@@daddyheart5673 the number one thing I would love is EQ on the master output - if you're using it as a live gigging mixer, being able to take out at least a rough resonant frequency that's in the venue is so crucial to a decent sounding mix. You can take some out individually on the individual channels but the bands are pretty wide that it isn't that useful for this purpose. The L-12 has sweepable mids which is awesome, but loses the abililty to be battery powered so didn't quite work - but sweepable mids would be a real bonus to this also. Most of the things I would like are for running it as a live show mixer - and there are ways around it - eg running a 15 or 30 band graphic EQ or something on the main outs - but then it's more gear etc. Compression would have been another nice addition. What are you looking to use it for yourself?
David Shanhun I was waiting for your reply but I just ordered the L-12. The fact that there’s no battery power option is sort of not nice that’s why I was looking at the L8, but then I wanted more inputs as well as the compression. I am thinking of how to go about a mobile power solution.
I bought this machine a few weeks ago. It is such an amazing machine. I am so glad I got it before the lock down. You can call people and interview people. It is crazy.
This is epic! Love the full breakdown of the process. Thank you so much. When we have so much tech, it’s really an all in one box. A mixer, a recorder, an effects unit. LOVE the fact the ambience mic can be muted, very very clever. Awesome.
I just ordered my L8 yesterday along with a few extra items...di box, cables and a passive Johnson under bridge pickup. My studio and live performance gigs are soon ready to go. The plan is to record my live performances . BTW I've been working on writing my first manuscript ever, telling the stories behind 30 of my songs. Each of the 30 chapters is titled with the song titles. Anyhow, I thought I should share this tidbit with you. Thanks for the vids.
Great video David, I was making videos of musicians before I learnt guitar and the ability to take a battery powered device to any location and record the actual recording rather than a lip sync thing is crucial. Roof tops, beaches, cars, cliffs, barns ,shacks, warehouses, boats the skyis the limit. So much more interesting VISUALS which is key to a great video!
Thanks Peter! Ah that's awesome! ...yep, now that I'm back from touring that's on my list of things to do.. wish me luck with some warmish winter days haha!
I liked your idea of the extra mike it's great to catch the applause ( if any ) at the end of songs. Before I used the L8 to record my performances I was using a Tascam DR 40 which has 4 track capability. This results in a board mix from the line inputs and then the ambient sound from the mikes. More or less useless for anything other than listening to how I might have sounded. Now with the Zoom I get my vocals and guitar isolated as well as I recorded the master which of course is the good old board mix. I play to backing tracks. So I can take the vocals and guitar tracks and dump them into the original backing track DAW project and it all syncs up nicely. Cool. Question- I was wondering why you didn't just use the built in batteries?
I just got mime , I'm very excited to have this mixer 😃 I always play the guitar and sing out side like you did on this video. Finally I going to record everything I want, no power need it. And I can sing with my wife and my 2 years old baby girl 👧🎶🎶😘 can you please tell me what portable charger or battery you using. By the way, I like your voice.🎶🎵🎼 thanks for this video and great 👍 job😀 God bless you🙏
Awesome Ivan! Send me a link once you have a recording/video done i'll look forward to it 😊The power bank I personally use is this - amzn.to/2xlZojb but I believe it's discontinued now. That particular one will last a looong time with this mixer (haven't tested specifically the time), but most powerbanks you choose will be absolutely fine! Enjoy the new mixer and happy recording!
Is it possible to assign input 1 to record to another track? I would likely only have 1 mic plugged in for vocals only and would like to to do overdubs without having to unplug and plug in a new jnput
I haven't come across that option anywhere - I literally just shift the xlr from input to input - just did a vid on it! ua-cam.com/video/MXJIKlacPpw/v-deo.html
It sounds amazing. It will be fine to see you using it with your looper. You can travel light! Another great video my friend ( i mean it's good to see you working on the process). You are so lucky to live in a country where socks goes on the mics!😁
Great review David 👍🏻 - A Gamechanger, Good Job Zoom. Amazing records 2 track Master aaand Multitrack simultaneously, and it can be powered off a USB poweebank
Nice rundown! Very handy info indeed! I had no idea there is a mixer that can record. Ill be needing one, would simplify my workflow for sure!! T hank you kindly!!
