Zoom LiveTrak L-12 - Overview, In-Session Workflow and Sound Samples

A brief overview of the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 digital mixing console. Record internally to an SD card or plug it into a computer via USB to act as an interface for your favorite DAW. Most importantly, listen to 'Passing Through' by Vincent Randazzo to hear how great it sounds. It provides enough clean gain to amplify an AEA ribbon microphone on a gently played acoustic guitar. More recording examples on the Great Slippers TV channel. A very useful plug-and-play/interface combo mixer!
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Zoom LiveTrak L-12: amzn.to/2U0MzQZ
Zoom LiveTrak L-20 (20 channel version): amzn.to/2T2rMw0
Special thanks to www.zoom-na.com/ for the info and photos.
Vincent Randazzo: www.vincentran...
Great Slippers TV: www.greatslipp...
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#zoomlivetrak #digitalconsole #mixingboard

[@retsmej]

i have this unit for 2 months now and it's great experience so far.

[@amirgan1337]

Are u connect to DAW?

[@retsmej]

@@amirgan1337 yeah, i use studio one 5.

[@GerryBarnumMusic]

Thanks James for this informative and enjoyable vid!

Thanks for the overview, super interesting features!

[@JamesMeder]

Kabeção you’re very welcome, thanks so much for watching!

@@JamesMeder thanks so much for making it happen ;)

[@oscarugalde1]

Really good. I really like the way you produced this video.

[@jethreymonroe4119]

Great video! Hearing a recording of a performance on the L-12 mixer recorder is a nice touch!

[@vqsstudio]

James, ahh! Wow, I found this video! So helpful to not only see the features but actually hear the sound quality! Great musicians, and music content. New fan, and subscriber- philip

[@JamesMeder]

Thank you so much Philip! I really appreciate the support :) I'm happy to hear that my review was helpful!

[@JJGarsal]

Thank you for making this video. Just bought on Amazon the L-20, Im pretty excited!

[@cliffsmith1305]

Thanks much James! Awesome video... Simple, understated, and insightful, especially with the time taken to reply to all the questions!

[@JamesMeder]

I appreciate the support Cliff!

[@video-en-direct]

thank you for sharing james!

[@mlangsottile4412]

Very well presented video. Appreciate your clarity and brevity. Thanks.

[@JamesMeder]

mlangsottile Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it 😊 - James Meder

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

That is one starving artist musician! Can't afford shoes, oh my! I have been using a Zoom R24 SD recorder for over 10 years now. After recording over 70 albums, the R24 has been absolutely perfection. Every single recording session was successful, not a single failure of the recorder. The Zoom has never corrupted and needed restarted, never. I found I could push recording levels to +zero dB without distortion. Latency is basically non existent, never heard it, and I am extremely sensitive to latency. Computer DAW latency was always a problem, once I bought the Zoom, never thought about it again, never used the computer again. My recording chain is: instrument to Mackie VLZ analog mixer for some pre-gain, Zoom MS-CDR70 effects pedal in the aux loop of the mixer, mixer balanced out in stereo panned/EQ/effects/levels to 2channel of the R24. 8 channel sub mixed by the Mackie mixer to 8 inputs of the ZoomR24. Mastered on the ZoomR24.

[@RobertHamm]

Beautiful song. Thanks.

[@JamesMeder]

You're welcome, thanks so much for stopping by!👋🏽 James Meder

[@nicolasgarcia7305]

Great video, very informative and I like the simplicity of you explanations. Thanks man!

[@JamesMeder]

Nicolas Garcia You’re welcome, glad to hear it was helpful! - James Meder

[@andrasvargas]

Super music and video both. Congratulations!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Beautiful piece of machinery. kurikokaleidoscope is your new subscriber.

