Zoom LiveTrak L-8 mixer | FULL REVIEW

[@RichStranger]

To reiterate: THANK YOU for YOUR TIME, EFFORTS & expertise…

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome Richard - thanks for the message!

[@eekamoose]

Good comments, David. Excellent review. My L-8 arrived a couple of days ago and like you I'm very happy with it. If anybody wants to see how the L-8 can be really useful for a musician (as opposed to a podcaster) I recommend David's video where he takes it to a park and makes a live recording (I think there's a link at the end of this full review video). What I like most about the L-8 is the fact that you can access so many of its functions using physical buttons and knobs rather than having to scroll through menus. With the L-8 you rarely have to enter a menu, whereas in a lot of recording and/or mixing gear out there (including gear from Zoom) it's rare when you DON'T have to enter a menu to change or adjust something. Buttons and knobs cost money and take up space, so a lot of audio products have commonly-used features buried deep in menu structures. The downside of course is that it takes time to find menu items, assuming that you can remember where the software engineers decided to bury them. It's nice to see Zoom implement the more expensive option of physical controls, and they've done a very good job of organising them and making buttons light up when they are active, etc. It all makes the L-8 extremely user-friendly and saves lots of time. Number 2 on my list of likes is being able to send a stereo mix with reverb to FOH but at the same time record up to 8 individual tracks dry so that you can remix everything when you get home from the gig. Number 3 is the fact that it's battery-powered. I'm running mine off a USB powerbank via the USB cable, as you did in your live recording in the park. And number 4 is the size and weight. I was very surprised at how small it was when it arrived, and it's very light. The L-8 doesn't feel particularly solid or rugged, but I'm used to a heavy, bullet-proof Dynacord powermixer . I'm guessing that the L-8 is built to last so long as you don't drop it or sit on it and so long as you use a rugged case with internal foam shock protection to transport it. I've been waiting many years for a product that ticks the boxes that this one does. This is sure to be a classic and a bestseller for Zoom I think. PS: Some of those pad sounds will be a laugh to use during gigs, eh? And you can create your own. I'm looking through my collection of sound effects for sounds like 'Fight breaking out' or 'Huge female audience cheering madly' or even 'Police arriving to shut the place down'.

[@davidshanhun]

haha love the sound effects you're thinking of!!! 😉I always got a kick out of playing a siren through the PA every now and then for my own amusement! haha. Def one of my fav features is the fx to main FOH whilst still getting raw individual tracking! ....now if only I could gather with a bunch of cool muso's to record haha... there will come a time! 😊

[@neomerismedia1383]

Any advice for the powerbank to buy ? Will receive my L8 in a few days....

[@eekamoose]

@@neomerismedia1383 Wow, I missed your question two years ago. Sorry. I use an Anker PowerCore 26,800 mAh powerbank. On paper it has capacity enough to power the L-8 for well over 24 hours, although I’ve never checked in reality.

[@CalmingAnxiety]

It was due to all your vodeos on the L8 that I purchased mine. I run a Podcast for just me (so, slight overkill at the mo) but its quality of recording far outweighs the Behringer I was using. I record direct to SD first so there is no PC noise to interfere and I am blown away (Rode Podmic and cloud lifter) Because of this setup I can now produce the tracks needed for my app, I really can not thank you enough for your reviews.

[@davidshanhun]

That's awesome Martin! Glad to hear you are able to create what you need! 👌

[@clemlysergy3335]

Thanks bro, good to see a review from another Kiwi! Rockshop have got these on sale for $545 so pretty sure I'm gonna grab one

[@davidshanhun]

yeah mate that's an ace price at the moment eh!

[@sjpachica3]

You and Grant Stinnett's review on this L8 are the best on KZbin right now. Yours has more detail and technical info but also very practical. His is very use case focused giving examples of how he has and will use it. Thanks again for this vid and the performance vid!

[@davidshanhun]

ah thanks so much Shane! Got two more videos on the L8 coming out today and tomorrow around multitrack recording with it - do you have one?

[@sjpachica3]

@@davidshanhun No but it's next on my gear purchase list. Going to use it to keep all of my instruments hooked up in my home studio as an Audio Interface. Also going to use it when my buddies come over and jam. Also going to use it in a live looping setup with drum machines, bass, guitar, synth etc hooked up. It's such a super versatile piece of kit. I look forward to watching you new vids on it!

[@davidshanhun]

@@sjpachica3 sounds like lots of fun to be had! 😊

[@prometheus23c]

Finally got mine. Watching this as I unbox and set up, to get a better idea of what to do. Thanks for this amazing video bro!

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome! Enjoy the unit!

[@jezmyrbernardo2665]

THE BEST 20 MINUTES OF WATCHING A REVIEW! THANK YOU!

[@davidshanhun]

ah that's awesome - thanks!

[@sheldonferguson9762]

Wow, someone that really knows how to make a painless review! Starting with the negative is the best. Reason I like that ... If I don't mind the negatives, I'll be happy to hear the rest. I hate learning what maybe a deal breaker after watching all a video. This is exactly what I needed to help me make a decision. Thank you

[@davidshanhun]

ah cheers! what did you end up going with?

[@jchavez6541]

Dude thank you for this video, it was exactly what I needed and the most complete video out there so far regarding the Zoom LiveTrak L-8!!!

[@davidshanhun]

Most welcome! Glad it helped! 😊

[@amaniredchilds8374]

I’m getting it now because of you . Your description of all the features was very easy to listen & understand too

[@donr8191]

I've had a Zoom H6 for a few years now and am completely satisfied with it....but am getting the L-20. Have lots of impromptu get togethers and never know how many mics will be needed or instrument inputs etc. Would have needed 14 just before Christmas for a house party but the H6 did a pretty good job of recording the "room". Thanks for your great reviews it will save me some learning time. Also want to use it for recording rehearsals once we can get back to creative collaboration...Thanks again !!!

[@davidshanhun]

The L-20 will be epic! ...I've got some more videos to do on overdubbing with these units - I still missed so much off this review haha!

[@jefflep1]

I just ordered mine for podcasting and a doing work for an internet radio station! I’m so stoked!

