I travel a lot for my job and this is the type of recorder I have needed for years. I already have a perfect travel case this will fit in along with additional microphones and headphones. Thanks for doing the review
Thank you for making such a comprehensive beginners video for the r20. I feel more encouraged than ever that this is exactly what I need to do my recordings on the next level without caring something that is too heavy to lug around with me and not worry about transferring my work from CDs to a computer. Again, great job with this review video 🎅🏾
I’m thinking about getting one of these. I’m been curious about recording but don’t have a very powerful pc. I primarily play guitar into an interface with a Trio+ accompaniment pedal. This seems like the sweet spot for me between audio interface, analog mixer, and DAW.
I want to add two things here that I didn't know until I got the R20 and started recording with it. It doesn't have battery power capability. The 2 multi-input jacks can be a limitation if you want to plug in more than 2 instruments other than mics. Most instrument cables are 1/4" at both ends. I shopped and found patch cables that have a 1/4" input end to plug into an instrument and an XLR output end to plug into an XLR input on the R20. Now I can plug in more instruments at the same time. Now my meta-comment: it depends on what you want to do with it. There are workarounds for limitations, and you might have to find your workarounds on your own.
Just an FYI........A project is limited to 1350 bars (about 45 minutes in length). I know most people won't record one song that long. However, I plan on using the Zoom R20 to record a live band's gig. Each set is about an hour, so I'll have to split it in two.
Does this unit have the same mic pre as the R8? I find the R8 convenient to record vocals into with Shure beta58 mic when in my car parked long periods for work them import the vocal tracks into Daw later. Double the tracks would be good versus the R8
Thinking of getting this to replace my old Boss BR600, mainly because I would guess the noise floor and overall recording quality would be much better. Although the touch screen looks great too.
I'm trying to decide between buying the zoom r20 or the tascam dp24sd. Not sure what to buy lol so I went and rented a zoom r24 instead until I make my decision.
This feels like a good first draft - fixing the inputs to have more 1/4" input s - if you look at 30 year s vision products if they do the R&D on the screen they will release 2-3 more units \\\\ I see a zoom r30 or r40 with more faders and 24-32 channels \
I don't think it's supposed to be the end-all of mixer/recorders. There is still the R24 or the L20. I actually like it because it's small and has only 16 tracks. That's all I'd want to fool with away from my "real studio" :) Good for grab-and-go stuff. If I needed more, I'd make other arrangements :) Sometimes you need a full stack of Marshalls sometimes just a Pignose :)
Honestly debating. I have an MPC Live, which acts like a full featured DAW (if you have never seen the MPC Live / MPC X / MPC One, take a look, you might be pleasantly surprised at how well these devices work as a DAW). What makes this a hard decision is the lack of IO, I don't understand Zoom sometimes and their inability to provide more TRS connections, they did the same thing on the Zoom H8, only providing two TRS inputs. As a keyboard player, I immediately use two inputs for stereo recording on a keyboard, what about the bass guitar and electric / acoustic guitar (which might need stereo TRS, depending on the effects being used)? The DAW functionality is rather limited, compared to the MPC line of products, so I am not really sold yet, will wait to see what Zoom does... Maybe an upgraded model with a bigger screen, more DAW functionality, and more IO and I might be sold...
Completely agree about Zoom needing to include more TRS inputs. Maybe an R30 soon? I'm on the fence between something like this R20, Maschine Plus, Akai Force or MPC Live 2. Or maybe the best of both worlds such as creating on Maschine Plus but tracking it on the R20. I play keys, synth, guitar, bass, and drums. I don't mind DAWs for editing & creating but I'm not a fan of mixing or mastering or EQing. Which do you suggest? So many options out there these days!
Why don't you use TRS to XLR convertor cables (or jacks) for the keyboard line level outputs and they can then go into any channel? Or DI to any channel without needing Hi-Z switches. If you want to ensemble record then use a couple of inexpensive DI boxes and hey presto - no limits.
Hi guys, great video. I'd like to buy the R20, however, I'd like to record my own drum loops on a drum machine and then manually record each loop into a project with a matching yempo. If I do this, can I trim each loop so that it sits perfectly on the beat throughout my project?
Can it be used as a stand alone mixer as well?(Of course with the output going to an amplifier with speakers, or powered monitors.) ??? Thanks for the Video!
Got mines when it first hit the market, lol I haven’t used it yet, my iPad does all of this. This is one of those multi track recorder I always wanted, so I had to get it.
@@DaveyMulholland Maybe not for you, as far as I know, and Yes ! And Yes ! A iPad can do all of this , a 1000 times over plus more. We talking about Apple. not Amazon tablets.
