Really pleased to hear that Phil. There are some great instructional videos for the R8 on UA-cam and I'm glad you found mine useful. All the best, David 👍
You're very welcome. I've uploaded another video that covers exporting a master: ua-cam.com/video/cIMJe_dpiVU/v-deo.htmlsi=O-voVDLDwx5WclU8 Thanks for subscribing. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
David, you're a life saver! Or at least a money saver. I was thinking about recording in Audacity, or a DAW but what I really wanted was the modern day version of my old Tascam 4-track cassette deck, which sadly died. I'd seen a few reviews about the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 and thought that was probably my best bet but at £380 I was sure some of that cost was going on features I'd never use, like podcasting. Your review of the R8 was music to my ears, quite literally, not least because I've also got the Jd-Xi. I'm already enjoying watching your back catalogue of songs so please keep those coming! I also watching your recent video about getting the WAV files over to a PC and it answered my question 'are the individual track files kept separate', which I see they are. That's brilliant if I want to take them into a DAW or Audacity to do the mastering there. Not that I'm at that stage yet but I'm getting there. You're an inspiration and I'm delighted to be your 600th sub! 😃 All the best, David
Hi David, great to hear from you and thank you for being my 600th subscriber 👍. I started off with a Tascam DP-006 and you'll probably spot it in some of my earlier videos. It was a good start, but I soon outgrew its capabilities. I have a couple of other Zoom products and watched several reviews of the R8 before buying it. I wasn't disappointed! It has so many built in features, some I've still not tried yet 😉. I hope you enjoy using your R8 and get as much out of it as you want. All the best, David 😎🎶🎸👍
You're very welcome Dan, many thanks for commenting and subscribing to my channel 👍 I'm still discovering new things that this terrific little recorder can do and I'll definitely be making some more videos 😉 All the best, David 😎🎶👍
Dave very interesting video . Trureful bit over my head 🤣🤣🤯. But it looks very good fun and doing your own music. Keep all videos coming. Well done Dave. Take care Ben
Hi David, liked the persuaders' track, my fav, very nostalgic! Wish to ask you if you have found a better sound quality by panning the left and right inputs as you did, instead of switching on the stereo link, located in pan/eq. Thanks!
Hi Brian, thanks for getting in touch. I must admit that I've never tried the stereo link option, so I must give it a go and see if there is any noticeable difference. Glad you enjoyed the Persuaders theme, I love anything by John Barry and it's quite an easy one to play. All the best, David 🎶😎👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Many thanks! My Cubase LE 4 DAW allows only something called automation panning of a track which is essentially very unwieldy diddling with my cursor sliding an onscreen pan slider Left to Right etc while playing song and thus writing pan commands. I stop track, save and my automated pan is saved into mixdown. I know it seems picky but I prefer turning a knob with my fingers doing live panning like my olde Tascam DP-01FX allowed.🫠
I've carried out a quick test and can confirm that you are able to pan a track during the mastering process and it works well! All the best, David 🎸 🎹🎶
Hi Dave many thanks for your excellent video tutorial on the R8. I bought the JDXi after watching your fantastic videos on this brilliant little synth a few months ago. I was recovering from a spell in hospital with Covid at the time and I found working away on the JDXi really therapeutic, but I have always found music making so therapeutic anyway. Fully recovered now thankfully and I have just ordered the R8 and ans your video is very useful. I do have lots of other musical gear, but I like the minimalist set up of the JDXi and the Zoom and think they should work really well together. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and yes I am very much of the age to remember the excellent Persuaders from the early 70s, great piece of music by John Barry that and you have created a brilliant version, keep up the great work sir. My folks used to have an LP record which featured lots of detective themes and I always remember the picture of the Persuaders was on the front of it and that theme has always stuck in my head, brought back great memories.
Hi Nigel, many thanks for getting in touch, it has given me a real boost after having a few problems today! So glad that you're feeling better and I'm sure you'll enjoy using the R8 with your JD-Xi. All the very best, David 🎶👍
Many thanks for your comment. It doesn't look like it's possible to speed up voices on the R8. It will stretch an audio file, but it doesn't change the pitch of the sound. The JD-Xi keyboard that I use has a built-in vocoder that lets you alter a voice, pitch it up or pitch it down. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
Unfortunately I haven't had any experience with either of the items that you mentioned. The recording quality is very good in my opinion and the R8 does give you a lot for your money. I've still not tried some of its features! Many thanks for commenting, all the best David 🎹🎶👍
David, I wonder if you can help me? Is it possible to drop in a wav file into a track via a pc? I have many fully fledged backing tracks made through FL studio that i'd like to add acoustic instruments to. Dropping the wav to a track would allow lots of room for said overdubs. Any help appreciated!
