Livetrak L-12 After One Year of Use

[@jamesferguson2851]

Just bought one. Thanks for reaffirming my thoughts on the mixer.

[@GerenM63]

Phantom power won't be present on the 1/4" connectors on the combo jacksming t -- the 1/4" part of the combo jacks typically have different pins on the back of the connector, since the 1/4" doesn't typically run through the mic preamp section, and that's where phantom power gets added. Dynamic mics won't care if they see phantom power.

[@FreeBeat]

I'm such an audio n00b lol. So many people told me not to plug anything into phantom power that didn't specifically want it. I've been duped! Thanks for the knowledge, as always :)

[@GerenM63]

@@FreeBeat That's generally the safe advice -- if you're ever unsure, don't do it. Also, a well designed piece of gear is going to have parts in place to isolate it from harm. In the case of blocking out phantom power, it's either a transformer on some high-end gear, or as simple as a capacitor or two on less expensive gear. I have been surprised a couple of times, and it was ugly, but by-and-large, most gear plays by "the rules."

[@thomaslthomas1506]

Only ribbon mics get unhappy from phantom power. If in question use a DI box.

[@GerenM63]

@@thomaslthomas1506 Oh, I've seen some really unhappy results with audio gear getting phantom applied to its outputs. Bad noises, smoke, etc. But, as I said, unless they've done something really wonky, it won't be on the 1/4" part of the combo connector.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

@@GerenM63 when I go out live I always run a DI between my rig and front of house. Just cuz. That said most things won’t care. Your synth or drum machine or computer interface might if you are using XLR. Does the live track have TRS balanced ins I haven’t seen for sure.

[@TerenceKearns]

15:50 I asked chat GPT this "If I have an audio mixer with combo jacks for input which take either XLR or TRS jacks, can I be sure that, while phantom power is active for an input, it will not send power down a TRS jack thats plugged into it?" and it said When using an audio mixer with combo jacks that accept either XLR or TRS connections, it is generally designed so that phantom power is only sent through the XLR connections, not the TRS connections. This is because the XLR and TRS parts of the combo jack typically have separate connectors. However, this can depend on the specific design of the equipment you are using. For most equipment, phantom power is only supplied to the XLR pins, and using a TRS connection should not result in phantom power being sent down the TRS line. This is because phantom power is typically intended for microphones that require it and is sent through the XLR connectors, while TRS connections are often used for line-level signals that do not require phantom power. That said, it is always a good practice to verify the specific design of your equipment or consult the manufacturer's documentation to ensure that phantom power is not inadvertently sent to TRS connections. If there is any doubt, testing with a digital multimeter (DMM) or contacting the manufacturer for clarification can provide assurance

[@rayderrich]

Having 4 phones mixes and everything recorded multitrack (without a computer) in such a small form factor is definitely tempting. Thanks for talking about the mixer after a year of real life use.

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah it's completely changed the game for me. Definitely worth the investment if you think you'll use most of the features. Thanks for watching!

[@hovermotion]

I use this mixer as a Dawless setup..it's a stunning mixer many features with a easy control interface... Well worth the Rrp I got mine second hand in as new condition for a lot less...

[@FreeBeat]

That's awesome, thanks for watching!

[@rossknowles5608]

you can fix the phantom power issue by leaving it off and using an inexpensive separate 48v phantom supply (such as the SubZero which costs £20). simply plug the channel 8 mic into that and patch that into the mic in on the desk. frees up the other 3 channels on the phantom group. i believe you can also get AA battery powered "in-line" phantom power gizmos too that sit between the xlr cable and the desk

[@marcusai210]

Good timing. Thinking of trying the L8, and have been thinking about it since you picked this up, didn’t realize it’s been a year, perhaps it’s time.

[@FreeBeat]

Awesome! I believe the L-8 had some noisy preamp issues a while ago, so make sure you're getting one from a recent batch. Thanks for watching :)

[@marcusai210]

@@FreeBeat oh man, thanks. I didn’t know and was going to go via Reverb used. 🤔

[@quinnsd13]

@@marcusai210 I just picked one up used on reverb too (before seeing this) sure hope mine's a revised one! Did you end up getting one and how'd it turn out for you?

[@marcusai210]

@@quinnsd13 mine is ace! Took me a min to get adjusted to the effects and monitoring master vs que, have fun!

