Finally, congrat, got one to. Great mixer. Tips : I use the 6 monitors out for Aux send. Just connect your FX pedal from In into a monitor send of your choice (ABCDE or F) and push the 2 buttons below and level up the gain with the littel knobs. Then plug your out of your fx pedal into a track of your choice (1 to 20), be sure you select the button « Master » in « fader mode » and level up the track on 0db. Then, on « fader mode » click on your monitor choice (if you connect your pedal on A, choose A) and level up the track you want to add Aux. Et voila, Aux for all tracks ÉDIT: just see you explained that in your vid’ 😂
I appreciate you writing it out though thank you - there can be subtle tip in the details. In fact I am going to carefully follow your instructions to see if it is any way different than how I was going it, it could be! Appreciate the comment and help, thanks!
Oh Wow - so the Headphones/Monitors OUT 4:24 can be used for external effects processors? I just Purchased the Behringer SX3040 V2 Exciter and I could not figure out how to connect it to the Zoom L-20? Anyone have a video on how to connect the external effects processors to the L-20? I was really considering returning this until I saw your video.
Yes you can connect any outboard. Press the button that makes the head phone jack a mono out instead. The run cable from - for example A and B to Left and Right to the Behringer. Then from the Behringer Left and Right Output - run cables back into the Zoom. The only other thing you then need to do is carefully setup what A and B are sending out. Know what I mean?
@@QuestForGear - Great Thanks for the info. So, from the OUTPUT of the Behringer back into any 2 tracks like 9 & 10? I had a Behringer eurodesk SX24 mixer and the Tascam model 24 and sold both to get the Zoom L-20. Love it!
@@QuestForGear - I love the size and flow on the Zoom. The Daw controls work better on the Zoom with Reaper. The vintage looks on Tascam just did not do it. Tascam seems to have playback issues with certain SD cards and is not as reliable as the Zoom. Tascam is now coming out with the NEW Model 24 but at a huge price cost. I just think you get more bang for the buck on the Zoom. Zoom also has a good track record. Tascam seems to have dropped the ball over the years. The last quality products from Tascam in my opinion were their DA88s and Tascam 2600 MK II and Tascam M5000 Console boards back in the day. I have the Zoom L-20 and a Behringer Wing 48. I really love the Behringer Wing! The Zoom is for smaller projects that I use to create our music videos using the Daw and software. The Wing is for the studio for my heavy workloads. Thanks so much for replying regarding the outputs on the Zoom! Your video really helped explain it!
Thanks for your video. About the PAD- people seem to overlook this for some reason, but it's got a -10dB pad. Look at your T24. The pad is an analog pad built right into the gain potentiometer. It goes from -10, then 0, then +40 and +50db on your mono inputs and -20 to 0 then +50 and +30 on the stereo inputs. These ranges are also augmented digitally in the Mixer menu under the gain boost function up to an additional +12dB. I know Tascam does not describe this as a PAD function. That's because it isn't a button. It's the original design of the gain knob: to boost AND cut signal as needed. I am aware that the Prestigious Sound on Sound website reviewed it and said it lacked the PAD button, but they seem to have overlooked the audio knob. No matter what you call it, the Gain knobs function as pads by cutting the signal when below the "0dB" mark. This is different than starting the potentiometer at the furthest counter-clockwise position at "0dB". This would simply increase signal gain as the knob was rotated clockwise. Instead, Tascam included this very handy gain cut, aka PAD, into the knob itself. This is also why the knobs only go up to about 50dB on the mono channels and similar on the stereo. Tascam choose to use a potentiometer with this dual boost and cut function. So, can't use a SM7b without a cloud lifter? Tascam thought of that, too. That's where the +12dB gain boost comes into play. I agree that it's not the best solution, and think it would have been nice to have a physical PAD button, but Tascam did give us a pad. It's on the gain knob, and it's even described in numerical values in writing on the board. -10dB is the most common PAD out there. Check it out and let me know what you think.
You are right! And I realized this after I did the video - but you explain it the best for sure. Its funny you mentioned the SM7b -- I have one and I have NEVER had trouble getting enough gain for it on any interface. Maybe I'm just loud, I've never needed a cloud lifter. Love your comment, thanks!
Indecisive like this guy? This is why I buy from Sweetwater, free 30 day return & 2yr warranty. I bought the L-20 from Sweetwater, returned it, tried something else, returned it and bought the L-20 again. The L-20 has been great for recording my band & the 6 headphone outs are a blessing(also a master), as you can send exact tracks to each individual headphone number.
