Zoom L-12 Review & Setup - Audio Interface and Recorder!

Zoom L-12 lets you record & stream at the same time! See my complete write up along with gear thepodcastersstudio.com/L-12
The number one feature of the L-12 that impresses me most is its ability to both record to the SD card (multi-channel) while also being an audio interface, sending multi-channel audio to your computer at the very same time. Most mixers with built in recorders or even recorders that are also interfaces, make you choose which function you want to use, not allowing you to do both at the same time.
You get eight combo (XLR/Line In) inputs which provide you with the ability to connect up to eight microphones, each with its own preamp with 60db of gain. Channels one and two have Hi-Z power while three through eight provide a pad (-20db) for line in inputs. All channels provide 48 volts of phantom power for condenser microphones. And the preamps themselves are nice. I can easily power a dynamic mic like the Sennhieser e835 (as heard in the video), using ~75% of the gain. After this point, it sounds like the preamps might introduce a little bit of noise but overall they are clean.
Below the gain/trim knob, each microphone channel includes one-knob compression. This does a really nice job of preventing clipping while also helping to maintain a consistent audio level. Important to note that as you raise the compression you’ll also raise the gain because the compressor includes make-up gain. So as you increase the amount of compression, I found that about more than half way was a nice balance for preventing peaking, you’ll want to decrease your gain in order to maintain the same level and gain staging as when you are not using any compression.
With this digital mixer, your channel stops actually represent six different custom setups. In addition to the master mix, you get five custom setups which allow you to create five different “scenes” that can all be routed to their own output. For podcasters this means that you can create up to five different mix-minus setups! The setup is a little different than using aux-sends on an analog mixer but the result is the same. See the video for how to achieve a mix-minus setup. Each of these channels also includes the ability to setup a custom EQ.
The five separate headphone outputs also replace another piece of gear that podcasters with multiple people in studio often use, a headphone amplifier. Each of the five headphone outputs on the L-12 has it’s own gain knob so each person connected to one of the five outputs can control the level of audio going to their own headphones. The headphone preamps are also clean (without added noise) unlike the Zoom F8 that I have which has one headphone output and creates noise when turned up higher than 75%. I was happy to hear that the L-12 headphone preamps were clean and allowed me hear exactly the audio that was going into the mixer.
Each channel also includes a mute button. However, this does not work the way I’d want it to. The mute only follows through to the master mix. So when you press mute on any channel, the individual tracks being recorded to the SD card as well as the audio going out of the USB is not affected by the mute. Because of this the mute has little value, at least to me.
If you’re looking for a multichannel audio interface, the Zoom L-12 is a device I would seriously consider. The addition of a recorder built-in really makes this device worth the price. The recorder provides you with the ability to record a backup which for me is critical in any recording setup. Other mixers that provide you with this many aux sends (most only go up to 4) cost just as much as the L-12 and don’t provide as much functionality.
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*Gear used to make this video:
► Zoom L-12 podhelp.me/zoomL12BH
► Sony a6500: podhelp.me/a6500BodyBH
► Sony 28mm F2 lens bit.ly/sonyfe28f2BH
► Tokina 11-16mm lens podhelp.me/tokina11-16CanonAPSCBH
► SD Card podhelp.me/trans32gbC10Ultim60...
► Aspen Mics Stereo Lav mic kit amzn.to/2j66TDL
► Sennheiser e835 microphone podhelp.me/SennE825BH
PICTURE PROFILE: PP7: S-Log2
EDITED AND GRADED: Adobe Premiere Pro CC using Lumetri Color Presets (tweaked to my liking).
*all links should be considered affiliate links. Using these links helps support this content. I always encourage you to shop around for the best prices at the time you are viewing this. You can read my ethics statement via thepodcastersstudio.com/ethics. Thanks for the support!

[@TerenceKearns]

Excellent overview. It's 2023 and I just ordered the L20. It's genius. You did a great job showing how to separately mix aux outs. Well done. Nobody else shows this.

[@jonnietherotten5471]

I have been looking at the L20 for awhile as I use two Zoom R24’s linked as an interfaced. This is the best tutorial I have ever seen on any product on KZbin. Great Job and extremely informative. I’m buy it this weekend. Cheers 👍🏻🍻

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Jonnie!

[@frankverderosa2493]

I am shocked by how much this does for the price! Thanks for that in-depth review! This is a no brainer for podcasting. MUST GET!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks BUT have you seen this! podhelp.me/rodecasterBH just released and has some very awesome podcast specific features. If it's enough inputs for you, you'll want to consider this too.