[@ryan2stix]

Would love to hear a full band done with this unit...seems almost impossible to find though lol

[@Alternate_punk]

Same here 😅

[@MassDriver]

@@Alternate_punk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqe3fWiZn69-fqc

[@DanRodriguez1]

Dude,nice video

[@JamesMeder]

Dan Rodriguez thanks so much for watching Dan! -James Meder

[@romaugustine729]

And by the way thanks for your great music

[@JamesMeder]

You're welcome! 😊

[@weakbruteforce]

This is a damn good video! Thanks for posting! +1

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks so much for the feedback! - James Meder

[@bernardogui3933]

great video!

[@JamesMeder]

Xavi Val thanks so much for watching! -James Meder

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

The onboard effects are pretty basic but otherwise it is a very useful device. It is not a full featured mixer but sufficient enough to record with...both as an interface and stand alone. I use it with an ipad. I send tracks both ways and save a ton of space on my ipad by recording demos and solo/single track stuff on the zoom. For the price, i’d recommend it. If you’re looking more for a mixer...you could do better. If your looking for an interface...this is great value but you may need some outboard gear if you want top notch pre-amp sound.

[@VitorMachadoProf]

Good job. keep going. I have a Live trak L-20. Cheers.

[@danielalvarado7896]

Hi James: I just bought the Zoom 12 and recorded a few tracks. I'm still learning the mixer, but wanted to congratulate you on this video, it is very helpful. I'm an acustic guitar player for over 30 years, know just a couple of things about audio equipment, but I'm not a sound engineer. Do you have more videos about his mixer? And are you an engineer, as you seem to know and understand audio. I subscribed to your channel already Sir and Thanks for learning experience. You seem like a guy who likes to help people

[@KallusGarnet]

The singing and the guitar playing are amazing, well done excellent job where can i find the artist.

[@AFistfulOfVinyl]

This is awesome. I was actually looking at one of these to do some remote recordings, but I also have a decent laptop so I'm still weighing options.

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks for watching! Do you already have an interface? I used this with the SD card and as an 12 channel USB interface at the same time - very easy to have a real-time backup while also having the extra flexibility to route monitors/headphones if needed. They also make a 20 channel version for larger sessions.

[@vqsstudio]

A Fistful Of Vinyl - I’ve had my eye on this too! James thanks for the inside scoop and awesome video! I record and film on location all the time mainly with zoom H6 so I know that zoom is high quality. What a blessing to see the unit in action here! I’m sold.

[@JamesMeder]

@@vqsstudio Yay! :) It's definitely a solid piece of audio equipment. Thanks to Zoom for making a fantastic piece of kit!

[@tutorialvideogame]

Thanks for this video with great content. I wanted to ask you a question: is it possible to use the Zoom Livetrack L12 / 20 with a band and make a Playlist and send the click to the drummer? I thank you for the answer

[@JamesMeder]

Hi, thanks for watching! Yes, you can do this. The zoom has 5 headphone outputs which are assignable and saveable. So just make a headphone mix out for the drummer that includes a click. Good luck!

[@muporepain]

Hello, I would appreciate your opinion on something... I'm thinking of buying a studio setup, and for various reasons, I've ended up in two options: a) buying the Zoom Live Trak L-12 as both mixing console and audio interface (I hope it won't have any problem with Logic pro X), or b) buying the Focusrite 8pre (I already have a korg nanokontrol studio for the DAW and that cute presonus faderport!). I don't care about portability. The only thing I care and I need your opinion about is the final sound quality and control over sound parameters. My opinion is that in terms of sound quality (b) option should be better if the preamps' reputation is indeed true, and in terms of ease of control (a) should be the thing. What is your opinion on that? I know this question is way too general, and there are lots of things that one should take into account before answering, but your 'general' opinion would be ok... Thank you in advance.

[@craZivn]

I came for info on the L-12, but I stayed because of the Gumby and Pokey on top of that oscilloscope-looking thing.

[@JamesMeder]

Much appreciated! Those two like to hang out and help :) -James

[@btudrus]

Are the scenes specific to a project or are these global? In other words, are the scenes saved into the project files and when you open another project you have the appropriate scenes or are the saved just in some internal memory?

