The reason the physical controls are so basic is that the bulk of the R12’s functions are accessed via the touchscreen, from arming tracks to record, through to monitoring levels and editing projects. Lovely portable device with great features, but with so many years of experience, Zoom should have acknowledged that people need to be able to sync their setup.

Zoom R12 Multi Track Portable Recorder, with Touchscreen, Onboard Zoom R12 Multi Track Portable Recorder, with Touchscreen, Onboard

With the new Sequence Play function, you can create a playlist of your projects to use as a backing track. Building on features from the R20 released last year, Zoom have tried to maintain a similar experience with a 2. In terms of physical controls on the front panel, the approach is very much in keeping with the classic Portastudio/four-track approach pioneered by Tascam back in the 70s; set levels, hit record and track then overdub. To spice things up, an EQ, compressor and gate as well as a full MFX processor, which is compatible with our Guitar Lab software, are at your fingertips. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.That way you still get all the portability, and the hands-on ease of knobs and dials, but you can also choose the software you use. As a control surface, the transport controls and faders make it easy to adjust and control your software during production. Connect a MIDI keyboard via the USB-C port and you can play the R12’s onboard FM synthesizer which offers eight-voice polyphony, 18 different synth sounds and one PCM drum kit. With two XLR/TRS inputs, and 8 tracks of audio, the R12 is perfect for recording everything from demos to release-ready songs.

Zoom R12 - EU Version - ZOOM Europe Zoom R12 - EU Version - ZOOM Europe

The hardware layout is easy to understand even if you’re a complete newcomer to recording: the front panel is dominated by that touchscreen plus a bank of 10 faders for track levels, effects and master level. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. For most of us, though, recording means quitting Safari or Chrome, launching the DAW, and hooking stuff up, all while trying to keep that musical idea in your head. The faders have a short throw and feel slightly wobbly, although they’re precise enough in their operation. It’s still a solid approach, and the option to use phantom power (for condenser microphones) or a Hi-Z setting (for instruments) on Input 1 allows you to record any source with ease.The device also works as a 2-in/4-out audio interface and DAW control surface compatible with Mac and PC. This means that you have to simultaneously press play on your drum machine and record on the R12 if you want your recordings to line up.

Zoom R12 MultiTrak review | Juno Daily - Juno Records Zoom R12 MultiTrak review | Juno Daily - Juno Records

The R12 isn’t overly complex, prioritising workflow and ease of use over extensive options, but it has some nice features to help streamline your creative process, such as compressors on the two inputs, insert and send effects and a built-in FM synth, which can be played via a MIDI keyboard connected to the USB-C input, or programmed via the touchscreen. For this, the R12 has two inputs, for mono microphones or guitars, or stereo samplers, drum machines, synths, mixers, etc. Around the back, things are equally simple, with two combo jack (XLR/TRS) inputs, TRS master outputs, a 3. If you run a recording studio, you may have a dedicated computer that's always running Ableton and always ready to record.In addition, the R12 features an internal synthesizer with 18 sounds +1 drum kit, playable via a MIDI keyboard connected via USB-C. The size and functionality of the R12’s screen might be more of a deciding factor over whether it’s worth stretching the budget for the more expensive R20, which has a larger display with the added benefit of multi-touch gestures. Two channels of audio can be recorded simultaneously, directly onto a SDHC or SDXC card up to 1TB in capacity.

Zoom R-12 Multitrack Recorder - GAK Zoom R-12 Multitrack Recorder - GAK

With that said, the R12 is a much more portable unit, obviously thanks to its size but also thanks to the option to run on four AA batteries or a USB power bank (the R20 requires a 12V power supply). Most users will probably want to transfer stems to a DAW for final production, but the versatility of the R12 makes it suitable for use anywhere, from off-the-cuff sessions to live use as a machine for playing backing tracks. With the R12, it’s easier than ever to record, edit and mix songs in the location of your choice, so you can focus on the music.To spice things up, an EQ, compressor, and gate as well as a full MFX processor, which is compatible with our Guitar Lab software, are at your fingertips. This is why musicians often connect hardware controllers to their laptops, but with the R12, you can forego the computer altogether. You can lay down eight tracks, and those recordings are visualized as blocks of audio on a timeline, just like in a regular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) app like Logic or Ableton Live.