[@frankverderosa2493]

@@RayOrtega Yes! I spotted this up at Anchor recently while I was checking them out. That's also where I spotted the L-12. For the show I produce, and other podcast and recording goals, the L-12 solves a LOT of problems! I tend to post-mix shows in Pro Tools with a lot of production (cues, clips, sfx, etc), and we also sometimes do live events where the higher track count would be killer! For Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, our holiday show is a great example. Host, co-Host, Guest, Second guest, keyboards, clips fired off a second machine, etc. Tracks go quick!

[@ethanmullerab]

You have answer all my doubts about this piece of gear, and I can’t thank you enough!

[@rockpodd]

Thx for this. Just ordered the L20 to record our bluesband in rehearsal aswell as live. The monitormixes seems awesome.

[@Cwhite.tx23]

Best overview I've seen for this device. Thanks!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Caleb!

[@hakonsoreide]

I was leaning a bit towards the L8 since I think it would have enough channels for me, and it is so much smaller, but I do like the additional features of the L12. Very nice overview, also pointing out some of the key differences between your typical analogue mixer and this digital one, making the transition easier after watching this. Also, the mute behaviour would have got confusing quickly, so it's nice to have the cleared up even before I knew it was a thing.

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Your reviews really help us out here, cause we learn new things right here......

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, glad it helped Ernie! One of my P-basses makes an appearance in my newest review (a6100) ;)

[@CaidicusProductions]

Great review for a very cool device. The L-12 looks very versatile, and you've presented the device in a very straight forward and easy to understand fashion. Thanks for the review!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Caid!

[@jahstix]

u sure did! very str8 ahead and concise

[@bbossin]

Wow, your review of this product is awesome. So clear and concise.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks!

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

This is a great podcast mixer. You actually have 4 stereo AUX busses with those headphone mixes A-D. I like how they put headphone amps on each one to drive them direct from the board. No extra hardware. You don't just have to run headphones there. With a couple of stereo splitter cables you can run a couple of set of monitors or run an in ear set-up right off of this thing. This would be a great small band mixer. Nice review.

[@amw99]

I was just about to ask that. Im thinking about running separate stage monitors, but with different mixes. Do you think I can take Phones B-E and output those to monitors? They dont necessarily have to be headphoness right?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ray, fantastic overview! I'm surprised at how well the compressor seems to work. Interesting implementation for setting up headphone mixes. Motorized faders would be a really cool addition, though I'm sure it would inflate the price significantly. Looks like a useful digital mixer for new media creators. Funky implementation to start recording. Perhaps they can improve that in a firmware update.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Curtis! Lots of little firmware tweaks I hope they make

[@paweprzybylski7972]

Nice review indeed. However I would like to find out a little bit more about the sound quality. Some in-depth review of that feature would be welcome. Do you happen to know someone who tested it and would be willing to share his knowledge with broader audience?

[@NevelBeats]

I wonder how this would perform on a production Sound Cart. Remote Power solution?

[@BastianSchick]

I had the Behringer BCF 2000 and sold it quickly as the motors are too loud in my opinion. So if Zoom adds motor faders I hope the motors are not too loud.

[@organaut]

Hi Ray, I really enjoyed your review on the Livetrack. The most in-depth I’ve seen on youtube. I have been using the Zoom R16 for a while now but seriously considering this because of the tweakable EQ etc without having to dive into a menu. Would you say that its possible to achieve a multi track recording good enough to use as a master for commercial sale without needing further mastering. ie. cubase and studio work to polish it up? Happy new year to you btw. 😎

[@jorgiewtf]

I’m waiting for a device like this that comes with an adat in/out! Great video man!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Jorgie

[@rodolfonetto118]

Excellent product, very good review! Can you tell me if it samples each input at the same time or if it multiplexes the ADCs? I need to use it for lab stuff that will require samples to be made at the same time. Thanks!

[@aSrmusik]

Thanks Ray for such a detailed overview. its very helpful.

[@danielg9607]

Hi Ray! Thanks for the overview! Do you know if I can use this to play a session that was previously recorded on my DAW and play some instruments on top for live performance?

[@Bunyi_Logam]

Really amazing how Zoom became better with innovative on their products. I used zoom r24 for 6 years. 👍👍👍

[@paulbognuda5996]

Did you use the R24 as a mixer live? I bought one to do just that then realised I couldn't seperate out a vocal only mix for the singers monitor, which is why I'm looking at this. Is there a way around that?

[@Kurefultv]

Thanks sir, very nice guide and best mixer , thanks so much.

[@lowseotoh]

Thanks for making this review. I was looking into this for awhile and didn't realize the features you mention in this video.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks!

[@AsyncLive]

great review, Ray! question: is it possible to have it as audio interface to iOS (need to record video with the sound attached or directly stream from the iPhone with the sound)?

