ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 For Podcasting

In today’s episode, we have an overview of the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 audio recorder/mixer. This little thing can work nicely for podcasting or musicians but we’ll focus on the features relevant to podcasting. This competitor to the RODECaster Pro prompted me to have a closer look and talk about the differences and which may be a better fit for you.
#Podcast #LiveTrakL8 #ZOOM
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnli... including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Recorder/Mixing Board - B&H bhpho.to/2twi3q9 Amazon geni.us/81Wt0VO
- RODECaster Pro Podcasting Recorder/Mixer - B&H bhpho.to/2MI0qZS
- Shure SM7B Dynamic Broadcast Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2NTUZHi
- Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Microphone - B&H bhpho.to/2z4hAc2
- Cloudlifter Microphone Activator - B&H bhpho.to/31jni9y
- FETHead Microphone Activator - B&H bhpho.to/2m1H0mg
- Anker USB Battery Bank - B&H bhpho.to/31grpDb
- SD Card I used for the LiveTrak L-8 - B&H bhpho.to/2osc9AD
- Panasonic GH5 Camera used for most B-Roll shots - B&H bhpho.to/2UNeAA0 Amazon geni.us/POEv7
Panasonic GH5S Camera use for talking head shots - B&H bhpho.to/2Cbt6mY Amazon geni.us/hnP75j
- Olympus 45mm f/1.8 Micro 4/3 Lens - B&H bhpho.to/2wMxVDs Amazon geni.us/6cvOQ
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - B&H bhpho.to/2i6s2gv Amazon geni.us/QXvPz8b
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2020, Curtis Judd

[@curtisjudd]

*Correction - The L-8 records 16 or 24-bit wav, not 32-bit. RODE now offers an accessory for the RODECaster to power via battery: www.rode.com/rodecasterpro/promo

[@BasicFilmmaker]

My appreciation for people doing podcasts and especially live video casts grows and grows. Buttons, buttons, buttons, audio mixers, video stream mixers, multiple cameras, multiple guests, incoming calls, and on and on. 👍

[@curtisjudd]

Livestreams can be tricky and risky. 😀

[@erwickdsouza]

Love how Curtis summarizes his video in the beginning but I still watch the whole thing because of how good his review is!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Erwick!

[@erwickdsouza]

No, thank you Curtis! I've learnt a lot from you.

[@m.i.h5499]

Can it supports lavalier microphone directly?

[@manuelkong10]

No kidding....that's a very smart feature of his vids

[@hsjawanda]

Exactly!

[@AkamatsuCreative]

Your tutorials should be required viewing for every KZbinr who wants to post a how-to or product review. You get to the point without all the histrionic "comedic" and editing hijinx, you cover all the bases, give some technical analysis and present use cases. Your videos are well lit and well recorded. And you go beyond the basics to some of the non-obvious considerations. Love your stuff, man! Have to sift through so much crap to get a decent product review nowadays.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Akamatsu!

[@spanishvoiceover5473]

Long time without seeing a video from you Curtis, I really love how professional you are reviewing and teaching about sound.... indeed, you are a reference for learning good audio techniques.

[@curtisjudd]

Gracias Spanish Voice Over!

[@MyOtheHedgeFox]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for reviewing L-8, Curtis! I’ve been deliberating on this purchase for almost a month by now, but there was next to no hands-on info about it. Your review is something I really needed all along.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@WisLockman]

I’ve had my Zoom LiveTrack L-8 for a couple of weeks and have done a couple of podcasts with it. I’m very happy with this unit for the Price and the battery backup. I understand Rode has an add on for battery backup but you have to buy it. I have a hard case that everything Sits in. I just open the case, plug everything in and I’m ready to go.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Glad to hear its working well!

[@innercynic2784]

I was doing a search for a battery add on but cant find any mention.

[@WisLockman]

Someone who was testing one on KZbin made mention of it.

[@curtisjudd]

@@innercynic2784 Yes, several have mentioned in the comments here that RODE now has an accessory pack which includes a USB power adapter which you can buy here: rode.com/rodecaster/promo

[@innercynic2784]

It appears as though that's a kit being offered to buyers of the rodecaster at the present. Not something you can buy separately. The USB to DC powering cable is really what gets my attention. I do hope they sell that separately

[@jukarnarius]

Hello! thank you so much for this video. Have a question: How preamps of L8 compared with preamps of Zoom f4 of F8n or even F6?

[@curtisjudd]

In my tests here, they seemed to do as well as the F series preamps in terms of self-noise but don't supply nearly as much gain. The F series preamps can supply +75dB while the L-8 tops out at +54dB of gain.

[@liarspeaksthetruth]

I produce podcasts. We have a nice studio, but decided to put something in the office that was a little more 'desktop.' We go a Rodecaster Pro. Six months with that was motivation enough to buy the Zoom L-8 for my home studio. Which device people prefer is about priorities...what problems does this device solve? For me, L-8 answers the questions of EQ, individual channel recording, post mix recording, punch in/out, and AA batteries power are in use every-day for me. Micro-USB isn't ideal, but for market penetration, it's a sure thing. The video is a very good representation of my experience(s). Thanks Curits!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Andreas!

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for the review. The Zoom LiveTrak 12 is not much more expensive than the LiveTrak 8 (and it's cheaper than the Rodecaster Pro), and it has compressors, it has “five powerful headphone outputs” rather than just “4 headphone outputs”. It's bigger and weighs 1 kg more, but I think it's a lot more interesting.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Lau, useful context info. I guess you'd lose the pads for playing back pre-recorded music and possibly the auto mix-minus but pick up compressors and headphone amps.

[@Behnam_Moghaddam]

@@curtisjudd plus L8 is USB powered - fits my (mobility) needs perfectly!

[@SCCA95060]

I LOVE my Livetrack L-8. It's really versatile!!!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@DJEinsteinUSA]

I like the ZOOM L-8 but when i compare it to the Rodecaster Pro then it's a difficult decision. I purchased both!! One for my studio and one for on the move recording!

[@curtisjudd]

Best of both. 😀

[@anna.naumova]

which one if for on the move?

[@agentsixsix]

Thanks for your review, Curtis. Minor detail: I was taught it's better to put the FetHead right after the mic (closest to the source), so increase levels before going into the cable.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Hans, makes sense.