Ian, as long as the file is in the correct format it should work. The R8 works best with 44.1, 16 bit mono or stereo files with a maximum of 8 character file name. Here is a link to a UA-cam video that I found, it'll show you how to do it. ua-cam.com/video/6trTaP9yHgI/v-deo.html
Hi I like your video on the r8 can you please tell me the settings on the recording are they on mic I'm rec with a mixer but I'm having spililge can you please help thanks
Hi Gino, thanks for your comment. I have both inputs set to MIC/LINE with both gain controls turned fully counter clockwise - to the LINE position. I too record via a mixing desk and find that these settings work very well for me. All the best, David 🎸🎹🎶👍
I saw your other video where you had various "master track" versions of one song. How do you record various versions and not overwrite the previous one ?
From my own experience I've found that the R8 will create a new project master track if you decide to make another. It increments the file number. The most recent master is the one that the R8 plays, but all the other versions are stored in the project folder. I'm not sure if this is explained any better in the manual. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
Hi, David, excellent review and demonstration! I just wanted to ask, besides portability, is there any real practicality or functionality to this device considering that you can just use an audio interface to record your instruments directly to a computer and use a DAW for multitrack recording and also have access to virtually unlimited sounds, samples, and plug-ins, plus easier workflow? And furthermore, that you would mix and master your tracks on a computer anyway. I love Zoom devices, I have used them for a decade now, and I still use my first H4n that I used in film school years back. But, I came upon this device as I was planning to purchase an H6 as an upgrade from my H4, to be used primarily to record music via line and mics. Also, if you had a MIDI keyboard, you wouldn't be able to pair it with this anyway as it doesn't have built-in piano/synth sounds, does it? I am interested in it, though, for the physical aspect and easier multitrack recording, especially that on the H devices, you have to press multiple buttons and scroll through menus just to adjust track gain, toggle channels, settings and effects etc. I also like the easy access to backing tracks and the fact that they are limited-that way, you can just get out of the way and play. I already have an audio interface and use FL Studio, but still mostly use my Zoom to record because I like being able to move away from my desk and just play. Incidentally, while I do not fully understand the mechanics behind it, I think recording to the Zoom rather than directly to my computer produces better sound in that it picks up less noise from the mics. It might be just my interface, though. I can tell you that I am fascinated with it, too, for I love this idea and tradition of the 8-track as a nod to the days of celluloid. I'm just wondering if it would be a better option to get this over the H6, which actually costs more. But to me, that extra cost means that while I will be using it primarily for music recording, it would also come in handy for my film and video projects-albeit I took a hiatus from that and wouldn't really need it for that purpose any time soon. So, I'm kind of torn now. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi Jack and thank you for the longest comment I have ever received! I had to power up my laptop to put this reply together. I've always been used to using standalone recording devices ever since I first used my dads reel to reel when I was a kid - I'm now 63! Over the years, I've used many different recorders from open reel to cassette porta studios. A few years ago I bought a Tascam DP-006 and really liked the quality of the digital recording together with the transport control of a standalone recording device. I soon found that I wanted more tracks and looked at what options were available. The Zoom R8 was available at a good price and I was impressed with the reviews I'd seen on UA-cam. I too have used a few Zoom products and have been very pleased with them and the R8 hasn't disappointed me. I have tried using a computer as a recorder but never had the same creative interaction as I've had with the standalone devices. So the only time I have to get my PC out is to transfer files when I'm putting videos together. I'm sorry but I haven't heard of the other devices you referred to, so I can't really comment. I find the work flow on the R8 extremely intuitive, from creating a project to mastering a track. The controls are a bit on the small, side as is the information display, so I tend to wear my reading glasses when I'm recording. Also the project automatically saves all the settings from the last time it was used. You mentioned Midi and I do use a sequencer to create music, but again it's standalone and not connected to a PC. When I'm recording I rely on the metronome running on the R8 and my own musical timing - I guess I'm just very old school 😉 Thank you very much for subscribing to my channel and I hope to make some more R8 videos soon. All the best, David 🎹🎸🎶👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Hey, David, good day to you, and thank you for the response! My, I appreciate you taking the time to write me from your computer; I do apologize for the length of my comment, I tend to ramble on-I just want to have as much information about a product before making a purchase; and a quick search will tell anyone that you are among the top experts on the R8 here on UA-cam. Sorry if I have inconvenienced you. But thank you for sharing your history with recording devices! May I say, wow, considering your track record, I'll trust your word on it. See, I am old school too, and that is actually the kind of recording experience I'm looking for! It should