Zoom R24 User manual

© ZOOM Corporation
Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited.
OPERATION MANUAL

Usage and safety precautions
1
Usage and safety precautions
In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and
cautions that you must read to prevent accidents. The mean-
ings of these symbols are as follows:
Please observe the following precautions to ensure safe use
of this unit.
Power requirements
Since the power consumption of this unit is high, we
recommend using the AC adapter. When using batter-
ies, use either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Operation using an AC adapter
• BesuretouseonlyaDC5V/1A/centerplusACadapt-
er(ZOOMAD-14).UseofanACadapterotherthan
that specified could damage the unit, cause malfunc-
tion or result in a fire or other trouble.
• ConnecttheAC adapteronlytoanoutlet thatsup-
plies the rated AC voltage required by the adapter.
BeforeusingtheR24inother countries(orregions)
wherethepower voltagediffers from AC100V,
always consult with a store that handles ZOOM prod-
ucts and use a suitable AC adapter.
• Whendisconnecting theACadapterfroman outlet,
always pull the body of the adapter itself.
• Duringlightningstormsor whennotusing theunit
for an extended period of time, disconnect the AC
adapter from the AC outlet.
Operation using batteries
• Usesixconventional1.5-voltAAbatteries
• TheR24cannotrechargebatteries.
• Readbatterylabelscarefully.
• Whennotusingtheunit foranextendedperiodof
time, remove the batteries from the unit.
• If a battery leakshould occur, wipethe battery
compartment and the battery terminals carefully to
remove all battery residue.
• Alwaysclose thebatterycompartmentcover when
using the unit.
About grounding
Dependingontheplacementconditionsoftheunit,a
slight electrical charge might be felt when touching a
metalpartoftheR24.Ifyouwishtoavoidthis,ground
the unit by connecting an external ground to a screw on
the rear panel. To avoid danger from electricity, never
connect it to any of the following for grounding.
• Waterpipes(riskofelectricshock)
• Gaspipes(riskofexplosion)
• Telephonewiringgroundsorlightningarrestors
 (dangerduringlightningstrikes)
Operating environment
AvoidusingtheR24whereitmightbeexposed tothe
following conditions that could cause it to malfunction.
•Extremelyhighorlowtemperatures
•Veryhighhumidityorsplashingwater
•Excessivedustorsand
•Excessivevibrations
Handling
Never put vases or other items filled with liquids on the
R24astheycouldcauseelectricshock.
TheR24isaprecisioninstrument.Donotputunneces-
sary pressureonthekeys andother controls.Use of
excessive force and dropping or bumping the unit, for
example, could cause the unit to break.
Connecting cables with input and output jacks
Always turn the power OFF for all equipment before
connecting any cables. In addition, make sure to
disconnect all connection cables and the AC adapter
before moving the unit.
Alterations
Never open the case or attempt to modify the product
in any way since this could result in damage to the unit.
Zoom Corporation will not take any responsibility for
damage resulting from alterations to the unit.
Volume
DonotusetheR24 ataloudvolumeforalongtime.
Doingsocoulddamagehearing.
Interference with other electrical equipment
Inconsiderationofsafety,theR24hasbeendesignedto
provide maximum protection against the emission of electro-
magnetic radiation from the device and to be protected from
external interference. However, equipment that is very sus-
ceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic
wavescouldresultininterferenceifplacednear the R24.If
thisoccurs,placetheR24andtheotherdevicefartherapart.
With any type of electronic device that uses digital control,
includingtheR24,electromagneticinterferencecouldcause
malfunction, corrupt or destroy data and result in other unex-
pected trouble. Always use caution around other devices.
Cleaning
Useasoftclothtocleanthepanelsoftheunitiftheybecome
dirty. If necessary, use a damp cloth that has been wrung out
well. Never use an abrasive cleanser, wax or solvent including
alcohol, benzene and paint thinner.
Malfunction
If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately dis-
connect the AC adapter, turn the power OFF and disconnect
other cables. Contact the store where you bought the unit or
Zoom service with the following information: product model,
serial number and specific symptoms of failure or malfunction,
along with your name, address and telephone number.
Copyrights
Exceptforpersonaluse,unauthorizedrecordingofcopyright-
edsources,includingCDs, records,tapes,videoproducts,
broadcasts, is prohibited. Zoom Corporation does not bear
any responsibility for any consequences related to copyright
law infringement.
TheSDsymboland SDHCsymbolare trade-
marks. Windows®/WindowsVista®aretrademarksor
registered trademarks of Microsoft®. Macintosh® and Mac
OS® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Steinberg and Cubase are trademarks or registered trade-
marksofSteinbergMediaTechnologies GmbHInc. Intel®
and Pentium® are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intel® Corporation. AMDAthlon™isatrademarkorregis-
teredtrademarkofAdvancedMicroDevices,Inc.
All other trademarks, product names, and company names
mentioned in this documentation are the property of their
respective owners.
All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned in this
manual are for identification purposes only and are not intend-
ed to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
This symbol indicates explanations about extremely
dangerous matters. If users ignore this warning and
handle the device incorrectly, serious injury or death
could result.
This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous
matters. If users ignore this caution and handle the
device incorrectly, bodily injury and damage to the
equipment could result.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Usage Precautions

