Zoom LiveTrak L8, L-12, L-20, L20R: Differences Explained

[@PowercoatMusic]

*There is a correction in the analysis for the LiveTrak L-8. In the presentation, it was stated that the L-8 did not have onboard effects. That is incorrect. The unit has 8 onboard effects that include: Hall1, Hall2, Room, Plate, Delay, Chorus, Vocal1, Vocal2. We apologize for the error.

[@Brewed_Coffee]

Is zoom L12 is plug and play mixer?

[@عبدالجاكولالصلصالاني]

is the stated on board effects could be heard when you go livestream like in Facebook/KZbin?

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

BASS player here, nice presentation.

[@CausticCatastrophe]

We appreciate your appraisal of these models. I picked up the L8 to record my synths and junk. Its great. :)

[@hovermotion]

Superb overview 👍🏻

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks for watching.

[@cineffect]

I just discovered this channel few days ago, trying to get deeper into producing better sound for my productions (and hopefully doing some composing too) and I have to say you are the best. Information is concise, to the point, videos not too long and nice, clear voice! I am subscribing! Keep'em coming!

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks so much for the kind words and for your support. We'll keep them coming! 👍🏿

[@andre-le-bone-aparte]

Just found your channel - Excellent Content. Another sub for you sir!

[@JMMinistries]

The Zoom L-Trak 8 Does Have On Board / Build In Effects! I Use The All Time When I Had This Mixer. There's a BIG EFFECTS Button On The Bottom Right Side.

[@PowercoatMusic]

You are correct. Thanks for bringing up that point and sharing as it was missed in the analysis for the L-Trak 8. We own that error. Thanks for watching.

[@Mikepo587]

Actually hate to admit it but l-8 is the better of the two, yes there are easy work arounds , and because L/8 was intended for podcast it has something really cool like pad button which besides pre programmed sounds it’s okay to rec what you want and believe never thought I’d find a use but yeah I did.

[@robynrox]

I think it's a major advantage of the L-8 that it is USB- or battery-powered as that means you can take it out into the field and use it there. Also I would say the L-8's 3.5mm TRRS jack functionality (typically for use with a smartphone when using VOIP) is not replicated in the L-12 and L-20 and that can be handy, as you say, for podcasters and the like. I would have liked the extra features of the L-12 (sweepable mid EQ and one-knob compression) but can't have it all; and they can always be handled in post in the DAW anyway... I'm sure the 6.35mm jacks for channels 7 and 8 must be TRS unbalanced as these channels are stereo. (I would have preferred that they called them channels 7/8 and 9/10, personally.) Edit: It looks like they are TS. I think when you use channels 7 and 8 with these inputs, they are used in mono mode. There must be eight preamps and ADCs so the channels are only stereo if taking from the USB inputs, I believe.

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing. It's appreciated. 👍🏿

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

I bought an XLR cable. Now I just need to save 1000 dollars to get the L20, another 1000 dollars to get an electric guitar and case, and another 1000 dollars to get an amp, and another 1000 dollars to get an effects board with all the effects, another 2000 dollars for PA speakers, and 200 dollars for microphone to plug into my XLR cable.

[@MattyP19751]

$500 for microphone 😂😂

[@mawortman72]

Don’t bother. They’re junk.

[@JP-rf7px]

How much budgeted for music lessons???

[@RafaelUnplugged]

@@JP-rf7px$0 duh. Won't even get KZbin premium. Haha. 22 years playing guitar I look back and wish I took lessons as a kid and teen and young adult

[@MPENetwork]

This is so old school and we love it. Tank you for your education contribution to music! You are more awesome than you will ever know!

[@PowercoatMusic]

Sometimes old school is the best school. I really appreciate your kindness and support. Thanks so much. 👍🏿

[@TileNation]

I really like the work you put into this video. Good job. I am commentating to help your algorithm.

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks so much for watching. 👍🏿

[@gunstargizmo]

The Tascams were released later, and I'm certain that Tascam had a good look at the LiveTrack series before creating their own recorders.

[@Mellowdazed]

Very useful information, well presented video.

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@ruzbehmusic]

Thank you! This was great!

[@sharisses6342]

Thank you for this!