[@asdifsodkfs]

@@curtisjudd Yes, by doing this also reduces the risk to increase any potential noise gathered across the mic cable! FetHead directly in the mic, FTW!

[@OyvindSolstad]

I like the RODECaster Pro, but think I'm going to buy the L-8. I know my way around a sound mixer so that's not a problem. Also, as I use Ableton Live as my DAW, I can use all 8 inputs as a source in Ableton, which is a huge plus.

[@curtisjudd]

Makes sense. Happy recording!

[@DVZNMedia]

Curtis, I know this is super late, but when you recorded Dani, was she in studio with you or recorded remotely? I've wanted to add remote users to the podcast but don't like the sound quality of using the phone in. Is there a way to bring someone remotely in recording on an actual mic through software?

[@curtisjudd]

Emma was recorded via phone - when she talks about which classes she's taking. Yes, you could use an online service like Cleanfeed.

[@fed02]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. For me, I like the L-8 for its Mix. I do a lot of live stream and sometimes i have guests coming in from Zoom on separate sessions, i use the mix_A, B, C to send audio without having the loop back echo.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@inglesconalan5360]

Thanks for this review, it was very, very interesting. Up to now I had been thinking of getting the Rode but this has changed my mind. The Zoom appears to have more options for less price.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@nickseth-smith9740]

Great review as ever Curtiss. I use a LiveTrak L-8 for live streaming and love it. There are a few other things your viewers might like to know based on my experience: - If you use it as a USB interface it draws power from your laptop. We found this out the hard way while live streaming a funeral from the cemetery. We nearly drained the laptop battery before I figured out what was happening and switched to an analog feed from the XLR outputs. - You can configure the effects and EQ on each input separately. The interface is a little clunky since you have to select each input individually and then set the levels and effects choices - but it works well enough. Note that channels 7, 8 and 9,10 are handled as stereo pairs so the effects apply to both channels. - When you use it as a USB interface to your Mac (I can't speak to what happens on a PC) you get all the inputs and the master mix. They appear as separate channels in the audio interface but unless you have a DAW or other audio routing software (e.g. loopback from RogueAmoeba) they can all end up in a single stereo signal. Where this is an issue is that the mute button only mutes the signal in the master mixed output. So you still hear the raw input in your output mix, albeit at a lower level. This can be an issue on Zoom calls etc. I use loopback to route the master mix only to my output and all works like a champ. - The first 2 XLR inputs can be switched between Mic level and High Z - so can be used for a guitar pickup. The other 4 XLR inputs switch between mic level and line level input. Inputs 7, 8 and 9.10 can also be line-level analog inputs using a 1/4" TRS cable. - The mic inputs take either XLR or 1/4" TRS jack. In both cases they accept a balanced input. This is great right up to the point that you use a wireless mic (e.g. Sennheiser G3/G4, XS-WD, etc.) with an 1/8" TRS dual mono output and an 1/8" to 1/4" TRS adaptor. In this case you have to use a TS 1/4" adaptor (i.e. mono or unbalanced) or you will hear glorious silence. (Ask me how I know this 😛) - Channels 7, 8 and channels 9, 10 can be switched to be outputs from the computer. These can be added into the mix and fed to house audio during a live stream for example. You can also record these if you are using the LiveTrak as your primary recorder. - The soundpads can be programmed with custom sounds. These are stored on the internal SD card and get lost when you reformat that card - so be sure to back them up before formatting!! (Again ask me how I know 😛) - You can set up custom mixes for 3 of the 4 headphone outputs or switch to the master mix. To Curtis' point if you have 6 mic inputs you will need a separate headphone amplifier or splitter for the last 2 people. In this case 3 of the 6 will have to have the master mix but 3 could have a custom mix. - Finally if you do record on the LiveTrak you can switch the device into card reader mode to transfer the files to the computer (i.e. you don't have to fish out the card and plug it into the computer). Just be aware that when you do this you completely shut down the LiveTrak as an audio device until you are finished transferring files. It transfers files pretty quickly. Having lived with the device for a little over a year now I still really like it . Despite the plastic construction it seems pretty robust and has stood up to being thrown in the back of the car without a case on too many occasions. One of these days I will get or make a case for it - honest!

[@nickseth-smith9740]

Brief update. I just noticed that the physical unit labels the two stereo inputs as 7 and 8 whereas they appear, internally when recording on on the USB interface, as 7,8 and 9,10

[@nickseth-smith9740]

Brief update. I just noticed that the physical unit labels the two stereo inputs as 7 and 8 whereas they appear, internally when recording on on the USB interface, as 7,8 and 9,10

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Nick.

[@paulheartsongs]

I’ve used the L8 for live outdoor gigs where battery power is more convenient. Also using it for recording into Ableton with headphone outs for multiple players. 4 outs are enough for two musos and a tech to monitor the session. Great value and very usable. Thanks for the review.

[@curtisjudd]

Nice use case, thanks for sharing.

Have the Rode but I wish I waited for the Zoom. Anyway, amazing review as always. Obrigado.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks João.

[@Ambientes]

I have this one and sometimes wish I had the rode

[@frontcentermusician]

Holy cow. Why can't everybody get to the point like this review. Refreshing...oh and this made my decision to buy one of these ;) Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and I hope the L-8 works well for you!

[@alaneddy4575]

Still trying to decide whether to return the Rodecaster and get this instead. I just love the portability. I'm starting to think it may be worth to stretch to both. The Zoom can record a small live band or be used to multitrack at home to a high quality level. Decisions!

[@curtisjudd]

RODE developed an adapter to power the RODECaster via USB and gave it to recent purchasers but hopefully they’ll make it available generally. That would solve some of the portability. Build wise, the RODECaster is superior.

[@cesarnavarro8168]

Hi, I have been watching your review and this video made me purchase the L-8. Thank you so much, sir. I was wondering if it's possible to connect the mixer to my DSLR

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Cesar, I hope it works well for you. You could use an adapter cable and line attenuator to record the output of the L-8 to a DSLR. Not ideal, but it could work.