Introduction
2
Introduction
■Multitrack recorder that can use up to 32 GB
SDHC cards
TheR24canrecordupto8trackssimulta-
neously, allowing serious live recording. For
example, you can record a complete band
on individual tracks or a drum kit with multiple
microphones. After making linear PCM record-
ings(WAVformat)at16/24-bitand44.1/48-kHz
sampling rate, you can transfer recorded files
toyourcomputertousetheminDAWsoftware.
YoucanevenconnecttwoR24stogetherwith
aUSBcable,allowingrecordingofupto16
tracks.
■Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)audio interface
YoucanusetheR24anditsmanyinputand
output jacksasaHi-speedUSB(USB2.0)
audiointerface.Asaninterface,theR24can
handle8inputsand2outputsatamaximumof
24-bitand96kHz.Itseffectscanevenbeused
(at44.1kHzonly).Theunitcanalsooperate
usingUSBbuspower.
■Usable as a control surface for DAW software
TheR24hasfunctionsthatenablecontrolof
DAWsoftwareonacomputerviaaUSBcable.
You can operate its transport, including play,
record and stop keys and physically control
onscreen faders. You can also assign various
DAWfunctionstotheR24’sF1–F5functionkeys.
(TheassignablefunctionsdependontheDAW
software.)
■Diverse effects
TheR24hastwotypesofbuilt-ineffects.Insert
effects can be applied to specific channel
signals and send-return effects can be used
through the mixer send-return bus. You can use
these effects in a wide variety of ways, including
during recording, by applying them to already
recorded tracks, and in the mastering process
of mixing down and bouncing.
■Comprehensive built-in mixer features
TheR24isequippedwithadigitalmixerthat
allows you to mix the playback of audio tracks.
Youcanadjustthevolume,pan,EQandeffects
for each track and mix them into a stereo signal.
■Handles a variety of input sources including
guitars, microphones and line-level equipment
TheR24isequippedwith8inputjacksthat
acceptbothXLRandstandardphoneconnec-
tors,including1thatcanhandlehighimped-
anceand6thatcansupplyphantompower
(24Vor48V).TheR24canhandlealltypesof
sources, including high impedance guitars and
basses, dynamic and condenser microphones,
and synthesizers and other line level instru-
ments. It also has two built-in high-performance
microphones that are convenient for recording
acoustic guitars and vocals.
■Exchange files with computers and USB
memory devices
TheR24hasaUSB2.0jackthatallowshigh
speeddatatransfer.YoucantransferWAV
audiofilesrecordedontheR24toacomputer
just by dragging and dropping. You can also
exchange fileswithaconnectedUSBmemory
device without using a computer.
■24-voice built-in sampler can be triggered
using 8 pads and 3 bank keys
Usethesamplertoassignsoundstoeachtrack
(pad)andcreateloops.Playthepadsinreal-
time, and even create performance data for a
completesongbycombiningloops.Bysimply
liningupdrumloopsfromtheincludedUSB
memory, anyone can easily create professional-
quality backing parts and basic tracks. While
listening to loop playback, you can record audio
onother tracksbecausetheR24recorderand
sampler work together seamlessly.
■Rhythm and metronome functions can be
used as guides and backing tracks
Theunitstartswithover400rhythmpatterns
that use the built-in drum machine, and you
can create your own original patterns using
both real-time and step input. You can output
the metronome sound only to the headphones,
allowing you to send just a click to the drummer
in a live situation, while the signals from the out-
put jacks are sent to a mixer.
ThankyouverymuchforpurchasingtheZOOMR24Recorder:Interface:Controller:Sampler.
Wewillcallitsimplythe“R24”inthismanual.TheR24hasthefollowingfeatures.
PleasereadthroughthismanualcarefullyinordertounderstandtheR24functionswell.
After reading it, please keep the manual along with the warranty in a safe place.
Note: For the improvement of this product, its specifications are
subject to change without notice.