[@davidshanhun]

awesome Jeff! Enjoy when it turns up!

[@rgp568]

Best review of this board!! Got all the info, great job!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks!

[@SpiritOfTrboule]

Well, after quite some pain with Headphone monitor outputs, I got a couple of SB-5 DI boxes from Radial Engineering and it works perfectly also with Jack -> XLR. It's also possible to do it with other DI boxes, but this one really shines as it allows for summing L/R channels to single mono XLR or you can plug two jacks to it. I use that combo to bring sound to our JVC camera (XLR only input) at correct level. It seems the monitor outputs are preamped for headphones, so it's way too strong for other uses. DI box solves that.

[@davidshanhun]

Andrej! Thanks so much for suggesting this gem of a DI box. great solution to this issue and the mono summing option is also brilliant!

[@iamtonyade]

This was a great and very informative review. Thanks for taking the time out to share! I can’t wait for my Zoom L-8 to come in the mail tomorrow! 😊

[@davidshanhun]

whoop whoop! how's it going so far?

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun not bad at all. Tracked some live drums and it came out really good. One thing I don’t like or I’m not sure if I haven’t figured it out, is the fact that there’s no way to cut the volume for the monitors/speakers while recording! So I’ve been literally having to turn off the speakers when I’m ready to record; that’s annoying! 😵😩

[@davidshanhun]

@@iamtonyade just bring the master down - the recording is before any of the faders at all - so you'll still get your recording exactly the same - and means you can move any of the faders mid performance or have them completely on 0 and you'll still end up with the same individual .wav files for each channel.

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun I actually tried that, but when I brought the master down, I also couldn’t hear from the headphones any longer 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@iamtonyade]

@@davidshanhun Hey David! So I’m not sure if your advice pertains to recording via a DAW, but if I turn the master fader down, I get no sound in my headphones, which makes it impossible to record and hear what’s being recorded. Can you please help me out? Thanks so much man

[@Pharesm]

Your very first point about the headphone cabling issue - Does that mean AKG 712 Headphone users are prevented from using their Headphones, because the ONLY input to those is a mini-XLR connector - which is really great, because if you ever mess up your headphone cable with those, you can just plug in another one - no trip to the repair shop, no trip to the cellar to get out the soldering iron...

[@davidshanhun]

great question but no - they are the exact headphones I use and they work great with this mixer. The mini-xlr connector you mentioned is the connection TO the headphones which can be anything (depending on your headphones). The other end of the headphone lead which will go into the desk is a 1/4 or 1/8' trs jack which plugs straight into the desk. Cheers for the question though.

[@Pharesm]

@@davidshanhun awesome, much thanks for the answer :) Those headphones are indispensable to me. I bought Waves' "Abbey Road" virtual speakers/studio plug-in just to use with those headphones, where ever I have no speakers...

[@davidshanhun]

@@Pharesm ooh don't know this plugin but use a few of the waves stuff. Might check it out!

[@Pharesm]

@@davidshanhun kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6bIl2uoqbqMnJI :)

[@rockymiller]

Thank you very much I learned so much about my Zoom LiveTrak L8. I mainly use it for podcasting but I see it so much more than a podcast Mixer

[@davidshanhun]

Awesome Rocky! Glad it was useful!

[@joshbarkerfilms]

Honestly one of the best reviews on a product ever, so much specific info! Thanks for this!

[@davidshanhun]

appreciate that Josh!

[@rickaronica9321]

This is a great review and tutorial. I just picked one of these up for my Acoustic Project off of Ebay. I love you just got to the point of things! Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

Thank you mate! Happy recording and creating with it!

[@theoutputlab2500]

Great review David. Very informative, straight to the point and sounds and clips. Thanks mate!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks 😊

[@DaveMaurer]

Great review, David. Helped me learn a couple of things I was trying to get for my podcast. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful! What's your podcast Dave?

[@DaveMaurer]

@@davidshanhun My podcast is Christian Music Archive podcast (christianmusicarchive.com/podcast) But I also use the zoom for a podcast that I help record (mercytoday.global)

[@Saaranga108]

Excellent!! Very thorough explanation. You answered all my questions and made my decision so easy. This is the piece of gear that I need. Kudos and thank you for your time!!

[@davidshanhun]

love it - it's a pretty great piece of kit!

[@__Rob]

You said it has no master output EQ but what does it have for per-track EQ? Does it have virtual tracks for bouncing overdubs when you use it as a recorder?

[@jimbro6662]

Excellent review David. No nonsense and very thorough. Seeing this and your other Livetrak L8 videos convinced me to buy the L8 but then I hit a snag. As primarily a guitar player I sometimes need to punch in on guitar tracks, usually using a foot switch, but this is not possible with the L8. It also seems that the only way to punch in is to press a button on the mixer - as you demonstrated for a vocal track in one of your videos. That’s OK-ish for a singer but impractical for a guitarist (and many other musicians). The L8 doesn’t even seem to allow preset punch in/out points to automate the process. Unless I’m misunderstanding or someone has a clever way around this (other than getting an assistant to press the button which is often not viable) it’s a deal breaker for me. Such a shame as in so many ways it is the ideal portable recorder/interface. By the way, for anyone concerned about using a combination of condenser and other mics with the L8, particularly ribbon mics, I’ve got around this in similar situations by using the inline Triton Audio ‘Phantom Blocker’ which passes signal but not phantom power. There may well be other similar gadgets available.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Jimbro! Cheers for this comment/message brother - and yeah, so far I haven't figured out a way around this either. Would be amazing if you could use the 'mark' function to set punch in punch out, but I don't believe that's an option. Appreciate the details on the Phantom Blocker too!