[@JoeFensterle]

Nice review! Just one additional remark: sometimes you would like to use it as a simple interface and for Skype / obs live streaming etc. you would require an USB mix minus, which is not implemented. See this video how you can set up the l-8 (and l-12) as a "real" interface without additional audio connections: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHmzo5trhdxjnNE

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Joe.

[@chakerian]

Does this really not do 24-bit? Summary shows 16 and 32. edit: Ah, nevermind, you explain it's 16 and 24 at 9:58

[@curtisjudd]

Typo. Thanks for catching that.

[@jgurtz]

Thanks for the detailed review; this is a very interesting product. In fact it led me to discover the L-12 and L-20 big brothers and I'm curious if maybe you could comment in your next livestream on the L-12 and L-20? My take is that for addl. $200 the L-12 gives better pre-amps, better USB hookup, larger faders, sweepable mid-eq, and monitor line-outs shared with headphone A. On the downside, the mini-TRRS connection with auto mix minus is lost, however with a little adapter-jiggery, the same thing can be rigged using a headphone mix and dedicated input. L-20 runn a grand, but would be a pretty good deal for a full band setup and adds dual effects an 6x headphone monitors. Thoughts?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Jason, I think you just summed up what I know about the 12 and 20 - haven't used them personally, but in terms of features, sounds like you nailed it!

[@BloodShotMovies]

Hello! I shot this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqOahoBme7x5eZo and used the L-20 for the live sound and the audio recording. I'm super happy with the L-20, but it is geared specifically for live sound / recording and not podcasting like the L-8 is.

[@Slingshot4FunTW]

@@BloodShotMovies because of lost the TRRS ? so can't record the signal from cell phone?

[@BloodShotMovies]

@@Slingshot4FunTW Probably never going to need 16 XLR inputs for a podcast. :)

[@spiroangelatos4274]

Hi Curtis...how would you go about feeding the master mix from this (or even the RODECaster Pro) into Blackmagic Design's ATEM mini? Thank you in adavance.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Spiro, there are a few options. Ideally, I'd feed the audio to camera to ensure it stays in sync with the video. But if you wanted to go into the ATEM, you'd need an XLR to 3.5mm adapter cable.

[@nickseth-smith9740]

@@curtisjudd The ATEM Mini allows you to adjust the audio sync on the 2 audio inputs so you don't have to feed the camera. The adjustment is measured in frames so it's not super-granular. To really nail the sync I make a final adjustment in OBS. The big benefit to the dedicated audio inputs is that they can accept a line-level input.

[@GeneWaddle]

It looks like a really versatile unit. It seems an odd choice to me that the phantom power is all or nothing though. I suppose in a podcast situation you'd most often use dynamic mics to avoid bleed between them though, wouldn't you?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, in most podcasts, people are using dynamic mics and even if you used a mix of condenser and dynamics, the power wouldn't damage the dynamic mics. It would just be wasted power.

[@1201alarm]

That was a great tutorial, thank you! I have purchased a Zoom L8. I am very confused as to how to configure the separate headphone mixes. Can someone take me through that please? It seems too simple to be true, which makes me think I haven't got it right! I really want to use the A,B & C outputs as AUX sends (in the traditional mixing sense, I'm not making podcasts at the moment), and it would be a disaster if I send a mic feed to a loudspeaker positioned right next to that mic, or the wrong thing to the wrong guest, so I want to ensure I get the AUX feeds correct. The online manual is very brief on this subject. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

Sorry I cannot help Jonathan, I borrowed the L-8 to do this review, but had to get it back to B&H. Do you already have the L-8 on hand? Some testing should give you some clarity on how it works.

[@1201alarm]

@@curtisjudd Okay, thanks. I guess I'll have to play (and hope!) JK

[@AlleganyMedia]

What firmware are you using on the Rodecaster Pro? Your display for Channel 1 at 15:50 looks way different than mine on ver. 2.0.4

[@curtisjudd]

That was from the original review almost a year ago. I am now on 2.0.4.

[@MeetupvideoUK]

also the 5th lines (from top) on my Rode’s fader are thicker, but Chris’ are all thin . Another thing what I don’t understand about Rode why is not working from USB-C as a power source as well? Would be too easy to connect with 1 cable to a Macbook... :D

[@curtisjudd]

@@MeetupvideoUK Not sure.

[@GleeLover67]

Can you do a video on the Zoom L-8 hooking it up to your computer to do a zoom call? So you could have one guest in person, one on the phone and another on the computer on a Zoom call. This would be so helpful for a newbie to podcasting and the Zoom L-8. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Red Tesla, would love to do that, but I had to send the L-8 back to B&H from whom I borrowed it for this review. But I think you'll find it is pretty straightforward. Just refer to the manual if you get stuck at any point. Best wishes and happy recording!

[@balazsmihaly77]

Hi, I also wondered if you can do that. The manual says that if you are using the TRRS phone input (channel 8) than the LINE input on channel 7 is not available - however it does not say that the USB input is not available. You certainly can use the sound pads under channel 7 while the phone‘s plugged in as we have seen in this video (thank you for it btw, it was great!), but is then the USB input on channel 7 available? Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

@@balazsmihaly77 As noted, I no longer have the L-8 available to test that. I'm sorry.

[@balazsmihaly77]

@@curtisjudd thanks for the quick reply. No worries, I found it out: it does work. :) It’s just the line input that’s disabled, the USB and the soundpads both work fine while a phone is plugged into ch8. However, it is very tricky to set up a mix-minus: using the USB, you can turn down the ch7 fader, so that the audio that’s going back through USB (the Master track) will not contain the audio coming from the computer through USB (the Zoom-guest’s voice). You could still hear and monitor what the USB/Zoom-guest says as you can set up a custom mix ie on Mix A to include the USB audio from ch7 and it’ll work, but there’s a big drawback: if you would also be calling someone using the trrs-input and the the auto mix-minus, the audio which is going back to the guest through the trrs will also not include the USB- audio (as the trrs channel also routes back the master track to the phone, just without the phone audio itself). So, it is, as far as I can tell, not possible to have a caller on trrs and on USB at the same time. (Although, you can use the traditional mix-minus method using an iRig2 and another phone and with that you can actually achieve this, thanks to the custom monitor mix capability)

[@curtisjudd]

@@balazsmihaly77 Thanks for sharing!

