Great video. It's a cool little mixer. There aren't many compact mixers that have four stereo inputs for four stereo synths. The recording is a great "bonus". I actually came on here to comment that I see a lot of people saying the no overdubbing is the deal-breaker. I have a Zoom R4 and it is fantastic for overdubbing and an incredible value (currently selling new for $149). It also records in 32-bit, can do essentially unlimited overdubs / bounces, it saves all of your individual tracks separately as well as the bounce track, it exports to 32-bit or 24-bit with normalization, has great effects, a built-in microphone, etc. I route my separate compact mixer into the R4 where I can record and overdub full songs, while also saving the invididual tracks to bring into a DAW later to to mix there if I want. It's an awesome little device.
Completely agree. I wanted to get that video posted because I thought it was important for some people to know about the overdub limitation before they buy an L-6. The R4 is an overdubbing alternative and it does go on sale for $149 (and I even saw it for $130 once) and has some unique features that are not quite mixing board and not quite true multitracker. I tried to outline some of those discussion points here, and I highlighted the R4 in particular because of it's unique feature set ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
@@GazRendar Awesome. Yes, I recalled seeing that video after I posted my comment. I even watched it again because it's a great video. I thought about deleting my comment but figured I'd leave it there just in case someone else saw it. Zoom makes some great products, and no one covers them in depth as well as you do. I love the idea of the Zoom R20 and seriously considered buying one after watching you cover it. If all the inputs were 1/4" jacks (instead of most of them only XLR) I probably would have picked it up. It looks pretty great. Thanks for your videos. They're really informative.
Perfect. I'm sold, especially because I like to create and play the whole song on my instruments, not in a device. Everything plays together, hit record, done. And, as you noted, if I wanted, I could move to Ableton to mix the individual tracks, or just polish up the master, or send it off for mastering. Very happy this device exists, waiting on release here in Europe now. 😊
They is why this is so tempting. As a relative newbie, I don't want or need a LOT of choices. I just need basic functionality and I can learn with that. If need more I can grow into other gear or functions. I love this little device. And the price is right too!
This is perfect in terms of size and what you can do with it in a small set up. I think a lot of people need to be reminded that its a mixer and not multitrack recorder. The fact that there is a recording facility on board for snapshots of the odd idea is a huge plus in itself and even without that its the kind of mixer ive been looking for.
That's the spot-on assessment. It's definitely a mixing board first. If people want to buy it, they have to think of it that way with the recording feature as being a secondary part of it's core functionality.
@@GazRendar Nice walkthrough! And yeah, IMO the best usecase for this is a small performance mixer that can be used to capture live shows super easily and re-mix a bit too. I have a tascam model 12, which is great for the porta-studio feel, but this is so much more portable for a small show, I wish I had it for a modular open-mic I just did!
You're welcome! Yeah, for me I also prefer them to be dry individual tracks. But I know for others they may have wanted wet tracks. That's why I wanted to get this video posted quickly.
@@GazRendar Yeah now that I've read the manual, the 2 aux sends allows for effects units to be connected and then each channel can be sent to them (besides the one used for the return). If it records the individual tracks dry, this will mean that only the master track will have the effects on them. Maybe there's a way to choose? I'll have to read further
The fact that it can not handle overdubbing is a deal killer. Amazing that a device with so many tracks/effects etc can not be used to build up a multitrack demo.
Well, I'm guessing Zoom made a conscious decision to not provide overdubbing with this unit. I think they were going for maximum compactness with super simple and easy recording by hitting one button and being able to get a multitrack recording plus master of whatever you were playing. If the wanted to add overdubbing they would have probably needed to put in screen. I'm guessing Zoom felt like they have enough products in their line up that can do overdubbing that they wanted to focus on something else with the L-6...and that something else is primarily a compact mixer that is well suited for synth players. I don't fault Zoom for not adding overdubbing, but I felt it was important to post the video to alert potential buyers for what they are getting in an L-6. it's a definitely a deal killer for some people, and a pretty perfect quick-recording mixer for others.
Great video. Covers almost everything. Would have loved to see the multiple synths recorded at once. But, hey....it's all GOOD! Thank you for this. It really helps me make a decision on a piece of gear that I may not "need" but would like to have in the arsenal.
There is more info here. I use multiple synths in this one: ZOOM L-6 First Impressions - Unboxing, Recording, EQ, Effects, Pros, Cons - Who should buy ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
I think it's still a really good device for a specific group of users. I just wanted to make sure people have all the info about the L-6's recording capabilities before they buy it.
I run VGuitarforums, we are pursuing using Livetrak L6 as a modern Guitar FX Board mixer for running advanced Guitar processors in parallel- thank you for these detailed videos
Happy to help! If you get the L6 for guitars, just make sure you have some kind of preamp or effect pedal(s) between the guitar and the mixing board since it doesn't have a Hi-Z input for any of the channels.
Nice video verifying that it has the features I need. I've actually been waiting for a mixer/recorder like this for years, what's available until now not quite what I've been wishing for. I've been using a simple analogue mixer board and a 4-channel mixer, allowing me to record my improvisations both with and without effects simultaneously, but I've been considering options for mixers doing something like this. I don't overdub or do any kind of punch-in recording, so that limitation isn't an issue for me, and I actually like that it doesn have that feature I won't need. The fact that it is small (but not ridiculously TX-6 tiny, or 1010 Bluebox small), super affordable even if you just think of it as a 32-bit multitrack recorder, and with MIDI control, it's an absolute no-brainer. Not on Black Friday sale this year, but that saves me from finding something else that I wont be quite as happy with. I think this ticks all my boxes, so unless I find a good reason not to, I'll definitely get one of these next year.
Very interesting review opening the drawback with impossibility to listen and overdub mixer signals while playing records. It looks like a huge limitation for such device. Hope Zoom will correct this via firmware to grab buyers.
It would be nice, but I'm not sure if the internal signal busses were designed to be able to overdub. I could be wrong, but I suspect that cannot be fixed with a firmware update. Considering there is no screen on the device to create and name projects, whenever you hit REC on the L-6 is creates a whole new folder on the SD card and all the track files are saved as brand new files. There would have to be some serious reprogramming to somehow allow the user to hit the REC and not create a new folder, but instead overwrite one of the WAV file tracks with an overdub. There is no way to selectively arm tracks on the L-6 either, so I'm not seeing how you can set up certain tracks for Playback and other tracks for REC writing. My guess is that overdubbing isn't going to happen on the L-6. It's not designed for that. You'll have to step up to at least an L-8 if you want that, or move to a multitracker like the R12 or R20.
That's in the plans. So far I was focused on the standard mixer performance and the SD card recording. I'll be moving to other features like MIDI and USB connectivity next.
With the usb interface you could set up your jam session and record everything to the iPad and apply realtime fx to the recorded tracks as you perform. Having the interface opens a ton of possibilities! I can wait to get mine in the mail.