[@anasounddesign]

Hi David, thank you so much for this video! Helped a lot! We did a zoom (conference) choir rehearsal using the zoom (mixer) where me and the choir director sang and the rest of the choir sang at home with muted mics. The stream worked great! Wish you all the best! Greetings from a Brazilian stranded in Germany! :)

[@LosMajesLatinBand]

No eq on master? Great review, thanks. Gotta go🖐

[@SteveBaerThatsMe]

Thank you for taking the time to share the important things about the device. Really helpful. The only problem is, now I want one. :)

[@davidshanhun]

haha love it! Let me know if you end up getting one! 😜

[@Gwadero]

My friend, thank you for this video. You brought up the subject of incorrectly labeled channels. I've had a zoom l8 for a few weeks and I couldn't record anything in garage band, only the feedback from the left channel was recorded (I selected 1 in the DAW).

[@fridmanator]

Absolutely the best review! Thanks, keep it up

[@davidshanhun]

Aw thanks! 😊

[@beta25]

on the monitor output, i believe you may need an xlr splitter cable (Y cable) because the monitor outs are sending an unbalanced stereo signal. without the splitter cable you may hear a muffled signal. cheers!

[@steveliddle8417]

A stereo output which is wired to an XLR (pin1 ground. pin2 left pin 3 right (por vice versa)) creates a karaoke mixer - all the centre information is cancelled out by the differential amplifier on the receiving balanced input.

[@jezmyrbernardo2665]

Subscribed because of the first 1 minute. Good job with that intro.

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers!

[@skaragozian]

Thx David, your info and teaching is so simple to understand and apply . Have learnt good points from you on how to use L-8 mixer/recorder.

[@ChascaCoyllur2008]

Hi David! Thank you so much for everything you put out here on this video!! It helped me a lot to understand this interface and to resolve a few issues I was stuck on!!! Blessings and all the best!

[@cbmoore444]

Good review, David. I've also had a few Zoom devices over the years starting with a Zoom 9000 way back in '92. Most are great and some not as much. Sounds like a good little mixer there.

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks. I think this is a pretty stunning piece of kit! haha. Still finding many more things it can do... perhaps there'll be an updated review at some stage! 😂

[@ItsaCatsLife]

Thanks for doing this, David. There are always caveats no matter which multitrack mixer/recorder you look at. I would have preferred more hands on & views of the L-8 rather than your up-close face to be honest, or at least further from the camera - but I managed to get through the video due to the invaluable information. Cheers from Oz.

[@davidshanhun]

hehe this is the most common comment tbh. Feedback received haha!

[@sonnyd1527]

You could probably use a Pyle Mini Hum Eliminator for the headphone jack issue. (Not for the hum elimination, although that part is nice.) it's has 2 TRS inputs and two TRS outputs + 2 XLR inputs and 2 XLR Outputs. You could probably use it playing live anyway.

[@davidshanhun]

Ah that's a cool option/idea. Thanks!

[@enigmasounds]

Many thanks David, this was a great help to me setting it up......One important point all should know is the faders seem to remember their last settings, which is good but....they need to be wiggled when testing or nothing comes through. Thanks again.

[@davidshanhun]

yes absolutely David!

[@ItsCassieVlogs]

Thanks for this full review of the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 mixer / recorder. This is really helpful.

[@davidshanhun]

yay! So happy it was helpful! 😊

[@brettdavid]

Great Review - and info thanks David.

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers Brett!

[@clivewhitworth4755]

Perfect, gets straight to the point, saved me heaps of time in my research, thanks!

[@Fin17772]

Awesome review mate. My mixer/interface had output issues suddenly. Need an urgent replacement while the fix it under warranty. Definitely will sort out my immediate workflow issues.

[@davidshanhun]

hey Fin! will answer the question on your other message - hope you got this sorted!

[@Pharesm]

So, by now, I've actually bought one - in part thanks to your answer about the AKG 712... - it arrived this week...! So the L8 manual states, that the Master Headphone out will put out an identical signal to the master out. (going directly to active speakers in this case) So how come my speakers on the master-outputs are getting signal, but the master headphone-out is getting nothing? And I've used consoles since the 80's. I have an SQ-5 and getting along with it... what am I doing wrong?? Starting to wonder if I got a defective unit? I tested that headphone and cable are good. Thinking you might be the most likely one to know, since you've covered lots of details on this unit :D . As for my first unboxing impressions: I hate it. Plasticky, flimsy and the USB driver for PC sucks - it doesn't list up the channels - its just an in-transparent blob. I want to route PC audio to USB 3+4, i.e stereo channel 8, there is absolutely no way to assign that. Driver update from Zoom? nada. Gravely, I think all the controls are just held by their soldering joints and will not hold up, unless you keep it in a box full of cotton balls. But for battery powered, there is nothing else except MixPre 6II (which is more cumbersome to operate) and Behringer Flow8, which can only handle 2 condenser mics. (wish Behringer had aimed a bit higher on that, like 6 condenser mics for $320 instead of 2 condenser mics for $220 - because otherwise it would be a much better mixer than the L8 imo) Oh yeah and I forgot those Zoom Field recorders, with the same shitty plastic build. I'm not railing against plastic in general - Some other companies simply use higher quality plastic (Tascam, Sony) ** I'd say that you have to be damned sure, that you really need it battery operated before buying that. ** At least one, maybe both of the other Livetrak units have a metal housing, I think. Was it the L12 and L20 or only L20?

[@danielvillarreal_musician]

This was such an amazing review, you gained a new subscriber!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Daniel! Welcome to the channel 😊

[@mikejcassam]

I noticed in the manual that it says the 1/4 inch master out and the three 1/4 inch monitor outs are all stereo outputs. Which makes sense when using headphones. But how does that work if using the 1/4 inch master out to run a powered speaker with a 1/4 inch input? The speaker is a mono plug and cable will be a mono jack, but the output jacks on the board are stereo. Great review!

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Michael - I haven't tested this actually as haven't been panning anything much into a stereo mix that then gets sent to the monitor outputs. I presume you only get Left OR Right, just not sure which one, so if you have things panned in your mix you may lose some of the panning. If nothing is panned and your signal is basically mono then you're all good though. As mentioned above I haven't specifically tested this but that's what I would expect given the outputs from the 1/4 jacks are only working as mono.