[@clintondaymusic]

Hi, I really appreciate your info here, thank you! I am interested in the capability of recording audio directly from the device as a mixer at a live music performance. Any insights as to the signal level that gets to individual tracks onto the SD disk in regards to the levels of the “mixer” during the performance? Much appreciated! CD

[@curtisjudd]

The meters on the L-8 are all dB FS meters so that's the level that is recorded to SD card.

[@MichaelReischer]

Hi, does the „phone port“ works with traditional phone calls, or just with FaceTime, Skype and co. ?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, it does work with traditional phone calls.

[@peterbadchild9463]

Hi First off thanks you for all of your work ! Its always great stuff delivered with care and attention ! Second of all I was wondering if you knew of any quick fix for the lack of compression on the L-8 ? It's the only detail that is stopping me from buying it! I'm looking to do live streams and I also want to reduce my need for post- compression to the bare minimal! I looked at the Rodecaster but it can't really do music and the Zoom L-12 is not portable enough haha Is there a possible fix (by adding a secondary device perhaps ) or am I simply dreaming ? Or maybe there's another device entirely that you would recommend ? Anyways thanks again !!!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Peter, I don't know of a simple, affordable, mobile solution that works really well to add to the L-8 to add compression, unfortunately. The RODECaster with its new firmware which allows adjustment of the individual parameters and settings is the best option of which I'm aware in the sub $1000 range. Possibly others which focus a bit more on podcasting would have other ideas. I'd check in with Ray Ortega.

[@peterbadchild9463]

@@curtisjudd Wow such a quick answer ! Thanks a lot ! much appreciated !!!! I have been looking at other options in the same price range but the more I understand compression the more I'm wondering if a 1 knob compression is even worth it ? Since you can't control all 4 parts of a compressor... If not I'm now thinking of using the compression through OBS for live stream ! I was going to do it through voicemeeter potato but it's seems to be the only feature on whose control is so limited that is renders it useless and basically just a booster (this is what tipped me off to the one knob thing ! ) Sorry I'm rambling haha Anyways thanks again !

[@EPHONIC]

Another great review and how-to, Curtis. Love these videos. I do have a few questions. Hope I’m not stupid for asking. Is the board bus-powered when connected to a computer? I hate extra plugs and bricks. Also, I’m thinking of starting a karaoke business and using this for mics. The would be dynamic mics. Would this be good for controlling the reverb effects and also are the pre-amps strong enough to give enough strength so the gain isn’t way up? Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi EPHS, not stupid questions at all. Yes, if the computer supplies power via that particular USB port, it will power the L8. Note that on laptops, some USB ports do not supply the full power prescribed by the USB specification. But it works in most cases. Dynamic microphones will need to be set near the top of the range but it is still clean at the top. Best wishes!

[@EPHONIC]

@@curtisjudd Thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions and many others. I learn so much just reading the comments after watching your videos. Great engagement!

[@thephoenixchant]

Do you know if by activating the Phantom Power to power a condenser Mic in Input 3, it powers inputs 1,2,4,5 and 6 too? Does it power the devices connected through TRS too? Or just the ones using the XRL ones? I'd like to record 2 keyboards [TRS stereo] + The Phantom Powered mic for Vocals without damaging mu equipment. Any idea as if it works that way or if it powers both XRL AND TRSs in the combo inputs?

[@curtisjudd]

I’m sorry Juan, I borrowed this for the review and had to send it back so I don’t know. You might try contacting ZOOM support or maybe Sweetwater sound to see if they can confirm for you. Best wishes!

[@jimrogers7425]

Thanks for this video. I'm a ghostwriter and as such, I interview people, and record those interviews, via various means... whether live, in person, or skype. This would solve some real problems for me as it takes the TRRS input from a phone, as well as a mic input. Great price point too. I've been doing all my recording so far with an old Tascam DR-07 being fed from a Behringer mixer using a lav mic. This would pull one element out of the situation and make things a lot better. Thanks again. I truly enjoy your videos, Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jim!

[@carolmcclendon3248]

Hello Sir. I want to connect my Sony a6400 or canon m50 into my zoom livetrak L8 for video podcast and recording to camera sd card? Also was wondering should I record straight into Lumafusion or GarageBand or Ferrite? Can I use my iPad or should I use MacBook Pro? If so, how. Also, If I wanted to hear the playback through my monitors, how do I connect them? Please Help! Thank You!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Carol, Here's a general video showing how to sync audio and video which were shot separately. It should work in a similar fashion in any video editing app: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpy3iqOGa8qYmZI

[@StanleyCarlduPont]

Rode is currently offering a promo Accessory Pack on new purchases: www.rode.com/rodecasterpro/promo that includes a USB power adapter [RØDE DC-USB1 USB to DC power cable]. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be available for purchase.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Stanely-Carl! I hadn't seen that.

[@dsha2006]

I'm a bit confused by the mix minus port...it looks like it's saying it will occupy both channels 7 and 8 if u have a phone plugged in. Is that correct? If yes, why does it take up 2 at once? And, if yes, does that mean I can't also get audio "from" my computer if using the mix minus port? Or can I get audio "from" computer using one of the other line ports (channels 1-6)? I wasn't sure if you can ONLY get computer audio from one of the the USB channels (7 and 8). thanx.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi David, the phone port is a stereo input so that you can play back stereo material from your phone. Of course calls will be mono, but music is almost always stereo. You can also get audio from your computer as I recall.

[@dawidszubryt7939]

Hello Its Dawid from Poland. I just bought whole podcast set-up with sontronics xlr podcast pro dynamic microphone 2x and 2 x GoPro 8 hero Black with 2 x GoPro mic adapter. To manage all and connect i have zoom livetrak L- 8 audio interface. I did first connection sample and i dont know how to connect GoPro's to zoom livetrak. I have connected cameras with GoPro mic adapter and that to livetrak with mini Jack3,5mm cable from adapter to livetrak 6,3mm Jack. I dont know how to make that interface will transfer voice from xlr mic to GoPro do i can make video together with dynamic mic sound. Please help ! All the best

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dawid, Do you really need the audio from the Go Pro cameras? Usually for podcasts, we just use the dedicated microphones attached to the mixer for the sound and use the cameras for visuals only. If you need the GoPro audio routed to the L-8, probably best to contact ZOOM support to see what they suggest. I don't have a GoPro or L-8 on hand to confirm what works. Best wishes!