be so simple as a man with his music and his machine. These days it's more about "man vs. machine," though-so many programs, gadgets, gimmicks, it's easy to get lost in it sometimes, I do admit. But from all I've learned from your videos, it does seem like the R8 would be a practical thing for me. My only gripe with it, however, is that it only allows for two inputs and that you can't add your own samples/drum sounds. But it does ground you in a good way, I think. In that, you would have to be more creative and really commit to getting the best out of it. I like that. And hey, if I enjoy creating with it as much as you do, that'll be very fine by me! It does appear to be a very powerful workstation in and of itself, perhaps I've just been spoiled too much by the digital age. Again, thanks a lot for your help and keep up the good work-I've loved watching your videos! You know, some of your playing reminded me of The Doors' music! Will look forward to seeing more of your projects. My best wishes, Jack 🎶
@@MayhemJack Hello Jack it's good to hear back from you and please don't think you're inconveniencing me, I love to get comments and questions. I'll always do my best to answer where I can. I do hope that you will enjoy using the R8 if you decide to buy one. I've just had a session this morning, trying to learn another Pink Floyd track. Making some rough backing tracks to play along to before attempting a complete track. The R8 is great for doing this. Once again, I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you in the future. Cheers, David 🎸🎶👍
Just discovered your stuff! Thanks for all your videos on the R8! I’ve had mine for a few years now and love to use it. Unfortunately a few days ago the headphone output stopped working and I don’t know why (I have had it for years, but also my two year old was messing with it two days ago). If you were in my shoes, would you simply begin using either the left or right output to replace the headphones? (I don’t have funds to buy another one…
Glad you found my channel and you're very welcome 👍 Sorry to hear that the headphone output has stopped working on your R8. If you've exhausted all possibilities, then I would take the output from the stereo out and run it into a small amplifier. You could then use its headphone output or its speaker output. Thanks for commenting and I wish you all the best, David 🎶🎸👍
hi david been watching your channel for some time now and just subscribed as i think it is very good .i did a version of hard times on my roland fa 06 witch is simalar to the jd xi witch tuned out very good .i also thinking of buying the zoom r8 . also can you show us how u re cerated the persuaders theme as i like that and im sure others will to . chears mark .
Hi Mark, thank you so much for subscribing to my channel, it's very much appreciated 👍. I wondered if anyone would be interested in The Persuaders theme? It's a great little piece and I'll certainly do a breakdown of it for you ☺️. I'm not really into computer recording and really like the 'hands-on' feel of the R8. It can do an awful lot more than I use it for. Let me know if you decide to get one☺️ All the best, David 😎🎶👍
You can't delete a track Ryan. You can only delete the entire project. However, you can remove the wav file reference from a specific track. To do this press the track button and select the track you want. Select TAKE press enter, select FILE press enter. Then scroll through the available project WAV files until you find NEW TAKE. Press enter. That's the only way you can do it as far as I can see 👍 All the best, David 👍
Hi David, Great demo, thanks very much 👍 I was wondering if you could take an existing backing track on the PC and transfer it to the R8 so that other tracks could be added to the backing track on the R8? Do you know if that's possible? Thanks again.
Hi Jeremy, if the backing track is in the correct format you could import it into a project. Or even simpler, play the file on the PC and record it into the R8. I've done this with backing tracks from UA-cam and it works well. Many thanks for your comment. All the best, David 🎶👍
I'm a bit puzzled why you set up a 4 beat count-in, when the phrase is clearly in 6/4. I'm fairly certain that the R8 is able to have its metronome count 6 beats to the bar.
Please tell me how to actually (record) as part of the track, an 8 count click? I noticed it gives you the click when you record, but then when you listen back to the the track, it just starts cold from the beginning. I want a recording with the click as permanent in the intro. Help! Thanks....
I've never done this, but I'm guessing that you need to create a simple drum track for an 8 beat intro that would become the intro to your track. Sorry I can't help you more than that👍
I've used the mastering insert effects on quite a few of my tracks. They can be a bit severe. I believe that you can edit them, but I've never tried... Yet 😉
I'll be completely honest and say that I don't know. However, I will have a look through the manual to see if there are any references to your question. All the best, David 👍
What is a ZDT File please ? The Memory Card we used in our R8 Zoom recorder displays this as being unable to be opened. There are various pieces of inforamtion on the Card , which we assume have been recorded when we were practicing, to record. STuck Please help if you can Norman
I don't see why not? All of my keyboards, guitar and sampler are connected to my R8 via a mixing desk. The R8 has balanced/unbalanced stereo inputs that can be adjusted between microphone and line levels. The input connections are XLR or quarter inch jack. The output connections are a pair of quarter inch jack and one stereo quarter inch for headphones. Hope that helps 😉 All the best, David 👍
Shouldn't the level still be turned up until the red light starts to blink? It seems like you're having to push your mixer so loud that it's starting to distort.
