Zoom LiveTrak L-8 mixer | FULL REVIEW

[@RichStranger]

To reiterate: THANK YOU for YOUR TIME, EFFORTS & expertise…

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome Richard - thanks for the message!

[@__Rob]

You said it has no master output EQ but what does it have for per-track EQ? Does it have virtual tracks for bouncing overdubs when you use it as a recorder?

[@iamtonyade]

This was a great and very informative review. Thanks for taking the time out to share! I can’t wait for my Zoom L-8 to come in the mail tomorrow! 😊

[@davidshanhun]

whoop whoop! how's it going so far?

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun not bad at all. Tracked some live drums and it came out really good. One thing I don’t like or I’m not sure if I haven’t figured it out, is the fact that there’s no way to cut the volume for the monitors/speakers while recording! So I’ve been literally having to turn off the speakers when I’m ready to record; that’s annoying! 😵😩

[@davidshanhun]

@@iamtonyade just bring the master down - the recording is before any of the faders at all - so you'll still get your recording exactly the same - and means you can move any of the faders mid performance or have them completely on 0 and you'll still end up with the same individual .wav files for each channel.

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun I actually tried that, but when I brought the master down, I also couldn’t hear from the headphones any longer 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun Hey David! So I’m not sure if your advice pertains to recording via a DAW, but if I turn the master fader down, I get no sound in my headphones, which makes it impossible to record and hear what’s being recorded. Can you please help me out? Thanks so much man

[@Pharesm]

Your very first point about the headphone cabling issue - Does that mean AKG 712 Headphone users are prevented from using their Headphones, because the ONLY input to those is a mini-XLR connector - which is really great, because if you ever mess up your headphone cable with those, you can just plug in another one - no trip to the repair shop, no trip to the cellar to get out the soldering iron...

[@davidshanhun]

great question but no - they are the exact headphones I use and they work great with this mixer. The mini-xlr connector you mentioned is the connection TO the headphones which can be anything (depending on your headphones). The other end of the headphone lead which will go into the desk is a 1/4 or 1/8' trs jack which plugs straight into the desk. Cheers for the question though.

[@Pharesm]

@@davidshanhun awesome, much thanks for the answer :) Those headphones are indispensable to me. I bought Waves' "Abbey Road" virtual speakers/studio plug-in just to use with those headphones, where ever I have no speakers...

[@davidshanhun]

@@Pharesm ooh don't know this plugin but use a few of the waves stuff. Might check it out!

[@Pharesm]

@@davidshanhun kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6bIl2uoqbqMnJI :)

[@Pharesm]

So, by now, I've actually bought one - in part thanks to your answer about the AKG 712... - it arrived this week...! So the L8 manual states, that the Master Headphone out will put out an identical signal to the master out. (going directly to active speakers in this case) So how come my speakers on the master-outputs are getting signal, but the master headphone-out is getting nothing? And I've used consoles since the 80's. I have an SQ-5 and getting along with it... what am I doing wrong?? Starting to wonder if I got a defective unit? I tested that headphone and cable are good. Thinking you might be the most likely one to know, since you've covered lots of details on this unit :D . As for my first unboxing impressions: I hate it. Plasticky, flimsy and the USB driver for PC sucks - it doesn't list up the channels - its just an in-transparent blob. I want to route PC audio to USB 3+4, i.e stereo channel 8, there is absolutely no way to assign that. Driver update from Zoom? nada. Gravely, I think all the controls are just held by their soldering joints and will not hold up, unless you keep it in a box full of cotton balls. But for battery powered, there is nothing else except MixPre 6II (which is more cumbersome to operate) and Behringer Flow8, which can only handle 2 condenser mics. (wish Behringer had aimed a bit higher on that, like 6 condenser mics for $320 instead of 2 condenser mics for $220 - because otherwise it would be a much better mixer than the L8 imo) Oh yeah and I forgot those Zoom Field recorders, with the same shitty plastic build. I'm not railing against plastic in general - Some other companies simply use higher quality plastic (Tascam, Sony) ** I'd say that you have to be damned sure, that you really need it battery operated before buying that. ** At least one, maybe both of the other Livetrak units have a metal housing, I think. Was it the L12 and L20 or only L20?

[@JeanMartinNainggolan]

Do you know what other mixer with this specs and price point?

[@davidshanhun]

There isn't anything I've found at the same price point. More expensive then yes there are a few options.

[@CalmingAnxiety]

It was due to all your vodeos on the L8 that I purchased mine. I run a Podcast for just me (so, slight overkill at the mo) but its quality of recording far outweighs the Behringer I was using. I record direct to SD first so there is no PC noise to interfere and I am blown away (Rode Podmic and cloud lifter) Because of this setup I can now produce the tracks needed for my app, I really can not thank you enough for your reviews.

[@davidshanhun]

That's awesome Martin! Glad to hear you are able to create what you need! 👌

[@BenjaminSpartos]

thanks for this. I plan on getting this one for my gigs. been looking for a mixer that doesn't give noise in the output while I am streaming and I think this is good. WOuld be nice if you could do a video when you are connecting the mixer to your laptop for a live stream with obs

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Benjamin! I definitely rate it for recording and streaming, it's got a great sound/output and very clean, and it's good (but perhaps not great) for live shows. (I would love if it had the sweepable mids that the L-12 has for specific venues where certain frequencies are a bit of an issue).

[@BenjaminSpartos]

@@davidshanhun Thanks again. This is really useful intel

[@davidshanhun]

@@BenjaminSpartos most welcome 😊

[@BenjaminSpartos]

@@davidshanhun maybe if you also don't mind sharing the best budget ligthing kit to bring out the best quality for a simple virtual stage setup

[@bjarkenielsen8515]

Dear David. Regarding 3:50 .... what graphic EQs would you suggest?

[@davidshanhun]

This is now quite an old unit really, but a pretty good simple option combined with the L8. amzn.to/2JZg71J (find what works for you though - there are all sorts of options similar to this!).

[@eekamoose]

Good comments, David. Excellent review. My L-8 arrived a couple of days ago and like you I'm very happy with it. If anybody wants to see how the L-8 can be really useful for a musician (as opposed to a podcaster) I recommend David's video where he takes it to a park and makes a live recording (I think there's a link at the end of this full review video). What I like most about the L-8 is the fact that you can access so many of its functions using physical buttons and knobs rather than having to scroll through menus. With the L-8 you rarely have to enter a menu, whereas in a lot of recording and/or mixing gear out there (including gear from Zoom) it's rare when you DON'T have to enter a menu to change or adjust something. Buttons and knobs cost money and take up space, so a lot of audio products have commonly-used features buried deep in menu structures. The downside of course is that it takes time to find menu items, assuming that you can remember where the software engineers decided to bury them. It's nice to see Zoom implement the more expensive option of physical controls, and they've done a very good job of organising them and making buttons light up when they are active, etc. It all makes the L-8 extremely user-friendly and saves lots of time. Number 2 on my list of likes is being able to send a stereo mix with reverb to FOH but at the same time record up to 8 individual tracks dry so that you can remix everything when you get home from the gig. Number 3 is the fact that it's battery-powered. I'm running mine off a USB powerbank via the USB cable, as you did in your live recording in the park. And number 4 is the size and weight. I was very surprised at how small it was when it arrived, and it's very light. The L-8 doesn't feel particularly solid or rugged, but I'm used to a heavy, bullet-proof Dynacord powermixer . I'm guessing that the L-8 is built to last so long as you don't drop it or sit on it and so long as you use a rugged case with internal foam shock protection to transport it. I've been waiting many years for a product that ticks the boxes that this one does. This is sure to be a classic and a bestseller for Zoom I think. PS: Some of those pad sounds will be a laugh to use during gigs, eh? And you can create your own. I'm looking through my collection of sound effects for sounds like 'Fight breaking out' or 'Huge female audience cheering madly' or even 'Police arriving to shut the place down'.

[@davidshanhun]

haha love the sound effects you're thinking of!!! 😉I always got a kick out of playing a siren through the PA every now and then for my own amusement! haha. Def one of my fav features is the fx to main FOH whilst still getting raw individual tracking! ....now if only I could gather with a bunch of cool muso's to record haha... there will come a time! 😊

[@neomerismedia1383]

Any advice for the powerbank to buy ? Will receive my L8 in a few days....