I agree. The problem is I can't really get the interface to work with iOS yet. I don't know what's going on, but I can only get 2in/2out and the monitor on doesn't always work. I've been testing out a variety of cords and adapters and playing with the settings, but it's not working consistently. Not sure if it needs a firmware update or not for that.
@ well that is disappointing because that is the main feature I purchased it for. Hopefully it will be sorted out soon. I perform jam sessions live and the biggest issue I have had with a standard mixer is that I don’t have enough fx sends and returns to create interesting sounds on the fly and a way to capture the performance to individual tracks live. The L6 is supposed to solve that issue for me.
Thanks for this!! I was just about to buy one because of the multi-stereo inputs. But if I can't create a track and then jam over it, that really creates a serious limitation since you wouldn't have the change to fix a mistake on one track while replaying what you have already done.
Correct. You're probably going to prefer a multitrack recorder like the R12 or R20 for that. Or possibly consider the L-8, which will allow you to do some overdubbing with limited punch I/O fixes for parts of tracks.
@@garyking4032 True. You can load a WAV file into one of the sound pads. That goes to the Master Volume and you'll hear it while still being able to play through the 6 channels. I just started testing the sound pads and I'll try out your idea and perhaps post something when I know more. I don't know if there is a max size/length for the WAV file that you load into the pad yet.
Thanks for the two videos so far! My next questions.. 1.: how is the config software? Esp. how to get AUX configured. Can I send specific channels to that.. For my setup I would then get a channel our of AUX into the ext-in of a synth. 2.: How is it behaving as an audio interface when connected to a computer? 3/2b: Works smoothly with an iPad? (in and out)
I've only started to dabble with the config software. It's...ok. But I have to say, having a laptop that is 2-3 times the size of the L-6 right next to the L-6 defeats the purpose of having a super compact, capable mixing board on my cramped desk. At least for me. You don't need the software for the AUX outs. The AUX outs are only mono signals, but you can select AUX 1 in the channel strip, and then just use the encoder for a channel to dictate how much signal gets sent to AUX1. You can just send track 1 to AUX1 and nothing else, and then just send track 3 to AUX 2 if that's what you want to do. Don't need the laptop for that. I just started using it as an audio interface. Seems ok so far. Pretty much plug n play with an iPad. I had to download drivers for Windows (for 32 bit sound). I want to use it more as an interface before I make a video about that so I feel more confident about how well it works in that context.
Thanks for the answer! In the manual the Aux jacks are mentioned for TRS… so I thought it would be Stereo out. My scenario is: a piano that goes into the LiveTrak … aux is grabbing only that signal and send it to the Audio in of a Syntakt (FX and crazy stuff 😅), which of course goes into the LiveTrak as well. But this should work… Will definitely get one. But in Germany I don’t see any in stock 😢
I haven't extensively tested it, but I believe the AUX out will take an TRS cable in order to send a balanced signal out. However, the actual sound is only transmitted as a summed mono signal that goes out of the tip part of the plug. The Ring part is the simultaneous balanced signal that will cancel out any noise - like how most XLR cables are. That allows you to run a long (>15m) cable to a PA system and PA speakers without picking up line noise along the way. But you should be able to plug in your piano to a channel on the L-6 and then you can use the AUX out with a short TS cable to the Syntakt (so the Syntakt gets a mono piano signal), and then send a stereo signal from the Syntakt back into the L-6...which you can then send everything out as a stereo signal through the L-6 headphone out or Master Out.
I got a zoom r16, it can overdub and even has a usb slot for memory sticks. But its a little larger, so I was eyeballing this, also because it has midi IO - but it does not generate a midi clock I think. Still pretty nice for portability, people with ipads seem to appreciate it a lot.
The L-6 does NOT generate a master MIDI clock. You can only send MIDI clock tempo signals to the L-6 to modulate the L-6's echo and delay effects. The L-6 is quite a bit different from the R16 and the whole R-line in general. The R-line are designed to be multitrack recorders and song building machines. The L-line devices are first and foremost mixers, and recorders as a secondary feature. I made a video for people who are shopping for a new budget multitrack recorder. I think the main goal is to make sure what TYPE of recorder you should buy for YOUR specific needs, and then settle on a model. If you haven't, feel free to take a look and skip around on the chapters if you need to: ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
Since there is no Aux return, I guess you use one for the channels for that. No problem for me since I wouldn't need all six at once anyway. However, if the effect box I have is stereo, can it record the stereo effect onto the "five" other tracks or only mono?
The sound coming out of the two AUX outs are summed mono signals that are on the tip of a TRS cable. You could route that to an effects pedal if you want, and then bring a stereo signal back into two of the inputs on the board.
I'll have to go back and double check, but I'm almost positive the sound from a sound pad shows up in the Master WAV file. It definitely does not show up in any of the original Track WAV files.
You can use the app to load the sounds into the sound pads. Or you can drop WAV files into the Sound Pad folder on the SD card. When you hit the REC button on the L-6, the sound pads are only being routed to the master out. They have their own separate bus from the pad button to the master out. They do not route through any of the individual channels.
I appreciate these videos, the L6 seems damn near perfect for me! One question, if you hook up a MIDI controller with faders to control the track levels, will the LED encoder ring reflect the accurate fader/track level?
I don't know yet. I have mostly been using it as a stand-alone mixer, and once I discovered that the individual tracks were dry, I wanted to make this video first, because I thought it would be the most important. I just started using it as an interface and have only scratched the surface of MIDI control so far. I'll be using the L6 more and will continue to post videos as I figure out all the features and feel like I can accurately and correctly describe them.
It is also a 6-input audio interface, once connected to a computer, this is also what makes it powerful, having access to its 6-track exploded DAW. maybe you aren't aware of it because you don't talk about it at any time, by the way it's a test video on this subject which would be great and which I can't find anywhere, just to see if the latency time is usable. THANKS.
I mostly haven't discussed the interface capabilities because I just started testing that out. And I think a bunch of people are looking to use this in a DAWless setup, so I thought I would focus on that first. Once I fully test it out the interface capabilities I'll definitely report on it. It's on the to-do list!
Thanks for the video. Can the USB-C be used as an audio input, for example music playing from my phone? Also, what type of AC adaptor does it plug to, if I want to use it as a permanent audio interface on my desk?
Yes. You can use that USB-C port on the front of the L-6 and then hit the buttons for either Track 5 or Track 6 to route the sound there. There is an AC adapter in the box, but it just needs a simple 5V / 1A power supply. So any phone charger should work. You can see me answer those questions in my unboxing and first impressions video here: ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
Hi, great video, thanks! Do you know if it is class compliant? I would like to use it as an audio interface with my mpc one+ the same way I use the Tascam model 12, cheers!
