Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Digital Mixer / Recorder

Don't get me wrong. This thing is a beast for live recording and a very versatile machine for recording given it can record to SD card without a computer or be used as an audio interface.But when I saw there were no midi dins I was disappointed but thought surely it'll have midi over USB, right? Wrong. Reader, it does not!So, I went the SMPTE stripe route and eventually got it syncing that way but there's a reason that's an outdated technology. It's just not very stable.As mentioned in my headline, the digital faders are slow to respond. So much so that I often had to turn them up and down several times before they would catch up. This can be really problematic if you have headphones on and accidentally blast the damn thing trying to get it to make sound.And ... MoreDon't get me wrong. This thing is a beast for live recording and a very versatile machine for recording given it can record to SD card without a computer or be used as an audio interface.But when I saw there were no midi dins I was disappointed but thought surely it'll have midi over USB, right? Wrong. Reader, it does not!So, I went the SMPTE stripe route and eventually got it syncing that way but there's a reason that's an outdated technology. It's just not very stable.As mentioned in my headline, the digital faders are slow to respond. So much so that I often had to turn them up and down several times before they would catch up. This can be really problematic if you have headphones on and accidentally blast the damn thing trying to get it to make sound.And finally... It has one of the weirdest features I've ever encountered that *could* be helpful if it didn't often cause a major problem. If you're multitrack recording with it and do not push the overdub button when you go to hit record after the first track or set of tracks have been recorded it will automatically create a new project and start recording to it. Again, probably a great live set recording feature but a complete disaster for mustitrack recording and if there's a way to turn it off, I couldn't find it.But all in all I can't give this machine a fully negative review because for the price and the main marketing focus, it's probably a great product.

This is probably the best interpretation of a "hybrid" digital/analog console that perfectly fits the current times that we are in. With the ability record live, studio track, set podcasts and even allow for limited live performance mixes, this board ticks almost every box for what a personal audio console should be in 2020.First off, this console offers 6 combo TRS/XLR inputs on a mono channel each, and a pair of TRS jacks that can be configured for one of three functions: A stereo pair, a separate USB Return, a channel for a bank of sound FX that can be mapped right to the console's control surface (4 per TRS channel with a total of 8 pre-programmed FX), or as a "minus-mix" return for a mobile phone using an included TRRS cable (for those phones who still rock a ... MoreThis is probably the best interpretation of a "hybrid" digital/analog console that perfectly fits the current times that we are in. With the ability record live, studio track, set podcasts and even allow for limited live performance mixes, this board ticks almost every box for what a personal audio console should be in 2020.First off, this console offers 6 combo TRS/XLR inputs on a mono channel each, and a pair of TRS jacks that can be configured for one of three functions: A stereo pair, a separate USB Return, a channel for a bank of sound FX that can be mapped right to the console's control surface (4 per TRS channel with a total of 8 pre-programmed FX), or as a "minus-mix" return for a mobile phone using an included TRRS cable (for those phones who still rock a 3.5mm headphone jack)The outputs are impressive for its size, with four (4) TRS headphone mixes: One that mirrors the main mix, and three that can be set to individual mixes. The console justifies its various mixes with an LED location system. This means that, when you switch the mix view over to any one of the other inputs and outputs from where you are at, it will use a series of LED's on the meter to show you the fader location in which to bring it up to, very much like the old presonus Mk1 SL consoles.But, this board isn't done! This deck can also record to an SD card at the SAME TIME it is multi-USB tracking! This means you have double redundancies. Speaking of redundant systems, this console even supports charging through an on-boar USB charger, but can also run on AA batteries, and will automatically switch power supplies if one is sensed to be off. AND, you can power it off of a USB power bankd as ell. Insane, right?It is of a plastic construction, and while light, never feels it is of low quality. The multiple field options for power and the versatility of the inputs make this a great livestream rig for either musicians or podcasters. It is even PadOS friendly. Just a remember that the stereo mix options are actually routed to mix 1 and 2, which means your mix is actually routed starting at track #3. Odd I know until you will get the feel, then you will feel right at home.The biggest win (aside from having basic EQ in the mix line, but no compression) is that this is run from USB Micro (no USB-C here), battery or mains power with the use of a mini USB cable plugged into a power brick. AND, if that wasn't enough, this will work in GarageBand for PadOS and can be used in Zoom on Windows, Mac and ChromeOS computersThe overall flexibility is great on this console, although it would be nice to pair together stereo pairs on inputs 1-6. Also, it would be nice to have the option for more stereo pairs in general, But, overall these are small issues to a console that delivers a big, clean sound that is not hard at all to set up!