[@mirandazohran]

Hey if you don't mind me asking, what SD card did you end up using? And what size? Is 128GB enough to record 2 hr long rehearsals with 20 inputs? Thank you!!

[@PowercoatMusic]

Check out this link for confirmed compatible SD cards and thanks for watching: zoomcorp.com/media/documents/L-20_L-20R_compatible_cards_en.pdf

[@JoeyRam.]

So, if I only want to record my self playing drums at home, with about 10 to 12 mics; nothing is moving out just directly to the computer and there have all necessary plugins ...between L-20 and L-20R...I'll be better of with...?

[@PowercoatMusic]

If space is an issue, then I would go with the L-20R. Otherwise, either unit should work well in that scenario. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@JoeyRam.]

@@PowercoatMusic I'll keep this unit in mind. Thanks for your time and have a great week.

[@Sinnamon_Heart]

I would DEFINITELY go for the Rack model because if you're drumming, you'll be adjusting on the fly with an iPad and the control surface won't be much use to you. Also check out Behring xr18 and Mackie DL16-S

[@JoeyRam.]

@@Sinnamon_Heart Thanks I'll do that.

[@EDDYMAT]

Hi, great! Can You use Monnitor Outs (A>E) for Stage monitor / Aux way ore headphones only. The L-20 therfore has a switch button !

[@drummerwin]

Hello we had the Zoom L20 last february 2023. And today it just hang and on the screen appears a message saying "please power off". This continues whenever I Turn off and on the mixer. Can you help? Thank you!

[@PowercoatMusic]

If you need to work with both a stand-alone digital multi-track recorder and a DAW, then the LiveTrak series is a great option. If you know the features you need upfront, selecting the right unit in this line can be pretty straightforward. I wanted to share this information with anyone interested in the differences between the ZOOM Livetrack series of products, because it’s easy to wonder exactly what they are. I hope this presentation serves useful.

[@oltrex56]

Thank you for the great comparison! Confused about the L-12 audio interface. Can the L-12 be used as a surface controller? Will it record individual tracks directly into my DAW software? Any other advice?

[@PowercoatMusic]

@@oltrex56 Based on ZOOM's specifications, L-12 can be used as a surface controller with the following DAW software: MAC - Pro/Artist, Elements/AI/LE, Logic PRO, Garageband WINDOWS 10 - Pro/Artist, Elements/AI/LE. Ensure you have the latest versions. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@oltrex56]

@@PowercoatMusic That's extremely helpful! Thank you very much!

[@neilkendall9857]

Hi I own the Zoom L-12 and it's great. Can you tell me how I'd connect a powered wedge monitor rather than in ear monitors? Would I connect it to the Monitor Out A Jacks (the L and R outputs, to the left of the Monitor Out Phone Jacks)? Or can it be connected to the Monitor Out Phone Jacks? Are the Monitor Out Phone Jacks balanced or unbalanced, and what about the Monitor Out A Jacks? Thanks.

[@PowercoatMusic]

You can use either. However, the Monitor Outs are TRS balanced and the Monitor Out A-E are not. So ultimately, it depends on your requirements in what you’re trying to achieve. Thanks for watching and sharing. 👍🏿

[@NodRoland]

I have the L-12, I tried to use the A-E outs for monitors and it didn't work. Those outputs are headphone impedance so the signal to a monitor will be thin and weak. You have to use the Monitor out. That is different than the L-20 and L-20R, they have a switch that allows either headphone or line level. I also have an L-20R.

[@stephaniecairns3670]

Can you add backing/click track on the L20?

[@PowercoatMusic]

Yes. The L20 has a metronome that provides a click track. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@tutorialvideogame]

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

[@PowercoatMusic]

The L-12 metronome has adjustable volume, a selectable sound, and a precount function. The volume can also be adjusted separately for each output. Metronome settings are saved separately with each project. The answer to your question is "Yes", you should be able to do that. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@lezginUral]

Можно ли соединить ZOOM L12 с ZOOM R20? Каковы переспективы такого соединения?

[@DJ_PROMO_PR]

Grab your tea...there's a new Powercoat video. 👍🔥🔥🔥

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks so much for watching. 👍🏿

[@vivzermattjigosevilla]

Thank you for this video, Sir!!

[@PowercoatMusic]

You're most welcome. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@DrinkingWithDrewShow]

There has to be a work around for the phone jack with the L20. Any ideas? I can’t believe this is on the L8 but not the L20!

