Oh yes you can record directly to channels 9-16 
by Don Henry, Jr from Newberry, SC, May 2009
Music Background:  Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, and Pro Musician.

This is a comment to correct an inacurate statement of a previous reviewer who said you cannot record directly to channels 9-16. That you had to bounce some of the first eight tracks. Not true...you absolutely can record directly to channels 9-16...I do it all the time. The manual tells you how. The approach it to think of it as assigning one of the 8 inputs to a channel 9-16, keeping in mind that odd numbered inputs go to odd numbered channels.

So, let's say you have used up the first 8 channels. Here is how to put two more tracks on 9 & 10 without bouncing using inputs 1 & 2 for this example:

1. Activate the 8 Track Record button

2. While pressing AND HOLDING input 1 button, press input 2. (Both input 1 and 2 should now be red.)

3. Press the channels 9/10 button until it cyles to red.

The result is that Input 1 will record on channel 9 and Input 2 will record on channel 10.

Read the manual for more info on mixing the levels of these two new tracks.

  16 Tracks-80GB Hard Drive-$700 --- Enough Said? 
by Jack Loganbill from chicago IL USA, December 2008
Music Background:  extreme hobbyist

I had a hard time deciding between the Tascam 2488 and the Zoom HD16CD. I decided on the Zoom for its 8 mic/line inputs. However, I found later that it is virtually impossible to simultaneously record 8 instruments/vocals in a home studio and produce a quality recording. There is just too much bleed through between the instruments and vocals.

Regardless, I am happy with the Zoom HD16. It has tons of features including full EQ capability for each track as a track parameter, or via the insert alogrithms.

The PREs are okay, but for maximum pop use the track parameters and/or insert effects.

The 24bit front-end seems to provide plenty of headroom. Though the Zoom has good mastering effects, I hooked it up to our computer and did the mastering there.

The rhythm machine is quite acceptable.

I have not used the Zoom guitar effects. I have not used the HD16 as a control surface for my computer-based recording applications, though I plan to do so.

The USB to computer connection works flawlessly requiring no setup on my end. Just plug and play. In fact, I connect it to the USB hub provided by my HP monitor--and it works!!!!

Like any similar product, you will need the manual. I have yet to master the rhythm machine and the v-track feature. However, other tasks like track parameters, insert effects, track bouncing, and so forth are very intuitive and easy to perform.

One caveat, you cannot record directly to tracks 9 through 16. You record to tracks 1 - 8, and then bounce them to tracks 9-16. Not a big deal, but it is a feature some may expect.

I have a pretty extensive computer recording setup but since the HD16 is so much more convenient, I use it for most recording tasks.

  Not a review - Just a Clarification 
by Jack Loganbill from chicago USA, December 2008
Music Background:  pro hobbyist

In case anyone else is confused about the 24 bit vs 16 bit...

The HD16CD converters themselves are 24-bit, as is the internal signal processing, up to the final stage of the recording process, when it is dithered to the 16-bit standard used on audio CDs.

Thus the converters should provide the headroom that is only capable with 24-bit recording interfaces.

  Zoom HD16CD 
by Spiritwind from Lebanon MO, July 2008
Music Background:  Song writer Musician - guitar - synthisizer - drummer!

I got my Zoom HD16CD for Christmas 2007.
After taking some time to go threw the directions manual.
I am amazed at how professional my music sounds recorded on this digital studio.
I decided to complete my first cd mostly with the use of Zooms built in effects.
Awesome professional sounding reverb!
I have used other recording products and must say the Zoom HD16CD digital recorder is by far better than other products I have used in the past.
Once you take your time to read the owners manual.
And dont try to learn everything in the first recording.
Take your time enjoy recording and one by one you can read and learn as you record new songs and tracks.
I have followed the directions with some great results in finished recordings.
No hiss in my recordings.
I would recommend others buy this product!
Spiritwind!

  It's a good multi-track 
by Gary Munday from Swindon, February 2008
Music Background:  Keyboardist, producer, sound designer

I decided to switch over from digital computer DAW recording to analog/digital multi-track recording around 4 months ago. I made this decision for a number of reasons, but mainly due to the fact that my computer was becoming unstable and increasingly annoying to work with. I found out about this hardware unit via a website I visit, and it got me interested. At first glance, you can tell the HD16CD is well made. Solid and nicely designed, it provides a clean and easy to use interface (which, in my opinion, beats digging through menus). This multi-track provides some good editing features, which I was very pleased to see coming from a software environment. The sound is very clean and to be fair, at 16-bit 44KHz it sounds pretty damn nice. It's possible to get 'hissless' recordings and I was rather impressed for the fact that it also comes with an alright mastering effects insert. Apart from using the mastering, reverb & delay sends, I must admit that I'm not that bothered with the other effects. I'm also not overly fussed with the drum/bass section, since I mainly program my own sounds. It has a good mixer section with a nice led 'monitoring panel' to monitor the input & output levels. The HD16CD comes with 4 linked stereo tracks, and 8 mono tracks. Either way it will be two monos to one stereo (mono L & R). USB is nice since I can export my work back to the PC for conversion to MP3 with an external converter (by the way the output format is WAV). Has all the features you would expect of a modern multi-track hardware recorder. My final opinion is that it's a nice unit and certainly works for me.