A good choice for running and recording Podcast sessions

I purchased the Livetrak L-8 for playback purposes at live venues and the occasional live recording session. In many ways the L-8 is similar to the Zoom L-12 but with the ability to run and record Podcast sessions. Anyone who owns another Zoom Livetrak product will feel right at home. There a less input channels to be sure, but the L-8 has excellent faders, multiple monitor/headphone outs, EQ and simple effects. Another plus is that unlike the L-12, the transport keys are backlit. The L-8 is also very light and runs on batteries which makes it easy to transport in a backpack.There are some features (or lack of) that I was not particularly impressed with. For one, the L-8 has a small screen and themain outs are XLR only. A pair of TRS ¼” balanced outs would have ... MoreI purchased the Livetrak L-8 for playback purposes at live venues and the occasional live recording session. In many ways the L-8 is similar to the Zoom L-12 but with the ability to run and record Podcast sessions. Anyone who owns another Zoom Livetrak product will feel right at home. There a less input channels to be sure, but the L-8 has excellent faders, multiple monitor/headphone outs, EQ and simple effects. Another plus is that unlike the L-12, the transport keys are backlit. The L-8 is also very light and runs on batteries which makes it easy to transport in a backpack.There are some features (or lack of) that I was not particularly impressed with. For one, the L-8 has a small screen and themain outs are XLR only. A pair of TRS ¼” balanced outs would have been nice but given the price point, form factor and podcast focus it kind of makes sense for Zoom to omit these. The Zoom L-8 also had problems importing .wav files produced by Zooms’ Audio File Manager software. While this will not be an issue for mostpeople, it will be for those of us that own, or have owned, previous generation Zoom multitrack recorders and need/want to move legacy mono and stereo .wav tracks into the Zoom L-8. Hopefully Zoom can address this issue with a future firmware update.For the price this is a great entry level recorder/mixer. It appears to be a perfect unit to run and record Podcasts or to control and mix live performances with a limited number of players.

Beautiful piece of engineering with a huge catastrophic fatal design flaw.

Excellent little mixer. They thought of everything...except it's got the flimsiest, weakest, foil construction input jack from the USB input to mini usb connection. With NO unusual use (as a matter of fact, I'm meticulous in my care), the connection became unreliably intermittent in supplying electricity to the unit. That means in a digital device like this, complete and catastrophic failure. Zoom, don't shoot yourself in the foot. Unexcusable!

Excellent digital mixer - will buy more!

This mixer has continued to impress me, more quality stuff from the Zoom company. Some random notes about it that I've found top notch:- When using it attached to a computer via USB, you're able to get 2 distinct channels of return/output (Ch.7 and Ch. 8). Specifically, with Ableton, you're able to set up Outputs sending to USB 1-2 (Ch. 7) **AND** USB 3-4 (Ch. 8). I used this with great success as a DJ mixer, with USB 1-2 as my main output and 3-4 as my cue mix. Awesome flexibility.- The pads on Ch. 1-6 are awesome for managing hot levels- I exclusively use this mixer for Zoom (different company?!) video meetings. It's amazing. It's plugged in via USB and is my audio interface -- oddly enough, there is actually an option in Mixer mode called "Audio I/F" ... MoreThis mixer has continued to impress me, more quality stuff from the Zoom company. Some random notes about it that I've found top notch:- When using it attached to a computer via USB, you're able to get 2 distinct channels of return/output (Ch.7 and Ch. 8). Specifically, with Ableton, you're able to set up Outputs sending to USB 1-2 (Ch. 7) **AND** USB 3-4 (Ch. 8). I used this with great success as a DJ mixer, with USB 1-2 as my main output and 3-4 as my cue mix. Awesome flexibility.- The pads on Ch. 1-6 are awesome for managing hot levels- I exclusively use this mixer for Zoom (different company?!) video meetings. It's amazing. It's plugged in via USB and is my audio interface -- oddly enough, there is actually an option in Mixer mode called "Audio I/F" (Interface) but you don't need to actually select this to make it function like this. The L8 mixer appears as my Microphone and Speaker option in the Zoom meeting. Any audio from Ch. 1-6 is sent to the meeting and heard by participants (think of these are your send or "Mic" audio). The meeting audio from your end is heard through Ch. 7 as the USB 1-2 audio (your return channel). Using different mix channels, I have it set up so that my mic can feed into the meeting and I can monitor the meeting through speakers, but I have no feedback whatsoever because the mic audio isn't in the monitor mix. It's amazing. Also, you can still use the onboard audio recording function in the L8, which I use as a backup audio record.- I also use this for music multitracking and it's great. You may have to get a little creative with your inputs, but you can do really excellent recordings on this unit.One minor critique: the old Zoom H4n recorder could record WAV or .mp3 files of varying bitrates, the L8 only records WAV which is fine but sometimes you just don't need the highest quality audio revolution so fingers crossed this some kind of firmware update that can make this happen, otherwise it's just a simple file

