276°
Posted 20 hours ago

Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Podcast Recorder, Battery Powered, Digital Mixer and Recorder, Music Mixer, Phone Input, Sound Pads, 4 Headphone Outputs, 12-In/4-Out Audio Interface, Built In EQ and Effects

£9.9£99Clearance
ZTS2023's avatar
Shared by
ZTS2023
Joined in 2023
82
63

About this deal

Recording with overdub is definitely is not the overdub you know from DAWs, so don't expect it to work like a guitar looper. The solution that I’m sure most people go with and that I’m probably going to go with is not use the L-20R’s Audio Interface mode. Rather, use another audio interface in between the computer and the L-20R and just use the L-20R as a live mixer with XLR main outs:

Zoom LiveTrak L-8 – Thomann UK

In 96kHz, you can only use the unit as a mixer (Recording in 96kHz might work too but I don't need it) So basically I’m using XLR-to-TRS audio cables from the Zoom L-20R main outs into the first two channels of another interface to do my routing.It’s important to understand that the Mixes store only the fader settings: the Gain, Pad/Hi‑Z, Select, Channel Strip and Mute status aren’t recalled. But more settings can be stored in what Zoom call Scenes. Several settings are stored in each Scene: the fader positions (for every channel, including EFX RTN and Master); Mute status; all Channel Strip settings; the selected effect patch and parameters; and the input source selection for channels 7+8. Compatible iPads models include iPad Air, iPad Mini 2 and later, iPad Pro, and iPad 2017 running iOS 10.3.3 or newer. L-20 control app is available from Apple App Store.

LIVETRAK L-8 - ZOOM LIVETRAK L-8 - ZOOM

As a digital mixer, the LiveTrak L‑8 is fairly simple, in that all the input channels are permanently routed to the master stereo bus. There are no subgroup buses or, other than one that goes directly to the internal effects engine, aux sends. That effects send is available to all channels except, obviously, the effects’ stereo return channel and the stereo master mix channel. However, some behind‑the‑scenes digital sophistication means that it is still perfectly possible to create and distribute different cue mixes, or send signals to external processors/effects. Step 3: Having your ZOOM Livetrak turned off, plug in your USB cable from "DEVICE" to your laptop/computer -> Have the "MODE" set to "Audio Interface" -> Under "CLASS COMPLIENT MODE" select "OFF" for Windows and "ON" for iOS (Be sure to have all appropriate drivers installed on your computer so your ZOOM Livetrak can be recognized as a soundcard. Turn on ZOOM Livetrak. Zoom L-20R] —— main XLR outs --> [2-channel Audio Interface like Zoom U24] — USB —> [Computer with OBS] Despite this being a digital desk (meaning no physical routing limitations in between the converters) you can’t apply EQ to the effects return or master mix; I can’t say I missed that ability but some might. Naturally, you can’t apply reverb to the main mix, since there’s only one effects engine and its signal already flows to the mix bus.Zoom’s new LiveTrak L-8 takes this same ‘go-anywhere’ ethos and applies it to the relatively terrestrial world of studio/podcast peripherals, and the results are liberating to say the least. The L-8 features six high performance preamps each with phantom power, a low noise floor (-121dBU EIN), and maximum input gain of +54dB. Zoom’s preamps are famous for a good reason: they’re transparent, powerful and ultra-reliable. The L-8 features six independent Zoom preamps, built to handle anything from a whisper to a raucous debate. Key Features I happen to own the Zoom U24 so that’s why I went that route. Another solution would be to use something like Rogue Amoeba’s Loop program. You can basically do the routing in Software.

