ZOOM R24 Audio Interface Manual

Audio Interface and Control Surface

This section explains how to connect the unit with a computer and how to set up and use the audio interface and control surface functions of the R24 with a DAW and other software.

Functions of the Audio Interface and Control Surface

A diagram illustrates the connection setup: [INPUT 1-8] jacks on the R24 are for guitars and other musical instruments, or a built-in stereo microphone. The [PHONES] jack is for playback devices like headphones or an audio system. The [OUTPUT] jacks are for stereo systems or speakers with built-in amplifiers. The R24 connects to a Windows/Mac computer via a USB Cable. The computer runs DAW software (e.g., Cubase LE) and requires an Audio driver.

Audio Interface

The R24 functions as a Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) audio interface with 8 inputs and 2 outputs, supporting quality up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Effects can be used when the sampling rate is 44.1 kHz. The unit can be powered by the computer's USB bus.

Control Surface Functions

On-board control surface functions allow users to control DAW software on a computer via USB. This includes transport operations (playback, recording, stopping) and physical control of DAW faders. Additionally, various DAW functions can be mapped to the F1-F5 keys, depending on the DAW used.

Key Features

Supports Input from a Variety of Sources: The 8 onboard jacks accept XLR and standard phone plugs, including one high-impedance input and two inputs with phantom power (24V or 48V). This accommodates guitars, basses, dynamic and condenser microphones, and line-level devices like synthesizers. Built-in high-performance condenser microphones are also included for recording acoustic guitars and vocals.
Versatile Effect Functions: Built-in insert effects can be applied to specific channel paths. Two types of send/return effects work via the mixer send/return. These effects can be used during recording or solely for the monitor output, for example, adding reverb to a vocal monitor signal to aid performance.
Comprehensive Built-in Mixer: The R24's mixer allows for monitoring mixes. Users can adjust volume balance, panning, and reverb levels when simultaneously recording instruments and vocals. The balance between the internal mixer and the sound from the computer can also be adjusted.
Multifunction Tuner: In addition to standard chromatic tuning, the tuner supports 7-string guitar, 5-string bass, and various drop tunings.

About Trademarks

The SD symbol and SDHC symbol are trademarks.
Windows®, and Windows 7® are registered trademarks of Microsoft® in the USA.
Macintosh® and Mac OS® are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Steinberg and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH Inc.
Intel® and Pentium® are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
MACKIE Control is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies.
All other product names, registered trademarks, and company names mentioned in this documentation are the property of their respective owners.

Specifications may be changed without advance notice to improve the product.

Connecting and Disconnecting in Audio Interface Mode

This section provides an overview of connecting and disconnecting the R24 to a computer using a USB cable. For detailed instructions, refer to the included "Cubase LE Startup Guide".

Connecting the R24 to a Computer for the First Time

Install the Cubase LE DAW software on the computer.
Install the audio driver on the computer. (Refer to "Cubase LE Startup Guide" for installation and setup details.)
Connect the R24 to a computer.
Setup the DAW software. (Refer to "Cubase LE Startup Guide" for device setup and Control surface setup, P.7 for Mackie Control.)

NOTE: The ZOOM R16/R24 audio driver is essential for using the R24 as an audio interface with DAW software like Cubase LE. Download the latest driver from the Zoom Corporation website (http://www.zoom.co.jp/) and follow the included installation guide.

R24 Setup and Connection (for subsequent connections)

Press the [USB] button.
Select [AUDIO I/F] from the menu.
Select [EXECUTE] from the menu.
Connect the USB cable to the R24. The display shows "AUDIO INTERFACE" and "Sample Rate 44.1kHz" (or 96.0kHz). USB DEVICE indicator lights are present on the R24.
Connect the USB cable to the computer. A USB icon appears on the computer when the connection is complete.

Disconnecting

Press the [USB] button.
Select [YES] to confirm termination.
Press [ENTER].
Disconnect the USB cable.

NOTE: Selecting [CONTINUE] uses the same settings as last time for INSERT EFFECT, SEND RETURN EFFECT, Mixer, and TUNER settings. Selecting [RESET] restores default settings.

The audio interface and control surface functions of the R24 can be powered via the USB cable. Always use the latest R24 system software. When using phantom power, it is recommended to use batteries or an AC adapter even when the unit is used as an audio interface.

Using Control Surface Functions

When the R24 is connected via USB as an audio interface, its keys and faders can control Cubase LE's transport and mixer.

About the Control Surface

In control surface mode, the R24's keys and knobs can be assigned to specific Cubase LE functions.

Control Surface Setup

Follow steps 1-5 from "R24 setup and connection" on pages 5-6.

