AUDIO INTERFACE MANUAL

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

Contents
Audio interface manual

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Audio interface and control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cubase LE Installation overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Audio interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

R8 audio interface system requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Cubase LE Startup Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Connecting and disconnecting in audio interface mode . . . . . . . . . . 8

Connecting the R8 to a computer for the first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
R8 setup and connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Disconnecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Using control surface functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

About the control surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Control surface setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transport section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Fader section operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

About banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operating the fader section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
R8 level meters (Audio interface use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Setting the function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Function key setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Control surface functions quick reference guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Recording with Cubase LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Create a new project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Create a new audio track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connect an instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjust the recording level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Check the recording (playback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Importing audio into Cubase LE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Importing by drag & drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the Import command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Audio interface manual

Mixer in audio interface mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Volume, reverb send, pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Stereo link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chromatic tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Effects in audio interface mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

INSERT effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SEND return effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Working with patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Patch operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Patch initialization (factory reset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Control surface setup for other DAWs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SONAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Ableton Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Digital Performer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Audio interface and control surface

Audio interface manual

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

Functions of the audio interface and control surface

INPUT jacks
Guitars and other
musical instruments,
built-in stereo mic

PHONES jack
Playback device like
headphones or an
audio system

OUTPUT jacks
Stereo system,
speakers with built-in
amplifiers, etc.

Windows/Mac

DAW software
Cubase LE, etc.

USB Cable

Audio driver

Audio interface
The
inputs and outputs can be used
as a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 audio interface
with 2 inputs and 2 outputs at quality
up to 24-bit/96kHz. Effects can be used
when the sampling rate is 44.1 kHz, and
the unit can be powered by a computers
USB bus.

Control surface functions

Control surface functions can be used
to control DAW software on a computer
via USB. Transport operations, including
playback, recording and stopping, and
physical control of the DAW faders are
possible. Furthermore, various other DAW
software functions can be mapped to the
F1~F5 keys (assignable functions depend
on the DAW used).

The two onboard jacks include one highimpedance input. Both accept XLR and
standard phone plugs and can provide
phantom power (24 or 48V).
Many sources are supported from highimpedance guitars and basses to dynamic
and condenser microphones and linelevel devices like synthesizers. In addition,
the built-in high-performance condenser
microphones are convenient for recording
acoustic guitars and vocals.

Audio interface manual

Supports input from a variety of

sources, including guitars, mics and
line level instruments

Versatile effect functions

Built-in insert effects can be applied to
specific channel paths, and two-types
of send/return effects work via the mixer
send/return. These effects can be applied
when recording, of course, but they can
also be applied to only the monitor output.
For example, when recording vocals, you
can apply reverb only to the monitor signal
to make singing easier.

Comprehensive built-in mixer

Using the
mixer, you can make a
mix for monitoring. When simultaneously
recording guitar and vocals, for example,
you can adjust volume balance, panning
and reverb levels.
Moreover, you can also adjust the balance
between the built-in mixer and the sound
sent from a computer.

Multifunction tuner
In addition to standard chromatic tuning,
the on-board multifunction tuner also supports 7-string guitar, 5-string bass and
various drop tunings.

Cubase LE installation overview

Audio interface manual

To use the
with DAW software, after installing that software, an audio driver must
be installed and set to recognize it.* We explain how to do this with Cubase LE.

Control surface

Audio interface
By using the
between a computer and
external audio devices and instruments, their
signals can be recorded using a DAW or other
software. Instruments and mics that require
high impedance or phantom power can also
be connected.

, you
Using the faders and keys on the
can control transport operation and mixing in
digital audio workstation (DAW) software on
your computer.

Install DAW software

Reference: "Cubase LE Startup Guide"

Cubase LE

Install driver

Reference: "Cubase LE Startup Guide"

ZOOM R8 audio driver*

Connect R8 to computer

Audio interface setup

P.8

DAW software setup

Device setup

Reference: "Cubase LE Startup Guide"

ZOOM R8 audio driver

Control surface setup

P.10, 30~

Mackie Control

Recording

P.16

*No driver is necessary for use with Macintosh computers.

audio interface system requirements

Windows
Windows XP SP3 or later (32-bit)
Windows Vista SP1 or later (32-bit, 64-bit)
Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
32-bit: Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz or faster
64-bit: Intel Pentium Dual Core 2.7 GHz or faster
32-bit: RAM 1 GB or faster
64-bit: RAM 2 GB or faster

Audio interface manual

audio interface
system requirements

Cubase LE Startup guide

Please refer to the Cubase LE Startup Guide
for detailed instructions on installing the ZOOM
audio driver and Cubase LE.

