Name: ZOOM R20 multitracker - How to Update the Firmware @GazRendar
Uploaded: 2024-10-22T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: ZOOM R20 multitracker - How to Update the Firmware

ZOOM R20 multitracker - How to Update the Firmware

Gaz Rendar 2024-10-22 | ZOOM R20 multitracker - How to Update the Firmware

ZOOM R12 Firmware 2.4 Update - whats included?

Gaz Rendar 2024-10-18 | In October 2024 Zoom released a firmware update to the R12, bringing it up to version 2.4. In this short video I discuss a recording bug fix that this update addresses and offer a few thoughts about Zoom's firmware updates to the R12.

Easy tutorial how to update the firmware on the R12
youtu.be/r-w8mBD0pVU

Chapters
0:00 Updating to v2.4
0:58 Purpose
1:58 My Thoughts

ZOOM R20 Firmware 3.4 Update - whats included?

Gaz Rendar 2024-10-11 | This video describes a recording bug reported by Zoom for the R20 multitrack recorder. I summarize the firmware update and mention some of the things that are notably absent.

How to video for updating the firmware for an R20
youtu.be/TBNtkzht09o

How to video for using markers with your R20
youtu.be/UpKxt5DFidY

Chapters
0:00 Thank you
0:41 Firmware v3.4
1:12 Recording bug
1:53 My bug encounters
3:24 Thoughts

ZOOM R12 and R20: external send effect loop to add effects after recording // MS-70CDR+

Gaz Rendar 2024-09-30 | While the Zoom R12 and R20 multitrack recorders do not have dedicated send effect loops to add external effects after recording, you still apply effects after recording with creative cable routing and panning. This tutorial will demonstrate how to use a stomp box (Zoom MS-70CDR+ pedal) to apply some reverbs and delays to previously recorded track.

Note: the cables I used in this video are standard 1/4" to 1/4" mono TS cables. I used ones that are only a foot long to minimize potential interference and line hum, but you should be able to use cables of any reasonable length.

Chapters
0:00 Intro to Send Effects
1:15 Example Track
2:11 Wiring
3:07 Mute and Pan Settings
4:45 Record with Effect
5:28 Unmute and Pan Reset
6:23 Sound Comparison
7:26 Fader Use
8:00 Summary

ZOOM R12 and R20: How to bounce tracks

Gaz Rendar 2024-09-09 | The Zoom R12 and R20 multitrack recorders do not have dedicated features to bounce tracks, but this tutorial will show you two work-arounds to bounce stereo or mono tracks on the devices so you can free up more tracks for your more complex songs.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:36 Retro song
2:56 Stereo bounce
3:35 Mute tracks
4:18 Mix down
5:45 Copy project
6:44 Import bounce
9:52 Mono bounce
10:36 Cable prep
11:05 Panning prep
12:08 Input routing
14:02 Panning playback
15:41 Summary

Zoom R12: Why I use it // Song workflow plus a panning mix down trick!

Gaz Rendar 2024-08-16 | The power of the Zoom R12 multitracker recorder comes from it's touchscreen. That color screen makes it intuitive to perform light audio editing operations like split, trim, copy, paste, and move to help you construct your song. Here I demonstrate a workflow to create a retro video game theme with a melody and bass line from a Roland S-1 synth using the touchscreen. I'll also highlight the Mix Down feature along with a manual stereo panning effect.

10 second Pac-Man intro as a Short:
youtube.com/shorts/yEMXHpNA7_8?feature=share

Chapters
0:00 Why I use R12
0:54 Recording
3:23 Back up tracks
5:00 Split tracks
5:58 Trimming
7:58 Move regions
9:30 Pan + EQ
12:06 Stereo panning
13:36 Mix Down
14:51 Mix Down files
15:55 Summary

Pac-Man Intro with Roland S-1 and Papercrafts #roland #pacman

Gaz Rendar 2024-08-04 | ...

Roland S-1 Tutorial: How to duplicate one page of steps within a pattern

Gaz Rendar 2024-04-11 | The Roland S-1 Aira synth packs a lot of sound for such a compact device, but navigating the menus can be a challenge. In this video I demonstrate how to copy and paste 16 steps from one page within a pattern to the second page within that same pattern. You can duplicate those steps again to quickly go from 16 to 64 steps.

