A&H Zed R16 Firewire Mixer

[highsage]

Originally Posted by Skadarnold

I am loving this new mixer. Honestly i cant say enough about how cool it is.

However im wondering if anyone has had success with running this board at a 128 buffer size. For the most part its stable but i get a few little glitches and pops and clicks here and there. Its runs perfect when i set to 256. Latest drivers and firmware. I figured at first it had something to do with a conflict with the video card because it seemed to do it occasionally when accessing certain graphical things like changing menus but i think it might just be an overall thing. I had no troubles at all with the motu pci i used to have.

So im wondering if it has something to do with my firewire card. It is a Dynex™ - 3-Port FireWire/IEEE 1394 PCI Card that i bought from bestbuy. It has a Lucent/Agaire type chipset which is said to be compatible. It detects just fine and seems stable but im wondering if it has other speed issues. A review on it said that someone was also trying to use this card for their audio interface was having some similar type issues until they switched the card out.

Can anyone help confirm this before i go out and purchase a new firewire card? Anyone have any good recommendations as to which card to get? (preferably on the budget side if possible or some options.)

Thanks!

I can run all channels simultaneously for tracking at much, much smaller buffers, so it must be the FW, and/or conflict as you state. I'm on a mac pro, however, so there's not going to be any issues to begin with. Not sure if this is helpful info or not, but wanted to roger up that that I don't think it's the R16.....

[cavern]

128 is stable here too on a PC.
Depends on the computer too.

[Skadarnold]

Thanks for the confirmation. Im pretty certain it is the firewire card i was using. I took it back just in time to be able to get a refund from bestbuy. Now i just need to learn which one is a good one to get. I never had any issues at 128 with the motu 2408mk3 always solid with this computer. Any good recommendations for a card?

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by jonnathaniel

I think this concept of a hybrid console is very smart and the way to go, nice and inovative design from A&H, but i'm waiting for a 24 ch. version with subgroups, aux returns and long throw faders. I think there should be a lot of potential user willing to pay a grand more for those.that would be niiice

This is all that needs to be added, in my opinion, to make a solid mixer/interface between the ZED R16 and the GS-R24.

The GS-R24 is amazing, but the little guy certainly was left out of that equation, in terms of its cost.

The ZED R16 seem really solid as well, but 100 mm faders, aux return, 4 subs and 24 channels would be ideal for my needs. I'd even take all of those additions in another 16 channel version, but I doubt they'd lose the midi groups, and thus space would be an issue. I don't need the midi groups, and am really, really hoping for a 16 to 24 channel version with the exact added features you mentioned.

Until then, I'm not sure I'm enormously interested in any particular mixer in the $2-4k range, as the are very few designed with the studio in mind first. I'm debating whether to buy all the necessary cables to use a second hand Mixwizard 14:4:2 I just found, or just stay ITB until a more suitable studio mixer comes along. My only beef with using the Mixwiz is buying all of the cable, patchbay, etc and then being left with a bunch of extras once a hybrid mixer that I dig is released. I really hope A&H offers news of one soon. I'll be waiting patiently, not stressing it, but hoping it's on the horizon.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by AlienHealth

It would need new side trims, holes in metalwork for cables, internal wiring and an extra 1/4amp from the psu - I think a ZED-R16 mk2 or a GS-R16 might be a better idea....we could put longer faders on then too.

Cheers,
Mike.

I just hope things don't get too carried away, as far as additions are concerned. What happened with the ZED R24 turning into the GS-R24 was astounding to watch. Definitely worth the price, but let's keep cost down this time around!

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by satissounds

Mike, I reckon if you were to make a R16 mk2 or better still call it an GS-R16 and have a GS-R16M as well you would have a MONSTER HIT on your hands.

Keith.

Indeed!

I am already saving...

ZED R24 and GS-R16. I think there would be a place for both of them, though I could be way off base here.

