Zoom R16 Multitrack Recorder, Audio Interface & Controller Review

I've been recording music for many years, but I'm hardly what you would call an expert. I know what I'm looking for, but I don't have a lot of the technical vocabulary which music technology journalists use when they do write-ups.

This is a layman's technology review, but with over ten years of home and studio recording experience I do feel roughly qualified to size up this piece of kit. If you want more technical descriptions of its abilities then check out the links at the end of the hub.

The main advantage of using the Zoom R16 over many other audio interface is that it operates all alone. Many audio interfaces are either required to be connected to a computer running relevant multitrack recording software or have an over-the-top built-in hard drive. I love the fact I don't need to take my laptop to the studio anymore - all the tracks will be recording onto a memory card which sits inside the device. I can then insert this memory card into the computer or connect the Zoom by USB and download the individual .WAV files to mix and master. It means no more laptop whirring away in the corner of a room and no more waiting for Windows to load.

You can record sixteen tracks, eight at a time, with jack and xlr inputs for each channel. Phantom power is provided on one channel, and two of the channels can be internal mics. Some fairly decent condensers actually. The functionality is a bit limited, unsurprising considering the primitive and tiny digital display - but it is easy enough to do all the essentials. There are some built-in effects but personally I wouldn't even attempt to mix down anything on the Zoom itself, as it's slightly fiddly.

The faders are nice, it has all the mute and solo features you would expect. You can set markers on the track to prevent extensive re-winding, there are headphone and stereo jack outputs with individual volume controls. The input volumes are easy to control and it's easy to manage different songs and projects on the memory card.

As I prefaced, I'm not an expert, but I can't recommend this thing enough. It's so much easier than using an interface and a computer and keeps the recording process simple.