Indecisive is putting it mildly. I'm more like.... maniacally reckless. I love ordering from Sweetwater... but as a Canadian our Government takes a randomly applied gouge of money out - to please the King that they call 'duty', which is actually just theft.
D'you have a take on how the preamps compare, as far as power and noise? I've been using the Zoom L-8 for 3-4 years, and though it's extremely useful - and I would miss some of the functionality dearly if I swapped it for a Tascam - the preamps do seem a little on the cheap and rickety side, much like the faders, some of which are starting to wear out.
The Tascam has the Ultra HDDA pres, which are supposed to be a big deal. I tend to by using an external pre before the Tascam or the Zoom, so I wasn't giving with mixer a fair shake at showing it's pre's off. When I recorded the same song twice - once on the Tascam and once on the Zoom - I found the Tascam warmer and darker and the Zoom brighter and a bit more harsh. Either were super good. We are really talking about the last 5% of how anything is going to sound at this point. Neither mixer's pres are going to impart character I wouldnt say.
@@QuestForGear Thanks for the reply! Good food for thought. Can I bother you to explain the mute trick you referenced with the Zoom? I didn't quite catch it. Does the metering switch from channel volume to input gain when you hit the mute button?!
No worries, man, if you can find it easy, great but if not, no need to bother. I experimented some and proved to my satisfaction that when you mute the metering flips to the input gain rather than channel volume. It's a pretty counter-intuitive but handy feature that the manual seemingly never explains, as far as I can tell. One of my biggest frustrations with the L-8 has been no fine metering so it's harder to set input gain appropriately. Makes me think I could live with other downsides (flimsy plastic, ok preamps). You may have just saved by $800+ for a different unit so huge thanks!
any experience with the soundraft 22 mtk or allen & heath zed series? I have a Zoom L-12 and i love the functionality but I am looking for a few more inputs and something that feels a little more premium (i dont love how plasticy the enclosure is). I love how easy it is to dial in a mix while your tracking between the daw return and the elements that are monitoring through the mixer
I've been looking at the Soundcraft and the Allen and Heath QU. The Soundcraft to my knowledge doesn't record it's multitrack to SD. So, for the money - I want to make sure I can pick the board up and do full multitracking. The Allen and Heath QU 16 is probably perfect for me....the only thing stopping me is it's age. I'm not sure it worth $2800 cdn at the moment. Or maybe it is. It does have motorized faders. The age of it concerns me though. I think I'm just waiting for the machine of my dreams to be released... and that's likely never going to happen. The Tascam and Zoom came really really close.
Yeah both machines have their flaws unfortunately. I guess I wasn't super relying on compression, effects or EQ for either... rather I use outboard gear and plugins. The reverbs aren't the worst though, and the EQ's are ok in a pinch.
No inserts make the Zoom a deal breaker for me. I've got too much invested in outboard gear to run anything into a mixer preamp. Super easy to shuffle recordings from the Tascam insert channels to other channels on the board for playback. To me, the Tascam M16/24 also has a sound imprint I really enjoy (maybe its the converters thru the circuitry, I don't know). Good luck on your journey for what works for you, no matter how many times your swap consoles : )
When you record into a DAW, I think they both have audio interface modes where when you plug-in and you turn on the DAW and you just assign the inputs it immediately records directly into it without having to bounce any tracks in between the two or take out any cards or anything like that, right? I saw somewhere that the tascam is better for doing the recording process because it’s more seamless? I saw your product rant video. Its much more Useful and organic then people who are reading off of cue cards, or Talking Heads for the products. Good job and Thanks!
Thank you! I try to make the kind of music videos I like to see. If I ever get a single dollar out of youtube - then maybe someday I'll increase the quality of the video and editing - but until then 'organic' is what I do! I guess the Tascam is 'seamless'. I don'' currently own it - it was too big and expensive too keep around.... could not justify it.
I've been using the Tascam Model 12 for a few years. I've been wants/needing more inputs and like you have been bouncing back and forth between getting the Tascam 24 and the LiveTrack L-20. I'm wondering about your experience with adjusting the eq on different channels while playing live. The lack of eq knobs at the ready on each channel strip on the L-20 has me wondering how quickly track eq can be adjusted with the universal eq section. In terms of recording, with both allow me to record at least 18 separate channels to the SD card? Thanks
There is a magazine review out there I think you should read.... see if this helps: www.audiotechnology.com/reviews/tascam-model-24-vs-zoom-livetrak-l-20
Man I am really liking your banter and view on gear, right now I am trying to decide between this and the model 24, I have a band and we want to record practice with seperate headphones mixes, plus I use Reaper and need it for an audio interface as well, I will do most of the mixing inside of Reaper and bounce tracks that way. For rehearsal it is imperative we each have a headphone mix and then I want to be able to put the sessions into Reaper and mix them. You think I should go with the zoom? I am leaning towards it? Thanks. cliff
Thanks Cliff! Yeah it's a low budget, no edit channel in the style of the kind I like to watch on RUclips. People at home doing home recording. The Zoom is going to do it for you - but so is the Tascam.... you can't go wrong either way. The Tascam you will nned to add a headphone amp - the Zoom... just add the head phones! I will check you channel out in detail asap!