[@trevord4243]

Great mixer! Thanks for the review/walkthrough. I would be interested to know how this could be used should I want to use a USB/Midi controlled virtual instrument/DAW plugin in the mix at the same time? I see both a "Host" and "Device" connection> Is this what would allow this to be possible? This would be my personal deal-breaker in wanting one. Thanks in advance.

[@MusicToMyEar1005]

I love L-12, too. This is very very high cost-performance, and is a good starter to learn how Mixer works. Doesn't look cheap at all!

[@aeciodesouza]

THANK YOU for the information that I can record both to the SD and computer at the same time :)

[@surefmeurope5766]

I'm not sure it does. The Zoom and computer act as separate mixes/versions

[@badtripmoses]

I love my zoom R16 & still use it. Everyday, this is the upgrade w/ all 5he little things the R16 didn't recieve but could have lol

[@adamherring7559]

hi Ray, great video on this mixer. do the fx run into the A to E Fader outs?

[@JimHarold]

Great review. I have had this since it first came out and love it. I do wish it showed levels on the recording as you stated. Once, for an important interview, I armed the wrong track and recorded silence! Luckily, my guest was kind and re-recorded...oops! I have recorded 50-60 shows on this already (I do 16-20 shows a month) and I highly recommend it. Since it is an interface, I don't have to do a traditional mix minus with a sea of cables....I can go right into skype and bring in guest sound in tracks 9/10 via the USB Audio Return.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks. I missed arming the master for a recent show and I spent 90 minutes live mixing it and at the end it turned into just practice cause there was no master recording;) Teaches you to check those arming channels really closely every time. And yeah, because Skype doesn't hear any channel but channel one, you can hack a mix-minus with the USB because that does not get returned to Skype.

[@mickgudgeon1937]

@@RayOrtega v v V2

[@arminfatol]

Awesome review, and awesome mixer/interface!

[@MarcoPieriComposer]

Hi i would like to know if recording is straight ( without Eq comp or other stuff ) when comes out on SD card..is it possible add eq or manipulate live sound without affect the record on SD? Thanks :) for video

[@spartan8390]

This is excellent! I used to have the Zoom 802b cd years ago but sold it a couple of years back. Since, I’ve tried the Tascam DP32SD (hated it and sold it), currently trying out Cubase 9.5.30 via NI Komplete Audio 6 with an Akai MPK Mini (Cubase is slightly over complicated to just record and the Akai is a nightmare that may soon be returned), but I miss my old Zoom. Now that I see this, I may order one ASAP. Zoom is a virtual “press record and play” then pull the card, upload to your computer in a music file, repeat. Too easy, that’s why I love this company. I need room to think about music, not 39 buttons and drop down windows that need to be selected to just record. I figured out my first Zoom with ZERO experience, no KZbin, and didn’t need the manual. That says a lot for their products.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, it's definitely a cool device and I enjoyed using it.

[@HusbanddadJEEP]

Hi Ray, very thorough review and I appreciate the work you have done on this. I’m trying to figure out how to use the slate mic as a talk back and was wondering if you have any idea how to do this: When i take a break during my livestream, I am looking to send the slate mic to monitor B only. This way, I can communicate with someone in the other room of my house without it affecting the main mix as the audio during my commercials playing from channel 11/12 (i would be muting all the other inputs, therefore i wouldn’t use my microphone in input 1). Do you know if this something that can be done? I’m using firmware 2.0. Thanks!

[@avon.guitarmonk6138]

Thanks for the Review!! Really helpful :) Do you suggest this for a full 5 piece band with acoustic drums miced up and does it work with logic pro? Thanks a million

[@BorsellinoHomeServices]

THANK YOU! I'm considering purchasing this mixer and the main reason is for having 4 headphones with separate mixes and you explained this perfectly!!! I'm pumped that it can record on board and send through the audio interface at the same time. Only problem is we have been using garageband for 10 years with 2 room mics and I think it only takes 2 input channels so we will need a different DAW. Thanks again!

[@RayOrtega]

Glad this helped! You should be able to get more than a stereo connection to GB so make sure of that before you go and have to buy something else.

[@BorsellinoHomeServices]

@@RayOrtega awesome thanks for the reply! I also have the adobe creative cloud so I think I can use audition if garageband doesn't work

[@RayOrtega]

@@BorsellinoHomeServices Audition is my 'daily driver' aka I love it and it works for all my professional needs. Does multichannel beautifully.

[@JeffFite]

Great video!! What's the largest SD card that can be used on the L12? Also, can I run tracks from this unit out to the house PA while recording the live show?

[@zolwikwkurwik]

When using this as an audio interface on PC, can you use the EQ on master out/monitors (like on a gig) but at the same time record the tracks without the EQ? I've read in the manual that the tracks are recorded on pc just after gain + comp. There was nothing about the EQ so I'm not sure.