It seems like it, but I've only scratched the surface of it's use as an interface so far. I wanted to fully test out the SD card recording capabilities first so I could make this video. Using it as an interface is one of the things that's up next for me. But when I plug it into an iPad as an interface, it seems like it "just works," which makes me believe it's class compliant. Windows was janky if you just plug it in. I had to download the drivers from the Zoom website to get it to work. So I think if you plug it into an MPC it'll work, but I don't know if you'll get a full 10-in 4-out, or if it'll go down to a 2-in 2-out type of interface. I sadly don't have an MPC to try it out with, but I'll be testing it as an interface in a variety of settings soon.
Oh, do MPCs only work with 44.1kHz sample signals? I don't have an MPC, so I wasn't aware of that. I just kinda assumed you could pick 44.1, 48, or 96 with them. Guess I was wrong.
Hi thank you for a nice video, however I have a simple question that no one seems to address. How do you go to different recordings that you make on this machine? I can only play the most recent recording, but is there a way to scroll back to previous recordings? This would seem like a simple common sense idea on any recording device. Cheers
You cannot. I touch on it a little bit here and in my First Impressions video, but the L-6 doesn't have a LCD screen. There is no way to see and select past projects, so it will only playback your most recent recording.
It's...fine. You can't tweak anything about it. It squeezes the top end a little bit and gives everything underneath it a fairly significant push. Depending on what you are playing you'll functionally feel an overall +2 to +4 dB gain in the master channel after you hit the COMP button, so you might have to turn down the master volume after you switch it on.
Doesen't the 4 sound pads allow for individual live recording and playing? The zoom product site states it can do so but no video on this device mentions this.
Great vid, if someone can answer my question please.. ok, say I got two overheads on the drums, mic on the bass, mic on the guitar cab, an out from the p.a dumping vocals all on one channel.. you set your levels, they are all in the green...you record your song live off the floor...once the recording is done, can you playback each individual track and set your levels for a mix? or do you have to just jam, set your levels to were things sound balanced and that's your stereo file mixdown? (I'm assuming with the 32 bit float, you just roughly set things so they are in the green, that way you drag and drop to a computer later for a mix, but I'm just curious if you can actually mix the tracks on the unit)
Seems like it still doesn’t beat out the R8, other than additional inputs and possibly more tracks being recorded simultaneously other than the maximum of two on the R8
It's a very different product compared to the R8. The R8 you can build songs on, one track and one instrument at a time. The L-6 truly is a mixing board (with many more inputs than the R8) more than anything else. It just also offers a quick and easy way to hit the REC button and capture whatever you're playing at the time. But it's not a song-building multitracker device like the R8 is.
How does it work when you use it as an audio interface? Do you get individual tracks that are dry plus a master track that has all of the effects? Also, how is the headroom? I only ask because my Roland MX-1 has this annoying feature where everything comes into the DAW at very low levels which then doesn't mix well with everything else that has been normalized. And since the L6 is touting its high headroom, I am curious how that translates to the levels that are output (both as a DAW interface and in the WAV files recorded to the SD card). Also, do the two aux sends support stereo signals?
I only started using it as an interface, so I don't know enough to confidently comment on the levels just yet. I wanted to focus on testing things out with the SD card recording first and make a video about it, since I think that's a top priority for people considering purchase. The AUX outputs are actually both mono outs. The 32-bit recording can mean more normalization work in post processing. So far when recording signals originating from an amplified headphone out (like the J-6 in this video and Pocket Operators), the signal recorded to the SD card has typical levels of gain applied to the final WAV files. The levels of those those files are similar to the WAV files I get when I use a 24-bit recorder and I set my gains to result in -12 to -8dB levels. However, when I use a mic for inputs 1 and 2, or if I use line level signals from equipment that is notoriously a little quieter in inputs 3-6, that's where I can get a wider range of amplitudes on my signal in the WAV files. The signal has usually been good still, but I have to adjust the gain/normalization in post processing more than I would if I was using a 24-bit recorder with manual gain settings for the inputs. So for the headroom question....I guess the answer greatly depends on what equipment you are using and how you are using it. But yes, you can end up in scenarios were you really need to boost up the levels of the 32-bit recordings. With the compact synths I've primarily been using, though, it hasn't been much of a problem.
@@GazRendar Thank you very much. This is very good news for live broadcast implementers. The lack of audio interface recording capability is a fundamental drawback of the Zoom H8, for example. Redundancy is the basis of professional work during broadcasting. I own a Zooma H8 and a Behringer Flow 8 and it looks like the Zoom L-6 will be able to replace both. One more question. Is the audio interface mode also sending a mix?
How about with a drum machine? Will it drop into a DAW session with the same BPM and line up with no issues? I suspect it will, but wanted to see if you have tried that.
Well, you can drop it into a DAW and use it, but it depends on how you record. If you are working on a song at 110bpm and you set your drum machine to 110bpm and record something to the SD card on the L-6, you can take the SD card out and load that WAV file into your song on in the DAW and it will be in time. Now, the challenge might be to get it to line up at the start. Because when you hit REC on the L-6, it just starts recording. It will record silence. So in the time it takes to hit REC on the L-6 and then hit PLAY on your drum machine, you will create some empty recorded time in that WAV file. You'll have to trim out that silence in the DAW to get it to initially line up to beat 1 of your drum machine pattern. But once you get that first beat to perfectly line up, the rest of the recorded drum track should be perfectly in time.
@@GazRendar Perfect, thank you. So no clock drift then, which is nice. To solve that issue you mentioned I plan on making a 4 bar pattern with a 4x4 kick to start the track, so then I can just line it up to the DAW grid. Very cool littler box for submixing a drum kit and actually having al the stems.
That's is absolutely a great way to get things to line up later in a DAW. I do the same for most of my work on the Zoom R20. I recommend a kick or a woodblock hit that has a sharp attack and quick decay to make it easier to line it up perfectly.
I tested it. When you are recording and you hit MUTE on a track, that track is indeed muted in the Master WAV file, however, the mute never happens in the dry individual track that is recorded to the SD card. I should definitely include that in a future video to let people know about that.
@@GazRendar That's perfect for live DAWless recording. One more question that's not addressed in any documentation I've seen. Is there a size/length restriction for the sound pad audio files? I'm assuming if it can fit on the SD card, you can use any length audio. Thanks for your input!
Yeah, it's not bad as a straightforward multitrack recorder. No set up or settings to manage. Just hit REC and go. And then you have to work with the tracks on a computer later...if that's all you need, then it's great. But you can't build songs one track or one instrument at a time on this device. You'll have to at least move up to the L-8 for that, or consider the R12 or R20 instead.
isnt is possible to just plug your synth into the combo jack/xlr? it seems a little annoying that the 2 first wav files will be empty (not that it actually matters, but my wannabe ocd tells me othervise) (im guessing alot of the small synths are mono anyways, so it shouldnt be a problem?)