[dmusic4u]

Thanks to everyone here I have finally decided to get a r16! All of my initial concerns(pre-amps,logic control,etc...) have pretty much been answered! I just have one final request. Can some or all of you zed r16 owners put up some videos please!!! I would love to see this board in action with a daw showing it in use.(aside from the 2 videos on youtube from A&H) I have been reading the manual I downloaded and would like to have as much exposure to the board in use as possible so that I am at least a little familiar with it when I receive it.(hopefully by the end of june). I have never used a board before and have been doing everything in the box up until I purchased a faderport. Could we possibly get some up please?

[Deltones]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

I just hope things don't get too carried away, as far as additions are concerned. What happened with the ZED R24 turning into the GS-R24 was astounding to watch. Definitely worth the price, but let's keep cost down this time around!

Yeah, it was amazing to watch indeed on the Zed R24 thread. What was less amazing to see was to find out that the price of just the power supply of the GS-R24 is over half the amount of the current Zed R16 price, making the whole console, with the firewire card, an over 10k item. Way out of my price range.

A Zed R24 with a few improvements (Ex: 100mm faders) would be great indeed. A little too late for me perhaps, as I just put a deposit on a Midas Venice F32, but I'm certain that a Zed R24 would fill the gap that was left wide open when the real price of the GS-R24 was known.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by Deltones

Yeah, it was amazing to watch indeed on the Zed R24 thread. What was less amazing to see was to find out that the price of just the power supply of the GS-R24 is over half the amount of the current Zed R16 price, making the whole console, with the firewire card, an over 10k item. Way out of my price range.

A Zed R24 with a few improvements (Ex: 100mm faders) would be great indeed. A little too late for me perhaps, as I just put a deposit on a Midas Venice F32, but I'm certain that a Zed R24 would fill the gap that was left wide open when the real price of the GS-R24 was known.

True indeed. That power supply cost, on top of it not being included in the price that was initially reported, was wild! Seriously, it made me think that even if they do come out with a GS-R16, it will likely still be way more than I can afford. A ZED R24 with at least the addition of 100m faders and 4 bus groups would be enough for me.

The Midas has a alternate line-in on each channel, right? A true in-line mixer? That's another one that I'm looking at for the near future. I haven't liked the fact that people say it isn't made for the studio, but I've also heard a lot of folks say not to fall into that thinking. If it works, it works. If anything, I am kinda concerned about some folks saying the preamps were no good. Wish I had the money to just try all of these out, then return what I didn't want to keep.

I'm taking a close look at the SSL X-Desk also, but the lack of EQ on the channels will likely keep me from going that route. I can stomach buying a bunch of compressors, but have no desire to buy a bunch of EQ units. Those are more costly in general.

As tough as it is to decide on the ideal mixer for one's setup, it is kind of a cool venture, as finding the right one will make it a lot more meaningful. I can imagine wanting to work with my next mixer for a long time, having invested so much time and research into its selection.

[Deltones]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

The Midas has a alternate line-in on each channel, right? A true in-line mixer? That's another one that I'm looking at for the near future. I haven't liked the fact that people say it isn't made for the studio, but I've also heard a lot of folks say not to fall into that thinking. If it works, it works. If anything, I am kinda concerned about some folks saying the preamps were no good. Wish I had the money to just try all of these out, then return what I didn't want to keep.

Check out what I wrote in that thread after I had a little play time with a Venice F16. That play time is what made me put a deposit on the Venice F32. Also, you'll find links to reviews in that thread.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6658357-post28.html

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by Deltones

Check out what I wrote in that thread after I had a little play time with a Venice F16. That play time is what made me put a deposit on the Venice F32. Also, you'll find links to reviews in that thread.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6658357-post28.html

I just read it, and realized I'd read it before. I read all the posts in that thread. I'm a search tool maniac these days, haha.