@QuestForGear ya my channel is just some drum cover type stuff, I'm hoping to record my band and upload that will be cool though! I enjoy your channel man! The rants u go on are epic!!!
Hi, I bought the Zoom Livetrak L-20 because it had the possibility of having both Mute and Solo which would have been convenient, too bad the Solo doesn't work in the sense that I noticed that when you activate it, the selected track it increases in volume but by a lot! the clip should also go. Does this happen to yours too? Since I bought it used, I wanted to know if it's broken, thanks for any response
"the clip should also go." - sorry not sure what you mean? I did end up getting rid of mine - long story short - I couldn't keep the Tascam and the Zoom - one had to go. Both are perfectly great boards.
I keep changing my mind. It's work flow thing. I come from the 4-track world way back and then moved to DAW.... and now cannot stand recording on computers.... so I'm looking for the fastest, easiest work flow. Both the Tascam and Zoom come with Pro's and Cons. I don't hate or love either. I waiting for the machine of my dreams but that day may never come.
I guess we are going to have to get together now since I would love to see what this thing can do since I've been a TASCAM user since the early 90's.
That would be great! We could probably even get a song or 2 recorded.
Finally, congrat, got one to. Great mixer. Tips : I use the 6 monitors out for Aux send. Just connect your FX pedal from In into a monitor send of your choice (ABCDE or F) and push the 2 buttons below and level up the gain with the littel knobs. Then plug your out of your fx pedal into a track of your choice (1 to 20), be sure you select the button « Master » in « fader mode » and level up the track on 0db. Then, on « fader mode » click on your monitor choice (if you connect your pedal on A, choose A) and level up the track you want to add Aux. Et voila, Aux for all tracks ÉDIT: just see you explained that in your vid’ 😂
I appreciate you writing it out though thank you - there can be subtle tip in the details. In fact I am going to carefully follow your instructions to see if it is any way different than how I was going it, it could be! Appreciate the comment and help, thanks!
@@QuestForGearLove the interaction and help! Thanks guys. Learning to use my L-20 and I'm loving it!
Oh Wow - so the Headphones/Monitors OUT 4:24 can be used for external effects processors? I just Purchased the Behringer SX3040 V2 Exciter and I could not figure out how to connect it to the Zoom L-20? Anyone have a video on how to connect the external effects processors to the L-20? I was really considering returning this until I saw your video.
Yes you can connect any outboard. Press the button that makes the head phone jack a mono out instead. The run cable from - for example A and B to Left and Right to the Behringer. Then from the Behringer Left and Right Output - run cables back into the Zoom. The only other thing you then need to do is carefully setup what A and B are sending out. Know what I mean?
@@QuestForGear - Great Thanks for the info. So, from the OUTPUT of the Behringer back into any 2 tracks like 9 & 10? I had a Behringer eurodesk SX24 mixer and the Tascam model 24 and sold both to get the Zoom L-20. Love it!
@@manofsound9098 Hey - I'm super curious as to why you like the L-20 over the Model 24? I like them both but would love to hear why you went that way.
@@QuestForGear - I love the size and flow on the Zoom. The Daw controls work better on the Zoom with Reaper. The vintage looks on Tascam just did not do it. Tascam seems to have playback issues with certain SD cards and is not as reliable as the Zoom. Tascam is now coming out with the NEW Model 24 but at a huge price cost. I just think you get more bang for the buck on the Zoom. Zoom also has a good track record. Tascam seems to have dropped the ball over the years. The last quality products from Tascam in my opinion were their DA88s and Tascam 2600 MK II and Tascam M5000 Console boards back in the day.
I have the Zoom L-20 and a Behringer Wing 48. I really love the Behringer Wing! The Zoom is for smaller projects that I use to create our music videos using the Daw and software. The Wing is for the studio for my heavy workloads.
Thanks so much for replying regarding the outputs on the Zoom! Your video really helped explain it!