Well done tutorial of your recording/editing process. I didn't know Zoom came out with a portable (battery operated) version of their LiveTrak. I've got a LiveTrak L-12, but it has to be plugged into an electrical outlet. I love the thought of being able to record like this in a park without power. Thanks :)
Hi David - I just watched your video and it raises a big question. As I understand it all the channels only have a gain control and no EQ? Also you couldn't monitor the reverb until you recorded the track and played back the master file. Would it not be easier and arguably better to have an "old school" multi-track recorder that has inputs for your vocals, guitar and ambient mic with each channel having it's own EQ, pan, effects send and also that you could monitor them in that state as your are recording? or am I missing the point. Cheers, Peter.
Hi Peter, I think you have mis-understood. Each channel has EQ, fx, panning, but the audio recorded to the SD card is the raw file without any processing from the channel strip. It means you can listen to the audio with EQ, FX, panning etc applied while recording, and then still adjust any of those later to be completely different should you wish, or import the raw audio to mix in a DAW later. You can of course do a mix down of any individual track, or mix any and all tracks to a stereo.wav which will include fx, panning, eq etc. Hope that helps!
@@davidshanhun Hi David, thank you for the clarification. I have 1 more question (sorry) lol - so say you have done your recording and monitored live with effects for a “feel good” factor, the recorded file to the SD card is just raw. I understand your point that you could then import the raw tracks into your favourite DAW, remix, add effects and save to a master file. Can you however remix the raw tracks in the actual recorder, in the location you recorded the tracks in without returning home to your computer and DAW? If so that would be pretty impressive to record and mix down with headphones to master in the middle of a field. Peter.
@@PeterMossUkulele Yes you can. I did exactly that with this video and mix - ua-cam.com/video/MXJIKlacPpw/v-deo.html. All done mixed/remixed in the Zoom LiveTrak (not in the middle of a field but could have been if i wished!)
Hello Mr. Shanhun. If I mute my two stereo configuration room microphones in my studio while recording a live three piece Rock band (the drums,guitar amp and bass are all mic'd up) will my recorded mix to master have a better sense of isolation when listening to the recording.I have the Live Trak 20. A Superb machine.Thanks for your video series. Regards from Toronto Canada!
Hi Tom and hi from New Zealand! Yes - you are correct (if I've read what you want to do right!). If you mute the stereo room mics, they won't be included in your master output/mix when you're listening, but will still be recorded and mixed later into the final track! It can be quite handy to do!
Wow what a cool piece of kit. Do you happen to know what the largest size SD card it's compatible with is? The muted - but - recording mic input is a stroke of genius, and this is, as ever, a very well put together video. Awesome work man :) 👏
Cheers! Yeah its pretty handy! Says up to 512 gb SDXC. Have only used with a 32 so far though 😂 how many hours and large band setups are you recording? 🤔
@@davidshanhun Haha - no still jut the two of us ... I just wondered, if you were going to use it as your live mixer, how many times you could go 'Oh I think I'll record this gig' before realising you were out of space. Assuming you recorded the number of channels you did here, and let's say each show was 2 hours long, I guess you could get at least two or three goes out of a 32gb card. Anyway I'm waffling.
@@MatONeill just checking 😉The nice thing about it being right behind you on the desk, is if you're feeling really good about a show, you can just turn around and hit 'record' and it's happening with no extra setup. (if it's a bad gig day then simply don't hit the button haha). Now if only I could find a camera that did the same haha.