Nice review Ted & Kel ! I have an MPC LIVE i program and sequence all my music on it. I usually explode all my tracks to wav files after im done sequencing & programming my track. Would i be able to drag my MPC LIVE wave files into the Zoom R 20 to create a new project and of course to record vocals over the track. Im hoping everything would line up perfectly. Thanks!
The Input Gain is only 50dB and the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) is -121 dBu. That equates to a lot of noise / hiss in the audio! So, for example, record your gain-hungry Shure mics or a typical low budget condenser mic and see what happens.
Luckily the R8 abd R24, which are very old units ,have mini condenser mics and drum sequencers ,compared to these new zoom units. Zoom , what are you playing at???
Do you think you can solo podcast with this device or would the podtrak be better. Edit: I mainly do voice over news youtube videos and would like to know how good of a audio interface this would be. And how this works during a livestream.
The PodTraks are more tailored for podcasting and are great for that purpose. They are also great for what you'd be using it for. The R20 can be used for all of those purposes as well, but is definitely marketed to projects with a lot of inputs, live multi-mic'd podcasts, whole band sessions, and live music. The R20 also has more features to shape the sound than the PodTraks. So It's going to depend on your preferred workflow and what task you are trying to do.
For me is important, that the Multitrack can Audio Quantize, Midi to record Synthesizer and has got enough Prozessorpower to use Effects on every Single Track. Is this possible with R20? Further more I need the possibility to import Midi and Audiotracks from extern to practice Guitar or play (record in clean) with Amp Models like Boss BR 80 and continue working in DAW. Is this possible here?
I have used the Zoom R8 for a number of years and still find it convenient and very practical. However, the bottom line is about the quality of the sounds it produces and in that area, I think that's where Zoom can really improve. I have also used Garageband on an iPad and have to admit that the final mix yields a much better result than my R8. So far I haven't been impressed by the quality of the sounds on the reviews of the R20, particularly in the drums loops. I was really hoping that Zoom improved the sounds on this unit as I find the format of MTR very convenient for the lone musician. Great review, by the way.
Can anyone speak as to how good the pre amps are? Is the sound quality good? Any buzzing or hissing? I’m really considering buying! Do I need to buy an SD card? Thanks!
I bought one of these about 2 weeks ago. My main ongoing issue is the lack of a manual that explains how its features and controls work. Mine came with a "quick tour" guide that is 8 pages including the front and back covers. Two pages are devoted entirely to setting the time and date. That's just not enough info for a device that does all the things this one does.
@@spencerk.7424I have gradually found its limitations and my workarounds. I really like my Tascam DP-008 for recording on my own. It has just two inputs--assignable to any track--and can only record onto two tracks simultaneously. I got the R20 for recording my group; more inputs, more tracks to record at the same time, better for live capture of multiple musicians playing together, then being able to mix the separate tracks. I am keeping the R20 specifically for that purpose, because playing with a group is my real thing. At home on my own, I still prefer my Tascam. The real question is if it meets your own purposes.
Is the extra memory needed in order to record a about 10 songs of about 4 minutes each? Or what's the deal with the SD card. How much memory comes with R20 it self?
I plan on purchasing this and running a home studio I have a vocal channel strip two actually vocal booth One of the ones on Wheels in a mini Mike both with inside trying to make some side money and record local artists I hope this gets the job done I really don't want to use a computer that much I might just use the computer just for little things but I seen a video on someone using an effects pedal as an effect loop I feel like I could do some cool things with that technique if I really didn't want to use certain vsts on the computer I hope I'm successful I'm actually going to document it some lucky maybe I'll get sponsored by zoom lol
Worth noting that the usb interface cannot access the recording tracks so its not possible to record the output from my MPC over USB-C into the R20. Its just a monitor out.
@@mont-doggBeats there are many other things that are usable features on the r20, you can record your mpc over analogue for example... but for me there were too many compromises with this device for my needs and i didn't keep it long.
They should had kept the rotary encoder in my opinion. Those faders do not have enough throw to do volumen automation precisely. I guess is good for recording and editing. I will keep my r24 for the time being.
@@philreid984 well it looks awesome for some one new to the zoom line or coming from an r8 or an r16. I will wait and see if they come up with a 24 track.
@@descargamusicalny That would be cool! I got this so I could be more portable and be able to bring tracks back to my desktop recording outfit where more tracks can be laid. Yes if this was my only way of recording, this would be lacking, for me but for some, it could be just enough.
