Samson has released the Zoom R16: a portable, table-top recording interface that looks very nice. It offers 16 tracks of recording, but only allows 8 tracks to be recorded at the same time. It saves your audio onto an SD card.

The R16 runs on AA batteries and the SD memory allows for up to 32GB of audio to be stored. It connects to your computer via USB and ships with Cubase LE.

The coolest part is you can connect two R16s together and have one unit as a master and the other as a slave making it possible to record up to 16 tracks at the same time.

The R16 will be available soon at the cost of $399 per unit.

Tech info:

• Digital recorder with 16-track playback and 8-track simultaneous recording  utilizing SD memory
• 16/24-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format
• Built-in stereo condenser microphones
• Included 1GB SD card and with support for up to 32GB SDHC
• Allows simultaneous recording on up to 8 tracks
• Battery operation for remote recording
• USB power for audio interface and control surface operation
• 8 mic inputs / 2 outputs (8 x 2)
• 8 combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs
• High-definition 24-bit/96kHz recording capability using digital audio software
• 100+ built-in studio effects coming from advanced DSP which can additionally be used as outboard effects
• Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitar or bass
• Included preamp with phantom power on two channels
• Mackie control emulation via USB for popular DAW software including Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer and more
• Amazing guitar amp and effects models
• Professional quality mastering effects including multi-band compressor, normalizer and more
• Operates as USB storage device for quick data transfer
• Connect two R16s via USB for synchronized operation and 16 tracks of simultaneous recording
• Undo/Redo functions
• Comes with Steinberg Cubase LE 4
• Supports Windows XP/Vista, Mac operating systems