Is the Zoom R16 discontinued?
The Zoom R16 is a 16-track digital recording mixer and recorder introduced in 2005 by Zoom Corporation, a Japanese audio equipment company. Zoom is best known for its portable audio recorders but also produces effects pedals, USB microphones, synthesizers and other audio equipment.
The R16 was one of Zoom’s first attempts at a full-featured multitrack digital recorder and mixer. It combined a control surface with 16 tracks of digital recording and 8 mic/line inputs. The R16 had effects built-in and could function as a USB audio interface. It was aimed at home studio recordists and working musicians needing a portable yet powerful recording solution.
Overview of the Zoom R16
The Zoom R16 (source) is a portable multi-track audio recorder, mixer, interface, and controller. It was released by Zoom Corporation in 2007 as a mid-level model in their lineup of portable recorders.
The R16 features 8 XLR/TRS combo inputs with Hi-Z for connecting guitars and basses directly, 8 analog tracks, an onboard drum machine, rhythm patterns, built-in mics and effects. It can record up to 8 tracks simultaneously and includes a 16-track mixer. The R16 has USB connectivity for interfacing with a computer as an audio interface and MIDI controller.
The R16 was targeted at independent musicians, songwriters, and home studio owners that needed an all-in-one portable recording solution. Its integrated features and portable design made high-quality multi-track recording accessible without requiring separate mixers, audio interfaces, controllers or microphones.
History of the R16
The Zoom R16 was initially released in 2009 as a portable 16-track digital recorder aimed at musicians and recording enthusiasts.1 It allowed for 16-track simultaneous recording, built-in effects, rhythm patterns, and the ability to control it remotely using an iPad.2 The R16 was praised for its portability, ease of use, and powerful recording capabilities in a compact device.
Over the years, Zoom has released several firmware updates for the R16 to fix bugs and add new features. Major firmware versions include 1.7 in 2010 which added MIDI synchronization and 1.8 in 2011 which improved stability.3 The most recent firmware update was version 1.9 released in 2012.
While the R16 has not seen a major hardware revision, Zoom has continued supporting it with firmware updates for over a decade since its initial release. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving and optimizing the R16 over time.
Current Availability of the R16
The Zoom R16 was first released in 2009 as an affordable, portable multitrack recorder and interface. Since then, it has remained a popular choice among musicians and podcasters for its versatility and ease of use. However, in recent years the R16 appears to have become increasingly difficult to find from major retailers.
Checking the Zoom website shows the R16 is no longer listed under their current products [1]. The product page for the R16 on Zoom’s site redirects to the homepage, indicating it has been removed. Looking at top music equipment retailers like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and B&H Photo, the R16 is currently unavailable or out of stock.
This lack of availability from official sources suggests Zoom has ceased active production and distribution of the R16. While some third-party sellers may still have old stock available, the discontinued status makes it challenging to find a new unit from reputable retailers.
Indications the R16 is Discontinued
There are a few key indications that the Zoom R16 has been discontinued by the manufacturer:
According to Zoom’s own website, the R16 is listed under their “Discontinued Products” page. This is a clear sign from the manufacturer that they no longer produce or sell this model.
The product page for the R16 on Zoom’s website states “This product has been discontinued” at the very top. The page itself acts as more of an archive listing rather than an active sales page.
Zoom customer support has reportedly informed inquiring customers that the R16 is discontinued. There seems to be consensus from Zoom that this model is no longer in production.
The R16 is largely out of stock and unavailable from most major musical equipment retailers. Sites like Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and others no longer list the R16 as available. Limited used/open box availability indicates lack of renewed stock.
Overall, both official statements and lack of availability point clearly to the Zoom R16 being discontinued sometime around 2018-2019 after over a decade in production.
Alternative Zoom Products
Although the Zoom R16 is discontinued, Zoom has released newer and upgraded models over the years that serve as alternatives for those looking for similar portable multitrack recorders.
Some key alternatives to consider include:
- Zoom H8: Released after the R16 in 2014, the H8 is a popular successor with 8-track recording and built-in microphones. It improves upon the R16 with a color LCD screen, onboard effects, and compatibility with additional capsules.
- Zoom F8n: A high-end prosumer model, the F8n has 10 tracks, integrated microphones, and timecode. It’s designed for pros and offers more features than the R16.