3
Usage and safety precautions . . . . . . . .1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
R24 operation flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Basic recording guide . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Panel layout and functions . . . . . . . . . .9
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SD card installation . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Powering the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Turning the power on & off . . . . . . . . . 14
Date & time setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Switch and key operation overview. . . . . 15
Display information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
UNDO/REDO
Recording preparations
R24 recording flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting instruments . . . . . . . . . . 18
Making mono settings . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Hi-Z
Phantom power
Stereo settings & status keys. . . . . . . . 19
Built-inmics
Stereo line inputs
Stereo link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting the tempo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Preparing a rhythm track . . . . . . . . . . 22
Track recording
Recording the first track . . . . . . . . . . 23
Adjusting gain, recording and playback
Changing the playback take . . . . . . . . 25
Swapping tracks
Overdubbing
Recording additional tracks. . . . . . . . . 27
Playing already recorded tracks
Recordingandplayback
Contents
Re-recording
Automatic punch-in/punch-out . . . . . . . 29
Manual punch-in/punch-out . . . . . . . . 30
Playback
Project playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Repeat playback of a specific section
(A-B repeat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the counter and marks to locate . . . 33
Mark functions
Tools
Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Metronome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
16-track synchronized recording
with two units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Mixing
R24 mixing process . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
EQ, pan and send level track settings . . . 40
Track parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mix down/Bounce
Combine multiple tracks into 1–2 tracks . . 43
Bouncing
Using a mastering effect . . . . . . . . . . 45
Recording to the master track . . . . . . . 46
Sampler functions
Using the sampler to make songs . . . . . 47
Overview of sampler functions . . . . . . . 48
Assigning tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Loop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Playing the pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Playback methods
Globalquantization
Creating a sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Real-timeinput
Step input
Contents

4
Editing a sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Inserting and deleting beats
Changing the time signature
Playing back a sequence. . . . . . . . . . 59
Changing the BPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Changing tempo without changing pitch . . 61
Trimming unnecessary parts of audio files . 63
Setting fade-ins and fade-outs . . . . . . . 64
Rhythm function
Overview of rhythm functions. . . . . . . . 65
Playing rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . 66
Selecting a rhythm pattern
Selecting the drum kit
Playing pad sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Switching banks
Drumrolls
Pad sensitivity
Creating a rhythm pattern . . . . . . . . . 68
Setting bars, time signature, quantization
Checking remaining memory
Real-timeandstepinput
Copying rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . 71
Deleting rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . 72
Changing rhythm pattern names . . . . . . 73
Import rhythm patterns . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Setting volume and stereo placement . . . 75
Assigning rhythm patterns to tracks . . . . 76
Effects
Effect and patch overview . . . . . . . . . 77
Input and output of insert and
send-return effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Effectpatchselection
Setting the insert effect position . . . . . . 81
Patch editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Patch saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Patch importing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Using the insert effect only for monitoring . 87
Projects
Project overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Project protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Creating a new project . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Selecting projects and files . . . . . . . . . 91
Project and file information . . . . . . . . . 92
Copying projects and files . . . . . . . . . 93
Changing project and file names . . . . . . 94
Deleting projects and files . . . . . . . . . 95
Dividing files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Sequential playback of projects. . . . . . . 97
Recording settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
System/SD cards
Adjusting the display . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Backlightandcontrast
Changing the SD card while the
power is on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Formatting SD cards . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Checking card capacities. . . . . . . . . 102
Checking the system version . . . . . . . 103
Setting the battery type . . . . . . . . . 103
Phantom power settings . . . . . . . . . 104
USB
Connecting with a computer . . . . . . . 105
Card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using USB memory to save and
import data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Audio interface/control surface . . . . . . 110
Rhythm pattern list . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Effect types and parameters . . . . . . . 115
Effect patch list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Error message list . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Upgrading the firmware. . . . . . . . . . 135
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Contents
For details about use with a computer, refer to theAudio Interface
Manual (PDF) on the CD-ROM included with the unit.