[@donaldrandell]

Thanks for this information.

[@PowercoatMusic]

Your so welcome. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@JRP3music]

I like the multiple monitor outs.

[@DC-cp6mj]

You should do more in depth on features on the l20 like the RCA inputs how to use the lights on also monitors external internal effects there hasn't been a real video on the extent of the l20 from zoom lining put line out

[@Malibooyahhh]

Great video thank you

[@akaixl83]

Nice tutorial !! When you record to sd card does it save all the scenes per fader ? And when you record to sd card does it record the channels with fx? And if I load a sd card mix , do I put the mode switch back

[@sharisses6342]

?

[@avantgardenovelist]

head-to-head, zoom l-20 or tascam model series?

[@PowercoatMusic]

Hang tight for an upcoming video on that topic soon. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@avantgardenovelist]

@@PowercoatMusic will do thnx

[@avantgardenovelist]

although i've already gone with the tascam model 12.

[@Mikepo587]

Zoom slim margin if and nowadays you have very little choices and thanks in part to Daws. I have no problem with them just never had one around the house so I’m comp illiterate trials on live types I get there I just can’t do it.But if you have a good musician first and you learn how to use the stuff you just forget that stuff out later most kids who use it if they’re not propose that you have too many options will end up making music then it’s probably not even rock ‘n’ roll or anything it’s whatever I am do you have somebody options that you’ll end up changing your voice not even be yourself I’d rather have my own talent summer facts but still be myself so I’ll leave it to a producer to edit master at four is ever going to use the DAw so l-8 It’s strange because I can do things at the sky did not mention a lot of things they can multiply the tracks you could use the pads for full songs for vocals hit on repeat on hold the button basically time it right and you could have a whole line of your own voice back up singing ! Also when you exporter import to make copies from the old 12 are 20 usually sometimes you can’t you need another zoom was preferably should be the eight cause you could pretty much get what you needed by reversing cards using a flash drive with the slot on the side for an SD cards!! These things are pretty good on their own I mean if I can do it very basic stuff and it sounds great give it a shot the only problem is of people focused on these things the newer models that come out now if they do it as good as they do you like iPhones and computers which they share this things would never fail there’s no reason for them to fail but it’s happened before a couple times I’ve had to get them fixed and that scares me they’re expensive and they just go dead for some reason odd things happen!!! They fixed a lot of stuff a few buying 20002223 it’s best that you buy them in a store I got lucky on Amazon because I would make sure as I know that their sites don’t update on the come updated now so the firmware everything comes updated so you when you’re buying it make sure you get it that way otherwise go to a store

[@angshumanhazarika667]

Hi what is best for acoustic drum tracking with minimum of 8input And it will have phase issue.also how to use a metronome in live scenerio.

[@buxeyotl]

The L8, why does it says 12 track recording, while it has only 8 chanels?

[@tigerdrum4645]

L8 preamp same quality as l12 ?

[@PowercoatMusic]

Yes, I believe so.

[@kornelijekovac9793]

I need L-6 that would look like a right half of L-20. From channel 14 to the end :)

[@JRP3music]

With the Zoom R24 I has to use a separate mixer with better preamps for kick drum.

[@Lost68er_SYNTH_PUNK]

However, the TASCAM Model 12/16/24 are not a direct competitor. The mixing console in all three TASCAM models is analogue, only the recorder works digitally. The ZOOM LiveTrak devices, on the other hand, work (as far as I know) with completely digital signal routing, which means that the signal of each channel is converted into a data series immediately behind the input socket, which allows much cleaner interventions in the signal than with an analog signal...😊

[@PowercoatMusic]

According to Tascam, the MODEL 12 is a digital mixer. There was a lot of disagreement about this on the channel previously, so I confirmed it with Tascam myself. If you have any further questions, please contact Tascam customer service on that product. Thanks for watching and sharing. It's appreciated.

