8 Common Zoom R24 Problems (Troubleshooting)

Zoom products come with so many features that it becomes difficult to document all of them. Zoom R24 is a 24-track recorder that can be efficiently used for studio production quality recording. It comes with a built stereo condenser microphone and saves you the need for external ones.

It constructs rhythm tracks with the help of its sequencer and drum samples. Its square shape suits the on-screen menus in a better way. The metallic silver paint on this track recorder makes it pretty appealing.

Zoom R24 Problems

As great as the Zoom R24 track recorder is, it has some problems that have concerned the users. In this article, we will discuss these problems one by one and look for solutions.

1. Problem With The Project Button

Most of the users have complained about the project button on Zoom R24. As they opened the Zoom R24, the top of the main page read ‘No project’. Even after pressing the project button to add a new project, there was no proceeding. Pressing the exit button didn’t bring any results either.

This problem occurred despite the user already putting the card given on the package into the Zoom R24. If you face the same problem, the solution to it is a little complicated. The first thing you need to do is get the audio converted to Mono WAV (16Bit, 44.1 kHz). You can use Cubase to do the conversion.

Import the audio in an empty project. Use the Draw tool to do the marking of the whole track. Go to the FileFile and then Export. Select these options and Export. There are two ways to import this File into Zoom R24.

• One way is to copy it directly into the memory card.
• The second way is to connect the Zoom to the computer.

No matter which method you choose, the project appears. It is possible to make use of Zoom H4 as a Karaoke device.

2. Playback Problems

Zoom R24 getting no sound during playback is one of the most common problems associated with this multi-track recorder. You can troubleshoot this problem by checking the connections of the monitoring system. Check the status indicators inside the mixer. They must show a green light.

In case the indicator of the track is not green, you need to keep pressing the key repeatedly until the green light appears. The next step is to analyze the fader. It must be raised, and the status key should not have any visible light indicator when the fader is raised. You should also check the volume settings.

It is possible that the volume is set too low to give any sound. It is also possible to face the problem of fader where you move it, but the volume stays unaffected. Remember that there is no effect of fader of even-numbered channels where the stereo link is turned ON.

You can bring the effect by turning the stereo link OFF. Another way is to pick the odd-numbered channel in the pair and use its fader. Sometimes the input signal gives no sound, and even if it does, the sound is very weak. You can solve this problem by checking the GAIN control and ensuring that it is turned up.

When the playback is enabled, the status light is green. Check for the fader as well. It should be raised. If any of the operations are not working and you see ‘Stop Recorder’ on display, you don’t need to panic because some operations fail to occur when the recorder is working.

You can still avert this problem by pressing the STOP key, which stops the recorder. You can conduct the operation again, which is most likely to be trouble-free.

3. Problems During Recording

There is a high chance of beginners facing the most problems with the Zoom R24 recorder because its working mechanism is somewhat complicated. If you notice that the recorder is unable to record on the track, make sure that the track you have selected and enabled is recordable.

Another reason behind the inability to record on track is the lack of free space on the SD card. Sometimes, you run out of space on your SD card, and the recorder fails to record on tracks. Another important thing to remember is that it is impossible to do the recording if you have a protected project.

You must set the PROJECT to OFF if you want to proceed with the recording. You can also use a different project altogether. It is common to get the recorded sound distorted when your Zoom R24 is running. The reason behind this distortion is the high setting of the GAIN knobs and recording levels.

Remember that the GAIN knobs are responsible for the input sensitivity. As soon as you detect the high setting, turn it to the medium level. The next thing you need to check on is the faders. You need to lower them to prevent the lighting of the indicators of their level meters.

Another factor that contributes to the distortion in the recorded sound is the EQ gain. Check the EQ gain of the track mixer and make sure it is not set extremely high. This factor is so important that it alone can cause significant distortion even if the faders are lowered. Therefore, the EQ gain must be lowered to a suitable value.

The last thing that needs a check from you is the patch level of the effect. The application of an insert effect to an input requires you to check the suitability of the effect output level. If it is not suitable, change the settings and set it to the recommended settings.

4. Problems With Effects

Effects are an important part of the multi-track recorder. However, sometimes certain issues arise with the insert effect and send-return effect. If you fail to insert the insert effect, there is a reason for it. When the use of the 8xCOM EQ algorithm is concerned, it has a limitation on the use of insert points.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to make the insert effect work, start by checking the display. Look for the insert effect icon. If it’s not there, you need to press the EFFECT key. Now find the INSERT soft key, press it, and turn the ON/OFF settings to ON.

You also need to be mindful of the insertion of the insert effect in the desired location. The role of location is important, and any mistake with it can cause a problem with the effect. The send-return effect of the Zoom R24 recorder can also be problematic at times. It might stop working.

You can start solving this problem by checking the display first. Look for the REV or CHO icon on display. If you don’t see any of these icons press the EFFECT key, followed by pressing the REVERB or CHORUS soft key. Change the ON/OFF settings to ON. The last thing to check is the send levels for the tracks. Make sure they are raised.

5. Other Problems

As mentioned earlier, the project can cause problems if it is protected. You can neither save it nor do the recording. You can proceed by setting the PROTECT to OFF. Some of the users face difficulty in creating a new project and copying a project.

As soon as you see ‘Project Full’ on display, it is a sign that there is no room for any more projects to be created on the card. You need to make room for the next projects. Therefore, delete the unnecessary files or cut them someplace else to free the memory.

6. Error Messages

It is quite common to see ‘Error’ on display. You need to push the EXIT key. However, the appearance of errors and other messages is followed by the automatic closing of the displayed screen in three seconds. Sometimes the message is ‘No card’, which requires you to insert the SD card correctly.

If the message is ‘No project’, make sure that the project has not been moved to a different location or deleted. The same goes for the ‘No file’ message. You might receive the ‘No USB device’ message if your connection is canceled. It could also result from any problem with the cable.

7. Audio Is Out Of Sync

There have been a lot of complaints about the out-of-sync problem with the Zoom R24 recorders. It’s not just the audio that’s out of sync but the video as well. The possible reason behind this problem is a defective SD card. Although the chances of this cause are very low, it can still lead to a frustrating situation.

Another factor that can be problematic is the firmware. If you are not using the latest version of firmware, you are prone to all sorts of problems. An important thing to remember here is that a number of R24 variants come with a known hardware issue. If you detect any such issue, contact the customer service of Zoom R24 multi-track recorder.

8. Device Not Working At All

Sometimes the Zoom R24 device stops working altogether. The first thing you need to do is reset the device before applying any basic troubleshooting. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it means the problem is technical and requires to be checked by the technician.

There have been a few cases where users received a faulty model of the device. In those situations, the company sends a replacement for the equipment.