[@mikelundquist4596]

@@davidshanhun if it is truly a stereo output, and you are panning anything that you record, you'll want to monitor in stereo. Get an adaptor... 1/4" trs to two mono 1/4" (or xlr, whichever you monitor input is)

[@ckyale]

Thanks for the thorough review, man. This has really helped me. Cheers.

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it helped mate! 😊

[@gorillaz2332]

This was super helpful. I am a mixer/live streaming noob so this was amazing.

[@JoergPelzer]

I bought it and it's amazing. Thanks to you :-)

[@davidshanhun]

ah that's awesome! Enjoy!

[@buildingsheriff]

Thanks, David. Excellent as ever.

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks! 😊

[@tresamacooladen]

thank you for this im the audio tech at my college radio trying to find us a better setup. this video really helps. cheers :P

[@davidshanhun]

Glad I could help! There's lots of good options for gear now it becomes hard to know sometimes what will be a good fit eh!

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Good Morning David! Ever use the L-8 with headphones in Mix-A-B-C? We've tried several headphones (impedances all over the map) and all have what sounds like clip-buzzing when we push a bit: Both vox and guitar. Weird... BTW, when we record and play it back the buzzing doesn't seem to be coming out the PA (QSC K-12's). Weird, right?

[@davidshanhun]

yes I have used Mix A a few times with no issues - although I find the output quite low overall. Are you using them still set to 'Master' or are they set to different mixes? ...and it's something coming through regardless of headphones used yeah? (just checking I understood what you said)

[@DeafBunnysBand]

@@davidshanhun We're using separate mixes (A for Pete, B for Sheri, C for durmmer). We've used 5 different headphones all with a different impedance: Same clip-like buzz when pushed. We agree the volume is really pretty low, right on the edge of being unusable: For a strong vocalists the idea of headphones is to drown out the "voice in your head" (the sound of your voice resonating through your body we hear when we're speaking normally) and hear what's coming out of your mouth instead. A strong vocalist (Pete is Bono loud) needs a LOT of volume pushed into those headphones.

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Good Morning David! Think we've got it figured out: After a little more careful reading of the manual, specifically page 6 under Gain Knob, using Hi-Z and or -26dB pulls those levels back into non-clipping. We DO now believe that the clipping buzz was a clipping buzz. Without engaging Hi-Z and -26dB there is a built in 10dB push. They've certainly made some odd choices with this rig! We'll probably continue to use it (quickly getting addicted to the multi-channel recorder ON-BOARD) (beat our old solution). We always miss working from unity though...

[@DeafBunnysBand]

Dig what you're doing performance wise! Hit us over our website if interested in a longer discussion: We're not big into letting our fans in on how the sausage gets made! ROKKON!! \m/ (Also we want to use some of your schtuff as break-music for our gigs.)

[@davidshanhun]

@@DeafBunnysBand Awesome that you've found some solutions/discoveries and thanks for the feedback 👌Yep, loving having the onboard and individual tracking from the desk itself eh. So handy!

[@JeanMartinNainggolan]

Do you know what other mixer with this specs and price point?

[@davidshanhun]

There isn't anything I've found at the same price point. More expensive then yes there are a few options.

[@stefanoricchiuti3726]

I use L-8 as audio interface for my pc. This is my problem: when I talk with my friends on Discord for example, they ear not only my voice, but even everything that I’m listening on my Pc. I’m using channel 7, USB 1-2 on MIX A output. Furthermore, for let my freinds ear me, I have to use the MASTER red fader. How can my friends listen only my voice? What I can do? Thank you a lot.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Stefano thanks for the comment. Yep this can be solved. The master output is what is set to come out usb 1-2 by default even if you're listening to Mix A. Here's how I would set it up. On the master mix make sure the only fader that is up is whichever channel your voice is on. Then switch to Mix A, and set the faders for your voice and channel 7 volume that you personally want to hear etc. A friendly reminder not to use the mute buttons as they apply to all mixes at once. Let me know how you go 👌

[@stefanoricchiuti3726]

@@davidshanhun Thank you! i finally understood how it works... in the end! :D

[@davidshanhun]

@@stefanoricchiuti3726 yay! haha it caught me out a bit at the start too man!

[@barkofink]

As a musician i wouldn't go for that unit tbh. I'm considering buying the Mackie profx3 serie for several reasons. However its analogue preamps are of better quality 192khz 24 bit recording, balanced XLR outputs and usb audio interface. This is also less expensive 159€ for the first model. I like its versatility and overall quality. The Zoom has advantages over the Mackie for live environment and post edition mainly but still too expensive from my pov.

[@davidshanhun]

perfect. Glad you know what you want and what you'll use it for etc! All the best with your recordings!

[@mikemaddenmusic3926]

Hi David, You really have become my go to for advice and kit (I already have the VL3X based on your videos!). Thanks for this - huge dump of information (and yes, the wallet is now £300+ lighter!). Thanks again, you've really helped me get on the road!

[@ivanenos]

Thanks David. That was very informative.

[@davidshanhun]

trust it was useful! :)

[@tornadokat]

I thought recording a channel to SD card included gain but not EFX or EQ? When you demonstrated having a venue mic record only, you said you can leave this fader completely down. If I understand correctly, wouldn't that prevent anything from recording from that channel?

[@davidshanhun]

heya! When recording to the SD card it does include gain but not fx/eq/panning etc. BUT... the gain is different than the fader knob. The gain is the little dial at the top of the channel strip - whatever you set that to is the recorded level. The sliding fader simply decides how much gets sent to the mix. So, you can record with the fader completely down, and you still get a great clean signal for the recording.

[@tapecompasqualegrieco8371]

Great video!!! I have some questions: Can I use usb return 1-2 and 3-4 at the same time? If yes, the tracks 7 and 8 are in stereo? If I use a usb return at channel 7, can I still use the track 8 with line input ?

Track 7 & 8 , both are stereo. If you use Track 7 for USB , track 8 can use for line in. It is individual. If use TRRS for phone call, track 7-8 will combine.

[@Shundo22]

Did you find a solution?