Intel Mac
OS X 10.5.8 or later/10.6.5 or later
Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz or faster
RAM 1 GB or faster

Both
USB 2.0 compatible port

USB hubs are not supported.

Intel chipsets recommended.

Note about descriptions and images

This manual was prepared based on use with
Windows systems. Special functions related to Mac
OS X are indicated separately.
The screen images are of the Windows version of
Cubase LE.

About trademarks
The SD
and
SDHC logos are trademarks.
Windows, Windows XP, Windows Vista 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.
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Mackie Control is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies.
Logic is a trademark of Apple Inc.
SONAR is a trademark of Cakewalk, Inc.
Ableton Live is a trademark of Ableton AG.
Digital Performer is a registered trademark of Mark of the Unicorn.
All other product names, registered trademarks, and company names mentioned in this documentation
are the property of their respective owners.
In order to improve the product, specifications might be changed without advance notice.

Connecting and disconnecting in audio interface mode

Audio interface manual

This is an overview of connecting and disconnecting the

to a computer with a USB
cable. For details, see the included Cubase LE Startup Guide guide.

Connecting the
for the first time

1
2

3
4

to a computer

Install the Cubase LE DAW

software on the computer.
Install the ZOOM
audio driver
on the computer from the included
SD card. (No driver is necessary for
use with Macintosh computers.)
Reference: "Cubase LE Startup Guide"

Connect the

setup and connection

2
3

Connect the
to the computer
using a USB capable.
Press USB.

Select AUDIO I/F.

Change
menu

to the computer.

setup and connection

Press ENTER.

Setup the DAW software.

Device setup
Reference: "Cubase LE Startup Guide"

Control surface setup

Select EXECUTE.
Change
menu

P.10

Mackie Control

Press ENTER.

NOTE
The ZOOM
audio driver is essential for
using the
as an audio interface with DAW
software such as Cubase LE. (No driver is necessary for use with Macintosh computers.)
Download the latest
audio driver from the
Zoom Corporation website.
http://www.zoom.co.jp/

Audio interface manual

Disconnecting

Press the
or press

below
.

Select YES.
Change
menu

Press ENTER.

NOTE
Select CONTINUE to use the same settings as last time.
INSERT EFFECT settings
SEND RETURN EFFECT settings
Mixer settings
TUNER settings
Select RESET to restore default settings for each item.

The audio interface and control surface funccan be used by drawing power
tions of the
through a USB cable from the USB bus.
We recommend always using the latest
system software.

Using control surface functions

Audio interface manual

When using the

connected by USB as an audio interface, the
can be used to control Cubase LEs transport and mixer.

About the control surface

keys and faders

Control surface setup

In control surface mode, the keys and knobs

can be assigned to particular
on the
Cubase LE functions.

See

5
6
Transport section

P.11

About banks

P.12

Fader section

P.12

setup and connection on P.8-9

Then, launch Cubase LE.

From the Cubase LE Devices

menu, select Device setup

Open the Device Setup window.

At the top left of the Device setup

window [+], [] and [|<] buttons
appear. Click the [+] and select
Mackie Control

HINT
Assigning keys
For a list of functions that can be assigned to the
, as well as other transknobs and keys of the
port/function keys that are supported by Cubase
LE, please consult the Control surface functions
quick reference guide in this manual.

Reference: Control surface functions quick

reference guide
10

P.15

Set the MIDI input and output

MIDI input:
MIDI output:

ZOOM R8
ZOOM R8

Audio interface manual

Transport section
By setting up the control surface, the
transport section keys can be assigned to individual functions in Cubase LE.

F1 key

F2 key

F3 key

REW key

FF key

STOP key

Rewind

Fast
forward

Stop

F4 key

F5 key

PLAY key

REC key

Playback Record

HINT
You can connect a footswitch to the CONTROL IN
jack to start and stop playback, and change effect
patches, for example, with your foot when using the
as an audio interface.

Reference:

Operation Manual
Using a footswitch

P.113

11

Fader section operation

Audio interface manual

Using the faders and status keys of the fader section, you can adjust the volume of
corresponding Cubase LE tracks, mute and solo them, and arm them for recording.