  The Zoom HD16 is amazing 
by Joe Momma from Orlando, FL, September 2007
Music Background:  engineer, student, hobbyist, bass player,

This machine is phenominal especially for the price. Having an 80GB hard drive, a cd burner built in, a huge aresenal of effects, a really nice drum machine (that can play bass lines to!), and the ability to sample up to 60 seconds, make this an excellent buy. You can record up to 8 tracks at a time and have 48volt phantom power and pre amps built in. The only negative thing that you can say about the zoom is that it has RCA outs for the master outputs. Poor choice there, but no big deal. The Subout is mono, another poor choice. Other than this machine is ready to kick some @$$ right out of the box. Some guys review down there says that the HD16 "doesn't have a phase reverse", and that guy just hasn't worked with the machine long enough to know that IT DOES! *gasp*. Not only does it have work horse capabilities, but navigating your way around the HD16 is a breeze. I've had other digital recorders that would make you pull your hair out just trying to figure out just how to move on to the next screen. The jog wheel won't run down from you entering characters to store names of Projects, User Edited FX, Tracks, V-takes, etc. etc., if you just use the drum pads tele type function. It's just like text messaging on a phone. The drumpad itself on this product is amazing. It comes with a real nice compliment of kits, but also gives you the ability to create your own by editing the factory samples AND the ability import your own samples (up to 60 seconds!), to be loaded onto the pads. The pads themselves have wonderful action. Have you ever used any drum machine like even an Akai MPC? where you had to give it the two finger jab jab jab to get the pad to play the sample? The pad on the HD16 you can play like typing on the keyboard of a computer. If you just have a home studio, or if you're just looking for an easy, cheap peice of gear that will get you in to home recording and still be able to handle the work load, or even if you're just in a band looking for an affordable way to cut your own demo yourselves, than the Zoom HD16 is the way to go. I mean there's a hundred thousand other features that this machine has that I can't even mention, because every minute typing this is a minute stolen from working with my HD16.

  Freakin Awesome!!! 
by Mike from Springfield, Mo., September 2007
Music Background:  Playing in bands for 22 yrs. Guitar teacher

I have had the Zoom HD16CD for only about 3 days and have had alot less time them I wanted to play with it but so far it is awesome. Easy to use, great sound and really fun are the things that come to mind so far. Just started tracking drums and sound awesome dry so Im really excited about mixing them down and see what we get.

  Zoom is really juicy 
by Andreas Mihalakeas from Harker Heights, TX, September 2007
Music Background:  Musician . bouzoukist ,guitarist, composer,arranger.

I am a pro musician with a lot ideas I found out this recorder machine(HD16CD) a few weeks ago very right for ME and I will explore his machine till I`ll get all the juice out of it(and it seems it has a lot)It is better than computer virtual recorder much more solid,if there is questions about this machine you are ONLY to find answers in the manual it comes with it !!! I don`t thing calling the tech support it would help any they are invisible in this case. I wish there were a place that people go and ask questions ,I already 2nd day and I have answers to many questions . IT`s a good machine buy it but DO NOT EXPECT HELP..............!

  HD16cd 
by John from New York, June 2007
Music Background:  Project Studio engineer, musician.

The HD16 Is still rockin. I've had it about a month now. Works just the way the simple to understand manual says. If you want a hard disk recorder with the ability to mix within it and the ablity to send your projects to Cubase and edit within that program seeing each track you recorded on the Recorder and then use the HD16 as your control surface within the program to help you mix than This is For You! IT is a Simple machine with a good Value for your buck. I haven't really used the EQ on the HD16 because theres no way it can compete with a Recording program with extensive EQ ability but the EQ i have used within the machine works Just Fine and Dandy. Your EQ will have Further reaching Results if you use your Cubase EQ though. I recomend recording all of your tracks Flat and Clean and then Editing within your Cubase. If you EQ within the HD16 and then transfer to cubase , Cubase will not be able to Get rid of the Reverb or Treble or mid that you EQ'd in to your project on the Recorder its self so record all your Tracks Clean and as Hot as you can get them. You will be happy with the HD16 if you practice different Mic Set ups and use a few different mics all together. Cubase has a Phase Revers in it so that helps but The HD16 does not, So be aware of that. This machine is a Good Solid metal design and im happy i waited and looked around for the best Hard Disk recorder for ME. Theres alot of them out there. But many offer Way too much in their systems which Can make them Difficult to understand or find your way through.