[@oniaiki]

Hey ! Great video on the L-12, just purchased one on black Friday, I was in a conundrum about going the traditional mixer/interface or going fully digital. Since I am an IT guy and novice to sound engineering decided to go on unconventional way and purchased the L-12. I am looking to go for the sound engineer career in the near future and would like to know more about how you are using the L-12, some day I dream on having my own recording studio. Thanks for the vid, now i know I made a good purchase.

[@JamesMeder]

Awesome! Thanks for watching the video and congrats on buying the L-12. There's a lot you can learn by using a board like this. It's important to learn the signal path well and understand how to route sounds to the aux effects and monitor/headphone outputs. If you can learn those confidently, you can take those same skills to most large format console that you see in commercial studios. The signal paths on larger consoles may have more options and flexibility, but learning the L-12 will get you started in the right direction. A very similar thought process will get you working in a DAW like ProTools or Logic Pro. These DAWs are similar in how they're laid out - they both have 'mix' windows that were designed to look similar to the surface of a mixing console. Here, you use buss and aux sends that work the same...you're just using a mouse to route signal, rather than hitting physical buttons on a console. Best of luck!!

[@guillaumealtamira7115]

hi thanks! is it possible to mix the 12 tracks, and send the stereo mix in a new project (and get 10 free tracks)?

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Mine is not outputting audio from the channels 3-12

[@ParrotProduction]

Great overview. Have you noticed a low level on the monitor outs? Using TRS cables to run to individual on-stage floor monitors, I found the levels to be very low. Thoughts?

[@correctsound4889]

I use ZOOM L-12 as a recording. But! I'd love to hear what my pc is playing. How to do it. ZOOM L-12 for some reason does not produce sound from the PC, although it is considered a full-fledged sound card?

[@yaoguangtang1759]

Hi , is L-12 could do podcast with telephone interview & live-streaming ?

[@ConsumerTeamPete]

Nice!

[@BLWMUSICPIANOTUTORIALS]

Adding eq, compression and reverb which comes first. In which other do you do them

[@Antonio-qn9hm]

Hello! Help me, why does my Zoom l12 only write 2 tracks to daw at the same time and not 12? I want multitrack recording, but I can't change anything in the settings. What should I do? And what daw are you using?

[@Pharesm]

Unique because it can record to a card? I think I've seen that more than once... My SQ-5 can do it too... Admittedly, the L12 weighs a lot less :) Its the one to take if you need to get on a plane for sure..

[@JamesMeder]

That’s true there are a handful of sd recorders that are also mixers. I’m not sure people know that this can also be an audio interface connected to a computer. I think that’s a selling point often overlooked. Thanks for watching!

[@me_fault]

sq-5 is about x4 pricewise

[@Pharesm]

@@me_fault True, but there's lots of gear that records to cards - its by far the cheapest way to do a built-in recording capability. I like the L12, it sports much better manufacturing quality than the L8 for sure!

[@rjmdrum]

I am considering purchase of L-12 but I have read about compatibility issues with it’s driver in cubase elements which my current DAW of choice? Does anybody have any knowledge on how well Cubase works with the L 12? thanks

[@kittygreenwoodmusic]

Hi, great video, thanks! Please can I ask which mics you are using on your speech - it sounds very natural. Thank you.

[@Desi1080ptv]

New at this can somebody answer if I could use the zoom L 12 with my Dj controller for the club Or should I just by a Mackie or Yamaha mixer for my Dj controller but I hear good things about the zoom L 12

[@alexcobainfischer3441]

Great video dude, soo when the mixer is on audio interface mode direct to the daw the channels go direct with all the thing you control on the mixer like adding effect and compression of the mixer or just go the channels direct into the daw?

[@benjahnz]

Nice review. Got to say though that the vocals sound phasey due to the leakage from the guitar mic. Even though it's a figure eight pick up pattern it's really hard to keep vocals out of it.