About banks

Operating the fader section

After setting up control surface operation, the

main parameters of Cubase LE can be operfader and status keys.
ated using the
A group of tracks operated by the faders
and status keys is called a bank. With the
, one bank of 8 adjacent tracks can be
controlled.
For example, if fader 1 is assigned to Cubase
LE track 1, tracks 1-8 can be controlled as
shown in the following diagram.
Status keys &
Faders

Track

Tr.1

Tr.2

Tr.3

Tr.4

Tr.5

Tr.6

Tr.7

Tr.8

1
2

Assign the Cubase LE tracks

(channels) that you want to control
to the fader section.

Use the faders to control the

volumes of the corresponding
tracks.
The faders control the volumes of their respective tracks. Change the master volume
by moving the Master Fader.

As the diagram shows, when tracks 1~8 are

beneath
once
selected, pressing
switches the assignments as shown below.
Status keys &
Faders

Track

Tr.9

Push

Tr.10 Tr.11 Tr.12 Tr.13 Tr.14 Tr.15 Tr.16

beneath

The next lower bank of eight tracks (channels) is assigned to the fader section.

Push

beneath

The next higher bank of eight tracks (channels) is

assigned to the fader section.

To change the function of the

status keys for all the tracks,
press the soft key for the desired
function.

Use these keys to set the

functions of the status keys

12

Audio interface manual

level meters
(Audio interface use)

Signal just before being

sent to computer shown

Signal returning from

the computer shown.

Checking DAW recording levels

Set REC SIGNAL (in the INSERT

EFFECT menu) to set whether signals are
sent to the computer WET (with effect)
or DRY (without effect).
Adjust so that the
level meters do not
clip (reach 0 dB).

0 dB
(clipping)

13

Setting the function keys

Audio interface manual

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

Function key setup

Open the Device setup dialog

in Cubase LE.

Select Mackie Control.

Commands can be assigned using the three
columns displayed on the right side of the
window.

6
3

14

Choose the type of Cubase LE

function from the Category pop-up
menu.

The items in this pop-up menu will differ

depending on the category chosen.

From the Button column choose

the function key (F1~F5) to be
assigned a Cubase LE function.

Click on the Category column for

that control.

Click on the Command column

and select the desired Cubase LE
function from the pop-up menu.

Press the Apply button.

Control surface functions quick reference guide

Control

Fader section

Display section

Audio interface manual

These functions work with Cubase LE, Cubase, Logic Pro, SONAR, Ableton Live and
Digital Performer.
Explanation

Status keys

Turns mute, solo or record arming on/off for tracks

18 faders

Controls the volume of the corresponding tracks

MASTER fader

Master volume operation

Soft keys

Change functions of status keys, change banks and end

connection (EXIT)

Cursor keys

Performs the same functions as the computer arrow keys1

DIAL

Moves the project cursor position2

REW key

Rewind

FF key

Fast forward

STOP key

Stop

PLAY key

Play

REC key

Record

AUTO PUNCH I/O key

Depends on the F1 key setting

A-B REPEAT key

Depends on the F2 key setting

Transport section

(marker) key

Depends on the F3 key setting

(marker) key

Depends on the F4 key setting

MARK/CLEAR key

Depends on the F5 key setting

1
2

Scrolls window in Digital Performer

No function in Digital Performer

15

Recording with Cubase LE

In this chapter, we explain how to record into Cubase LE using the
Audio interface manual

Create a new project

Copy the ZOOM
to the computer.

project templates

From the CubaseLE_template folder on the SD

, copy the templates
card included with the
to the location where Cubase LE is installed.

Create a new project

If you have copied the
project templates to the designated folder, these project
templates will be displayed when creating a
new project. By choosing these templates
you will be able to easily create projects with
audio track input and output settings already
made for the
.

For Cubase LE 5, copy them as follows

Windows

C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Cubase LE5

\templates

Macintosh

/Applications/CubaseLE5.app/Contents/
templates/

Launch Cubase LE.

Template names and details

ZOOM R8 Mono Recording
Project with Cubase LE mono tracks 12 assigned
INPUTS 12
to

ZOOM R8 Stereo Recording

Project with a Cubase LE stereo track assigned to
INPUTS 12

Choose New Project from the File

menu.
The New Project Window where you can choose
a new project template opens.