[@MikeWalkerCamera]

Hi Ray, great review. I'm thinking about getting either the new Livetrak L8 or Livetrak L12. Do you know if either of them can do "Punch in" recordings on one of the tracks after the main recording to re-record just a bit in the middle of the track on one channel without affecting the other tracks?

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Mike. The new L series looks cool but I don't know about 'punch in.' There should be some reviews here that give some insight though or try hitting Zoom with a tweet maybe.

[@ionianechoes]

Excellent review! I have 3 questions I'd be really happy if you could solve my doubts. Do the on board fx get actually recorded? Through the master? Is there no settings option to change that "catch" behavior on faders to some kind of "jump mode"? I asume that channels 9-12 can either be fed from pc through USB or through the TS pairs or the rca but not simultaneously, right? Thx so much!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, I'm pretty sure the FX only go to the master channel not the indie tracks. Not sure what jump mode is but I don't think it's there. No motorized faders if that is what you mean. Yes you can feed 9-12 with TS or USB but I'm not sure what would happen if you tried both at same time.

[@ionianechoes]

Ray Ortega thanks! Jump mode is a setting present in some digital synths and equipment in which when changing a value of, say the A-mix level channel 1, the new value will jump the position of the fader immediately. That is, without having to pass through "the stored" value. Often you will have an option to set knobs and faders to either catch or jump. Thank you for you time!

[@robpuschelberg8286]

Great review Ray. I do have one question. You showed how to set up headphone mixes, but what about the stereo monitor outputs? I would like to use this for a live mixer for my band but can't seem to get anything out of the monitor outputs.

[@RayOrtega]

I don't have the unit anymore to test, it was a demo unit but it looks like the L/R out is on the A fader so make sure you are setting that up proper but you can also probably use the Main Out XLR's if needed.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Great review. Probably the best I've watched. I love all the features too, and it's an easy portable setup for high quality acoustic recording (which is how I use it) You can only record 48kHz in DAW/SD combo mode, though I've never used it as an interface since I use a non portable desk that's permanently linked (instruments/mic's/DAW) If I'm doing field recording i.e. looking for FX or background sounds for films and sometimes live vocals into camera, I'll use the Zoom F8 with its outboard controller ... Sound on this device is "audiophile" level quality, and it's built extremely well.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Chris. Appreciate the feedback. I also have an F8 and it does a great job, I took it on the road touring in theaters and it was my main hardware recorder for recordings that had to be good given the investment in the tour.

[@ProjectOverseer]

@@RayOrtega Perfect choice 👍

[@comic1969]

For podcasting, what do you think is the best mixer? Zoom livetrack12 Allen and Heath sixty 14fx Soundcraft Signature 12 Because I need at least 6 xlr on my mixer. Thank you!

[@timdunne4382]

I just got one of these and plan to use it as a JamHub alternative for silent practice/recording with my band. The great part about the Jamhub was that each of the headphone mixes had their own knobs which was completely intuitive. Selecting a mix at the console and then having each member tweak it is something I will have to see in practice before making a judgement, but I have high hopes. The benefit of the L12 is that I can simultaneously record to individual tracks right into the DAW via usb -- something the Jamhub could not do. Although I am guessing this is not the way this unit will be primarily used out in the wild, and is probably not the primary intention, it is the only reason I have one. Thank you for a great review!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Tim. For people who want to record to separate channels into a DAW, yes this will be the primary use. It's not that you get a backup by also going to the SD card. Enjoy

[@mordelonful]

Hey! I'm planning on buying one of these, precisely to that purpose. Record directly through USB to the DAW (in my case Logic pro). Given that you are using it for that, what are your thoughts? the sound quality is good? it has no latency? I have a band, and we have a small studio, we want to be able to play all together and record to the daw at the same time, so we can create the project while playing. How good is the interface part? is much worse than an average interface for example focusrite? Thank you! :)

[@irfangill9352]

Good evening I have zoom live track L-20 It's having problem when I turn it on it says Goodbye see you please tell anyone solving problem

[@soultaker76]

Question: other Zoom recorders (H4N R24, etc) have a feature where recording can be set to either overdub (records over a recorded track) or Always New (makes a new wav file and keeps the old one. Does this recorder have that feature? It’s very useful for recording multiple vocal takes, etc and building the track you want on the computer. Thanks

[@edbrownjr]

Nice review Ray, I'd love to get my hands on one too!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks! Take a look at the newer L8 which has even more features with a focus on podcasting amzn.to/35azoTr (affiliate) including easy phone connection with mix-minus built in

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks! Take a look at the newer L8 which has even more features with a focus on podcasting amzn.to/35azoTr (affiliate) including easy phone connection with mix-minus built in

[@genovon]

Good review! My question is for live mix can you have different fx on each vocal . Like echo on one and reverb on another

[@coastmeridianmusic1558]

The effects are global unfortunately. You can only select one at a time and it is applied to all channel strips.

[@dwellerstube]

Great review/overview. My band is looking for a live mixer to do headphone rehearsals. The recording capability is a bonus but a very good thing. A couple of questions: if you can record individual tracks to the built-in recorder, why use a multitrack DAW at the same time? Why not just transfer to DAW later from the SD card? Also, I've read that the effects DO NOT go to the headphone mixes. True? Any way to overcome? Thanks again!

[@RayOrtega]

Redundancy would be one reason to record both ways but maybe you want to record with additional FX in your DAW as well. Not sure about the effects going to the headphone mix or not, I don't record music, strictly dialog but you might be able to add FX in the DAW and monitor those

[@Lukedrummer]

Awesome video Ray, thank you! I really like this mixer, the only thing I'm disappointed with is the volume of the stereo channels: I plug in my iPhone here to play -drums- along with any song, but the volume is super low, in both master/monitor our as well in the recorded track. Any tip? Is that normal? Thank you

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Luke. I can't test it out cause this was a demo model but if there is any other input like the RCA connections or even go to channels (if they are available) or mono into a channel that has a preamp and see if that helps.

[@jimduke4582]

really nice review of the l-12 dude!!keep it up! but I have one question. are the faders assignable, example on ableton channel faders?? thnx!!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Jim! I'm not sure about Ableton, do you mean controllable from the software or just matching channel one on the mixer to ch 1 in the DAW? You should be able to map that.

[@chatolars]

Hey Thanks for the excellent review! This one doesn’t have aux sends and returns aparently ....but there’s a workaround to that?

[@RayOrtega]

The 5 headphone monitors are essentially your aux sends cause you can choose what goes out of each of those channels

[@wastbs]

Awesome Mixer, Awesome review!!!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Walter!

[@jfo9821]

Have you tried taking the USB output directly into the camera’s mic input. I’m interested in filming my band’s rehearsal with the mix from the board. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@Visiondistorted]

Bought it. Very happy. Thanks for this video

[@RayOrtega]

Cool, enjoy!

[@jcdrummer589]

Thanks for a great review! This looks like the thing for me. I would use this to record live gigs and use as mixer at the same time. If i read all this correctly, after the gig, I could use this mixer to play back recordings, adding eq and effects and mix down to 2 track through the main? If I wanted further to sync this to a video capture, what software would I use for this? Thanks!

[@jordan1998gant]

I have the same question

[@christianboddum8783]

I use a R24 for live use with good results, but would love the added compressors and maybe individual monitor mixes + the extra channels. Thanks for the video :-)

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

Nice review.. so I can do recording overdubs per track ( arm and pores play) any punch in and punch out features or set markers? Doesn’t appear to be an all in one solution ... need a DAW to do mastering ...🤔

[@tasse750]

Thanks for the great review. At minute 9 you show that the 12LED-Meter shows the record level, when you Mute the channel. This is not working at my LiveTrak? Does this just work in a certain mode or certain combination of settings? Thanks

[@RayOrtega]

Sorry, not sure why it's not displaying on yours. Maybe you need to be recording to the SD card or to see it? There is also a chance that something has changed in newer firmware but I doubt they'd get rid of that feature.

[@iamjonguy]

Hi Ray, thank you for this, would like to ask if can we put speakers instead of headphones for the monitor? This is for Live Band Peformance.

[@RayOrtega]

Yeah you could use the L/R outputs in the monitor section or take the XLR outs from the master.

[@churchaudioandlightsminist2645]

Thanks for the review. Now we got this mixer for our church. We also use it for Facebook live. I made some video using this mixer in our church service and FB live

[@LarryOohLaLa]

Great job brother Ray

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Larry!

[@spiderwayne]

I watched the whole video but I may have missed it... did you talk at all about a noise gate? I'm wondering a few things: does the L-12 have one, if not do you use one in your daw or do you connect an external one or not use one at all?

[@rubentiagoQcoisa]

Hey, Ray! So you talked about how you can turn your pc via USB into your livetrack. But I guess once the audio comes out of the PC through the headphone channel, you're gonna need the ZOOM software in order to set the livetrack device as your output channel, right?

[@jordan1998gant]

Yep

[@VitorMachadoProf]

Excellent explanation. Your demonstration is very useful. Greetings

[@davellbruton1901]

Thank you Ray for the great information. I have a couple of question for you about the SD card and USB port. Is the 32 GB SD card the largest card size you can used on the mixer? And can I used a 1TB external hard drive on this mixer for stand alone recording?