@@philreid984 yes, same as you that is why I first got the r8 on the used market just to try it, then I picked up the r24, I use the r24 for video work, tutorials and so on. The r20 looks promising. I would love for roland to come up with an updated version of their vs multitrack recorders, those things were awesome.
Does anybody know? Can you do all recording through headphones only, so no amplified noise can be heard by neighbours? How is the R20 on hiss/background noise? Thanks, in advance, if you can help me.
We didn't get into those two aspects in this video unfortunately, but yes, the R20 have 120 loops built in and also built in synth sounds you can use by plugging in a MIDI keyboard!
You know, I've looked at this and what could be happening is, these come with a protective plastic screen on them when they ship. I still have mine on. I wonder if they didn't peel it off?
The touchscreen is a very cool aspect. We wouldn't say it's very unresponsive, but you have to be deliberate when it comes to pressing it. Probably to avoid unwanted edits or selections. The plastic covering was still on there when we demo'd it, but don't think that was causing any issues.
Anyone using this in 2024? I've heard very mixed reviews, plagued with freezing and recording tracks disappearing..with the firmware having some updates, hopefully this is actually a working machine now.. would love to hear some stuff actually recorded with this thing..
Looking for something to record the audio for the live gigs I video. Currently intercepting signals direct from microphones or instruments - in to my audio interface - in to my laptop - DAW. Meanwhile output from interface goes on to the band's mixer and out to self powered PA speakers. So I'm thinking..since my goal is to take back home the separate dry audio tracks (that I recorded live on my laptop in my DAW), and mix those tracks and synch back to the video - why not just use a stand alone recorder like this that creates wave files and load them into my DAW once I get home so I can properly mix.The question is, does it record eight discrete tracks on to the SD card that can be loaded into my desktop computer DAW at home? Looks like if you use it as an interface it mixes the eight inputs down to four. And is there any compatibility issues between wave files and BWF's Thanks.
Pretty sure the R20 records the entire mix in one sound file to the SD card, not individual files split out on each track. It's a great idea you have here. Your current set-up sounds pretty tight and seems to work well for your application. If you wanted a recording and quick mix and export that same night, then the R20 could do that for you.
@@Pixelproaudio Well, I pulled the trigger on the Roland Studio Capture which I will use with an old HP laptop and Sony ACID. Yeah, I know, who uses ACID any more. It works and I know it. The fact that the Studio Capture interface is a ten year old design and still in production contributed to my decision. With 12 XLR ¼” combo inputs plus coax and trs for 16 tracks to record on DAW - and other design features like the independent channel selection of phantom power - I bought it. An 8 channel input box is just not quite enough to record a four piece ensemble if they all have vocal mics, instruments - keyboard stereo - that’s already nine. Throw in a drummer… Eight ¼ “ balanced outputs to go back in to the band’s mixer - let them keep their live mix. I’m just intercepting pristine, dry audio from the sources.
You can only save to the SD, not the other way. You could input your music into one of the inputs and then plug in a mic on the next track and record both at the same time.
First at all thanks for the video, I have to agree with you, the R20 is a great piece if equipment, I purchased one about a month ago, and I am really happy with it, the only thing I don't like about this unit is that the effects cannot be set by channel, if you like to apply one of the effects to any channel that effect will be applied to all the channels, so there are ways to work around this limitation but will make the work flow more complicated, thanks for your video again....
You can get around it by printing the effect to the track then reuse the effect on the next thing and keep printing and reusing. Then use a reverb effect for the send effect for all channels. It explains how to use the effects in the manual.
@@KyleYoung143 I'm not sure what freeze the track means 😄 Print to the track as I use it mean to run an instrument through an effect as it's being recorded. Guitar played through a chorus while it's recorded has the chorus effect permanently on the recorded track, no way to change it after the the fact. It's printed to the track. Is that the same as freezing the track?
@@LacunaComanche Yep :( Still you could load your own loops in there. I got it more for live or multiple instrument to record so that wasn't an issue for me.
The obvious way to solve the 1/4" jack issue is to just record one or two tracks at a time on track 1-2, and just drag them over to the desired track afterwards. Obviously this won't work for more than 2 instruments at once. But this board isn't really for that. It's clear it for the lone hobbyist home producer. Besides, for guitar, you'd want those tracks for three hi-z functionality. Move them later if you'd prefer those to be vocal tracks or something else that matches your preferences.
It really depends on the software or DAW you are running it into as it doesn't need computer access to run on it's own. It only uses a computer to act as an audio interface with a DAW on the computer or transferring files back and forth to the computer and the R20 and someday in the future with a firmware update, a surface controller for a DAW running on a computer.