[@gregg3384]

Can a Dual CD Player like the Numark CDMix be hooked-up to two individual inputs on the Zoom Live Trak L-8 so I can record music from the CD Player through the L-8 onto my recording software on my PC? And would you know if that capability can be done also on the RODECaster Pro?

[@curtisjudd]

I would think so - haven't specifically tried that, but should be able to make that work.

[@JohnNeff33]

I am writing this comment in hopes of gaining some insight into a potential purchase. I am a corporate trainer and I facilitate a number of trainings online mostly using web conferencing software such as Zoom, Go To Meeting and WebEx. I would also like to transition into doing some podcasting in a few months. Currently I am using a PreSonus Studio 26c as my audio interface. However, I am considering buying either a RodeCaster Pro or a Zoom Live Trak L-8. I wouldn’t use it as much for its recording capability (although I will use it that way on occasion). I am more interested in using it to make EQ adjustments via the device and not software, the sounds pads for sound effects, to easily see my levels and make quick adjustments when needed, to possibly have 2-3 additional people talk using XLR mics, and to bring in phone calls smoothly. Typically I will be bringing the audio into the Atem Mini and then into the webcasting platform. Any assistance would be welcomed.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi John, if traditional EQ without software is a the top of your list, then you can potentially remove the RODECaster Pro from the running. It does have a high pass filter, "Big Bottom," and the "Aural Exciter" and with the latest firmware, you can adjust the frequencies within a limited range, but there isn't any sort of parametric or graphical EQ. Hope that helps narrow things down a bit for you. Best wishes!

[@Thunder_Bear_mg]

Sure, the L-8 i's not better at podcasting than the RODEcaster but it can certainly hold its own at that task while also being suitable for small live sound/multi-track recording mixer for music production duties. 4 independent headphone mixes is great for the MORE ME people. The L-8 is such a neat flexible unit.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@blackreelentertainment6663]

No mentioning about multitracking using a mpc with the L8. Not everyone want to podcast. But great video!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@serenitybase9888]

you forgot to mention how to record, or delete the sound pads, ( quite critical for this video ) just an observation. thanks

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback. This was a review rather than a tutorial.

[@BloodShotMovies]

Great video. I have the Livetrack L-20 and I love it. I shoot live bands, so with the L-20 I can mix the live show and record it at the same time. It looks like the L-8 is missing some of the L-20's features (like compressors), but then adds back some podcast specific features like the TRRS-in w/ mix-minus. Thanks for the overview.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks BloodShot Movies. Yes, seems like they have a model for a lot of different situations. 👍

[@nickmills7497]

Will the L8 allow DSLR cams or webcams into it? or would I still use something like a Blackmagic switch board? I don't want to overbuy, so just curious. Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

No, for livestreams, you'll still need a capture device like the Blackmagic ATEM switcher or recorder box.

[@ceotvpodcast]

Hello, very good your video. A question from Brazil. Does the Zoom L-8 48v function not work well for bm-800 microphones? Because you have to use an activating mic if the desk has phantom power. I bought a table like this and I'm having trouble getting microphones to work. Lavalier microphones not working?

[@curtisjudd]

I didn't try it with a BM-800 so I don't know if that microphone has special requirements, but the phantom power (+48V) worked fine with a variety of condenser microphones I tried. Lavalier microphones often do NOT work with +48V power and in fact it can damage them. You might want to contact ZOOM support for details.

[@ceotvpodcast]

@@curtisjudd Thank you very much for the video and for the reply! We tested it with an XLR connection to the table's phanton power and it worked really well.

[@strangesevin]

How would I record a preformance and have the preformance sound quality come through in video?

[@curtisjudd]

Oh my, that's a big, big question. Follow our tutorials as a start, I suppose.

[@KevinLe]

I just ordered the rodecaster pro over the L8 specifically because I just want it to do all the heavy lifting for me without having to do anything lol.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@oscarjcflamenco]

Hi Curtis! Great video! I'm having a problem with my livetrak 8 (or maybe my phone - a Samsung J6) I connect my cellphone into the livetrak using the TRRS cable that comes with the L-8, i can hear everything coming from the phone into the console but the phone still uses the mic from the phone instead of reproducing the sound from the console. (I hope i have explained myself, please excuse me for my broken english)

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Oscar, this sounds like it might an issue with the phone or the cable. I'd try a different cable or contact ZOOM and Samsung support.

[@oscarjcflamenco]

@@curtisjudd thank you very much.

[@stevegladstone6699]

Super helpful Curtis... I have a Blue Yeti Mic that has a usb end, can I convert it to a different jack? I assumed I would be able to use this microphone and will be bummed if I cannot .

[@curtisjudd]

If you don’t have the pro model, then no, it is made to connect directly to computer.

[@cassidyraebarrera]

So I am very curious about what are some recommended settings or recommendations for setting up a scene for podcasting. I've tried one with overdub on and one with overdub off. But the overdub off seemed to delete my previous audio recorded in the project and only kept the recording after hitting pause. Any recommendations?

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t think I’d use overdub for recording a podcast.

[@jmalmsten]

Since the 9 segment LED seems to show only post fader. Is there no way to monitor the pre fader signal that goes to the individual tracks? Other than the clipping light, I mean as it only has a binary clip or no clip measurement.

[@curtisjudd]

Set the fader to 0, adjust the gain using the channel meter, then you can adjust the fader as needed.

[@os_r1ck]

I use the L8 and sm7b for podcasting, where should the fader and gain levels be at? I’m not using any preamps . Thank you

[@curtisjudd]

I'd start with the fader at 0 and adjust the gain up until your voice is topping out at around -12dB.

[@user-eh6pk1iy1d]

I'm looking at this Zoom LiveTrak L-8 to use as a one man band set-up. Will it store my prerecorded songs sound levels on and so on and send them out through the Master outputs while I play live to them?

[@curtisjudd]

I'm not sure, we didn't test that scenario before having to send it back. Sorry about that.