#roland #rolands1

ZOOM R20: Track Pair Error and Track Routing

Gaz Rendar 2024-04-07 | If you use a Zoom R20 multitrack recorder and you've seen the "Cannot turn on the track" "Turn off the pair of track" error message, this video will describe what it is and how you can avoid it. I also discuss the limited track routing capabilities of the R20 while also demonstrating how you can mix and match tracks from the upper and lower track banks during recording.

Overcoming the limitations of just 2 combo inputs:
youtu.be/EuVe58WC-ZE

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:23 Error Message
0:45 Track Routing
1:21 Change Track Banks
1:51 Generating the Error
2:36 Mix Tracks Across Banks
3:50 Summary

Roland S-1 Tutorial: How to copy and paste 1 step

Gaz Rendar 2024-04-01 | The Roland S-1 Aira compact synth offers a lot of sound in small package, but the menu features can be difficult to understand and access. In this tutorial I demonstrate how to copy and paste one step using the step sequencer.

#roland #rolands1 #synth

How to copy and paste an entire S-1 pattern:
youtu.be/uDPe5cqW2tc

Roland S-1 Tutorial: How to insert an empty step

Gaz Rendar 2024-03-27 | The Roland S-1 Aira is a surprisingly capable synth in a compact package, but trying to navigate the menus can be a challenge. In this tutorial video I demonstrate how to use the step sequencer to insert an empty, or blank, step within a longer note that's part of your pattern.

#roland #synth #rolands1

Gaz Rendar channel 2,500 subscribers - THANK YOU!

Gaz Rendar 2024-03-25 | Between February and March of 2024 my channel crossed the 2,500 subscriber mark and reached 400,000 total views. I just wanted to take a couple minutes to thank everyone who has subscribed and watched my content over the past three years. It's been awesome! Thank you!

Secret of Mana Title Screen with a Roland S-1 and Pixoo 64 #synth #divoom #roland

Gaz Rendar 2024-03-21 | Secret of Mana title screen track, Fear from Heaven, covered using a Roland S-1 synth. Custom pixel art animations on a Pixoo 64 display made with the Divoom app. Music recorded using a Zoom R20 multitracker.

Zoom R20 & R12 FAQs: Recording limits / moving tracks and regions

Gaz Rendar 2024-02-26 | This video answers some frequently asked questions regarding recording time limits and audio regions limits for the Zoom R12 and R20 multitrack recorders. I also demonstrate how to move recorded audio tracks and how to select and move multiple audio regions.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:24 Track limits
2:00 Continuous recording limits
3:56 Audio region limits
7:40 Moving entire tracks
9:02 Swap entire tracks
9:55 Moving staggered regions
10:36 Moving multiple regions
12:10 Multiple regions same track
13:05 Use a guide marker

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas // Pocket Operator tab tutorial

Gaz Rendar 2023-12-24 | Get a new Pocket Operator for the holidays? Here is Pocket Operator "tab" to teach you how to play Have Yourself a Merry Little (retro) Christmas. I had to take some liberties in the arrangement to make it compatible with most POs and also because there is only 16 patterns to work with. For some winter fun, I added in papercraft visuals while my PO-128 Mega Man is playing. Enjoy!

Composer: Hugh Martin

ZOOM R12 Sequence Play - how to use a playlist for live shows and practice

Gaz Rendar 2023-12-06 | The Zoom R12 multitrack recorder offers Sequence Play (or sequential play), a unique feature that allows you to create a playlist of your projects, and then play along with the songs. You can also place timed pauses into the playlist or you can apply effects to selective songs. It works well as a practice tool or as a device to play backing tracks at a live show. This video will demonstrate how to use all the options for the Sequence Play for the R12.

Songs featured in my original papercraft cover videos:
Dr. Wily youtu.be/V1daDEgSRvA
Super Mario Land youtu.be/uMdeMYfRiL8
Pokemon Red and Blue youtu.be/nQDWRAwJH64

Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:32 Create a playlist
4:00 Play a playlist
5:23 Selective effects
7:23 Transport controls
7:54 Timed pauses
9:09 Color coding
9:35 Instrument routing
11:31 Summary

Super Mario Flagpole music on a Roland S-1 with papercrafts #roland #mario

Gaz Rendar 2023-11-17 | Covering the Super Mario Bros flagpole theme music with a Roland S-1 synthesizer. Plus papercraft reenactment for the classic stage ending in all Mario games from the original to Super Mario Bros Wonder.

Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo (1985)
Composer Koji Kondo

Roland S-1: Copy and Paste Patterns #roland

Gaz Rendar 2023-11-03 | This quick tip tutorial will demonstrate how to copy entire patterns and then paste them into new open pattern slots on the Roland S-1 Aira synth.

Zelda Get Item Music on a Roland S-1 with papercrafts #roland

Gaz Rendar 2023-10-27 | Covering the Get Item fanfare music from The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo, 1986) with the Roland S-1 synth.

Composer: Koji Kondo

DIY Built-in Condenser Mic $20

Gaz Rendar 2023-10-18 | If your mixing board or multitracker recorder can deliver 48V of phantom power, you can re-create the wonder of having a built-in condenser mic for about $20. In this video I'll show you the components you need to make a compact mic without any excess cords or without the need for a mic stand. I'll also compare my DIY "built-in" mic (plugged into a Zoom R20) against the built-in mics of a Zoom H1n handy recorder and a Zoom R8 multitracker.

In the comparison test, I played an acoustic guitar about 3 feet away from all these devices. The two different riffs I played were captured by all three recorders simultaneously for an apples to apples comparison. It's not 100% perfect, but I tried my best to normalize the volume levels of the different built-in mics.

You can probably use any condenser mic with a TRS end. Those small mics are usually designed to work with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. But you'll also need a 3.5mm TRS female to XLR male adapter that can convert a 48V phantom power supply to 3-5V for these types of small condenser mics.

I'm using a BOYA BY-P4A mic
amazon.com/dp/B0B5WZL9SK/ref=twister_B0BLSF4HHF?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

And a MOVO F XLR-Pro adapter
amazon.com/Movo-Mini-Jack-Microphone-Connector-Integrated/dp/B07L42PBY5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=Q9DPLCE0R1F2&keywords=MOVO+F+XLR+Pro&qid=1697613356&sprefix=movo+f+xlr+pro%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-3

Chapters
0:00 Why Multitrackers
1:23 Built-in Mics
4:06 BOYA TRS Mic
4:29 Phantom Pwr Adapter
8:00 Test Parameters
8:31 DIY vs R8 vs H1n
10:12 Summary
10:55 Shopping Info

Roland S-1 tutorial: How to transpose patterns

Gaz Rendar 2023-10-05 | Roland's Aira S-1 Tweak Synth is packed with a useful sequencer and extra features, but many of those features are buried behind multiple levels of menus. This tutorial will demonstrate how you can quickly and easily transpose your patterns using several different methods.

How to update the S-1 firmware:
youtu.be/UKYillgyV9g

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:40 Menu Access
1:14 Max and Min
2:20 Shift Access
2:39 Keypad Shortcuts

ZOOM R20: Firmware update to 3.3 - whats new?

Gaz Rendar 2023-09-27 | In late September of 2023 Zoom released another firmware update for the R20 multitrack recorder. This video discusses the bug fixes in the version 3.3 update, and offers a wish list of marker menu features we'd like to see in a future update.

How to update the R20 firmware:
youtu.be/TBNtkzht09o

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:33 How to update
1:07 Rhythm playback fix
1:51 Moving track fix
3:26 Zoom support
4:04 New features?
4:36 Marker wishlist
5:41 Summary

Roland S-1: How to update the firmware

Gaz Rendar 2023-09-21 | This tutorial video demonstrates how to update the firmware of the Roland S-1 Tweak Synth from the Aira line of compact synthesizers. I'll also show you how to check the current version of firmware that the S-1 is running.

Please note this focused video is meant to be a resource for users so they can easily update their S-1 no matter how many firmware updates Roland pushes out over the lifespan of the unit. In this video I do not discuss the specifics of bug fixes and new features found in v1.02. Some of those features and options can be discussed in future videos. Thank you.

ZOOM R20 firmware update to version 3.1: whats new plus a recording bug Ive encountered

Gaz Rendar 2023-07-31 | Zoom released the 3.1 firmware update for the R20 multitrack recorder. The update supposedly fixes a bug while using the 24-bit setting for your projects. I discuss that update, and I explain an unrelated recording bug that I've (rarely) encountered while hitting the Stop button too quickly.

