Getting started in home recording with the Zoom MRS-8

Zoom MRS8

The ZOOM MRS-8 is a multi-track recorder with built in drum machine that is a great way of getting into recording without using a computer.

I used one as my introduction into home recording a few years ago and if you spend the time getting to know it will be invaluable if you don't want to go down the route of using  a computer.

It comes with an SD slot for easy recording and can be transferred to a PC for final mastering (don't have to do this bit if you want to stick to the Zoom).

Specs:

• 8 track recording
• 24 bit digital mixer
• 8 drum kits and 5 bass models
• Guitar effects
• SD card recording
• Headphone OUT

It's quite daunting when you first use this and the menu's can be confusing so spend some time with the manual, I know its a hard thing to do sometimes but to get the most out of this you need to.

The on board effects are great especially the lead guitar ones, chorus and delays are particularly good.

I used this for around six months before deciding I needed to have more control over what I was recording, that said though its great for recording live stuff.  If you have the time to spend with this it will be a great piece of kit but I needed something a bit more visual, the screen isn't big on this and can be hard to figure out whats going on sometimes.

If you want a quick way of recording without all the fuss of having a computer involved then this will be good for you but if want more control over your tracks and dont mind staring at a PC then I would go down that route instead.  There are plenty of solutions inc Ableton for PC and Garageband for Mac that in my opinion are way above what this can do, especially given the price (I paid £150).

G | H rating 3/5