[@innercynic2784]

In a pinch you can simply get a splitter cable for the headphone outputs

[@curtisjudd]

Yep

[@innercynic2784]

Oops!... I'm an idiot. You already said that in the video. I have the Rodecaster and going "mobile" has always been on my mind. It seems the only way to do so would be with a hefty UPS in a rack or other case.

[@curtisjudd]

@@innercynic2784 No worries! Now you can go mobile with the new RODECaster Pro Accessories pack: rode.com/rodecaster/promo

[@time4thatgaming702]

Excellent review. I just picked this up for streaming and hoping to get it going shortly

[@curtisjudd]

Happy streaming!

[@MajestyStudioPro]

Did you manage to livestream with it. I am wondering between the Go-XLR and this mixer for livestreaming and recording acoustic song writer music?

[@JeanMartinNainggolan]

Hai, so the audio level recorded on multitrack is from gain level only?

[@curtisjudd]

Right.

[@manuelkong10]

Every time you say "USB MICRO" you say it with SUCH Disdain lol it's hilarious

[@curtisjudd]

Not intentionally. But it is a rather weak connector.

[@tomkent4656]

Those mic inputs are really underpowered!

[@curtisjudd]

Sadly, yes. I'd like to see a bit more clean gain.

[@LjLaValle]

Great review and comparison. You didn’t mention that you need phantom power for a mic activator like the fethead, which I use with my focusrite Scarlette 2i2. Anyway, I like the Zoom better, especially if you’re familiar with mixing boards. The Rodecaster Pro looks really cheap and like something you would see from a toy store despite being extremely Versatile for the average podcaster, and it probably outsells the zoom do to the ease of use. I imagine the price reflects the R & D more than the actual cost to produce on the Rode.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Lj LaValle. The RODECaster is actually built of more durable plastic and with the newer firmware, gives users more control over the processing effects.

[@BangsNaughtyBits]

The biggest con I have is the EIN is -121 dBu. That's similar to the Zoom H6 and noisier than the RØDEcaster Pro's EIN or equivalent Input Noise of -125 dBu. It is a shame it doesn't have the preamps of the Zoom L-12 which is -128 dBu. !

[@curtisjudd]

Hi! I think that the RODCaster reports its EIN in dBA using a specific self-noise measurement process. Not clear how ZOOM measured it exactly but they report EIN in dBu. Subjectively, I can say that the Zoom L-8 preamps seem cleaner than the H6 preamps.

[@JohnAndrewCarlton]

With using your iPhone for an audio source, what cord are you using to accept the iPhone input to the input on the L8? I haven’t seen a cord like that yet.

[@curtisjudd]

A 3.5mm TRRS and the Apple lightning to 3.5mm adapter.

[@hendrikvisage]

This is sorta a "mixed Podcaster music recording studio" thing, so the extra 2 Mic inputs, should be seen as instruments inputs, so no need to feed back to the mic user per se

[@curtisjudd]

That's surely a valid way to look at it. But I don't remember now, are the inputs mic/line/instrument switchable?

[@trigmish]

You mentioned timecode in the video but Scrolling through comments, I did not see an answer to how does this handle timecode if at all does it have timecode?

[@curtisjudd]

It just records the start time of the recording based on the clock. No special features to sync with camera.

[@laserenvironment6286]

Curtis, which one is better at changing the tone of your voice in live streaming. ie make your voice sounds more depth?

[@curtisjudd]

I prefer the RODECaster Pro’s audio processing.

[@yinYangMountain]

Hi Curtis, I recently asked you about the Roadcaster Pro and mix-minus. Evidently it’s ‘true’ that a person calling in via iPhone through mix-minus, say, will not hear an audio input. For example, a host and the guest (via mix-minus) analyzing a KZbin or other audio clip. Example: Imagine you and I were going to review a channel’s production/audio quality, and you were going to give your thoughts as to what might be some issues, as I understand from the answers received from owners of the Roadcaster Pro, you're not going to hear it if you've called in. Question: If you know, does the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 suffer this mix-minus issue? Thanks in advance, yYM

[@curtisjudd]

Hi yinYangMountain. I see, so you are speaking about playing computer audio to a remote guest? I'm sorry, I did not understand that from your original question. As for the L-8, I borrowed this for 4 weeks from B&H but then had to send it back to them so I do not have it on hand to test your specific scenario. I would recommend you contact ZOOM support and provide them with your specific scenario. They should be able to confirm.

[@nickseth-smith9740]

Hi yinYangMountain. If I understand your question correctly the caller will hear all inputs except their own. This includes input 7 (7,8) coming from the computer if so selected. I have used this to play sounds to people on the phone. Bear in mind that what the caller hears will be heavily compressed by the phone so cannot be used to assess audio quality. That's a function of the phone and no reflection on the L-8. FWIW you can also play them the sound pads if you select that option for input 7.

[@chemad55tv61]

Zoom l8 is better with a compressor or limiter built-in n additional eq band

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@corazoninmaculado77]

What a great Video... thank you... I want one!!!! lol

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@cocoforests7888]

Just a few notes about Scenes: Projects only save one set of mixer settings; Master, A, B, C. Scenes are saved with the console, but are *not* saved with the Project to the SD Card. If you load a Project, and then load a Scene, the mixer settings from the Scene will supercede the mixer settings from the Project. If you turn off the console via the switch on the back, the mixer settings loaded by the Scene will overwrite the Project settings. If however you eject the SD Card before turning off the console, the Project settings will be preserved. Scenes cannot be deleted without resetting the console to factory settings. (LiveTrak L-8 firmware 1.12)

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you Coco Forests!

[@cocoforests7888]

@@curtisjudd also. input configuration (and the Mute settings) is project specific, but not mixer specific. you can however set different input configurations per scene. I have devised a work-around to save/restore scenes from projects. it only saves one mix per scene but my aux mixes are generally minor adjustments of the master mix so this works for me. unfortunately, because input/mute configuration is not specific to mixes, I cannot save/restore these for each scene.

[@kaybhee6]

boss,,, does it sound better than zomm r24 pre amps,,,,,, also at mixdown is sound cleaner than zoom r24

[@curtisjudd]

Sorry, not sure, haven’t used the R24.