How to update the Zoom R20 firmware:
youtu.be/TBNtkzht09o

Zoom R20 iPad control app:
youtu.be/F9LIYZpOvuA

Metroid Get Item music:
youtube.com/shorts/VXhkb-4FdgU?feature=share

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:36 Version 3.1
1:35 24-bit bug fix
3:04 How to update R20
3:13 Lack of new features
3:40 Stop button recording bug
5:35 Metroid Item Theme
5:43 Final Thoughts

Papercraft Castlevania II // Ripe Seeds Plant Castle Track // on 3 Pocket Operators

Gaz Rendar 2023-07-14 | I recently got an Analogue Pocket and I've been playing a lot of retro games that I missed out on during my childhood. I've always been a fan of the Castlevania franchise, but I never played Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge on Game Boy before. The first time I booted it up and started playing I couldn't believe what a banger of a track the Ripe Seeds tune is from the Plant Castle stage. Covering the music took a long time for this one, and I needed 3 Pocket Operators to be able to do it, but the bass line for the track is pretty awesome. It also took me an equally long time to add in my custom papercraft reenactments along with some stop motion animation. Enjoy!

Recorded with two PO-128 Mega Man Pocket Operators (melody and bass lines) and a PO-35 Speak (drum track) onto a Zoom R20 multitrack recorder.

Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
Ripe Seeds
Nintendo Game Boy (1991)
Publisher: Konami
Composer: Hidehiro Funauchi

Contra Start Music on a Roland S-1 with papercrafts #roland

Gaz Rendar 2023-07-04 | Using a Roland S-1 tweak synth to cover the intro start track to Contra (NES, Konami). Plus a papercraft reenactment.

Roland S-1 Tutorial: Chorus Effects

Gaz Rendar 2023-07-02 | The Roland S1 is a fun, compact synth from Roland's Aira line of products, but it has a complicated menu system with non-intuitive shift functions. This quick tip tutorial will demonstrate how to active one of the 4 different chorus effects.

Audio recorded with a Zoom R20 multitracker.

Roland S-1: How to extend your pattern from 1 to 64 steps

Gaz Rendar 2023-06-30 | The Roland Aira S-1 tweak synth is a powerful, compact instrument, but its limited LED screen and non-intuitive menu system can make it difficult to navigate the sequencer. Here I demonstrate how to use the SHIFT key to help you increase or decrease the number of steps in your pattern from 1 to 64.

Audio recorded with a Zoom R12 multitrack recorder.

Roland S-1 - How to increase note length using the step sequencer // note tie

Gaz Rendar 2023-06-27 | The Roland S1 is a fun, compact synth from Roland's Aira line of products, but it has a complicated menu system with non-intuitive shift functions. This quick tip tutorial will help you increase the length of your notes from sixteenth notes to half notes and beyond.

Audio recorded with a Zoom R20 multitracker.

ZOOM R20: most annoying thing after 18 months of use

Gaz Rendar 2023-06-23 | I've been using the Zoom R20 multitrack recorder for a year and a half now and I think I understand the options, benefits, and limitations fairly well. I'm commonly asked about some of it's shortcomings (like lack of punch in and out, MIDI sync, built-in mics, and additional 1/4" jacks). While those limitations exist, I think the R20 still performs fairly well as a budget multitracker for musicians who do not want to use a DAW. However, there is one aspect of the R20 that annoys me more than any of those other limitations....

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:47 Should I buy a R20?
1:41 Thoughts on price
3:00 Lack of punch I/O
4:31 Number of combo inputs
5:05 No built-in mics
5:47 Most annoying thing
8:48 Final thoughts

Metroid Get Item Theme Music on a Roland S-1

Gaz Rendar 2023-05-21 | I've had the Roland S-1 Aira synth for a couple days now and while I'm learning the menu system I thought I would try to make a couple well-known video game jingles. Here's the Metroid Item Fanfare music played on an S-1 recorded onto a Zoom R20 multitracker. I did create two separate tracks using two separate patterns with the S-1: the melody track and a bass track. You are seeing the melody track being played/recorded.

The beginning of the clip briefly features a Brinstar cover with a PO-128 Mega Man Pocket Operator.

