The sound quality is wonderful...very quiet, very nice, warm sounding preamps. All processing is done at 24 bits, so the fact that it creates 16 bit .wav files doesn't affect the sound quality adversely. I haven't yet dug very deeply into the various FX, amp models, etc, but what I've heard so far leads me to conclude that outboard processing will be largely unnecessary. As good as my unprocessed, raw recordings sound, it doesn't compare to the way they sound when the on board mix-down algorithms are applied...STUNNING.

In terms of features, this has everything it needs to do recording production at pro level. The only drawback is that these are mostly accessed through layered menus, and there is a bit of a learning curve associated with navigating these quickly, and with auditioning the settings to find the ones you like. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to just jump in and start recording with excellent results. The housing of this recorder is nice solid metal construction, with high quality pots and faders, and a 5 position LED meter bridge, also, the CD drive is the type one sees on desktop PCs...heavy duty. My only criticism is that I would prefer to see a dedicated set of external FX in/out, and I would also prefer that the main audio outputs were 1/4" /XLR combo like the inputs, rather than RCA outs.

It is very easy to get started with this unit, however, to completely master all of the features and get everything out of it that it has to offer will mean a challenging learning curve. This is designed to be a completely self-contained production studio, and it mostly succeeds, but as already stated, I think it needs better connectivity to outboard processing. They included MIDI, S/PDIF and USB connections, which is great, but why not simple audio auxiliary I/O?

Very well-built recorder in terms of fit, finish and solid feel. I've been given to understand that these are quite intolerant of hard shut-down, so would recommend a UPS backup system. I would not take this on the road, but not for lack of quality. Seems as though it will last a very long time as long as care is taken not to allow it to have it's power source taken away.

I looked at a great many other recorders and laptops in this price range and none of them had the features or storage capacity of this one.

Never used support.

I don't really care about how it looks as long as it functions as it should and is an appropriate size for what it does. Of course, when I started recording music, one could have spent the better part of a million dollars to outfit a studio with the equivalent in functionality.

active musician

acoustic, rock, prog, alt, jazz, fingerstyle guitar

Very clear and accurate reproduction (Compared to the Sony minidisc 4-track recroder that I used before).

The included sampler, cd-r/rw, and drum machine are very convenient, especially for creating hiphop beats. Virtual tracks are great for multiple takes. There are more effects than anyone can use on this recorder, but having them included in the system eliminates the need to bulk up on my set-up.

It does take practice to get familiar with this recorder, but if you can get beyond the manual (which is not written as well as it could have been) the recording/editing/mixing process becomes efficient and speedy.

Overall sturdy build; knobs, faders, and buttons feel comfortable.

Considering all the features that the recorder includes, you get much more than what you pay for.

N/A

I was initially attracted to the retro studio look of this device; I was very happy to learn that the functionality of this recorder is just as good as its looks.

active musician

classical/jazz/electronica

I use this recorder in conjunction with my Korg Triton Extreme & Alesis Ion & this recorder relays very clean recordings to cd's very well. I have also had great results with my AKG Perception 100 microphone,as the vocal effects are impressive.

The internal effects processor was a key element in my studio,as the effects in my Peavey PV10 mixer are virtually useless.

Since I am new to multi-trackers,I would have to give the Zoom recorder a top rating for ease of use,as I've only had the recorder a few months & I had most of all the functions figured out in a couple of weeks & at this point,I am very fluent with this product.

I love the tactile aspect of this recorder,as everything's solid & smooth to the touch.It has a nice sleek & nuetral quality in appearance.

I chose this product specifically for all of it's various features at a bargain of a price-worth every red cent.

No support needed thus far.

More for practicality than anything else,as I am always on a budget.

Veteran recording hobbyist,keyboardist & audiophile

Ambient/techno,rock,pop,jazz......

ive owned a fostex 4 trrck recorder for years and just upgraded to this zoom and love it. the sound is good crisp and clean with many choices to pick from in the machine.

the on board effects it comes with is a great place to start because u have many choices to choose from. using the bass program using the pads is a little tricky at time but with practice u can get the basics down for just about any song u record.its sturdy and set up convenient

it took all but 5 to 10 mins and i was recording from there u get caught up in what this machine is capable of.of course there is always something to learn when u get anything new but thats the fun of learning and creating on this machine.just when u think u got it down u stumble over a new section the possibilities are almost endless.you can add your own drums and bass to any song and create with the built in drum machines and bas programs. im still learning myself and its excitng.

well made and sturdy.it got to my home in one piece and looks sharp to me.controls slide and knobs turn with ease which make it very nice

i got the package deal that came with a condensor mic,cds for burning. great deal for what this machine can do mic has a good sound as well

never had to call for anything

the way it looked style and design is what caught my attention

hobbyist

rock,heavy metal blues, classical......

Fantastic, I recorded my band debut EP on this Check it out at www.myspace.com/highstrungrock

Everything you could need.

Read the manual like you are supposed to and you will be fine!

Well built no problems whatsoever

Fantastic value, considering that you can exceed the audio quality of what you get in most local studios by hacks that play theirselves off as great engineers when usually they just have a bunch of gear they don't know how to use.

I haven't dealt with Zoom but I am going to assume their support will be as good as their product

Nice sleek Package

Active Musician

Hard Rock