[@eekamoose]

@@neomerismedia1383 Wow, I missed your question two years ago. Sorry. I use an Anker PowerCore 26,800 mAh powerbank. On paper it has capacity enough to power the L-8 for well over 24 hours, although I’ve never checked in reality.

[@abelbenoie]

Hey David, your video was very informative! I bought the Zoom Livetrak L-12 a month ago and I have been enjoying every aspect of it. But I saw this video and you mentioned that the headphone outs don't work with xlr to 1/4 inch cables. Is this the same for the L-12? I am looking to buy a wireless IEM pack and most of them are XLR...

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Abel, I haven't tested the L-12 i'm sorry! There will be ways around it even on the L8, headphones work just fine that are stereo when plugged straight in, so I expect it's simply which way around they have the tip/sleeve/ring configured. If I were you I would buy a trs to xlr adaptor - amzn.to/2Z2eQvM - connect it to an xlr cable that you have and see if you get signal out into another mixer or similar. If you check it out would you mind letting me know?

[@YoungBlaze]

so...........how does this work as a interface, like a in depth

[@davidshanhun]

on my list to do!

[@YoungBlaze]

@@davidshanhun thank you , looking forward to it

[@fallingsounds3455]

@17:54 You say that your phone in receiving audio from the mixer. but didn't you just plug it into the 7/8 stereo INPUT on the mixer? Wouldn't that mean that whatever audio from your phone is being sent to the mixer? And not the mixer to the phone? This part of the video didn't make sense to me. On other mixers I used to stream, I would just connect the USB cable to my phone and then my stream gets the master mix output.

[@fallingsounds3455]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHuypZyCYriirs0&ab_channel=ZoomSoundLab

[@davidshanhun]

It’s a trrs cable - sends and receives and designed for exactly this on the mixer.

[@ankitdayal9090]

Hey David, have you checked out the Tascam Model series? Their new unit Model 12 is not as portable as the L8, but seems like the best contender for all the same uses (and more perhaps, can be used as a DAW controller as well). It's still not officially out in the market I believe, but would be great to know what you think about it. Thanks :)

[@davidshanhun]

hey Ankit - I took a look online at the Tascam Model 12. Looks pretty nice. It has the two things I would wish most in the Zoom L-8 - compression, and EQ including a sweepable mid on the master output. Plus their combination of a sub out and aux out options are a nice setup - essentially a different way of doing the different mixes that the zoom l8 has. One of the main reasons I went for the L8 is that I envisioned doing a bunch of location recordings with 5 inputs - so the battery/power bank option was a strong factor in my purchase choice! What are you looking to use it for mostly?

[@ankitdayal9090]

​@@davidshanhun Thanks for the reply! I completely agree, I think Zoom has always been top-tier for location recordings, I was just worried how long the battery on the L8 would last. I'm a singer-songwriter/music producer and I work with Sofar in Mumbai hosting shows in unconventional spaces. So, the Zoom would be awesome as a songwriting tool, but I feel the Tascam might be a foolproof option to mix a 3 hour live show with multiple artists as well as be a centrepiece of my small home studio. Unfortunately, it will be a while till the Tascam unit gets to my side of the world now, but glad I could get a fair comparison of the two units, thanks again!

[@tapecompasqualegrieco8371]

Great video!!! I have some questions: Can I use usb return 1-2 and 3-4 at the same time? If yes, the tracks 7 and 8 are in stereo? If I use a usb return at channel 7, can I still use the track 8 with line input ?

Track 7 & 8 , both are stereo. If you use Track 7 for USB , track 8 can use for line in. It is individual. If use TRRS for phone call, track 7-8 will combine.

[@Shundo22]

Did you find a solution?

[@citizenpainmetal]

I'm thinking of getting it. My goals are to 1. Run Roland v drums though a laptop to get the realistic sounds from SD3,I guess this device is good enough to deal with any e drum latency?2. Record a band,5 are probably enough. I guess I should get it right? Thanks for your opinion ☺️

[@davidshanhun]

Seems like you've answered your own questions here haha! Latency will be more dependant on your laptop setup than this unit - so if you're already running v drums through sd3 and back out to speakers with no issues it'll be the same with this. If you're playing live with a band the L-12 has some nicer options with compression/sweepable mids, plus monitor outputs, but obviously comes with a higher price tag as well. Hope that helps!

[@tylerwatson1014]

David, I am looking at the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 vs the Tascam Model 12. I would use this mainly for recording, but possibly for small venues as well. I would need this for vocals only. Live and recording would be 4-5 tracks. I have an equalizer I can hook to it for live performance if needed. Would the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 be plenty for what I need, or would something like the Tascam Model 12 be a better fit for just vocals. I feel the Model 12 would be over kill for what I am needing, but I like the fact that it has compression and I can adjust the highs, mids and lows. Wanted to know what your thoughts were on this. Great detailed video on the zoom track 8.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Tyler. You can adjust the EQ highs, mids and lows on the L-8 also - it is just done by selecting the track you want to adjust, and then adjusting the settings, then selecting the next track that you want to adjust etc. So EQ wise you're getting a similar setup as the Tascam just with a different way to set it. the thing I like about the Tascam is it has sweepable mids for each, plus an EQ with sweepable mids on the master also. I haven't heard the compression from the model 12 - but it is something I would appreciate having that the L-8 doesn't - purely for live however. If it's all being recorded and mixed in post, then it's really irrelevant, but for live it is a benefit for sure. One of the main reasons that I totally forgot to mention in this video for me choosing the L-8, is that I can film and record audio with individual tracking all powered by a phone battery bank (or if I wished AA batteries with the L8). Hope that helps you with your choice!

[@danielvillarreal_musician]

This was such an amazing review, you gained a new subscriber!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Daniel! Welcome to the channel 😊

[@clemlysergy3335]

Thanks bro, good to see a review from another Kiwi! Rockshop have got these on sale for $545 so pretty sure I'm gonna grab one

[@davidshanhun]

yeah mate that's an ace price at the moment eh!

[@SpiritOfTrboule]

Well, after quite some pain with Headphone monitor outputs, I got a couple of SB-5 DI boxes from Radial Engineering and it works perfectly also with Jack -> XLR. It's also possible to do it with other DI boxes, but this one really shines as it allows for summing L/R channels to single mono XLR or you can plug two jacks to it. I use that combo to bring sound to our JVC camera (XLR only input) at correct level. It seems the monitor outputs are preamped for headphones, so it's way too strong for other uses. DI box solves that.

[@davidshanhun]

Andrej! Thanks so much for suggesting this gem of a DI box. great solution to this issue and the mono summing option is also brilliant!

[@theJACEchannel]

Hi David. This is by far the most informative of videos of the L8. It was just given to me as gift, I was pumped about setting it up as an interface with Logic Pro X. I DONT GET IT ! When I record on Logic I use input monitoring, and when I select input monitoring like usual in Logic while using this, I get feedback from the stereo channel 7 when set to usb. Which is the signal from the computer (including my input monitoring)? Right? Why am I hearing feedback? My output is XLR jack to jack into studio monitors. They just made it too confusing. Is there way to fix this? Goal: use it as an interface with LPX while being able to hear the master sound coming from the input monitoring (computer) without hearing feedback? I appreciate the video and any help in advance! Thanks

[@davidshanhun]

heya, do you have a live mic in the room whilst doing this? - eg what is your input monitoring signal?

[@prometheus23c]

Finally got mine. Watching this as I unbox and set up, to get a better idea of what to do. Thanks for this amazing video bro!

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome! Enjoy the unit!

[@Shankydilse]

My Studio Monitors are TRS, how do I connect those to L8? You mentioned only TRS-TRS works! Will a female XLR to TRS work?

[@davidshanhun]

that's only for the headphone outs. If you are using the main xlr outputs you have no worries - xlr to trs work fine 👌

[@Shankydilse]

@@davidshanhun also, can the zoom l8, by any chance be used a daw controller?

[@Shankydilse]

For logic...