- Zoom L-12: This live mixing product can function as a 12 track recorder. It has a unique form factor optimized for performing musicians.
Compared to the R16, these newer Zoom products offer more tracks, improved screens and interfaces, updated connectivity options, and additional capabilities like Bluetooth and onboard mixing. However, the R16 still stands out for its simplicity and dedicated tactile controls.
User Reviews and Reception
The Zoom R16 has received generally positive reviews from users since its initial release in 2009. According to reviews on Sweetwater.com (source), users praise the R16 for its versatility as an audio interface, recorder, and controller all in one device. Users highlight the intuitive interface and integration with DAW software as major pros. One user review states, “I make music on my own and needed something to replace my aging standalone recorder and something that integrated well with my DAW. The R16 does all of this fantastically and the effects are really nice.”
Some downsides mentioned by users include limited inputs/outputs compared to higher end interfaces, no ability to record more than 16 tracks simultaneously, and plastic-feeling knobs (source). However, considering the lower price point of the R16 compared to pro interfaces, most users seem to find it provides excellent value. One B&H Photo review states, “If you’re an amateur or hobbyist looking to get into higher quality recording and producing, the R16 is perfect.”
Based on 5 reviews scanned by ReviewBucket.co.uk (source), the R16 earns an average rating of 4/5 stars. Most reviewers highlight the intuitive design and seamless DAW integration as the R16’s standout features. Overall, user reviews indicate the R16 offers versatile, high-quality recording capabilities considering its reasonable price point compared to pro-level interfaces.
Expert Analysis on Discontinuation
Industry experts speculate multiple reasons why Zoom discontinued the R16 model. Sweetwater’s expert reviewers cite the limitations of the R16’s 8-track simultaneous recording ability as a factor, stating “For serious musicians wanting to record more than 8 tracks at once, the lack of upgrade path beyond 8 simultaneous tracks is an issue.” (Source).
According to reviews on Gearspace, the R16’s outdated user interface and lack of features compared to newer Zoom models also pushed it into obsolescence. As one reviewer put it, “The R16 was Zoom’s first standalone recorder and it shows. The workflow and editing were clunky.” They recommend upgrading to Zoom’s newer R24 or R32 models for a more modern experience (Source).
While it served its purpose in its time, experts conclude the R16 became outdated as technology advanced. Zoom chose to discontinue it and focus on releasing more powerful, full-featured multitrack recorders. Its lack of expandability and competition from superior newer models ultimately led to its demise according to experts.
Impact on Users
The discontinuation of the Zoom R16 has significant impacts on current and prospective users. According to Zoom R16 Multitrack 16-Track Digital Recorder, the R16 was a popular all-in-one digital recorder, audio interface, and DAW controller, making its discontinuation disappointing for many. With the R16 unavailable for purchase new, users looking to buy have limited options.
For current R16 owners, the options are either to continue using their existing unit if it’s still functional, or sell it and upgrade to a newer model. Zoom has not stated if they will still provide support or repairs for the R16. Upgrades could include other Zoom models like the F8n, as well as products from other manufacturers.
The used market may also see increased demand and resale value for existing R16 units. However, finding spare parts or repair services may become difficult over time. Users reliant on the R16 for music production or other applications may need to research alternative gear that can interface with their existing setup.
While an inconvenience for R16 devotees, Zoom likely discontinued it to focus resources on newer products. With some adaptation from users, it hopefully won’t severely impact most people’s creative workflows.
Conclusion
Based on Zoom’s own website and updated product listings, we can confirm that the Zoom R16 16-track digital recorder has been officially discontinued, although it may still be available from some retailers selling remaining stock. Zoom likely felt the R16 had reached the end of its product lifecycle and introduced newer models like the R8 and R24 to take its place in their product line. Many users were sad to see it go since it offered an affordable entry point into 16-track recording, with features like effects, amp modeling, and control surface functionality. However with its discontinuation after over 10 years in the market, Zoom determined it was time to move on to the next generation of their multi-track recorder offerings.
To sum up, while you may still be able to find some retailers selling the R16, Zoom is no longer manufacturing it and it is considered an end-of-life product that has been discontinued. But users have quality alternatives from Zoom like the R8, R24, or L series recorders to choose from to meet their home recording needs.