Zoom L-12 One Year Review: Still worth it?

A brief update on the Zoom Livetrak L - 12 after using it as my dawless mixer, recorder and audio interface.
Want to support this channel and get exclusive content? Visit my Patreon page and join The Midlife Synthesist Fam!
/ midlifesynthesist
Support the Channel using these affiliate links to Amazon and Perfect Circuit!
(when you use an affiliate link I get a small commission for each purchase with no added cost to you, thank you for helping me keep this channel going!)
Zoom L-12:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3q32oJz
Amazon: amzn.to/3n7cHut
@Polyend Tracker:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3tAHyTZ
OP - 1:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3z4xbbp
Amazon: amzn.to/3q4GSEq
Octratrack MKII:
Perfect Circuit:bit.ly/3r2fvKe
Amazon: amzn.to/38qbgRj
Digitakt:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/333lmXL
Amazon: amzn.to/3k8f9fC
@Arturia Polybrute:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3q5Ez3K
Amazon: amzn.to/32XGDSE
@Moog Music Inc Matriarch:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3t9cQkE
Amazon: bit.ly/3gbGHAX
Moog Subsequent 37:
Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3t4UMZ3
Amazon: amzn.to/3t61aiz
Find me on instagram @midlifesynthesist
contact: [e-mail]

[@RockHardRiffs]

I’ve been using the L12 for over a year now and couldn’t be happier with it 🎸🎸🎸

[@ata000001]

As a Zoom L-20 owner one thing that is missing from it is a MIDI interface. I had (still have it in my home studio) a Zoom UAC-8 before and that one has also a built-in MIDI interface, what I'm missing from the L-20... (I also have a Zoom H-6, so you can call me a Zoom user...). Pretty much agree with the other points, even I do use my L-20 about as much as an audio interface directly to the DAW and as a stand alone recorder to the SD card. For live use the L-20 has the optional bluetooth connection to an iPad for a complete remote operation, that has been super great when mixing bands live in bars or clubs. Just having the iPad with me in the middle of the audience and the mixer at the stage with all the instruments and mics connected and the soundchecks for different acts saved as scenes... that is great. I've had the L-20 now for couple of years and was originally planning to get the L-12, but when the L-20 was introduced, I decided to get that one instead immediately, and the extra channels have not been a bad idea... :)

[@Nottsoaverage_]

Iv had this mixer since 2020 and I’m still happy with it best purchase I’ve made so far

[@Mikepo587]

It’s updated to 2023 the last year so you don’t have to do anything at least as far as I know if you’re not using the computer of the driver seat and have to do nothing from mine came fully updated but I don’t use computers so if you buy new when you asked a guy ahead of time the owner of the shop or Amazon ask him if you’ll be fine

[@ckjjclan]

Come on Tascam….. send this dude the 16 channel board to review! ;-)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol! Yes please @tascam ! 🤣🙏🏼

[@symbiat0]

I asked around and discussed the L12 with some mixer experts and have decided to go for the Tascam Model 12 instead - it has all the features of the L12 but better input-output routing and better EQ, etc.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

If you are self recording the big bright level meters in the Zoom will save you every time, without those big wonderful meters you will be throwing out half your sessions from too low or too high levels....or you will be squashing everything with compression. I have never had an overload on my recording sessions of live music on all 8 tracks and 24 channels of sub-mixing to the Zoom.

[@BrunoBeltran]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene damn you have a real inner drive to proselytize the Zoom, huh?

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

And a worse User Interface. Tascam is notorius for making confusing interfaces on their mixers. A great example of that is the DP series. There's a lot of weird quirks to them you'll only know if you learn them from someone experienced in using the things. As per the record+play "issue", every single portable recorder/mixer I've seen in the wild works this way, even the Model 12. When you press record, you're arming the thing to record. This is something that's standard behavior also on DAW and tape recorders. There are several issues associated with recording straight away when pressing record that date back from analog recordings, which is why it is done that way.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@BrunoBeltran The Zoom changed my life from recording nothing into computers... to 68 albums of music plus hundreds of workshop tutorials. All without a single problem from the Zoom.

[@symbiat0]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino kzbin.info/www/bejne/g523ZoJ_raqNjtE

[@spiderfingers2005]

I was torn between this and the Tascam Model 12... I went with the Tascam in the end.. But to be honest i could have gone with the Zoom L-12 too.... the set up i was after was the one that you spoke about here.. just having a recorder that i could very quickly put ideas down on, but also use as a DAW if i needed or wanted to.. Those of us who grew up with 4-track cassette recorders are win-win here, just being able to drag fleshed out ideas in to a DAW as an option and work on them from there?? Whats not to like?? Great content...

[@patrickhowes5833]

I bought this mixer specifically after watching your first video on it, and I've been very happy with it so far even though I don't use all the features either. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much for watching bro! Happy I helped🙌🏻🙌🏻 cheers!

[@Simonchez]

Wow, the perfect video to help me make this decision today! Thanks so much!

[@ArtDrumsSchool]

I've been using this device for over 3 years now. more than satisfied) My band is especially pleased) says that this is my best purchase of musical equipment) home studio online lessons mixer for band rehearsal porta studio for recording demos with a band when I write music myself and do channel recording without a DAW perfect!

[@soundsfortoday3623]

Have had the L12 since May 2020. It is my mainstay. One of the features I absolutely love is capability of using flash drive to export to. Have used multiple synths and DN on it. On occasion the record button goes wacky and you have to baby it to make it work. Other than that I have been gertting my money out of it. Was definitely a good purchase!

[@kirikira13]

For me I use my L20 as “Portable” recorder, live mixer and audio interface. I’m a college student studying music and music technology and part of the things I do even if not required is help music students with recordings (who don’t know proper audio tech), be an audio technician during club events (I’ve been paid for it once and been getting paid multiple times now) and/or create a Jamspace for the students in more Jazz situation and work on my own music projects too. Honestly it’s been a god send cause they’ll be so many times with my old mixer Mackie FX12: “I wish I had more inputs” “I wish I could send different mixes” “I wish I don’t need to record with my laptop” “I wish I had a better eq” (specially bass roll off) So many more quotes. It fixed all those issues for me and gave more flexibility and at $1000 it’s not bad for the all purpose use I have for it.

[@Synth-PatchesCom]

Interesting that no one mentions the Allen & Heath QU-SB mixer, which is for me the ultimate dawless record unit. It's small, compact, has great graphic EQ, sidechain, many AUX outputs and can multitrack record up to 18 channels. Moreover it has ability to mix the hardware and USB inputs together so I can use my hardware and software (Kontakt Player!) synths in one dawless session. Great feature when you have a good hardware sequencer (like Deluge). Great video, thank you!

[@MorfMusic]

Probably because the zoom is less than half the price and has superior recording

[@johnnulf624]

@@MorfMusic what do you mean by superior recording?

[@krazywabbit]

The video we’ve been waiting for!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol! Yes🤟🏻🤟🏻 by popular demand haha, hope you enjoy it my friend!! Cheers!

[@stefanschwarz1232]

I´ll buy it soon! It´ll be just awesome

[@FrankyGun]

Nice one and spot on in all points! Always nice to watch your premieres, brother! Rock on 🤘 Love and light from Khao Lak 🇹🇭❤️☀️🏖🌴🥥🐘🌈

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Always love having you here and feeling your amazing energy Franky!! Lots of love to you and the family brother❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@h2o1969]

I really appreciate this year later review. I wish I could get this for not products.

[@waltersmetak]

Anxiously awaiting for this final review. Thanks for posting it!

[@arxaaron]

Nicely produced and informative. Thanks!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you my friend!

[@arxaaron]

@@MidlifeSynthesist After researching options more thoroughly, I'll be ordering an L20 this weekend. Should be a definitive improv-emet for recording my improv sessions and personal workflow for tune creation in general. Been a happy Zoom owner for decades - H4 and then the wonderfully refined H6. The larger systems seem equally practical and functional designs.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

@@arxaaron awesome! Hope you enjoy it bud! Here’s hoping you use the affiliate link😂 see you soon!

[@arxaaron]

@@MidlifeSynthesistwould do affiliate links if possible, but I'm going L20 not L12 (and I found a "demo" at 10% better price than Amazon)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

@@arxaaron go go go!!🔥 hope you enjoy it my friend 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@stubrakon9683]

Great vid thanks 👍 I looked at this unit and was very impressed. In the end got a tascam model 12 as having all the separate controls per strip won out. Was a close call. 😃

[@hovermotion]

Even the L8 is a great mixer..I went for the L12 about 2 years ago on your recommendation and its been a superb mixer for the money (£270 second hand as new condition)..It's down side for me is its size a bit too wide for my desk top setup.👍🏻

[@waynehubbard6651]

I was looking at either a tascam or Zoom. Two things swung the Zoom - this channel and and the complete lack of available Tascams. So I have just recently invested in an L-20! Also a patchbay an i connectivity midi interface. Totally over engineered for my my home studio needs but what you gonna do! The L-20 fixes the issues with the headphone outs as you can select headphone or monitors. I use mine to select external insert effects - could use the patchbay too but the monitor out is super accessible and flexible. Great review - love the channel

[@sebadrum16]

That intro segment was comedy gold

[@gwenhaworth5454]

Thanks for your great content! I'd been deliberating about purchasing one the Livetraks and finally put an order in on the L-20 a couple weeks ago. I have some synth gear at home and also jam with a band weekly, where recording the tracks separately is a huge bonus... which I confirmed when renting the L-12 for a month. It's reassuring to hear that overall you've remained generally happy with it!

[@Theonlymoog]

So, about the headache with pressing "Rec" and then "Play", to record, yeah, I can see that being a thing, BUT, think about it this way, and it becomes intuitive: in 1985, when I wanted to record a song off the radio, I pressed 3 buttons on my ghetto blaster - first I pressed Pause to hold my cassette at the correct place, then Record AND Play, which were always 2 separate buttons, controlling 2 separate functions. When the song started, I unpaused it. This recorder behaves in exactly the same way. Not a solution, I know, but an understanding of how it works, that hopefully makes it a bit more intuitive. Also, just wanted to say - fantastic video, thanks for the info!

[@InnerPeaceSounds]

Thank you for the great review! Likely they've copied the record engage workflow from Zoom H4n. That's exactly how you do it - first press "REC" to arm and start monitoring through headphones and then press "PLAY" to start recording. I am surprised that Zoom H6 uses a different approach.

[@wireheadinstruments]

I also bought the L12 after your first vid and am very happy with it (with minor caveats) so thanks! re your comment re monitor outputs->sampler - I find that does work well for me to feed channels to my Digitakt for sampling, routing through the digitakt FX / overbridge interface, without having to rewire. anyway, another great video. HULK SMASH! 😂

[@jimvance886]

Would have loved to see you actually walk thru the complete recording process.

[@blindianajones]

When you got the L12, I had got the Presonus Ar16 usb c mixer. I chose the Presonus over the L 12 because I did not want the screen to deal with on the zoom. After about 8 or 9 months, one of the xlr outs stopped working and I had to send the mixer to have it fixed. Presonus fixed it but while it was out, I got an arturia studiofuse. I got to say that the studiofuse is everything and anything I need. The Presonus came back all fixed and I have not used it. I lose out on the sd card recording the Presonus offers, but the studiofuse offers me so much more and at a higher quality and simplier interface. To your point on what features we use, I had not used the sd recording on the Presunus yet and I have already used almost all the features in the studiofuse. Plus the studiofuse takes up so little desk space vs the mixer. Thanks for the follow up. As always, I enjoyed the video!

[@harukalynnsakurai1714]

Hi Brian, I wanted to ask you that Presounus Ar16 does multi recording to SD card? thanks!!

[@blindianajones]

@@harukalynnsakurai1714 No. Its a stereo recording of all the channels. To multi-track, you have to use the usb 2 connection to a computer.

[@harukalynnsakurai1714]

@@blindianajones I see.. Thank you for the info

[@meilstone]

You can use rather extreme settings on the compressor, EQ and gain (distortion) knobs as sound sculpting tools when performing live (e.g. for thickening up kick drums or when notch filtering pads, etc.). Also, the phones outputs can be used for Aux FX. It's like an instrumental extension on its own.

[@Sly20]

do you have this mixer? about the 5 aux phone outputs and using them with FX, like pedals, are they loud enough or noisy? do you route them back on one channel or numerous?

[@meilstone]

@@Sly20 I don't have it but watched some tutorials and saw it in action there. Check out this (German) tutorial on sound design, it may answer some of your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epPMnH9-lp18p7c

[@meilstone]

@@Sly20 If your source and fx is mono, you can route it back to a mono input, otherwise stereo

[@meilstone]

@@Sly20 I have used other Zoom gear and none of it has ever been noisy, quite the opposite!

[@bullet1218]

The Hulk look was cool....and the info....💯

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you very much my friend!! Happy you enjoyed it!✌🏻

[@maxdiamond55]

Great video. I bought an mtk12 from soundcraft for a similar reason, but I like the efficiency of your workflow and will need to see how my setup fares.

[@350110thave]

I only activate the usb 1-2 when i want to listen to what got recorded on to the daw. Once you disengage ,, you get that channel back and can use it as a USB interface. For the recording feature , i like it this way as i can just connect a start/stop pedal and use a foot switch to hit play and start recording drums or any other instrument w/out letting go of that instrument to hit play.

[@elinzmeyer3550]

Good info for a potential buyer. Thank you!

[@irj3078]

I’m sold I have a beach show coming up and I’d love to use this thing to record

[@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.

[@xdrabbit]

I love my L12! 2:14 That's exactly how I use the headphone outputs to sample to an SP404SX. I haven't experienced noise or low output. I sometimes get confused with the fader modes so make sure you have that set right. I'd be happy to discuss details. I love your channel. Great content!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hi dude! Thank you so much for watching! I’d love it if you could share any tips or pointers cause it would rock to be able use it that way! I couldn’t get a very good signal even with the gain all the way up (which I believe is the cause for the noiseness as well). Any info would be great!🙌🏻

[@xdrabbit]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I made a short video about how I sample using the L12. I'm going to have to work quite a bit harder to improve my video production quality. I hope this is helpful. Oh, also, make sure the class compliant switch on the back is switched to the on position. Thanks again, love your channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZS8nIepo7lrm5o

[@markstrauss9365]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I realized that on my L-20 I had to use those outs in headphone mode rather than speaker mode (which only outputs a mono signal) which seemed counter intuitive. Doing that I can now run 6 different hardware FX via TRS splitters

[@CaseUltra]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Have you had any luck with being able to sample from the headphone outs without noise or low output? This is sort of the deciding factor for me purchasing this. Thanks!

[@CaseUltra]

Hello! How do you have the fader modes set to make sure you dont get noise? Thanks!

[@Rockplayer01]

Great overview, I’ve had an L-20 now for almost a couple years and like you I’ve got my good things/bad things list. Overall I do more live band mixing than recording and have found the monitor mixing and band set up presets very useful. iPad control via Bluetooth has been good, I do wish Zoom had a feedback analysis similar to QSC’s mixers to help tame a room. The recordings I’ve done (full band and vocal overdubs) have turned out excellent, and like you I hate having to arm and then press play to record. I have a laminated sign that sits on top of the mixer in the case warning me about the process…. But overall I’m very happy with this product and have had zero issues with it. Oh, I did have one other “thing” about the USB outputs I’m trying to figure out. I recently downloaded Dolby On to my iPad to make videos of a recording session, the USB out put was connected via an adapter to the iPad, there was no master stereo mix in the output. I mitigated this by using a Scarlett 2i2 interface (analog outputs of the mixer into the analog inputs of the Scarlett) and then used the USB output into the IPad. That worked fine, not able to find any info on the live track to clear up the mystery. Perhaps the mixers outputs just aren’t compatible?

[@S374PH]

been a sub for a few weeks now and love the content!

[@arcadianguitars3936]

Brilliant video dude, thanks very much. 👍

[@harukalynnsakurai1714]

Thank you very much for doing this video!!! 🤩

[@acefstripe]

I really like mine but it went a little buggy when I messed with attempting to upload sd card samples. Otherwise, great sound, very good, useable effects, perfect size to have a lot of the studio connected, and the ability to record stems is ace. love it.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This summarizes my feeling perfectly! Thanks for watching my friend! Cheers!

[@ColGAFilms]

I want to get one, and I mostly want to use it to record to garage band. Would this be my best bet if I want to do that?

[@acefstripe]

@@ColGAFilms I am not sure I would recommend it. It’s great for recording within the mixer our to import stems to a DAW. As an interface, there may be better options if I understand your planned use.

[@ColGAFilms]

@@acefstripe what do you think would be better?

[@acefstripe]

whats your setup? just trying to understand if you need a lot of in/outs. things like the Steinberg URC series are great with an ipad.@@ColGAFilms

[@mehmetcelal5358]

Great video thank you very much. Although I have l-8, still your informations are beneficial, regards

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you very much for watching my friend! Glad you enjoyed it, cheers!

[@krazywabbit]

"Needing a work around in the creative making process is like needing a fart in the love making process" - Krazy Wabbit Fantastic video. Coming from the podcast world, I have a Rodecaster Pro (and the Zoom H6). No, it's not meant for music recording. But the KZbin "professionals" say work with what you have. So I've been tinkering with it vs going out and spending more money. The combo I have works. Is it perfect? Is life? Like the L12, it has quirks. Until the RodeCaster begins to fail me or break the creativity, I will save my money on the L12 especially seeing some of the small quirks you mentioned. They are not deal breakers but in the world of creativity, that can add up. Agree, if you have nothing, great option. Thank you for being one of the best channels in this space!

[@Michael777Simmons]

Awesome and helpful. Thank you.

[@floncyb5436]

The 1010 bluebox is awesome

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I am actively searching for one as we speak!! It looks amazing🙌🏻

[@stefanherzog]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I have one, it's amazing... and sooooo small! It's not an audio interface though. But that's not your use case anyway, so not a problem.

[@fleximarvellous]

That 2click record does the magic in my usecase though, I think you shoul develope a habits to double check if it is recording before play 😀

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😅 lol, I really should😂 it’s just I use the h6 as much as the l12 and it’s a hard habit to shake hahaha, thanks for watching my friend!

[@hakonsoreide]

I currently use a Zoom H4n (non-Pro), and a Sony PCM D-100, and those too require two clicks to record. Even when you're used to it, you sometimes forget...

[@fleximarvellous]

@@hakonsoreide yesterday I recorded with h6n and I didn’t get used to it’s one click.

[@davidbrock7465]

Great video - informative and entertaining!

[@wireguy123]

I have missed entire sets on my L20 with the 2 step recording issue. Otherwise i love it for capturing our bands live shows

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

A year after i bought a L-12 the Tascam Model series came out. I wished i had bought one of those. There are many more differences and more features…of course the cost more. Anyhow…i use my L-12 almost everyday. It has not crashed or lost tracks. It records what it hears and processes quite quickly…my zoom H-5 takes a long time to process files. I suppose if my only choice for a mixer that records to SD card was a Zoom, i would have bought the L-20.

[@samprock]

Separate mixer/sequencer/standalone is guaranteed something will get lost (record, "remember" the fx/mix for a session) and likely never transferred anywhere. My DAW-less setup with Push2 and Ableton behind it is the best "Standalone". No, seriously, I just learned how to use it like "IF" it is true DAW-less. Most handy "Standalone" this way. Just don't get into tweaking VSTs and all, like you DO NOT have them, until you want switch into DAW-like editing. I have so much more Creative time making music, instead of worrying where/how/if it connected/recorded/remembered :) immediate

[@Drumm333r]

Loved the first min

[@DioZambrano]

Your videos are very pleasant to watch, I have the tascam model 12 and I love all this features.

[@thumbnailgreen9155]

The content @ around 3.55 where you discuss workflow process was very helpful. As a songwriter the speeding up of what can be slow processes is invaluable. Thank you

[@MIRAJADESIGN]

Useful and entertaining. Well done. Thanks for sharing. I am curious… Given the option, in May of 2023, would you still consider this mixer a viable purchase? Or would you make another recommendation?

[@fernfawkes]

Hi! I stumbled across your video when searching for some VERY specific workarounds on some issues I had with my own L-12. Turns out it wasn't the L-12, it was a limitation of the software I was trying to sync it with. Anyway, my question to you is about that stand seen with the L-12 on it towards the end of the video. I'd love something like that, is that a custom stand, or is it something that is commercially available? I'd love to find out, I hope you see this and reply. Best of luck and keep these videos coming!

[@jaethomasmusic]

yoooooo sport mode is great for passing and getting on the highway tho lol

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

😂

[@alexanderdillon3754]

good vids from this guy.

[@landonh3535]

Curious why you don't just go with the 1010 bluebox? Super small and can record 12 mono takes at once. It also slaves to other gear so all the recorded files are synced up. Sound quality is awesome. It's perfect for Dawless recording and then exporting into the DAW like you are doing. I originally got mine to track out from an old MPC while capturing the feel of the machine and not having to worry about DAW sync. But it does a lot more than that for me now.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hi! Short answer is I haven’t been able to get my hands on one😅 would love to try it out though!

[@landonh3535]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Makes sense! I think you will love the thing. If you do get one, hopefully you can review it and let us know!

[@ltnjones1714]

👌 useful and interesting ! Thank you

[@shumakriss]

I think you should edit and reupload your last video. I almost bought it specifically to have a sub mix for sampling.

[@BrunoBeltran]

Very curious how this will go. I got one largely on the recommendation of synth KZbin but have been very unimpressed by the build quality and persistent, annoying bugs when trying to use it as an audio interface.

[@hakonsoreide]

I'm not super fussed about build quality as I don't need a roadworthy mixer, but what kind of bugs do you get when using it as an audio interface? I've not heard anything about that before, and I'd be interested to know what they are before buying one.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hi! So sad to hear you had a bad experience. I guess it’s a given when a computer + software come into play that there will be issues🥲 what hardware/software are you running on? I had no issues with my 2015 15 inch macbook retina pro and ableton. Recently switched to an m1 macbook but haven’t used it enough to really say if it’s buggy. Would love to know more so I can share the knowledge!

[@BrunoBeltran]

@@MidlifeSynthesist it may be that I just don't....get it? But often, if I plug the sucker in, then new audio inputs will temporarily stop working. Like I'll plug in a new cable, and no amount of mute/unmute or adjusting the volume slider will cause the volume to actually register in the mix. The fix seems to be to either cycle power to the mixer or turn effects off and on again on that channel or. .. something? Eventually it works but it's frustrating when jamming or dj'ing for a mixer to suddenly just not work....so I've started leaving it at home in favor of an old Allen and Heath with less good recording and other features.... But that I know will 100% work in a class-compliant way every time. All these problems appear on both windows 10 and 11...other downside of course being jack on Linux doesn't see the mixer correctly afaict.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

10 years with a ZoomR24, never needed to use it as an audio interface. Much easier to track all on the Zoom and transfer to DAW.

[@BrunoBeltran]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene that's awesome but my workflow still requires taking audio out from my laptop quite frequently, in which case you need to plug that little USB cable in. Just letting other people know my experience, hopefully it's useful. For the purely DAWless case, I have nothing bad to say about it yet.

[@pirateshack9315]

record is set up that way to help with getting levels, always helpful to know your gear

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Knowing your gear and being annoyed by it are different things. I´m sure many people like this setup, but it would be nice if it would give the option to change it for others like myself, just saying🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pirateshack9315]

@@MidlifeSynthesist fair enough

[@Snipersounds]

Ha haaaa! That is a killer thumbnail!!!

[@anticalgary]

I ended up selling mine for a few reasons. The first reason was my fault. I thought it could double as a control surface when using it as in interface with my DAW- it can’t do that like their older models could. Second, I bought it mainly to record small group jams in my space- but with COVID I haven’t been playing music with anyone. I know that will change soon. I might look into a Tacsam model 12 instead in the future- because it seems you can use it as a control surface. Thanks for the video love your content.

[@mirak63]

Tascam Model 12 doesn't allow to have 5 independent headphone mixes to silent jam at home, or do in ear monitors. This is really the most unique feature of the L12 since Jamhub closed business.

[@theegg-viator4707]

👍🏻Excellent point and feedback!@@mirak63

[@jazzguitardude]

Gripes is the best stuff ever...dude is super trustworthy...looking at purchasing the L-12 now. Any used ones?

[@adrianholton]

Awesome video! Thanks for this. What's the stand you use for the LiveTrak? Thanks!

[@MichaelDaniels]

Great video. So you can plug in all instruments and record them all as a separate recording at the same time?

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you! And Yes👍🏼👍🏼

[@zurlocker1]

Super interesting, thank you for the follow up. I am slowly accumulating a few synths and trying to figure out how to make them work together and this seems like a good approach, if a bit expensive. That said, I wonder why mixers in general (not just the Zoom L-12) have so few stereo inputs. Don't most synthesizers that have some kind of effects (reverb, delay) warrant a stereo input into the mixer? Any newer mixers you think are worth looking at? Thank you for all the videos.

[@r.williams8349]

thanks

[@ManCalledMif]

As you use a lot of analogue gear, have you considered analogue mixers? Behringer X1632USB is £200. Analogue signal path. Then there’s the high end solid state logic SSL SIX and SSL BIG SIX. £1200 and £2400 respectively. They have insert functionality, which is fantastic for all your effects pedals and reverbs etc. digital mixer seem a bit limited. They have their advantages but so do analogue mixers. Cheers 🍻

[@RadioheadLiveChile]

Nosotros compramos la L20 y es lo mejor. Salvo detalles, cómo el hecho de comprar el dispositivo usb aparte o la bandeja de rack que al parecer tampoco queda muy ajustada dado el del mixer.

[@JuanUys]

In the first video you said it had FX send per channel. Just wondering if this is useful for you. In my mind, a more useful mixer would be something with dedicated aux send WITH returns, so you don't have to sacrifice inputs to return external FX to you mix. Have you found this to be a limitation?

[@teabreakbeats]

Interesting, everytime I want to make a youtube video, I have to set up the camera and record the audio into the DAW then export and align everything, super annoying. I run two laptops to do this, one for capturing video and one for capturing audio. Might simplify by getting a recorder, I'll still have to align everything, but it is one less laptop I am running.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely! If you only need 6 inputs though, I HIGHLY recommend the h6 for that duty! Tiny, sturdy, stable, loads of built in options to male recording easier, just a masterpiece of a device👍🏼

[@teabreakbeats]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Thanks for the suggestion, I'll go check it out!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

@@teabreakbeats plan to make a review on it soon, hope to see you there !

[@kurtd7161]

Hi...First time on your channel. Very informative. I am looking at purchasing the L-12 for as much or more live performance mixing than recording, even though it appears the benefit of the recording feature is an automatic when mixing live which is a great tool to review and tweek that live performance. Question.... is the L-12 a great hands on mixer for live performances? The only real issue I can see is the extra steps needed to EQ each seperate channels with a central control panel. Or am I wrong in my assumption? Maybe the Tascam Model 12 is a better option? Thank you

[@noisydecks]

Great review! Could you please tell me what stand do you use for the Zoom? It looks great, is there a link maybe?

[@2moloco]

Olso plastics makes sound when on the sun or when it cooling of after being under the sun. My desk is near the window and sometimes it makes strange noises. Beside that, yeah, really cool console

[@chadparks979]

thanks for your channel. Does the L12 has aux sends for external FX?

[@michaelmieleATX]

Love this video, thank you! I am between this and the 18i20. If mainly be recording drums in my home studio. What do you think? What would you go with?

[@PeterMossUkulele]

Hi - I subscribed to you today. I am considering the hybrid route of recording onto a hardware based device like the Zoom L8 and the mix down into a DAW later. As I understand it if you took all those recorded tracks into your DAW, there are just really RAW tracks without compression, EQ or effects? I would only need 6 tracks so I'm wondering why not record everything into a Zoom F6 in 32 bit float and then put the 6 tracks on the SD card into your DAW? - of course you would eradicate the opportunity to play live this way, but I have a live set up already. What are your thoughts? Peter.

[@joesalyers]

I have a question are the headphone mixes stereo or mono or summed mono? I can't find any info in the manual or the other zoom documentation? Thanks!

[@hakonsoreide]

You've said nice things about it before, and that after using it for some time, so I hope it's still all good. I am actually planning to order one in the next few days (I'm just being a good boy and waiting for the money from selling a synth to show up in my bank account first...). If it works well enough it might replace three things for me: mixer, audio interface, and recorder. I have been a bit curious, though: can it handle Eurorack levels directly without any attenuation? I only have one device that outputs audio that hot, so it's not a big issue for me if it doesn't as I can work around it, but it would still be nice to know.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hello my friend! Always great to see you here🙌🏻 As a dawless mixer and recorder this thing kills, it’s an ok audiointerface but of course if an interface is all you need there are better options. As for eurorcack I can’t really say. I’ve tracked the 0-coast, dfam, subharmonicon and matriarch with no issues but I’m not sure if that is the same. Gonna have to go down the eurorack rabbit hole in the name of science I guess🤣

[@ghavinga]

I'm using an L-20 and have several Eurorack modules and mixers directly going into the inputs and had no problems at all. Just go easy on the volume levels. My only gripe with the L-20 is the ridiculously easily dislodged power plugin in the back. Just barely touching the cable on the low voltage side and it pops out .......

[@ihguitars2566]

I'm struggling with the same issue on the aux outs/Mon outs - lack of volume. Have you found any way to EQ the aux outs?

[@anthonyp0830]

I wonder if I can use this to make a fb live for a full band “acoustic sesh”

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I would say yes!

[@Dolores5000]

Fantastic

[@mfrfilm4760]

Hi sir. Please advice. Does it have the output delay option? I try to search everywhere but i cant find any review about it. The delay im talking about is the output tp adjust video and audio lip sync. Not the deley effect. Thank you sir!

