Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder

Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder
The Zoom MRS8 is a full-featured compact eight-track digital recorder with an incredible array of professional recording features including a fully programmable Drum/Bass Machine with touch-sensitive pads.

Beyond the drums, the MRS8 has a huge array of instrument, vocal and mastering effects and extensive digital editing capabilities. With 8 physical tracks, each with 10 Virtual-takes, you have up to 80 recording tracks to play with. The MRS8 has 2-track simultaneous recording at an optional non-compressed, 16 bit linear, 44.1 sampling rate with 24-bit AD/DA resolution. It records to SD memory cards, currently compatible up to 1GB. The MRS8 comes with a 128MB SD card included, to get you on your creative way right out of the box.

The MRS8 offers simultaneous playback of 8 audio tracks plus the drum and bass tracks. A Sequence Play function allows a number of songs to be played back continuously. A Dedicated Master Track is built-in, for mix-down, so there is no need for an external master recorder. Connection-wise, the MRS8 has everything you need including a 1/4-inch Hi-Z input for Guitar, an XLR combo jack for an external microphone or line level signal, stereo RCA master outputs, headphone out, and MIDI out so MIDI Time Code or MIDI clock can be sent for synchronizing with external devices. Also, the MRS-8 comes with an amazing-sounding front panel mini-condenser microphone.

The MRS-8 is a complete compact recording studio, great for laying down ideas or complete multi-track CD quality music.

Portable all in one Multi-track recorder with Multi-effects and Drum/Bass machine with Touch sensitive pads
8 physical tracks each with 10 V-takes, totaling 80 virtual tracks
2-Track simultaneous recording with non-compressed, 16 bit linear, 44.1 sampling
Hi-Z input for Guitar/Bass and XLR input for external dynamic microphone
Built-in mini Condenser microphone
High quality PCM Drum/Bass sounds with over 400 pre-programmed rhythm patterns
Records to SD media cards, compatible to 1 GB or more

Rhythms/Patterns	Yes
Audio Connections	Hi-Z input for Guitar/Bass and XLR input for external dynamic microphone
Sync/Timecode	Yes
Memory Expansion	Yes
Microphone Inputs	1
Model	MRS8
Recording Tracks (Simultaneous)	2
Number of Faders	8
Memory	128MB SD card included
MIDI	Yes
EQ/Compression	Yes
Fader Type	Standard
Number of Channels	2
Effects	Yes
Number of Tracks	8
Other Features	Built-in mini Condenser microphone
Metronome	Yes
Recording Format	SD media cards
Maximum Bit Rate	16
Editing Capabilities	Yes
Backup	Records to SD media cards, compatible to 1 GB or more

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

ZoomMRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder

4.5

(based on 4 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Reviewed by 4 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-4

10/18/2009

5.0

Big Step Up From The Fostex MR8

By Captain Magnificent

from Lebanon, Indiana

About Me Experienced

Pros

Easy To Use
Excellent Sound
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Home Studio

Comments about Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder:

After getting fed up with the handful of unimpressive effects on the noisy Fostex MR8, I decided to get something else. There are pros and cons between the two: Fostex has pan controls, XLR inputs, a digital output and can take 2gb CF cards. Zoom can only take 1gb SD cards which are getting harder to find. But the amount of quality effects and their route-ability trumps all the pros on the Fostex. The Zoom MRS8 also has a better display with more info. Both units require delving into menus for many features, but both also have dedicated buttons for others. I haven't done any mix-downs yet. I have Zoom's free Card Manager software and will look into putting the SD card into the PC and importing my tracks into Cubase Essentials. This way I'll avoid sending my stereo mix through the MRS8's analog outputs. Built-in drum machine is also a huge advantage over similar units. Best use I've found so far is throwing loops on one track from my Boss RC-20 and then noodling away on another track. The MRS8 is a little long in-the-tooth. I think they came out around August 2004. They're getting harder to find, so if you want something simple without using a computer this is it.

9/21/2007

5.0

Awesome For the $$$$$$$$$$

By Deviant

from Ohio

About Me Experienced, Professional Musician

Pros

Clear Sound
Convenient
Professional Functions
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Professional Recording
Soundtracks

Comments about Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder:

First of all, if you want an affordable way to record digital with a load of onboard FX for Vocals,Drums,Guitar,Bass,plus many Mastering presets,buy this unit.I love the Excellent distortion variations,chorusing,delays,+ you can tweek in every last parameter. If you have no patience to sit down with a manual then don't bother cause you'll be lost. The best is that it also runs on AA batteries. The built in Mic kicks too!!!

2/23/2007

3.0

By Chipileta

from San Antonio, TX

Pros

Clear Sound

Cons

Breaks Easily
Difficult To Use
Limited Functions

Best Uses

Amateurs

Comments about Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder:

I've had the MRS8 for 10 months now. For the price its good, but this unit is extremely sensitive. Two knobs fell off and the 1/4 input jacks messed up quick. The built in mic, in my opinion, actually sounds pretty decent. I am a Classical Guitarist, and I record using the built in Mic so the unit is serving its purpose. I only kept it because even though its hard to use (manual is not very good), I find that the [...]units are even harder to use. If you want a cheap digital multi-track recorder, stick with this one or one of the cheaper models. I considered buying a more expensive model, but they're all made up of the same cheap plastic material. Only difference is more tracks, more drum/bass patterns, and CD burner (which probably sucks). I'm a cheap-O, and I took the time to learn how to use it. I only recomend if your a patient cheap-O like me.

10/3/2004

5.0

Better than YOUR digital multitrack!

By Anonymous

from Undisclosed

Comments about Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder:

"This piece is great for too many reasons to list... built in drum machine, 8 tracks on a completely portable unit, it's even battery operable, great onboard effects, etc. Like I said too many to list. Easier to use than every other digital recorder out there."

Displaying reviews 1-4

Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder
The manufacturer's warranty covers parts for one year and labor for one year from date of purchase. The warranty excludes damage from misuse, abuse, and contains other exclusions.

Zoom MRS8 Digital Multitrack Recorder

Things You'll Get: