I can not explain how helpful this was!! I've searched and searched for the clearest and easiest video and found them all to not be as helpful as this one!! Thank you so much for your time and expertise!!! Seriously!!!
Just a quick tip/correction: The channels that are armed with the REC/PLAY button are all recorded as separate tracks, independent of the position of the fader. The fader only routes the signal to the MASTER. If you want to record your MASTER signal (with FX etc.), you should arm that channel by clicking the REC/PLAY button above the MASTER-fader. In your demo you didn't arm the MASTER and you're assuming you have to ride the faders to record the channels. That's a bit off. :-)
I've had my eye on the Rodecaster Pro for months now, was actually planning on picking one up after the holidays but, just this week, I discovered the Zoom L-8...now I'm leaning towards the Zoom. I love that it has 6 XLR inputs plus it has the sound FX pads. Sure it's not as sexy, sleek and streamlined as the Rodecaster but, it seems to offer so much more for a lot less money! Thanks for the great video covering the features...it's really helping me to make my mind up about the ZOOM!!! Keep up the great work and keep the videos about the ZOOM coming!!!
Thanks for sharing. I just got my L8 and I'm trying to learn it not having any experience with mixers or audio. Zoom's short videos are about as helpful as reading through the manual, but it's very helpful to see a video that shows this machine function.
Well done! So many people skip steps in their explanations assuming, I guess, a certain degree of knowledge in the listener. Your video makes no assumptions and concisely covers step by step everything someone new to the mixer needs to know. Thanks you!
Great video SJ I was looking at the Rodecaster Pro then this came out and after watching this and a few other videos I think I may pick one of these up.
Hey - I bought a used L8, its in route being shipped. For channel 8, two things, 1 - I guess it doesnt allow the USB feed from the computer, just so that it doesnt cause unwanted duplication/echo, and 2 - does channel 8 record the other caller in it's stereo [if they are using stereo on their side]. Then channel 7, I guess you can use that button for USB feed from your computer...if you are demonstrating a video on your computer or presentation...and that signal doesnt clash with the 2 way communication on channel 8?
I’m looking at the L8 and the Rodecaster Pro. I like how the L8 runs on 4 AA Batteries. I don’t believe the Rodecaster is portable. For what I need for podcasting I’m leaning more toward the L8. Plus is $200 cheaper.
Thanks so much for this video. I'm trying to figure out what best suits my needs for our podcast with 6 people . We've recorded 367 podcasts with Blue Yeti/ Samson Go-Mics and want to step up to XLR mics. Question I'm trying to figure is if I need something like this or if a simpler audio interface would do.
Great video. How do I allow my guest on the phone to hear what I am hearing live? On the phone they can only hear me and not any music I am playing either on channels 1-6 or on channel 7 (usb 1-2) when the usb feature is selected. It use to work but I cannot get it to do it again. I've updated, uninstalled, factory reset and reinstall and nothing works. HELP
Not exactly sure what you mean here, you do have a channel mute, but I think you will have to pull the slider down if you have a non-headphone output selected.
Looking forward to some more videos. Currently no one is producing in depth reviews. Your video is the first true hands-on guide on RUclips (excluding the zoom vids) :-) Do you think it is possible to have another caller via the USB connection (e.g. from the computer via Slack/Skype) or by using both line inputs 7 and 8 with an adapter (or is this limited due to the mix-minus necessity)?
SJ Knows Everything, 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 RUclips audio. For example: a host and the guest (via mix-minus) analyzing a RUclips 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
I have done several interviews using the buit in phone connection and the person on the other end had no problem hearing the mix, since my voice was going through one of the inputs on the board. I did not specifically test the sound pad, but I see no reasone why it would not be the same as using any of the other inputs.
Nice review! My L-8 is on its way and I'm boning up, so to speak. If the L-8 arrives on time, I'll take it to the next Geezer Rock practice. Can a product named L8 be on time? Hope so!
@@sjknows The L8 was early, and made it to Geezer Rock practice! The other geezers liked it, especially since L8 discreet tracks made it possible to do a better-sounding mixdown. Only problem is that with 6 musicians and most of us needing at least 2 tracks, we're already maxed out. The L8 itself is performing beautifully.
So for example I have one mic that needs phantom power and nothing else does. If I turn it on I will damage my other gear that is connected? So the 6 mic/lines are useless unless PP on or off but no combinations? Makes no sense so (2) guitars are plugged in and a synth and only one mic needs PP I can't use the mixer? What if it's accidently turned on? No where in the manual does it tell you whether phantom power is applied to the TRS vs XLR which is stupid that a manufacturer can't tell you that critical information. On-line info suggests that typically phantom power is not applied to the TRS of the combo jack that could fry your in-line gear. The manual only states or calls these jacks a "Mic/Line" jack which is generic for combo jack but nothing about whether the TRS is phantom powered. The only way to determine would be to put a meter on a test TRS cable with the PP on.
It would depend on which internet radio provider you were using as to how you would select the L8 as the input, but the concept would be the same as Garage band or any other DAW.
How good are the preamps? Can they feed an SM7B? How good is the soundquality on the smartphone connection, can you make a few calls for sound comparison? Thanx for your channel!
I got one just recently and I'm very new to any kind of mixer so I'm still learning. I plugged in the microphone which I bought a separate quarter inch jack for. But it doesn't work. But I pull the jack a little bit it'll light for just a while. Do I need to get a certain kind of jack for this? I cant find the info on the quick guide. Thanks.
Hi Steve! Could I connect and mix 3 stereo recorder line outputs to connectors 1 - 6 on this mixer? Do I have to assign them to the left and right channels? Thanks!
SJ Knows Everything then why is it a sound card ? For instance Focusright can be used like so . Computer like a digital sound effects processor, within a daw. Real time processing input and output .
I have a question about this machine... I want to be able to dial up my background tracks that have already been mixed and saved on a single stereo track so I can just pull up that master stereo track and play my guitar to it. Can you tell me if this machine can achieve that?
Did you have any issues adding your drops to your soundboard? When I uploaded my wav files the audio is slowed down. Is there a specific setting to upload into the L-8
I did not have any issues, but I record on the L8 and transfer. Also, if it is minute timing, I might not notice. I'll have to check it out. I've had these kinds of problems with audio interfaces and computer daws.
When I am in record/play mode, the main out or headphone doesn't produce any sound even though the channel is recording and has a signal. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for your help
I just got this. But how do you record from Audacity from your computer with the USB? It won't record. It is recognized. But won't record on Audacity on the computer end?
@@Beshinemusician I was actually looking at the zoom h6 which has since dropped in price and is only a little more. But I really love this set up and it's really fun for use on my podcast.
Question why has daws taken over the world but truly not in a studio or atleast not everything so my biggest problem is that it’s an endless option upon options and branch out like a iPhone! Never ending so it’s cool I like to learn but really don’t need everything and fixing certain things okay but not enough to make it my life to daw.
@@mww-ew6oz True hate to type microphone is old iPhone is old but still try using it so reading it back yes right makes no sense, so point daws are to complicated for” me “ and that’s fine but if someone has never owned a computer before and is not tech savvy than buying something at $600 like a L 12 for me isn’t that bad as long as it does what it suppose I wouldn’t mind learning how to use a computer door I just don’t not savvy enough for at 45 I don’t even wanna come to learn unless the computer is bought by my son which he wanted a laptop for 800 €$ same nowadays but apple of course and last minute decided he didn’t want one and he got a new phone, So I won’t go out and buy something very expensive process all new knowledge, so difficulty is if never had it in the house that was my point , that it would be complicated but I’ve been doing music my whole life and I play real instruments and if you know what you do when you get a good sound I’m not saying the daw are better or worse there’s anything they probably are better but I get done for a one person job playing my instruments and singing I guess I really don’t need more I would like to learn just to know what I’m doing it would be cool. That’s all! Hope that made a little more sense? Y/n
@@mww-ew6ozDaws are cool except when it happens that a younger starts learning how music is recorded and options and then extra options so if you aren’t A good producer then understand I want to try it out and when someone never had a cpu in their home so edit or master everything else should be done with care!!
Pretty much the same as all zoom products. You can use it as an audio interface, or you can just use it to transfer files. I have played with the audio interface, but prefer recording to the L8 and transferring.
I can not explain how helpful this was!! I've searched and searched for the clearest and easiest video and found them all to not be as helpful as this one!! Thank you so much for your time and expertise!!! Seriously!!!
Glad it helped!
Just a quick tip/correction: The channels that are armed with the REC/PLAY button are all recorded as separate tracks, independent of the position of the fader. The fader only routes the signal to the MASTER. If you want to record your MASTER signal (with FX etc.), you should arm that channel by clicking the REC/PLAY button above the MASTER-fader. In your demo you didn't arm the MASTER and you're assuming you have to ride the faders to record the channels. That's a bit off. :-)
I've had my eye on the Rodecaster Pro for months now, was actually planning on picking one up after the holidays but, just this week, I discovered the Zoom L-8...now I'm leaning towards the Zoom. I love that it has 6 XLR inputs plus it has the sound FX pads. Sure it's not as sexy, sleek and streamlined as the Rodecaster but, it seems to offer so much more for a lot less money! Thanks for the great video covering the features...it's really helping me to make my mind up about the ZOOM!!! Keep up the great work and keep the videos about the ZOOM coming!!!
Thanks for sharing. I just got my L8 and I'm trying to learn it not having any experience with mixers or audio. Zoom's short videos are about as helpful as reading through the manual, but it's very helpful to see a video that shows this machine function.
Well done! So many people skip steps in their explanations assuming, I guess, a certain degree of knowledge in the listener. Your video makes no assumptions and concisely covers step by step everything someone new to the mixer needs to know. Thanks you!
This is by fast the most detailed review(or rather instruction video on this mixer) thanks . I’m definitely going out to buy it
please make more videos for the Zoom Livetrack L-8. I just bought it and like what i see so far
Anything specific you are interested in?
Excellent video. Thank you from England.
Great video
Thanks for making this! This is definitely going to be a go for me. Thanks for the demo.
Great video. Takes for taking the time to share.
Great video and you made the mixer easy to understand. Thanks :)
I'm so excited for this to come in! This really does seem like the perfect board.
Nice overview. I am.torm between this and the procaster. The more reviews I see on this the more I am leaning this way. Great review
Hello can u please do how to set up for live stream singers
Very good overview pls make more on the l
L-8
Hope to see more tutorials.. The rodecaster is out of my budget.. Looking at this as my start into podcasting
Great video SJ I was looking at the Rodecaster Pro then this came out and after watching this and a few other videos I think I may pick one of these up.
Thanks for the video! Can you live stream test for us?
Hey - I bought a used L8, its in route being shipped. For channel 8, two things, 1 - I guess it doesnt allow the USB feed from the computer, just so that it doesnt cause unwanted duplication/echo, and 2 - does channel 8 record the other caller in it's stereo [if they are using stereo on their side]. Then channel 7, I guess you can use that button for USB feed from your computer...if you are demonstrating a video on your computer or presentation...and that signal doesnt clash with the 2 way communication on channel 8?
I’m looking at the L8 and the Rodecaster Pro. I like how the L8 runs on 4 AA Batteries. I don’t believe the Rodecaster is portable. For what I need for podcasting I’m leaning more toward the L8. Plus is $200 cheaper.
l-8 is real a good device and I love it.
Hey man great video
Thanks for posting this video!
Very nice work! I feel that I know exactly how to use this unit!
Yes, we want more more more!!
I just mine in the mail. This was very helpful. Thanks!
Helpful, thank you SJ. Mark Martens, Accidental Scientist.
Thank you for the information. Would love to see a video on using it as an interface.
I'll put that on the list! Although by now, someone else likely has done this.
Great video. Great info.
Thank you!
Thank you. This video really broke it all that way down and very simple explain more.
I just received my L-8. I want to learn how to use it as an audio interface to my Mac
Pretty much the same as on the PC!
Very helpful...can you do a video about how to use this for a zoom (different brand) conference call
NO video needed. Simply hook the L8 up to your computer, and choose the microphone input while in zoom in the lower left.
Just received mine as well!
Thanks so much for this video. I'm trying to figure out what best suits my needs for our podcast with 6 people . We've recorded 367 podcasts with Blue Yeti/ Samson Go-Mics and want to step up to XLR mics. Question I'm trying to figure is if I need something like this or if a simpler audio interface would do.
@Arriaga Two Do you have any suggestions for a proper usb mixer with at least 6 XLR inputs for under $400
@Arriaga Two thx
@Arriaga Two Those only have 4 xlr inputs
Awesome video! Thx 🙏
Great video. How do I allow my guest on the phone to hear what I am hearing live? On the phone they can only hear me and not any music I am playing either on channels 1-6 or on channel 7 (usb 1-2) when the usb feature is selected. It use to work but I cannot get it to do it again. I've updated, uninstalled, factory reset and reinstall and nothing works. HELP
This is great I'm going to get it. Thank you
Great video. Does it have a option to mute the speakers when you press the mic to eliminate feadback
Not exactly sure what you mean here, you do have a channel mute, but I think you will have to pull the slider down if you have a non-headphone output selected.
Looking forward to some more videos. Currently no one is producing in depth reviews. Your video is the first true hands-on guide on RUclips (excluding the zoom vids) :-) Do you think it is possible to have another caller via the USB connection (e.g. from the computer via Slack/Skype) or by using both line inputs 7 and 8 with an adapter (or is this limited due to the mix-minus necessity)?
I'm not sure how you would set that up, but it might be possible!
SJ Knows Everything,
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 RUclips audio.
For example: a host and the guest (via mix-minus) analyzing a RUclips 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
I have done several interviews using the buit in phone connection and the person on the other end had no problem hearing the mix, since my voice was going through one of the inputs on the board. I did not specifically test the sound pad, but I see no reasone why it would not be the same as using any of the other inputs.
Nice review! My L-8 is on its way and I'm boning up, so to speak. If the L-8 arrives on time, I'll take it to the next Geezer Rock practice. Can a product named L8 be on time? Hope so!
HA! Let me know how it goes!
@@sjknows The L8 was early, and made it to Geezer Rock practice! The other geezers liked it, especially since L8 discreet tracks made it possible to do a better-sounding mixdown. Only problem is that with 6 musicians and most of us needing at least 2 tracks, we're already maxed out. The L8 itself is performing beautifully.
Odonnol awesome thanks for the update!
So for example I have one mic that needs phantom power and nothing else does. If I turn it on I will damage my other gear that is connected? So the 6 mic/lines are useless unless PP on or off but no combinations? Makes no sense so (2) guitars are plugged in and a synth and only one mic needs PP I can't use the mixer? What if it's accidently turned on? No where in the manual does it tell you whether phantom power is applied to the TRS vs XLR which is stupid that a manufacturer can't tell you that critical information. On-line info suggests that typically phantom power is not applied to the TRS of the combo jack that could fry your in-line gear. The manual only states or calls these jacks a "Mic/Line" jack which is generic for combo jack but nothing about whether the TRS is phantom powered. The only way to determine would be to put a meter on a test TRS cable with the PP on.
Can you do a video of how to put out internet radio via the zoom l-8
It would depend on which internet radio provider you were using as to how you would select the L8 as the input, but the concept would be the same as Garage band or any other DAW.
this is a very sweet video, thank you :)
Omg man thank you so much
Hi Great review, p.s are the six main inputs stereo?
No, they are all mono. You have to pair two for stereo
@@sjknows thanks...I ended up going for the L12 second hand
In comparison to, say, the ZOOM H5 / H6, how quiet / noisy are the preamps?
Great video 👍❤👋🇨🇭
How good are the preamps? Can they feed an SM7B? How good is the soundquality on the smartphone connection, can you make a few calls for sound comparison? Thanx for your channel!
They are good - but not enough gain in my opinion thus I use the FetHead ahead of the board.
I got one just recently and I'm very new to any kind of mixer so I'm still learning. I plugged in the microphone which I bought a separate quarter inch jack for. But it doesn't work. But I pull the jack a little bit it'll light for just a while. Do I need to get a certain kind of jack for this? I cant find the info on the quick guide. Thanks.
Make sure you are using a mono (2 conductor) phone jack not a stereo one.
Hi Steve! Could I connect and mix 3 stereo recorder line outputs to connectors 1 - 6 on this mixer? Do I have to assign them to the left and right channels? Thanks!
Peter, you might be able to, but there are certainly much better devices for doing that sort of thing!
@@sjknows Yes, I also thought about that. Will have a look at it. Thanks!!
Can the EQ and effects be applied if using this as an audio interface when recording simultaneously between sd card and a laptop?
Sorry for the slow reply. It records dry to the SD card
Thank you!!
Can you use presets on the go with computer ? Say the ones from like garageband effects compression etc and put it out live
Not that I could find.
SJ Knows Everything then why is it a sound card ? For instance Focusright can be used like so . Computer like a digital sound effects processor, within a daw. Real time processing input and output .
It may be possible, I just have not tired it. Also, I think there might be better devices for that purpose.
SJ Knows Everything any suggestion ? And the use of L8 audio interface would defeat the purpose of having extra devices
Yes, we want more more more!!
Is possible to use this L8 with iPhone only ? I mean making calls with all sound effects? Reverb echo for singing? Discord snapchat calls ?
I have never tried this as I do not have an iPhone - sorry.
Can you stream live with this device in real time?
Sure. By using computer.
This was very good 👍
Thanks man
I have a question about this machine... I want to be able to dial up my background tracks that have already been mixed and saved on a single stereo track so I can just pull up that master stereo track and play my guitar to it. Can you tell me if this machine can achieve that?
Yes
Thank you....
Did you have any issues adding your drops to your soundboard? When I uploaded my wav files the audio is slowed down. Is there a specific setting to upload into the L-8
I did not have any issues, but I record on the L8 and transfer. Also, if it is minute timing, I might not notice. I'll have to check it out. I've had these kinds of problems with audio interfaces and computer daws.
Great! Thanks.
When I am in record/play mode, the main out or headphone doesn't produce any sound even though the channel is recording and has a signal. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for your help
Do you have the level slider up on that channel, move it down and back up as they don't work like normal sliders.
SJ Knows Everything thanks, I will give that a try
Can you use the phone connection cable to connect a MacBook instead of an iPhone?
You should be able to, if the MacBook has the stereo headphone jack like the phone.
Thank you Sir
does the L-8 allow you to record more than 2 tracks at the same time on a Daw like reaper??
I have not used reaper, but it does that on other daws like audition and audacity.
I just got this. But how do you record from Audacity from your computer with the USB? It won't record. It is recognized. But won't record on Audacity on the computer end?
See my other video about using the L8 as an audio interface. It fully explains what you want to do.
Thank you. :)
I listened to your UTube presentation and found yours very useful but not but not getting any sound. I have an H5 so it’s not themproblem
Are you not getting sound out of the computer or the H5?
Its that have overdubing?
It it's own way, you should read the manual to understand how it works to see if it is right for you.
I was looking at way more expensive options before this showed up. I know what I'm getting on my tax time.
Hi The Squirrel Tangent. What was the more expensive options that you are referring to?
@@Beshinemusician I was actually looking at the zoom h6 which has since dropped in price and is only a little more. But I really love this set up and it's really fun for use on my podcast.
@@Beshinemusician oh and just got new microphones too. So the sound in a couple episodes is going to be way more clear and clean.
Question why has daws taken over the world but truly not in a studio or atleast not everything so my biggest problem is that it’s an endless option upon options and branch out like a iPhone! Never ending so it’s cool I like to learn but really don’t need everything and fixing certain things okay but not enough to make it my life to daw.
When you sit down and read this back, do you understand it?
Neither will anyone else.
@@mww-ew6oz True hate to type microphone is old iPhone is old but still try using it so reading it back yes right makes no sense, so point daws are to complicated for” me “ and that’s fine but if someone has never owned a computer before and is not tech savvy than buying something at $600 like a L 12 for me isn’t that bad as long as it does what it suppose I wouldn’t mind learning how to use a computer door I just don’t not savvy enough for at 45 I don’t even wanna come to learn unless the computer is bought by my son which he wanted a laptop for 800 €$ same nowadays but apple of course and last minute decided he didn’t want one and he got a new phone, So I won’t go out and buy something very expensive process all new knowledge, so difficulty is if never had it in the house that was my point , that it would be complicated but I’ve been doing music my whole life and I play real instruments and if you know what you do when you get a good sound I’m not saying the daw are better or worse there’s anything they probably are better but I get done for a one person job playing my instruments and singing I guess I really don’t need more I would like to learn just to know what I’m doing it would be cool. That’s all! Hope that made a little more sense? Y/n
@@mww-ew6ozDaws are cool except when it happens that a younger starts learning how music is recorded and options and then extra options so if you aren’t A good producer then understand I want to try it out and when someone never had a cpu in their home so edit or master everything else should be done with care!!
usb interface info please
Pretty much the same as all zoom products. You can use it as an audio interface, or you can just use it to transfer files. I have played with the audio interface, but prefer recording to the L8 and transferring.
Just received mine as well!