Launch Cubase LE.
From the Cubase LE "Devices" menu, select "Device setup...".
In the "Device setup" window, at the top left, click the [+] button and select "Mackie Control".
Set the MIDI input and output: MIDI input: ZOOM R16_R24, MIDI output: ZOOM R16_R24.

HINT: The display of menus may vary depending on the Cubase LE version. Refer to your Cubase LE manual.

Transport Section

By setting up the control surface, the R24's transport section keys can be assigned to individual functions in Cubase LE. A diagram shows the F1-F5 keys corresponding to functions like [AUTO PUNCH I/O], [A-B REPEAT], [MARK/CLEAR], and transport controls like [REW], [FF], [STOP], [PLAY], [REC].

Fader Section Operation

Using the faders and status keys, users can adjust track volumes, mute/solo tracks, and arm them for recording in Cubase LE.

About Banks

A group of tracks operated by faders and status keys is called a "bank". The R24 controls one bank of 8 adjacent tracks. For example, fader 1 can control Cubase LE track 1, and tracks 1-8 are controlled as shown in a diagram. Pressing the [9~16Tr (Bank>)] key switches assignments to tracks 9-16.

A diagram shows track assignments for faders 1-8 (Tr.1-Tr.8) and then for tracks 9-16 (Tr.9-Tr.16).

The [1~8Tr (< BANK)] key moves tracks backward by eight, and the [9~16Tr (BANK >)] key moves tracks forward by eight.

Operating the Fader Section

Assign the Cubase LE tracks (channels) you want to control to the fader section.
Use the faders to control the volumes of the corresponding tracks. The [Master] Fader controls the master volume.
To change the function of the status keys for all tracks, press the soft key for the desired function.

R24 Level Meters (Audio Interface Use)

Individual level meters (for inputs 1/9/17 and 8/16/24) display the signal immediately before it is sent to the computer. The MASTER level meter displays the returning signal from the computer. Diagrams show these meters with dB markings (-6, -12, -48, 0).

Checking DAW Recording Levels: Set "REC SIGNAL" (in the INSERT EFFECT menu) to "WET" (with effect) or "DRY" (no effect) to send signals to the computer. The recording levels are shown on the level meters. The master meter differs from individual meters. Adjust levels so the red clipping indicators (0 dB) do not light.

Setting the Function Keys

The five keys above the transport keys (F1-F5) can be assigned as desired function keys.

Function Key Setup

Open the "Device setup..." dialog in Cubase LE.
Select "Mackie Control". Commands can be assigned using the three columns on the right side of the window.
From the "Button" column, choose the function key (F1-F5) to be assigned.
Click on the "Category" column for that control.
Choose the type of Cubase LE function from the Category pop-up menu.
Click on the "Command" column and select the desired Cubase LE function from the pop-up menu. (Items vary by category.)
Press the "Apply" button.

HINT: Menu displays may differ based on the Cubase LE version. Refer to your Cubase LE manual.

Control Surface Functions Quick Reference Guide

This table summarizes control surface functions:

Control	Explanation
Fader section: Status keys	Turns mute, solo or record arming on/off for the track.
Fader section: Faders	Controls the volume of the corresponding tracks.
Fader section: MASTER Fader	Master volume operation.
Display section: Soft keys	Change functions of status keys/End connection (EXIT).
Display section: Cursor keys	Performs the same functions as the computer arrow keys.
Display section: DIAL	Moves the project cursor position.
Transport section: REW key	Rewind.
Transport section: FF key	Fast forward.
Transport section: STOP key	Stop.
Transport section: PLAY key	Play.
Transport section: REC key	Record.
Transport section: AUTO PUNCH I/O key	Depends on the [F1] key setting.
Transport section: A-B REPEAT key	Depends on the [F2] key setting.
Transport section: (marker) key	Depends on the [F3] key setting.
Transport section: (marker) key	Depends on the [F4] key setting.
Transport section: MARK/CLEAR key	Depends on the [F5] key setting.
Control section: 1-8Tr key	Moves one bank forward.
Control section: 9-16Tr key	Moves one bank backward.

The Mixer in Audio Interface Mode

In audio interface mode, the R24's internal mixer can be used for monitoring. The balance between the internal mixer and the sound from the computer can also be adjusted.

Volume, Reverb Send, Pan

Reverb send, pan, volume, and stereo link settings can be adjusted as in recorder mode (refer to OPERATION MANUAL). The PAN/EQ menu is used for these settings.

VOLUME: Adjusts volumes of INPUTS 1-8 (0-127 increments, default 100).

REV SEND: Adjusts reverb send levels of INPUTS 1-8 (0-100 increments, default 0). Reverb affects only the monitored signal.

PAN (BALANCE): Adjusts pan for INPUTS 1-8 (L100-R100 increments, default Center).