We haven't been able to A/B directly to compare, but generally the Soundcraft product would be above the Zoom in terms of quality. However, the functionality of either unit is different and therefore one might have better value to you based on what you are try to do.
Another unfortunate problem is you can take one region and split it into two regions, but you cannot take two regions and join them into one. Very limiting
Its nice but I keep telling everyone it dont loop I haven't. Seen one review that's showing people how to loop it if you can get it to loop I will buy it again i had one and sent it back for that said reason
It can loop. However, the screen is not very responsive. The app is not ready yet and it 100% requires the app to fully function. It cannot search. No folders. Everything has to be in the root of the SD Card. I would wait till firmware updates and the app is available. I returned mine. I was way more impressed with the R24. The R20 is essentially Acid Pro in a box but 50% functional without the app. No drum kits. Only loops. Don't be fooled by the FM synth - 18 presets and no way to edit them or add to them. 1 MIDI track only. Just not ready yet.
The most stupid thing is that it does not have built in mics as it was with r8,16,24. That kills it. With the older ones I could just get the acoustic guitar and lay tracks in seconds without plugging anything ... what a downfall
I travel a lot for my job and this is the type of recorder I have needed for years. I already have a perfect travel case this will fit in along with additional microphones and headphones. Thanks for doing the review
Thank you for making such a comprehensive beginners video for the r20. I feel more encouraged than ever that this is exactly what I need to do my recordings on the next level without caring something that is too heavy to lug around with me and not worry about transferring my work from CDs to a computer. Again, great job with this review video 🎅🏾
i think zoom is onto something here. id love to see a bigger version
Bigger .wav files for more accurate editing would be great !
Just bought one. I like there products . I have a new interest in doing electronic music awesome.
Yes I want this r20
Shame only up tp 24bit 44.1 khz? By now 96k should be there at least 48k. Looks nice though and the price is right.
Bought to replace the Tascam 24 that behemoth went to storage!
What has better recording quality? Tascam 24 or Zoom R20?
Thanks guys. You get right to the gist of the matter in noting the main thing to know regarding the 8 tracks at once and “latching”!
great product , a hardware with a mini DAW ! i'm waiting for the evolution of this product. great review !
I’m thinking about getting one of these. I’m been curious about recording but don’t have a very powerful pc. I primarily play guitar into an interface with a Trio+ accompaniment pedal. This seems like the sweet spot for me between audio interface, analog mixer, and DAW.
I want to add two things here that I didn't know until I got the R20 and started recording with it.
It doesn't have battery power capability.
The 2 multi-input jacks can be a limitation if you want to plug in more than 2 instruments other than mics. Most instrument cables are 1/4" at both ends. I shopped and found patch cables that have a 1/4" input end to plug into an instrument and an XLR output end to plug into an XLR input on the R20. Now I can plug in more instruments at the same time.
Now my meta-comment: it depends on what you want to do with it. There are workarounds for limitations, and you might have to find your workarounds on your own.
Is It rechargeable or It requires me tò buy batteries each time?
How about recording in stereo ?
Just an FYI........A project is limited to 1350 bars (about 45 minutes in length). I know most people won't record one song that long. However, I plan on using the Zoom R20 to record a live band's gig. Each set is about an hour, so I'll have to split it in two.
Thanks guys for the great demonstration, looks like just what I need and I'm ordering one tomorrow, not sure where
Seems like the perfect DEMO maker
👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
Does this unit have the same mic pre as the R8? I find the R8 convenient to record vocals into with Shure beta58 mic when in my car parked long periods for work them import the vocal tracks into Daw later. Double the tracks would be good versus the R8
Yes I want this r 20
Go Pack Go!! Nice review too. Thank you
Yeah that latch thing threw me for a loop on my other r24. Fortunately they have competent techs that were able to talk me through it.
I'm very impressed with this tool, I'm exiting home and run as fast as possible to have the mine!
got one today with your help in this video... thank you guys!!
Great review ! This could be used as a mixer ? Can be run by batteries?
Thinking about purchasing this, thanks for the video. GO PACK GO!
Thinking of getting this to replace my old Boss BR600, mainly because I would guess the noise floor and overall recording quality would be much better. Although the touch screen looks great too.
How about a video of when you connect the unit to your computer such as logic pro and how you would use it that way.
Good idea. We ran out of time for the R20 in this session, but hope to do this in the future.
Just grabbed one and found this video!! Thanks for help!
I'm trying to decide between buying the zoom r20 or the tascam dp24sd. Not sure what to buy lol so I went and rented a zoom r24 instead until I make my decision.
