Hey! I'm curious if anyone is using the Zoom R16 as a control surface? I've read that in the past people had problems with it, but now they've got better drivers (they say) for 64 bit. And if it works for X1 and/or 8.5.3, how well? Can you do all the regular stuff like arm tracks, solo, mute... write automation with the faders... etc?

I'd sure appreciate any advice! Thanks very much!!!

Hi evansmalley, 

I have a Zoom R24 and it works fine for me.  I don't use the faders as a control surface.  Please do a search in the forum for "R16" and you will see a number of posts that ask the same question.  

Rimshot

Hey Rimshot- 
Thanks for your reply! What part of the R16 DO you actually use as a control surface? I've searched the forums high and low and while there's a lot of info about using the R16 as an audio interface, not too many have successfully used it in Sonar as a control surface, that I can find. But a lot of that info was old ('09, '10, and '11), when the 64 bit drivers weren't developed. Just curious if anyone is successfully using it as a control surface with the current state of X1, win 7 64 bit, etc. I'm also really curious if anyone can use it with 8.5.3 because that's my favorite build of Sonar, though I own X1. 

It just seems like such a cool toy! It looks like it would be fun for recording out in the yard... but since I have dual Focusrite pro 40's for I/O, I only really need it as a control surface- and I haven't found any success stories with it and Sonar for that. 

Anyone using it as a control surface? Does everything work?

@evansmalley,

I just got my R24 and am using it as a control surface...

It works great....faders on 1-8 and Master...and changing banks changes fader control to 9-16 or 17 - 24...
Only thing is if you use mixbusses then the master will control the first mix buss and not the Master...

I just got it so haven't had a lot of time to dig in deep yet...

Other then that it installed and operates great...

Make sure you install the Sonar Plug-in when it asks...

Evan,

If you looking for JUST a control surface...check out this beast...

AND it's expandable...

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-MAC-MCUPRO-LIST

cclary,
Where does it ask for a Sonar plugin? 

Thanks.

Rimshot

Rim,

It asks during the installation of the driver package...

Hey cclarry-
thanks for the response! 
So it shows up and you can use it to control the transport and track volume right? Can you loop. solo. auto punch, etc with it? Ever try writing fader automation with it?  

WHAT"S COOL ABOUT IT IS THAT IT"S MORE THAN A CONTROL SURFACE< AND IT"S ONLY 300 instead of $800 like the mackie, plus it records anywhere in the yard with AA batteries! 

DAmn caps lock. I didn't caps all that and don't want to retype! Not me yelling, ignore. Just curious how it works as a control surface...

Evan,

Yes - transport controls work...and yes you can write automation with it...
the faders aren't motorized....so you don't get to "see" your work on...
but that's not big deal...

I don't think that Autopunch will be controlled by it...

That was my big thing for buying too...I get 8 good inputs, can use it mobile, and I can use it LIVE
for the band and get ALL the plugins I have to use for effects....

I have a Quad-Capture too, but may nix that providing the R24 works out...

I haven't got that far yet...LOL  The Pre's aren't as good as the VS pre's, but I can live with the difference...

What I have noticed is I seem to get better sound in my headphones with the R24...it's cleaner and clearer...

Clary,
Thanks for the info.  I did get the write automation working but will stick to editing volume, mutes, etc. manually for now.  I can get very precise response by drawing more than using the Zoom faders.  
I too think the mic pres are not the best but are very and sound great.

Rimshot