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks for watching! You're right about it sounding a little phasey, the live guitar and vocal setup is always tricky. I gotta keep working on it 👍🏼 - James Meder

[@benjahnz]

@@JamesMeder I noticed it because I had the same problem once. How about a single ribbon for both voice and guitar (favouring voice) and take a direct out from the guitar to blend and support guitar. Just thinking of ideas here.

[@JamesMeder]

@@benjahnz good call! I will give this a try next time around. Thanks!

[@Pharesm]

I think one of the main L-12 complaints (besides additional feature requests) was channel bleed... I have no idea how that can happen on a digital mixer. I have to assume ZOOM took some kind of cost-saving short cut.

[@hibitsounds9755]

wish this could have midi in and out as well!

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

what tascam mixer can rec0rd stand al0ne and be use as a interface l0l .

[@randundi]

Qué tipo de tarjeta necesito

[@shookstylez]

thanks for the video. could you use this also as a backing track device? with multiple 'stems' which you can manipulate live?

[@YesFriday]

Hi, just want to ask this. How to mute the main out without muting the headphones at the same time? Thanks for you reply!

[@Xordinarydrummer]

Thanks for the video! So I’m a drummer and I wanna start recording using acoustic set. My question is... in terms of quality, would I be better off buying an audio interface? Do you I’d get more sound quality? I thought about this on because it seems very intuitive and I could also use for some live gigs with my band... please help me! Thank you

[@JamesMeder]

RafMartins Drummer Good question! The closest audio interfaces price-wise would be either the focusrite 18i20 or the audient asp800. I’ve used these only byway of clients sending me songs to mix that were recorded using them (I don’t have hands on experience)... I do think Zoom is on par with both of these and I wouldn’t be able to tell the different in audio quality. The zoom has a leg up because it has 8 built in microphone pres plus 4 line-level inputs (could be used for instruments like a Roland SPD). It’s also nice that the zoom is portable in that it can record to the internal sd card. There are probably a few other interfaces in this price range that I’m not aware of. Does anyone else know any? If you want a notch up in sound quality and are willing to pay more, either the Universal Audio or Apogee interfaces are very well regarded and sound better. I’ve used both and they sound fantastic. Good luck and thanks for watching! -James Meder

[@ryan2stix]

Great vid, would you still recommend the unit in 2020?

[@CaribbeanSamples]

Just a question L-12 / i was looking for ( Loop playback) do you use the ( REPEAT ALL) do it work like loop over and over.

[@JamesMeder]

Caribbean Samples thanks for watching and for the question! I only borrowed the zoom so unfortunately I can’t troubleshoot your question directly... but I did look up the online manual and it seems like you are correct - if you setup a batch of songs (playlist) in a folder on the zoom it should repeat all the songs in that folder like you’re hoping. I hope this helps! -James Meder

[@CaribbeanSamples]

Thank you.

[@MrMartind45]

Nice demo! Think about buying one instead of my old Korg D888 of which the preamps are not so good. Do the headphone outs work good on powered monitor speakers too?

[@JamesMeder]

Thank you for watching! And yes! For one of these recordings I had to do just that - I used a regular quarter inch cable plugged into a powered monitor speaker and fed a mix of the vocal and keyboard. It worked very easy and without any issues. I'm not familiar with the Korg D888 but I know that preamps and conversion quality keep getting better, all at more affordable prices. The zoom sounded really professional to me - tight, clear and focused. I hope that's helpful!

[@MrMartind45]

@@JamesMeder Thanks for the reply. Helped me decide to get one. Want to use it for gigs with my band. So many monitor outs on such a small mixer is really great.

[@garyusinger]

can you use the headphone sends as aux sends to powered monitors speakers?

[@JamesMeder]

Gary Usinger Yes you can and I’ve used it this way. It works well! Thanks for watching!

[@SOVALO]

Nice video\. If I record in the SD card how it record, WAV MP3 ? after record my session can I made another mixer in my computer? AUDITION (for Example) TKS

[@Maker1998]

Is it possible to route from the mixer into a DAW and then route the master from the DAW through a headphone out on the mixer?

