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ianker
Published on 02/21/09 at 10:01
Best value:
Excellent
See the website of zoom for more info, the manual can be downloaded in French and the list goes on. So I'll just take a tour of the opportunities that I used for about a year I own this recorder.
- What is the connection (analog, digital, MIDI)?
DIGITAL OUT 1, master out, sub out, headphone jack, a midi in, midi out 1, USB port, a control in, 8 format input jack or XLR (phantom power supply on the 8 entries)
- What is the storage media (ZIP, MiniDisc, hard disk ...)?
80GB integrated hard drive and CD burner.
- What type of sync are supported?
It can sync a MIDI device from the HD Zoom 16
- How many tracks can be recorded / played time?
You can record up to 8 tracks simultaneously (a total of 16 tracks) is what makes it difference from the HD 8 (plus the fact that it only offers 8 tracks).
It is also possible to record virtual tracks, allowing you to record several different parts such as guitar solos on one track, then keep the one you think best.
UTILIZATION
USB:
Useful for transferring files from the PC to the Zoom, or vice versa. It is possible for example to import a saved game on a PC on the slopes of the HD16 (everything is in WAV format). It is also possible to use the HD 16 to control your PC audio software (Cubase LE 4 is included in the pack). I will not dwell on it because I do not use this function (I took the HD 16 precisely to avoid the use of a PC). It can also import MIDI files, but again I have not studied that part.
Use:
Reading the manual is essential before you start, but the system is very intuitive and you get to take your bearings very quickly. The manual is very clear, and every time I needed information, I found a quick response. Do not stop at the screen that displays two lines of some characters, navigation is really simple and quick. Once you know a little stupid, you end up very easily. The knobs and the mixer are pleasant to use, level indicators are present (5 levels), and all buttons are easily accessible.
SOUNDS
Rhythm part:
The HD 16 offers an integrated drum machine (with pads to record your beats in real time or step) and a bass line. These two instruments are on a single track, with the ability to change the volume of parts. Several batteires kits are available, and you can import your own sounds (about 60 seconds of sampling) and create your own kits. The lower part is programmable, and more sounds are available. We can even make patterns and will build a rhythm, which interest primarily to guitarists who do not necessarily want to invest in various devices to make demos. The proposed drum is honest, easy to use, and it is rather a good idea to have thought.
Effects:
There are two types of effects. The effects of insertions, which will be chosen before recording, and effects loop that can be added to the mix. Effects loop includes only two types of effects, reverb, and chorus / delay.
As for the insert effect, they are categorized (guitar, bass, synth, etc.).. Models are of course available, but it's not really usable in my opinion. Better to make your own settings to get the desired sound. The preamps offered are of good quality. Although it is far from original, it allows to record his bass guitar or his direct line if you have no good quality microphone to perform a sound recording on an amp. The effects are good in general, but we must spend some time to get a proper setting.
The effects loop is also adjustable, and there are also a very good quality in reverbs and chorus propse.
Equalization:
3-band EQ on each track, no problem, it reacts very well.
Its side, it spits out what he sends is that simple. If you have a quality signal as input, we find the output. Absolutely prohibit the catch of his microphone if you have no proper equipment.
OVERALL OPINION
What I liked:
- Reasonable price for all the features and quality of all
- Pads to set the drum
- The ability to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously
- The manual clearly
- Ergonomics in relation to a PC
What I reget:
- The Master out in CAR ...
- Only one headphone Prisque
- Start-up time when you start to have a lot of songs in memory (the hard disk is scanned at each startup, and with 25 songs it takes me about 40 seconds to get to the menu).
You can really make quality demos in no time, and not necessarily invest in equipment with this recorder. In my opinion, this is a great product for a guitarist who tries to register with a background accompaniment (low line + drum), or for groups seeking to register repeat type. I leaned on multiple devices at the time, and it is the best quality / price I found.
Note that I had a trouble with my zoom at the beginning, the hard disk that was out of sync. The recorder is left from the manufacturer that returned me a new one after a fortnight. Very pleased with the SAV Zoom on this one (I really expected to wait for months for repairs).