This feels like a good first draft - fixing the inputs to have more 1/4" input s - if you look at 30 year s vision products if they do the R&D on the screen they will release 2-3 more units \\\\ I see a zoom r30 or r40 with more faders and 24-32 channels \
I don't think it's supposed to be the end-all of mixer/recorders. There is still the R24 or the L20. I actually like it because it's small and has only 16 tracks. That's all I'd want to fool with away from my "real studio" :) Good for grab-and-go stuff. If I needed more, I'd make other arrangements :)
Sometimes you need a full stack of Marshalls sometimes just a Pignose :)
Yes! I would love to see some of these with 4x 3.5mm or balanced trs inputs so I can plug in multiple synths without a bunch of xlr adapters
Thanks, guys for the overview. I need stuff like that to record, my band. Would be really useful.
Great introduction to what looks like a new leader in portable recording.
Just thinking about the ability to plug in a touch screen externalonitor? Comments anyone
Great review.
Honestly debating. I have an MPC Live, which acts like a full featured DAW (if you have never seen the MPC Live / MPC X / MPC One, take a look, you might be pleasantly surprised at how well these devices work as a DAW). What makes this a hard decision is the lack of IO, I don't understand Zoom sometimes and their inability to provide more TRS connections, they did the same thing on the Zoom H8, only providing two TRS inputs. As a keyboard player, I immediately use two inputs for stereo recording on a keyboard, what about the bass guitar and electric / acoustic guitar (which might need stereo TRS, depending on the effects being used)? The DAW functionality is rather limited, compared to the MPC line of products, so I am not really sold yet, will wait to see what Zoom does... Maybe an upgraded model with a bigger screen, more DAW functionality, and more IO and I might be sold...
Completely agree about Zoom needing to include more TRS inputs. Maybe an R30 soon? I'm on the fence between something like this R20, Maschine Plus, Akai Force or MPC Live 2. Or maybe the best of both worlds such as creating on Maschine Plus but tracking it on the R20. I play keys, synth, guitar, bass, and drums. I don't mind DAWs for editing & creating but I'm not a fan of mixing or mastering or EQing. Which do you suggest? So many options out there these days!
Why don't you use TRS to XLR convertor cables (or jacks) for the keyboard line level outputs and they can then go into any channel? Or DI to any channel without needing Hi-Z switches. If you want to ensemble record then use a couple of inexpensive DI boxes and hey presto - no limits.
you get latency when using external audio interfaces, on the mpc.....that sux
Hi guys, great video.
I'd like to buy the R20, however, I'd like to record my own drum loops on a drum machine and then manually record each loop into a project with a matching yempo. If I do this, can I trim each loop so that it sits perfectly on the beat throughout my project?
Can it be used as a stand alone mixer as well?(Of course with the output going to an amplifier with speakers, or powered monitors.) ???
Thanks for the Video!
Got mines when it first hit the market, lol I haven’t used it yet, my iPad does all of this. This is one of those multi track recorder I always wanted, so I had to get it.
Your ipad has 8 built in preamps?
Your iPad most definitely does not do everything that this does.
@@DaveyMulholland Maybe not for you, as far as I know, and Yes ! And Yes ! A iPad can do all of this , a 1000 times over plus more. We talking about Apple. not Amazon tablets.
@@TheIllynow you buy any budget friendly preamps interface , What are we talking about here 🤷🏽♂️
@@DaveyMulholland a Apple IPad can do it , plus more.
Great vídeo! Great Studio. I got the Boss br800, but this zoom r20 pretty impressive gear. Greetings from Brasil!
Nice review Ted & Kel ! I have an MPC LIVE i program and sequence all my music on it. I usually explode all my tracks to wav files after im done sequencing & programming my track. Would i be able to drag my MPC LIVE wave files into the Zoom R 20 to create a new project and of course to record vocals over the track. Im hoping everything would line up perfectly. Thanks!
Yes you can do it.
Thanks for watching. We didn't do that specifically when we had it out, but it sounds like you could do that with the R20.
Thanks, are the preamps decent ? Good headroom etc...?
Thank you so much for explaining!! Very nice!!
Hi, great review! Does the R20 have the ability to fix phase issues encountered in multi mic and stereo mic scenarios?
No
Thanks for watching. No it does not.
Great vid!
Is there a video, that enybody doing a multitrack record with instruments on zoom 20??? All the videos are talking about it
The Input Gain is only 50dB and the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) is -121 dBu.