[@mmundaca1]

mala maquina, segunda vez que me falla la entrada usb, los software de audio no identifican la entrada de micrófono, me la cambiaron y nuevamente falla. muy mala experiencia con la zoom L12

[@ronaldhaduca5714]

Please Use the compressor on both.

[@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.

[@JamesMeder]

Hello, this is a really good question! According to Zoom's website, "Tracks are recorded pre-EQ and effects, so they can be transferred to your favorite DAW for further mixing and editing." Good catch about the compression being in the audio path on it's way to the computer. I found that in the manual as well. Also I read right next to that statement, when playing audio already prerecorded (PLAY function) - "Playback signals are input before the equalizer. In this state, signals from input jacks are disabled." This leads me to believe that the channel strip is acting as a 'direct out' similar to an analog console's function. So this double confirms no eq is recorded on the tracks! I hope this is helpful, thanks for watching! - James Meder

[@12345Flipside]

Hello. I want to buy a Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer... But now i heave heard, that is not possible, to use a different effect for each channel. For example: When i am a solo singer-songwriter with one guitar and one microphone and i use the delay effect on channel 1 (guitar), there is also the same delay effect on my channel 2 (microphone)!? But i want delay on ch1 guitar and hall on ch2 microphone and maybe plate on ch3 for a second guitar all at the same time... For all 4 headphone outputs of course! :-) Is it possible, to record all input channels separate in my DAW Software (Ableton Live), or only the single overall master signal? Can you help?

[@madhuranjaisinha6930]

Is it possible to record effects on each channel

[@willdatsun]

Can this be remote controlled ? Like have the mixer on stage but control it from out in the audience using a lappy or tablet? I have seen other mixers that do that, but can't multitrack record, that would be the dealbreaker thanks.

[@shaprynskiy]

Hi! Nice video! Do you know if it's possible to route internal effects (such as reverb) to an in ear? Thanks!

[@oscarugalde1]

I have a question because I am thinking to buy the Live Trak L8. My question is: Can I record multitrack (separate channels 4 or more) directly to a SD card? Or is this working only when I use it as an interface? Thank you for you help.

[@The_PlagueDoctor]

Hey i'm debating between the XR18 and the L-12. I'm curious if it would be possible to send the Headphones Out to a cellphone so everyone can monitor their own mix?

[@fastguitars4380]

Is it possible to NOT USE all recording channels at once? In other words, if a person wants to track a vocal on trk 1 and an acoustic guitar on trk 2, and record on no other channels, does this machine allow this type of one trk or 2 trk at time recording, then still have all the other trks available to add one track at a time, until all are filled? It is a true multi-tracking device in this regard, allowing "one track at a time recording" while listening to previously recorded tracks?

[@JamesMeder]

Hi @Fastguitars, thanks so much for watching and for your question. Yes! You can do just what you said. First, you'd set the Zoom to Overdub mode (the button on the very bottom left of the console). On every channel, directly above the fader and mute button, there is a button called REC/PLAY. Using this button you can assign which channels you are recording (maybe just 1 track for the vocal overdub) and which channels are playing back previously recorded parts. So true multitrack in this sense! Using the overdub mode, you can also do punch ins over already recorded tracks to make fixes (though this is destructive recording so when you are recording over it you will loose everything underneath - just like a tape machine). There's an optional footswitch that you can buy which allows you to punch in and out using your feet! Super handy. I hope this info is helpful! -James Meder

[@fastguitars4380]

Thanks.

[@cliffsmith1305]

@@JamesMeder ... Thank you so very much for all the great information!

[@5872pat]

I just picked up an L-12 and want to use it for a 4pc band livestreaming with 3 or more cameras and effects on youtube or facebook. Is this possible?

[@TheTMontgomery]

Watching in 2020 Very good overview and serves excellent for deciding to invest in this unit. Nice demo song Wonderful guitar tone and recording as well as playing. Perhaps he could use some processing the vocals occasional doubling/chorus or harmonies. Great work. Have you reviewed the Tascam Model 24 Multitrack live recording console? Would you still buy a Zoom in 2020 or do you think its months away from a total upgrade?