R24 operation ow
5
Control surface
Audio interface
R24 operation ow
Multitrack recorder
Make various settings for the built-
in microphones, connected musical
instruments and other input sources,
signals and tracks. Use the tuner and
the metronome to prepare for a new
project or a live performance.
24 audio tracks
Project creation P17
Prepare a project to save recordings.
• NEW PROJECT
Instrument connection
settings P18,19
This recorder can handle various
instruments.
• Built-in mics P19
• Hi-Z P18
• PHANTOM power P18
• Stereo link P20
Performance tools
• TUNER P35
• METRONOME P36
Track assignment P49
Assign audio files and rhythm patterns
to tracks.
Create rhythm
patterns P68
Create rhythm patterns or use the
unit's preset patterns.
Recording preparations
Linking two units
SYNC REC P37
USB
connection
Playback P31
Play up to 24 tracks of mono and
stereo audio.
• A - B REPEAT P32
• MARK settings P33
Loop settings P50
Set assigned audio files and rhythm
patterns to loop.
Track recording P23
Record the input signals from
connected input sources to tracks.
Undo the previous recording if the
results were unsatisfactory.
• UNDO/REDO P16
1. After input jacks
Insert effects P79
Effects P77
Recording

R24 operation ow
6
Operate DAW software with the R24.
P110~  Audio interface manual
Send signals between DAW software and audio equipment.
 Audio interface manualP110~
USB memory P107
Card reader P106
Apply various effects to process input
signals, recorder playback and sound
generator output.
• PATCH EDIT, etc. P83~
Adjust recorded tracks using the
track mixer. Recorded sound files and settings can
be managed and stored on a per song
basis as a project and then edited in
various ways.
• PROJECT/FILE P91
• INFORMATION P92
• DIVIDE P96
• COPY P93
• DELETE P95
• RENAME P94
• PROTECT P89
Mixing mixdown Editing & output
Mixdown
Combine multiple tracks into one
stereo track.
• Bounce P43
• Recordin ga MASTER track P46
Send-return effect
There are two internal send/return
effects in the built-in mixer—a chorus/
delay effect and a reverb effect. Adjust
the effect send levels for each mixer
track individually.
3. Before the MASTER fader
Mixing P39
• EQ • Volume • Pan P40
Adjust parameters for each track.
Insert effects P79 Effectsusedonspecictracksignalpaths
2. Desired tracks in mixer
Overdubbing P27
Record new tracks while playing back
previously recorded tracks.
Re-recording
• PUNCH IN/OUT P29
Re-record just part of a recorded file.
Create a sequence P53
Use looped material to create
performance data for an entire song.
Mixer P39 Project P89
SD card P101
Track mixer
330 types of effects
8 simultaneous tracks of stereo
and mono recording

Basic recording guide
7
Basic recording guide Make a quick recording with the R24
Here we explain how to record in stereo with the built-in microphones on the unit's left and
right sides and how to record an electric guitar in mono using the high impedance input.
or
NOTE
•Hi-ZisonlyonINPUT 1, and the built-in stereo
microphonesfunctiononlyontracks7&8.
•Tracks7&8correspondtoINPUT 7 & 8 and are
set up as two mono tracks by default. To use the
built-in mics for a stereo recording, set stereo link
to create one stereo track.
Insert an SD card and turn
the power on.
STEP 1 Turn the input source ON. STEP 3
Create a new project.
STEP 2
☞Ref:Projects P89 ☞Ref:Stereolink
Connecting instruments
P20
P 18 , 19
Recording an electric guitar
(high-impedance mono input)
Turn the INPUT 1 Hi-Z
switch ON.
2
Connect the guitar to INPUT 1.
1
Press the status key of INPUT 1 until the
indicator lights red.
3
Using built-in mics (stereo recording)
Turn the INPUT 7 & 8 MIC
switch ON.
1
Press the status keys of INPUTS 7 & 8
until their indicators light red.
2
When red, recording is possible
When red, recording is possible
1Press Change menu
Use the up/
down keys
Press
2Select NEW.
Conrm the project name, etc.
3
4Select EXECUTE.
Use the up/
down keys
Change menu
Press
Return to the main screen.
Press repeatedly
Press repeatedly

Basic recording guide
8
Adjust the input sensitivity (GAIN)
Adjust the GAIN of each
INPUT so that their
PEAK indicators blink
occasionally.
1
Adjust the recording level
2
NOTE
• Ifaninputsignaldistortsduringrecording,refer
toSTEP4andadjusttheinputsensitivityand
recording level.
• Afterrecordinghascompleted,the“Pleasewait”
pop-upwillbedisplayed.Donotturnthepower
OFFortaketheSDcardoutwhilethispop-up
isopen.Doingsocoulddamagedataorcause
other problems.
Adjust the input sensitivity,
monitoring level and output
STEP 4 Record—Complete—Play STEP 5
Adjust the monitoring level
Adjust the monitoring
level of an instrument
with the fader of the
track it is being recorded
on. (INPUT 1 would be
track1,9or17,for
example.)
3
Thered(0dB)indicatorof
the level meter should not
light when you apply an insert
effect to an INPUT. Adjust the
patch level, for example, if
necessary.
Press to stop recording.
4
4
Playback
Recording
☞Ref:Recordingmethodsindetail
  Usinginserteffects
P17 ~
P81
Press the status key to end recording
standby and make the light green.
1
The track changes from recording standby
(red)toplaybackstandby(green).
Press and then to start
recording.
2
While pressing press to
move to the beginning.
1
Start performing.
Counter starts
3
When green, playback is possible
2
3Press to start playback.
Press repeatedly
While pressing press to
move to the beginning.
Press to stop playback.

