- Power options<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Set the time and date<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Format the SD card<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Create a project<\/strong><\/a>
- Record audio<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Using the R Series as an audio interface<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nRegister the R Series with Zoom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you\u2019ll want to do when you open the box is to register R Series with Zoom. To register the R Series with Zoom, you\u2019ll need the serial number located on the bottom. Follow these steps below to register the Zoom R Series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Go to Zoom\u2019s product registration page<\/a>.<\/li>
- Fill out the information, including the serial number which is located on the bottom of the unit, and then click Submit<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nSetting up the Zoom R Series for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While it might be tempting just to turn it on and start recording, there are a few things you\u2019ll want to do first, especially if it\u2019s going to rely on battery power. Don\u2019t worry though, setting it up is straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power options (selecting the battery type)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
TIP: <\/strong>If you\u2019re running on batteries, you can lengthen battery life by reducing the phantom power to 24v. Please note that most <\/strong>condenser mics will work perfectly fine on 24v, but some may require the full 48v to operate correctly. Double-check your microphone specs to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One great thing about the Zoom R Series recorders is that you have quite a few power options available: they can be powered by a computer (bus-powered)<\/em>, AA batteries, a standard USB AC power supply, and even a USB power bank! If you own a Zoom R16 or R24, you can also use the Zoom AD14 power supply<\/a>. If you are using AA batteries, you will need to update the power settings so that the R Series can show that the battery charge level is accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Press TOOL<\/strong>, go to SYSTEM<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Select BATTERY<\/strong>, use the jog wheel to select the type of battery being used, then press ENTER<\/strong>.
- Rechargeable batteries can be used, but the R Series cannot <\/em>recharge them. <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Set the time and date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you first power on the Zoom R Series, you should update the time and date. Setting this is especially helpful for managing your files and determining when the audio was recorded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Press the TOOL <\/strong>button, select SYSTEM<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Scroll down to DATE\/TIME<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Use the jog wheel to update the date and time.<\/li>
- Once complete, move the cursor to OK<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFormat the SD card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
IMPORTANT:<\/strong> Formatting the SD card will erase any data that is currently stored there. Be sure that anything essential has been backed up to your computer before continuing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you\u2019ll want to do before you start recording is format the SD card on the Zoom R Series. While you can format SD cards on your computer, formatting them on the R Series will maximize its performance. The R Series accepts SDHC cards with a 32GB capacity. If the card isn\u2019t recognized or you\u2019re receiving errors, your card may not be compatible. Check out the Zoom R8<\/strong><\/a>, R16<\/strong><\/a>, and R24<\/strong><\/a> compatibility lists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Press TOOL<\/strong>, select SD CARD<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.Per<\/li>
- Select FORMAT<\/strong>, press ENTER<\/strong>, select YES<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2021\/02\/R8-SD-card-compatibility.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nR8: Compatible SD Cards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2021\/02\/R16-sd-card-compatibility.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nR16: Compatible SD Cards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2021\/02\/R24-SD-carc-compatiblity.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nR24: Compatible SD Cards<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCreate a project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that everything is set up, it\u2019s time to create your project and start recording! It\u2019s just a matter of creating the project, connecting your gear, selecting the tracks, then pressing the record button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NOTE: <\/strong>The file size is dependent on the sample rate and bit depth you select. The higher the quality, the larger the file will be. Check out the chart below for maximum recording time. Please note that these times are for mono tracks. The time is halved for stereo recordings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Press the PROJECT <\/strong>button, select NEW<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Select NAME<\/strong>, press ENTER<\/strong>, then use the jog wheel to update the name.<\/li>
- Update the settings (bit length, insert effect, send-return effect, track status, bounce, track parameter, metronome) <\/em>and sample rate, select EXECUTE<\/strong>, then press ENTER.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"R](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2021\/02\/R-series-SD-card-record-time.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRecord audio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once your project is created, it\u2019s time to record some audio. You\u2019ll need to connect your instrument and microphone, switch to the correct input, adjust the input levels, and begin recording.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- Connect your instrument to one of the inputs of your device.<\/li>
- Use the INPUT <\/strong>switch to select what is currently connected.
- If you\u2019re connecting a stereo instrument, connect the L <\/strong>output to input 1, and the R <\/strong>to input 2.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Press the INPUT ON\/OFF <\/strong>button so the light illuminates, play the loudest you\u2019ll be recording at and adjust the input gain to a point where the signal won\u2019t clip.<\/li>
- Select the track(s) you\u2019ll be recording by pressing the track number pad located above its respective fader.<\/li>
- Adjust the faders to adjust the monitoring volume to a point where it\u2019s not clipping.<\/li>
- Press REC<\/strong> to arm the track, then press PLAY <\/strong>to begin recording.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nUsing the R Series as an audio interface<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not only is the R Series a great portable recording solution, but it\u2019s also a USB audio interface and DAW controller! If you\u2019re a Mac user, it\u2019s plug-and-play, meaning no additional driver software is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n- (PC users only) <\/em>Download and install the driver for your R Series recorder from the Zoom website<\/a>.<\/li>
- Connect the device to your computer, press the USB <\/strong>button, select AUDIO I\/F<\/strong>, select EXECUTE<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>. <\/li>
- Go to your DAW\u2019s audio settings and update the input and output to set the R Series as the recording and playback device.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ![\"DAW](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/DAW-Controller-Hero-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGetting Started with DAW Controllers<\/a>\n\n\n\nCheck out our DAW controller setup guides<\/a> to learn how to set up your R Series as a control surface in your DAW! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn More \u2192<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nRelated content<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2018\/10\/Windows-10-Hero-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about how to optimize your Windows 10 computer<\/a> for audio recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn More<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"macOS](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/10\/macOS-10.15-Catalina-Optimization-Guide-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about optimizing your Mac computer for music production<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\nLearn More<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Connect the device to your computer, press the USB <\/strong>button, select AUDIO I\/F<\/strong>, select EXECUTE<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>. <\/li>
- Press the INPUT ON\/OFF <\/strong>button so the light illuminates, play the loudest you\u2019ll be recording at and adjust the input gain to a point where the signal won\u2019t clip.<\/li>
- If you\u2019re connecting a stereo instrument, connect the L <\/strong>output to input 1, and the R <\/strong>to input 2.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Select NAME<\/strong>, press ENTER<\/strong>, then use the jog wheel to update the name.<\/li>
- Select FORMAT<\/strong>, press ENTER<\/strong>, select YES<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Scroll down to DATE\/TIME<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Press the TOOL <\/strong>button, select SYSTEM<\/strong>, then press ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Select BATTERY<\/strong>, use the jog wheel to select the type of battery being used, then press ENTER<\/strong>.
- Fill out the information, including the serial number which is located on the bottom of the unit, and then click Submit<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Using the R Series as an audio interface<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Set the time and date<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
![\"Cubase](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2020\/08\/Cubase-Quickstart-Featured-Image-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Reduce](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2014\/04\/Reduce-audio-latency-featured-image-1024x536.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n