Zoom HD16 Bit Depth! What Is it??

[Punker 96]

Hey everyone,

My question is in regards to the Zoom HD16 and whether or not this system records in 16 or 24 bits. The instruction manual (like most of them) was not entirely helpful in answering this question for me, so I leave it to anyone else who may own this system.

I'm not so concerned about "which is better", because in my opinion 16 and 24 bit aren't a whole world apart in terms of sound, for being produced in a home recording studio at least. I've seen the difference between 24 and 16 bits (yes I did read up on the comparison Brandon did between 16 and 24 bit), I can live with 16, the thing I am concerned with however is how much headroom I'm going to need to leave for my tracks. This is largely dependent on the bit depth.

And for bonus points, if you know whether or not the HD16 has a phase reverse switch don't be afraid to let me know. From what I've seen it doesn't, but you never know. Thanks!

[Bootstrapped]

HI punker

The HD16 has 24 bit converters but only writed files at 16 bit 44.1 Khz Cd quality. The benifit is increased headroom on the input AD at 24 bits and the simplicity and economics of 16 bit as a file medium.

THe ZOOM is standard WAV file so it makes it really easy to import files into any software for editing etc, by keeping the format locked at 16 bit 44.1 samples frequency.


Bottom line is is sound good if you get the levels right.

I beleive that BOSS does the same thing on thier BR series portables as well.

good luck

[Punker 96]

I can't thank you enough for the reply Bootstrapped! The manual was not entirely clear on whether or not it was 24 bit, and of course the support on Zoom's behalf was just nonexistent. They make some quality products, but they sure could back them up a little better! Anyways, thanks again for the reply. Now I have some recording to get to!