[@tylerwatson1014]

David, I am looking at the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 vs the Tascam Model 12. I would use this mainly for recording, but possibly for small venues as well. I would need this for vocals only. Live and recording would be 4-5 tracks. I have an equalizer I can hook to it for live performance if needed. Would the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 be plenty for what I need, or would something like the Tascam Model 12 be a better fit for just vocals. I feel the Model 12 would be over kill for what I am needing, but I like the fact that it has compression and I can adjust the highs, mids and lows. Wanted to know what your thoughts were on this. Great detailed video on the zoom track 8.

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Tyler. You can adjust the EQ highs, mids and lows on the L-8 also - it is just done by selecting the track you want to adjust, and then adjusting the settings, then selecting the next track that you want to adjust etc. So EQ wise you're getting a similar setup as the Tascam just with a different way to set it. the thing I like about the Tascam is it has sweepable mids for each, plus an EQ with sweepable mids on the master also. I haven't heard the compression from the model 12 - but it is something I would appreciate having that the L-8 doesn't - purely for live however. If it's all being recorded and mixed in post, then it's really irrelevant, but for live it is a benefit for sure. One of the main reasons that I totally forgot to mention in this video for me choosing the L-8, is that I can film and record audio with individual tracking all powered by a phone battery bank (or if I wished AA batteries with the L8). Hope that helps you with your choice!

[@mateuszbugiel6581]

Great review David, thank You.

[@davidshanhun]

😊

[@nthonymusic]

Great information! Thank you so much for this video. Just got one of these and this video was definitely helpful! You remind me of one of my Kiwi friends who lives in Christchurch. I will be coming there to tour someday. Thanks again!

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome! Ah, love it - come tour in NZ and say hi 😊

[@viliamifeaomoeata6296]

thank you for this video, really helped me out a lot

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome and glad it helped!

[@rferia539]

Thanks very much for going over this! Seems like a cool unit. They should make the pads larger and then they can double as a mini drum machine. Lol

[@davidshanhun]

That would be a cool addition eh!

[@drumgrandpa]

Hey FANTASTIC review! I wish this level of content quality was more normal. Speaking of noal, please share your lighting set up. Fantastic warm colors, super professional. Gimmee gimme..

[@davidshanhun]

aww thank you so much 😍 I am 98% certain I'm using a LUT from Matti Haapoja called Cinema on this vid - too much and it gets a bit crazy, but you can just dial in how much it affects the image. I was also sitting by a window, with the room light behind me being a bit orangey I think! Hope that helps! Got my first vid coming out in an hour or so using the L8 as a multitrack recording unit in case you ended up getting one! 🕺

[@drumgrandpa]

David Shanhun Hey yes I did pick one up. It makes capturing interviews for the Radically Unstuck podcast incredibly simple! What a device it is. Just so happens Iam moving toward adding video to my production soon.

[@davidshanhun]

@@drumgrandpa awesome! Podcast looks pretty interesting just took a look 👌 Might add to my listening list for later 😊

[@drumgrandpa]

David Shanhun Hey thank you so much! I would love to have you on if youd like.

[@MusoManUK]

I have a question ... if I'm using the L-8 in a studio setup and my Master Outs are connected to my studio powered monitors, can I monitor through the headphones (recording vocals, guitar, etc.) without going through the monitors? Or do I need to unplug the Master Out XLRs every time I want to monitor through headphones only? Hope you can help, thanks in advance

[@davidshanhun]

heya! Yes! Plug your headphones into Mix A, and you can simply adjust the headphone level from the small black gain setting by the input (once you've set the appropriate levels in that mix that you want). Then all you will need to do is lower the master fader when you don't want to hear your studio monitors (lower the fader not press mute - mute applies to all mixes whereas the fader levels are independent).

[@frankythedeadboy664]

Fantastic...this is just exactly the kind of video I needed to see before I purchase one. I have a tascam dp24 and its a complete pain in the butt!!!! hehehehehehe.... thanks a lot. Subscribed. Your video, was my selling point. Thanks again.

[@chanceizosom]

I’m very curious about the quality of the preamps. Any info on that?

[@davidshanhun]

I'm really happy with them - but don't have a huge amount of info to send you sorry!

[@theJACEchannel]

Hi David. This is by far the most informative of videos of the L8. It was just given to me as gift, I was pumped about setting it up as an interface with Logic Pro X. I DONT GET IT ! When I record on Logic I use input monitoring, and when I select input monitoring like usual in Logic while using this, I get feedback from the stereo channel 7 when set to usb. Which is the signal from the computer (including my input monitoring)? Right? Why am I hearing feedback? My output is XLR jack to jack into studio monitors. They just made it too confusing. Is there way to fix this? Goal: use it as an interface with LPX while being able to hear the master sound coming from the input monitoring (computer) without hearing feedback? I appreciate the video and any help in advance! Thanks

[@davidshanhun]

heya, do you have a live mic in the room whilst doing this? - eg what is your input monitoring signal?

[@fpham8004]

Better than zoom own videos, I have to tell you.

[@davidshanhun]

thank you :)

[@timothymarkprice9907]

Thank You! With LIVE Streaming and performing LIVE, can u send the main mix to your iPad/Phone while simultaneously sending the same main mix to FOH?

[@davidshanhun]

yes you can.

[@Djcorey410]

Where do you plug your speakers into for the sound to come out. Thanks in advance.

[@davidshanhun]

into the two main outputs on the unit (the two xlrs).

[@ОлександрРаєв]

Didn't get your opinion about outs. Can i use this outs with three headphones with extension cables on stage? Why not?

[@davidshanhun]

headphones are sweet as - that's what they are designed for as outputs 👌

[@yinYangMountain]

David Shanhun, I recently learned the Roadcaster Pro has an issue with mix-minus: If a person calls in via iPhone (a mix-minus setup), they will not hear an audio input or KZbin audio. For example: a host and the guest (via mix-minus) analyzing a KZbin or other audio clip. Questions: If you know,… 1. Does the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 suffer this mix-minus issue? 2. Will the guest (connected via mix-minus) hear the sound pads? Thanks in advance, yYM

[@davidshanhun]

no mix minus issues that I'm aware of anybody having with the l-8. They hear the master output of the desk including sound pads etc, and minus their signal.

