.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use. that's the best thing about it. doesn't take long to learn, and once you know how you can set things up and record very quickly. Can be slightly confusing when you forget that you have just been setting the EQ or panning and start pressing buttons as if you were in the normal mode, but this doesn't cause any major problems. I don't understand why some people have said it's difficult to use...
Quality
This is a difficult one for me to comment on: I bought an MRS1608 and I immediately had problems with it. It kept conking out unexpectedly, as if there was a problem with the hard drive or the power to the hard drive. Went back to the manufacturer twice (via the dealer). The first time they said it was fixed but it wasn't. The second time they kept it for so long I complained and in the end the dealer said I'd been messed around for too long, and sent me a completely new one. The new one has worked 100 percent fine for 6 months now, with quite heavy use. Never a single crash, glitch or anything. I've not heard of any other MRS1608 owners who had the problem I had with my 1st one, so I think I must have just been very unlucky and got a rare dud one. Based on the current one, it would be 10 out of 10, as it is sturdy, well put together and never crashes.
Value
Definitely worth the price. Some of the recordings I've made have astonished my friends, who thought they were commercial recordings. Make sure you know what you want to record, and how, before buying this however. Great for people who want to record a demo with relatively little other equipment and no hassle. If you want to integrate it into a complicated studio setup it is maybe not ideal.
Manufacturer Support
See above. They were willing to repair but took months trying, in the end taking so long that I was supplied with a new one.
The Wow Factor
It looks good. My only criticism is that it's a bit big, and is quite cumbersome to carry to rehearsals. My friend has an AW16G which is much more portable (but doesn't have drum machine, sampler etc etc etc)
Musical Background:
Acoustic/folk musician. Play in/record a band.
Musical Style:
Celtic Folk, and other acoustic based music read less
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