Sure, you can totally plug your synth into the combo jacks. I just hate those combo jacks for 1/4" inputs, so I don't use them unless I have to. But you will always get empty WAV files unless you are using all the channels. In my example I only used Track 3. But when I hit record, the L-6 still created WAV files for Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Those were all empty WAV files. I describe that a little more in my First Impressions video, along with the tight combo jacks: ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
Bluebox is $250 more and pretty much never goes on sale. Bluebox is all 3.5mm inputs. If that's all you need, then the Bluebox is nice. Bluebox is also even smaller than this. For better and worse, Bluebox has a touchscreen. But you're not plugging a mic into a Bluebox without needing some kind of preamp and adapter cables first. If you need to plug in a mic or two, the L-6 has those two XLR inputs which make it more versatile. If you only have compact synths, and you have the extra $250, and you don't mind not having a power button, the Bluebox is likely the better choice. But if you have a range of gear and you need the occasional mic, the L-6 probably wins at the cheaper price point.
When I mean overdubbing, I mean opting to playback say, tracks 1-3 (which already had something recorded on them) and then recording track 4. And after that recording track 5. If you run the headphone out into another input it wouldn't keep things as separate tracks. Additionally, it won't work because as I demonstrate in the video, if you hit Play, you can't route any new sound through any of the inputs. Play simply plays back the last recorded song. You can't overdub any new sounds on top of that.
I have no idea what Zoom might be cooking up in their R&D labs, but since there is no hardware button to arm tracks for recording vs. playback, and with the way I think the signal path is directed inside the unit, I don't think it's possible to do overdubbing. I don't think that's what they intended when they made this device. The L-8 and L-12 have overdubbing because they have a small LCD screen where you can select different projects. By contrast, the L-6 was likely designed to be a compact mixer for people with multiple small synths on their desk, or for people who need a tight set-up for live shows with the ability to record the live show while they were playing. If you want to record track by track to build a song, you'll have to move up to the L-8, or really, you might want to go to a multitracker like the R20 instead.
I don't know, the more I use it the more I like it for my specific needs. It definitely is a compact mixer, though. But it all depends on what your needs are. If you need more multitrack recording flexibility, or more song-building capability, or a few more XLR inputs, you'll want to get something else. At least an L-8, if not something from the R-series. I made a video about first making sure you know what TYPE of multitrack recorder to get for yourself, then going on to find a specific model from there. Feel free to give it a look if you want and jump around with the chapters: ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
It feels more solid than you would expect. The top panel is a little heavier than the bottom, but if you put 4 AA batteries in the bottom, then the whole thing feels solidly heavy. I do really like the consistent, sliding feel of the channel encoders for each track. Turning those encoders takes a tiny bit of force, in a good way. You can be precise when dialing in mixes you like. Those mushy buttons feel exactly how they look, but they are fine. I mostly just don't like using 1/4" plugs in the combo inputs because it's a stupid tight fit. That's my biggest hardware-feel complaint with the unit.
Thanks. For some people, the $599 price tag on the Model 12 is still absolutely worth it. The downsides are the footprint and some of the menu structure in that small screen, but having all those knobs for immediate controls in every channel is necessary for some people. The Model 12 can be great if those are the features you really need.
You can't overdub because this device is aimed to podcasting, not recording and composing songs. I think it's meant to be used live, with later capability of editing individual tracks to publish a polished product. It's clearer if you think of podcasting with a camera. In this case overdubbing really makes no sense.
I think this device can definitely work for podcasting, but it's not necessarily ideal for it because there are only 2 XLR inputs and only one headphone out. I think it's best suited to synth musicians who have several instruments that feature 1/4" outputs who want an easy way to multitrack record and actually get dry individual tracks that they can mix and edit later on a computer, along with the full stereo master WAV file for reference.
@GazRendar yeah you are probably right given there are so many line level inputs and just one headphone out. In my case I'd like to use it to multitrack record dj sets. So it's perfect 👌
Yep…that’s why I wanted to get it posted. Some people won’t care. But for others it’s a deal breaker because you can’t record songs track by track with it.
Did you really say "No overdubbing"?? There's no internal USB rechargeable battery? Sadness overcomes me. Is there USB audio and system control? Or do you have to pull the SD card and put it into the computer? My first impression is my last impression.
As I demonstrate in the video, there is no overdubbing. It's definitely primarily a mixing board that just so happens to have an easy and convenient way to create simple multitrack recordings. I actually prefer that it doesn't have a rechargeable battery because it's more versatile that way. If you are playing a live show and the rechargeable battery dies, you are in trouble. But the fact that you can quickly pop in a fresh set of alkalines can save you. And for day-to-day use, I demonstrate in the video that it's easy to power the L-6 for hours with a USB battery bank. And you can still just plug it into the wall if you need to. You can use the L-6 as an interface for your computer. However, using it as an interface for an iPad or iPhone has been problematic for me so far as I can only get it to work as a 2in/2out interface for iOS devices. But I do think it's very easy to pop out the microSD card and put that into a computer. That's mostly what I've been doing.
Yeah, if you need overdubbing, this is definite not it. That's why I wanted to warn potential shoppers. If you want overdubbing, the L-8 does offer some limited overdubbing options. Otherwise you may want to instead move to more of a step-by-step song building machine, like the R12 or R20.
Can you record an instrument part to the pad and then play it while recording a second instrument in order to build a multi part track to build a song. Just thinking of a way to build a multi instrument track playing one instrument at a time. Just wondering.
Great video. It's a cool little mixer. There aren't many compact mixers that have four stereo inputs for four stereo synths. The recording is a great "bonus". I actually came on here to comment that I see a lot of people saying the no overdubbing is the deal-breaker. I have a Zoom R4 and it is fantastic for overdubbing and an incredible value (currently selling new for $149). It also records in 32-bit, can do essentially unlimited overdubs / bounces, it saves all of your individual tracks separately as well as the bounce track, it exports to 32-bit or 24-bit with normalization, has great effects, a built-in microphone, etc. I route my separate compact mixer into the R4 where I can record and overdub full songs, while also saving the invididual tracks to bring into a DAW later to to mix there if I want. It's an awesome little device.
(Of course the R4 is not a mixer, but I just wanted to mention it as an option for people to explore, especially if they already have a small mixer)
Completely agree. I wanted to get that video posted because I thought it was important for some people to know about the overdub limitation before they buy an L-6. The R4 is an overdubbing alternative and it does go on sale for $149 (and I even saw it for $130 once) and has some unique features that are not quite mixing board and not quite true multitracker.
I tried to outline some of those discussion points here, and I highlighted the R4 in particular because of it's unique feature set
ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
@@GazRendar Awesome. Yes, I recalled seeing that video after I posted my comment. I even watched it again because it's a great video. I thought about deleting my comment but figured I'd leave it there just in case someone else saw it. Zoom makes some great products, and no one covers them in depth as well as you do. I love the idea of the Zoom R20 and seriously considered buying one after watching you cover it. If all the inputs were 1/4" jacks (instead of most of them only XLR) I probably would have picked it up. It looks pretty great. Thanks for your videos. They're really informative.