Thanks for your video. About the PAD- people seem to overlook this for some reason, but it's got a -10dB pad. Look at your T24. The pad is an analog pad built right into the gain potentiometer.
It goes from -10, then 0, then +40 and +50db on your mono inputs and -20 to 0 then +50 and +30 on the stereo inputs.
These ranges are also augmented digitally in the Mixer menu under the gain boost function up to an additional +12dB.
I know Tascam does not describe this as a PAD function. That's because it isn't a button. It's the original design of the gain knob: to boost AND cut signal as needed.
I am aware that the Prestigious Sound on Sound website reviewed it and said it lacked the PAD button, but they seem to have overlooked the audio knob.
No matter what you call it, the Gain knobs function as pads by cutting the signal when below the "0dB" mark. This is different than starting the potentiometer at the furthest counter-clockwise position at "0dB". This would simply increase signal gain as the knob was rotated clockwise.
Instead, Tascam included this very handy gain cut, aka PAD, into the knob itself. This is also why the knobs only go up to about 50dB on the mono channels and similar on the stereo. Tascam choose to use a potentiometer with this dual boost and cut function.
So, can't use a SM7b without a cloud lifter? Tascam thought of that, too. That's where the +12dB gain boost comes into play. I agree that it's not the best solution, and think it would have been nice to have a physical PAD button, but Tascam did give us a pad. It's on the gain knob, and it's even described in numerical values in writing on the board. -10dB is the most common PAD out there. Check it out and let me know what you think.
You are right! And I realized this after I did the video - but you explain it the best for sure. Its funny you mentioned the SM7b -- I have one and I have NEVER had trouble getting enough gain for it on any interface. Maybe I'm just loud, I've never needed a cloud lifter. Love your comment, thanks!
Indecisive like this guy? This is why I buy from Sweetwater, free 30 day return & 2yr warranty. I bought the L-20 from Sweetwater, returned it, tried something else, returned it and bought the L-20 again. The L-20 has been great for recording my band & the 6 headphone outs are a blessing(also a master), as you can send exact tracks to each individual headphone number.
Indecisive is putting it mildly. I'm more like.... maniacally reckless. I love ordering from Sweetwater... but as a Canadian our Government takes a randomly applied gouge of money out - to please the King that they call 'duty', which is actually just theft.
D'you have a take on how the preamps compare, as far as power and noise? I've been using the Zoom L-8 for 3-4 years, and though it's extremely useful - and I would miss some of the functionality dearly if I swapped it for a Tascam - the preamps do seem a little on the cheap and rickety side, much like the faders, some of which are starting to wear out.
The Tascam has the Ultra HDDA pres, which are supposed to be a big deal. I tend to by using an external pre before the Tascam or the Zoom, so I wasn't giving with mixer a fair shake at showing it's pre's off. When I recorded the same song twice - once on the Tascam and once on the Zoom - I found the Tascam warmer and darker and the Zoom brighter and a bit more harsh. Either were super good. We are really talking about the last 5% of how anything is going to sound at this point. Neither mixer's pres are going to impart character I wouldnt say.
@@QuestForGear Thanks for the reply! Good food for thought.
Can I bother you to explain the mute trick you referenced with the Zoom? I didn't quite catch it. Does the metering switch from channel volume to input gain when you hit the mute button?!
I will try to find the video - another person on youtube explains it better... and I dont have the Zoom anymore so cant demonstrate it.
No worries, man, if you can find it easy, great but if not, no need to bother. I experimented some and proved to my satisfaction that when you mute the metering flips to the input gain rather than channel volume. It's a pretty counter-intuitive but handy feature that the manual seemingly never explains, as far as I can tell.
One of my biggest frustrations with the L-8 has been no fine metering so it's harder to set input gain appropriately. Makes me think I could live with other downsides (flimsy plastic, ok preamps). You may have just saved by $800+ for a different unit so huge thanks!
any experience with the soundraft 22 mtk or allen & heath zed series? I have a Zoom L-12 and i love the functionality but I am looking for a few more inputs and something that feels a little more premium (i dont love how plasticy the enclosure is). I love how easy it is to dial in a mix while your tracking between the daw return and the elements that are monitoring through the mixer
I've been looking at the Soundcraft and the Allen and Heath QU. The Soundcraft to my knowledge doesn't record it's multitrack to SD. So, for the money - I want to make sure I can pick the board up and do full multitracking. The Allen and Heath QU 16 is probably perfect for me....the only thing stopping me is it's age. I'm not sure it worth $2800 cdn at the moment. Or maybe it is. It does have motorized faders. The age of it concerns me though. I think I'm just waiting for the machine of my dreams to be released... and that's likely never going to happen. The Tascam and Zoom came really really close.