[@doubledark2]

what did you end up buying ? cheers

[@TheTMontgomery]

Still have not purchased as yet. COVID got in the way.work in health care and have just found time flying away in work. U fortunately end up having some new gear that have not touched as yet. At least there will be toys to play with when a bit of time becomes available. Best regards

[@romaugustine729]

What ever happened to recording on cassette tapes eh I'm old school eh

[@JamesMeder]

I feel you, different times. However you're able to record beautiful tunes if fine in my book. Thanks! -James Meder

[@Mikepo587]

It’s awesome I Been playing year’s and I remember That you had to use celluloid tape and things have changed but it’s still pretty simple music on computer for everything is cool but get an expert to help you because you’ll have too many options that you’ll end up making a mess and never come up with a decision . Good for cleaning anything up editing but using it for everything lol she will get out-of-control change your voice they won’t even know if they’re playing an instrument anymore or singing so keep it to a minimal and ask for help!

[@frijitz001]

Nice review. I'm trying to record into a DAW and it seems there is no way to monitor the DAW input, except via hardware (L12) monitoring. I usually prefer to use the DAWs input monitoring, but that choice is greyed out. Am I missing something? Thanks!

[@JamesMeder]

Have you been able to figure this out? I'm not certain as it's dependent on what DAW you're using. Sometimes (like in some protools native versions) DAWs don't allow you to use input monitoring because it want you to use the hardware monitoring as a way to avoid latency issues. Best of luck! -James Meder

[@frijitz001]

@@JamesMeder No, never got it. DAW isStudio One 3.

[@استوديوالحاني]

Hi first of all thanks for the video second i have a question in mind, can i record through my DAW raw sounds with it as an interface while using its effects like reverb or delay?

[@JamesMeder]

This is a great question! You can record the compression on each channel when that feature is engaged, but unfortunately the eq and effects (reverbs and delays) do not get recorded on the individual channels. BUT there is a workaround - if you also record the master stereo channel you can record a stereo source with the eq and effects. It's limiting because it's only 2 tracks, or maybe you want to record the reverb for a whole mix. It just depends on how you plan to use it. I hope this is helpful, thanks for watching! - James Meder

[@officialsylt]

Can I control my daw mixer faders ??? Also is it motorised ?

[@JamesMeder]

No, sorry it is not motorized and can't be used as a daw controller. -James Meder

[@iamjonguy]

Hi James thanks for this video, would like to ask if instead of plugging a headphone, can be plug it directly to a speaker? For Live band performances, as the drummer needs to hear it from a speaker instead of a headphone? Thanks

[@willdatsun]

It would need to be an 'active' speaker , IE one with an amp built in but yes.

[@splootandspike5667]

thanks James for the review..may i ask, what is the noise that I'm hearing? did it came from the preamp?

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks for watching! The only audio that was recorded using the zoom is Vincent's song at the very end. Is this what you are referring to? Otherwise the dialog was recorded using a AKG 414 into an API 512 preamp and converted with an Lynx Aurora 16. I do hear a faint noise in the signal chain, but it doesn't feel loud enough for me to worry about. My apologies if it was distracting. - James Meder

[@JamesMeder]

Also, just to comment on the quality of the preamps in use - they sounds very nice, are quiet and don't color the sound. Yes, there was a touch of noise on sources when using low output passive ribbon mics such as the AEA r84. This didn't stop me from using it and I still appreciated the sound I heard. I hope this is helpful! - James Meder

[@gerardlake]

Can you use in like for summing into pro tools ?

[@JamesMeder]

Yes! You can use the digital master outputs of the zoom to sum the individual channels. Have fun! -James Meder

[@Bcwilderness]

so whats your opinion on the preamp and adda quality against like the api and anything high end, curious cheers j

[@lyndonmarkromera3697]

when you say 14 in/4 out USB interface connectivity, does it mean you can only have a max of 4 tracks recorded simultaneously in your daw?