Operation Manual - ZOOM Operation Manual - ZOOM

Perhaps one of the more impressive aspects of the LiveTrak L-8 (and one that definitely impressed this reviewer) is when you realise that all of the aforementioned features are powered by the USB Bus alone, something that would have previously been inconceivable a few years ago. I’m still scratching my head as to how they managed to pull this off, as the amount of processing on offer (not to mention the ability to run 6 phantom powered mics simultaneously), would normally render the need for a wall mounted power supply, completely inescapable. The fact that the L-8 manages to do all this with bus power and batteries alone is really quite a remarkable achievement and one that only adds to the units elite level of portability. Step 6: Once created, a window will popup as "Properties for ZOOM_MASTER" -> Under "DEVICE" select your ZOOM Livetrak -> Leave "FORMAT" as Stereo -> Under "OBS Channel 1" and "OBS Channel 2" is where you will find every individual channel, including the Master L and Master R. Select from the dropdown menu, respectfully.

Each of the eight input channels has its own fader, mute (but not solo) and Select buttons, and when a channel is selected you can tweak further parameters in the Channel Strip section. This has five continuous rotary encoders and a (12dB/octave 75Hz) high‑pass filter button. Each encoder is circled by 13 LEDs, but as each LED has five levels of brightness and they light in combinations you’re treated to a finer level of indication than first sight suggests. A very minor gripe is that the height of the knobs means they obscure some LEDs’ default positions (eg. centre pan) when you’re seated, with the L‑8 on your desktop. The encoders control panning, the effects send level and a three‑band EQ, comprising high (10kHz) and low (100Hz) shelves and a peaking mid band (2.5kHz). Each band can boost up to ±15dB, again in fine enough steps that you have plenty of control. I think it really has no cons, with the slight exception of having only one USB port for both data and power, which I had to work around to use as my interface for Linux. There have been a lot of posts about mulit-channel selection in OBS, but doesn’t seem like it’s happening anytime soon. At minimum, on Mac, it would be nice if it selected the same Stereo channels that the rest of the Mac Apps do. It works as a class compliant audio interface (Maschine+ recognizes it) (if you are interested in this please read the terrible part!)

Reviewed: Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer - Mixdown Magazine Reviewed: Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer - Mixdown Magazine

Then i also installed OBS Plugin "ASIO" https://github.com/Andersama/obs-asio Then connecting the USB cable from L-8 to my Laptop. The other side of the coin (and perhaps where the L-8 really reaches its stride) is as a workstation for podcast. With various nods to the world of professional broadcast peripherals/AMU’s (assignable pads, phone-in capabilities and onboard transport controls just to name a few), the LiveTrak L-8 sits firmly at the top for the heap for those looking for an all-in-one solution for podcast. Zoom have been on the cutting edge of this kind of stuff for years. The companies continued dedication to location recording and portability have seen them emerge as something of an industry standard for anyone working in the video/sound design/content space. If it involves audio and a location, chances are you will find a Zoom product somewhere in the vicinity, such is the companies omnipresence in the field. We bought it for our online live shows so that we have control over the mix as we play and can add effects such as reverb or delay and eq. You can also save your show presets in the Scene section, which is great for different setups under your fingertips.Podcast creators are a special breed. They require a unique set of audio features, along with the flexibility of a proper mixing console. The LiveTrak L-8 combines Zoom’s famous audio performance with features made for podcasters. Sound Pad Magic All rest of the functionality like ABC Mixes, effects and Audio Interface mode only work in 41kHz mode. The main stereo mix comes out on two balanced XLRs, and that signal is duplicated on the first headphone output. It’s also available on three more headphone outputs, each of which, like the first, has a dedicated level control. These three can be switched to monitor one of three secondary mixes, Mix A, Mix B and Mix C, of which more below. The headphone amps sound clean and clear and do the job well for most headphones, though with high‑impedance models I found there wasn’t lots of gain in reserve — occasionally frustrating when I was miking quiet sources, but it won’t be an issue for most users.

Asda Great Deal

Free UK shipping. 15 day free returns.
Community Updates
*So you can easily identify outgoing links on our site, we've marked them with an "*" symbol. Links on our site are monetised, but this never affects which deals get posted. Find more info in our FAQs and About Us page.
New Comment