[@mikeborja3061]

will the FetHead help to get rid of the hissing noise due to the high gain? or can the hissing noise be removed by post-production?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes and yes. 😀

[@yinYangMountain]

As compared to, say, the ZOOM H5/H6 or the RODE RODECASTER, and all other things being equal (cables, mics, room, etc.), how noisy are the preamps?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi yinYangMountain, in order of self-noise performance, my subjective sense is that the H5/H6 are the noisiest, then the L8, then the RODECaster Pro. But the L8 and RODECaster Pro seem really close.

[@yinYangMountain]

Curtis Judd Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[@edmtwo]

If phantom power is enabled for mics, can the inserts still be used for line inputs, on say 5 and 6?

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure, didn’t try that before I sent it back. Probably best to confirm with ZOOM support.

[@asdifsodkfs]

Only a compressor on each channel is missing... The L-12 has it, but that one is too big.

[@curtisjudd]

Understood.

[@jamesparker4639]

I’ve just recently purchased the Zoom Livetrak L-8 but when trying to record to GarageBand my MacBook isn’t recognizing the interface. I’ve downloaded the driver from Zoom for Mac. When I go to GarageBand I don’t see the audio/interface as an option for input or output device. I don’t see it in my macs system preferences either.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi James, probably best to get in touch with Zoom support. Best wishes!

[@Celene77]

Curtis, first of all thank you ! I’ve got Zoom L8 and Sonny 6400 camera 📸 to live stream the recording but haven’t been able to get good audio directly to my camera. I can’t figure out what to use to connect the zoom L8 to the camera… I did, however connect it to the zoom h6 but my voice is too low and a hiss to high ☹️ Thanks in advanced.

[@curtisjudd]

I think you’ll need a dual 1/4” TRS to stereo 3.5mm adapter cable.

[@nickseth-smith9740]

@@curtisjudd I've used a dual XLR to TRS cable and it works. You have to keep the output levels on the Zoom low in order not to overdrive the camera's input. Better would be to follow Curtis' earlier recommendation and use an in-line attenuator to bring the signal back down to mic-levels. Since we use a Black Magic ATEM Mini for all our live streams I use one of the audio inputs on that. These can be switched between mic level and line level signals.

[@NewAgeApostle]

Bear with me as I’m quite the noob. My question is: with the phone conversation you had plugged in you mentioned that that first individual was mic’ed? She was mic’ed on her end? So she was talking on the phone via a mic she had plugged in? The second young lady, it was clear she was on via FaceTime. I could hear clear differences between their audio I’m just a tad confused regarding the first person you had on.

[@curtisjudd]

First person on was in the same room as me on a microphone plugged directly into the L-8. The second was on a phone without any sort of external microphone, just the phone's built-in microphone.

[@NewAgeApostle]

@@curtisjudd Thank you for clarifying 😊

[@JeffBourke]

2023 and phones still sound so terrible quality.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I wish they were better.

[@Dice-Gamble]

Hi Curtis... hope you have been doing well. Just wanted to find the differences between the LiveTrak L8 and the PodTrak P8... but no one has seemed to have made comparison video. Any insight you might have?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dice Gamble, the biggest difference is that the P8 only records 44.1kHz sample rates but is laid out more specifically for podcasts. The L-8 can double as a more general recorder, e.g., for music recording - and records 48kHz sample rates and is a tiny bit smaller, if I remember correctly. If you're doing strictly audio podcasts, I'd probably go with the P8. If you need a more general purpose device, L-8. Happy recording!

[@Dice-Gamble]

@@curtisjudd Thank you for this Curtis... truly appreciate it

[@ehmilenhanceideas1262]

Can we video record using a mobile phone while playing guitar and singing to a mic connected all in this mixer,

[@curtisjudd]

Yes.

[@hsjawanda]

Dynamic mics don't need phantom power, but are they damaged it you connect them to an XLR input that *is* supplying phantom power (since there's a single switch for all the inputs)? This could happen in a setup where you have a mix of dynamic & condenser mics.

[@curtisjudd]

Most dynamic microphones will not be damaged by phantom power. However, many vintage ribbon microphones can be damaged by phantom power.

[@MajestyStudioPro]

@@curtisjudd I think it might demage the mixer more than the mic. so just be careful when turning phantom power on for dynamic mics.

[@chriscutress1702]

I recently purchased a ZOOM L20 and found the pre-amps to be noisy with 60 Hz hum and the sends to be quite noisy. After contacting ZOOM and not receiving a response regarding these issues I was forced to returned the unit for a refund. As my other ZOOM products have worked near flawlessly for many years this was a major surprise but I've ordered the ZOOM L20R so hopefully this will not have the same ground/buzz issues.

[@curtisjudd]

Hopefully! 🙏

[@chriscutress1702]

@@curtisjudd Zoom LiveTrak L20R wasn't compatible with my iPad so that got sent back as well. Any chance you'll be doing a review of the L20 ? I wonder if it was just the one I received that had the hum/buzz flaw or if reviewers just aren't properly evaluating the console ?

[@curtisjudd]

@@chriscutress1702 No, not really something most would use for video or podcast production.

[@Damoon010]

The plastic build and lack of compressor make it a hard buy But for that price... and being able to use batteries... Dammit, no comparison video can really help with the choice between these two Thnx for the video tho

[@curtisjudd]

It looks like RODE is working on a USB battery adapter cable and it has a compressor. So if they do, in fact, release that cable to use USB battery banks for the RODECaster, and one has the budget, it's a win for the RODECaster in my book.

[@Damoon010]

@@curtisjudd No THAT'd be defeinitely a huge win for the Rode

[@lb_studio7]

Why can’t people hear music from the sound pads when using the phone call feature

[@curtisjudd]

Not sure - probably best to ask ZOOM support.

[@flame3914]

I found this video to be very helpful! Thanks for your time.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks FLAME!

[@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?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi 667, You can record all individual tracks to separate tracks in Ableton, yes. In regards to the in-built effects but since I reviewed this from the perspective of podcasting, I didn't spend much time looking at them in detail so I'm not sure. But I believe you CAN apply different effects to different channels. The manual should clarify this for your for certain: zoom-na.com/products/production-recording/live-sound-recording/zoom-livetrak-l-8#downloads

[@nickseth-smith9740]

@@curtisjudd I can confirm that you can apply different EQ and effects to each input. However be aware that the effects are applied after the individual channels are recorded so they appear in the final mix but not in the individual input recordings. There is a very detailed block diagram of the device on p112 of the manual.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@nickseth-smith9740 Thanks for all the input, Nick!

