R12 MultiTrak Portable Digital Recorder and Control Surface

Having used the Zoom R12 Multi Track Portable Recorder extensively, I can confidently say it's a game-changer for my recording projects. The touchscreen interface simplifies the editing process, allowing me to fine-tune my recordings effortlessly. With 8 tracks at my disposal, I've been able to capture intricate layers of sound with ease. The 2 combo inputs have proven invaluable for accommodating various instruments and microphones, ensuring versatility without sacrificing quality. Whether in the studio or on the move, this recorder has exceeded my expectations, making it a must-have for any serious musician or podcaster.

You do not need a computer that can crash when you want to record a song on this unit and you can digitally edit tracks on a screen just like a computer with music software can and you never have to worry about viruses like your computer can get when recording music on this recorder and you can bounce tracks from this unit to get more than the eight standard tracks it has it shows how on YouTube videos!!!

I've been using portable recording studios for decades, beginning with a TEAC 4-track cassette studio in the 1980's, a decade or so ago I had a Zoom R16 used in conjunction with my laptop studio software. All served their purpose well at the time, technological limitations notwithstanding. Now in 2024 I'm using the latest Zoom multitrack device, the R12, and, after some initial frustrations have to admit that I'm in love with this thing. The main difference between this device & the others I've used is the R12 features a small color touchscreen to control most features. Initially the "small" aspect seemed a little doubtful; is it possible to edit, copy, paste, drag things around etc on such a tiny screen? The answer is YES, I've had no problems with this aspect, although I've made it even simpler by employing a disc-type stylus instead of my fingers, which can block out parts of the screen from view, I have slim fingers so if you have stubby or large fingers a stylus would definitely be advised. The sound quality of recorded material is more than acceptable for most uses, CD quality certainly. The portability of the unit was a big selling point for me, I'm primarily a singer with an extremely loud voice lol, which can be a blessing or a curse, in the case of having neighbors close by definitely a curse, so I needed something small that I can bring with me in the car to isolated locations to record vocals, this fits the bill perfectly. It runs on either a USB-C cable & adaptor, 4 AA batteries, or a power bank. Using the latter I have yet to have it die during use, and sometimes I've used it most of the day, so really happy with the power options. The unit itself easily gets 5 stars, but I'm giving this only 4 stars for one reason alone: the user manual is ABYSMAL. Absolutely terrible, only the most basic functionality explained, it'll show you how to set up the unit & not really much more beyond that. The official Zoom online "tutorial" videos are little more than commercials for the unit, nothing in-depth at all. I was very close to returning the unit for a refund, because it didn't seem possible to upload my original instrumental backing tracks for me to add vocals to, there are zero instructions in the manual to accomplish this, and without this capability I really don't have much use for the device. Very happily, I stumbled on the videos of a YouTuber named "Gaz Render", who has a series of tutorial videos on this and other portable studios. This guy should be paid by Zoom, as he's done what they should have done from the start: in depth explanations and demonstrations of all functions of this device and others (especially the Zoom R20, which is very similar to the R12 and many of the functions identical in execution) So if you purchase either the R12 or R20, you are going to want to bookmark/favorite this user, you will save yourself major time & headache in doing so. Now that I'm very familiar with this little Zoom R12, I find using it to be a total breeze, the results more than acceptable, and (as long as you're not expecting high-end Protools studio results) I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. Worth every penny!

I prefer real real, it’s simple.

This was a gift so I don't have too much time using it, but I've heard what my teenager has done with it, and I was impressed! Don't forget to get a memory card. Also, a precision touch pad pen is recommended. Don't get the standard type, you need to get the sharper type, as the screen is small and the areas you have to touch are small. This unit is powerful though and is great for taking to a friend's house to collaborate, or just to record without having to use a computer.

For a minimalist set up like I have this fits and performs well. Has a slight learning curve but once you get it, you got it. Zoom does a great job of having a machine that fits any set. Knobs and sliders feel premium.

I love this device! Once I purchased the correct stylus to navigate the touch screen, (I have fat fingers) it works beautifully with my setup! Plus I can use it with my DAW as either an audio interface or a VST instrument! Love it!

Very disappointed. Difficult to use. AND you cant even use it unless you purchase a SDS Card! Will be returning!

Por ahora, el dispositivo cumple con lo prometido. Aún lo estoy probando. (Peeero, jeje, preferiría un cable de alimentación más largo).

An essential tool for my home recording studio, it's way better than anticipated, plenty of options for recording, editing, adding effects, etc. i don't have to rely on my computer to boot then open the appropriate softwares although it's important to have a PC. I recommend this product 100%

presq'inutile

This does exactly what I need it to do. My first Multitrack Recorder. It is simple to use. My only gripe... why... why.... why??? Tje USB port is for power, and it's also an input. While I do appreciate that AA Bateries will give me portability, but would it make sense to have one USB for power, and another for data input/output?! While it's not a deal breaker, it would have just been intuitive. Price ppint was great, shipping was quick, and the unit arribed in perfect condition.

Don't use with amazon batteries. Only use high end cells because this unit draws heavy current. Amazon cells still show good at 1.3v when out but drop to 1 volt when under load. Then the machine shuts down.