Sounds good! I'm glad you were able to make a decision and run with it. I definitely wish I could try it out. I'm really, really eager to read what you have to report once you've had it for some time. I definitely like that it doesn't have midi, as I would not be using that, and thus it is a factor in why i did not go with the Zed R16. I'm hoping that a new model of the R16 has no midi, and throws bus groups in its place. I just don't want to pay for extra features I will not use.

[jeronimo]

The Midas aren't in line consoles.
I don't know about the 24 ch A & H but about those you mentioned, only the SSL is truly in line


Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

[Deltones]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

I definitely wish I could try it out. I'm really, really eager to read what you have to report once you've had it for some time.

Will do. I have no idea when I'll get it though. Seems that there is a bit of a waiting list and/or the production has not been ramped up yet. But I'll definitely touch base when it's all set up.

As for trying it out yourself, contact your local guy. That's what I did and he got in touch with the rep. You might be able to do the same.

Also very curious as to what you'll end up with: A&H, the Midas or something else. If you're very lucky, maybe Mike from A&H will pop up next week and say: "Hey guys, here's the R24 you all wanted in the first place"

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by Deltones

Will do. I have no idea when I'll get it though. Seems that there is a bit of a waiting list and/or the production has not been ramped up yet. But I'll definitely touch base when it's all set up.

As for trying it out yourself, contact your local guy. That's what I did and he got in touch with the rep. You might be able to do the same.

Also very curious as to what you'll end up with: A&H, the Midas or something else. If you're very lucky, maybe Mike from A&H will pop up next week and say: "Hey guys, here's the R24 you all wanted in the first place"

I've been dealing with Sweetwater for a lot of my gear, though I'm now going in another direction. It's nice to have a relationship with a rep, but my experience has been more of a sales-first thing, masked as a genuine desire to help me. That's another story though, haha.

Yeah, I'll definitely be looking for another review of yours to pop up in the thread in a while. I know you're super anxious to get your unit and get going!

I'm curious as to what I'll get too, haha! I'll definitely be working with the Mixwizard for some time, getting accustomed to analog mixers, workflow, routing, etc. But, I am definitely sure that I won't be sticking with it for a very long time, so I also hope Mike pops up with that good news....asap! I figure, the sooner it comes out, the longer it'll have been out by the time I'm looking to upgrade. That will mean more reviews, bugs being sorted out and so forth.

[someGit]

After a miserable experience with a bad 1394 card on the first go-round in buying one, I RMA'd it and finally re-received my first *working* ZED R16...

So far I'm loving it, though I am finding the documentation and behavior with Sonar X1b curious... or just plain old contradictory about the MIDI OUT behavior, where everything written seems to indicate that it's available as a MIDI OUT device on install, yet doesn't seem to really go that way, at least not with the current drivers / firmware (3.5.5x)...

The equipment itself is one of the most satisfying choices I've made in this realm though, despite issues, I know I made the best choice.... I wish I'd just shelled out the money in the first place instead of trying to one-sy/two-sy my way to a decent setup... wasted a lot of time and money trying to do things on the cheap... it became the opposite of cheap...

I'd urge A&H though to really get aggressive on the documentation updating and community front... Some of this stuff should really be more current... Vista was a long time ago... and since Sonar is the product used to model the ZED's abilities, the X1 issues should be forefront or at least current (my opinion, probably a bit self-serving... I admit =D)

Still... I'm a fan now....

[zoso2]

Originally Posted by Deltones

Check out what I wrote in that thread after I had a little play time with a Venice F16. That play time is what made me put a deposit on the Venice F32. Also, you'll find links to reviews in that thread.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/6658357-post28.html

I was looking at getting the R16 but I've come across an old Tascam and electro voice which i'll be able to get for nearly no money so i'll probably be going the analog console and converters route so i'd definitely like to hear what you think of the F32 as well, as that might be my next purchase when it comes time to upgrade. did you ever figure out what the clicking sound was when hitting solo on tracks? is it solo in place or solo in front? I've worked with the Audient Zen console and it did the same thing, it's no big deal.