The levels on my desk aren't that high. The electric piano sound is deliberately distorted. I try to avoid getting the clipping lights to come on. I got the idea of leaving the input controls at the 'Line' position after watching another UA-cam video and it seems to work ok 😉 I'm always happy to experiment and certainly not advocating that it must be done this way. Thanks for your thoughts 👍 all the best, David 🎶👍
Please can anyone help ? We have just bought an R8 attemmpted to record something, but our PC can't open the content of the Memory Card message says '' File SEQ extension '' and windows player won't open it ? Non of our options can open the files on the Memory Card . STuck thanks Norman
Just a suggestion. When shooting a tutorial video, try to capture the subject at the same basic angle the user would be viewing the subject. I never, ever look at my R8 from the angle you shot this video from, and it was difficult to see what you were doing as a result. Especially the view screen, which is kind of important.
@songslinger1 I understand exactly what you mean. Unfortunately with the basic camera equipment I own, this is about the best compromise between using and viewing that I could achieve. The camera is mounted on a mini tripod behind the R8 and is switched to upside down mode. I'll take your comments on board when I make another video. All the best, David 🎸🎹🎶👍
Hi Ed, many thanks for commenting on my video. I bought the R8 to replace a Tascam DP006. It was a great introduction into home recording for me, but I realized that I needed more tracks. I did look at the DP008, but for price and features I went with the Zoom R8. I wasn't disappointed, it's a great piece of equipment and fitted well into my set-up. All the best, David 🎶🎹👍
Hi David, another interesting video, you convinced me to purchase the JD-Xi after subscribing and watching your videos, so thank you for that. I tried to record for my own curiosity which was via my iPad. The sound quality was dreadful and I’m now considering something like the R8. Can I ask, do you get software (DAW) to manage the recordings on a computer with the R8? Secondly is it necessary to have a stand alone mixer or is that personal choice. I’m just thinking about what I’d need to reproduce videos of similar quality to yours. I know that you also use a decent video camera for the visual side of things. That’s also on my shopping list! Keep up the good work.
Hi Andy, nice to hear from you and glad you're enjoying your JD-Xi. I think you'll like the R8 and yes it does come with some free software (via a download) which lets you use the R8 as a DAW controller. I've never tried it myself. I find it useful to have a mixer as I have several audio sources that I may want to record. But you definitely don't need one. You could connect the output of the JD-Xi directly into the inputs of the R8 and that would work fine. My camera is a Zoom Q8 which benefits from a built in 4 channel audio mixer. I was looking for ages to find a good camera with direct audio inputs at a reasonable price and this one popped up on Facebook marketplace. I'd never heard of it before, but after doing a bit of research on it, I realised that it would do everything I wanted and more! Very pleased with the Q8's audio capabilities. It doesn't get good reviews for its video quality, but it does what I need and its build quality is pretty good. All the best Andy, keep in touch 👍
I own a Zoom R8 and today I have decided to make some cleaning and so I have deleted the whole content of the PROJECT folder of the SD card, and thus I have discovered that the R8 can't be used anymore! It just shows "No project" and it won't let you create a new one. It does not automatically create a new default project when you turn it on again. This is crazy. Would you please upload a project file here, so that I can bring my R8 to life again? Just any project file... I see that other people on the net have had this awful issue and they have remained with no answer. If there is anyone who would like to spend 5 minutes to upload a R8 project file, that would be of great help to all those who have made such a stupid (but unpredictable) mistake like me...
![[Eng Sub] ZOOM R12 multi-track recording](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5sN4RpsQYx0/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Eng Sub] ZOOM R12 multi-track recording](/img/tr.png)
I learned more from your video in 5 min then I have anywhere else!
Really pleased to hear that Phil. There are some great instructional videos for the R8 on UA-cam and I'm glad you found mine useful. All the best, David 👍
Thanks for the bit about what I call exporting a file , master recording at 16:00 👍👍 subscribed!
You're very welcome. I've uploaded another video that covers exporting a master: ua-cam.com/video/cIMJe_dpiVU/v-deo.htmlsi=O-voVDLDwx5WclU8
Thanks for subscribing. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
David, you're a life saver! Or at least a money saver. I was thinking about recording in Audacity, or a DAW but what I really wanted was the modern day version of my old Tascam 4-track cassette deck, which sadly died. I'd seen a few reviews about the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 and thought that was probably my best bet but at £380 I was sure some of that cost was going on features I'd never use, like podcasting. Your review of the R8 was music to my ears, quite literally, not least because I've also got the Jd-Xi. I'm already enjoying watching your back catalogue of songs so please keep those coming! I also watching your recent video about getting the WAV files over to a PC and it answered my question 'are the individual track files kept separate', which I see they are. That's brilliant if I want to take them into a DAW or Audacity to do the mastering there. Not that I'm at that stage yet but I'm getting there. You're an inspiration and I'm delighted to be your 600th sub! 😃 All the best, David
Hi David, great to hear from you and thank you for being my 600th subscriber 👍. I started off with a Tascam DP-006 and you'll probably spot it in some of my earlier videos. It was a good start, but I soon outgrew its capabilities. I have a couple of other Zoom products and watched several reviews of the R8 before buying it. I wasn't disappointed! It has so many built in features, some I've still not tried yet 😉. I hope you enjoy using your R8 and get as much out of it as you want. All the best, David 😎🎶🎸👍
Great video! Just purchased the Zoom R8 and would love to see more of your videos on the R8. Thanks Dave!