[@foodstampz]

Go with the Tascam model 12 instead. More options for bands

[@TheAwesomeGuy101]

Hey Ray Thanks for the Review.. May I ask what mode did you select while Using it?.. Based on what you said, we can record both on the USB out (like an audio interface) and also on the recorder simultaneously right?.. I'm just wondering what mode is that? Thanks

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

That's the "audio interface" mode on the back.

[@Lilryryguy]

Thanks so much for this video!! I've been looking for something like this for a while now! I do have a question - Are the SEND EFX and EQ bypassed or a part of the USB out mixes? Are they just used for the live mix or are they also sent to the recorded mix?

[@mckreunski]

Great review, thanks very much. Is it possible to combine two channels as one stereo-channel? My Zoom R16 supports this and it’s great for stereo hooked up synths.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Cees. I'm not sure, I don't really record in stereo since everything I do is dialog but take a look in the manual images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/F1PAWTF66BS.pdf

[@lyt.taipei]

Thanks for your video !! I’m think about is zoom L-12 recording pre-processing audio or just pre-fader audio, could you tell me if you know? Thanks a lot. :)

[@zacgrubble9824]

Outstanding video...thanks so much! I’m debating between the L-12 and L-20. Does the L-20 work exactly the same?

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, I don't have any experience with the L-20 but it looks like it's the same device just with added channels. Hopefully there some good reviews here that can list the differences.

[@Genocyde1979]

I am having issues with my UA Apollo twin with thunderbolt and unfortunately didn’t get much help with upgrading the hardware, but since watching this review, I’m not sure if I really need it or any other interface independent if this zoom can do all this unless I need it for its plugins, which I don’t use or maybe daw control, which I also don’t use. This seems to make my interface practically obsolete plus the benefit of mixing, recording, etc. Seriously considering upgrading to the zoom for the interface and all other features much needed in production and recording. Any thoughts would be highly appreciated. Thanks for your greatly detailed review!

[@miguelhernandezdrums]

Excellent information, I have a question, does the Livetrack L12 have PFL function?

[@jojoatv]

hi Ray , what is threshold / trigger recording and how does it work? thanks, we want to record instruments per track and just want to have it record automatically in sync .. thanks

[@earthspiritsong]

Any software updates to this that enhance the mute feature? It would be so much better if you could mute individual channels in your recording tracks as well as master output. Is this a software or hardware issue?

[@waelmh7676]

thanks Ray ?i want to know if i can chang the tempo after recording plz i need the answer

[@jodianna1240]

Great video, very informative, especially since you loved it so much that you decided to ship the demo back to B&H. As you stated at the end of this demo, that you are much happier with your other multi track recorders. What is the multi track unit that you like better for live recordings. Maybe I should buy the unit(s) that you have in your arsenal instead of the Zoom L-12.

[@RayOrtega]

I mean it's all about what you need and your budget. If I'm traveling, I love and use the MixPre podhelp.me/MixPre3BH but in 'the studio' I current use the Rodecaster podhelp.me/rodecasterBH and then there is a smaller version of the L12 with a few handy updates podhelp.me/ZoomL8zon lots of great choices but again it depends on what you need it to do.

[@scottcookmusic]

Thanks for this, Ray. I just bought the L12. Following your video, I've got what I hope is a pretty straight, easy to answer question: how did you sync the incoming audio with your video? I also have a Zoom Q8, and was thinking that it would be great to do a video recording of a rehearsal, but benefit from the sound of the L12. Any help would be appreciated!!

[@RayOrtega]

👍 I just sync the audio tracks from the Zoom with the video track manually in the editor. Just make sure you are rolling sound on each device you use and you can manually sync or use the built in auto sync tools of some editors

[@MrSaboteur]

Great product for home studio and beginner

[@saleemalicalgary]

I need to do live streaming thru my phone, I tried to connect USB to cable in Device and Connect my phone, but my phone is no sound at all. Can you please help on that. Thanks

[@Pharesm]

Good job on the review great little details throughout - Nobody I watched so far, has pointed out, that you have the choice on recording with the compressor baked in. This was a major concern to me for any live recording. if it had 32Bit Float, we wouldn't need to worry about recording compressed output :D This won't replace my SQ-5, but its worth buying and bringing along for impromptu stuff, cause its small and light enough!

[@cletuswa]

Thanks for confirming! I though I'd heard this was the case (via a firmware update - wasn't the case originally), but couldn't find confirmation.

[@cletuswa]

Bought one only to find out you can *NOT* record pre-compressor on the L-12, even with the latest (later than available on their website) firmware. I even reached out to support and confirmed this was true. *ONLY* the L-20 has that option. Had to return it. And the L-20 price point/size was too much for my use case (just 2-6 mics).

[@AdamWaddle]

Would the mute work if you ran one of the outputs into a different audio recorder? That way you could use the mute buttons to mute the audio but you would always have the raw files for all the inputs saved using the board.

[@RayOrtega]

That may be a way to hack it. I guess if the audio recorder was monitoring the master mix it might work.

[@AdamWaddle]

Ray Ortega yeah I just got the L-12 and I plugged my old h5 into it and that works just fine. I wouldn't want to spend $250 to get around that mute button issue but I use the h5 as a simple mobile Podcasting set up as well. ...anyways, I love this L-12. It replaces like 5 pieces of equipment plus a bunch of cables in my old set up and makes life much easier. Thanks for the video. :)

[@RayOrtega]

That's great news. Thanks for the follow up.

[@marioklas931]

Hi Ray, is there any possibility how to select more than one channel and set up the same settings for all of them at once? - Let´s say you have three same mic´s for the choir with the same characteristics and you wanna have the same settings for them. - Or maybe there is the possibility of how to multiply settings - You´ll set up one channel and multiply the same settings for other ones. Is there such a possibility? Another question regarding Effects - is it possible to set up different types of effects for two or more channels?

[@CesarPeron]

Since it is a mixer that is designed to solve many aspects and be portable, the one that has a structure in plastic makes it a plus for me. It is true that it will not withstand impacts, but that is why the manufacturer sells its transport bag.

[@morten1]

Hey. Can I record to say channel 1, and then move/bounce that track to an other channel?

[@edgi55]

Hi Raythanks for this great informative video. If I'm on the road with the mixer and my band and we record to the mixer, when I get to the studio can I output the recording I did on the L-12 to individual channels in Ableton?

[@RayOrtega]

I don't know if you can play it back from the L12 and record in software but you could just take the isolated tracks from the SD card and edit in Ableton

[@fretsnreeds]

Thank you Ray nicely done, I am helping a friend who has just bought one. He is monitoring via studio monitors through his usb out. Should he not be using the xlr out on track output 13/14 or maybe as I suspect now after seeing your tutorial 13/14 is for FOH powered PA speakers.

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks. You have 1/4" line outs L/R for monitors with independent control. The master out XLRs could also be sent out. I don't do much work with PAs so I would likely just use the monitor outs for my powered monitors.

[@fretsnreeds]

@@RayOrtega ok thanks, I’ll know better when I get a hands on, last time was over zoom.

[@grimmstar310]

Hi ray. I'm a little confused about how mixer interfaces work. If you have a usb connection, is the livetrack 12 capable of sending six separate tracks (main mix, a, b, c, d, e ) to the daw?

[@neilkendall5499]

I have a Zoom L-12 digital mixer, and I'm a little bit confused about how to set the mid EQs on it. It has a channel strip and you can adjust the EQ for each channel for High, Mid and Low. However, for the mids it also has a 'Mid Frequency Knob' (which is the one above the Mid knob in the pic below). In the manual it says that the Mid Frequency Knob 'adjusts the central frequency of the mid frequency equalisation'. So presumably you turn that dial to choose which frequency you want, and then you use the 'Mid' knob below it to boost or cut that frequency. However, what I'm confused about is this - let's say I choose the 1k frequency, then I boost it up a notch. Then I choose the 2k frequency, then boost or cut that. Now what happens to the 1k frequency I previously adjusted? Does that stay boosted or does it then reset when I select another frequency? The manual isn't very clear on this. Is it possible to boost/cut multiple EQ frequencies on the mids on the Zoom L-12, or just one at a time/one only? Thanks.

[@kamaljay1]

Nice video man Very informative one Thank you for that

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Kamal

[@billsolomon1]

Thank you, very detailed review!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks

[@muratsenol7360]

Hi Ray, Thanks for your video. When I record to SD cards, When I recorded 5 minutes track to track 1, if I have an failure score on guitarre between 45-50 seconds: Under these conditions My Question: Can I record with a button for example 44. second and stop the record in 52. second with same button or different button when I listen from HeadPhone and If I play same guitar melody for this failure period?

[@soundsfortoday3623]

This is all new to me as I am coming from a basic Tapco u sb interface using older version of Reaper to create wav files from keyboard. My biggest problem at first is choosing the correct S D card as recommended by Zoom. Through research on internet I derived that the SDHC or SDXC had to be a min of 32 G. The manual states you can't do anything with the L12 without an S D card. Is this correct? I need all the help I can get at this point. Haven't set it up yet as an interface and I now have most recent Reaper version. I subscribed to your channel in hopes of gettingbsavvy with this stuff. Thanks for any help you can send.

