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The unit also features an added sampler.

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When Zoom launched the R16 multitracker last year it bridged the gap between the 'personal studio' hardware multitracker and computer-based recording.

It did so by providing the capability to work as a USB audio interface and a controller surface for computer software, as well as fulfilling its role as a standalone 16-track recorder.

The R24 is fully portable: it's lightweight (1.3kg), just the right size to slip into a large laptop bag and it can run from batteries (over four hours on six standard AA alkalines) if you have nowhere to plug in the mains adaptor.

"There are eight mic inputs available, and the R24 is capable of simultaneously recording eight tracks, opening up the possibility of making a multitrack recording of a full band."

This portability sets it up as a very useful location recorder. If it's just a quick stereo recording that you want to make, perhaps of a band rehearsal or gig, you won't need anything other than the R24, as it features a pair of onboard condenser mics.

If you need a more detailed stereo recording, there are no problems with plugging in a pair of more upmarket condensers, as the unit is equipped with phantom power for up to six of its mic inputs.

In all, there are eight mic inputs available, and the R24 is capable of simultaneously recording eight tracks, opening up the possibility of making a multitrack recording of a full band or of a multiple mic'd drum kit as a basis for adding the rest of the instruments as overdubs, if you have enough mics for the separate components.

A pair of linked R24s will allow 16 channels to be recorded simultaneously. Should you wish to plug your guitar or bass straight in, then one of the inputs, all of which are combi sockets for XLR and 6.4mm jack, can be switched to Hi-Z operation, and there are a bunch of insert effects that can be applied to it.

In general, there's a compression and EQ that can be applied to eight simultaneous channels but, more specifically, there are amp sims featuring 18 types of guitar amp models or six types of bass amp models from the G2nu effects unit.

If you'd like to keep both hands on the guitar when initiating recording you can program automatic punch in and out points. Unfortunately there's no provision for footswitch-operated punch-ins.

For timekeeping help, there's an onboard metronome that can be sent to headphones, but if you prefer something more sophisticated or want to build up complete backing tracks from scratch, the R24 offers not only 472 preset patterns, including intros, fills and endings, but also a set of pads with 24 voices (eight pads in three banks) that you can use to create your own patterns.

The pads can also be used with the onboard sampler. This allows you to use audio files (recorded on the R24 or imported) as samples, each assigned to a pad (and its associated track).