Publisher: Nintendo
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

Metroid Start Music on a Roland S1 #roland

Gaz Rendar 2023-05-18 | I just got the S1 last night and thought I'd make a quick jingle with it to test it out.

Papercraft Metroid short featuring the Metroid Start Theme sequenced and played on a Roland S-1 Aria synthesizer. Recorded on a Zoom R20 multitracker.

Publisher:Nintendo
Composer: Hirokazu Tanaka

ZOOM R20 - using all the inputs with TRS to XLR cables (applies to many mixing boards too)

Gaz Rendar 2023-03-19 | The ZOOM R20 has 8 inputs for simultaneous multitrack recording, but unfortunately, only 2 of those inputs accept male 1/4" plugs. So can you use those XLR inputs to record Pocket Operators, Volcas, and other synths? Here I test out several different types of cables and explain how you can take full advantage of the 8 inputs, even if you are not using XLR mics.

Here's another video that shows you how to overcome the limitations of having inputs 1 and 2 only record to Tracks 1, 2, 9, and 10:
youtu.be/EuVe58WC-ZE

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Types of inputs
1:04 Inputs to tracks
2:19 Types of cables
5:43 Sound test
8:05 Summary

ZOOM R12: How to update the firmware

Gaz Rendar 2023-03-11 | This video demonstrates how to update the firmware of the Zoom R12 multitrack recorder.

ZOOM R12 - Use a USB hub to connect power bank, flash drives, and MIDI controllers

Gaz Rendar 2023-01-22 | The Zoom R12 is a portable multitrack recorder that can run off AA batteries or power supplied through it's single USB type C port. Unfortunately, if you are powering the R12 via USB, you won't be able to connect flash drives for saving or importing files, and you won't be able to use MIDI controllers for the R12's synth track.

Luckily you can use a USB hub to expand the R12's functions. In this video I demonstrate how to connect a USB hub to a R12, then power it with a USB battery bank. I'll also demonstrate how to connect a MIDI controller to play sounds using the R12's built-in synth track. Finally, I use a USB flash drive to import a mono .WAV track file into an ongoing R12 project.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 Power options
1:47 Just one USB port
3:44 Connect USB hub
5:09 Connect MIDI controller
5:42 Arm synth track
6:57 Connect flash drive
7:54 Import .WAV file
8:45 Summary

ZOOM R20 with SD cards vs flash drives - formats, importing, storage size, and media to avoid

Gaz Rendar 2023-01-09 | The Zoom R20 multitrack recorder can save projects and import files from either SD cards or USB flash drives, and those drives can be modest in size. However, there are formats and media that do not work with the R20. In addition, .WAV files must be placed in specific folder locations to be able to import them into R20 projects. In this video I share what I've learned about the R20's media requirements and alert users to avoid one particular brand and model of USB stick.

How to import .WAV files into R20 projects
youtu.be/JMmjrkenS8s

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:53 Ports
1:23 SD or flash stick
1:47 SD cards
2:33 SD formatting
3:41 Flash drives
3:52 Sticks to avoid
4:40 Flash drive formatting
6:10 Importing files
7:00 Folder differences
9:00 Card sizes

ZOOM R20 with Guitar Lab - how to use the software to load new effects

Gaz Rendar 2022-12-22 | The Zoom R20 multitrack recorder has a variety of pre-installed stock effects. However, you can use Zoom's free Mac or PC software, Guitar Lab, to download and add new effects and effect patches to your R20. This video will demonstrate how to install the Guitar Lab software, connect it to a R20, and load new effects onto the multitracker. It will provide a general overview of the Guitar Lab software so you can navigate through the main features.