16

Set the save location and click the

OK button (Choose button on
Mac OS X).
The project file save location window is displayed.

Audio interface manual

Create a new audio track

Set-up the audio tracks that were

made as follows.
To add a new audio track, select Add Track from
the Project menu and then choose Audio from
the sub-menu that appears.
Inspector area allows detailed track settings
If the inspector is not shown, click
here to show it (click again to hide it)

This will create a new project and the project

window where most Cubase LE operations are
conducted will open.

Select the track input/output bus.

busses assigned in
The names of the
the VST Connections (Devices menu) will be
displayed.
Click here to choose a different bus from a menu
that will appear.

NOTE
The inspector displays information about the track
currently selected. If it does not display anything
click on a track to see that tracks status.

17

Recording With Cubase LE

Audio interface manual

Connect an instrument

Enable track monitoring and

recording.
Channel corresponding
to an audio track

Master Channel

Connect an instrument such as

a guitar to an
INPUT jack and
choose an effect patch.
The chosen effect patch will be applied to the signal
and can be recorded on the computer via the USB
port.
See the following for information about how to
input signal.
set the

Reference:
Operation Manual
Connections
Selecting effect patches

P.12
P.83

Click the Monitor

button until it appears
orange.

Click the record enable

button. It will appear
red when recording is
enabled.

Select Mixer from the Cubase LE

Devices menu.

The mixer window opens, showing the channels

corresponding to the created tracks and the
master channel.

HINT
When the Monitor button is orange, the audio track
input level is displayed in the level meter next to
the fader. When the Monitor button is off, the audio
track output level is displayed.

18

10

Audio interface manual

Adjust the recording level

After adjusting the recording level,

click the Monitor button so that it
becomes grey.

While playing the instrument,

adjust the
input level and set
the Cubase LE recording level.
Monitor
button

Level Meter

This turns off display of the input level, and mutes

.
the signal from the computer to the
When the Monitor button is off, the signal just
before it is sent to the computer can be monitored
PHONES and OUTPUT jacks.
from the

11
Check the recording level for Cubase LE by
viewing the level meter of the channel that
corresponds to the recording-enabled track. Set
it as high as possible without making the meter
peak.
When adjusting the level, do not move the Cubase
LE fader, but instead adjust the
gain.

Confirm that the Transport Panel is

displayed.

If the Transport Panel is not displayed, select

Transport Panel from the Transport menu.

NOTE
If the Monitor button is on, the
input signal
and the signal returning to the
via the
computer will both be output from the
at
the same time, creating a flanger-like sound.
To monitor accurately while adjusting the
recording level, turn the BALANCE knob to DIRECT.
The meter above shows the signal level after it
has been processed internally by Cubase LE.
For this reason, a slight delay might occur from
the time a string is plucked until the level meter
moves. This is not a defect.

19

Recording with Cubase LE

Audio interface manual

Recording

12

Check the recording (playback)

Click the Record button on the

Transport Panel to start recording.

Stop button

Lower the master channel fader.

Record button

As you play the instrument, a recorded waveform

is drawn in real time in the project window.
To stop recording, click the Stop button in the
Transport Panel.

Click the Go to Zero (|<) button in

the Transport Panel to return to the
beginning of the project.

Return to the beginning of the project

Click the Play button in the

Transport Panel to begin playback.

Play button

20

Audio interface manual

Tips to improve performance

Raise the master channel fader to a

suitable playback level.

When using Cubase LE, application performance could become extremely delayed or
error messages such as cannot synchronize
with USB audio interface might be displayed. Should such things happen often,
the following measures might improve the
situation.

Quit other running programs.

In particular, confirm that many background

applications are not running.

Reduce the use of plug-ins

(effects, virtual instruments)

in Cubase LE

If a large number of plug-ins are running, the

computer processing capacity might not be
able to keep up. In addition, reducing the
number of simultaneous playback tracks
might be effective.
If the sound breaks up, please increase the
audio Buffer Size (Devices > Device Setup
> R8 driver > Control panel).
For details, see Step 5 of the Cubase LE
Startup Guide.
Moreover, if the application performance
is extremely slow and regular computer
operation is affected, we recommend quitting Cubase LE and disconnecting the
USB port from the computer once, and then
reconnecting the USB port and relaunching
Cubase LE.

HINT
If no sound comes out after clicking the Play button
following recording, recheck the VST Connections
(step 6 in the Cubase LE Startup Guide).
In addition, confirm that the
BALANCE control is
set to the center.