[@quinncrooker107]

You can record a total of 10 tracks at once including the master. I use it for 7 mic drum set up and it's perfecto

[@kaybhee6]

diff to r24 pls,,, esp sound wise,,,

[@JamesMeder]

kish bhar Interesting and thanks for watching! I’ve never used an r24. How do you feel it sounds different? -James Meder

[@GroovyProductionz]

Great tutorial bro! I have a question though ..since its 4 out USB audio interface connectivity does that mean it will only record 4 channels from the mixer into my DAW??

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks for watching and chiming in! It's actually a 14input interface - 8 mic pres, 4 line-ins(or 2x stereos) and finally a stereo master. All 14 tracks can feed to your DAW via a USB cable. In most instances I think people would be using the mic pre inputs most and the stereo master least(likely just for quick and dirty multitrack demos). I think the limited outs is because Zoom wants this to be used as a 'live' recorder, hence the name. So not many outputs would be needed as overdubbing would be on the minimal side. I hope this is helpful!

[@4iamu]

Curious about the quality of the onboard compressors and EQs.

[@JamesMeder]

Good question! I really liked the flexibility of the onboard eq. It sounded very good and the 'low cut' button is something that is very useful for many sources. I would say that 1 knob compression isn't something I gravitate toward as I like to dial in the attack, release and ratio for my compression settings. I think it would work well for live PA mixes but for detailed recording I would rather use something in post. I hope this helps! -James Meder

[@4iamu]

@@JamesMeder Thank you! It sure did.

[@hectorpina682]

Shoutout to Gumby and Pokey!

[@JamesMeder]

Glad you caught those two, thanks for watching Hector! - James Meder

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

Hi James, i have a couple of questions for you: how do you manage channels 9,10,11,12 when you are recording as multitrack, if you have 2 sliders only? And the same for mixdown? Can I export my complete work on Usb host, or do i have to masterize with an outer device? I don't have the computer, but i already have a Tascam 008 which has the mastering, so i thought that i could connect the Zoom to the Tascam to masterize my music. Thank you so much for your help, i'm grateful to you! ( hope my english was understandable! ) greetings from Italy, Patrick

[@andriealinsangao613]

Tracks 9/10 and 11/12 are stereo inputs, so something like a synth or a drum machine is perfect for it.

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

@@andriealinsangao613 Thank you so much!

[@marcknight1975]

Is this better that getting apollo twin? will the quality of the recording be the same worse or better? thanks

[@JamesMeder]

Hello Marc, this is a great question! I don't have access to both these units to have them side by side, but based on reputation alone the Apollo will likely have higher quality conversion. That being said, it have much less channels when compared to the zoom. If you are a drummer or in a band and are looking for a larger input setup, the zoom would work great - you could make a very professional sounding recording. If you are looking for more of a singer-songwriter type setup and don't need the expanded channels, the twin should get you sounding subjectively better. The UA plugins are an added bonus. I hope this is helpful, thanks so much for watching! - James Meder

[@Xordinarydrummer]

Marc Knight Man, I’m having the same dilemma... I’m a drummer and I need to buy an audio interface. Now I don’t if go to a Tascan 16x08 or the zoom. I’m worried I buy based on these extra features and end up having a worse sound quality. Help!!! 🙏🏽

[@marcknight1975]

@@Xordinarydrummer hey .. i purchased the zoom 2 months ago and i completely love it...u have to get used to the controls but once you get familiar with it you cant help but start to be a fan of this product...i do have good mics and a well sound treated room which adds even more value to this product...i will be adding some mic pre amps to even go that extra step...

[@Xordinarydrummer]

Marc Knight Thanks for the reply Marc. Yeah... I’m leaned to this unit for sure... I was looking at the “new” Tascam that goes for around 300.00 but I guess in terms of sound quality and functionality the zoom is the way to go.

[@zolwikwkurwik]

Did anyone tried this as a audio interface on PC that has win7 and lower than intel i3 processor?

