Tag Archives: ZOOM

Zoom U-24 Is a Streamlined Portable Recording Interface



Zoom U-24Zoom is an audio-equipment manufacturer best known for its portable recorders. Its H2, H4n, H5, and H6 Handy Recorders are widely cited as some of the best devices for remote gathering of audio. While Zoom’s recorders are designed to be all-in-one products, with microphones and recording capabilities built-in, Zoom’s newest product, the U-24 is a portable, high-quality audio interface.

Zoom is billing the U-24 as the “go-everywhere interface:”

The bus-powered U-24 packs all the essential tools into a compact form factor that fits in the palm of your hand. Record with mics, instruments, and more at home or on the go—the U-24 is iPad compatible and small enough to take anywhere. It can even run on just two AA batteries for recording in the most remote locations.

Here are some technical details:

  • Two combo microphone/instrument jacks, featuring a Hi-Z switch and 48v phantom power
  • Two sets of stereo line-out RCA jacks for connecting to external recorders or other gear
  • One set of 1/4″ main line-out jacks for connecting to audio monitors
  • One 1/4″ headphone jack with independent volume and balance controls
  • Mute controls for each input channel
  • USB and MIDI I/O jacks
  • Bus powered, battery powered, or powered via optional A/C adapter
  • Connect to iPad with Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring

The Zoom U-24 is currently available for $150 at most musical instrument and audio equipment vendors. For more information on the device, click the link at the top of this post.


ZOOM Featured Its ARQ Aero RhythmTrak at SXSW



ZOOM ARQ Aero RhythmTrakZOOM produces a wide array of recording devices, including a line of portable “handy” recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines and samplers. Over the past 30 years, ZOOM has established a solid reputation as a manufacturer of innovative yet affordable products which are based on original microchip designs. They featured their new ARQ Aero RhythmTrak at SXSW.

The ZOOM ARQ Aero RhythmTrak is an all-in-one production and live performance instrument which includes an integrated drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer. With its wireless Bluetooth Ring Controller, you can escape the booth, move the music, and get in front of the crowd.

The ARQ Aero RhythmTrak consists of two components – the Base Station (AR-96) and the detachable Ring Controller (AR-96c).

The Base Station houses 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4” line-level audio inputs enable phrase recording and looping. There are also stereo 1/4” line-level outputs, as well as a dedicated 1/4” headphone jack with its own volume control.

A USB port allows connection to your computer. An SD card slot lets you save patterns and loops, import prerecorded audio, and update firmware.

The detatchable Ring Controller communicates with the Base Station, as well as DAWs, via wireless Bluetooth. It offers 96 velocity-and pressure-sensitive pads for clip launching and playing drum sounds, instrument sounds, and sequences. Phrases and sounds can be played chromatically, or you can choose from dozens of preset scales in any way.

Its unique Grip Detection automatically prevents accidental triggering of the pads under your hand. There are dedicated buttons at the top and bottom of the Ring for REC/PLAY/STOP, as well as Filter/Delay/Reverb/MASTER FX on/off. An onboard 3-axis accelerometer generates MIDI control messages to alter sounds and effects in real time. Its internal Lithium-Ion battery automatically charges when the Ring is placed on the Base Station.

The ZOOM ARQ RhythmTrak comes with a Base Station, a Ring Controller, an AC adapter and an Operation Manual. It will be in stores in June of 2016.