[@gambew]

Hey buddy. What did you mean by the USB out and the individual tracks to the SD card being prefader ? thanks for the cool info..

[@bobbyfreedom237]

I use Logic primarily as my DAW of choice and sometimes use Logic Remote via iPad for fader control instead of a mouse. Will these faders move in sync with those in Logic?

[@shookstylez]

thanks a lot for this video. Could you use this as a backing track device? For performing live?

[@RayOrtega]

Good question, I don't generally use these devices for music so I can't say, do you mean can you play music into the device while also recording out of it? You might be able to send audio from your computer and then play instruments to the recording, even if it records the incoming music, you'll have separated tracks so that your instruments will be on their own track but look for reviews here from people who are doing music production. Thanks for watching

[@danieljames2165]

Is the stereo mix able to output to DAW post effects while also recording the contributing tracks pre effect?

[@fjammusic]

hey, I appreciate your video. It helped me tremendously. I just got this unit today which is March 8 and I am loving it however it took me a minute to get my bearings. I’m going to figure this out maybe a challenge but I’ll make sure I contact you quickly, thanks again

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Fred. Have fun with the mixer! I feel like there is probably endless ways to set it up and use it so definitely experiment and enjoy the process. I don't have the mixer anymore since it was a loaner for the review so you can probably answer more questions than I can at this point! lol. Enjoy!

[@fjammusic]

@@RayOrtega well I got it going and it sounds great! Haven't figured out how to record too my DAW yet? I'm using Logic pro x.. The good thing is it sees the zoom in the audio in/out and I applied it butt no recording when I play. Just blank

[@RayOrtega]

@@fjammusic Keep tinkering, I think there is probably a decent number of videos here now about this device so hopefully putting them all together will get you to where you need to be.

[@EasyStretching]

Thank you Ray. So informative. Am considering buying an L12 and am wondering if tracks can be punched in and out of recording mode during a multitrack recording. For example during a lengthy multitrack recording if a keyboard instrument wants to come in on say track 8 for only a minute and then stop playing, would hitting the track 8 record button ON start the recording of the keyboard and then OFF stop the recording of that keyboard to track 8 without interrupting continuity of the multitrack recording session as a whole ?

[@RayOrtega]

I couldn’t tell you, mine was a demo unit and I don’t do music but I suspect that you can’t. I think once you start record, I don’t think you can turn on and off individual recordings.

[@EasyStretching]

Thank you for your thoughts on that Ray

[@Dellis803]

No. Record/playback/inactive must be set for each channel before hitting record. I recommend setting the channel to record at the start. If you can’t bring the fader for the soloist up and down during recording, the fader levels can be modified after recording if you wish, channel by channel, as you desire.

[@twoHRdrive]

are there any latency issues when using this as the audio interface with a daw? EDIT: By "issues", I mean would one be better off with a focusrite or komplete audio 6 in terms of latency? I would like to record multiple synths (two keyboard synths and a drum machine) while applying effects in FL studio.

[@anttarrant9783]

Hey Ray, great review man. Just subscribed. A question, can I record 12 tracks at one time to the computer? I notice you said 8 mic pre amps can be recorded but at minute 1.40 the photo show an option for 14 tracks to be recorded. I need at least 10 individual tracks to be recorded at once in the computer. Does it record the stereo inputs 9/10 & 11/12 separately? I know it's been a while since you posted this. Thanks

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Ant! I don't have the unit anymore, it was for review only but since it's an L12, you should be able to record all inputs using the 9/10 and 11/12 line inputs and it looks like those can be mono or stereo but I'd check the manual to make sure. Appreciate the sub!

[@anttarrant9783]

@@RayOrtega all god man. Figured out it can. thanks again!

[@designwithdaniel]

Good video! How would I go about recording the Master Out (with effects applied) direct to an iPad Pro? Is it a case of pressing the Record button on the Master track and using the 'Host' out to the iPad?......or is the Master without effects?

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Daniel. Sadly I don't know the answer. It's been too long since this review and I don't have the unit to test it anymore (it was a review unit only). Check out Curtis Judd, a friend, who also reviewed this or the smaller unit like it. He might recall. Thanks for watching!

[@designwithdaniel]

@@RayOrtega Thanks Ray, I'll do that!

[@araabramyan7590]

hi , thanks for detailed instructions i have one question ,- can you select one of the monitor mixes to be recorded instead of the master mix ? thnaks

[@garyking4032]

Thanks for this, Ray - this looks like a great desk to allow me to overdub & remix live band videos in post. Just what I'm looking for right now.

[@RayOrtega]

Great, have fun with it!

[@DianeNalini]

Great overview. Thank you!

[@RayOrtega]

Thanks, Diane.