Details of the digi 8-track please Pippin...
The ZOOM MRS-8 is a small digital recorder that stores recorded tracks on an SD card. There is a built-in rhythm machine that I don't actually use, but I tested it just to check the quality. It is a nice rhythm machine and fully programmable, but I prefer playing drums of sorts the old-fashioned way.
There are lots of built-in effects and various filters. You have four straight tracks and two stereo tracks that can be used independently with a work-around. You record on tracks 1 and 2, for example, then drag the tracks to 5 and 6, then you can record on 1 and 2 again. 5/6 and 7/8 are together. This is very common in 8-track units these days. I prefer the old way, eight distinct tracks with their own EQ and sliders.
The unit can be used with a track management software utility that you download from Zoom. It enables you to use all eight tracks independently, and all virtual tracks (eight per track) as well. The final mix, then, can be up to 64 tracks.
The effects sound really great and there are "mastering" effects as well as individual track effects. In other words, if you want to warm the entire recording and give it that old analog sound, you can do it there. I figured out a way to use that on the input side, too. There are also guitar amplifier modeling effects in it, too. You want the sound of a Marshall stack, no problem.
The unit can take XLR and unbalanced cords. I use a Behringer UB1202 for the phantom power and run the output to the input on the Zoom. That gives me some really great quality clean recordings with excellent dynamic range.
My final mix is done on the laptop with MixCraft and VST plugins (Master Limiter, and EQ, for example).
Hope that gives sufficient information.