[jeronimo]

Originally Posted by zoso2

I was looking at getting the R16 but I've come across an old Tascam and electro voice which i'll be able to get for nearly no money so i'll probably be going the analog console and converters route so i'd definitely like to hear what you think of the F32 as well, as that might be my next purchase when it comes time to upgrade. did you ever figure out what the clicking sound was when hitting solo on tracks? is it solo in place or solo in front? I've worked with the Audient Zen console and it did the same thing, it's no big deal.

How did you like the Zen?


Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

[zoso2]

Originally Posted by jeronimo

How did you like the Zen?


Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

EQ would have been nice. It's really quite flexible even with it's somewhat limited number of cues/auxes. The compressor sounds pretty good and it can be patched to any track or subgroup. It uses HUI protocol for automation, didn't have a problem in PT, Digital Performer was not quite as problem free but nothing serious. the pres sound nice and clean even when you start adding lots of mic gain. I'm not sure about the quality control though, my school got 3 or the units and 2 of them had something funky going on, it might have been shipping though. the audient support is really good though, they were able to get back with solutions to problems in pretty good time and the unit is really easy to service yourself so if you have a faulty card they'll ship you one right away or if you just have to reseat the cards it's really easy to do, the whole top flips up like the hood of a car. Once all the kinks were out it was a really enjoyable experience.

[Deltones]

Originally Posted by zoso2

i'll probably be going the analog console and converters route so i'd definitely like to hear what you think of the F32 as well, as that might be my next purchase when it comes time to upgrade. did you ever figure out what the clicking sound was when hitting solo on tracks? is it solo in place or solo in front?

I don't want to intrude too much on this thread since it's for the R16 and not the Venice F, but this is what I found from the user manual that I found on the Midas site:

three solo buses (two after-fader listen (AFL) and one pre-fader listen (PFL)

All channel types can also access the PFL, and AFL (left and right) solo buses

Also, since you also experienced the same phenomenon with the Zen, I'll take it that it's not uncommon with consoles. That's reassuring.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by mattqualls

It really is quite the treat. So last night I was able to track a little bit of vocals. I record this hip hop guy in town called Cities Aviv and he had a new track last night so we worked on it. At first the pre's didn't seem like they were all that different than my presonus firestudio's pre's, the biggest difference right off the bat was that when pushing the pre it had a much more musical sounding distortion than the presonus. But that serves no purpose for this session. After we finished that song, we went back and re-tracked a verse on an older song that he wasn't too happy with. This is where the difference really came out. The clarity between the verse's and the hooks (that were tracked with the presonus) was pretty insane. We both looked at each other is awe. We were both so blown away we re-tracked the whole song. At some point tonight, I will bounce down the verse with the old hooks so anyone interseted can hear the difference. So in all, the ZED has proven to be a pretty badass set up. I am beyond happy! I have a instrumental band coming up at the end of the month that I will be tracking. I plan to fully use the ZED and all 16 tracks. As soon as it's done I will post a song for those interested.

I'm still pouring through the thread, but am hoping you did post those files. I'm certainly interested.

[Jaded_musician]

My new ZED r16 arrives tomorrow afternoon, I've been having dreams about parametric eq's.... Does any one know what MIDI functions work with Protools 9, like transport mmc, faders, etc?

[Skadarnold]

Picked up a Lacie Firewire 400 and started with a fresh install of OS. Everything is running beautifully and solid again. This mixer is beautiful.

[sunnyb]

im having an issue where my R16 is all of a sudden losing connection with my computer. it feels like its happening more often and more quickly then before. ive had the r16 for 2 years and though its happened before its never been this frequent. ive always had fw connectivity issues with the r16 however, sometimes my macbook doesnt recognize the connection.

what do you think the problem is? will a driver/firmware update solve the problem?

anyways, im getting pretty fed up with this board. might switch to an apogee ensemble. anyone owned both boards that can give me their opinion?