Stereo Link

Link even and odd numbered INPUTS to handle them as stereo pairs. A diagram shows Input1/2 settings with PAN, REV SEND, VOLUME, ST LINK (On/Off). Default setting for ST LINK is Off. When stereo link is active, volume, reverb send, and pan parameters can be shared by pairs of inputs simultaneously.

Balance Knob

The balance between the input monitoring signal and the DAW software signal (computer) can be adjusted with the BALANCE knob. A diagram shows a balance control with "Left" representing "Only the INPUT 1-8 signals" and "Right" representing "Only the DAW stereo signal".

NOTE: Reverb send, pan, volume, and stereo link settings are saved when exiting audio interface mode and can be used again.

Tuner

The R24 tuner can be used during recording. For details, see the Operation Manual.

Chromatic Tuner

Access the tuner via TOOL > TUNER.

Press [TOOL].
Select [TUNER] and press [ENTER].
Tune the instrument. The display shows "CHROMATIC TUNER" with tuning indicators.
To change the standard pitch, press the button beneath [CALIB]. Select the standard pitch (e.g., 440Hz, 441Hz) and press [ENTER].
To change the tuner type, press the button beneath [TYPE]. Select the tuner type (e.g., CHROMATIC, GUITAR, BASS, OPEN-A, OPEN-D) and press [ENTER].

HINT: The default standard pitch is 440 Hz. Other tuner types are also available.

NOTE: Tuner settings are saved when exiting audio interface mode and can be used again.

Effects in Audio Interface Mode

The R24's insert and send-return effects can be used when the sampling frequency is set to 44.1 kHz. Basic operation is similar to recording mode, with minor menu differences.

Insert Effect

In recording mode, select the insert location and effect algorithm, and apply effect patches to the signal being recorded. The [INSERT EFFECT menu] is used for this. Effects can be inserted on any INPUT 1-8. A diagram shows the INSERT EFFECT menu with options like ON/OFF, ALGORITHM, PATCH, INPUT SRC, EDIT.

Apply the effect only to monitoring: The effect can be set to apply only to the monitoring signal, not affecting signals recorded in DAW software. This is configured in the INSERT EFFECT menu (e.g., REC SIG: Wet).

Send Return Effect

Use the SEND REVERB menu to change the patch and the PAN/EQ menu to set the REV SEND level for reverb depth. A diagram shows the REVERB SEND settings.

NOTE: Effects are only usable at a 44.1 kHz sampling rate; otherwise, they are OFF. Insert and send return effect settings are saved upon exiting audio interface mode.

Working with Patches

Patches can be restored to their pre-edited settings by initializing them, returning them to their factory preset condition.

Patch Operations (for both insert and send return effects)

Selecting insert effect/reverb patches: Select an algorithm and patch for insert effects, or a patch for send reverb effects.
Editing patches (EDIT): Adjust effect module parameters and levels to create desired results.
Importing patches (IMPORT): Import effect algorithms or reverb patches from a selected project on the R24. In audio interface mode, one complete set of effect data is saved for the mode, not project-based.
Saving patches (SAVE): Save edited patches.
Initializing patches (INITIAL): Restores patches to original factory settings (available only in audio interface mode).
Changing patch names (RENAME): Change the name of the currently selected patch.

Patch Initialization (Factory Reset)

Press [EFFECT] to access the EFFECT menu.
Turn effects on/off by pressing the button beneath [INSERT] (for insert effect) or [EFFECT] (for send return effect). The example shows an insert effect.
Turn the effect On.
Select [INITIAL] and press [ENTER].
Select [YES] to confirm.

Cubase LE Startup Guide

This guide outlines the basic setup for using Cubase LE with the R24.

Install Cubase LE using the provided "Download access code sheet".
Download and install the latest driver from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp).
Connect the ZOOM unit to the computer (refer to the Operation Manual for connection details).
Startup Cubase LE. Select "Device Setup..." from the "Devices" menu, then click "VST audio system" in the Devices Column. Select the downloaded driver or devices including ZOOM model names (e.g., H Series Multi Track).
Select "VST Connections" from the "Devices" menu and set input/output device ports to the downloaded driver or ZOOM model names. For multi-track models, click "Add Bus" and add the input bus. A diagram shows VST Connections setup with inputs and outputs.
Select "New Project" from the "File" menu. In the "Project Assistant" window, select "Empty" and click "Create" to display the project window.
Select "Add Track" > "Audio" from the "Project" menu to add a new audio track.
Click the "Record" button on the Transport panel to start recording. A diagram shows the transport controls: STOP, PLAY, REC. Recording starts; click "Stop" to end.
Click the "Play" button to check the recording.

For more information: Refer to "Help" in Cubase LE or visit the Steinberg website (www.steinberg.net/en/home). Menu items are subject to change; consult the Cubase LE Operation Manual.

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