- What is the connection (analog, digital, MIDI)?
DIGITAL OUT 1, master out, sub out, headphone jack, a midi in, midi out 1, USB port, a control in, 8 format input jack or XLR (phantom power supply on the 8 entries)
- What is the storage media (ZIP, MiniDisc, hard disk ...)?
80GB integrated hard drive and CD burner.
- What type of sync are supported?
It can sync a MIDI device from the HD Zoom 16
- How many tracks can be recorded / played time?
You can record up to 8 tracks simultaneously (a total of 16 tracks) is what makes it difference from the HD 8 (plus the fact that it only offers 8 tracks).
It is also possible to record virtual tracks, allowing you to record several different parts such as guitar solos on one track, then keep the one you think best.
UTILIZATION
USB:
Useful for transferring files from the PC to the Zoom, or vice versa. It is possible for example to import a saved game on a PC on the slopes of the HD16 (everything is in WAV format). It is also possible to use the HD 16 to control your PC audio software (Cubase LE 4 is included in the pack). I will not dwell on it because I do not use this function (I took the HD 16 precisely to avoid the use of a PC). It can also import MIDI files, but again I have not studied that part.
Use:
Reading the manual is essential before you start, but the system is very intuitive and you get to take your bearings very quickly. The manual is very clear, and every time I needed information, I found a quick response. Do not stop at the screen that displays two lines of some characters, navigation is really simple and quick. Once you know a little stupid, you end up very easily. The knobs and the mixer are pleasant to use, level indicators are present (5 levels), and all buttons are easily accessible.
SOUNDS
Rhythm part:
The HD 16 offers an integrated drum machine (with pads to record your beats in real time or step) and a bass line. These two instruments are on a single track, with the ability to change the volume of parts. Several batteires kits are available, and you can import your own sounds (about 60 seconds of sampling) and create your own kits. The lower part is programmable, and more sounds are available. We can even make patterns and will build a rhythm, which interest primarily to guitarists who do not necessarily want to invest in various devices to make demos. The proposed drum is honest, easy to use, and it is rather a good idea to have thought.
Effects:
There are two types of effects. The effects of insertions, which will be chosen before recording, and effects loop that can be added to the mix. Effects loop includes only two types of effects, reverb, and chorus / delay.
As for the insert effect, they are categorized (guitar, bass, synth, etc.).. Models are of course available, but it's not really usable in my opinion. Better to make your own settings to get the desired sound. The preamps offered are of good quality. Although it is far from original, it allows to record his bass guitar or his direct line if you have no good quality microphone to perform a sound recording on an amp. The effects are good in general, but we must spend some time to get a proper setting.
The effects loop is also adjustable, and there are also a very good quality in reverbs and chorus propse.
Equalization:
3-band EQ on each track, no problem, it reacts very well.
Its side, it spits out what he sends is that simple. If you have a quality signal as input, we find the output. Absolutely prohibit the catch of his microphone if you have no proper equipment.
OVERALL OPINION
What I liked:
- Reasonable price for all the features and quality of all
- Pads to set the drum
- The ability to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously
- The manual clearly
- Ergonomics in relation to a PC
What I reget:
- The Master out in CAR ...
- Only one headphone Prisque
- Start-up time when you start to have a lot of songs in memory (the hard disk is scanned at each startup, and with 25 songs it takes me about 40 seconds to get to the menu).
You can really make quality demos in no time, and not necessarily invest in equipment with this recorder. In my opinion, this is a great product for a guitarist who tries to register with a background accompaniment (low line + drum), or for groups seeking to register repeat type. I leaned on multiple devices at the time, and it is the best quality / price I found.
Note that I had a trouble with my zoom at the beginning, the hard disk that was out of sync. The recorder is left from the manufacturer that returned me a new one after a fortnight. Very pleased with the SAV Zoom on this one (I really expected to wait for months for repairs).