[@JamesMeder]

Good question but I didn't use it on a PC. Can someone who has, chime in please?!

[@zolwikwkurwik]

@@JamesMeder r16 and r24 supported win xp and Pentium 4. L12 is just 4 channels more so I'm wondering if it really need a i3 to work

[@honzapastor]

Thanks for review. Is it possible to use it as playback with band ? What I mean play backing track from SD card (no PC connected) and routing signal thrue phones A-E output using this as classic sends to the main mixer (PA) like separate signals vocal, guitar, sample from SD card etc.? Thanks

[@JamesMeder]

Hi Honza, yes this is possible with only the SD card. It would be like overdubbing and playback where you would want to route certain instruments to the master/PA, and other instruments directly to headphones only. I only borrowed this unit and didn't personally use this feature so I had to consult the manual which says it's possible. There's also a handy menu option where you can adjust latency so there's no playback delay.

[@JamesMeder]

Link to the manual: www.zoom.co.jp/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_L-12.pdf

[@honzapastor]

@@JamesMeder Thank you.

[@neilkendall9857]

If you're looking to use in ear monitors, avoid the Zoom L-12. It's not possible to set up separate EQ settings for the in ear monitor mixes vs the main master mix. This is an extremely poor oversight by Zoom. I hope they release a firmware update to address this. I'm looking to sell my L-12 and get something better for this reason. They advertise it on the premise you can set up 5 separate headphone/in ear monitor mixes, but it's next to useless if you can't have different EQ settings on each track in the monitor mixes than the main mix.

[@Mikepo587]

Yes it is and I’ve been doing other things lately so I’m forgot but I know yes it’s a 2023 bought to date upgrades can’t be made on site of zoom. So yea works fine

[@neilkendall5499]

@@Mikepo587 The L-12 isn't suitable for in ear monitors or wedge monitors because it only has headphone outputs, not proper aux / line outs. Sorry, but it's not a great mixer. If people need a mixer for professional purposes, I'd recommend something better like the Behringer XR18.

[@Mikepo587]

@@neilkendall5499 You’re right it’s not the best but if you were born with the computer in your household and you didn’t mastery d.a.w. is the worst place to start if you’re young kid too many options and if you’re not true to your heart a good musician you’ll never learn the right way it may be silly in some ways but it could be great daws but because the options are so limitless and if you’re not a not a real good producer you don’t know what the hell you’re doing I would love to learn but only for editing and mastering and by the way yes you can do what you said couldn’t, 15-28 years old most people start if your beginnings are right to that it’s not a good idea I found the hardest music found the best ways and yeah if they’re in focus so much is there money on the DA W-2s you get good machines for half the price and they could make them without breaking for some stupid reason I agree but they’re meant for home in a couple of people not a full band otherwise rent a studio but if it’s for your personal use I can tell you what if you know exactly what you’re doing they sound just as good as anything from the 80s and 90s without any DAw ! So if you can sing and you know how to play instrument really well for many of them you should be fine if not you’re gonna break your heart and your soul is going to be broken, Metaphorical soul

[@stainpain77]

“ I could cook a meal, but could I eat it though” WTF

[@elbeethrie5140]

GUMBI!

[@JamesMeder]

Yes! One of my biggest supporters 😉

[@stainpain77]

If I had heard this recording I would not have bought the hardware. However, since I have recorded with it and realized it was the compression that ruined your recording. I guess I’ll be that asshole, that dudes voice sucks. People need to stop candy coating bad talent by calling it Indy.

[@MegaManOLantern]

If anyone is wondering, yes, I am the one who ruined the 666 likes.

[@Mikepo587]

Why it’s a great piece of equipment and if cpu daws weren’t so popular then things like zoom would probably be cheaper and reliable but it’s not like that it’s bad infact it’s really good. I understand why youngsters aren’t caring enough but if you are atleast mastered a instrument piano or whatever sing I discovered early so heart won’t be broken later! Better learn old ways 1st daw should xhave experience options up the as* so please why hate this guy.