[@shuklajayant]

Thank you for your comparison. Can you please advise if the compressor and Shelve eq on L12 make a big difference compared to L8? The xlr inpur is 8 vs 6 but the price difference is almost double. Thanks

[@PowercoatMusic]

I believe the ZOOM L-Series uses the same basic compressor technology between models. There's nothing I've seen from ZOOM to indicate anything different in that regard. I hope this helps and thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@shuklajayant]

@@PowercoatMusic Thanks very much

[@Mikepo587]

I don’t work for anybody sadly but I can attest that these are very good just be lucky if they work and they last a long time not the technology is not around it’s more about daw thing is what is happening.but everybody is doing a computer which is not a thing but you’re more than capable of making this multitrack recorders companies are better than they are the reasons I said above her why they don’t!!things a lot cheaper and better than they could be and eventually they will!! Microphones messed up if it didn’t make sense meaning these companies could make this much better for proof and they don’t have to be that expensive until we get over the DAW era which I would love to learn a little bit about I’ve tried but I mess up they could make these better and they don’t have to be expensive if you’re paying more than 23 grand five grand at most rent the studio if you’re not serious and assist you doing it for your own personal entertainment then you’re fine with one of these like a zoom L 12 or the L8 I haven’t had a chance to look at the 20 but the L8 has so many things on there that are so different that it’s unbelievable it’s actually good and I haven’t had a problem but I’m sure they will stop working because these people haven’t put enough time into it.

[@jamesalcaro7004]

Does the L20 have "virtual track" capability, so that each channel has more than 1 possible track like my old Zoom HD 16 ?

[@Millie-ud6zn]

thanks. i think i like the L 12 the best for me

[@donfreeman686]

I would like to know why the L-12 and L-20 do not have the preamp function (gain control) for the stereo channels. Seems to me this severely limits the usability of these channels. What in the world did Zoom accomplish by doing this?

[@Buatkan_Mee_Rebus]

Agree. I owned L-20 for 2 years. The stereo track 17-18 & 19-20 without gain control is just stupid. i use this track for record keyboard & guess what? Sound quite horrible because need to set proper gain from master volume of keyboard.

[@JRP3music]

I have a Zoom R24, but have an issue with the SD card not staying inserted unless I put a clamp on it. I loved the portability and ability to work without a computer but this probably wouldn't of happened if the card reader wasn't cheap plastic.

[@lonewaddi6253]

I want to buy the L-12

[@PowercoatMusic]

That's a nice unit. You may also want to check out the R20 if you haven't already. I just did a review of it. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@Pharesm]

Since you omitted build quality, let me jump in with a report on the L8's build quality: Plastic housing, faders and knobs are only held in place by the solder to the circuit board(s). This is a major avenue for early failures - so good luck after the warranty period has lapsed. I did not have opportunity to inspect the other mixers, but I found the same iffy build methods on other Zoom products. I will stay clear. Maybe I'm just more cautious than others. I like my mixers built with metal and actual screws holding knobs and faders securely. The video was video good and very thorough!

[@acidhead1001]

thanks for the infos! so the l20r is compatible with a mac and cubase as a interface? and what about the latency as a interface? thanks for the answer.

[@PowercoatMusic]

Latency depends on a number of other factors as well. A major one is the the PC you're using along with the software configuration. That's what make this subjective. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@JRP3music]

Is it made of plastic or aluminum?

[@PowercoatMusic]

The unit's cover is a type of plastic. Thanks for watching.

[@nduduzoshezi5439]

So all are 4 out usb audio interface, would you suggest a mixer which has 6 or 8 out usb audio interface, I wish to recording live drum set

[@PowercoatMusic]

If your recording drums, you should try to get as many possible. Thanks for watching. 👍🏿

[@dukemenangoravelsyata1429]

👍

[@Moreno280161]

Hello, I have a livetrak l-20 zoom, I wanted to know if it happens to you too, practically when I play just one track its volume increases, why?

[@StudioB7]

i have L-12 i like the preamps.. but.. there is no new upgrade.. no bluetooth and no ipad controlling option.. other con is.. on board effects parameters cannot adjustable for all individual channels.. so boring,, yea 14 in.. 4 out.. but not easy live routing.. w.o. ipad control app need to something else..

[@PowercoatMusic]

Thanks for watching and sharing. 👍🏿

[@Mikepo587]

There’ is a secret but I think master is okay with singing and instruments only hit yellow assin button and lower effect and assin on singing up that way yes possible!

[@mandelharvey3429]

I wanted to see you show the difference and function on L20R and L20. You seem knowledgeable but this wasn’t real informative