[@davidvega175]

Hi! Great video! Is it possible that with the mixer I can use live mode at the same time that I send sequences on the computer to the main Mix and send another sequence to headphones/monitors?

[@davidshanhun]

you've got two channels you can send from the computer to the desk and can then send those wherever suits - main/a/b/c etc. so yes 👌

[@thewaxbirds]

This looks awesome! You have definitely helped us with choosing what we need for our next steps forward regarding live and streaming. With the livestream mix, is it possible to set up an ambient moc like you suggested, have this in the mix to the phone but not front of house? Regards and thanks again ☺️

[@davidshanhun]

hi The Wax Birds! Yes - this is totally possible to do - we did it with a livestream a while back at a venue - not an ambient mic but another dynamic mic that was purely to chat just for the livestream. To do this you set up your main mix, as well as Mix A (or B or C etc). The one thing to remember is that the main mix is what gets sent out of the TRRS cable on track 8 - so if you want the ambient mic going to your phone include it on the main mix. The downside of this is you need to run your speakers and FOH from one of the headphone outputs and either daisy chain, or what we did was run that signal into another small desk and then into our FOH. Also - when you switch mixes to set it up - change the fader level for each mix instead of using mute - mute applies to all mixes. Hope that all makes sense - reach out if you have further Q's etc.

[@bjarkenielsen8515]

Dear David. Regarding 3:50 .... what graphic EQs would you suggest?

[@davidshanhun]

This is now quite an old unit really, but a pretty good simple option combined with the L8. amzn.to/2JZg71J (find what works for you though - there are all sorts of options similar to this!).

[@getstew]

Do you happen to remember how the headphone amps are? Hissy/noisy at loud volumes? I’m an old radio guy that runs them hot. Thinking of using for podcast. Thanks!

[@davidshanhun]

I've found them really good at high volumes. Headphone impedance for me is 62, so you may pick up more noise if you're running something much lower. In saying that i've pushed them and they remain very clear. Hope that helps!

[@getstew]

@@davidshanhun Thanks for this! I use Sony 7506s so I should be good there. Best...

[@toneranger]

Hi David, excellent review, I love the L8 for traveling and recording ideas or jams. I'm thinking of getting one as the UI24 records straight to USB drive and will give you the multitrack and stereo recording options you need and comp and EQ, but not great for a plane or backpack. The DB es503 speaker gives you an antifeedback EQ which would be handy paired with the L8 for live settings.

[@ricardoalmeida8611]

Great review David! I have a question for you: when you recorded audio to your DAW using Zoom Livetrak, were you using PC or Mac? If you were using Mac, did your computer have USB standard as input or just USB-C? The reason I'm asking that is because I have a Mac with only USB-C and, looking at the specs of Zoom Livetrak it says "Operation is not guaranteed when used with USB hubs or expansion cards". I'm affraid I will have issues while recording using a USB hub to connect Zoom to my Mac.

[@davidshanhun]

heya! I'm on a mac but still have a usb-a slot. I suspect buying an adaptor or using a usb hub won't be an issue - if you use a usb-a to usb-c adaptor you'll be sweet - hubs are usually what tend to cause issues (if there are). In saying that - I'm pretty sure I've run it from a hub no worries.

[@Jalsatnah]

Hello David ,, Do you have any idea if the l8 can be chain linked as slave to my main l8 ? The idea that im using the main l8 for mix and recording live music band , now the band had grown 😃 so more channels is needed, recently i have my hand on another l8 and want to sync. It or chain link it with my main but not by in/out typical method as i want to sync all the tracks in both mixers to record all in once and mot to worry about how to align the tracks on the S/W.

[@davidshanhun]

I can't think of a way of doing this off the top of my head, I'd suggest you prep them both for recording and simply hit the 'play' button to start recording on each at exactly the same time. There will still be some potential discrepancy between the exact press between different hands, but should give you pretty ace results. Otherwise - if you can split one track so it records on one channel for each mixer you'll have a reference track that is exactly the same to sync each set of audio to. Hope that helps - maybe not the ideal scenario but will work well. If I think of any other options to add a timecode that's the same etc I'll drop you another reply.

[@Jalsatnah]

@@davidshanhun Aha ,, I will try the idea of splitting the track into channels on each , it will make life easier to sync the other. Thank you 🙏,,

[@KeithMarvK]

Can't thank you enough for this vid. Great job 👏🏾 👍🏾

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers Keith!

[@beatboxerz]

Excellent review!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Darrin!

[@neomerismedia1383]

Hi, very nice review. I ordered an L8 but I am having second thoughts for one specific thing : Overdubbing. I am a multri-instrumental musician and would love to go to the park, record multiple tracks with different instruments, not live but overdubbing each time on a separate track. I have seen some videos showing the L12 capabilities for overdubbing, but none with the L8. Do you use overdubbing and if yes, were there any issues? Thanks.

[@davidshanhun]

You can absolutely do this! Video is in the process of being made on this specific thing and how to do it. Have only tested the waters a little bit so far, but no issues as of yet. If there's a video on overdubbing with the L12, the process will be the same for the L8 with how the brains are set to run.

[@neomerismedia1383]

@@davidshanhun Thanks. Indeed there are with the L-12. But I was wondering why all the videos about the L-8 would not mention this - in my opinion important - use of the device. Thanks for the reply.

[@ahmadhusayn7631]

Excellent review! Am looking to use this as part of a self monitoring rig for my band. Regarding the headphone monitor outputs only working with jack to jack leads, will it still work with a stereo 1/4" lead split into 2 mono 1/4" leads into a stereo wireless iem transmitter?

[@hovermotion]

Superb review..

[@davidshanhun]

Thankyou!

[@willpriormusic]

Hey David thanks for the review mate. 3 years on, have you seen anything else come onto the market worth taking a look at in the recording/mixer realm?