Excellent multi-use mixer/interface

I was a little uncertain about this box at first because I know how hard it is to pack many different features into one device. I can't emphasize how pleasantly surprised I've been. This mixer has allowed me to seamlessly shift between a weekly streaming engagement that uses lots of mics at the same time, multitrack recording via a MacOS based DAW, and daily sketching as I develop new material. Feature highlights: 1) four totally configurable mixes, each routable via TRS stereo cables. I can use these for custom streaming output or treat them as AUX sends. 2) super easy scene saving which is handy when switching between tasks 3) good sounding pre-amps and reverb 4) no noticeable latency for monitoring when using the device as a stand-alone (not monitoring through ... MoreI was a little uncertain about this box at first because I know how hard it is to pack many different features into one device. I can't emphasize how pleasantly surprised I've been. This mixer has allowed me to seamlessly shift between a weekly streaming engagement that uses lots of mics at the same time, multitrack recording via a MacOS based DAW, and daily sketching as I develop new material. Feature highlights: 1) four totally configurable mixes, each routable via TRS stereo cables. I can use these for custom streaming output or treat them as AUX sends. 2) super easy scene saving which is handy when switching between tasks 3) good sounding pre-amps and reverb 4) no noticeable latency for monitoring when using the device as a stand-alone (not monitoring through the DAW).I wish it had on-board compression, and it is a little strange that you can't plug it into power AND connect via USB at the same time since the same micro USB port provides both I/O and power, but those are minor compared to how much functionality this box packs into a footprint that is smaller than the old Mackie 1202.I can see already that the Mackie L8 is going to be my go-to USB audio interface, which is funny since I spent more than 2x on the one I've been using up to this point. Well worth the price.

Fabulous mixer/recorder

This mixer can be divided into 3 parts. First the mixer accomodates 6 xlr inputs and 2 stereo inputs. Individual inputs and the mix can be muted. Effects can be individually set with different effects on each channel and saved. The setup or scene can then be saved for later use. Second, the mixer section can record up to all 12 inputs and the stereo mix as wav files on an SD card, up to 24 hours on a 64 gb card with all channels. The individual channels are recorded without effects, but the stereo mix with. The recorded wav files can be dumped into a DAW for later editing and mixing. Third, the mixer makes a great DAW interface. My laptop can easily keep up recording with 12 channels. And the recordings are clean and musical. There is currently nothing else with ... MoreThis mixer can be divided into 3 parts. First the mixer accomodates 6 xlr inputs and 2 stereo inputs. Individual inputs and the mix can be muted. Effects can be individually set with different effects on each channel and saved. The setup or scene can then be saved for later use. Second, the mixer section can record up to all 12 inputs and the stereo mix as wav files on an SD card, up to 24 hours on a 64 gb card with all channels. The individual channels are recorded without effects, but the stereo mix with. The recorded wav files can be dumped into a DAW for later editing and mixing. Third, the mixer makes a great DAW interface. My laptop can easily keep up recording with 12 channels. And the recordings are clean and musical. There is currently nothing else with this flexibility in the price range. ( There is a bag on Amazon for $12 that fits this mixer perfectly.)