Perfect. I'm sold, especially because I like to create and play the whole song on my instruments, not in a device. Everything plays together, hit record, done. And, as you noted, if I wanted, I could move to Ableton to mix the individual tracks, or just polish up the master, or send it off for mastering. Very happy this device exists, waiting on release here in Europe now. 😊
Yep, sounds like the L6 should be a good solution for you. Hope you're able to get one soon!
Me too! I’m heading to a local music shop now to pick one up!
They is why this is so tempting. As a relative newbie, I don't want or need a LOT of choices. I just need basic functionality and I can learn with that. If need more I can grow into other gear or functions. I love this little device. And the price is right too!
This is perfect in terms of size and what you can do with it in a small set up. I think a lot of people need to be reminded that its a mixer and not multitrack recorder. The fact that there is a recording facility on board for snapshots of the odd idea is a huge plus in itself and even without that its the kind of mixer ive been looking for.
That's the spot-on assessment. It's definitely a mixing board first. If people want to buy it, they have to think of it that way with the recording feature as being a secondary part of it's core functionality.
@@GazRendar Nice walkthrough! And yeah, IMO the best usecase for this is a small performance mixer that can be used to capture live shows super easily and re-mix a bit too. I have a tascam model 12, which is great for the porta-studio feel, but this is so much more portable for a small show, I wish I had it for a modular open-mic I just did!
The dry recording. Yes ! That would have been a deal breaker if it didn’t. Thnx again for the run through.
You're welcome! Yeah, for me I also prefer them to be dry individual tracks. But I know for others they may have wanted wet tracks. That's why I wanted to get this video posted quickly.
I would rather wet because if i didn't want the eq changes, panning etc i would not do them.
I hear ya. That's why I wanted to get that video posted. Just to let people know so they can decide if it's the right type of device for them.
@@GazRendar Yeah now that I've read the manual, the 2 aux sends allows for effects units to be connected and then each channel can be sent to them (besides the one used for the return). If it records the individual tracks dry, this will mean that only the master track will have the effects on them. Maybe there's a way to choose? I'll have to read further
Yep, I'll use those as additional variations with effects from Ableton. This will work out just fine!
Thanks for this deeper dive! It answered my questions.
Happy to help!
The fact that it can not handle overdubbing is a deal killer. Amazing that a device with so many tracks/effects etc can not be used to build up a multitrack demo.
Well, I'm guessing Zoom made a conscious decision to not provide overdubbing with this unit. I think they were going for maximum compactness with super simple and easy recording by hitting one button and being able to get a multitrack recording plus master of whatever you were playing. If the wanted to add overdubbing they would have probably needed to put in screen. I'm guessing Zoom felt like they have enough products in their line up that can do overdubbing that they wanted to focus on something else with the L-6...and that something else is primarily a compact mixer that is well suited for synth players. I don't fault Zoom for not adding overdubbing, but I felt it was important to post the video to alert potential buyers for what they are getting in an L-6. it's a definitely a deal killer for some people, and a pretty perfect quick-recording mixer for others.
Great video. Covers almost everything. Would have loved to see the multiple synths recorded at once. But, hey....it's all GOOD! Thank you for this. It really helps me make a decision on a piece of gear that I may not "need" but would like to have in the arsenal.
There is more info here. I use multiple synths in this one:
ZOOM L-6 First Impressions - Unboxing, Recording, EQ, Effects, Pros, Cons - Who should buy
ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
Thank you for putting this video together and describing everything!
Thanks! Hope it helps new users or people trying to decide if they want to buy one or not.
Great video, thanks.
No deal breakers for me. Mine should arrive later today, it seams like the right choice for me. 😊
I think it's still a really good device for a specific group of users. I just wanted to make sure people have all the info about the L-6's recording capabilities before they buy it.
@@GazRendar I appreciate you brother!
I run VGuitarforums, we are pursuing using Livetrak L6 as a modern Guitar FX Board mixer for running advanced Guitar processors in parallel- thank you for these detailed videos
Happy to help! If you get the L6 for guitars, just make sure you have some kind of preamp or effect pedal(s) between the guitar and the mixing board since it doesn't have a Hi-Z input for any of the channels.
Nice video verifying that it has the features I need. I've actually been waiting for a mixer/recorder like this for years, what's available until now not quite what I've been wishing for. I've been using a simple analogue mixer board and a 4-channel mixer, allowing me to record my improvisations both with and without effects simultaneously, but I've been considering options for mixers doing something like this. I don't overdub or do any kind of punch-in recording, so that limitation isn't an issue for me, and I actually like that it doesn have that feature I won't need.
The fact that it is small (but not ridiculously TX-6 tiny, or 1010 Bluebox small), super affordable even if you just think of it as a 32-bit multitrack recorder, and with MIDI control, it's an absolute no-brainer. Not on Black Friday sale this year, but that saves me from finding something else that I wont be quite as happy with.
I think this ticks all my boxes, so unless I find a good reason not to, I'll definitely get one of these next year.
Very interesting review opening the drawback with impossibility to listen and overdub mixer signals while playing records. It looks like a huge limitation for such device. Hope Zoom will correct this via firmware to grab buyers.
It would be nice, but I'm not sure if the internal signal busses were designed to be able to overdub. I could be wrong, but I suspect that cannot be fixed with a firmware update. Considering there is no screen on the device to create and name projects, whenever you hit REC on the L-6 is creates a whole new folder on the SD card and all the track files are saved as brand new files. There would have to be some serious reprogramming to somehow allow the user to hit the REC and not create a new folder, but instead overwrite one of the WAV file tracks with an overdub. There is no way to selectively arm tracks on the L-6 either, so I'm not seeing how you can set up certain tracks for Playback and other tracks for REC writing. My guess is that overdubbing isn't going to happen on the L-6. It's not designed for that. You'll have to step up to at least an L-8 if you want that, or move to a multitracker like the R12 or R20.
Would appreciate a video going over what is possible, and any problems using midi or a look at the deeper settings over usb
That's in the plans. So far I was focused on the standard mixer performance and the SD card recording. I'll be moving to other features like MIDI and USB connectivity next.
With the usb interface you could set up your jam session and record everything to the iPad and apply realtime fx to the recorded tracks as you perform. Having the interface opens a ton of possibilities! I can wait to get mine in the mail.
I agree. The problem is I can't really get the interface to work with iOS yet. I don't know what's going on, but I can only get 2in/2out and the monitor on doesn't always work. I've been testing out a variety of cords and adapters and playing with the settings, but it's not working consistently. Not sure if it needs a firmware update or not for that.
@ well that is disappointing because that is the main feature I purchased it for. Hopefully it will be sorted out soon. I perform jam sessions live and the biggest issue I have had with a standard mixer is that I don’t have enough fx sends and returns to create interesting sounds on the fly and a way to capture the performance to individual tracks live. The L6 is supposed to solve that issue for me.
I think I read it needs to be connected to the power for all tracks to show up in iOS
Comp really kicks and boosts ch data. I love this mixer.