You're very welcome Dan, many thanks for commenting and subscribing to my channel 👍 I'm still discovering new things that this terrific little recorder can do and I'll definitely be making some more videos 😉 All the best, David 😎🎶👍
Dave very interesting video . Trureful bit over my head 🤣🤣🤯. But it looks very good fun and doing your own music. Keep all videos coming. Well done Dave.
Take care Ben
Many thanks for commenting Ben👍
Loved the track also!
Glad you enjoyed it, all the best, David 🎹🎶👍
Hi David, liked the persuaders' track, my fav, very nostalgic! Wish to ask you if you have found a better sound quality by panning the left and right inputs as you did, instead of switching on the stereo link, located in pan/eq. Thanks!
Hi Brian, thanks for getting in touch. I must admit that I've never tried the stereo link option, so I must give it a go and see if there is any noticeable difference. Glad you enjoyed the Persuaders theme, I love anything by John Barry and it's quite an easy one to play. All the best, David 🎶😎👍
Quick question: does this unit allow live panning of a track during final mixdown to the master file? Thanks.
I believe you can as I know you can adjust reverb/delay during a final mixdown. But I will give your question a try and get back to you 👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Many thanks! My Cubase LE 4 DAW allows only something called automation panning of a track which is essentially very unwieldy diddling with my cursor sliding an onscreen pan slider Left to Right etc while playing song and thus writing pan commands. I stop track, save and my automated pan is saved into mixdown. I know it seems picky but I prefer turning a knob with my fingers doing live panning like my olde Tascam DP-01FX allowed.🫠
I've carried out a quick test and can confirm that you are able to pan a track during the mastering process and it works well! All the best, David 🎸 🎹🎶
@@DavidGordonJDXi Many thanks.
Hi Dave many thanks for your excellent video tutorial on the R8. I bought the JDXi after watching your fantastic videos on this brilliant little synth a few months ago. I was recovering from a spell in hospital with Covid at the time and I found working away on the JDXi really therapeutic, but I have always found music making so therapeutic anyway. Fully recovered now thankfully and I have just ordered the R8 and ans your video is very useful. I do have lots of other musical gear, but I like the minimalist set up of the JDXi and the Zoom and think they should work really well together. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and yes I am very much of the age to remember the excellent Persuaders from the early 70s, great piece of music by John Barry that and you have created a brilliant version, keep up the great work sir. My folks used to have an LP record which featured lots of detective themes and I always remember the picture of the Persuaders was on the front of it and that theme has always stuck in my head, brought back great memories.
Hi Nigel, many thanks for getting in touch, it has given me a real boost after having a few problems today! So glad that you're feeling better and I'm sure you'll enjoy using the R8 with your JD-Xi. All the very best, David 🎶👍
Very good Sir!
Thank you 🎹🎶👍
Great video. Is it possible to play with the speed to make a voice like Chipmunk voice?
Many thanks for your comment. It doesn't look like it's possible to speed up voices on the R8. It will stretch an audio file, but it doesn't change the pitch of the sound. The JD-Xi keyboard that I use has a built-in vocoder that lets you alter a voice, pitch it up or pitch it down. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
Thank you very much
Good review. How would you compare the quality of the recordings with audio interfaces like Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2 y you know them.
Unfortunately I haven't had any experience with either of the items that you mentioned. The recording quality is very good in my opinion and the R8 does give you a lot for your money. I've still not tried some of its features! Many thanks for commenting, all the best David 🎹🎶👍
Very helpful video. Been contemplating getting one of these as at the moment have a Tascam 4 track and need an upgrade
That's a coincidence! I used to use a Tascam and made several recordings with it, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Zoom R8
Thank you for this video
You're very welcome 🎶👍
David, I wonder if you can help me? Is it possible to drop in a wav file into a track via a pc? I have many fully fledged backing tracks made through FL studio that i'd like to add acoustic instruments to. Dropping the wav to a track would allow lots of room for said overdubs. Any help appreciated!
Ian, as long as the file is in the correct format it should work. The R8 works best with 44.1, 16 bit mono or stereo files with a maximum of 8 character file name. Here is a link to a UA-cam video that I found, it'll show you how to do it.
ua-cam.com/video/6trTaP9yHgI/v-deo.html
@@DavidGordonJDXi David thanks so much for the quick response, much appreciated. I'll take a look at your linked video. Take care!
You're very welcome. All the best, David 🎶👍
Hi I like your video on the r8 can you please tell me the settings on the recording are they on mic I'm rec with a mixer but I'm having spililge can you please help thanks
Hi Gino, thanks for your comment. I have both inputs set to MIC/LINE with both gain controls turned fully counter clockwise - to the LINE position. I too record via a mixing desk and find that these settings work very well for me. All the best, David 🎸🎹🎶👍
I saw your other video where you had various "master track" versions of one song. How do you record various versions and not overwrite the previous one ?
