Reddit reviews Zoom R16 Multi-Track Tabletop Recorder, Interface, Controller, 8 XLR Combo Inputs, 16 Tracks, USB Audio Interface, Built In Stereo Condenser Microphones, 135 Built-In Effects
We found 9 Reddit comments about Zoom R16 Multi-Track Tabletop Recorder, Interface, Controller, 8 XLR Combo Inputs, 16 Tracks, USB Audio Interface, Built In Stereo Condenser Microphones, 135 Built-In Effects. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
16-channel playback, 8-channel simultaneous recording48V phantom power available on 2 tracksThe R16 comes preprogrammed with 135 types of digital effects for recording, mixing, and masteringRecords on up to 32GB SDHC cards for maximum recording timeEight balanced XLR-1/4-Inch combination inputs
I bought a Zoom R16 a few years ago, and that thing has been amazing. From recording practice sessions to jam sessions and being an interface, to being a mixer for karaoke night. It's probably the single most heavily used piece of gear I have.
Get a Zoom R16 or R24
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-R16-Multitrack-Controller-Interface/dp/B002I7TJNW/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1463886562&sr=1-1&keywords=zoom+r16
I like the Zoom-R16-Multitrack-Controller. Even better is the Zoom-R24-Multitrack-Controller.
Zoom R16 fits your description, needs and price.
The Zoom R16 is the best bang for your buck out there, in my opinion. It can record 8 tracks simultaneously and mix / playback up to 16 tracks total, be battery operated(!!), and is a full on standalone workstation. BUT - it also doubles as an interface & control surface for a DAW over USB.
It also has no moving parts - no hard drives or fans or anything. So it's fairly durable. I bought one like 8 years ago & have used it for everything from actual tracking & recording to soundboard for DJ stuff to open mic / karaoke nights. If you get one of these, you likely won't need another piece of recording gear for a long time.
It's bigger & slightly more expensive brother the R24 also has a built-in drum machine, but I never really missed that.
I mentioned this on another thread, but my band was in the same exact situation before. If you're in a budget, go for one of these (or both)
PreSonus FIREPOD Firewire Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061ZLWA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_26VqzbC1FH4GK
Zoom R16 Multitrack SD Recorder Controller and Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002I7TJNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L7VqzbJHX3PFY
I own 2 Zooms as well as the Firepod. The Zoom can take a memory card and be Daisy chained together with a USB cable. It's also possible to use both as interfaces simultaneously with some tinkering on your computers inputs (I do it on a Mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202000)
I've used all 3 at once to have 24 live tracks going into the computer to edit down later. If you treat your mixer more like a headphone amp, everyone in the band should be able to listen to themselves. If not, pick up this guy
Samson S-Amp 4-Channel Headphone Amp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ORPU2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_waWqzb9P4CDDS
I know what a budget is like so search eBay. The recorders go for under 200
Hey, just to suggest a possible option that is rarely mentioned here, I bought one of these for a podcaster friend that was having difficulties. He loves it.
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-R16-Multitrack-Controller-Interface/dp/B002I7TJNW/
Like I said, I own the H6 myself.
!
If you're looking to really get into it I would suggest getting a mixer with at least 6 inputs.
For my multiple, live, multi-microphone podcasts I run with the Zoom R16. It has 8 mic inputs and records (with an SD card) straight to the board. Its durable and the sound quality is great. Obviously with that you're looking at getting mics (from $30 to $70 range each are fine), XLR cables, mic stands and such ... and I don't what your budget is like.
Something like a QU16 or what not maybe of interest, as you get onboard multitrack recording along with full 16ch interface options. So, should the computer crap out, you have it on a USB stick on your QU16 and vice versa. Cost wise, they do compete quite nicely ($2000/MSRP) when stacked up against 10x Zoom H2s ($350/per). Of course, with the QU16, it's not quite portable.
Another thought: How about something like a Zoom R16? 8 CH with 2x On bard mic, does multitracking on board to a SD card, $400/MSRP, Portable. However, like other Zoom field recorders, needs a bit of training and babysitting (make sure that you manually reengage recording after 2 hour mark, etc).
Here's the device in question: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-R16-Multitrack-Controller-Interface/dp/B002I7TJNW/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1414339875&sr=1-2&keywords=R24+zoom
It runs off of 6xAA for about few hours, certainly enough for your band performance and judgment recording. It can also double as a interface, but can't record at once to SD card and to your PC.
If you don't need to record more than 8 channels at once, this is a compelling replacement to the fleet of Zoom H1s or H2s.