That equates to a lot of noise / hiss in the audio! So, for example, record your gain-hungry Shure mics or a typical low budget condenser mic and see what happens.
that s why i dont buy these toys...preamps are crap, so i can t record shit
Luckily the R8 abd R24, which are very old units ,have mini condenser mics and drum sequencers ,compared to these new zoom units. Zoom , what are you playing at???
Two audio jacks six.microphone inserts can I convert the microphone inserts into audio jacks ? Can I assign the tracks where ever I please
Do you think you can solo podcast with this device or would the podtrak be better.
Edit: I mainly do voice over news youtube videos and would like to know how good of a audio interface this would be. And how this works during a livestream.
The PodTraks are more tailored for podcasting and are great for that purpose. They are also great for what you'd be using it for. The R20 can be used for all of those purposes as well, but is definitely marketed to projects with a lot of inputs, live multi-mic'd podcasts, whole band sessions, and live music. The R20 also has more features to shape the sound than the PodTraks. So It's going to depend on your preferred workflow and what task you are trying to do.
For me is important, that the Multitrack can Audio Quantize, Midi to record Synthesizer and has got enough Prozessorpower to use Effects on every Single Track. Is this possible with R20?
Further more I need the possibility to import Midi and Audiotracks from extern to practice Guitar or play (record in clean) with Amp Models like Boss BR 80 and continue working in DAW. Is this possible here?
I have used the Zoom R8 for a number of years and still find it convenient and very practical. However, the bottom line is about the quality of the sounds it produces and in that area, I think that's where Zoom can really improve. I have also used Garageband on an iPad and have to admit that the final mix yields a much better result than my R8. So far I haven't been impressed by the quality of the sounds on the reviews of the R20, particularly in the drums loops. I was really hoping that Zoom improved the sounds on this unit as I find the format of MTR very convenient for the lone musician. Great review, by the way.
If I'm gonna use a touch screen, iPad makes a lot more sense than Zoom R20. For going dawless style, I'd prefer the Tascam Model Series.
The R8 is fine in the audio quality.
thanks
I have the r20 and the mpc one. It would be really nice if you could record through the audio interface onto the zoom r20.
Why couldn't you ?
lol cuz that’s the whole point of an r20
Can anyone speak as to how good the pre amps are? Is the sound quality good? Any buzzing or hissing? I’m really considering buying! Do I need to buy an SD card? Thanks!
I bought one of these about 2 weeks ago. My main ongoing issue is the lack of a manual that explains how its features and controls work.
Mine came with a "quick tour" guide that is 8 pages including the front and back covers. Two pages are devoted entirely to setting the time and date. That's just not enough info for a device that does all the things this one does.
The actual full manual is available on the product website.
How are you liking it? I just got one and am not pleased. Thinking about returning it.
@@spencerk.7424I have gradually found its limitations and my workarounds. I really like my Tascam DP-008 for recording on my own. It has just two inputs--assignable to any track--and can only record onto two tracks simultaneously. I got the R20 for recording my group; more inputs, more tracks to record at the same time, better for live capture of multiple musicians playing together, then being able to mix the separate tracks. I am keeping the R20 specifically for that purpose, because playing with a group is my real thing.
At home on my own, I still prefer my Tascam. The real question is if it meets your own purposes.
Can I listen to guitar music that I have recorded while I record the vocals on another track on my R20?
Did you create any music with it yet?
Just got one..trying to figure it all out
Is the extra memory needed in order to record a about 10 songs of about 4 minutes each? Or what's the deal with the SD card. How much memory comes with R20 it self?
I plan on purchasing this and running a home studio I have a vocal channel strip two actually vocal booth One of the ones on Wheels in a mini Mike both with inside trying to make some side money and record local artists I hope this gets the job done I really don't want to use a computer that much I might just use the computer just for little things but I seen a video on someone using an effects pedal as an effect loop I feel like I could do some cool things with that technique if I really didn't want to use certain vsts on the computer I hope I'm successful I'm actually going to document it some lucky maybe I'll get sponsored by zoom lol
Would be nice if I could connect a mouse to it I hate touch screen navigation 😂 but I love my R20
Worth noting that the usb interface cannot access the recording tracks so its not possible to record the output from my MPC over USB-C into the R20. Its just a monitor out.
What? Wow…so what’s the point of this device?
@@mont-doggBeats there are many other things that are usable features on the r20, you can record your mpc over analogue for example... but for me there were too many compromises with this device for my needs and i didn't keep it long.
I've used R24 for years.Why would zoom name a new product R20 ?
It seems like they're going backwards even though it has digital upgrades.
