Zoom R12 Multi Track Portable Recorder, with Touchscreen, Onboard Editing, 8 Tracks, 2 Combo Inputs, Effects, Synth, Drum Loops, Battery Powered, and USB Audio Interface

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The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. You want to grab a real fader, one that always controls the same thing and shows its current state just by its location.

R12 Support | ZOOM R12 Support | ZOOM

The faders have a short throw and feel slightly wobbly, although they’re precise enough in their operation. Then again, I see this more as a tool for live recording, not for capturing tracks from sequencers and drum machines.There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Connect a MIDI keyboard via the USB-C port and you can play the R12’s onboard FM synthesizer which offers eight-voice polyphony, 18 different synth sounds and one PCM drum kit. For quick editing, the little touchscreen is fine, but if you want to go deep, you'll probably want to transfer all those recordings to a DAW. With just two inputs to play with, the typical approach with the R12 is the classic method of layering and overdubbing instruments on top of each other one or two at a time (the eight-input R20 is Zoom’s option for those who want to record a full band in one live take). In addition to the compressor effect on the two input channels, all eight playback channels have a pan control and 3-band EQ.

Zoom - R12 Multitrack Recorder LN129688 - 10010297 | SCAN UK Zoom - R12 Multitrack Recorder LN129688 - 10010297 | SCAN UK

In addition, the R12 features an internal synthesizer with 18 sounds +1 drum kit, playable via a MIDI keyboard connected via USB-C. For this, the R12 has two inputs, for mono microphones or guitars, or stereo samplers, drum machines, synths, mixers, etc. Great audio quality, surprisingly solid and funky built-in drum tracks and sparkly FM synth as a bonus.

The R12 features 2 XLR/jack combo inputs, 8 tracks, records directly to SDHC or SDXC cards up to 1TB (not included) and can be powered by an AC power Adapter, 4 AA Batteries or a USB power bank. To spice things up, an EQ, compressor, and gate as well as a full MFX processor, which is compatible with our Guitar Lab software, are at your fingertips. With two XLR/TRS inputs, and 8 tracks of audio, the R12 is perfect for recording everything from demos to release-ready songs. The device also works as a 2-in/4-out audio interface and DAW control surface compatible with Mac and PC.