Best Multitrack Recorders of 2026
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Multitrack recorders are powerful tools for musicians and sound engineers who need to record and mix multiple audio tracks. These devices allow users to capture high-quality recordings of live performances, studio sessions, and other musical events. Multitrack recorders come in a range of sizes and functionalities, from handheld portable models to larger units with advanced mixing and editing capabilities. They offer a versatile and efficient way to capture and manipulate sound, making them a valuable asset for anyone involved in music production.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 9 Multitrack Recorders
Zoom R4 MultiTrak Recorder with Effects
The Zoom R4 Recorder is a versatile 4-track audio solution that allows you to record multiple layers effortlessly. With the ability to mix and bounce on a separate ‘bounce track’, you can enhance your projects easily. It captures audio without clipping, ensuring every take is perfect without the hassle of setting gain. The two XLR/TS combo inputs, equipped with proven Zoom preamps, provide quality sound. Additionally, each track features a 3-band EQ and effects such as echo and reverb to help you craft your sound precisely.
Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder with X/Y Microphones
The Zoom H4essential Recorder offers exceptional 32-bit float recording, allowing you to capture audio with a vast dynamic range, ensuring clipping-free recordings without the need for gain adjustments. It supports a variety of SD cards, making it easy for you to choose the right storage for your sound projects. The 2.0-inch colour LCD display provides clear visuals, helping you navigate settings with ease. Additionally, this model includes features specifically designed for visually impaired users, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility.
Zoom H1essential Portable Recorder with 32-Bit Float
The Zoom H1essential Recorder offers 32-bit float recording, allowing you to capture perfect audio without worrying about manual gain adjustments. Its X/Y microphones provide clear stereo sound even at loud volumes up to 120 dB SPL, making your recordings crisp and natural. You can easily use it as a USB microphone with various devices including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android, offering great flexibility. Additionally, it features audio guidance designed to assist blind or visually impaired users, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
BOSS BR-80 Portable Digital Recorder with eBand
The BOSS BR-80 Recorder is a versatile device that offers three recording modes: MTR for multi-track recording, eBand for practice with play-along tracks, and Live Recorder for capturing live performances. You can easily record directly onto an SD/SDHC memory card, which can hold up to 32 GB of data. With a high-quality built-in stereo condenser microphone, you can capture audio instantly. Additionally, the device features 64 V-Tracks and allows for eight tracks to be played simultaneously, making it ideal for musicians and audio enthusiasts alike.
Zoom R20 Multi Track Recorder with Touchscreen
The Zoom R20 Recorder is an excellent choice for musicians looking to elevate their recording experience. With a 4.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen, you can easily navigate its intuitive interface, reminiscent of popular digital audio workstations. The ability to record up to 16 tracks, with 8 tracks simultaneously, allows you to capture complex performances effortlessly. It features eight high-quality XLR microphone preamps, ensuring that your recordings maintain a professional sound. Additionally, the phantom power option is perfect for using condenser microphones, giving you flexibility in your recording setup.
Zoom H8 12-Track Portable Audio Recorder
The Zoom H8 Recorder is a versatile tool designed for field recording, music production, and podcasting. Its handy recorder feature makes it easy for you to capture high-quality audio anywhere. With customised applications for different recording needs, you can switch between music, podcasting, and field recording effortlessly. The three distinct interfaces simplify your recording process, allowing you to focus on creativity without technical distractions. Additionally, the interchangeable input capsules enable you to adapt your setup for various sound environments, ensuring optimal audio capture every time.
Zoom L12/UK LiveTrak Multitrack Recorder
The Zoom LiveTrak L12 is a sophisticated multitrack recorder offering 12 discrete channels, including 8 mono and 2 stereo, which allows you to connect various audio sources easily. You can record up to 14 tracks simultaneously, ensuring you capture every sound in your live performance. With 14-in/4-out USB audio interface connectivity, you can seamlessly integrate your recordings with your computer. Additionally, the device features 5 powered headphone outputs, each providing a customisable mix, enabling you to tailor your listening experience during recording sessions.
Zoom H6essential Handy Recorder with Microphone
The Zoom H6essential Recorder features 32-bit float recording, allowing you to capture a wide dynamic range without the worry of clipping. This means you won’t need to adjust the gain, making it user-friendly for all levels. It supports a variety of memory cards, from 4GB to 1TB, providing ample storage for your audio projects. Additionally, the 2.00-inch colour LCD display ensures that you can easily monitor your recordings. Designed with visually impaired users in mind, this essential series includes an audio guide for enhanced accessibility.
Zoom F6 6-Channel Professional Field Recorder
The Zoom F6 Recorder is designed for professionals seeking high-quality sound recording. It features six separate inputs with lockable Neutrik XLR sockets, ensuring secure connections for your microphones. The high-quality microphone preamps offer up to 75 dB gain, allowing you to capture clear audio even in challenging environments. With switchable +4 dB inputs, it provides versatile options for both microphone and line level signals. Additionally, the included Zoom AutoMix Software makes it easy for you to manage your recordings efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a multitrack recorder worth it?
“The benefit of a multitrack recorder is that multiple sources of sound can be plugged in and the sounds can be captured independently,” DeLay says. “Each microphone, instrument, etc. are plugged into one of the available inputs on the recorder.”
2. What do you need for multitrack recording?
With computers. Since the early 1990s, many performers have recorded music using only a Mac or PC equipped with multitrack recording software as a tracking machine. The computer must have a sound card or other type of audio interface with one or more Analog-to-digital converters.
During our multitrack recorder research, we found 69 multitrack recorder products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 27,867 customer reviews through our big data system to write the multitrack recorders list. We found that most customers choose multitrack recorders with an average price of £288.96.
The multitrack recorders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of multitrack recorders, including Zoom, BOSS.
Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.