  Great Fast Tracking with the Zoom HD16CD 
by Slingerman from Austin TX, June 2007
Music Background:  Drummer/Bass /Recording Engineer

Zoom made a Mixer (digital) ,control suface(usb),and recorder/burner in one. Good job. Faders(60mm) are nice and spaced out for fat fingers, All the level meters line up with the inputs and tracks, so you don't have to look at the display which is awesome. that's key with these all in one units, So effects are ok, I would use a radial DI going line in for my bass but you can go direct with pretty good results. the 8 Preamps work fine, a little crackly when adjusting but this is normal for these type of pres. I would say they actually sound a little clearer and quieter than my 002 rack pres. 8 tracks at once rules for my 6 drum mics, 1 bass di and a guitar all plugged in. The screen is small but you really don't need a big screen, all the levels are real meters that can be seen across the room while drumming. This box rocks, mixing is easy with digital eq.

If you can operate an effect like a midiverb or etc.. than using this recorder will be a breeze. Drum machine is ok but it resides on top of the burner, so I wouldn't bang on the pads too hard for long because you need the pads to operate other functions like efx. and menu items.
It's big, 19" long , but that's the same size width as all the rack gear. This Zoom helped me to get my drum tracks fast and quick mixing without having to buy and lug around a laptop/firepod/hard drive/fw cables/power supply's you get the idea
A very nice piece of gear, a long way since the Roland VS 8 trackers. No mixing schemes like the fostex/roland stuff, just non compressed 44.1 16 bit.
Rock On

  HD 16CD ooooh la la 
by John from New York, June 2007
Music Background:  Recording Engineer, Musician, Music Adventurist!!!!!!!

Well, so Far I've owned this Zoom Recorder for a week. I tried finding reviews before buying and only found the One already on this page. SO i must write my own. First this recorder isnt Small. its about as wide as a good New Microwave. Its made of a Metal body and the knobs and are plastic as you would expect. The knobs are shakey they dont seem to want to pop off and the Faders are smooth, a little short I love 100mm faders but these work for this machine. SO far i've recorded some simple acoustic guitar and vocal songs. They have come out Clear and Solid. Exactly what I wanted. I have for years tried getting my computer to record so easily but it just didnt want to obey all the time and the issues with latency are a pain in the *** and sudden stops while you record. Such a Inspiration Killer right? So The HD16CD is Fast plug yer guitar or mic in, select your track, adjust your levels name the Project set your Tempo with the built in drum machine and Record. You dont need to use the drum machine but its real basic and works well for keeping time. The company says i can send my recorded tracks to Most Computer based Recording Software, I tried setting up My SONAR 3 studio edition for it real fast but i didnt have time to fiddle with it to make it work. Im Sure it will though. THe Idea of being able to Record to a Hard Disk machine Like the HD16CD without the hassle of Latency and PC glitches is VERY nice and then Taking my Individual Tracks and draging them into the Recording software Editing them in there and Tweakin them to perfection Saves me TONS of time and Headache. I Also like that my ZOOM HD16CD acts as a SOftware Controler for my PC studio. I truly enjoy Touchin Faders and Knobs. Ckicking a mouse is so Impersonal and Steril and theres no Fun there. So having the ability to use this machine this way as well adds to the Value i feel i am purchasing. The L.E.D. lights are bright and signal the Levels nicely. The machine comes with Cubase and thats cool, i dont want to use Cubase though. Also ive tried using my Computer Speakers as monitors to get an idea of how the sound changes from different speakers. So far, there is a level of bottom end that the PC speakers lose over Studio but that is Totaly normal and what is expected. Also though the sound is still Clear and un painted. The preamps on this machine arent "THE BEST AND GREATEST" BUT they are Clear and that means ALOT. They do need to be turned up a But to get a good SOLID signal showing on the Level meters but so far they sound good still. The Effects in teh machine i'd say are so so. I personaly dont want to use them when i compare them to the Effects in my computer. However, to just make a small recording its nice to use the effects and then in that light when its just for BASIC stuff, the effects are Just fine. The CD burner is Great as well and is Very Handy and you can Even Replace it if you need to without sending it out. Which Rulz. I hope this helps you guys. SO YOU KNOW better about what your getting instead of Hoping for something Good.

  zoom hd16cd 
by Phil Monroe from SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA, May 2007
Music Background:  MUSICIAN/WRITER/PRODUCER

This is my first zoom product and it blew me away with its performance, i have a small home studio where i do demos for my friends and local writers,
and what i got on my first recording session was awsome! sounds like i did the project in a full production studio. i'am very pleased with the zoom hd16cd recorder.
Thanks Zoom.

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