[@andrewcherry8039]

You might want to look at SD card extenders. Places like Adafruit stock them.

[@FreeBeat]

How did I not know that these existed?! Thank you so much for the tip :)

[@noisetheorem]

I don’t need one of these….but I really do want one! If I ever get back to performing live, it would be perfect with my MPC

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah it's great with the MPC. You can use it as an audio interface, with the ins and outs, and so much more!

[@350110thave]

you can use those other inputs for regular mics. SM58s dont get affected by phantom power

[@robfriedrich2822]

I turned both stereo ins into balanced. The keyboard came to a compressor with Jack and XLR and for the other one I used a special DI Box that works in reverse.

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@robfriedrich2822]

I'm not completely satisfied with the vocal sound, too boomy, the low cut too low, the equalizer has one midband only, so I add a Behringer Flow and can expand it.

[@mikejpounder]

I member when you first got it back in the He shed

[@FreeBeat]

Crazy to think that was only a year ago! Thanks again for the desk, it's been perfect :)

[@jantuitman]

It looks like a very convenient device! I use an Audiofuse because mixers are so big, haven’t got the room for it. I have one table which contains my entire “studio”: a pair of monitors, an iPad for recording, the Audiofuse and room for 2 or 3 gear boxes.

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah, it does take up quite a bit of room, and that's something I really struggled with until getting the studio. Check out the L-8, I think it's quite a bit smaller. Thanks for watching!

[@DanielSantallaa]

What software do you use on your ipad for recording?

[@jantuitman]

@@DanielSantallaa I use AUM. It is a software mixer that can record external audio sources or software sound sources like synth plugins. Of course any DAW like for example GarageBand or Cubasis can record audio just fine but AUM is so clean qua user interface that it gives me the feeling that “everything is easy” and that’s why I prefer it over DAWs. If you don’t have an arranger on the hardware side then a DAW is better, because AUM is not an arranger.

[@HarryLoveTV]

Thanks this info is helpful. I’ve been trying to weigh the pro/cons of this vs the tascam.

[@FreeBeat]

Glad to help!

[@Moreno280161]

Hello, I have a livetrak l-20 zoom, I wanted to know if it happens to you too, practically when I play just one track its volume increases, why?

[@FreeBeat]

I haven't had that issue, but I don't use it to play individual tracks that often.

[@hexchad765]

How do you get input from your phone? Like a backing track. No Bluetooth

[@happyvibes2436]

lets go another video i just commented on the last one

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@CesarPeron]

I have a condenser microphone, do you suggest connecting it to the flat line, PAD or Hi-Z?

[@wayneanderson2866]

I’m about 3 yrs in to having my zoom L12 & yes I’m enjoying it! I agree on the SD card placement…it’s a pain but oh well 😬… Most of the time I’m running instruments & vocals thru the L12 & into GarageBand iOS on my iPad via usb…but I plan on taking the L12 with me to gig with & you reminded me that I can record the total live performance with ease!😛🤘🏼…looking forward to that! Just thinking out loud but I’d like to find a way to rack mount my L12 in something that I can take with me without relying on putting the zoom on a table etc to get knocked off accidentally. Thanks for the content!

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah, the recorder definitely comes in handy, both in studio and live settings! Thanks for watching :)

[@kennethdale9862]

Phantom power is not present on 1/4 inch jacks. Plus if you get a direct injection box, your equipments are safe from phantom power damage and maximise thr preamp channels.

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah, I was slightly mistaken haha, thanks for the info!

[@MatsueMusic]

Can the non-stereo inputs be panned to create a “stereo pair”?

[@FreeBeat]

Yes they can!

[@TheFendertak]

Very much like your review of this mixer for recording and especially for live stage, But the one big question I have is its onboard effects, are they any good, I had bought the presonus Ar16c and although loved it for its recording ability, it drove me simple on stage trying to make it sound good, and now have requested a return of the Ar16c presonus mixer and now I'm in a delilma as to get the zoom L20 or tascam model 16 or 24, I want a desk that's excellent on signal to noise ratio mic Pre amps and excellent effects preferably 2 effects controlling separately, but if the Zoom has only the 1 single effects and is somewhat decent then zoom L20 will be my next mixer, you gave a good review on the 12 months of having the L12 for both recording and live, which is plenty time to be fully decided if the Zoom range is any good, but what about its on board effects, love to read your review, and thank you in advance...

