FAQ
R16
R16
Recorder
Can you provide information about recording times?
Using the 16 bit/44.1 kHz and WAV format setting , the recording time per gigabyte of storage space is about 200 minutes for one mono track (*1). Using the 24 bit/44.1 kHz and WAV format setting, the time is about 133 minutes (*2).
*1: When recording on all 16 tracks, a song of about 12 minutes 30 seconds can be created.
*2: When recording on all 16 tracks, a song of about 8 minutes 20 seconds can be created.
What is the longest available recording time?
Regardless of the number of tracks, the maximum continuous recording time is 4 hours.
I'd like to connect a guitar to the Hi-Z INPUT 1 and create several guitar tracks without having to change the guitar connection.
You should use the SWAP function for swapping data among tracks. Simply transfer the recorded guitar track content (TRACK 1) to another empty track and then use track 1 again. This lets you easily create multiple tracks.
I made a mistake during recording. How can I cancel and return to the original condition?
By pressing the [UNDO/REDO] key, you can cancel the immediately preceding recording operation. For details, see page 16 of the Operation Manual.
* To redo only a portion of a track, use punch-in/punch-out recording. For details, see pages 27 - 28 of the Operation Manual.
Can I record multiple takes on the same track?
Yes, this is possible. By switching the file selection for the track to "NOT ASSIGN", you can record a new file. The recorded files are saved separately for each project, and you can later select the file to be played for a specific track. This allows you to lay down several vocal or guitar solo takes and select the best take later. For details, see page 23 of the Operation Manual.
I cannot assign a stereo WAV file imported from a computer or USB memory stick to a track. Why?
To assign a stereo WAV file to a track, two tracks with stereo link enabled are required. For information on how to enable stereo link, see page 20 of the Operation Manual.
The indication "Card Full" appears during recording and the recorder stops.
This happens when there is not enough free capacity on the SD card. Insert a new SD card or erase some data from the card to free up space.
The indication "Card Full" appears during playback and the recorder stops.
If playback is carried out while an audio track is set to the REC status, a temporary file will be created in the R16. If the SD card does not have enough space, the temporary file may fill up the card, causing the recorder to be stopped. In such a case, cancel the REC status of the audio track.
Can I switch the counter indication of the recorder from time to bar indication?
Yes, this is possible. You can use the cursor up/down keys to switch the counter to bar/beat/tick indication.
Is there a time stamp function that appends date and time information to recorded files?
Yes, the R16 has a built-in clock and can append date and time information to recorded files. The clock must be set to the correct date and time, as described on page 14 of the Operation Manual.
* Note that the date/time of the clock will be reset if the R16 is without power for more than one minute.
I have recorded a band performance using the built-in mics and set the recording level properly, but the recording sounds distorted.
When using the built-in microphones, physical vibrations caused by very low-frequency sounds can be recorded as distortion. When setting up the R16, you should avoid locations that may be subject to vibrations from loudspeakers, a drum set or similar. Placing the unit on a soft cloth may also help to reduce vibrations.
Does the R16 have a scene memory function for accessing multiple mixer settings?
No, the R16 does not have a scene memory function.
* The mixer settings for each project are stored automatically when the project is completed.
Does the R16 have a phrase loop function for creating loop tracks?
No, the R16 does not have a phrase loop function.
Does the R16 have a rhythm machine function?
No, the R16 does not have a rhythm machine function. You can use the metronome function to provide a guide rhythm during recording. For details on the metronome function, see page 34 of the Operation Manual.
Can I control the metronome output so that it is sent to the headphones only, and not to the main output?
Yes, this is possible by using the dedicated switch. The main output then will carry only the audio tracks without the metronome sound, and the headphone output will carry both the audio tracks and the metronome sound. For example, a backing track recorded on the R16 could be sent to the sound system of a concert venue, while the performers can monitor the metronome sound with headphones as a guide rhythm.
Can I adjust the volume level of the metronome sound?
Yes, the [METRONOME] knob makes it easy to adjust the volume level balance between the audio tracks and the metronome sound.
When locating a mark point specified using the bar/beat/tick indication, the position sometimes is off by several ticks.
The mark information is memorized by the recorder using hour/minute/second/millisecond information. The corresponding bar/beat/tick indication is calculated for every locate operation, based on the tempo and beat information from the rhythm section. This calculation may result in a slight error. To perform a more precise locate operation, specify the mark point using the hour/minute/second/millisecond indication.
Pop or Zip noise happens in recording sound or whole result is going to be white noise by restarting the record without changing location after stopping.
It has been confirmed as a bug in current firmware and will be fixed by updated firmware. Please avoid these noises by following way till the release of updated firmware.
Change the location after stopping recording.
1. Press [REC]+[PLAY] key to start recording.
2. Press [STOP] key to stop recording.
3. Press [FF] key once. (The location forwards about 2 seconds.)
*Repeat from 1 to 3.
Interface
Can I use the tuner function or the metronome function while using the audio interface function of the unit?
The tuner function can be used, but the metronome function is not available while using the audio interface function of the unit.
Can I use the audio interface function and the control surface function at the same time?
Yes, this is possible. While performing playback or recording with DAW software, the fader settings of the mixer as well as the transport functions can also be used. All basic DAW software operations can be carried out easily, using only the R16.
Can I use the control surface function also with DAW software other than Cubase LE 4?
The control surface function of the R16 is based on the Mackie Control emulation mode. Therefore it can be used with any DAW software that supports Mackie Control. For information on settings for Logic 7/8, Sonar 7/8, Live 6/7, and Digital Performer 5/6, see pages 29 - 32 of the Audio Interface Manual for the R16.