[mattqualls]

Originally Posted by hereticskeptic

I'm still pouring through the thread, but am hoping you did post those files. I'm certainly interested.

Opps! I totally forgot about posting it, I've probably done about 5 different records on the ZEDr16. I'll post a slew of them tonight.

[cavern]

Originally Posted by sunnyb

im having an issue where my R16 is all of a sudden losing connection with my computer. it feels like its happening more often and more quickly then before. ive had the r16 for 2 years and though its happened before its never been this frequent. ive always had fw connectivity issues with the r16 however, sometimes my macbook doesnt recognize the connection.

what do you think the problem is? will a driver/firmware update solve the problem?

anyways, im getting pretty fed up with this board. might switch to an apogee ensemble. anyone owned both boards that can give me their opinion?

If you don't have the latest V-3.5.5 driver/firmware, installing it could very well solve your problem.

Here's a tip if you do.
You have to install the new driver before you install the new firmware.
After you install the firmware,uninstall and re-install the new driver.
Good luck.

http://www.allen-heath.co.uk/software/zedr16?sid=31892

[Skadarnold]

I am trying to find the most efficient way to mix out of the box with this guy. I am summing everything out to the mixer channels but im not sure how to route the main LR out of the mixer back into the main LR inputs. What signal does the main LR inputs (inputs 17 and 18) use exactly?

I am loving the way it sounds out of the box.

[localhero]

Originally Posted by echo44

file was too big so i had to cut the song down for the better mp3 here is 320

Really excellent well done!

[djmukilteo]

Originally Posted by Skadarnold

I am trying to find the most efficient way to mix out of the box with this guy. I am summing everything out to the mixer channels but im not sure how to route the main LR out of the mixer back into the main LR inputs. What signal does the main LR inputs (inputs 17 and 18) use exactly?

I am loving the way it sounds out of the box.

Each channel 1-16 which is selected using the L/R switch at the top of each fader is bussed to the main stereo pair which is also 17/18 converted to digital on the FW. Channels 17/18 can be either routed as an input to the DAW or routed from the DAW back into the board for further mixing or montioring.
If you want to record that master pair strictly analog with some other recording device besides your DAW you can use any of the stereo outputs in the monitor section. Either "Main 2TRK1 Out" or "2TRK2 Out" or the "AUX Outs". If you take a look at the ZED block diagram it shows all the possible routing and switching.
If you want to record that master pair back to your DAW just setup a stereo pair in your DAW using the 17/18 input pair, put each of your tracks into playback and then set the 17/18 pair to record, and hit play!

[Skadarnold]

Thats exactly how i thought it would be set up based off of the diagram but for some reason i was not getting any signal in the DAW from inputs 17/18 so i wondered if their was something i was missing.

Just an error somewhere ill have to figure out.

[djmukilteo]

Originally Posted by Skadarnold

Thats exactly how i thought it would be set up based off of the diagram but for some reason i was not getting any signal in the DAW from inputs 17/18 so i wondered if their was something i was missing.

Just an error somewhere ill have to figure out.

There are also the two switches for digital channels 17/18 over in the monitoring/master section of the board. Check those to make sure you're feeding the inputs back to the masters.

Once you've "bounced" all your tracks onto that 17/18 pair, I cut or copy that stereo track from the original project into a new project and set up a "mastering" type preset in Cubase which has different mastering plugins and then assign the output of that track to any 2 channels I like on the board.
You can do this with any group of tracks in your project you like.
Say for example you have 10 tracks of drums.....you can set those drum tracks to playback and record or "bounce" them to 17/18 and create a drum mix. Then you can do the same with any of the other parts in your project as many times as you like. You don't have to use 17/18 as your return channels either. There's no limit to how many different tracks you can bounce and return to the board over and over again. It is extremely flexible. It is quite easy to have 8 stereo "stems" running back through the board and then a final bounce onto that master 17/18 pair.