New Zoom HD16 User

[jackstrat]

Great info Bootstrap...

Something I have been struggling with is the limited depth of the HD16 preamps. I would like to purchase an 8 channel preamp, but $$$$$ gets in the way.

Anyway, today I experimented with the MIC Insert Effects and found they make a huge difference. Lots to play with as far as IE EQ, limiter, etc.

jack

[Bootstrapped]

I sound like you are heading the right direction. Try to get the best mix you can with out any Mastering FX first. Here is a tip i found extremely useful when mixing. Find an exisiting recording that is something you admire the result and is similiar in style or feel of the song you are mixing. Set up your rig so you can quickly switch back and forth from your song and the CD or what have you. Compare your mix the the professioal one is easy. If your vocal are to far forward or to reverb/wet it become obvious. Compare drum and bass mix giving you an immediate reference. Basically model you mix after something some has already been succesful with. You will be suprised at how much closer you will get to pro results. I have heards some CD's done on the ZOOM HD16 that you would thinks are done in a pro studio.

As a tip when mixing within the HD16CD you can use the CD burner as a player and even import the CD track you like to one of the virtual tracks which makes it easy to compare your mix against others as all you have to do is solo the CD mix track on off to compare your mix etc.

Also Mastering in really not just about making your mix better but primarily about giving a group of songs a consistent sound and level when going from track to track on a CD etc. You don't want one song bass heavy and then the next song on a CD louder and thin etc. Continuity Man.

[Bootstrapped]

Originally Posted by jackstrat

Great info Bootstrap...

Something I have been struggling with is the limited depth of the HD16 preamps. I would like to purchase an 8 channel preamp, but $$$$$ gets in the way.

Anyway, today I experimented with the MIC Insert Effects and found they make a huge difference. Lots to play with as far as IE EQ, limiter, etc.

jack

Jack

you are right that is another great piont in getting the most from the ZOOM HD16. Using the Mic insert is a huge benifit. There is some Mic Pre amp modeling for vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Flat in the HD 16. I have a friend who tracked his entire album through the HD using some vintage pre amp, as that is the sound he was after ,but found the vanilla flavoured Compressor in the HD16 to work incredible on his vocal and he is a real decent singer.

Also Ii found the Line Inserts to be quite useful. I have a crappy Casio keyboard i use from time to time which is really a toy but some of the CHorus and Leslie simulation in the ZOOM when blended with the better HD16 reverb make is sound like a pro synth at times.

[gorddo]

Hi....newbie here. I'm in my first week playin with my HD16. Why can't I get reverb and chorus/delay effects through my monitors or headphones when rehearsing in standby? I can get the insert effects but not the send/return effects? Other than that I'm having a blast.

Answered my own question today. Eureka!!!!

[geraldkeefer]

Man, i am just getting into recording on the HD16 and having some trouble with various things and already found one answer on here! Just wanted to say thanks guys and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions

[geraldkeefer]

Ok I have a question about recording vocals. I mix and record on the actual hd16 and don't use a computer. What is some of the better effects to use on they vocals? There weren't any that really jumped out at me so I was wondering if anyone that had some experience could recommend some. Thank you

[jackstrat]

Originally Posted by geraldkeefer

Ok I have a question about recording vocals. I mix and record on the actual hd16 and don't use a computer. What is some of the better effects to use on they vocals? There weren't any that really jumped out at me so I was wondering if anyone that had some experience could recommend some. Thank you

There are several preset vocal scenes that might fit the bill. All that I can offer is that you try them. I like many of the presets, but "pros" who have listened frequently said that they were over the top.

jack

[geraldkeefer]

I did try a few but they seemed to sound a little too dry. I think I used AG/jumbo or something like that. I tried to EQ it but still just not what I really wanted. I think I may try bouncing the one vocal track to another and panning each slightly to either side to get a little effect so we'll see...

What are some of the presets you like JackStrat?

[gorddo]

Can I hook up a midi controller to my HD16? I'm looking at an M-Audio keystation device. Can I use it like a regular keyboard or only have access to the bass and rythmn programs. What is the full potential of this device compared to say a regular keyboard/synth? Any advice would be appreciated.

[vetdentist]

I, too, am a new user of the HD16. I can only get 2 of the xlr inputs to turn on at a time. When I try to turn on a 3rd input, the other 2 go off. This is not good when trying to record a quartet. Is there some setting I am missing? Vetdentist