[@Shankydilse]

And one more query.. if I conect this to my iphone via a usb to lightning adapter, will I be able to adjust EQ n effects? Or will it work just like an interface(pre EQ)?

[@davidshanhun]

@@Shankydilse Doesn't work as a DAW controller sorry. If you are sending the master to your phone then yes it includes EQ and effects, if you are sending individual channels then they are pre EQ and fx. 😊

[@mikejcassam]

I noticed in the manual that it says the 1/4 inch master out and the three 1/4 inch monitor outs are all stereo outputs. Which makes sense when using headphones. But how does that work if using the 1/4 inch master out to run a powered speaker with a 1/4 inch input? The speaker is a mono plug and cable will be a mono jack, but the output jacks on the board are stereo. Great review!

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Michael - I haven't tested this actually as haven't been panning anything much into a stereo mix that then gets sent to the monitor outputs. I presume you only get Left OR Right, just not sure which one, so if you have things panned in your mix you may lose some of the panning. If nothing is panned and your signal is basically mono then you're all good though. As mentioned above I haven't specifically tested this but that's what I would expect given the outputs from the 1/4 jacks are only working as mono.

[@mikelundquist4596]

@@davidshanhun if it is truly a stereo output, and you are panning anything that you record, you'll want to monitor in stereo. Get an adaptor... 1/4" trs to two mono 1/4" (or xlr, whichever you monitor input is)

[@TornadoCrafter]

I thought recording a channel to SD card included gain but not EFX or EQ? When you demonstrated having a venue mic record only, you said you can leave this fader completely down. If I understand correctly, wouldn't that prevent anything from recording from that channel?

[@davidshanhun]

heya! When recording to the SD card it does include gain but not fx/eq/panning etc. BUT... the gain is different than the fader knob. The gain is the little dial at the top of the channel strip - whatever you set that to is the recorded level. The sliding fader simply decides how much gets sent to the mix. So, you can record with the fader completely down, and you still get a great clean signal for the recording.

[@gspianoguitar4369]

Could I ask about the zoom livetrak 12 please? I cant find anyway the same info regarding the monitor out connections. Can I use a jack to XLR connect on that zoom mixer. Is that something you would know? (Btw nice review)

[@davidshanhun]

Hi! I expect that it would be the same on the L12 - but I don't know for certain. This was only something I discovered through actually using the unit, and the info doesn't appear to be anywhere online that I've found. I expect it wasn't intended to be an issue, but in actual use it is 😝

[@gspianoguitar4369]

@@davidshanhun Thanks David. Well yeah correct it is an issue if you do live work like me as well. My monitors (Eurolive Behringers) take XLR inputs so I hope the Live Trak 12 does. Again I cant find any info online and it seems Zoom in Europe have practically disppeared off the face of the planet. I've emailed Zoom US for a simple quick reply but as yet have heard nothing. (If there is anybody in this chat that uses a live trak 12 could you try it and maybe let me know please?) Thanks Dave sorry for the intrusion!

[@davidshanhun]

@@gspianoguitar4369 not sure there is anyone in this chat that is on the L12 - but perhaps check out a review video or similar from someone and ask them? I got around it using a jack to jack into another mini desk then xlr out 😂but that's more gear than is desired or needed lol - just so I could take advantage of the recording part!

[@jchavez6541]

Dude thank you for this video, it was exactly what I needed and the most complete video out there so far regarding the Zoom LiveTrak L-8!!!

[@davidshanhun]

Most welcome! Glad it helped! 😊

[@getstew]

Do you happen to remember how the headphone amps are? Hissy/noisy at loud volumes? I’m an old radio guy that runs them hot. Thinking of using for podcast. Thanks!

[@davidshanhun]

I've found them really good at high volumes. Headphone impedance for me is 62, so you may pick up more noise if you're running something much lower. In saying that i've pushed them and they remain very clear. Hope that helps!

[@getstew]

@@davidshanhun Thanks for this! I use Sony 7506s so I should be good there. Best...

[@yanasuryanapicem]

Thanks for your Tips. I want to ask you, how to handling, if The mixer cannot record? I was choose click the record button, the light Change to red, but te timeline no change, still 00:00. Thanks

[@davidshanhun]

Press record to arm for recording, then press play to start recording. If you’re still stuck though drop me another note and we’ll figure it out 👌

[@yanasuryanapicem]

@@davidshanhun thanks, it works

[@sjpachica3]

You and Grant Stinnett's review on this L8 are the best on KZbin right now. Yours has more detail and technical info but also very practical. His is very use case focused giving examples of how he has and will use it. Thanks again for this vid and the performance vid!

[@davidshanhun]

ah thanks so much Shane! Got two more videos on the L8 coming out today and tomorrow around multitrack recording with it - do you have one?

[@sjpachica3]

@@davidshanhun No but it's next on my gear purchase list. Going to use it to keep all of my instruments hooked up in my home studio as an Audio Interface. Also going to use it when my buddies come over and jam. Also going to use it in a live looping setup with drum machines, bass, guitar, synth etc hooked up. It's such a super versatile piece of kit. I look forward to watching you new vids on it!

[@davidshanhun]

@@sjpachica3 sounds like lots of fun to be had! 😊

[@yinYangMountain]

David Shanhun, I recently learned the Roadcaster Pro has an issue with mix-minus: If a person calls in via iPhone (a mix-minus setup), they will not hear an audio input or KZbin audio. For example: a host and the guest (via mix-minus) analyzing a KZbin or other audio clip. Questions: If you know,… 1. Does the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 suffer this mix-minus issue? 2. Will the guest (connected via mix-minus) hear the sound pads? Thanks in advance, yYM

[@davidshanhun]

no mix minus issues that I'm aware of anybody having with the l-8. They hear the master output of the desk including sound pads etc, and minus their signal.

[@vinchenzo_88]

Great video David! I had one question though. Regarding the monitor mixes, would it still work if I had a male 1/4" TRS to female 3.5mm TRS adapter for my cheap headphones?

[@davidshanhun]

hey Vince - yes absolutely - that's what my headphones have also and works absolutely fine 👌

[@vinchenzo_88]

@@davidshanhun awesome! I just ordered one of these and I can't wait to try it out!

[@davidshanhun]

@@vinchenzo_88 nice! Happy recording/playing/experimenting etc! :)

[@stefanoricchiuti3726]

I use L-8 as audio interface for my pc. This is my problem: when I talk with my friends on Discord for example, they ear not only my voice, but even everything that I’m listening on my Pc. I’m using channel 7, USB 1-2 on MIX A output. Furthermore, for let my freinds ear me, I have to use the MASTER red fader. How can my friends listen only my voice? What I can do? Thank you a lot.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Stefano thanks for the comment. Yep this can be solved. The master output is what is set to come out usb 1-2 by default even if you're listening to Mix A. Here's how I would set it up. On the master mix make sure the only fader that is up is whichever channel your voice is on. Then switch to Mix A, and set the faders for your voice and channel 7 volume that you personally want to hear etc. A friendly reminder not to use the mute buttons as they apply to all mixes at once. Let me know how you go 👌

[@stefanoricchiuti3726]

@@davidshanhun Thank you! i finally understood how it works... in the end! :D

[@davidshanhun]

@@stefanoricchiuti3726 yay! haha it caught me out a bit at the start too man!

[@antoinenioi6863]

Another good vidéo fromage David ! Thanks for this review ! Zoom always good quality of matérials ! Most possibilty but not too much from live looping because simple configuration is better for my opinion ! Are you confortably with this mixer in live ,?

[@davidshanhun]

thanks! :) It's not the greatest option for live shows - but at it's price range, for being able to do live shows as well as record the individual tracks nothing else compares at this stage. The l-12 rather than the l-8 is much better suited to live shows (channel compression, sweepable mid eq, and proper monitor outputs). Hope that helps!

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

I don’t understand , if the headphones put out on a TRS this should be fine to an xlr , it’s all the same internal wires going to the same places ? Not only that , you could use them as aux sends and have 6 aux sends if you used a TRS split to two TS cables no ? Ok you won’t have many channels to return them to. Edit , I see you did an update video addressing this , thanks for being conscientious enough to update , appreciate the review😊 which now makes me wonder , is there enough signal for an effects pedal to be returned to one of the buses if you use the headphones out as sends.