They should had kept the rotary encoder in my opinion. Those faders do not have enough throw to do volumen automation precisely. I guess is good for recording and editing. I will keep my r24 for the time being.
@@Telepkr I own the r8 and the r24 for years. You must be so miserable
So, I guess this is not for you then 🌞
@@philreid984 well it looks awesome for some one new to the zoom line or coming from an r8 or an r16. I will wait and see if they come up with a 24 track.
@@descargamusicalny That would be cool! I got this so I could be more portable and be able to bring tracks back to my desktop recording outfit where more tracks can be laid. Yes if this was my only way of recording, this would be lacking, for me but for some, it could be just enough.
@@philreid984 yes, same as you that is why I first got the r8 on the used market just to try it, then I picked up the r24, I use the r24 for video work, tutorials and so on. The r20 looks promising. I would love for roland to come up with an updated version of their vs multitrack recorders, those things were awesome.
What is the dynamic range?? Is the touchscreen so crappy how it looks in the vid or more?
Looking through the manual I can't see anything about how to punch in punch out automatically?
If this was half the width with a channel selector I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Does anybody know? Can you do all recording through headphones only, so no amplified noise can be heard by neighbours? How is the R20 on hiss/background noise? Thanks, in advance, if you can help me.
I was hoping you would talk about the loops and synth it has,so I’ve read anyway or am I wrong ?
We didn't get into those two aspects in this video unfortunately, but yes, the R20 have 120 loops built in and also built in synth sounds you can use by plugging in a MIDI keyboard!
Hello, I have a device of this model, but it stops recording after 45 minutes. Does anyone know what the problem is?
Nice Table
On video the screen doesn’t seem very responsive. Is that an accurate description
You know, I've looked at this and what could be happening is, these come with a protective plastic screen on them when they ship. I still have mine on. I wonder if they didn't peel it off?
The touchscreen is a very cool aspect. We wouldn't say it's very unresponsive, but you have to be deliberate when it comes to pressing it. Probably to avoid unwanted edits or selections. The plastic covering was still on there when we demo'd it, but don't think that was causing any issues.
Anyone using this in 2024? I've heard very mixed reviews, plagued with freezing and recording tracks disappearing..with the firmware having some updates, hopefully this is actually a working machine now.. would love to hear some stuff actually recorded with this thing..
Looking for something to record the audio for the live gigs I video. Currently intercepting signals direct from microphones or instruments - in to my audio interface - in to my laptop - DAW. Meanwhile output from interface goes on to the band's mixer and out to self powered PA speakers. So I'm thinking..since my goal is to take back home the separate dry audio tracks (that I recorded live on my laptop in my DAW), and mix those tracks and synch back to the video - why not just use a stand alone recorder like this that creates wave files and load them into my DAW once I get home so I can properly mix.The question is, does it record eight discrete tracks on to the SD card that can be loaded into my desktop computer DAW at home? Looks like if you use it as an interface it mixes the eight inputs down to four. And is there any compatibility issues between wave files and BWF's Thanks.
Pretty sure the R20 records the entire mix in one sound file to the SD card, not individual files split out on each track. It's a great idea you have here. Your current set-up sounds pretty tight and seems to work well for your application. If you wanted a recording and quick mix and export that same night, then the R20 could do that for you.
@@Pixelproaudio Well, I pulled the trigger on the Roland Studio Capture which I will use with an old HP laptop and Sony ACID. Yeah, I know, who uses ACID any more. It works and I know it. The fact that the Studio Capture interface is a ten year old design and still in production contributed to my decision. With 12 XLR ¼” combo inputs plus coax and trs for 16 tracks to record on DAW - and other design features like the independent channel selection of phantom power - I bought it. An 8 channel input box is just not quite enough to record a four piece ensemble if they all have vocal mics, instruments - keyboard stereo - that’s already nine. Throw in a drummer… Eight ¼ “ balanced outputs to go back in to the band’s mixer - let them keep their live mix. I’m just intercepting pristine, dry audio from the sources.
And...back it goes. I should have believed the bad reviews saying how noisy the Studio Capture is. Terrible buzz and hum. I don't get it
Can I import audio like a instrumental mp3 so I could sing on it
You can only save to the SD, not the other way. You could input your music into one of the inputs and then plug in a mic on the next track and record both at the same time.
Can you connect it to phone for video studio sound?
Can you loop a track? How?
Why not use all combo Jack's, what is up with the app 🤔
First at all thanks for the video, I have to agree with you, the R20 is a great piece if equipment, I purchased one about a month ago, and I am really happy with it, the only thing I don't like about this unit is that the effects cannot be set by channel, if you like to apply one of the effects to any channel that effect will be applied to all the channels, so there are ways to work around this limitation but will make the work flow more complicated, thanks for your video again....