[@FreeBeat]

I've really never used the effects, as they don't pertain to my needs at all, sorry!

[@ultrajayme]

I'd be cautious with the Tascam Model series. I know two people who own them. One had the 16 one has the 12. While they do offer a fat saturation in the signal from the Master, they apparently create some analog hum in the signal path. I've had two analog desks and I'm moving to digital. This might be the one. If you want analog I can't recommend Soundcraft Signature MK series enough. For the money they're best analog mixers IMO.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

hi...nice video.......i have both the zoom L12 and L20..... i was also very concerned about the phantom power switches.... but then it was pointed out to me that the phantom power will only supply 48v via XLR....if just the mono L/R cable from a synth/piano is plugged in...nothing happens even if the red switch is turned on..... presently i have 7 pianos connected to the L20 and 4 pianos connected to the L12 (all with mono TS cables)..... turning on the phantom power does nothing even if the light comes on to say48v is ON. I hope this info was helpful.

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks!

[@Lukedrummer]

Great video!! What do you think of the output volume of the stereo channels? I’ve been very disappointed: I’m a drummer, so to play along a song I plug in my iphone in a stereo channel, but the volume is soo low I can barely hear it, super low in both the recording and master output. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[@Nachi_Keta]

Boost it via a DI Box

[@wiggesobk]

The L-12 is really great! Maybe you could make a video for a budged Mixer? I'm still struggling haha

[@FreeBeat]

Maybe! I'm not sure which one I should take a look at, any ideas?

[@wiggesobk]

@@FreeBeat maybe something like the Yamaha AG06, the Behringer Xenyx series or even the Bastl Dude Mixer. Something in this price range.

[@Joel-re1jz]

I would like to see the L-12 hooked up to the MPC One to see how well it integrates.

[@FreeBeat]

I'll definitely do that in the future, thanks for watching!

[@Joel-re1jz]

@@FreeBeat Thank you for this channel and the work you put into it.

[@PandaKattPk]

Awesome Setup

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@lephilb]

Thanks for your interesting video ( like always ).. something that I don’t grasp on this mixer is when you are in daw mode , does the sound of the vst comes out on 9/10 or 11/12 or does it goes directly to the out channel ? In other word would it be possible to have 12 inputs taken by external gears in the daw and having additional vst playing through the out bus without having to cut one of the two last stereo pair .. this is the very last thing I can’t figure out before pulling the trigger on it .. thanks

[@FreeBeat]

You do lose either 9/10 or 11/12 while returning the audio from your computer unfortunately. Thanks for watching!

[@Mikepo587]

Man 20 something year olds think they know everything give man a break.

[@FreeBeat]

@@Mikepo587 ?

[@FS.Media1]

The Plosives are killing me.

[@jevogroni4829]

it's so big. what would you multitrack record if you were going portable?

[@FreeBeat]

I wouldn't say it's big for what it's intended for haha. But for portable multitrack recording, check out the Zoom Livetrak L-8!

[@DiscoBand-s6d]

I know this video was a year ago but here it is my question. Are each of the B-C-D-E Headphones / Monitor outputs Stereo or Mono? Thank you very much in advance and good job. ;)

[@JP-rf7px]

If you get low output, you may have the plugs wired wrong. The outputs are set up for phones, with tip and ring both separate hot signals, not balanced out. So to get a line level signal use a stereo plug but hook hot to tip and ground to sleeve and leave ring unconnected. I am using the unit as a 4 channel recorder to archive my collection of quad SQ, QS, and CD-4 lps. Each input and monitor channel is used for one of the 4 channels from my quad decoder. The mixer monitor outs drive the "discreet analog surround inputs on my Marantz receiver with plenty of volume. My only beef is the inability to label tracks with names more easily.

[@christianboddum8783]

TMK there is not phantom power on TRS jacks, so you should be safe using 5-6-7 as TRS inputs when phantom is on. FWIW

[@XenoFect]

I'm debating between this, the R24 and the TE TX-6. I'm leaning towards the TX6 cause the I'm a hopeless TE fan. However the price is making me hesitant.

[@FreeBeat]

I feel like those are all very different devices haha. Go with your gut though!