[@suniltailor131]

Hi David, great review i ended up getting the mixer due to this info! One question when plugging the trrs cable into my phone from channel 8 to do a live stream via social media, its not picking up a signal but if playing back music etc that works fine! Am I missing something as I'm sure it worked previously.. many thanks! Sunil - London UK!

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Sunil - did you get it sorted? are you plugging the trrs directly into the phone, or is it via an iphone adaptor?

[@suniltailor131]

@@davidshanhun Hi David, I got it sorted to capture my audio from the mixer to my android phone. I basically went trs Jack out of one of the headphone outs to a ride trrs converter into my phone which works perfectly for capturing livestreams on at gigs or remotely!

[@davidshanhun]

@@suniltailor131 ah that's awesome! Clever work on that one! 😊

[@AlexiPrevitali]

Hey ! I'm Alexi i'm French ! Nice to meet you 😊. Thank you very very much for this video ! Is it really disturbing that there is no compressor and EQ for the live show ?? See you

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Alexi! I'm ok that there is no compressor, but no EQ on the main out is really frustrating for live shows.

[@AlexiPrevitali]

@@davidshanhun Okay, I understand 🤗 so the ideal would be L12 or Tascam12🤷‍♂️. I will receive it soon zoomL8 . We will see🤗

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Good Morning David! Ever use the L-8 with headphones in Mix-A-B-C? We've tried several headphones (impedances all over the map) and all have what sounds like clip-buzzing when we push a bit: Both vox and guitar. Weird... BTW, when we record and play it back the buzzing doesn't seem to be coming out the PA (QSC K-12's). Weird, right?

[@davidshanhun]

yes I have used Mix A a few times with no issues - although I find the output quite low overall. Are you using them still set to 'Master' or are they set to different mixes? ...and it's something coming through regardless of headphones used yeah? (just checking I understood what you said)

[@DeafBunnysBand]

@@davidshanhun We're using separate mixes (A for Pete, B for Sheri, C for durmmer). We've used 5 different headphones all with a different impedance: Same clip-like buzz when pushed. We agree the volume is really pretty low, right on the edge of being unusable: For a strong vocalists the idea of headphones is to drown out the "voice in your head" (the sound of your voice resonating through your body we hear when we're speaking normally) and hear what's coming out of your mouth instead. A strong vocalist (Pete is Bono loud) needs a LOT of volume pushed into those headphones.

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Good Morning David! Think we've got it figured out: After a little more careful reading of the manual, specifically page 6 under Gain Knob, using Hi-Z and or -26dB pulls those levels back into non-clipping. We DO now believe that the clipping buzz was a clipping buzz. Without engaging Hi-Z and -26dB there is a built in 10dB push. They've certainly made some odd choices with this rig! We'll probably continue to use it (quickly getting addicted to the multi-channel recorder ON-BOARD) (beat our old solution). We always miss working from unity though...

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Dig what you're doing performance wise! Hit us over our website if interested in a longer discussion: We're not big into letting our fans in on how the sausage gets made! ROKKON!! \m/ (Also we want to use some of your schtuff as break-music for our gigs.)

[@davidshanhun]

@@DeafBunnysBand Awesome that you've found some solutions/discoveries and thanks for the feedback 👌Yep, loving having the onboard and individual tracking from the desk itself eh. So handy!

[@timothymarkprice9907]

Thank You! With LIVE Streaming and performing LIVE, can u send the main mix to your iPad/Phone while simultaneously sending the same main mix to FOH?

[@davidshanhun]

yes you can.

[@FacultadDeSonido]

Great Review thanks! Way more detailed than others. Question do you think it is still worth it in 2023? Main use would be live streaming and recording events.

[@davidshanhun]

For the price it's still an ace unit. However - the CQ series from Allen and Heath would be my recommendation if your budget allows it as a combo of live and streaming. Otherwise for streaming/recording the Boss gigcaster, and the Rodecaster pro are really good options as well (focussed more on the streaming and recording side rather than running live events also).

[@FacultadDeSonido]

@@davidshanhun Thank you for the response, I am not familiar with the CQ nor the Boss one, I will take a look at them. Thank you!.

[@beta25]

on the monitor output, i believe you may need an xlr splitter cable (Y cable) because the monitor outs are sending an unbalanced stereo signal. without the splitter cable you may hear a muffled signal. cheers!

[@steveliddle8417]

A stereo output which is wired to an XLR (pin1 ground. pin2 left pin 3 right (por vice versa)) creates a karaoke mixer - all the centre information is cancelled out by the differential amplifier on the receiving balanced input.

[@skaragozian]

Thx David, your info and teaching is so simple to understand and apply . Have learnt good points from you on how to use L-8 mixer/recorder. I had a question Can you delete/remove at track file within a project ?

[@chanceizosom]

I’m very curious about the quality of the preamps. Any info on that?

[@davidshanhun]

I'm really happy with them - but don't have a huge amount of info to send you sorry!

[@willpriormusic]

Hey David thanks for the review mate. 3 years on, have you seen anything else come onto the market worth taking a look at in the recording/mixer realm?

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Will - yeah there's a lot mate! I actually bought and sold a bunch of mixers last year around this (intended to do a video but that didn't happen in the midst of life), but it's great to see more and more mixers include individual recording direct to SD. The zoom stuff is great and for budget I really rate it - but just released is the Allen & Heath CQ series which is an excellent option. Most comes down to budget etc for this stuff though tbh - there's the m20x from RCF that's a pretty nice piece of kit with SD recording etc but they're all at a higher price bracket than where Zoom is. Essentially I'd still rate the zoom stuff for being able to do this really well at the price range and I like the overall sound from their desks... but they are missing the tools to deal with live sound really well when compared with the more expensive gear. So - it's a balance of what's needed or general budget overall haha! What are you running at the moment?

[@willpriormusic]

@@davidshanhun legend! I’m running a Behringer 1002b at the moment with a TC Helicon Play acoustic in front of it, and then simple recording with a Zoom H5. I’m always looking to improve the sound and have never been totally satisfied with the TCHPA which seems no matter what I try to make my vocal a bit “too digital” so was tinkering with the idea of just using effects off a board. ( I don’t use much effect anyway). Have had a good look at the Allen and Heath Zed series. Such a journey with our gadgets! Appreciate all your shared wisdom mate.

[@davidshanhun]

@@willpriormusic yeah funny journey to find and like our own sound eh! The best thing with a bunch of these kind of desks is if you're fx are coming from them - you can totally change or adjust them entirely in post if you wish to. Sometimes I've been in rooms where it requires massive amounts of reverb to sound 'normal' and others it's completely off to fit the room haha. If that same sound has to go out to your recording it's a tough call on what you prioritise eh? Best sound for the room or best sound for the recording haha! what part of the world are you in?

[@willpriormusic]

Yeah great points those! Will be interesting to have a look when the A&H CQ reach our shores. I’m in NZ mate. Down in Martinborough 👍.

[@davidshanhun]

ah nice bro! I'm digging that series more and more as i look them over! got a mate that just ordered the cq20 so will get to have a fool around with it soon haha! @@willpriormusic

[@davidvega175]

Hi! Great video! Is it possible that with the mixer I can use live mode at the same time that I send sequences on the computer to the main Mix and send another sequence to headphones/monitors?

[@davidshanhun]

you've got two channels you can send from the computer to the desk and can then send those wherever suits - main/a/b/c etc. so yes 👌

[@Naxt366]

Monitors jack 2 jack... Bummer! Would you say the L12 does that better?

[@davidshanhun]

I don't definitively know the answer sorry! I suspect you will be all good with the L12 given there is a L and R monitor output in addition to the stereo headphone outputs that the L8 has. Hope that potentially helps you!

[@isaacmaestrecampo9294]

Hi David, awesome review planning to buy 1 for our church, 1 question can I just hooked our analog mixer for Drum Mic to 1 of those 6 channels? Your response is greatly appreciated 🇵🇭

[@davidshanhun]

hi Isaac - yes you can happily do that. Just set the output level from your analog mixer to an appropriate level and the gain on the channel you use and you'll be good 👌

[@isaacmaestrecampo9294]

@@davidshanhun this sounds even more enticing to me thank you! Will probably consider this item after seeing you review thanks again!

[@jonmitguard6174]

Man that was so informative, Thank You. I am wondering about the SD cards and if you have issues with them. What would be minimum capacity for say 6 tracks? Probably has to be the high performance ones right?

[@davidshanhun]

Thank Jon. I haven't had any issues - have recorded 5 tracks as the most at a time so far using a Sandisk Extreme 32gb which is 90 mb/s. From memory they do have a list of compatible or recommended SD cards on the Zoom site. I would go for the high performance ones just for peace of mind that it's all going to be captured smoothly every time!

[@rockymiller]

Thank you very much I learned so much about my Zoom LiveTrak L8. I mainly use it for podcasting but I see it so much more than a podcast Mixer

[@davidshanhun]

Awesome Rocky! Glad it was useful!

[@just_pierre9730]

Hi David, this was a really very informative review of the L-8. Just 2 questions : when I play music from my PC, can I adjust the output volume of my headphone on the L-8? Or do I have to do that on my PC? And how do I adjust the audio output of my DAW(Ableton)?

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks. Yes - when playing music from the PC, you can adjust the volume of it using the channel fader on the L8 (channel 7). You can do the same with adjusting the output of your DAW - either change the master volume from your DAW, or change the channel fader volume on the L8 to suit the best levels for you. 😊

[@serenitybase9888]

hello i love your vidoes, do you know how i would 'come in' to the L8 , with 2 x 1/4 jacks. The jacks have ' left' a dj equipment , a pioneer xdj xz,...im getting confused on how to connect the 2 jacks....your wisdom is very welcome thanks jeff

[@davidshanhun]

hey Jeff - I would put those 1/4 inch jacks into channel 7 or 8. they are designed for a stereo input like this. Otherwise if you want more control, you can choose any other two channels to use also.

[@serenitybase9888]

@@davidshanhun thats fab thank you

[@jezmyrbernardo2665]

THE BEST 20 MINUTES OF WATCHING A REVIEW! THANK YOU!

[@davidshanhun]

ah that's awesome - thanks!

[@amaniredchilds8374]

I’m getting it now because of you . Your description of all the features was very easy to listen & understand too

[@ricardoalmeida8611]

Great review David! I have a question for you: when you recorded audio to your DAW using Zoom Livetrak, were you using PC or Mac? If you were using Mac, did your computer have USB standard as input or just USB-C? The reason I'm asking that is because I have a Mac with only USB-C and, looking at the specs of Zoom Livetrak it says "Operation is not guaranteed when used with USB hubs or expansion cards". I'm affraid I will have issues while recording using a USB hub to connect Zoom to my Mac.

[@davidshanhun]

heya! I'm on a mac but still have a usb-a slot. I suspect buying an adaptor or using a usb hub won't be an issue - if you use a usb-a to usb-c adaptor you'll be sweet - hubs are usually what tend to cause issues (if there are). In saying that - I'm pretty sure I've run it from a hub no worries.

[@Sol_Med]

Hiya. I saw your KZbin channel. amazing and very informative and a pleasure to watch. I have a question. I am waiting delivery on zoom livetrack l8. how many audio streams can the Daw take? are 7 and 8 stereo. if so is it possible to use a splitter cable for each Chanel (7 and 8) and have 4 mono channels that combine to two stereo channels when streamed. So you would have a different source on ch7 left and a different source on ch7 right. and again for Chanel 8? if not can I use a splitter to put in TRRS input and use two separate sources one for left and one for right. and also use channel seven in the above manner or in a regular fashion. sorry, complex question but as I see from your KZbin channel..... a walk in the park for you. 🤣🤣

[@MusoManUK]

I have a question ... if I'm using the L-8 in a studio setup and my Master Outs are connected to my studio powered monitors, can I monitor through the headphones (recording vocals, guitar, etc.) without going through the monitors? Or do I need to unplug the Master Out XLRs every time I want to monitor through headphones only? Hope you can help, thanks in advance

[@davidshanhun]

heya! Yes! Plug your headphones into Mix A, and you can simply adjust the headphone level from the small black gain setting by the input (once you've set the appropriate levels in that mix that you want). Then all you will need to do is lower the master fader when you don't want to hear your studio monitors (lower the fader not press mute - mute applies to all mixes whereas the fader levels are independent).

[@oscarjcflamenco]

Hi! I have a question: i'm a musician, can i connect this mixer into an android phone and use that phone for livestream a small show? Like use it for an instagram or youtube live?

[@davidshanhun]

yes. simply connect the trrs cable from the unit into your phone's headphone socket and you're good 👌 I've used it for lives on instagram myself.

[@oscarjcflamenco]

@@davidshanhun thank you so much! I'm sorry for not getting into the last part of the video but i've watched after you responded me. Again, thank you so much!!!

[@oscarjcflamenco]

Dear David! Thanks for these amazing videos. I would like to ask you for help. I'm having a problem with my livetrak 8 (or maybe it's my phone - Samsung J6) I connect my cellphone into the livetrak using the TRRS cable that comes with the L-8, i can hear everything coming from the phone into the console but the phone still uses the mic from the phone instead of reproducing the sound from the console. (I hope i have explained myself, please excuse me for my broken english)

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Oscar! I would check for dust in the headphone socket on the phone - it sounds like it's not quite connecting fully with the TRRS cable. This video may help your situation - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKHLnYuJjc-rm7M.

[@Djcorey410]

Where do you plug your speakers into for the sound to come out. Thanks in advance.

[@davidshanhun]

into the two main outputs on the unit (the two xlrs).

[@BeatTheCasino]

I stream Live on Stage 10 I have tried so many times to use this mixer but I get everyone on headphones, speakers on there end turned down so no way the signal is getting fed back through the mic, but I cannot eliminate the echo on the recording. We do not hear it when we are broadcasting. I am going to go to a simple interface like Focusrite or Presonus if I cannot find a solution Any Ideas? Thank you so much

[@davidshanhun]

Send me a link to one of the recordings if you can - especially if the livetrak is in shot. Things like this are usually a simple solution, but there's a few things to check to find out exactly what it is in each case. Can also be an issue with how you setup audio in OBS (if you're using it to stream) rather than this desk in which case a Focusrite won't help you! Feel free to reach out - this stuff can be frustrating until you find what the issue is. 😊

[@soheilmasoumi3009]

hello. Thanks for the video. How do you evaluate the quality of the preamps of this mixer-recorder? In terms of noise and ambient sound In terms of record high and low frequencies as well as midranges? And is the phantom power button separate for each line? or not thank you 

[@davidshanhun]

How do I evaluate the preamps? Generally I go by what other people say in forums etc and then at some point make my mind up. Other than that you can look up the specific details in the manual or online if it's of interest to you. Phantom power is not separate but I'm sure you've found that out already haha!

[@ahmadhusayn7631]

Excellent review! Am looking to use this as part of a self monitoring rig for my band. Regarding the headphone monitor outputs only working with jack to jack leads, will it still work with a stereo 1/4" lead split into 2 mono 1/4" leads into a stereo wireless iem transmitter?

[@kevineu6098]

Thanks for your videos! It has been very useful and detailed really appreciate it. Would you know if the audio feed could be sent to iPad Pro while doing video recording simultaneously? Thanks bro!

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Kevin - yes it can. The recording to the SD card is independent of what sends to the ipad or main outs. (so you can do both).

[@kevineu6098]

@@davidshanhun thanks for your reply. Lastly would I need any special convert cables to connect from the mixer to the iPad?

[@davidshanhun]

@@kevineu6098 you'll need a usb to lighting cable adaptor - something like this - amzn.to/3xgHyr0

[@fulldork]

Thanks for the great video! Is it possible to record a channel without sending it through output? I want to capture audience sound and record it but also be recording music/speech and pipe it back out to monitors

[@davidshanhun]

yes absolutely - I do this and highly recommend it. Records after the gain setting not the fader 👌

[@fulldork]

@@davidshanhun thank you!

[@Apuat]

Okay David so let's say I'm recording in Ableton live. I have drums on two channels from a VST In Ableton. Keys from a VST on two channels. I have two vocalists and I'm recording a software synth from my iPad. If we are all playing as a band and recording at the same time as are we able to hear everything?

[@davidshanhun]

hey Jonathan! Yep that combination works fine. Your two drum channels and two keys channels simply go into the master output of Ableton naturally (unless you have spent specific time to route them differently in the software which would be unusual), so they by default will come back into the Zoom mixer all on track 7. Set your gain levels for vocals and software synth on each channel in Zoom and set them to record the appropriate tracks in ableton. I would turn input monitoring off personally in ableton and just hear the direct signal from your vocals into the zoom mixer (add reverb etc from the mixer which won't get recorded) - then you can mix what you want in your headphones via Zoom so it sounds and feels good, and you'll be recording the raw audio direct to DAW.

[@ОлександрРаєв]

Didn't get your opinion about outs. Can i use this outs with three headphones with extension cables on stage? Why not?

[@davidshanhun]

headphones are sweet as - that's what they are designed for as outputs 👌

[@Saaranga108]

Excellent!! Very thorough explanation. You answered all my questions and made my decision so easy. This is the piece of gear that I need. Kudos and thank you for your time!!

[@davidshanhun]

love it - it's a pretty great piece of kit!

[@neomerismedia1383]

Hi, very nice review. I ordered an L8 but I am having second thoughts for one specific thing : Overdubbing. I am a multri-instrumental musician and would love to go to the park, record multiple tracks with different instruments, not live but overdubbing each time on a separate track. I have seen some videos showing the L12 capabilities for overdubbing, but none with the L8. Do you use overdubbing and if yes, were there any issues? Thanks.

[@davidshanhun]

You can absolutely do this! Video is in the process of being made on this specific thing and how to do it. Have only tested the waters a little bit so far, but no issues as of yet. If there's a video on overdubbing with the L12, the process will be the same for the L8 with how the brains are set to run.

[@neomerismedia1383]

@@davidshanhun Thanks. Indeed there are with the L-12. But I was wondering why all the videos about the L-8 would not mention this - in my opinion important - use of the device. Thanks for the reply.

[@Jalsatnah]

Hello David ,, Do you have any idea if the l8 can be chain linked as slave to my main l8 ? The idea that im using the main l8 for mix and recording live music band , now the band had grown 😃 so more channels is needed, recently i have my hand on another l8 and want to sync. It or chain link it with my main but not by in/out typical method as i want to sync all the tracks in both mixers to record all in once and mot to worry about how to align the tracks on the S/W.

[@davidshanhun]

I can't think of a way of doing this off the top of my head, I'd suggest you prep them both for recording and simply hit the 'play' button to start recording on each at exactly the same time. There will still be some potential discrepancy between the exact press between different hands, but should give you pretty ace results. Otherwise - if you can split one track so it records on one channel for each mixer you'll have a reference track that is exactly the same to sync each set of audio to. Hope that helps - maybe not the ideal scenario but will work well. If I think of any other options to add a timecode that's the same etc I'll drop you another reply.

[@Jalsatnah]

@@davidshanhun Aha ,, I will try the idea of splitting the track into channels on each , it will make life easier to sync the other. Thank you 🙏,,

[@danielecorciulo8779]

Could I use two mono inputs to have one more stereoinput I mean could i make the two monofiles to a stero in postproduction, because I normaly only need two stereo inputs, but in some cases I would need three, so I was thinking to use two mono inputs as workarround.

[@davidshanhun]

yep that works

[@nashorn07]

Can plug in condenser mic and dynamic mic at the same time and press phantom button?

[@davidshanhun]

Yes - in 99.9% of cases this is absolutely fine (and I do this myself running both a dynamic sennheiser e845, as well as an aston origin condensor mic at the same time). There are a few cases to be aware of, mostly concerning older ribbon microphones. If you want to understand more about it, there's an excellent discussion on this topic here: www.pro-tools-expert.com/production-expert-1/2019/11/8/phantom-power-the-myths-busted

[@sufc43]

Any thoughts on using this to mic up a drum kit and run to a DAW (Reaper in my case)? Great job on the review by the way!

[@davidshanhun]

This or the L-12 should work well for doing that. Would just depend how many mic inputs you are after (depending on how you are mic'ing your kit). This wouldn't be ideal for live drum mic'ing with no compression or main/graphic EQ option (would still work but not ideal for live), but for home and recording into a DAW where you'll EQ and edit afterwards you'll be sweet!

[@addthisto]

why not. 6 inputs, more than enough. L12 has better preamps.

[@RobinHodson]

Can you use the SD card to play a backing track and still use the device as a live mixer (no recording)?

[@davidshanhun]

yes if you wish.

[@VP737]

Hi David, any suggestions for an external EQ and a Compressor, easy to carry around and compliments Zoom and style?

[@davidshanhun]

I've only briefly looked into this and there are plenty of options I'm sure. Your question made me wonder what compact option might combine both of these haha. I decided I'm going a bit old school and getting just the EQ for the moment - or at least for when gigs resume haha. This is my option (though there are HEAPS of choices out there) - amzn.to/2xXbtM1

[@sheldonferguson9762]

Wow, someone that really knows how to make a painless review! Starting with the negative is the best. Reason I like that ... If I don't mind the negatives, I'll be happy to hear the rest. I hate learning what maybe a deal breaker after watching all a video. This is exactly what I needed to help me make a decision. Thank you

[@davidshanhun]

ah cheers! what did you end up going with?

[@xbrit1968]

Do you know the reason why the 1/4in to xlr patch cable didn't work? I want to use the Xvive U4 in ear monitor setup but the sender unit has an xlr with a 1/4in adapter. Most mixers have 1/4in monitor outputs, is this going to be a problem. Nice video btw.

[@davidshanhun]

Adrian - I haven't exactly worked out what it is sadly. I got around it by sending a TRS to TRS out into another desk, and then could happily set levels with no weird things going on, but that somewhat defeats the purpose if you then need 2 desks haha! (for me it meant I could record from the LiveTrak and have the monitor audio I wanted, but a bit of extra setup).

[@m1cr4]

Thanks for the great review David! Another problem I see no workaround for live musicians is that there is no footswitch option to remotely turn on/off FX. Or is there any way to do this beside walking to the mixer and push a button? Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

cheers! you are correct - no footswitch option to control fx on or off. Simplest would be to bring down the efx return, but gotta be on the mixer to do this as you say!

[@JeanMarcLavoie]

Thanks for the review. I want to know if you can monitor/isolate each channel in headphone for monitoring (similar to PFL or Solo on some mixers)?

[@davidshanhun]

not specifically no. You could work around it by using one of the mixes into headphones and muting each channel, but then any tweaks you wanted to do for a channel would mean you needed to switch back to the main mix, and copy the adjustments you just made etc.

[@JeanMarcLavoie]

David Shanhun Thanks you, how would I do that with the mixes into the headphones? I can’t find instructions for that.

[@JeanMarcLavoie]

@@davidshanhun Could I do something like this without affecting my Master output at the same time. Example: I'm running 6 microphones and I also have all 6 mic faders assigned to Mix A. Then while streaming live I hear a problem in one of the mics but I don't know which one it is. Can I switch to Mix A in my headphones and mute each fader until I discover the problem mic without muting that mic in the master output at the same time? So that my master is not affected while I mute each mic?

[@davidshanhun]

@@JeanMarcLavoie Yes you can do exactly what you described. It's one click on the mixer to switch between the master mix to mix A and back again. And one switch on your headphones output to switch between the master and Mix A. Really easy to do this on the board. The rookie mistake which we'll all make at some point, is checking that your headphones are set to the same mix that you're wanting to adjust - the two are entirely independent which is actually great - but can mean you're listening to the Master Mix while the faders are set to control Mix A and you'll wonder why nothing seems to change haha! And just to confirm, while in Mix A - this will not change or effect your master mix going out streaming even if you mute everything - it is an entirely separate mix - the only thing shared are the gain levels just fyi.

[@JeanMarcLavoie]

David Shanhun Thank you, that’s what I needed to know. As long as I can do that I feel better.

[@DJMichaelKhoury]

Hello everyone, curious if the monitor outputs on this are powerful enough to run as actual stage monitors and for subs, etc. I know they say monitor for headphones, and know that sometimes the actual outputs are built for just headphones and not speakers. Any advice is appreciated!

[@davidshanhun]

hey Michael - these outputs are just built for headphones not a stage monitor/speaker. I have worked around it running these out into another desk then into a monitor - but I have another small desk that I can use to solve the issue. A couple of people have mentioned getting a mono summed cable that can solve the issue also - so might be an option for you. Otherwise the LiveTrak L-12 has proper monitor outputs.

[@phcphcphc]

Is there a solution on how to use the headphone outs as signal to speakers ? I need the main out for mix-minus Zoom call, so cannot use this for speaker.

[@davidshanhun]

hey Peter - somebody sent me through a link to a mono summed cable which worked fine for them, and which makes sense to resolve the issue - I haven't tried it myself however.

[@phcphcphc]

@@davidshanhun I actually tested with just a simpel jack to xlr adapter, and it worked fine.

[@davidshanhun]

@@phcphcphc perfect!

[@raketfuel6037]

Hi great review :) Could you elaborate on why jack xlr cable for headphone doesnt work? Is there latency or it does not work at all? I have studio headphones so its important to me. Second question can I use mixer for live silent band without computer at all or it has to be connected in order to work? Can I use windows? I heard it supports mac mostly. Many thanks for explanation :)

[@davidshanhun]

heya! The headphone outputs are unbalanced headphone outputs. Perfect for headphones etc, but an xlr is a balanced cable, and so is a trs to xlr which is usually what people use to run a powered monitor speaker. You're studio headphones are no issue at all - it's designed for that. (I'm using it beyond what it was designed for essentially haha). Works entirely independant of a computer - I use this a LOT to record myself and duo's/ensembles where there is no power and it's excellent for that. All recorded onto an SD card to mix later on. Works with both Windows and Mac.

[@raketfuel6037]

@@davidshanhun well my studio ones output is xlr and input to zoom would be jack 6,3mm. So If I don't need to buy new jack to jack headphones that is good news ;) I will test it anyway as in my country there is no other cheaper choice for the price and 4 monitor outputs :) Thank you

[@davidshanhun]

perfect 👌@@raketfuel6037

[@christiancamargo6306]

I am looking to prerecord a radio show using my iTunes on my computer as the music, while recording into Adobe Audition onto the same computer. Would this be possible? Also, I would ideally like to record my myself talking while having a ‘bed music track’ play under my voice. From my understanding, I would not be able to monitor the music I am playing on my computer, while also recording myself on a separate channel. Is this correct? Also, great video! Very informative.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Christian! A couple of ways you could do this I think! If you set up your mic as channel 1 and set that to record into adobe audition track 1, for track 2 in adobe audition use the trrs cable going from the computer to channel 8 on the zoom desk. Then set track 2's input in adobe audition as channel 8. that will play your computer iTunes music into channel 8 and record it on a separate track (track 2) in adobe audition. You'd need to set your sound on your computer to have the input be the zoom L-8, and the output be the headphone port. For a simpler option to record both on one track, have the trrs cable plugged into the headphone socket on your laptop running into channel 8 on the zoom desk and your mic in channel 1 on the desk, and just record the master output into adobe audition. That way you can adjust the volume as you go of both the computer (channel 8), and your voice (channel 1). Both of these options you would have headphones plugged into the Zoom L-8 to monitor/hear what you are recording. The easier option in my opinion would be simply plug the computer into the Zoom L-8 as well as your mic, and record onto the SD card in the Zoom. Then you simply import those files into adobe audition from the SD card (you can do this direct via the USB cable from the zoom if you wish). Hope that helps!

[@christiancamargo6306]

@@davidshanhun You are fantastic! Thank you for the video, your response and ultimately - your insight!

[@davidshanhun]

@@christiancamargo6306 aww thanks bud! Hope it's helped! 😊

[@sonnyd1527]

You could probably use a Pyle Mini Hum Eliminator for the headphone jack issue. (Not for the hum elimination, although that part is nice.) it's has 2 TRS inputs and two TRS outputs + 2 XLR inputs and 2 XLR Outputs. You could probably use it playing live anyway.

[@davidshanhun]

Ah that's a cool option/idea. Thanks!

[@Troevo]

Hey David! I've been trying to figure out if you've ever used this mixer for live streams on KZbin through OBS Studio on macOS. I'm struggling to understand how to properly connect the mixer. Should I use a USB connection, or is it preferable to go through TRRS? Also, I'm having trouble figuring out how to set up the audio sources when connecting via USB. The sound in my stream ends up being very quiet. Any tips or advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

[@davidshanhun]

heya! yep used it for many streams, connected via USB. have you downloaded the zoom plugin required first? That may be the issue - from there stream volume is what the master volume shows - so you should have a good amount of lights lighting up which will equate to a good streaming level. Reply or reach out if you're still stuck, or send me a photo on insta @davidshanhun.

[@jimgoodman5028]

Hi. Thanks for this video. Sorry if this is a silly question but could you connect the “live streaming” cable out of the mixer into a DSLR camera thus getting the mixed/multi-mic sound directly to your video recording?

[@davidshanhun]

hey Jim, yes you can do that.

[@SyNtH1fEyEd]

Would this mixer be good for recording multiple synthesizers on or would you recommend something else? Thanks! :)

[@davidshanhun]

depends how many you have and how you plan on recording them and then what you want to do with them after! Are you recording each one with stereo outs? or just a mono output?

[@sorr0we]

Thanks for the review! Do you know if you can put user generated sounds on the soundpads?

[@davidshanhun]

Yes you can 👌 load them onto the SD card and they are all available for you 😊

[@sorr0we]

David Shanhun hell yeah! Thanks for the quick answer :)

[@davidshanhun]

@@sorr0we most welcome!

[@PatrickJohnEramis]

sir David 🙋 do you experience evident white noise using this mixer?

[@Pharesm]

Good video! So, you're using this, to save the extra weight and size of the ZOOM L12? I didn't catch anything in your L8 review, that the L12 couldn't do also... I was pretty much decided to buy an L12 as a portable mixer... then I saw the L8, but it seems to cheat on the "8"

[@davidshanhun]

hey Builder - I actually skipped one of the biggest reasons I personally got this mixer in this - and that's because it can be battery powered also. If you don't need battery power I would totally go for the L-12. What are you planning to use it for?

[@jifinjoseph4803]

Hi David, Thanks for your good review. I plan to buy l8. I need some clarifications. When compared with soundcraft ui16, is zoom l8 a better mixer? In which dimensions? Can i edit each recording tracks using adobe audition software? Thank you very much

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Jifin. They are quite different mixers. There is an issue where occasionally the ui16's drop out or freeze, which means a bunch of people have ruled them out for live gigs, even though they sound amazing and have more built into them than the livetraks do (if the ui16's freeze you typically have to restart the unit). The second part is what you want to record to - with the ui16 you'll need to bring your laptop and plug it in to record, with the livetrak you record straight to SD card and can put that into your laptop later. With both you can edit using whichever software you choose. Hope that helps!

[@theoutputlab2500]

Great review David. Very informative, straight to the point and sounds and clips. Thanks mate!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks 😊

[@ronspi]

Question: I have three guests. Each has an XLR mic. I want to record the meeting (which I understand how to do), but I also want to feed the mix into the computer that will see it as a mic input so I can host a Goto Webinar. Where in this mixer would be the output to connect to the computer? Or is there output from the mixer that will connect to the computer as a USB mic and transfer the mix? I want to make sure I'm purchasing the right mixer for our needs. It does answer all the other needs, but the connection between the mixer and the computer for the purpose of using it between mics and Goto Webinar I haven't seen yet. Thank you.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Ron! There's two ways you can do this. You can download and install the driver from zoom and then plug the USB/power straight into the laptop - in the sound settings you can then simply choose the zoom desk and the computer will recognise it (it's all very easy to install and feel free to ask me about if etc if you get stuck - i'll post a link to the download). The other way is to use the trrs cable that comes with this mixer plugged into the headphone input of your computer - it will send the master mix from this zoom unit to your goto webinar on the computer and you will hear the other goto webinar people via channel 8 of this mixer. I used it this evening for a youtube live stream running a couple of channels like you mentioned. If you're unsure feel free to respond and i'll happily chat through it with you.