Where are the polarity flippers?
There's a button on the channel strip area under the low cut knob
I wanted to buy one but then I found out it only records pre eq and fx 🤨 wish they could give the option for both!
Yeah both machines have their flaws unfortunately. I guess I wasn't super relying on compression, effects or EQ for either... rather I use outboard gear and plugins. The reverbs aren't the worst though, and the EQ's are ok in a pinch.
Actually that is not such a bad point, as you could do a lot more re EQ and FX in your DAW than you can onboard.
Third times a charm 😂
Sort of, lol. I have the Tascam again. Not intentionally.
No inserts make the Zoom a deal breaker for me. I've got too much invested in outboard gear to run anything into a mixer preamp.
Super easy to shuffle recordings from the Tascam insert channels to other channels on the board for playback.
To me, the Tascam M16/24 also has a sound imprint I really enjoy (maybe its the converters thru the circuitry, I don't know).
Good luck on your journey for what works for you, no matter how many times your swap consoles : )
Thanks! Long story short (see my new videos) - I have the Tascam back.
You can use the monitor outs to route signal into your outboard and then back into a channel on the desk.
When you record into a DAW, I think they both have audio interface modes where when you plug-in and you turn on the DAW and you just assign the inputs it immediately records directly into it without having to bounce any tracks in between the two or take out any cards or anything like that, right? I saw somewhere that the tascam is better for doing the recording process because it’s more seamless?
I saw your product rant video. Its much more Useful and organic then people who are reading off of cue cards, or Talking Heads for the products. Good job and Thanks!
Thank you! I try to make the kind of music videos I like to see. If I ever get a single dollar out of youtube - then maybe someday I'll increase the quality of the video and editing - but until then 'organic' is what I do! I guess the Tascam is 'seamless'. I don'' currently own it - it was too big and expensive too keep around.... could not justify it.
I've been using the Tascam Model 12 for a few years. I've been wants/needing more inputs and like you have been bouncing back and forth between getting the Tascam 24 and the LiveTrack L-20. I'm wondering about your experience with adjusting the eq on different channels while playing live. The lack of eq knobs at the ready on each channel strip on the L-20 has me wondering how quickly track eq can be adjusted with the universal eq section. In terms of recording, with both allow me to record at least 18 separate channels to the SD card? Thanks
There is a magazine review out there I think you should read.... see if this helps: www.audiotechnology.com/reviews/tascam-model-24-vs-zoom-livetrak-l-20
Man I am really liking your banter and view on gear, right now I am trying to decide between this and the model 24, I have a band and we want to record practice with seperate headphones mixes, plus I use Reaper and need it for an audio interface as well, I will do most of the mixing inside of Reaper and bounce tracks that way. For rehearsal it is imperative we each have a headphone mix and then I want to be able to put the sessions into Reaper and mix them. You think I should go with the zoom? I am leaning towards it? Thanks.
cliff
Thanks Cliff! Yeah it's a low budget, no edit channel in the style of the kind I like to watch on RUclips. People at home doing home recording. The Zoom is going to do it for you - but so is the Tascam.... you can't go wrong either way. The Tascam you will nned to add a headphone amp - the Zoom... just add the head phones! I will check you channel out in detail asap!
@QuestForGear ya my channel is just some drum cover type stuff, I'm hoping to record my band and upload that will be cool though! I enjoy your channel man! The rants u go on are epic!!!
lol thanks
Hi, I bought the Zoom Livetrak L-20 because it had the possibility of having both Mute and Solo which would have been convenient, too bad the Solo doesn't work in the sense that I noticed that when you activate it, the selected track it increases in volume but by a lot! the clip should also go.
Does this happen to yours too?
Since I bought it used, I wanted to know if it's broken, thanks for any response
"the clip should also go." - sorry not sure what you mean? I did end up getting rid of mine - long story short - I couldn't keep the Tascam and the Zoom - one had to go. Both are perfectly great boards.
why have you owned 3 of each?
I keep changing my mind. It's work flow thing. I come from the 4-track world way back and then moved to DAW.... and now cannot stand recording on computers.... so I'm looking for the fastest, easiest work flow. Both the Tascam and Zoom come with Pro's and Cons. I don't hate or love either. I waiting for the machine of my dreams but that day may never come.
Did you film this through a crack in the fence mate?
Yes. But in a very real sense, no. Peter Jackson produced it.
@@QuestForGear You have...powerful friends.
No not that Peter Jackson. Petey down my street. He's got a handy cam.
lol