David, Bless you. This helps a lot. I bought L8 because of you:-). Could you please tell me what is the recording software you are using and what is the software for video editing which has both audio and video. Are there any free softwares available?.
oh that's awesome Joel. I use Final Cut as my video editing software - and I actually edit most of my audio in final cut as well although I do have logic for audio if I need to use it. I'm on a mac so they might not apply to you. Audacity is probably the most well known free audio program, not too sure about video sorry. I started with imovie which is free on mac, and then once I'd learnt a bit more I upgraded. Hope you find something that works for you!
Awesome video! I'm trying to figure out how to get the mixer to get picked up on obs as my main audio source for live streaming. And also could I plug a phone into the mixer that is plugged into the computer to capture the sound from the phone on the stream.
Daniel! So sorry I missed this. Interestingly for me OBS Studio picks up the LiveTrak just fine, but for some reason Streamlabs doesn't. Curious if you solved this or not for yourself. I expect what I'll do is simply create an aggregate device that includes the Zoom and that'll solve the Streamlabs option. In answer to your phone question - yes you can it goes into the main output which outputs to the stream. ...this is all probably a bit late though!
Hey Great Content. Mate can you pull the camera back a bit on the face close ups. On an 85 inch Tv you look a bit creepy filling the whole screen. Just a thought . .
Hello. I want to buy a Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer... But now i heave heard, that is not possible, to use a different effect for each channel. For example: When i am a solo singer-songwriter with one guitar and one microphone and i use the delay effect on channel 1 (guitar), there is also the same delay effect on my channel 2 (microphone)!? But i want delay on ch1 guitar and hall on ch2 microphone and maybe plate on ch3 for a second guitar all at the same time... For all 4 headphone outputs of course! :-) Is it possible, to record all input channels separate in my DAW Software (Ableton Live), or only the single overall master signal? Can you help?
Hey 667. You are correct that you can only choose 1 effect for every channel. You can have different levels for each channel, but all will use the same effect. Totally possible to record each individual channel separately in your DAW Software - the Zoom L-8 sends 1-6 as individual channels, 7 and 8 as stereo channels, and the master L-R also to your DAW so you can record any of them (or all of them) at once. The only restriction is that track 7 is the output from your computer if you are wishing to use headphones from the Zoom (so you would lose being able to record track 7). Feel free to message with any other questions you have - although there are some restrictions, it's a pretty great piece of gear.
@@davidshanhunHi David, you are great!! Thank you very much, for your fast reply! :-) O.K. that is a little bit sad, with the only one effect for all channels. In my opinion, for guitar and for singing it would be much better, to have separate effects like delay and chorus and hall etc. on every single input channel. Are the channels 7 and 8 inputs stereo inputs, or is only the pair of 7 and 8 stereo? If i want to connect a keyboard which have mostly stereo output, can i use it with the correct cable on input 7 or 8, or must i use 7 and 8 together? And if i connect a keyboard on 7/8, can i use the USB 1/2 3/4, which is also on 7/8? And if i made a bad or false record on the internal SD Card, is there only the delete function in the settings menu? A faster DELETE or UNDONE function would be great.
@@12345Flipside you're welcome! channels 7 and 8 jack inputs are unbalanced which means mono inputs, however they appear as stereo channels when using a DAW. To connect a keyboard in stereo you would need to use both channels 7 and 8. You can only use one input at a time on 7 or 8. so if you are using the line input, you can't also use usb etc. they have a selector switch that you need to use. pretty sure the only delete is in the menu - there may be a faster hack way to do it, but not that i've found yet! Hope that helps. I did a bit more of an in depth review in this video in case it's useful! ua-cam.com/video/IFIaJIFWJ0M/v-deo.html
Thanks for the demo . you said it can Record 1-8 is it true? When connected USB to computer Using DAW can I Record 8 tracks at same time in pro tools or cubase. most devices give only two channels output to DAW please reply. Before buying I want to confirm.
hi buddy, I didn't get how were you able just put the fx on the master and record the other tracks as dry without FX , how to do that? can you explain please?, thank you
heya - this is how the unit records. Individual tracks record directly after the gain (raw audio if you like - no eq/fx or anything). The Master records after all fx and eq so that channel includes all of the fx. The reason is so you can simply export a full mix just how you sound from the master - ready to go etc. OR, you can import all the individual track audio to mix however you like afterwards and add whichever fx and eq you like from another program etc. Hope that helps!