Panel layout and functions
9
Panel layout and functions
SDcardslot USB HOST port USB DEVICE port
Display
TEMPO key
Built-inmic
Level meters
(1/9/17~8/16/24, MASTER)
Fader section Transport section
Control section
Display section
Rear panel
Right side panel
Bottom panel (not shown)
Batterycompartment
Soft keys
Input section
TEMPO indicator

Panel layout and functions
10
RHYTHM key
9-16Tr key
17-24Tr key
1-8Tr key
DC5V1A jack OUTPUT control PHONES control INPUT jacks
PHONES jack
OUTPUT jacks POWER switch
Status keys
(1/9/17~8/16/24, MASTER)
Faders
(1/9/17~8/16/24,
MASTER)
DIAL
EXIT key
Cursor keys
Pad
REPEAT/STOP key ENTER key
REC key PLAY key STOP key FF key REW key
MARK/CLEARkey
marker key ☞☞ marker key
A-BREPEATkey
AUTO PUNCH IN/OUT key
PAN/EQ key
TRACK key
USB key
TOOL key
PEAK indicator GAIN controls(1~8) BALANCE control
EFFECT key
PROJECT key
MIC
switch
METRONOME
switch
PHANTOM
switch
Hi-Z switch
Input section
Fader section Control section
Transport section
Rear panel
Tra ck indica t or
Master indicator

Connections
11
Connections
Refertothefollowingtoconnectotherdevices,includinginstruments,microphones,audio
equipment and computers.
❶Stereo system, speakers with
built-in amplifiers, etc.
❼ Connecting another
R24byUSB
❷Microphones ❹Guitar/bass
❷
❶
❽
❼
❻
❸❹
R L
Set the METRONOME switch to output it
to only the PHONES jack or also to the
OUTPUT jacks.
Connectcables withXLRor monophoneplugs(balancedorunbalanced)to the
INPUT jacks.
Turnoff thesystem’s power (or turn
down thevolume)beforeconnecting
speakers to avoid damage.
❽AC adapter
Alwaysuse aZOOMAD-14
adapter, which is designed
for use with this unit.
Byconnecting twoR24units,
youcanrecord16tracks
simultaneously.
In order to supply phantom power to a
condenser microphone, first connect
the microphone to INPUT 5 or 6 and
then turn the PHANTOM switch ON.
Phantom power can also be provided
to INPUTS 3,4,7 and 8(seeP104).
When directly connecting a passive
electric guitar or bass, use INPUT 1,
which can handle high impedance,
and turn the Hi-Z switch ON.
❺Built-inmicrophones
Usethesemicrophonestorecorddrums
indirectly or record a band. Turn the MIC
switch ON to input the sounds to INPUTS
7and 8.
❸Deviceswithstereooutputs
Whenusingasynthesizer or a CD
player, for example, with stereo outputs
be sure to connect its left output jack
to an odd-numbered INPUT jack on
this unit and its right output jack to an
even-numbered INPUT jack.
Outputs Inputs
Right side
panel
USB memory
Rear panel
❻ ConnectingacomputerbyUSB
When connected to a computer, you
can send audio files and projects
directly toandfrom theR24. You can
alsousetheR24asanaudiointerface
andacontrolsurfaceforDAWsoft-
ware.