[@umutkosar8983]

hi, I wanna ask you, is this mixer good for live stage performance for the music groups? I have no idea about mixers in detail especially digital ones. So I will be appreciated for your answer and also for a recommendation. Thx

[@mightymikemidget4875]

Nice

[@mikemurga2286]

cool thoughts

[@chickenmuffin]

I wish the L-8 had compression.

[@Slingshot4FunTW]

i wish it going to with a usb c . ^^

[@iNuchalHead]

Why did you go with Zoom and not the Tascam?

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Honestly? I wasn’t able to find a Tascam anywhere 😅 (still haven’t) Would love to try one out to compare though

[@fabiootaviano2473]

Good afternoon. Is it possible to control the L-12 with an iPad, using the software? Or is it only possible on L-20? 

[@Mikepo587]

Yes but I have no idea how look I’m KZbin there’s a video explains how. Hope that helps

[@stevekirkby6570]

One click recording is fine for a handy little device, but a disaster if you are tracking.... imagine just pressing record and you accidentally go over the take that was perfect and your guitarist spent an hour on. He's gonna kill you. Having to press 'play' just means "are you sure".... disaster avoided.

[@tr1co0]

Any thoughts on how this compares to the Tascam Model 12?

[@Ricardo_8080]

Yes. My thought is: Tascam is a better piece of equipment. If you get a chance to compare them physically, you'll see the differences. The L-12 is fine too, surely does the job. But the M12 is superior.

[@tr1co0]

@@Ricardo_8080 Thanks for the info. Besides physical build quality, which one wins in the sound department?

[@Ricardo_8080]

@@tr1co0 I bought the M12 so, I haven't tried the Zoom. But I am very happy with the sound of the Tascam.

[@spenzakwsx4430]

hi. great video. i just found it now. i own the L-12 for a couple of years now and in the last months it started to change the main-volume on its own randomly and some days the audio just stops working in general ( i have to switch between output devices on windows 11. i have tried to find the Zoom L-12 support but there is none. there is no email-adress, no chat, no help form nothing. and yes, i have tried to find an answer to my questions on their support page, but havent found anything. any help would be appreciated.

[@christianboddum8783]

Quick question; the R24 lets you run two units as master and slave to get 16 tracks, I have not found any info that clarifies if this can do the same (with another L-12 or other ZOOM products) ?

[@joegrant413]

Really enjoyed the video! A couple of points and a question to share: - I have a Tascam 24SD and my actual usage is similar in that it’s really valuable to have something you can immediately use for high quality takes with little hassle. The other features such as EQ and effects are OK but not so relevant. - Have you ever considered using an iPad for iOS music production? Either for recording and arranging, or the virtual instruments? Most of the KZbin musician producers such as yourself either are all into it, or not at all. So I’m curious if you fall into the camp of just not wanting to bother with it. I’ve gotten in and out of iOS again and sometimes wonder if it’s best to just leave it on the back burner. Having real instruments and real mixer and hardware controls can’t easily be replaced. Thanks!

[@inthefade]

The problem I've heard with using iOS for music production is that updates make your apps not work, sometimes they aren't backwards compatible if you buy a new device, and you need to collect the adapters and interfaces. There is a great rundown of it out there by an experienced musician. I forget his name though. IIIRC he said only people who make music full time and have lots of money to blow on it. Casual music producers will be frustrated by updates and obsolescence.

[@inthefade]

The video I watched was by Benn Jordan. I might have misremembered the points he made, but I remember it being very practical and in-depth (as he usually is), so go watch it yourself. You might get a good sense if it is the right choice for you.

[@gunterparr1830]

What about recording midi.don’t you need it for your projects? Like your vids, they are a great inspiration!

[@user-gq6sf4si6j]

Is it possible to have different effects on different channels at the same time? And will the final recording have all the eq changes and effects recorded?

[@pino_7428]

I bought it to use it live and honestly after almost one year I don't like this faders. To make adjustments is very confusing sometimes especially when you are playing and doing the sound at the same time. Buying a Yamaha to see if it works better for me.

[@iotaprime2892]

It's so sad the Zoom L-20R can't record without an iPad. I want to record synth/sequencer jams. Why not a minimalist package (levels only) with maximum channels and one button record to SD card. I could pass on the audio interface. Drop the files into the DAW later. It could be so simple.