Failed in several instances

Do not trust this device for recording. Even when it worked, it was difficult to tell if it was actually recording because the process for starting the record function was atypical (press play, then release and then press the record button). Also, once the device begins recording, there is no light to indicate this. Just a change from a black triangle to a black circle on the very small LCD screen.With that said, the device failed during several shoots. For reasons that Zoom could not explain (except that it was defective) on several occasions it just stopped recorded after exactly 10 minutes. The files could not be read when this occurred. This happened at least 3-4 times during important shoots. Fortunately, we always made sure to have a backup audio source. But ... MoreDo not trust this device for recording. Even when it worked, it was difficult to tell if it was actually recording because the process for starting the record function was atypical (press play, then release and then press the record button). Also, once the device begins recording, there is no light to indicate this. Just a change from a black triangle to a black circle on the very small LCD screen.With that said, the device failed during several shoots. For reasons that Zoom could not explain (except that it was defective) on several occasions it just stopped recorded after exactly 10 minutes. The files could not be read when this occurred. This happened at least 3-4 times during important shoots. Fortunately, we always made sure to have a backup audio source. But it's not great to see your main audio device fail this many times. I called Zoom, and I expected the tech support representative to say something like I'm really sorry that happened but she basically just said Oh ok, it probably is defective. No apology, no mention of the fact that their device almost screwed up several shoots. They offered to look at it, but told me I would need to pay for shipping even though it had not been a full year that I owned it. Eventually, they relented and offered to pay for shipping. I would not recommend this to anyone who prefers their audio recorders to actually record audio. Only use this is if you don't care if the recorder stops after a few minutes.

Stellar Bang 4 Buck for Mobile Podcast/Voice Over w/iPad Pro

I upgraded from a 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2. I needed something portable, multi functional yet with multiple inputs. I debated long and hard between the Zoom L8 and the Rode Podcaster Pro. After a lot of research (reviews...talking to others) I settled on the Zoom and could not be happier. I liked some of the features of the Rode (heftier construction, larger sound pad, touch screen) but those were just bells and whistles...I feel the L8 is far more functional and gives me more connection, functionality and portability options than the Rode....not to mention a much lower price point.One thing to note, and this probably applies to more than the L8...but if you are connecting an iPad Pro (I use one connected to 2 line in channels for additional sounds and ... MoreI upgraded from a 2nd generation Scarlett 2i2. I needed something portable, multi functional yet with multiple inputs. I debated long and hard between the Zoom L8 and the Rode Podcaster Pro. After a lot of research (reviews...talking to others) I settled on the Zoom and could not be happier. I liked some of the features of the Rode (heftier construction, larger sound pad, touch screen) but those were just bells and whistles...I feel the L8 is far more functional and gives me more connection, functionality and portability options than the Rode....not to mention a much lower price point.One thing to note, and this probably applies to more than the L8...but if you are connecting an iPad Pro (I use one connected to 2 line in channels for additional sounds and background music) it is best to use a USB C hub with a 3.5mm stereo jack rather than the Apple USB C to 3.5mm converter. I tried that at first and noticed a distinct electrical feedback “pop” a few seconds after audio ceased being sent from the iPad. Once I added the hub though and provided continuous power, this “pop” ceased. I suspect it is from the iPad engaging and disengaging sending the audio out via the USB C. Investing in a hub makes for a very versatile and functional production system.

The L8 Packs A Punch

Overall:We have two Tascam 12's that we use like Swiss Army knives at work; they are well built and do a little bit of everything really well,but when it came to my personal studio needs,it was the L8 that fit my needs perfectly. I wanted a stand-alone recorder that allowed me to record studio grade basic tracks of wav files for transfer to Studio One,which the L8 does well,yet it also allows me to duplicate those tracks in S1 in real-time if I choose. I designate Ch 1 and 2 for guitar and bass, run the line outs from my Antelope Audio Synergy Discrete 4 preamps (with effects!) to Ch 3-6 for vocals and such,while using Ch 7-8 for groove box/loops in stereo. It all just works! The L8 and a pair of 3" Presonus w Bluetooth make for a great portable unit. I used it and ... MoreOverall:We have two Tascam 12's that we use like Swiss Army knives at work; they are well built and do a little bit of everything really well,but when it came to my personal studio needs,it was the L8 that fit my needs perfectly. I wanted a stand-alone recorder that allowed me to record studio grade basic tracks of wav files for transfer to Studio One,which the L8 does well,yet it also allows me to duplicate those tracks in S1 in real-time if I choose. I designate Ch 1 and 2 for guitar and bass, run the line outs from my Antelope Audio Synergy Discrete 4 preamps (with effects!) to Ch 3-6 for vocals and such,while using Ch 7-8 for groove box/loops in stereo. It all just works! The L8 and a pair of 3" Presonus w Bluetooth make for a great portable unit. I used it and a pair of cans plus a quality condenser mic on location to record audio for a video and it was smooth sailing.The L8 isn't as robustly built as a Tascam 12 but it's a great second choice for those on a budget.