Want to see more practical examples of Guitar Lab effects that you can load onto the R20? Floyd Steinberg made a nice, concise, 7-minute video that does just that. Check it out!
youtube.com/watch?v=JNHhqZOnUdw

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:24 Guitar Lab
1:06 Install on PC/Mac
2:18 Factory stock effects
3:34 Connect R20
5:44 G-Lab Effects
7:49 Load new effects
10:58 G-Lab Patches
12:17 G-Lab Editor
13:02 Create custom patches
17:03 Verify new effects
17:42 Summary

Papercraft Charlie Brown Christmas with a Pocket Operator #shorts

Gaz Rendar 2022-12-17 | "Linus and Lucy" (Vince Guaraldi) from A Charlie Brown Christmas played on a PO-128 Mega Man Pocket Operator with papercraft visuals! #shorts

Full video here:
youtu.be/ViQxn0tZHF8

More fun Papercraft covers here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJfZ2yw2Bc7bP4KpGXKIsDAOc1UKFy5iR

ZOOM R20: How to perform a factory reset to fix recording, effects and bluetooth problems

Gaz Rendar 2022-12-08 | If you continue to have the same glitchy problems with the R20, especially for dysfunctional effects or problems initializing the bluetooth adapter, you can try a Factory Reset. In this video I'll demonstrate a R20 factory reset and discuss what is retained and lost in the process.

If you are having glitchy problems with audio recording, make sure you are on the most current firmware. To see how to update the R20's firmware, check out this video:
youtu.be/TBNtkzht09o

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:28 Why Factory Reset
3:05 Before Settings
4:42 Factory Reset
5:15 After Settings
6:02 Lost Effects
7:25 Summary

Gaz Rendar Channel - thank you to my viewers & 1000+ subscribers. And whats next for the channel?

Gaz Rendar 2022-11-24 | I recently passed 1,000 subscribers in mid-October of 2022, which has wildly exceeded my original YouTube goals and aspirations. I just wanted to take a moment to offer a very heartfelt THANK YOU to all my viewers and subscribers who have watched my content for nearly two years. I plan to keep the channel going and in this video I hint at what's in store for the next year. Stay tuned!

ZOOM R12 and R20 screen comparison

Gaz Rendar 2022-11-19 | The ZOOM R12 and R20 multitrack recorders both feature colorful touchscreens that enable users to easily see their audio regions and help them lightly edit their tracks and songs. But the screens have some notable differences, which are covered in this video.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:29 Main differences
1:16 Screen comparison
2:35 Pixels
3:35 R20 zoom in/out
4:31 R12 zoom in/out
5:54 Trim audio compare
6:44 Summary
8:23 Final thoughts

ZOOM R12 First Impressions: Unbox, Touchscreen, Record, Editing, Pros, Cons, and Opinions

Gaz Rendar 2022-11-08 | Designed as an updated refresh for the R8, the Zoom R12 is an 8-track recorder with 2 inputs, onboard effects, drum loops, synth sounds, and a color touchscreen that is useful for editing audio tracks. In this video I unbox a new R12, test out it's recording capabilities and demonstrate how to perform basic editing tasks on the touchscreen. I'll also offer my initial opinions about the device.

Chapters:
0:00 Multitrack recorders
3:33 R12 Unboxing
3:52 Components, I/O, buttons,
8:30 R8 &R20 size compare
9:52 Power on
11:15 System settings
13:44 Sequence play
15:17 Input routing
16:58 Power bank
18:10 Record setup
19:15 Track routing
20:13 Test record
21:07 Add markers
22:26 Moving tracks
23:59 Split, move, delete, trim
28:12 Positives
29:43 Limitations
32:27 Overall impression

ZOOM R20 iOS Control App Overview: iPad pairing, feature walkthrough, and opinions

Gaz Rendar 2022-10-30 | After several delays, the Zoom R20 control app was widely released in October 2022. This video will show you how to install the BTA-1 adapter and use Bluetooth to pair it to your iPad. Additionally, I'll walk through the app's features step-by-step and provide my opinions on it's effectiveness.

ORBA 2 UNBOXING - PART II: testing Artiphons customer service and the travel case

Gaz Rendar 2022-10-21 | I originally received an Artiphon Orba 2 synth/looper device with a faulty battery that caused it to be totally non-operational. I posted that PART I video here:
youtu.be/T8TkyTK8gXs

In this video I grade Artiphon's customer service and provide some thoughts on the effectiveness of the travel case.

Papercraft Final Fantasy IV (II) title screen The Prelude played with two PO-128 Pocket Operators

Gaz Rendar 2022-10-07 | The first Final Fantasy game that I played was II (later retitled to IV) for the SNES. As a kid in the early 1990's there were days when it was hard to rent the one copy of Final Fight or Street Fighter II at the local Blockbuster. One of those days I took a chance and rented a game that just had a simple font with a sword on the cover. I was immediately drawn into the world of Final Fantasy IV as no other console game at the time had such an expansive story featuring the fall and rebirth of the dark knight, Cecil. I wound up convincing my parents to let me rent the cartridge for over two straight weeks so I could play through and complete the game. Besides the story, Final Fantasy featured some grandiose video game music that was on another level at that time.