[@XenoFect]

@@FreeBeatThey are, but similar in the sense of being mixers/audio interface/recorder. Tho the TX-6 can't record individual tracks.

[@Pharesm]

*Question* : Are the L12 faders considerably less wobbly than the L8? I can always tell a piece of shit, when the knobs and sliders are only attached by the solder to the circuit board, instead of properly screwed to the chassis... I returned the L8 on the next morning

[@FreeBeat]

I've had my L-12 for over 2 years now and haven't had any issues at all.

[@Pharesm]

@@FreeBeat Thanks for your anwser! 2 years is better than nothing, but I expect an expensive piece of studio gear to last 10 Years before I need to worry about repairs. 2 Years is just the warranty time, that does not soothe me... ^^ I realize that wobbly faders don't guarantee early death, but its an indicator for a lack of diligence, or an overriding concern to cut cost. Allen&Heath designed the SQ5 to keep working after spilling beer into it. Granted, I didn't try it, and of course expectations have to match the price.. But Zoom's L8 really shocked me! I like the concept of it. Maybe the L-12 is much better than the L-8 Then there's Behringer, so-so reputation, yet their gear has solid metal housings and the opposite of flimsy. Anyway, thanks for letting me know :)

[@Evilivo666]

Can i mix the sd recording back on the mixing desk?

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Is there a way to rename projects and files under a project and how would one do this? Also, have issues getting the Livetrak L-12 to work as an audio interface in Logic X and Presonus Studio One.

[@Boommage4489]

I'm currently deciding on getting either this mixer or the Tascam Model 12. Both seem good but I'm having trouble picking the one that would be best. This video is great and helps thanks!

[@allgonewrongful]

I was in the same boat. I ended up getting the model 12. Both seem great though. If you would like multiple headphone outs, this wins out, 2 more inputs as well. For me, I liked midi time code, the DAW controller aspect of the tascam, and most importantly the audio interface has an output for each channel. So every channel gets an individual audio track in my daw. I may be wrong but i dont think the livetrack has that. That was my priority.

[@FreeBeat]

As I mentioned in the video, the Livetrak can totally function as an audio interface, giving you full access to all of the inputs in your DAW :)

[@bartjanc]

I see the op-z is a drummachine @ 4:42

[@FreeBeat]

I think you mean the OP-1 haha, and yeah, testing out some new video ideas :) Thanks for watching!

[@bartjanc]

@@FreeBeat yes the op-1 indeed haha

[@Antonio-qn9hm]

Tell me, I have a Usb cable, the sound only goes from the mixer to the computer, but it does not go from the computer to the mixer. What is the reason? The sound comes only from the headphone jack of the computer to the remote control, but not via Usb

[@Mikepo587]

Try rcA with 1/4 inch attached 3.5 mm into computer rcas coming from speakers and works fine

[@hcab43]

does it heat up?

[@Sadiquecat]

Ay that's me :D

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for the support!

[@dfkman]

Was that a GP2X?

[@FreeBeat]

Anbernic RG280m ;) Check out the video coming in about 10 minutes lol

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Zoom is a cool company. This is a great mixer, really! But I think I discovered my next mixer....Going to have it custom built. FCPRO Mixthesizer. I want all stereo ins, except a couple, and four sends. 😁

[@FreeBeat]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@DetroitMicroSound]

@@FreeBeat check out their site. such a great idea. They will add channels to a smaller mixer they built for you, earlier, or reconfigure it in other ways, if other needs change. Soo cool!

[@emindedf0]

Get an SD card extender

[@FreeBeat]

This is going to sound so silly, but before I posted this video and someone else commented that, I didn't even know they existed lol. Definitely getting one soon. Thanks for watching!

[@emindedf0]

@@FreeBeat Im planning on getting this board I still have an old alesis multimix FireWire that only works in windows 7 but it records directly over FireWire to PC but this is just to SD card and then can edit on PC.. that's pretty cool

[@rosslarsen6144]

Piece of junk. It's only useful to input content. Then you have to spend hours on a DAW to get anything even passialy sounding out of it. It doesn't have many obvious features like "undo" and "punch in-out". Want to buy mine?

[@FreeBeat]

This device is literally the backbone of my channel lol, definitely not a "piece of junk" for me.