21

Importing audio into Cubase LE

Audio interface manual

By connecting a computer and the

with a USB cable and setting the
to
function as a card reader, you can import audio data as WAV files into Cubase LE audio
tracks.

Importing by drag & drop

1
2
3

Connect the computer and the

with a USB cable.

Press USB.

Launch Cubase LE.

Open the Cubase LE project into

which you want to import audio
data.

Select READER.
Change
menu

Press Enter.
Access
the
from the computer.
R24

22

Open the
SD card from the
computer and open the AUDIO
folder of the project from which you
want to import audio data.

Select the file (or files) that you

wish to import from the AUDIO
folder and drag and drop them
into the Cubase LE project
window.

Audio interface manual

In the Import Options window

click the Copy Files to Working
Directory check box, and click
the OK button.

The audio files are loaded into

Cubase LE tracks.

When a file is dragged and dropped,

a window will open asking how
Cubase LE should place the file.

When dragging multiple files at

one time, select either Different
Tracks or One Track as the
import method.

Generally, select Different Tracks to automatically

create one track for each file. The files will be arranged vertically in the project window.
Select One track to create one track with the
audio files arranged horizontally.

This window where you can select the import

method appears.

HINT
Project data is stored in folders for each project
in the PROJECT folder in the ZOOM_R8 folder.
Audio recordings are stored as WAV files in
the AUDIO subfolders of each project folder.
Each AUDIO folder also contains a file called
PRJINFO.TXT that lists the names of files
assigned to tracks.
Master tracks and stereo tracks are stereo
WAV files.
To copy a WAV file from a computer, copy it to
the AUDIO subfolder of the desired project folder
Use the
to assign the files to tracks.

23

Importing audio into Cubase LE

Audio interface manual

Using the Import command

1
2
3

Connect the computer and the

with a USB cable.

Select READER.
Change
menu

Access the
from the computer.
R24

24

Open the Cubase LE project into

which you want to import audio
data.

Press USB.

Press ENTER.

Launch Cubase LE.

From the Cubase LE File menu

select Import and Audio File

The Import Audio window opens.

Select the desired audio file (or

files) from the AUDIO folder of
the project from which you wish
to import. Click Open.

Audio interface manual

When importing multiple files at

one time, select either Different
Tracks or One Track as the
import method.
The audio data is assigned to one or more
Cubase LE tracks.

Importing files will cause the Import Options

window to appear.

In the Import Options window

click the Copy File(s) to Working
Directory check box, and click
the OK button.

When a file is imported, a

window will open asking how
Cubase LE should place the file.

Generally, select Different Tracks

to automatically create one track for
each file. The files will be arranged
vertically in the project window.
Select One track to create one
track with the audio files arranged
horizontally.

HINT
Project data is stored in folders for each project
in the PROJECT folder in the ZOOM_R8 folder.
Audio recordings are stored as WAV files in
the AUDIO subfolders of each project folder.
Each AUDIO folder also contains a file called
PRJINFO.TXT that lists the names of files
assigned to tracks.
Master tracks and stereo tracks are stereo
WAV files.
To copy a WAV file from a computer, copy it to
the AUDIO subfolder of the desired project folder
Use the
to assign the files to tracks.

25

Mixer in audio interface mode

Audio interface manual

In audio interface mode you can make a mix for monitoring using the
internal
mixer. In addition, you can adjust the balance of the sound from the internal mixer and
from the computer.

Volume, reverb send, pan

You can be adjust the reverb send, pan,
volume and stereo link settings in the same
way as in recorder mode.

Stereo link
Link INPUT 1 and 2 to handle them as stereo
pairs.

Operation is the same as in recorder mode.

(Reference: Operation Manual P.42)

PAN/EQ menu

VOLUME
Adjust the volumes of INPUTS 12.

0127 (increments of 1)
Default value: 100

On/Off
Default setting: Off
By setting up a stereo link, volume, reverb send and pan
track parameters can be shared by INPUT 1 and 2.
(Reference: Operation Manual P.29)

Balance

REV SEND
Adjust the reverb send levels of INPUTS 12.

In audio interface mode, the balance of the

input monitoring signal and the signal from
DAW software (the computer) can be adjusted
with the BALANCE knob.

0~100 (increments of 1)
Default value: 0
Reverb only affects the
monitored signal (as in
recording mode).