[@dsha2006]

I just got my Zoom L-8 mixer. I plugged in my Roland keyboard and Rode NT1-A mic into channels 1 and 2. I plugged my new Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm headphones into one of the headphone output jacks. I made sure the channels were not muted. Turned up the gain and sliders on channels 1 and 2 and the master slider....but I can't hear any sound. The small light next to each channel is glowing green every time I play keyboard or make noise in mic...so inputs seem good, so I'm not sure what's going on. i tested with another lower ohm headphones too and still nothing. any ideas?

[@curtisjudd]

Turned up the headphone volume as well?

[@dsha2006]

@@curtisjudd yes, that was up. i emailed zoom and sent a pic. this is what they told me: You will need to move faders 1 and 2 down to the illuminated green lights to latch the volume setting and increase it. The volume is currently turned down (as indicated by these green LEDs)." apparently...even though my sliders were up, I had to go down and "latch" the volume. I don't understand that.

[@curtisjudd]

@@dsha2006 Oh, yes, the bane of multi-use controls. You have to essentially reset them when you switch from using them for one thing to another. Zoom does have a habit of doing this to keep product costs down.

[@strangesevin]

Is there any multi track recorders with multiple instrument inputs ti record on SD cards?

[@curtisjudd]

Tascam makes one, I believe.

[@strangesevin]

@@curtisjudd can't find the tascam one I'll keep looking I can't belive they won't make a recorder that takes multiple instruments I know blue box does but no guitar or vocals

[@skakdosmer]

Man, you have big hands... My thought was, “That looks like a FetHead, only much smaller.”

[@curtisjudd]

LOL! Yes, large, spider-fingered hands.

[@skakdosmer]

Well, I don’t know about spider-fingered. They're obviously not the hands of a man who does a lot of daily hard manual labour, but otherwise I think they look quite normal, apart from the size. Very much like mine, in fact, before I became a bus driver - again except for the size.

[@miguelmontiel3685]

Can't get sound out to my JBL powered speakers or my headphones :( HELP PLEASE!!!!!

[@curtisjudd]

Miguel, you should contact ZOOM support. Best wishes!

[@miguelmontiel3685]

@@curtisjudd thanks, already sent an email!

[@عبدالجاكولالصلصالاني]

however i carefully turnin up the Faders and Gain knobs.. mine is clipping easily🤦🏻‍♂️ i don't know why🥴 and may i ask if you are using cloudlifter/fethead on your shure sm7b to your L8?

[@curtisjudd]

No cloudlifter.

[@عبدالجاكولالصلصالاني]

@@curtisjudd what version is your L-8 sir?

[@curtisjudd]

@@عبدالجاكولالصلصالاني I don't have an L-8, I borrowed it for a month in 2020 to make this review and then gave it back.

[@spencerfre]

Purchased the L8 to use along with filming podcasts. Was very disappointed to learn that the files recorded to sd card DO NOT have any type of numbering advancing system. So after hours of recording, all of the files have the exact same name. Engineers should have had a system similar to my F8 or even H6 that labels takes Zoom1, Zoom2, etc. This is bad.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing, French Spencer. I didn't experience this on my copy. Might be worth contacting Zoom Support to see if maybe there's something odd going on with your copy. Best wishes!

[@spencerfre]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for responding. Can you tell me how your files and folders are labeling with each take when recording to the L8 sd card?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@spencerfre Hi, I borrowed it for the review and sent it back a couple of weeks ago so I don't have it here to confirm, but my recollection is that it created a unique folder for each session. I don't think it was a date format, but it did put each folder in the correct order so that it was easy to find the most recent recording session.

[@satsahota1765]

Hey Curtis, thanks for taking the time to make this video, super useful as always 👍🏽

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Sat!

[@davidfirth1]

Of course your review is the best one ever. I've had the L-8 about as long as this video has been out. I do church AV, and this little wonder got me through small parking lot church services during the pandemic -- little things where I had an instrument or two and 2-3 vocalist/speakers. I fed a portable PA with it for live mix and occasionally recorded. I've done standalone recording sessions to prep prepared content for inclusion in livestreams. The gain for dynamic sources is so-so, but throw a few FETheads at it and life is good. Once or twice, I rough sub-mixed using Zoom U44 interfaces and fed a single L-8 input each to get a couple more inputs squeezed in (not recommended, but necessity and mothering invention and all). So much flexibility and portability, and all able to be power bank powered. I still use this device 3 years later in 2023 and can't recommend it enough ... unless people need more inputs and the L-12 or L-20 are better tools.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing your experience, David 👍

[@adobemastr]

Curtis, this looks like a decent unit but I did not like the audio quality when you were talking to Emma. When I do phone interviews with my Olympus LS 100, I get better audio quality from the person I am calling than this Zoom. Maybe the bad audio quality stems from Emma being in her dorm room? It is the age old problem with someone on the phone sounding like they’re at the bottom of a well.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Roy, thanks for the feedback. That was the FaceTime audio - not the L-8's fault. You can tell as we played back a sample from my phone of my podcast and that sounded a LOT better. So it was FaceTime and the fact that she was just using her phone mic in a cavernous room that was the issue.

[@davidperry7863]

Is there an option to kill background audio when mic is keyed

[@curtisjudd]

If I understand your question, no, there is no automated ducking or muting.

[@gerardobello1747]

Can this mixer be better than a normal recorder if I plan to use it to record interviews for videos? It can give me something extra during recording or is the same as use a Zoom f6 or H6? Or even take the audio straight to the camera?

[@curtisjudd]

I would probably opt instead for the Zoom F6 for recording interviews but it depends. Does your camera have XLR mic/line level inputs? If so, the L-8 has the advantage of balanced XLR outputs so you could go directly to camera. If not, the F6 had limiters and wider dynamic range capabilities to prevent clipping, so I'd go with that. Best wishes!

[@gerardobello1747]

Curtis Judd 𝗧hank you!