SD card installation
12
SD card installation
TheR24savesrecordingdataandsettingsonSDcards.
To protect your data, turn the power off before inserting or ejecting a card.
NOTE
•IfyouwanttochangetheSDcardwhilethepower
isON,followspecialprocedures(seeP101).
•WheninsertingorremovinganSDcard,always
turn the power OFF. If you do so when the power
is ON, recording data might be lost.
•Ifyoucannotinsertacardintotheslot,you
might be trying to insert it in the wrong direction
or upsidedown. Try again with the correct card
orientation. If you force the card in, you might
break it.
•IfanSDcardwaspreviouslyusedwitha
computer or a digital camera, you must format it
intheR24beforeusingit.
•IfnoSDcardisinserted,theRECkeywillnot
functioninRecorderMode.
Turn the power OFF beforehand (ordinary use)
Preventing unwanted removal of an SD card
1Turn the POWER OFF and detach
the cover of the SD card slot.
2Insert an SD card that is not
write-protected into the slot
completely.
To eject, push the card in rst .
Remove the screw near the slot,
and screw it into the hole in the
SD card cover.
AnSDcardisnecessaryforrecording.
Unlock the write-protection
HINT
•ThisunitcanuseSDcardswithcapacitiesof16
MB~2GB,aswellas4~32GBSDHCcards.
•Youcancheckthemostrecentinformationabout
compatibleSDcardsontheZOOMwebsite.
 http://www.zoom.co.jp
☞Ref:SDCARD>EXCHANGE
  SDCARD>FORMAT
P101
P102
If one of these messages is shown
•“NoCard”:NoSDcardisdetected.Makesurean
SDcardisinsertedproperly.
•“CardProtected”:TheSDcardwrite-protectionlock
is closed, preventing rewriting. To release it, slide the
switch away from the lock position.

Powering the unit
13
Powering the unit
UsetheincludedACAdapter,whichisdesignedfortheunit,orsixAAbatteries(sold
separately)topowertheunit.
1Make sure that the power is OFF,
and then plug the included AC
adapter into the back of the unit. 1Turn the power OFF and open the
battery case cover on the bottom
of the unit.
2Install the batteries and close the
cover.
NOTE
• AlwaysturnthepowerOFFwhenyouopen/close
thebatterycoverorplug/unplugtheACadapter.
DoingsowhenthepowerisONmightcause
recording data to be lost.
• TheunitcanusealkalineofNiMHbatteries.The
approximate lifetime for alkaline batteries is about
4.5hours.
• Replacethebatterieswhen"LowBattery!"is
shown. Turn the POWER switch to OFF immediately
and install new batteries or connect the included
AC adapter.
• Setthebatterytypetoincreasetheaccuracyof
the battery indicator.
Battery indicator on screen
Using ordinary power (included AC adapter) Using batteries
AlwaysusetheincludedZOOM AD-14
AC adapter, which is designed for use
withtheunit.Usinganyotheradapter
could damage the unit.
HINT
Power supply from USB
If the POWER switch is set to OFF, connecting the
unittoacomputerwithaUSBcablemakestheunit
start-upautomaticallywithpowersuppliedbyUSB.
In this state, functions are different from when the
POWER switch is ON. The unit can be used only as
anSDcardreaderorasanaudiointerface.
•Whenusingtheunitasanaudiointerface,if
supplying phantom power, we recommend that
you use the AC adapter.
Battery power
status
No indicator Indicator on
AC adapter
in use
Batteries
in use Batteriesmust
be changed.
Power will
turn off.
☞Ref:Settingthebatterytype P10 3

POWER ON/OFF / TOOL>SYSTEM>DATE/TIME
Turn the power OFF to shut down the unit
Turn the power ON to start the unit
14
Turning the power on & off/Date & time setting
Follow these precautions for starting-up and shutting down the unit.
Followtheseinstructiontosetthedateandtimeforlesanddata.
1Press
Press
Select DATE/TIME.
3
4
Press
Press
Turning the power on & off Setting the date and time
1.MakesurealltheequipmentisOFF.
2.InsertanSDcardintotheR24.Conrmthat
the power, the instruments and the monitoring
system(orstereoheadphones)arecorrectly
connected.
2Then turn the power ON for connected
instruments and for the monitoring
system in that order.
1
NOTE
• BeforeturningthePOWER ON, turn down PHONES
and OUTPUT controls and volume on monitoring
systems and other connected devices.
• Ifnopowerissuppliedtotheunitformorethana
minute,theDATE/TIMEsettingwillberesettoits
initial value.
If this message appears
• TheDATE/TIMEsettinghasbeensettoitsinitial
value.SettheDATE/TIMEagain.
TOOL>SYSTEM>DATE/TIME
Select the date and time units and set
their values in the following order.
YEAR >MONTH >DAY >00:00:00
5
Select SYSTEM.
2
Select OK.
Change menu
Change
unit
Move cursor
Change
value
Change menu
Slide to ON
1
Slide to OFF

