This one slipped under my radar, at least. Not that that’s much of a challenge. But still. I kind of like this. Anyone has any experience with this one?
1 Like
Hey, don’t be a stranger @HoldMyBeer - if it’s just the two of us here, I’ll buy you one until the others show up 
1 Like
Apparently it only has two inputs, like the early digital recorders. It makes zero sense in 2023. I’d rather get an L-12 or an R16 instead.
It’s certainly interesting. The biggest turnoff for me here would be that there is only two inputs, but that is pricepoint here.
I was somewhat interested in the larger version, the R20, when it was released last year, but most of the inputs were XLR only, with only two combo jacks that accepted 1/4”. I really need to see myself getting a lot of use out of a device in order to redo all my cables.
Back to the R12, the price is very intriguing for sure as a scratchpad. I would probably use it to capture ideas, noodles, and sketches from my fx pedals. It is also intriguing that there are built in synths, so that this could be used as a sound source as well. And battery power is always a plus.
I guess the question is @circuitghost, what would this offer over something like the Blackbox, which I have never used, but I know you have used extensively?
1 Like
Nothin’ 
Here’s another one on me
1 Like
1 Like
Ive used the zoom r16 for years. 8 inputs, super easy and intuitive to use. Almost endless recording with a big SD card. I like that the layout is like an old 4-track too.
I have the direct outs from my mixer running into it and eq, and run aux effects that way. Would highly recommend for dawless recording!
My dream is that zoom releases one of these that also has 8 outputs.
1 Like
Curious about anyone using either the R12 or R20.
For the money, they do look enticing enough.
It is my understanding that they tried to replicate some kind of iPad workflow. The R12, most notably, is portable enough to make this thing a great sketchpad indeed.
But as I’m waiting for the new iPads to be released, I can’t help but wonder if these are worth the buy or not. Same goes for the H4essential (since we’re basically in the same price bracket). Would love to know how Zoom’s offering compares to the iPad’s - or if they do compare at all.
The screen looks tiny but responsive enough, the workflow seems clunky at times but workable, the update process sounds like hell and the preamps are known to be noisy and not that good in general. If I’m not mistaken, MIDI and Sync are not great at all, the onboard sounds are GM at best, the Rhythm tracks are anecdotal and its audio interface capabilities are not the best when working with tablets.
Very curious about this.
It could qualify as a sketchpad. It should be enough for demoing tracks and recording various instruments before exporting to the DAW. But I can’t help but think that it’s on the cheap side of things and that an iPad with a MIDI keyboard and an audio interface would do a better job in the end. More so if, like me, you’re Logic-centric.
1 Like
I think if you don’t have anything of the kind, the R12 is an interesting option in terms of cost comparison. Getting an iPad and a way to get audio into it, is substantially more expensive, even if you shop second hand.
However, if you already have an iPad and an interface that works with it, the R12 makes no sense. I’m fortunate to have an Air and a TE TX-6, which together makes a completely unbeatable portable bundle for a lot of things.
At a price, though. But if you got a similar batch of kits lying around, then this is the way to go.
1 Like
As always, thanks for the input.
Lately, I’ve been teaching music with iPads and MIDI controllers a lot. So I’m guessing the R12 is redundant at best.
But even tho something along the lines of the TX6 (which doesn’t fit my needs) or the EVO4 (which I already own) stays portable enough, I can’t help but think that the R12 is a somewhat more neat package : no dongle, less cables, straightforward I/O, etc.
I guess I’m gonna wait for the new iPads to be released and try to make a portable studio out of it.
I fear the R12 screen is too little for my big hands. Already tried GarageBand on an iPad mini - it was hell. So the R12 (and, to some extend, the R20 too) have too small a screen for me to use efficiently.
Makes me wish for some kind of Music Production - oriented iPad (with I/Os, onboard audio interface and such). Ain’t gonna happen. But one can dream!
And, even tho this is a topic for another discussion, I really wanted the op1f to be just that : the perfect standalone unit. But it lacked the sturdy I/Os I need and the informative screen I wanted. Same for the TX6 : both an overkill interface and too limited box at the same time.
One of these days, I’m gonna need a comprehensive guide of TE’s ecosystem !
Anyhoo.
Still, the R12 is probably a great tool for beginners that can’t splash the cash for an iPad indeed.
Note taken!
1 Like