The compressor does give it a significant boost at the end of the signal chain
Thanks for this!! I was just about to buy one because of the multi-stereo inputs. But if I can't create a track and then jam over it, that really creates a serious limitation since you wouldn't have the change to fix a mistake on one track while replaying what you have already done.
Correct. You're probably going to prefer a multitrack recorder like the R12 or R20 for that. Or possibly consider the L-8, which will allow you to do some overdubbing with limited punch I/O fixes for parts of tracks.
@@GazRendarworld an option be to record to one of those playback pads, and then jam over the top of that? Not ideal, but worth a try?
@@garyking4032 True. You can load a WAV file into one of the sound pads. That goes to the Master Volume and you'll hear it while still being able to play through the 6 channels. I just started testing the sound pads and I'll try out your idea and perhaps post something when I know more. I don't know if there is a max size/length for the WAV file that you load into the pad yet.
Thanks for the two videos so far!
My next questions..
1.: how is the config software? Esp. how to get AUX configured. Can I send specific channels to that.. For my setup I would then get a channel our of AUX into the ext-in of a synth.
2.: How is it behaving as an audio interface when connected to a computer?
3/2b: Works smoothly with an iPad? (in and out)
I've only started to dabble with the config software. It's...ok. But I have to say, having a laptop that is 2-3 times the size of the L-6 right next to the L-6 defeats the purpose of having a super compact, capable mixing board on my cramped desk. At least for me.
You don't need the software for the AUX outs. The AUX outs are only mono signals, but you can select AUX 1 in the channel strip, and then just use the encoder for a channel to dictate how much signal gets sent to AUX1. You can just send track 1 to AUX1 and nothing else, and then just send track 3 to AUX 2 if that's what you want to do. Don't need the laptop for that.
I just started using it as an audio interface. Seems ok so far. Pretty much plug n play with an iPad. I had to download drivers for Windows (for 32 bit sound). I want to use it more as an interface before I make a video about that so I feel more confident about how well it works in that context.
Thanks for the answer! In the manual the Aux jacks are mentioned for TRS… so I thought it would be Stereo out. My scenario is: a piano that goes into the LiveTrak … aux is grabbing only that signal and send it to the Audio in of a Syntakt (FX and crazy stuff 😅), which of course goes into the LiveTrak as well. But this should work…
Will definitely get one. But in Germany I don’t see any in stock 😢
I haven't extensively tested it, but I believe the AUX out will take an TRS cable in order to send a balanced signal out. However, the actual sound is only transmitted as a summed mono signal that goes out of the tip part of the plug. The Ring part is the simultaneous balanced signal that will cancel out any noise - like how most XLR cables are. That allows you to run a long (>15m) cable to a PA system and PA speakers without picking up line noise along the way.
But you should be able to plug in your piano to a channel on the L-6 and then you can use the AUX out with a short TS cable to the Syntakt (so the Syntakt gets a mono piano signal), and then send a stereo signal from the Syntakt back into the L-6...which you can then send everything out as a stereo signal through the L-6 headphone out or Master Out.
I got a zoom r16, it can overdub and even has a usb slot for memory sticks.
But its a little larger, so I was eyeballing this, also because it has midi IO - but it does not generate a midi clock I think.
Still pretty nice for portability, people with ipads seem to appreciate it a lot.
The L-6 does NOT generate a master MIDI clock. You can only send MIDI clock tempo signals to the L-6 to modulate the L-6's echo and delay effects.
The L-6 is quite a bit different from the R16 and the whole R-line in general. The R-line are designed to be multitrack recorders and song building machines. The L-line devices are first and foremost mixers, and recorders as a secondary feature. I made a video for people who are shopping for a new budget multitrack recorder. I think the main goal is to make sure what TYPE of recorder you should buy for YOUR specific needs, and then settle on a model. If you haven't, feel free to take a look and skip around on the chapters if you need to:
ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
Has anyone used this as usb audio interface? How well does it work? How many ins and outs does it show on a daw? Thanks
Since there is no Aux return, I guess you use one for the channels for that. No problem for me since I wouldn't need all six at once anyway. However, if the effect box I have is stereo, can it record the stereo effect onto the "five" other tracks or only mono?
The sound coming out of the two AUX outs are summed mono signals that are on the tip of a TRS cable. You could route that to an effects pedal if you want, and then bring a stereo signal back into two of the inputs on the board.
We want this in the R6. Fingers crossed they’ll release one and upvote this comment so Zoom can see! 10:25
I think you can record to the sound pad, but I'm not sure if the sound pad is recorded in the main recording.
I'll have to go back and double check, but I'm almost positive the sound from a sound pad shows up in the Master WAV file. It definitely does not show up in any of the original Track WAV files.
@@GazRendar I wonder where they are recorded?
You can use the app to load the sounds into the sound pads. Or you can drop WAV files into the Sound Pad folder on the SD card. When you hit the REC button on the L-6, the sound pads are only being routed to the master out. They have their own separate bus from the pad button to the master out. They do not route through any of the individual channels.
I appreciate these videos, the L6 seems damn near perfect for me! One question, if you hook up a MIDI controller with faders to control the track levels, will the LED encoder ring reflect the accurate fader/track level?
I don't know yet. I have mostly been using it as a stand-alone mixer, and once I discovered that the individual tracks were dry, I wanted to make this video first, because I thought it would be the most important. I just started using it as an interface and have only scratched the surface of MIDI control so far. I'll be using the L6 more and will continue to post videos as I figure out all the features and feel like I can accurately and correctly describe them.
It is also a 6-input audio interface, once connected to a computer, this is also what makes it powerful, having access to its 6-track exploded DAW. maybe you aren't aware of it because you don't talk about it at any time, by the way it's a test video on this subject which would be great and which I can't find anywhere, just to see if the latency time is usable. THANKS.
I mostly haven't discussed the interface capabilities because I just started testing that out. And I think a bunch of people are looking to use this in a DAWless setup, so I thought I would focus on that first. Once I fully test it out the interface capabilities I'll definitely report on it. It's on the to-do list!
@@GazRendar That would be perfect, thank you.
Thanks for the video.
Can the USB-C be used as an audio input, for example music playing from my phone?
Also, what type of AC adaptor does it plug to, if I want to use it as a permanent audio interface on my desk?
Yes. You can use that USB-C port on the front of the L-6 and then hit the buttons for either Track 5 or Track 6 to route the sound there. There is an AC adapter in the box, but it just needs a simple 5V / 1A power supply. So any phone charger should work.
You can see me answer those questions in my unboxing and first impressions video here:
ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
Hi, great video, thanks! Do you know if it is class compliant? I would like to use it as an audio interface with my mpc one+ the same way I use the Tascam model 12, cheers!
It seems like it, but I've only scratched the surface of it's use as an interface so far. I wanted to fully test out the SD card recording capabilities first so I could make this video. Using it as an interface is one of the things that's up next for me.