Switch and key operation overview
15
Switch and key operation overview
HereweexplainhowtousethekeysandswitchesoftheR24.
Please look at the display for icons that show key functions.
ENTER key Confirm items.
EXIT key Press to go back. Hold to
return to the top screen.
DIAL Change and move among
menus and numbers.
Ref.:Mark-relatedkeys ─
P33
Set/cancel autopunch-in/
outandA-Brepeat
Cursor appearance and
indication in manual
Indications in manual Unit
Appearance in manual
In the explanations, only the
usable directions are shown
Move in
menu
Note: The cursors are used often to move up, down, left and
right to choose different items. An example of their notation in the
manual is shown above.
Switches and controls
POWER switch Turns power ON & OFF
Hi-Z switch TurnsHi-Zconnectionon/off(only
for INPUT 1)
MIC switch Turnsbuilt-inmicrophoneson/off
(signals to INPUTS 7 & 8)
METRONOME switch Sets metronome output
PHANTOM switch Turns phantom power ON & OFF
GAIN control Adjusts input sensitivity
PEAK indicator Lights if maximum input detected
BALANCE control
Duringrecording,whentheMETRO-
NOME switch is set to PHONES ONLY,
use to balance the volume of the
stereo mix and the metronome
Level meters Showsrecording/playbacklevels
TEMPO indicator Flashes in time with the count
When stopped Starts recording standby
Recording standby Endsrecordingstandby
During playback Starts recording (manualpunch-in/
punch-out)
Functions only when tracks are
in recording standby.
REC key
PLAY key
When stopped Starts playback
Recording standby Starts recording
STOP key
During recording Endsrecording
During playback Stops playback
Recording standby Stops unit
REW key
Stopped/playback Rewinds
Hold STOP and press REW to return
to the top of the song.
FF key
Stopped/playback Fast forwards
Transport section
Fader section
Control section
1/9/17~8/16/24
TRACK status
keys
Change track status to PLAY
(green),MUTE(nolight)orREC
(red).Playbacktracksthatare
already assigned appear orange.
MASTER
status key
ChangeMASTERtrackstatusto
PLAY(green),MASTER(nolight—
noplayback/recording)orMIX
DOWN(red).
RHYTHM key Play, create and set rhythm
patterns
EFFECT key Set the insert and send-
return effects
USB key Use audiointerface,card
readerandUSBmemory
TOOL key Metronome, tuner, system
andSDcardsettings
PROJECT key Create, set and work with
projects
1-8Tr key
9-16Tr key
17-24Tr key
Switch between track
groups1~8,9~16and
17~24(the indicator for the
activetrackbanklights)
TRACK key Assign tracks and make
settings
PAN/EQ key Access track mixer settings
PROJECT
PROJECT

Display information
16
Display information
The display shows data about projects and other elements, connection and operation status
as a recorder or a computer audio-interface, available functions and various menus.
The indications in enclosed in boxes, including F1~F5 beneath the row
starting with the AUTO PUNCH I/O k e y, < BANK >, DIRECT, and DAW, are
functions when used as a control surface in audio interface mode.
Display and indications
Top Screen: Shows the current project
Icon display area
Soft key
Project name
Hours: minutes: seconds:
milliseconds
A-Brepeaticon
Bar–beat–tick
Mark, mark number
Globalquantization
Time
sig.
Tempo
(BPM)
Menu screen: Shows an operation menu
Menu name or track number
UsetheDIAL to set
and change values
Press the ENTER key to
show the next menu or
execute an operation
Select items with the up
and down cursor keys
Icon display and setting keys
UsekeytoopentheEFFECT menu.
EFFECT key
ONwhenshown.Usekeytoset.
Insert effect icon –P80
Send-return effect –P80
Reverb/chorus icon
ONwhenshown.Usekeytoset.
If shown, project is protected and cannot
be overwritten. Set using menu.
PROTECT icon –P89
When shown, batteries are in use
and their remaining charge is
indicated by the number of bars.
When shown,USBpoweris
in use. When nothing is shown
the AC adapter is in use.
Battery icon –P13
UNDO/REDO
UNDOindicator REDOindicator
When indicators are shown
After recording and certain other operations, “UNDO”isshown.
After pressing the UNDO soft key, “REDO”isshown.Pressthe
soft key to execute.
NOTE
• Undoonlyworksontrackswithrecorded
audio data
• Onlythepreviousoperationcanbeundone.
Any earlier operations cannot be undone.
UNDO: Return to the state before the previous
operation after (PUNCH IN/OUT) recording, BOUNCE
or MIX DOWN (to MASTER TRACK)
REDO: Reverse the UNDO operation
A-B repeat icon – P32
A-B REPEAT key
A-Bpointssetwhendisplayed
Usekeytoset.
AUTO PUNCHI IN/OUT
icon – P29
AUTO PUNCH IN/OUT key
Set when displayed.
Usekeytoset.
The functions of the soft keys appear at the bottom of the display.
Press the key under the indication to use that function.
Soft keys