When I use the audio interface function and record audio in a DAW application, the sound seems to have a flanger-like quality.
If the DAW application has a throughput function (routing the input signal through to the output during recording), be sure to turn this function off. If the function is enabled, the direct output from the R16 and the throughput signal from the DAW application are heard together, which causes the flanger-like sound.
Is it possible to record on the audio tracks of the R16 while using the audio interface function?
No, this is not supported. The audio interface function and the recorder function cannot be used simultaneously.
When using the audio interface function, but is no sound from the speakers of the computer.
When using the audio interface function, the computer sound is output via the R16. The speakers therefore should be connected not to the computer but to the output of the R16.
Are there template projects for Cubase LE 4?
Yes. The CD-ROM supplied with the R16 contains template projects for Cubase LE 4, located in the "CubaseLE4_template" folder. Using these templates makes it easy to create projects for 8-track recording or for recording on 4 stereo tracks. For details, see page 15 of the Audio Interface Manual for the R16.
Does this unit supports the Mac OS X version 10.5.7 and later or 10.6?
Yes. The latest Audio Driver supports Mac OS X v10.5.7 or later and 10.6. This driver software is freely available from
DOWNLOAD page.
How can I change the sampling rate for the audio interface function?
The sampling rate for the audio interface function follows the sampling rate setting of the DAW software. To change the sampling rate setting for Cubase LE 4, access the project menu and open the project settings window.
The unit does not function properly when used as audio interface for Logic/Garage Band.
This problem can be corrected by updating the audio driver for Macintosh to version 1.2.0 or later. The latest audio driver is freely available from
DOWNLOAD page.
Does the unit support the 64-bit version of Windows Vista and Windows 7?
Yes. The latest Audio Driver supports the 64-bit version of Windows Vista and Windows 7. This driver software is freely available from
DOWNLOAD page.
Does the unit support the 64-bit version of Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard?
Yes. The latest Audio Driver supports the 64-bit version of Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard. This driver software is freely available from
DOWNLOAD page.
When I use the Control Surface function, the MIDI sound source sometimes produces spurious sound in the DAW application.
The Control Surface function uses MIDI signals for controlling the DAW application. If "R16" or "All MIDI Inputs" is selected as input device for MIDI tracks, change this setting to "Not Connected".
Control Panel of R16 can not open in Cubase 5.5.
This problem was fixed by Cubase 5.5.1. HOTFIX.
For details, please refer to Steinberg's website.
Where should I copy the project templates for Cubase LE 6?
Please copy them to the following locations.
Windows 7
C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Steinberg\Cubase LE AI Elements 6\Project Templates
Windows XP / Vista
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Cubase LE AI Elements 6\Project Templates
Mac OS X 10.5 / 10.6
"username"/Library/Preferences/Cubase LE AI Elements 6/Project Templates
Mac OS X 10.7
Choose "Go to Folder" from the Finder's Go menu and type the following path.
~/Library/Preferences/Cubase LE AI Elements 6/Project Templates
Other Topics
Which SD/SDHC cards can be used with the R16?
For information on SD/SDHC cards whose operation has been verified, please see
here.
Does the R16 have an audio editing function?
No, the R16 does not incorporate an audio editing function. File operations such as copy, delete, and split are possible, but partial editing of audio content is not possible. To edit audio data, use the supplied DAW software application Cubase LE 4.
Can I synchronize operation of the R16 to an external sequencer or DAW software on a computer?
No, this is not supported. Synchronization is only possible with another R16.
Can I synchronize three or more R16 units?
No, this is not supported. Synchronization is only possible with one other R16.
Can the R16 operate on USB bus power?
The audio interface and control surface functions can be powered via a USB connection to a computer. The recorder function of the R16 cannot operate on USB bus power.
* With some computers, power supplied to the R16 may be insufficient when using the phantom power capability. In such cases, operate the R16 using the AC adaptor.
Can I leave the batteries in the unit while using the AC adaptor or USB bus power?
Yes, this is not a problem. The batteries will not be used up in this case.
Can I use rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries in the R16?
Yes. However, please note that the R16 does not have a function for charging the batteries. You should therefore use a commercially available charger designed for the batteries you are using. Also, to ensure that remaining battery capacity is indicated correctly by the R16, set the "BATTERY TYPE" option in the "SYSTEM" menu to "Ni-MH". For details, see page 71 of the Operation Manual.
I cannot play back 24 bit/44.1 kHz WAV files that I recorded on the R16 on a computer.
Some computer-based media player software does not support playback of 24 bit/44.1 kHz WAV files. Please verify which formats are supported by the media player software that you are using.
I can access project folders from a computer, but not from the R16 itself.
If folder names using the pattern "PROJxxx" (where xxx is the project number) are altered on the computer, the R16 will no longer recognize the folders. You should return the folder names to the original condition. You should also never change the names of other R16 folders.
What are the combined XLR/phone input connectors?
This is a special kind of connector that can accept two different kinds of plugs, XLR input for microphones and phone input for line-level sources. Channels 5/6 have a PHANTOM switch which provides phantom power capability for professional quality condenser microphones, and channel 1 has a Hi-Z switch for direct connection of a guitar, bass, or other instrument. Consequently, the R16 supports all kinds of input sources.
Is there a dedicated soft carrying case for the R16?
Yes, the dedicated soft carrying case SCR-16 is available separately as an option. Please contact your nearest
ZOOM dealer.
Can I use SDXC cards in the R16?
No, SDXC cards (a new higher capacity standard) are not supported. The R16 supports SD cards (16 MB - 2 GB) and SDHC cards (4 GB - 32 GB).
