Zoom MRS-8 MultiTrak Recording Studio

[xLowEndx]

Hi everyone This is my first post on this forum and figured it would be a decent first question:

Has anyone had any luck with this zoom recorder? I bought it a few years ago and never used it because it just seemed difficult. Can anyone give me any insight?

[peterwsmith]

I'm in the same boat. Subscribed.

[xLowEndx]

Originally Posted by peterwsmith

I'm in the same boat. Subscribed.

Have you found any software to convert the files from the recorder to your computer? This is another dilemma.

[Nedmundo]

I bought one about five years ago. I agree it's not the most user-friendly device, but while I'm sure it could be improved, some of this is inevitable when you cram so many features in such a small unit. It just takes time, and lots of focus on the owner's manual, which I need to open almost every time I use the thing.

But once you get the basics down, it's pretty easy to do the basic stuff: recording tracks, panning in the stereo field, adjusting levels, selecting rhythms, etc. I use it mostly for experimenting with things like arrangement ideas, or as an audio "sketch pad" to preserve ideas, so this is enough for me. The unit can do much more than that, but I have neither the need nor the patience, and bandmates have always had better recording gear for more serious endeavors. I think the recordings sound really good, even guitars recorded direct.

Zoom might have software for download that will allow you to upload tracks into your computer, but you'll need an SD card reader because the unit doesn't have a USB or Firewire output. At least mine doesn't; maybe that's changed.

So, to get tracks into my computer, I record them onto Hi-MD MiniDisc, and upload using Sony's Sonic Stage software. I can't edit or mix this way. I'm stuck with whatever mix goes into the MD recorder, but it's really easy, and the Sonic Stage automatically converts the files into WAV format for easy CD burning.

[peterwsmith]

Originally Posted by xLowEndx

Have you found any software to convert the files from the recorder to your computer? This is another dilemma.

I haven't looked into that. My plans with it were kinda the same as Nedmundo's: use it as a song sketch pad to try out ideas. So far though, every time I sit down to use it, I get overwhelmed and walk away.

[MoBeach]

I own one but haven't used it since getting a Korg D3200. Like anything else you have to read the manual, the Zoom is pretty easy once you get used to the sequences. Just put some time into learning the sequence.

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by MoBeach

I own one but haven't used it since getting a Korg D3200.

Good call. The lead guitarist in my band recently bought the Korg, and it's an awesome unit. I think it sounds fantastic, and I wouldn't mind replacing my Zoom with a smaller version of the Korg. Thing is, I also have a nice Mackie analog mixer, so I should probably just use that with a Firewire interface.

[ack]

I also got pretty frustrated with the computer interface on the MRS, so I broke down and got a Zoom H4n. It's an awesome piece of recording fun.

[xLowEndx]

Thanks for the input everyone. The H4n does seem pretty sweet but I'm gonna stick with this and hope I get the hang of it.

Thanks again.

[MoBeach]

What I like about it is you can plug the whole band into it and record live, then send the aux outs to the mixing board for the out front mix.


The Zoom is a good starting 8 track, they're priced right.

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

Good call. The lead guitarist in my band recently bought the Korg, and it's an awesome unit. I think it sounds fantastic, and I wouldn't mind replacing my Zoom with a smaller version of the Korg. Thing is, I also have a nice Mackie analog mixer, so I should probably just use that with a Firewire interface.