R24 recording ow/Creating a new project
17
R24 recording flow/Creating a new project
WiththeR24,youcanusemultitrackrecordingtocreateacompleteworkofmusic.
Create a new project for each song that you make.
Connecting instruments
Recording preparations
Recording preparations
Project and track settings
Create a new project
Select the INPUTS and the recording tracks
Set stereo links
Change track status (recording, play, mute)
Adjust input sensitivity using the GAIN
controls
Performance preparation
Set metronome including pre-count
Set and use tuner
Recording the rst tracks
Recording standby—record—stop
Recording more tracks
Overdubbing
Playback of already recorded tracks
Overdubbing
Record standby—Record—Stop
Create a new project
PROJECT>NEW
1Press
HINT
You can change the name of the new project in
step3.
☞Ref:Creatinganewproject P90
5Set the sampling RATE.
Change
setting
Change menu
3Conrm the project NAME.
Change menu
Select NEW.
2
Press
Change menu
Select whether to CONTINUE
using the previous settings.
4
Change
setting
Change menu
6Select EXECUTE.
Change menu
Press

Connecting instruments/Making mono settings
18
Connecting instruments/Making mono settings
Make settings for instruments such as high impedance guitars, line-input synths, the built-in
mics and mics that use phantom power as well as for stereo and mono input sources.
NOTE
• TurnthePHANTOM switch ONtoprovide+48V
power to INPUTS 3~8.
• Inordertoreducebatteryconsumptionbythe
use of phantom power, it can be turned off to
INPUTS 3, 4, 7and 8, and the voltage can be
reduceto+24V(Ref.P104).
• UsethefaderthatisinlinewiththeINPUT jack.
The signal from INPUT 1goestotrack1,9or17.
• Tousetracks9~16or17~24pressthe9~16Tr or
17~24Tr key to switch the fader assignment.
• Dependingontheinserteffectselection,the
output can change.
• Createonestereofilefromtwofadersbyusing
the stereo link setting.
Connecting passive-type guitars
Signal to INPUT 1
Connect the high impedance instrument to INPUT 1, and
the turn the Hi-Z switch ON.
Using phantom power
Supply phantom power to the connected mic
Connecting low-impedance instru-
ments (mono connections)
Signals to any INPUT 1~8
Connect low impedance instruments to any INPUT 1~8.
☞Ref:Stereosetting P19
Set the tracks to receive inputs
Press the 1-8Tr, 9-16Tr or 17~24Tr key to set
the bank of tracks that will record the inputs.
Assign INPUT 1~8 connections to
tracks 1~24
1Connect instruments and mics.
INPUTS 1~8
Select the bank of tracks.
3Assign faders to
tracks1~8,9~16
or17~24
Tracks
1~8 Tracks
9~16 Tracks 17~24
2Make settings for instruments,
built-in mics, stereo tracks, etc.
PHANTOM
Stereo Mono x 2
MICHi-Z
Mono
4Press the status key of a track
1–2 times to turn its red light on.
Change the status of the connected inputs.
When red, recording is possible
Recording preparations
INPUT TRACK
1~8Tr key active 9~16Tr key active 17~24Tr key active
1 1 9 17
2 2 10 18
3 3 11 19
4 4 12 20
5 5 13 21
6 6 14 22
7 7 15 23
8 8 16 24

Connecting instruments/Stereo settings & status keys
19
Connecting instruments/Stereo sett ings & status keys
Use INPUTS 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 as pairs. Input
left signals to odd-numbered tracks and right
signals to even numbered tracks.
Connecting line input instruments
(stereo connection)
Using the built-in mics
Signals to INPUTS 7/8
Turn the MIC switch ON
Assign INPUTS 1–8 to tracks 1–8,
9–16 or 17–24.
1Connect instruments and mics.
INPUT1~8
2Make settings for instruments,
built-in mics, stereo tracks, etc.
Stereo Mono x 2 MIC
4Press a status key of the linked
tracks one or two times to turn
both lights red.
Set the status of the connected inputs.
When red, recording is possible
Recording preparations
Select the track bank.
3
Tracks
1~8 Tracks 9~16 Tracks 17~24
Assign faders to tracks
1~8, 9~16 or 17~24
To make a stereo recording, set a stereo link for adjacent odd and even-numbered tracks
andrecordonthem.Usethestatuskeystosendinputsignalstorecordingtracks.
NOTE
• UsethefaderthatisinlinewiththeINPUT jack.
The signal from INPUT 1goestotrack1,9or17.
• Tousetracks9~16or17~24,pressthe 9~16Tr or
17~24Tr key to switch the fader assignment.