[@davidshanhun]

Hey Will - yeah there's a lot mate! I actually bought and sold a bunch of mixers last year around this (intended to do a video but that didn't happen in the midst of life), but it's great to see more and more mixers include individual recording direct to SD. The zoom stuff is great and for budget I really rate it - but just released is the Allen & Heath CQ series which is an excellent option. Most comes down to budget etc for this stuff though tbh - there's the m20x from RCF that's a pretty nice piece of kit with SD recording etc but they're all at a higher price bracket than where Zoom is. Essentially I'd still rate the zoom stuff for being able to do this really well at the price range and I like the overall sound from their desks... but they are missing the tools to deal with live sound really well when compared with the more expensive gear. So - it's a balance of what's needed or general budget overall haha! What are you running at the moment?

[@willpriormusic]

@@davidshanhun legend! I’m running a Behringer 1002b at the moment with a TC Helicon Play acoustic in front of it, and then simple recording with a Zoom H5. I’m always looking to improve the sound and have never been totally satisfied with the TCHPA which seems no matter what I try to make my vocal a bit “too digital” so was tinkering with the idea of just using effects off a board. ( I don’t use much effect anyway). Have had a good look at the Allen and Heath Zed series. Such a journey with our gadgets! Appreciate all your shared wisdom mate.

[@davidshanhun]

@@willpriormusic yeah funny journey to find and like our own sound eh! The best thing with a bunch of these kind of desks is if you're fx are coming from them - you can totally change or adjust them entirely in post if you wish to. Sometimes I've been in rooms where it requires massive amounts of reverb to sound 'normal' and others it's completely off to fit the room haha. If that same sound has to go out to your recording it's a tough call on what you prioritise eh? Best sound for the room or best sound for the recording haha! what part of the world are you in?

[@willpriormusic]

Yeah great points those! Will be interesting to have a look when the A&H CQ reach our shores. I’m in NZ mate. Down in Martinborough 👍.

[@davidshanhun]

ah nice bro! I'm digging that series more and more as i look them over! got a mate that just ordered the cq20 so will get to have a fool around with it soon haha! @@willpriormusic

[@skaragozian]

Thx David, your info and teaching is so simple to understand and apply . Have learnt good points from you on how to use L-8 mixer/recorder. I had a question Can you delete/remove at track file within a project ?

[@gspianoguitar4369]

Could I ask about the zoom livetrak 12 please? I cant find anyway the same info regarding the monitor out connections. Can I use a jack to XLR connect on that zoom mixer. Is that something you would know? (Btw nice review)

[@davidshanhun]

Hi! I expect that it would be the same on the L12 - but I don't know for certain. This was only something I discovered through actually using the unit, and the info doesn't appear to be anywhere online that I've found. I expect it wasn't intended to be an issue, but in actual use it is 😝

[@gspianoguitar4369]

@@davidshanhun Thanks David. Well yeah correct it is an issue if you do live work like me as well. My monitors (Eurolive Behringers) take XLR inputs so I hope the Live Trak 12 does. Again I cant find any info online and it seems Zoom in Europe have practically disppeared off the face of the planet. I've emailed Zoom US for a simple quick reply but as yet have heard nothing. (If there is anybody in this chat that uses a live trak 12 could you try it and maybe let me know please?) Thanks Dave sorry for the intrusion!

[@davidshanhun]

@@gspianoguitar4369 not sure there is anyone in this chat that is on the L12 - but perhaps check out a review video or similar from someone and ask them? I got around it using a jack to jack into another mini desk then xlr out 😂but that's more gear than is desired or needed lol - just so I could take advantage of the recording part!

[@katiepower1570]

Channel 1 is actually input 3 . Master out is 1 and 2. Your DAW needs to select input 3 for your first track.

[@davidshanhun]

Correct, but you can re-assign these if you wish also.

[@Naxt366]

Monitors jack 2 jack... Bummer! Would you say the L12 does that better?

[@davidshanhun]

I don't definitively know the answer sorry! I suspect you will be all good with the L12 given there is a L and R monitor output in addition to the stereo headphone outputs that the L8 has. Hope that potentially helps you!

[@BeatTheCasino]

I stream Live on Stage 10 I have tried so many times to use this mixer but I get everyone on headphones, speakers on there end turned down so no way the signal is getting fed back through the mic, but I cannot eliminate the echo on the recording. We do not hear it when we are broadcasting. I am going to go to a simple interface like Focusrite or Presonus if I cannot find a solution Any Ideas? Thank you so much

[@davidshanhun]

Send me a link to one of the recordings if you can - especially if the livetrak is in shot. Things like this are usually a simple solution, but there's a few things to check to find out exactly what it is in each case. Can also be an issue with how you setup audio in OBS (if you're using it to stream) rather than this desk in which case a Focusrite won't help you! Feel free to reach out - this stuff can be frustrating until you find what the issue is. 😊

[@CHARACTER9]

Best review out. Have you tried a jack to headphone jack yet?

[@davidshanhun]

technically trs to trs should work - the monitor mixes are stereo, and work fine with headphones which are a trs jack you're plugging in. ...actually testing now haha! YES - sent a trs (both ends) cable from the monitor mix into my headphone amp and stereo signal received just fine. 👌

[@suniltailor131]

Hi David, great review i ended up getting the mixer due to this info! One question when plugging the trrs cable into my phone from channel 8 to do a live stream via social media, its not picking up a signal but if playing back music etc that works fine! Am I missing something as I'm sure it worked previously.. many thanks! Sunil - London UK!

[@davidshanhun]

Hi Sunil - did you get it sorted? are you plugging the trrs directly into the phone, or is it via an iphone adaptor?

[@suniltailor131]

@@davidshanhun Hi David, I got it sorted to capture my audio from the mixer to my android phone. I basically went trs Jack out of one of the headphone outs to a ride trrs converter into my phone which works perfectly for capturing livestreams on at gigs or remotely!

[@davidshanhun]

@@suniltailor131 ah that's awesome! Clever work on that one! 😊

[@jimgoodman5028]

Hi. Thanks for this video. Sorry if this is a silly question but could you connect the “live streaming” cable out of the mixer into a DSLR camera thus getting the mixed/multi-mic sound directly to your video recording?

[@davidshanhun]

hey Jim, yes you can do that.