You can get around it by printing the effect to the track then reuse the effect on the next thing and keep printing and reusing. Then use a reverb effect for the send effect for all channels. It explains how to use the effects in the manual.
@@philreid984 by printing im assuming you mean to freeze the track?
@@KyleYoung143 I'm not sure what freeze the track means 😄 Print to the track as I use it mean to run an instrument through an effect as it's being recorded. Guitar played through a chorus while it's recorded has the chorus effect permanently on the recorded track, no way to change it after the the fact. It's printed to the track.
Is that the same as freezing the track?
@@KyleYoung143 After I looked it up, yes I think that is the new school term, mine is old school tape talk 😄
Can you make de screen a little more smaller?
Does it still have the built in drum tracks?
No, it's a few drum loops in there and they are not programmable.
@@philreid984 🙄
@@LacunaComanche Yep :(
Still you could load your own loops in there. I got it more for live or multiple instrument to record so that wasn't an issue for me.
I bought it but I haven’t gotten comfortable with it yet.
I wish they would have made those faders motorized and gave us 32 channels
And 32bit recording please! Wth 😪it’s 2022
The obvious way to solve the 1/4" jack issue is to just record one or two tracks at a time on track 1-2, and just drag them over to the desired track afterwards.
Obviously this won't work for more than 2 instruments at once. But this board isn't really for that. It's clear it for the lone hobbyist home producer.
Besides, for guitar, you'd want those tracks for three hi-z functionality.
Move them later if you'd prefer those to be vocal tracks or something else that matches your preferences.
I have a drawer of those 1/4 to XLR transformer adaptors so that's not a problem at my house :)
Is it windows 10 compatible or not.???
It really depends on the software or DAW you are running it into as it doesn't need computer access to run on it's own. It only uses a computer to act as an audio interface with a DAW on the computer or transferring files back and forth to the computer and the R20 and someday in the future with a firmware update, a surface controller for a DAW running on a computer.
Does it have an inbuilt microphone?
No it does not.
Bluetooth speakers?
Is the power source built in?
It is an external power supply.
its nice
So how does this compared to soundcraft signature mtk in term of sound?
We haven't been able to A/B directly to compare, but generally the Soundcraft product would be above the Zoom in terms of quality. However, the functionality of either unit is different and therefore one might have better value to you based on what you are try to do.
the R20 is limited to a total number of 50 audio and rhythm regions, and 80 synth regions.
Another unfortunate problem is you can take one region and split it into two regions, but you cannot take two regions and join them into one. Very limiting
Seems like a half-way house. I prefer to use the R24 then finish off in a proper DAW.
does this have mastering tools?
No not necessarily, it has some dynamics adjustments, so if you wanted to master you song, it should be within your DAW.
Wish u had recorded something and playef
My name is Tay! Lol :)
Its nice but I keep telling everyone it dont loop I haven't. Seen one review that's showing people how to loop it if you can get it to loop I will buy it again i had one and sent it back for that said reason
It can loop. However, the screen is not very responsive. The app is not ready yet and it 100% requires the app to fully function. It cannot search. No folders. Everything has to be in the root of the SD Card. I would wait till firmware updates and the app is available. I returned mine. I was way more impressed with the R24. The R20 is essentially Acid Pro in a box but 50% functional without the app. No drum kits. Only loops. Don't be fooled by the FM synth - 18 presets and no way to edit them or add to them. 1 MIDI track only. Just not ready yet.
I'll stick with my R24 for now, which is superior in every way except for the screen size.
It's not just the size of the screen, it's the convenience of the touchscreen 😉
Seems like a child could operate that thing. Ease of use makes this one very attractive!
8 faders for sixteen tracks. How do you do that? SMH.
Im goanna ask a really stupid question because i am very very tech illiterate!.......but how do i hear what ive recorded?
Dont like the fact that you can only plug in 2 1/4" cables .....the rest being xlr only .....who's dumd idea was that?
What do you want to plug into it? The xlr connectors are mic inputs, not line level.
Too bad it’s only 44.1 kHz
The most stupid thing is that it does not have built in mics as it was with r8,16,24. That kills it. With the older ones I could just get the acoustic guitar and lay tracks in seconds without plugging anything ... what a downfall
399.00 , now I'm not interested , you did a great job , Zoom ?- they jacked the price to 449.00 ! does it have a kill switch for greed ? -lol ! Thanks