Here I cover the beautiful, flowing scales from the title screen track, "The Prelude," using two PO-128 Mega Man Pocket Operators recorded to a Zoom R20 multitracker...and then I added in some papercraft visual reenactments as well. Enjoy!

Want to see how I sync and record multiple Pocket Operators with a multitracker? I made a video about it:
youtube.com/watch?v=sz0RMDASGrg

Final Fantasy IV (II)
SNES, 1991
SquareSoft
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu

ZOOM R20 firmware update to version 3.00. Bug fixes, SD card formatting, and iOS Bluetooth app

Gaz Rendar 2022-10-01 | Zoom updated the firmware for the R20 multitrack recorded in late September of 2022 to version 3.00. This video will quickly walk through what's in the firmware update as well as ask some questions about the evolution of the iOS Bluetooth app.

Want to easily update your R20's firmware? I made a video demonstrating how to do just that:
youtube.com/watch?v=TBNtkzht09o

ZOOM R12 Preview Thoughts: Comparisons to the R8 and R20 from an experienced Zoom multitrack user

Gaz Rendar 2022-09-26 | Zoom announced that their new 8-track multitrack recorder, the R12, is scheduled to be released in late October 2022. The R12 is slated to be the successor to the old R8 unit. Building off the recent R20 model, the R12 has a lot of things going for it - namely the color touchscreen that allows users to perform basic editing procedures without ever needing a computer or DAW.

I haven't seen or used an R12 unit yet, but I've used the R8 for over a decade and I've had the R20 since it was released nearly 10 months ago. Those experiences enabled me to summarize my thoughts on this new multitracker and compare it to both the R8 and the R20.

UPDATE: Since this video was published I was able to purchase an R12. Here is my unboxing/first impressions video:
youtu.be/4DlCoaATouM

And here is a screen comparison with the R20, in case you are debating buying an R12 or R20:
youtu.be/GKYbE-EZWWk

ZOOM R20: Using its well-rounded tuner

Gaz Rendar 2022-09-23 | The Zoom R20 multitracker has a built-in tuner that works extremely well for instruments that are directly plugged in or recorded through a mic. While usually overlooked, a good tuner is an absolute must-have utility while recording, and the R20's tuner is incredibly useful. In this video I demonstrate how to access the tuner and cycle through its features while tuning an electric guitar and viola.

Direct tuning
Tune with a mic
open tunings, half steps, and drop D

New Orba 2 unboxing - dead on arrival with battery that wont charge?

Gaz Rendar 2022-09-21 | I put in a deposit for an Orba 2 over a month ago and I was excited when the device finally showed up at my front door. However, after unboxing the Orba 2 won't seem to charge or turn on, even while plugged in.

Artiphon's customer service replied back to me. They were friendly and sent me a new Orba 2 and travel case. Here is PART II detailing that experience:
youtu.be/yw_ZVCY0Svo

ZOOM R20 Multitrack: How to use send vs insert effects

Gaz Rendar 2022-09-05 | The Zoom R20 Multitracker has a bank of built-in, and modifiable, effects and effect patches. You can apply any of these effect patches as either a SEND effect or an INSERT effect. This video will describe the difference between the two and how you can optimize your effect usage.

ZOOM R20 Tempo and Metronome: Tips and clarifying misconceptions about time adjustments

Gaz Rendar 2022-08-19 | The R20 has a click track that can be independently routed through the monitor out or headphones. You can also adjust the tempo of the song in the project settings in a variety of ways. However, changing the tempo of the song and metronome does not always change the tracks in the ways you might initially think it would. This tutorial demonstrates the different click track sounds and options and explains how changing the R20's tempo will or will not change recorded audio and MIDI tracks.

Featuring the sounds of a PO-128 Pocket Operator.

Other tutorials mentioned in this video:
How to time stretch audio files on the R20
youtu.be/vHLHkb5ZFD8

The R20 as a MIDI instrument
youtu.be/TIRmae3ywaw