Left
Only the INPUT
12 signals

Right
Only the DAW
stereo signal

PAN (BALANCE)
Adjust the pan for INPUTS 12.

NOTE
L100~R100
(increments of 2)
Default value: Center
(as in recording mode)

26

The reverb send, pan, volume and stereo link

s e t t i n g s a r e a l l s ave d w h e n yo u e n d ( EXIT)
audio interface mode and can be used again the
next time.

Tuner

Chromatic tuner

HINT

TOOL > TUNER

1
2

The default value of the standard pitch is 440 Hz.

Tuners other than the chromatic tuner can also
be used.

Press TOOL.

Reference: Operation Manual

Select TUNER.
Change
menu

Press
ENTER.

Tuner

To change the standard pitch,

beneath
.
press the

Select the standard pitch.

P.108

NOTE
Tuner settings are saved when you end (EXIT) audio interface mode and can be used again the next
time.

Reference: Operation Manual

Tune the instrument.

Tuner

P.108

To change the tuner type, press

beneath
.
the

Change the tuner type.

Change the
tuner type

Change the
standard pitch

Press ENTER.

Audio interface manual

The
tuner can be used as when in audio interface mode. For details, see the
Operation Manual (P.108).

Press ENTER.

27

Effects in audio interface mode

Audio interface manual

The
insert and send-return effects can both be used when the sampling frequency
is set to 44.1 kHz. Basic operation is the same but there are a few differences in the
menus.

Insert effect

Send return effect

As in recording mode, you can select the insert

location and the insert effect algorithm, as
well as the effect patches to be applied to the
signal being recorded.

When used as an audio interface, the send

reverb can only be used for monitoring.
As in recorder mode, use the SEND REVERB
EFFECT menu to change the patch and use the
PAN/EQ menu to set the REV SEND level that
adjusts the reverb depth.

INSERT EFFECT menu options

Setting the reverb send level

Select the insert location

REVERB SEND

Insert on any INPUT 12.

Adjust the amount of reverb using the REV

SEND level of the PAN/EQ menu.

(Reference: Operation Manual P.45)

(Reference: Operation Manual P.44)

(Reference: Audio interface manual Mixer P.26)

Apply the effect only to monitoring

The effect can be set to only be applied to the monitoring
signal and to not affect signals recorded in DAW software.

NOTE
(Reference: Operation Manual P.89)

28

Effects can only be used when the sampling rate

is 44.1 kHz. At all other times they are turned
OFF.
Insert and send return effect settings are saved
when you end (EXIT) audio interface mode and
can be used again the next time.

Working with patches

Patch operations

Patch initialization (factory reset)

For both insert and send return effects

EFFECT > INITIAL

Menus used for patch operations

Selecting patches

Press EFFECT.
Selecting effect type

INSERT EFFECT/SEND REVERB

Select a patch from an algorithm to use an
insert or send reverb effect.
(Reference: Operation Manual P.83)

Insert effect

Press the

beneath

beneath

Send return effect

Press the
Editing patches (EDIT)
By adjusting effect module parameters and
levels, you can create the desired result.
(Reference: Operation Manual P.84)

Audio interface manual

After making many changes, you can restore a patch to its pre-edited settings by
initializing it. This will return it to its factory preset condition.

The following example is of an insert

effect.

Turn the effect On.

Importing patches (IMPORT)

All effect algorithms (and reverb patches) or
a single one can be imported from a selected
.
project on the
(Reference: Operation Manual P.87)
In audio interface mode, one complete set of effect
data is saved for the mode. There are no project
based settings.

Change

Select INITIAL.
Change
menu

Saving patches (SAVE)

Edited patches can be saved.
(Reference: Operation Manual P.86)

Initializing patches (INITIAL)

Patches can be restored to their original factory settings. (This option is only available in
audio interface mode.)

Changing patch names (RENAME)

Press ENTER.

Select YES.
Change
menu

The name of the currently selected patch can

be changed.
(Reference: Operation Manual P.88)

Press ENTER.

29

Control surface setup for other DAWs

Audio interface manual

You can set up the

as a controller for use with a variety of DAW software besides
Cubase LE. Please refer to the manual for the software that you are using.

Logic

Control surface setup

Select Preferences >

Control surfaces > Setup
from the Logic Pro menu.

Function key setup

This opens the Setup window.

