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ZOOM's current product lineup can be largely categorized as follows:,
1 ) Guitar/Bass compact multi-effects pedal and floor-type multi-effects processor
2 ) Studio-use, rack-type multi-effects processor
3 ) Desktop drum & bass machines and samplers
4 ) Other products including composite devices with multiple functionality
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Categories 1 and 2 contain new developments to the various products already described, such as the 500 series including: the 505, the GFX Series &amo; GM-200 with ZOOM's own amp modeling technology, VAMS; and the RFX Series, which came out of the Zoom Studio Series.
Along with advancing current product lines, ZOOM's pioneering spirit and technological capabilities are continually being re-invested in the development of wholly new categories, one of them being The RhthmTrak Series which debuted in 1998. The inaugural model, the 234, gives user the freedom to easily create custom drum & bass backing patterns. In plain terms, it might be called a rhythm machine with bass patterns added in. Though the concept was a simple one, the 234 struck users as a fresh and novel invention particularly now that PC-based sequencing systems have evolved enough as to make new rhythm machines a scarce commodity.
"In both functional and price terms, easy-to-use rhythm machines for novices have all but disappeared from the market completely," remarks Masahiro Iijima CEO on why the product was developed.
"When we began thinking about where past demand for rhythm machines had gone, we concluded that the market still had to be there, even though we were dealing with a new generation of consumers. That's because we still believe that hitting a drum pad with your own hands, in real time, is a method that will survive. In fact, when you look at the studio musicians in US who made the demo patterns in the RhythmTrak, hardly any of them do step recording, but instead prefer to beat out a rhythm with their skillful hands, and then use the machines for tweaking and achieving subtle nuances or feels."
The decision to incorporate bass patterns was aimed at narrowing its target to guitarists. The gamble paid off splendidly and the series would soon grow with follow-up models, the RT-123 and the latest model RT-323. "The RT-323 came about as a result of three years spent fielding user comments and suggestions after the launch of the 234. It featured connectivity with PCs and other ZOOM devices, easier-to-view displays, and full MIDI support, for what I think is the perfect rhythm machine out there,"says Michihito Nozokido.
The Sampler ST-224 which appeared on the heels of the 234, also won high marks for a real time interface that made it well-suited to live performances. It gets a lot of usage by DJs. The future is promising for the SampleTrak Series.
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RT-234
RT-123
RT-323
ST-224
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