From my own experience I've found that the R8 will create a new project master track if you decide to make another. It increments the file number. The most recent master is the one that the R8 plays, but all the other versions are stored in the project folder. I'm not sure if this is explained any better in the manual. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
Hi, David, excellent review and demonstration! I just wanted to ask, besides portability, is there any real practicality or functionality to this device considering that you can just use an audio interface to record your instruments directly to a computer and use a DAW for multitrack recording and also have access to virtually unlimited sounds, samples, and plug-ins, plus easier workflow? And furthermore, that you would mix and master your tracks on a computer anyway.
I love Zoom devices, I have used them for a decade now, and I still use my first H4n that I used in film school years back. But, I came upon this device as I was planning to purchase an H6 as an upgrade from my H4, to be used primarily to record music via line and mics.
Also, if you had a MIDI keyboard, you wouldn't be able to pair it with this anyway as it doesn't have built-in piano/synth sounds, does it? I am interested in it, though, for the physical aspect and easier multitrack recording, especially that on the H devices, you have to press multiple buttons and scroll through menus just to adjust track gain, toggle channels, settings and effects etc. I also like the easy access to backing tracks and the fact that they are limited-that way, you can just get out of the way and play.
I already have an audio interface and use FL Studio, but still mostly use my Zoom to record because I like being able to move away from my desk and just play. Incidentally, while I do not fully understand the mechanics behind it, I think recording to the Zoom rather than directly to my computer produces better sound in that it picks up less noise from the mics. It might be just my interface, though.
I can tell you that I am fascinated with it, too, for I love this idea and tradition of the 8-track as a nod to the days of celluloid. I'm just wondering if it would be a better option to get this over the H6, which actually costs more. But to me, that extra cost means that while I will be using it primarily for music recording, it would also come in handy for my film and video projects-albeit I took a hiatus from that and wouldn't really need it for that purpose any time soon. So, I'm kind of torn now. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!
Hi Jack and thank you for the longest comment I have ever received! I had to power up my laptop to put this reply together.
I've always been used to using standalone recording devices ever since I first used my dads reel to reel when I was a kid - I'm now 63! Over the years, I've used many different recorders from open reel to cassette porta studios. A few years ago I bought a Tascam DP-006 and really liked the quality of the digital recording together with the transport control of a standalone recording device. I soon found that I wanted more tracks and looked at what options were available. The Zoom R8 was available at a good price and I was impressed with the reviews I'd seen on UA-cam. I too have used a few Zoom products and have been very pleased with them and the R8 hasn't disappointed me.
I have tried using a computer as a recorder but never had the same creative interaction as I've had with the standalone devices. So the only time I have to get my PC out is to transfer files when I'm putting videos together.
I'm sorry but I haven't heard of the other devices you referred to, so I can't really comment.
I find the work flow on the R8 extremely intuitive, from creating a project to mastering a track. The controls are a bit on the small, side as is the information display, so I tend to wear my reading glasses when I'm recording. Also the project automatically saves all the settings from the last time it was used.
You mentioned Midi and I do use a sequencer to create music, but again it's standalone and not connected to a PC. When I'm recording I rely on the metronome running on the R8 and my own musical timing - I guess I'm just very old school 😉
Thank you very much for subscribing to my channel and I hope to make some more R8 videos soon.
All the best, David 🎹🎸🎶👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Hey, David, good day to you, and thank you for the response! My, I appreciate you taking the time to write me from your computer; I do apologize for the length of my comment, I tend to ramble on-I just want to have as much information about a product before making a purchase; and a quick search will tell anyone that you are among the top experts on the R8 here on UA-cam. Sorry if I have inconvenienced you.
But thank you for sharing your history with recording devices! May I say, wow, considering your track record, I'll trust your word on it. See, I am old school too, and that is actually the kind of recording experience I'm looking for! It should be so simple as a man with his music and his machine. These days it's more about "man vs. machine," though-so many programs, gadgets, gimmicks, it's easy to get lost in it sometimes, I do admit.
But from all I've learned from your videos, it does seem like the R8 would be a practical thing for me. My only gripe with it, however, is that it only allows for two inputs and that you can't add your own samples/drum sounds. But it does ground you in a good way, I think. In that, you would have to be more creative and really commit to getting the best out of it. I like that.
And hey, if I enjoy creating with it as much as you do, that'll be very fine by me! It does appear to be a very powerful workstation in and of itself, perhaps I've just been spoiled too much by the digital age. Again, thanks a lot for your help and keep up the good work-I've loved watching your videos! You know, some of your playing reminded me of The Doors' music!