But when I plug it into an iPad as an interface, it seems like it "just works," which makes me believe it's class compliant. Windows was janky if you just plug it in. I had to download the drivers from the Zoom website to get it to work. So I think if you plug it into an MPC it'll work, but I don't know if you'll get a full 10-in 4-out, or if it'll go down to a 2-in 2-out type of interface. I sadly don't have an MPC to try it out with, but I'll be testing it as an interface in a variety of settings soon.
@@GazRendar Thank you!!!
Apparently you cant use this with the mpc 44.1 vs 48khz
Oh, do MPCs only work with 44.1kHz sample signals? I don't have an MPC, so I wasn't aware of that. I just kinda assumed you could pick 44.1, 48, or 96 with them. Guess I was wrong.
Hi thank you for a nice video, however I have a simple question that no one seems to address. How do you go to different recordings that you make on this machine? I can only play the most recent recording, but is there a way to scroll back to previous recordings? This would seem like a simple common sense idea on any recording device. Cheers
You cannot. I touch on it a little bit here and in my First Impressions video, but the L-6 doesn't have a LCD screen. There is no way to see and select past projects, so it will only playback your most recent recording.
@@GazRendar That is what I was afraid of. Thank you for your reply. Cheers
How does the compressor sound? could be used for a live performance ?
It's...fine. You can't tweak anything about it. It squeezes the top end a little bit and gives everything underneath it a fairly significant push. Depending on what you are playing you'll functionally feel an overall +2 to +4 dB gain in the master channel after you hit the COMP button, so you might have to turn down the master volume after you switch it on.
@@GazRendar just an mpc and a synth for live. At home two more synths only
Doesen't the 4 sound pads allow for individual live recording and playing? The zoom product site states it can do so but no video on this device mentions this.
You can record to the separate sound pads, or you can drop a WAV file into the folders for the different sound pads on the SD card.
Great vid, if someone can answer my question please.. ok, say I got two overheads on the drums, mic on the bass, mic on the guitar cab, an out from the p.a dumping vocals all on one channel.. you set your levels, they are all in the green...you record your song live off the floor...once the recording is done, can you playback each individual track and set your levels for a mix? or do you have to just jam, set your levels to were things sound balanced and that's your stereo file mixdown? (I'm assuming with the 32 bit float, you just roughly set things so they are in the green, that way you drag and drop to a computer later for a mix, but I'm just curious if you can actually mix the tracks on the unit)
Seems like it still doesn’t beat out the R8, other than additional inputs and possibly more tracks being recorded simultaneously other than the maximum of two on the R8
It's a very different product compared to the R8. The R8 you can build songs on, one track and one instrument at a time. The L-6 truly is a mixing board (with many more inputs than the R8) more than anything else. It just also offers a quick and easy way to hit the REC button and capture whatever you're playing at the time. But it's not a song-building multitracker device like the R8 is.
How does it work when you use it as an audio interface? Do you get individual tracks that are dry plus a master track that has all of the effects? Also, how is the headroom? I only ask because my Roland MX-1 has this annoying feature where everything comes into the DAW at very low levels which then doesn't mix well with everything else that has been normalized. And since the L6 is touting its high headroom, I am curious how that translates to the levels that are output (both as a DAW interface and in the WAV files recorded to the SD card). Also, do the two aux sends support stereo signals?
I only started using it as an interface, so I don't know enough to confidently comment on the levels just yet. I wanted to focus on testing things out with the SD card recording first and make a video about it, since I think that's a top priority for people considering purchase.
The AUX outputs are actually both mono outs.
The 32-bit recording can mean more normalization work in post processing. So far when recording signals originating from an amplified headphone out (like the J-6 in this video and Pocket Operators), the signal recorded to the SD card has typical levels of gain applied to the final WAV files. The levels of those those files are similar to the WAV files I get when I use a 24-bit recorder and I set my gains to result in -12 to -8dB levels. However, when I use a mic for inputs 1 and 2, or if I use line level signals from equipment that is notoriously a little quieter in inputs 3-6, that's where I can get a wider range of amplitudes on my signal in the WAV files. The signal has usually been good still, but I have to adjust the gain/normalization in post processing more than I would if I was using a 24-bit recorder with manual gain settings for the inputs. So for the headroom question....I guess the answer greatly depends on what equipment you are using and how you are using it. But yes, you can end up in scenarios were you really need to boost up the levels of the 32-bit recordings. With the compact synths I've primarily been using, though, it hasn't been much of a problem.
Is it possible to record on the ZOOM L6 in audio interface mode?
Yeah, you can record onto the SD card at the same time the audio passes out of the USB cable in interface mode.
@@GazRendar Thank you very much. This is very good news for live broadcast implementers. The lack of audio interface recording capability is a fundamental drawback of the Zoom H8, for example. Redundancy is the basis of professional work during broadcasting. I own a Zooma H8 and a Behringer Flow 8 and it looks like the Zoom L-6 will be able to replace both.
One more question. Is the audio interface mode also sending a mix?
How about with a drum machine? Will it drop into a DAW session with the same BPM and line up with no issues? I suspect it will, but wanted to see if you have tried that.
Well, you can drop it into a DAW and use it, but it depends on how you record. If you are working on a song at 110bpm and you set your drum machine to 110bpm and record something to the SD card on the L-6, you can take the SD card out and load that WAV file into your song on in the DAW and it will be in time. Now, the challenge might be to get it to line up at the start. Because when you hit REC on the L-6, it just starts recording. It will record silence. So in the time it takes to hit REC on the L-6 and then hit PLAY on your drum machine, you will create some empty recorded time in that WAV file. You'll have to trim out that silence in the DAW to get it to initially line up to beat 1 of your drum machine pattern. But once you get that first beat to perfectly line up, the rest of the recorded drum track should be perfectly in time.
@@GazRendar Perfect, thank you. So no clock drift then, which is nice. To solve that issue you mentioned I plan on making a 4 bar pattern with a 4x4 kick to start the track, so then I can just line it up to the DAW grid. Very cool littler box for submixing a drum kit and actually having al the stems.
That's is absolutely a great way to get things to line up later in a DAW. I do the same for most of my work on the Zoom R20. I recommend a kick or a woodblock hit that has a sharp attack and quick decay to make it easier to line it up perfectly.
Does the mute only record on master stereo mix? (No mute on individual dry tracks)
Good question. I'll test it out and maybe put that in my next video about it.
I tested it. When you are recording and you hit MUTE on a track, that track is indeed muted in the Master WAV file, however, the mute never happens in the dry individual track that is recorded to the SD card.
I should definitely include that in a future video to let people know about that.
@@GazRendar That's perfect for live DAWless recording. One more question that's not addressed in any documentation I've seen. Is there a size/length restriction for the sound pad audio files? I'm assuming if it can fit on the SD card, you can use any length audio. Thanks for your input!
Too bad about no overdubs. Maybe with an iPad I’ll find a good interplay with Loopy Pro or AUM, etc.