2
3

Click on the top left New and

select Install from the pull-down
menu.
Select Mackie Designs/Mackie
Control/Logic Control from the list
in the Install window and click
the Add button.
Mackie Control will be added to
the setup window.

30

Click the Mackie Control icon.

Then, from the top of the list at the
left set Out Port and Input to
ZOOM R8 using their pull-down
menus.

Select Preferences >

Control surface > Controller
Assignments from the Logic
Pro menu.
This opens the Controller
Assignments window.

2
3

From the Zone column select

Control Surface: Mackie Control.
Change the functions as you like.
Controls F1F5 correspond to the
F1F5 keys on the
.
The above procedures are for Logic
Pro 9.
The names of the menus, for
example, might be different in a
different version of Logic.
Please refer to the manual for the
version of Logic that you are using
for details.

Audio interface manual

SONAR

Control surface setup

1
2
3

Select Controller/Surface from

the Options menu to open the
Controller/Surface window.
Click the Add button and open
the Controller/Surface Settings
window.
Choose ZOOM R Series from the
drop-down menu of the Controller/
surface column.
Select ZOOM R8 in the input/
output port column.
For Cakewalk SONAR, installation
of a control surface plug-in is
necessary. Please install it when
installing the driver.

Function key setup

1
2
3
4
5

Open the Edit > Preferences

menu.
Click Customization.
Click Key bindings.
Click Locate Key
Press the F1-F5 key that you
want to setup to see the currently
assigned function. Change that
function as necessary.
The above procedures are for
Sonar X1.
The names of the menus, for
example, might be different in a
different version of Sonar.
Please refer to the manual for the
version of Sonar that you are using
for details.

31

Control surface setup for other DAWs

Audio interface manual

Ableton Live

Control surface setup

Select Preferences from the

Option (Windows) or Live (Mac)
menu.
The Preferences window will open.

Click the MIDI setting tab on the

left side of Preferences window to
select it.
The setup window related to MIDI
will open.

Select Mackie Control in the pulldown menu of the Control Surface

column.

Select ZOOM R8 from the pulldown menus of the Input and

Output columns for both left and
right.

32

In the MIDI Ports section below,

turn On the Remote column
button for the Input: Mackie
Control Input (Zoom R8) item.

Function key setup

1
2
3

Press the MIDI button at the top

right of the main LIVE window to
start MIDI map mode.
Interface elements that can be
assigned will be highlighted in blue.
Click on a parameter that you want
to control.
Press the F1F5 key of the
that you want to assign to control
the selected parameter.
The above procedures are for
Ableton Live 8.
The names of the menus, for
example, might be different in a
different version of Live.
Please refer to the manual for the
version of Live that you are using for
details.

Control surface setup

1
2
3

Launch the Audio MIDI Setup

application (/Applications/Utilities).
Open the MIDI Studio window
(Window > MIDI Studio) and
confirm that R8 is displayed.
Click Add Device.
A new external device will be
added.

Click the new external device to

select it, and then click the Show
Info button.

Enter the name R8 in the Device

Name field.

Click and drag the downward

arrow of the original R8 icon and
connect it to the downward arrow
of the R8 icon that you added.
Use same method to connect the
upward arrows.

7
8

10

Click the + icon in the Control

Surface window and select Mackie
Control from the Driver pulldown menu.
Select Mackie Control from the
Unit pull-down menu that will be
displayed at bottom.

11

Select R8 from the MIDI pulldown menu of the Control Surface

window and select R8-1 from the
menu list.

12

Click the OK button.

The above procedures are for Mac
OS X 10.6 and Digital Performer 7.
The names of the menus, for
example, might be different in a
different version of Digital Performer.
Please refer to the manual for the
version of Digital Performer that you
are using for details.

Function key settings

The functions are already assigned in Digital Performer
and cannot be changed.

Launch Digital Performer

AUTO PUNCH I/O key:

A-B REPEAT key:
(marker) key:
(marker) key:
MARK/CLEAR key:

Selects YES in dialog boxes

Selects NO in dialog boxes
Creates groups/track groups
No assignment
No assignment

Select Control Surface Setup

from the Setup menu to open the
Control Surface window.

Refer to sections about Mackie Control dialog boxes

and track groups in the manual for the version of Digital
Performer that you are using.

33

Audio interface manual

Digital Performer

4-4-3 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan

Web Site: http://www.zoom.co.jp
R8-Audio Interface Manual-E-1