A digital mixing console, standalone multi-track recorder and multi-channel audio interface are combined in the Zoom LiveTrak L-12. A wide range of features are available to the user: 12x discrete channels divided into 8x XLR/Jack combo inputs and 2x TS/Cinch Line stereo inputs; a Hi-Z option for channels 1 & 2; switchable +48V phantom power for channels 1-8; simultaneous recording of 14 tracks; various recording formats up to 96kHz and 24-bit; recording capability on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and much more.
Intuitive Display for all Projects:
The LiveTrak L-12 comes with a bright, backlit LCD screen plus endless control, giving you direct access to LiveTrak's intuitive menu system. Here projects can be created and loaded or recording settings can be adjusted in no time at all. Up to 9x mixer scenes all with EQ, panorama and mute settings can be created.
Effects for Every Situation:
Of course, various editing tools are available, which can be easily integrated using the select buttons. A 3-band EQ with parametric mids, high-pass filters, panorama controls and 16x editable effects per channel are available. Channels 1-8 also offer a one-knob compressor for fast results. Many of the functions and settings can be conveniently saved and recalled during the next session.
Practical Features:
Zooms L-12 also offers other special features that make work easier and more pleasant. This includes the creation of up to five independent monitor mixes, which are output via the headphone-outs. In addition, there is the Auto Record function, which is an automatic start of a recording when a certain level is exceeded. The L-12 also includes a built-in talkback microphone for communication and comments during recording. Even an internal metronome has been considered to reduce the need for additional accessories. As you can see Zoom’s L-12 LiveTrak is a real all-purpose weapon for every situation!
Really straight forward to use and clear routing functions for online meetings are provided. The one knob compression is outstanding and prints to the channel which is useful. However, some might find that useful so one can turn it off. The reverb selections are fantastic and each is very musical sounding. The mic preamps are extremely quiet and musical sounding too. There is an excellent amount of gain available and the noise floor is low. The output configuration is useful although to use it online for conferencing, zoom conferencing simply sums ALL the inputs. This is annoying and third party software to get around this is required. Soundlower and Ladio get it working as I wanted. Live output mixed from 5 inputs and a bit of reverb mixed with a backing track. The sound is very professional. Recording internally is very good although using it as a true standalone studio set up is less easy and it is really best used recording whole live sets. it records each channel separately with its compression and also records a separate stereo mix with the effect included. Some master eq would be useful but I'll check out if that is possible! I am very happy with the equipment and using it live is outstanding. The mute functions are clear and universal. So handy when in a live situation. Great delivery service from DV 24 too. Fab all round. One very happy customer!
This ideal if you are in a band who wants a mixer with In-ear monitoring as it has 5 separate mixes for headphone outputs. Great to capture live performances, practising/jamming sessions to record each instrument onto an SD card in WAV format to capturing the moment. If you need good audio interface for a DAWS you have 14 in 4 out, which is good value for money, however you are limited to 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz sample rates when using it as an Interface. The plastic casing it feels solidly built and good quality Pots and Faders. As a 14 channel mixer for live use for small band using in ear monitoring it has very few limitations - mainly effects. As a recording device for a live band or to capture the moment without lots of setting up brilliant. As a recording studio limited in that you cannot edit or process tracks; however, it was designed that to export your tracks to a DAWS (I send mine to BandLab) and the edit and produce your tracks there. The only little niggle I have is the track relates to the channel you are plugged in, so if overdubbing you need to re-plug your instrument to the track you want to record it to. You lose the use of a stereo channel when connecting to a computer for audio playback. Otherwise I love the way I can capture a recording idea really quickly without having to boot up my PC.
I’ve been using a Behringer Flow for the last year, but there were a few things that were putting me off. Lack of channels and struggling to see the app on my phone at outdoor gigs were two of them. With this desk everything is easily seeable and the great thing is when you get the right mix, you just save it and that’s it! Also the fact that you can record gigs, putting all 10 tracks, unprocessed, onto an SD card is a great bonus. All in all hugely recommended.
First impressions after 48 hours are very positive. Extremely intuitive to use. Without any reference to the paperwortk, I inserted an SD card, plugged in a couple of mics, recorded an interview and some acoustic guitar in stereo, played the recording back down headphones, removed the SD card and transferred the files to my DAW. Faultess sound quality. The built in reverb sounds sound very impressive, at least down headphones, so really looking forward to doing the first gig and recording the whole thing. The casing is plastic and it feels lightly built, which is good for those of us who prefer to do gigs with minimal gear, but probably means it will need care on the road. Time will tell.
Minor point: it arrived with a European plug but I managed to borrow an adaptor until the shop sent one through.