New with a Zoom MRS1608

[3ringcrashpad]

I WILL learn how to work this thing. I will, I will, I will.

I am brand new at this and am starting with a Zoom MRS-1608 (16 track digital). Talk about overwhelming. This thing has an owner's manual the size of a New York City phone book.

I am so glad I found this site. It's exactly what I need. Looking forward to exposing my insecurities and lack of knowledge to you all over the next few months.

Talk to you soon.

3ringcrashpad

[brandondrury]

I am brand new at this and am starting with a Zoom MRS-1608 (16 track digital). Talk about overwhelming. This thing has an owner's manual the size of a New York City phone book.

People tell me that computers are too complicated. I think these stand alone boxes are EXTREMELY complicated!! Way more complicated than computers.

Unfortunately, almost all the learning curve is going to be spent learning one proprietary system. If you ever switch gear, you'll have to learn a whole new system over again.

Either way, you will make it. We can certainly help with the engineering questions, even if we don't know how to work the machine either.

[Ruzz]

Originally Posted by brandondrury

People tell me that computers are too complicated. I think these stand alone boxes are EXTREMELY complicated!! Way more complicated than computers.

Unfortunately, almost all the learning curve is going to be spent learning one proprietary system. If you ever switch gear, you'll have to learn a whole new system over again.

Either way, you will make it. We can certainly help with the engineering questions, even if we don't know how to work the machine either.

I started with a Zoom 802 and moved on to the 1608 and then on to Cubase/Nuendo.

The 1608 is a great machine - I still use it for some things. It has a large user base and some interesting 3rd party stuff available too. The 1608 drum machine is an absolute dream - assuming you're not a drummer

But more than that (and to address Brandon's "proprietary system" criticism) if you have the zoom connected to a USB port on your computer, you're a few clicks away from having your tracks available in any computer-based DAW that can read WAV files (read: "all of them"). And anyway, there's scores of people out there struggling to move projects between various computer-based DAWs for whatever reason - so they're no better off.

3ringcrashpad - if you have any specific 1608 questions/issues, just ask. My advice is follow the quick start guide and make your first recording.

Good luck!
Ruzz

[3ringcrashpad]

I HAD NOOOO idea that this thing could hook up to my computer! I was about ready to huck it in the river. I can't get the levels right at all. I almost feel like I'm working with my eyes closed.

I already have done several songs. Unfortunately, I am still working out the EQ and high/low G thing so the sound levels are crappy but I'm working on it. (really crappy actually) Anyway, I would absolutely LOVE some help. I was about ready to give up. I actually already downloaded a free trial of Mixcraft on to my computer and am currently shopping for an appropriate soundcard.

I won't get rid of the Zoom though. I agree about the drum tracks. Also, the effects are pretty cool to play around with (although I consider it a pretty pricey effects pedal.) I'd like it if I could email you w/ ??'s. Are you open for that?

3ringcrashpad

[Ruzz]

Originally Posted by 3ringcrashpad

I HAD NOOOO idea that this thing could hook up to my computer! I was about ready to huck it in the river.

Yeah, cool huh?

You need the Zoom-USB interface installed in the Zoom - it's an "extra" but you may already have one, you may not.

Also, you can use the Zoom as a master controller (press play on the zoom and everything else "listening" will start playing) via midi/MTC etc.

I can't get the levels right at all. I almost feel like I'm working with my eyes closed.

Follow the manual - take it slow. Ensure you aren't seeing any Peak lights lighting up red.

Anyway, I would absolutely LOVE some help. I was about ready to give up.

Don't give up.

I won't get rid of the Zoom though. I agree about the drum tracks. Also, the effects are pretty cool to play around with (although I consider it a pretty pricey effects pedal.)

Yeah there's plenty to play with - in fact, I still use the 802 as a "pricey effects pedal"

I'd like it if I could email you w/ ??'s. Are you open for that?

Sure - but if the Q is likely to help others, perhaps you should double up with a post here too? After all... that's what the forum is for...

But yeah - PM me if you like and swap emails.

Ruzz

[Ruzz]

Oh and one more thing...

Originally Posted by 3ringcrashpad

Talk about overwhelming. This thing has an owner's manual the size of a New York City phone book.

Get yourself a copy of the manual in PDF - you can get it from the zoom website (here - from memory)

Why? It's easier to search a PDF

Ruzz

[3ringcrashpad]

Beautiful. Thanks so much. As I work through this, I will post questions to you by PM and on this forum so that others can benefit. I am learning a lot though. I appreciate your time and willingness to help.

I will keep you posted. I am going to record a little tonight.

[3ringcrashpad]

Can the Zoom record in MP3 format?

[Ruzz]

1608, No.

I believe the Zoom H2 and H4 can but that's to target a slightly different market, I'd say.

If you get your 1608 connected via USB to your PC, Zoom provide a program that will pull any track you've recorded (including a mixdown of course) to your PC - and from there you can convert to MP3 (or anything you like).

Ruzz

[3ringcrashpad]

Gotcha. That's what I did last night. I just pulled it off a burned CD though (which was burned on the 1608) and converted it to MP3.

I'm getting it figured out a little.

The only issue I'm having now is with the volume levels. When I am recording the master, the volume levels seems to dance quite a bit. For example, when my voice gets louder, I'm trying to keep the level of my voice the same so that on the CD it doesn't blow the speakers. It's REALLY hard to do. I must be missing something because it shouldn't be this much guess work. Some software has a, what's it called? Compressor? Condenser? Something like that, don't they? That's supposed to help compress the volume to the same level, right? Or am I talking out of my butt again? I do that sometimes.

I'm still working on it. If you have any pointers about this issue, I'd appreciate it. When you have time, of course.

Thanks for the help....again! ;-)

3ring