[@ronspi]

@@davidshanhun Many thanks. I will try it both ways and see which is easier to manouver as I will need to hand this operation to another person at one point and this meeting event will turn monthly broadcast.

[@davidshanhun]

@@ronspi nice. the downloads page for the driver (for the L-8) is here in case you haven't found it. www.zoom-na.com/products/production-recording/live-sound-recording/zoom-livetrak-l-8#downloads All the best!

[@ronspi]

@@davidshanhun Thank you very much. Found it and downloaded the PDF manuals as well. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[@davidshanhun]

@@ronspi perfect! 👌

[@mikesurbermusic]

Hi David, I have an effects question. Firstly, this vid is so helpful and thanks for taking the time to answer all our questions! I’m pulling my hair out trying to figure out what I’m assuming should be simple: If I select (for example) Track 3, then select Hall Reverb and adjust the EQ etc for that mic, then select Track 6 and give that mic Vocal reverb or something different... the effects from the first track are now changed along with the new one. How do I get the different effects to stick to each individual track?! Thanks in advance, friend. 🤘🏼

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Mike! The bad news is that like most mixers of this sort, you can only use one effect for all tracks, and simply have to adjust the level of that effect per channel. Anytime you switch the effect it will apply that one effect to all channels. Wish i could tell you different but that’s how it’s setup!

[@StevenBosco]

@@davidshanhun Just bought this yesterday and shocked to find that's the case with the effects. David, when performing out, any advice on which effect (and parameters) you like to use on this board? My setup consists of simply vocals and an acoustic guitar.

[@danielstearman3832]

@@StevenBosco The simple solution would be to use the built in mixer effects for vocals(I like vocal 2) and outboard effects(pedals) for guitar. This would apply to most instruments that plug in direct versus instruments that need microphones like percussion or acoustic instruments with no pickups. In that case you might consider using just a reverb to cover everything as you probably wouldn't want the delay on bass/drums ,.

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Hi Dave, thanbk you for the video. Im having problems when trying to monitor myself in with my headphones. Headphones only work when the master and channel 7 is turned up otherwise headphone are silence. So if i turn channel 7 or master all the way off, then the headphone jacks are silent also. Is there a way to record with headphones only?

[@davidshanhun]

if for some reason you need to have the master down etc, then you can just use mix A for your headphone mix, and set the fader levels for the channels that you want on mix A. That way you can have the faders on the main mix at 0.

[@lovelymusicnow4404]

Thank you for your response, i did that and I get No volume in the headphones because what ever goes on with the master it effects the headphone route. Muting the master just cuts off the entire feed tot he earphones, so if i were to try and just record myself while playing like piano or guitar, i literally have to turn my monitor speakers off to achieve that, something so simple. There seems to be no other way to monitor yourself inside a DAW live without the master@@davidshanhun

[@davidshanhun]

@@lovelymusicnow4404 you seem to just have a bit of confusion around this - you absolutely can do what you want as I do it, but perhaps I didn't explain myself well. For the main mix - set the faders to 0. That solves it so that nothing is coming out of your monitor speakers. You can't use mute as it mutes all mixes, but you can set the faders separately for each mix. (in other words don't use mute just bring the master down to 0). now click 'mixer' on the bottom right, and select mix A. where your headphones plug in switch this also to Mix A. Now raise your faders including the master and you will only be affecting what is in your headphones as we are on Mix A. When you want your main speakers in the room back up, switch back to the Main mix, and raise the fader again. (you will need to bring it back to 0 and then raise it). It's all pretty simple once you get used to it, but if you haven't done it, or aren't familiar with the separate mixes it may take a little bit to get your head around it the learning curve. Hope this helps though and yes - 100% possible.

[@francoqueirazza2832]

dear David many tks for clear examples on the matter i got my l8 few weeks ago and i'm pretty ignorant on mixing. i csnnot understand usb 3-4 use cause if i log my mac i can hear for instance audio fm usb 1-2 but nothing from usb 3-4, could you pls help a poor ignorant italian player? many tks.

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Franco - it is set up by default to return audio from the Computer to usb 1-2. For 3-4, you will need to specifically send audio from the DAW you're using to return 3-4. What software are you using?

[@soundfontmusicproduction]

Very great review. I have one question because am really interested with this thing. In studio recording environment as an audio interface, let say you gonna record 3 singers at the same time to DAW, in the project already have a few track let say guitar, keys, drums, bass and click from DAW. What happen when every singer want different mix on their monitor?singer 1 wants more click, more voice, less drum....singer 2 only want click and keys and voc and so on...meanwhile channel 7 send audio from computer (DAW) to that track....If using standard audio interface it can easily create aux / bus and sends to different output....thanks for your answer

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Anka, it is easy to create the bus sends in the DAW, but you only have tracks 7 and 8 to output sound from the computer into the L-8. It's possible I'm wrong, but I don't believe you will be able to send separate mixes from it. If you can - the maximum different mixes to send would be 2 different stereo mixes. You can however adjust the level of each singer's voice in their mix while recording, that is easy to do using this - just that the recorded mix would be the same for each singer. EG the drums, click, other instruments already recorded would need to be the same level for all 3 singers, but you would be able to adjust the singers vocal up or down as suits, and adjust how much of the other singers they hear also. Hope that helps!

[@soundfontmusicproduction]

David Shanhun thanks a lot for the reply. It helps a lot. Just one more question. If in DAW, the input will shows from input 1 till 8 , what about the output? Is it only output 1-2 or is there’s another output besides 1-2 ?

[@davidshanhun]

@@soundfontmusicproduction The output options are either 2 stereo tracks (output 1-2 & output 3-4), or you can send 4 mono tracks. Be aware the 4 mono tracks will still enter the unit as the L-R of tracks 7 and 8. So if you send mono 1 it would be the L channel of 7 on the mixer. Mono 2 would be the right channel of 7 etc. So you could create 4 separate mixes, you'd just have some work coming out of the unit to separate the Left and Right signals into their own channels.

[@soundfontmusicproduction]

@@davidshanhun very helpful ...thanks for your response david.

[@rickaronica9321]

This is a great review and tutorial. I just picked one of these up for my Acoustic Project off of Ebay. I love you just got to the point of things! Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

Thank you mate! Happy recording and creating with it!

[@wticnews]

Great review! Much appreciated, David. Wondering if you know how to make the L-8 show all of its channels in Windows. I am only getting one channel in and one channel out after installing the Zoom driver. Thanks for your help!

[@davidshanhun]

heya, it sounds like your computer is still using it's internal sound source. Go into 'preferences' or 'sound/audio settings' and choose the input and output source as the L-8. What recording program/DAW are you running? and let me know if you've already done this and we'll troubleshoot from there!

[@jardatop]

@@davidshanhun Hi, I have similar question. I know, that DAW uses ASIO driver, where is 12in and 4 out. But I would like to know, if in simple windows drivers is only 2in/2out or if there are six stereo audio input devices (1/2in, 3/4in, 5/6in, 7/8in, 9/10in, 11/12) and two stereo output devices (1/2out, 3/4 out). Thank you.

[@borg386]

Thanks! Can this be used as regular mixer,or is it only for livestreaming etc?

[@wallacenock7423]

Hey David I got my zoom L8 what a beauty. The only thing I forgot was to get a SD card 🙈🙈 but this can be used for a live session on you tube am I correct. Just wondering how you set yours up for that. Any ideas. Sorry rather new to it

[@davidshanhun]

hey Wallace! classic about the SD card - I did the same thing when I got it haha! Bought one on my way to the first gig with it! I think we msged about the livestreaming but in case not - you can either use the Zoom as your computer audio driver (did you download the driver from the zoom site yet?) and use the USB connection. OR, plug the trrs cable into the computer headphone trrs connection, and set channel 8 to the phone symbol. I actually think this works better as it uses the mix minus function - so that way there are no echo's etc. 😊