Will look forward to seeing more of your projects. My best wishes,
Jack 🎶
@@MayhemJack Hello Jack it's good to hear back from you and please don't think you're inconveniencing me, I love to get comments and questions. I'll always do my best to answer where I can.
I do hope that you will enjoy using the R8 if you decide to buy one. I've just had a session this morning, trying to learn another Pink Floyd track. Making some rough backing tracks to play along to before attempting a complete track. The R8 is great for doing this.
Once again, I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you in the future. Cheers, David 🎸🎶👍
Just discovered your stuff! Thanks for all your videos on the R8!
I’ve had mine for a few years now and love to use it. Unfortunately a few days ago the headphone output stopped working and I don’t know why (I have had it for years, but also my two year old was messing with it two days ago). If you were in my shoes, would you simply begin using either the left or right output to replace the headphones? (I don’t have funds to buy another one…
Glad you found my channel and you're very welcome 👍
Sorry to hear that the headphone output has stopped working on your R8. If you've exhausted all possibilities, then I would take the output from the stereo out and run it into a small amplifier. You could then use its headphone output or its speaker output.
Thanks for commenting and I wish you all the best, David 🎶🎸👍
Check output for objects and never let kids touch your gear.
Only just seen this comment, hope you managed to get it sorted
hi david been watching your channel for some time now and just subscribed as i think it is very good .i did a version of hard times on my roland fa 06 witch is simalar to the jd xi witch tuned out very good .i also thinking of buying the zoom r8 . also can you show us how u re cerated the persuaders theme as i like that and im sure others will to . chears mark .
Hi Mark, thank you so much for subscribing to my channel, it's very much appreciated 👍. I wondered if anyone would be interested in The Persuaders theme? It's a great little piece and I'll certainly do a breakdown of it for you ☺️. I'm not really into computer recording and really like the 'hands-on' feel of the R8. It can do an awful lot more than I use it for. Let me know if you decide to get one☺️
All the best, David 😎🎶👍
What’s the easiest way to completely delete an entire track? I can’t seem to figure that out
You can't delete a track Ryan. You can only delete the entire project. However, you can remove the wav file reference from a specific track. To do this press the track button and select the track you want. Select TAKE press enter, select FILE press enter. Then scroll through the available project WAV files until you find NEW TAKE. Press enter.
That's the only way you can do it as far as I can see 👍
All the best, David 👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi awesome thanks! I will give it a try
Hi David, Great demo, thanks very much 👍 I was wondering if you could take an existing backing track on the PC and transfer it to the R8 so that other tracks could be added to the backing track on the R8? Do you know if that's possible? Thanks again.
Hi Jeremy, if the backing track is in the correct format you could import it into a project. Or even simpler, play the file on the PC and record it into the R8. I've done this with backing tracks from UA-cam and it works well. Many thanks for your comment. All the best, David 🎶👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Thanks David, that's useful to know. Seems like it might just be what I am looking for.
I'm a bit puzzled why you set up a 4 beat count-in, when the phrase is clearly in 6/4. I'm fairly certain that the R8 is able to have its metronome count 6 beats to the bar.
Lack of knowledge on my part I guess, but even set to the wrong beat the count in still helped me. I'm learning all the time 😉
Please tell me how to actually (record) as part of the track, an 8 count click? I noticed it gives you the click when you record, but then when you listen back to the the track, it just starts cold from the beginning. I want a recording with the click as permanent in the intro. Help! Thanks....
I've never done this, but I'm guessing that you need to create a simple drum track for an 8 beat intro that would become the intro to your track. Sorry I can't help you more than that👍
Hi man, are the mastering effects (compressor/limiter) usable?
I've used the mastering insert effects on quite a few of my tracks. They can be a bit severe. I believe that you can edit them, but I've never tried... Yet 😉
@@DavidGordonJDXi I'm an edm producer, i need some sidechain compression on master channel, is there something similar on the Zoom?
I'll be completely honest and say that I don't know. However, I will have a look through the manual to see if there are any references to your question. All the best, David 👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi Thanks, i appreciate it so much!
What is a ZDT File please ? The Memory Card we used in our R8 Zoom recorder displays this as being unable to be opened. There are various pieces of inforamtion on the Card , which we assume have been recorded when we were practicing, to record. STuck Please help if you can Norman
To get a PC to see the contents of the SD card you need to follow the procedure that I show in this video
ua-cam.com/video/cIMJe_dpiVU/v-deo.html
Can I plug up my turntables and Dj mixer to it?
I don't see why not? All of my keyboards, guitar and sampler are connected to my R8 via a mixing desk. The R8 has balanced/unbalanced stereo inputs that can be adjusted between microphone and line levels. The input connections are XLR or quarter inch jack. The output connections are a pair of quarter inch jack and one stereo quarter inch for headphones. Hope that helps 😉 All the best, David 👍
@@DavidGordonJDXi just got mines in the mail what sd card would be best for this mixer?