Yeah, it's not bad as a straightforward multitrack recorder. No set up or settings to manage. Just hit REC and go. And then you have to work with the tracks on a computer later...if that's all you need, then it's great. But you can't build songs one track or one instrument at a time on this device. You'll have to at least move up to the L-8 for that, or consider the R12 or R20 instead.
isnt is possible to just plug your synth into the combo jack/xlr? it seems a little annoying that the 2 first wav files will be empty (not that it actually matters, but my wannabe ocd tells me othervise) (im guessing alot of the small synths are mono anyways, so it shouldnt be a problem?)
Sure, you can totally plug your synth into the combo jacks. I just hate those combo jacks for 1/4" inputs, so I don't use them unless I have to. But you will always get empty WAV files unless you are using all the channels. In my example I only used Track 3. But when I hit record, the L-6 still created WAV files for Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Those were all empty WAV files.
I describe that a little more in my First Impressions video, along with the tight combo jacks:
ruclips.net/video/RPwnk-2y8vw/видео.html
this vs 1010 bluebox?
Bluebox is $250 more and pretty much never goes on sale.
Bluebox is all 3.5mm inputs. If that's all you need, then the Bluebox is nice. Bluebox is also even smaller than this. For better and worse, Bluebox has a touchscreen. But you're not plugging a mic into a Bluebox without needing some kind of preamp and adapter cables first. If you need to plug in a mic or two, the L-6 has those two XLR inputs which make it more versatile.
If you only have compact synths, and you have the extra $250, and you don't mind not having a power button, the Bluebox is likely the better choice. But if you have a range of gear and you need the occasional mic, the L-6 probably wins at the cheaper price point.
@@GazRendar appreciate the reply
Overdubbing? What if you patched the headphone output into a pair of the inputs????
When I mean overdubbing, I mean opting to playback say, tracks 1-3 (which already had something recorded on them) and then recording track 4. And after that recording track 5. If you run the headphone out into another input it wouldn't keep things as separate tracks. Additionally, it won't work because as I demonstrate in the video, if you hit Play, you can't route any new sound through any of the inputs. Play simply plays back the last recorded song. You can't overdub any new sounds on top of that.
Ok, I understand what you’re saying. Would this be achievable via firmware upgrade?
I have no idea what Zoom might be cooking up in their R&D labs, but since there is no hardware button to arm tracks for recording vs. playback, and with the way I think the signal path is directed inside the unit, I don't think it's possible to do overdubbing. I don't think that's what they intended when they made this device. The L-8 and L-12 have overdubbing because they have a small LCD screen where you can select different projects. By contrast, the L-6 was likely designed to be a compact mixer for people with multiple small synths on their desk, or for people who need a tight set-up for live shows with the ability to record the live show while they were playing. If you want to record track by track to build a song, you'll have to move up to the L-8, or really, you might want to go to a multitracker like the R20 instead.
The more I look at this, the more disenchanted I get. It could have been better. It SHOULD have been better. And for the same price.
I don't know, the more I use it the more I like it for my specific needs. It definitely is a compact mixer, though. But it all depends on what your needs are. If you need more multitrack recording flexibility, or more song-building capability, or a few more XLR inputs, you'll want to get something else. At least an L-8, if not something from the R-series.
I made a video about first making sure you know what TYPE of multitrack recorder to get for yourself, then going on to find a specific model from there. Feel free to give it a look if you want and jump around with the chapters:
ruclips.net/video/2soaqJT_7cg/видео.html
How does it feel? Looks cheap made
It feels more solid than you would expect. The top panel is a little heavier than the bottom, but if you put 4 AA batteries in the bottom, then the whole thing feels solidly heavy. I do really like the consistent, sliding feel of the channel encoders for each track. Turning those encoders takes a tiny bit of force, in a good way. You can be precise when dialing in mixes you like. Those mushy buttons feel exactly how they look, but they are fine. I mostly just don't like using 1/4" plugs in the combo inputs because it's a stupid tight fit. That's my biggest hardware-feel complaint with the unit.
It's Solid , Knobs have no wobble and a nice feel. Has a bit of weight to it.
good info....My tascam model 12 is perfection,,,,but it's $ 600
Thanks.
For some people, the $599 price tag on the Model 12 is still absolutely worth it. The downsides are the footprint and some of the menu structure in that small screen, but having all those knobs for immediate controls in every channel is necessary for some people. The Model 12 can be great if those are the features you really need.
You can't overdub because this device is aimed to podcasting, not recording and composing songs. I think it's meant to be used live, with later capability of editing individual tracks to publish a polished product. It's clearer if you think of podcasting with a camera. In this case overdubbing really makes no sense.
I think this device can definitely work for podcasting, but it's not necessarily ideal for it because there are only 2 XLR inputs and only one headphone out. I think it's best suited to synth musicians who have several instruments that feature 1/4" outputs who want an easy way to multitrack record and actually get dry individual tracks that they can mix and edit later on a computer, along with the full stereo master WAV file for reference.
@GazRendar yeah you are probably right given there are so many line level inputs and just one headphone out. In my case I'd like to use it to multitrack record dj sets. So it's perfect 👌
Thanks for this video. Since it doesn’t overdub there’s no point for me
Yep…that’s why I wanted to get it posted. Some people won’t care. But for others it’s a deal breaker because you can’t record songs track by track with it.
@@GazRendar thanks for that!
Did you really say "No overdubbing"?? There's no internal USB rechargeable battery? Sadness overcomes me. Is there USB audio and system control? Or do you have to pull the SD card and put it into the computer? My first impression is my last impression.
As I demonstrate in the video, there is no overdubbing. It's definitely primarily a mixing board that just so happens to have an easy and convenient way to create simple multitrack recordings. I actually prefer that it doesn't have a rechargeable battery because it's more versatile that way. If you are playing a live show and the rechargeable battery dies, you are in trouble. But the fact that you can quickly pop in a fresh set of alkalines can save you. And for day-to-day use, I demonstrate in the video that it's easy to power the L-6 for hours with a USB battery bank. And you can still just plug it into the wall if you need to.
You can use the L-6 as an interface for your computer. However, using it as an interface for an iPad or iPhone has been problematic for me so far as I can only get it to work as a 2in/2out interface for iOS devices. But I do think it's very easy to pop out the microSD card and put that into a computer. That's mostly what I've been doing.
I'm looking for something to overdub outside a DAW. Thanks for warning me this is not it. I guess the clue is in the name LiveTrak.
Yeah, if you need overdubbing, this is definite not it. That's why I wanted to warn potential shoppers.
If you want overdubbing, the L-8 does offer some limited overdubbing options. Otherwise you may want to instead move to more of a step-by-step song building machine, like the R12 or R20.
Can you record an instrument part to the pad and then play it while recording a second instrument in order to build a multi part track to build a song. Just thinking of a way to build a multi instrument track playing one instrument at a time. Just wondering.