[@neomerismedia1383]

Ok I've been experimenting with my L8 since last post. Very incredible machine indeed. I think I'm selling my Focusrite as I am not sure I will ever need it again. I even have 2 physical preamps - a K&K and a GAP pre 73 - that I'm not sure I will need again... Also, very important thing : My friend who has the L12 asked me if I could do Live Facebook with it, which I could without problem. He can't without an additional audio interface. Turns out the L12 and L20 are having issues being recognized by Facebook Live (you can ask me why because I had an exchange with Zoom Support on that matter). One little annoyance however - and I wonder if you noticed - but if you do Punch In Punch Out dubbing, the "TOC" sound made by the buttons of the L8 are noticeable in the recording. But overall... wow. I just hope it is a durable product (crossing fingers).

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks for your comment! Sorry I didn't get to it til now! 🤪 Interesting to hear that the L12 and 20 are having issues being recognised by FB! Hope it's sorted now! I did notice that the 'toc' noise from pushing the buttons is audible - there is a way around it if you're mixing down via the zoom only, and that is when you mix to the master, make a note of the time that you pressed the button on a specific track, and you drop the fader on that channel to zero at that point briefly. If you're punching in and out on a super small section it won't solve it, but works perfectly if you do a whole chorus at once etc. How are you finding it one month on? (sheesh I just noticed this is when your comment is from!). I've just uploaded my first full song recorded and mixed fully on the L8 - it goes live in about 50 mins!

[@neomerismedia1383]

@@davidshanhun I now know what the issue with the L12 and L20 and FB Live, as I spoke with a Zoom engineer. FB Live will accept only Channels 1 & 2. It just happens that the L8 sends the master to 1 & 2 (that's why in Logic your first track has to be set to Output 3, even if you are using the Input 1 on the L8). The L12 and the L20 use other channels to route the Master, so FB doesn't "see" it. The workaround is to use a third party app, or to use an intermediate device between the L12/20 and the computer, while the L8 is straight forward plug and play with FB Live. As to my impression so far with the L8.... I am delighted, and so happy I got it.

[@davidshanhun]

@@neomerismedia1383 ah that's awesome to understand why! Thanks for following up with your reply on this!

[@JohnSmith-te2yg]

@@neomerismedia1383Zoom meetings has exactly the same issue...it only accepts incoming audio on USB channels 1 and 2, so a lot of the larger mixer/interface desks that don't output their main Mix on USB channels 1 and 2 have problems.

[@tcalzuolo]

is there a way to cue music on this unit? For example, let say that I am playing a cd track on channel 2 but want to cue a record on channel 3 but don't want the sound to play on the master.

[@davidshanhun]

yes you can - have explained on the 'i made a mistake' video where you commented. It's super simple to do, and just takes setting up levels on Mix A to start with. All the details are in response to your other comment though!

[@tcalzuolo]

@@davidshanhun thanks brother.

[@danielecorciulo8779]

Could I use two mono inputs to have one more stereoinput I mean could i make the two monofiles to a stero in postproduction, because I normaly only need two stereo inputs, but in some cases I would need three, so I was thinking to use two mono inputs as workarround.

[@davidshanhun]

yep that works

[@mikhailaksenov2355]

This video is definitely what you need to watch before buy it I was surprised about shared 7/8 :( and upset :D

[@davidshanhun]

ah thanks so much :)

[@mikhailaksenov2355]

But it turned out 7 and 8 are stereo inputs so 7/1+7/2 and 8/1+8/2 are available. I definitely love this mixer over a month of usage

[@Troevo]

Hey David! I've been trying to figure out if you've ever used this mixer for live streams on KZbin through OBS Studio on macOS. I'm struggling to understand how to properly connect the mixer. Should I use a USB connection, or is it preferable to go through TRRS? Also, I'm having trouble figuring out how to set up the audio sources when connecting via USB. The sound in my stream ends up being very quiet. Any tips or advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

[@davidshanhun]

heya! yep used it for many streams, connected via USB. have you downloaded the zoom plugin required first? That may be the issue - from there stream volume is what the master volume shows - so you should have a good amount of lights lighting up which will equate to a good streaming level. Reply or reach out if you're still stuck, or send me a photo on insta @davidshanhun.

[@soheilmasoumi3009]

hello. Thanks for the video. How do you evaluate the quality of the preamps of this mixer-recorder? In terms of noise and ambient sound In terms of record high and low frequencies as well as midranges? And is the phantom power button separate for each line? or not thank you 

[@davidshanhun]

How do I evaluate the preamps? Generally I go by what other people say in forums etc and then at some point make my mind up. Other than that you can look up the specific details in the manual or online if it's of interest to you. Phantom power is not separate but I'm sure you've found that out already haha!

[@stuj]

Super handy run-down. Guna go out and buy this today =)

[@drunkhas]

Thanks for the video review! My only doubt with this mixer board is if I'll be able to livestream a 3 to 4 people podcast through OBS and record simultaneously to an SD card in individual tracks. Currently with my Zoom H6 as an audio interface on multitrack I can send a stereo signal to OBS or record multitrack on Adobe Audition but when I try to run both softwares at the same time , whichever program I opened first is the one that recognizes the Zoom and microphones and the other one does not at all, plus the zoom starts making this very weird and upsetting mechanical noises. If with this I can livestream the podcast and record each microphone individually at the same time for editing purporses later, then it'll be golden.

[@davidshanhun]

yep it's designed to do exactly that. Just press record on each track that you wish to record and they'll be captured by the SD card, then the master out will go to OBS for you to record and livestream at the same time. Means you won't need to open Adobe Audition until after the session/podcast, when you can import the individual track files in there from the Zoom's SD card. 👌

[@drunkhas]

@@davidshanhun Thanks so much for the quick reply man! I think we're definitively gonna give it a try with the mixer and if so I'll post here my thoughts on it later on so it can help more people trying to find the right tool for their gig, For now absolutely subscribing cuz that was some quality content

[@davidshanhun]

@@drunkhas ah thanks! Yep, always a little interesting with gear trying to assess what will actually work for what we want to do eh!