I use a 32GB SD card in my R8👍 I hope you enjoy using your new R8 🎶👍
So in my case if I mess up on a mix how do I delete the whole thing?
Go to projects and select DELETE
Brilliant. Can you please do a STEP RECORDING video?
Thank you 👍 I uploaded a tutorial for this track on Wednesday
ua-cam.com/video/5Jw2MzZcGX0/v-deo.html
Shouldn't the level still be turned up until the red light starts to blink? It seems like you're having to push your mixer so loud that it's starting to distort.
The levels on my desk aren't that high. The electric piano sound is deliberately distorted. I try to avoid getting the clipping lights to come on. I got the idea of leaving the input controls at the 'Line' position after watching another UA-cam video and it seems to work ok 😉 I'm always happy to experiment and certainly not advocating that it must be done this way. Thanks for your thoughts 👍 all the best, David 🎶👍
Please can anyone help ? We have just bought an R8 attemmpted to record something, but our PC can't open the content of the Memory Card message says '' File SEQ extension '' and windows player won't open it ? Non of our options can open the files on the Memory Card . STuck thanks Norman
Did you get it sorted?
Insert sd card
Just a suggestion. When shooting a tutorial video, try to capture the subject at the same basic angle the user would be viewing the subject. I never, ever look at my R8 from the angle you shot this video from, and it was difficult to see what you were doing as a result. Especially the view screen, which is kind of important.
@songslinger1 I understand exactly what you mean. Unfortunately with the basic camera equipment I own, this is about the best compromise between using and viewing that I could achieve. The camera is mounted on a mini tripod behind the R8 and is switched to upside down mode. I'll take your comments on board when I make another video. All the best, David 🎸🎹🎶👍
Hi Dave, and thanks for the video. Very useful.
I’m torn between the R8 and the Tascam DP008ex Are you familiar with that machine?
Hi Ed, many thanks for commenting on my video. I bought the R8 to replace a Tascam DP006. It was a great introduction into home recording for me, but I realized that I needed more tracks. I did look at the DP008, but for price and features I went with the Zoom R8. I wasn't disappointed, it's a great piece of equipment and fitted well into my set-up. All the best, David 🎶🎹👍
Hi David, another interesting video, you convinced me to purchase the JD-Xi after subscribing and watching your videos, so thank you for that. I tried to record for my own curiosity which was via my iPad. The sound quality was dreadful and I’m now considering something like the R8. Can I ask, do you get software (DAW) to manage the recordings on a computer with the R8? Secondly is it necessary to have a stand alone mixer or is that personal choice. I’m just thinking about what I’d need to reproduce videos of similar quality to yours. I know that you also use a decent video camera for the visual side of things. That’s also on my shopping list! Keep up the good work.
Hi Andy, nice to hear from you and glad you're enjoying your JD-Xi. I think you'll like the R8 and yes it does come with some free software (via a download) which lets you use the R8 as a DAW controller. I've never tried it myself. I find it useful to have a mixer as I have several audio sources that I may want to record. But you definitely don't need one. You could connect the output of the JD-Xi directly into the inputs of the R8 and that would work fine. My camera is a Zoom Q8 which benefits from a built in 4 channel audio mixer. I was looking for ages to find a good camera with direct audio inputs at a reasonable price and this one popped up on Facebook marketplace. I'd never heard of it before, but after doing a bit of research on it, I realised that it would do everything I wanted and more! Very pleased with the Q8's audio capabilities. It doesn't get good reviews for its video quality, but it does what I need and its build quality is pretty good. All the best Andy, keep in touch 👍
Thanks David, my credit card is burning a hole in my pocket! I’ll let you know how I get on.
I own a Zoom R8 and today I have decided to make some cleaning and so I have deleted the whole content of the PROJECT folder of the SD card, and thus I have discovered that the R8 can't be used anymore! It just shows "No project" and it won't let you create a new one. It does not automatically create a new default project when you turn it on again. This is crazy.
Would you please upload a project file here, so that I can bring my R8 to life again? Just any project file... I see that other people on the net have had this awful issue and they have remained with no answer.
If there is anyone who would like to spend 5 minutes to upload a R8 project file, that would be of great help to all those who have made such a stupid (but unpredictable) mistake like me...
How did you delete all the projects? You may need to format the SD card or try a new one
Just reformat the sd card on the r8
💪👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
🎸🎹🎶👍
The Persuaders theme
Hi David thanks for the tutorial for the r8 recording I got I bought it and I couldn't start, yes have you got any more videos about it thanks 👍🎼
Hi Gino, there are a few more R8 videos on my UA-cam channel. Hope you find them useful. All the best, David 🎹🎶👍
To much to do. U need 4 imports so u can put threw drums bass guitar & vocals all in one go.
It works for me!
You need the r16. 8 inputs