@@davidshanhun thanks David I actually figured it , I realize I didn’t turn off my guitar pedal reverb that’s why I was getting confused , but yeah I already used it
sorry David, a bit of topic necrophilia here... whats unclear to me is, is your acoustic plugged directly into the Zoom?? which case the Zoom must have some sort of amplification to process the signal from the guitar?? so to do a "live" show you only need some speakers and the Zoom? you don't need any other amplifiers? cheers.
Hi Stephen, yep has a hi-z option for the first 2 channels so you can plug the guitar line straight in. And yes for a live show to real people I've run just the Zoom l8 into a pair of powered speakers. 😊 Buuuut I think what you're asking is about one of these following combos - either a powered desk with an inbuilt amp (this is not), into passive speakers, OR, a passive desk (no power amplifier) running into powered speakers (where the amp is in the speakers). Basically - if the speakers you are planning to run from this require power then you're good. If not then you'll need a power amplifier in the chain at some stage before the speakers. does that clarify things? (I feel like I wrote this rather oddly but hopefully makes sense!)
@@davidshanhun thanks a lot David.. yeah that answers me... but just so I am clear.... I can run an acoustic guitar and a microphone into the TC Helicon PlayAcoustic pedal, a line from that to the Zoom, and then Line Out the Zoom to my powered speaker FOH.? and I can have my electric guitar plugged into another channel (3-onwards) from the line-out from my guitar amp, into theh zoom to the powered FOH speakers while the microphone is still plugged in Via the Playacoustic pedal? i think I have it now, thanks so much and stay safe..
Very nice and helpful video, thank you for sharing! Btw, a stereo mic or pair used for ambience would do much better job, but even a single mic gives it a very nice touch! :) Cheers!
Hi David, thanks so much for this video. I'm considering picking up an L-8 and there are so few videos on how to use it. We do a bunch of overdubbing (virtual band for streamed church) to a click track, and I use Auria on the iPad to mix audio. I know the iPad doesn't return over the USB. But I'm thinking I could save the click to one of the channels or even the sound FX pads - would that work? This is the one thing that is stopping me buying this ATM Cheers Rog42
Hey Roger! You are talking about the one thing I TOTALLY missed in a review I did haha. The Zoom L-8 has an onboard metronome! You can set it to any tempo (up to 1/10th) eg 120.1, 120.2bpm etc. (not that most of us will use such fine timing but it's there if you wish to be super specific). You could easily save the click track to one of the channels or the sound pads if you wished, however that sounds a bit tedious! Could you explain the signal chain to me just so I understand what you're aiming to do and where audio is coming from when you wish to overdub. I'm presuming you'd run from the Zoom L8 into the ipad to mix yes?
Hi David, yep pretty much nailed it. For the musicians, we save a source track (we call a clap track) that has a 2 bar count in with a clap on beat four of bar one. This has both click and the piano part, just so they can play/sing to the tune. Most of them listen through one device and video themselves using a phone. We get everyone to clap on that count in bar, which makes it super easy to synch multiple tracks and video. But my wife and I, and increasingly (now restrictions are easing) some of the band, record audio at our place directly into the DAW which sppeds up the workflow. Currently I have an original Zoom H2, which I can plug into my 2015 iPad Pro. This either records stereo mics from the Zoom, or stereo line in from an instrument. I import the clap track to one of the channels in the DAW, then arm another track to record. So what I’m looking to do is have the the iPad play the source whilst recording from the L-8 into other tracks on the iPad simultaneously if that makes sense. Soon I expect we’ll want to record 3 or 4 musos at the same time to speed up workflow even more. You can connect with me at rog42@rog42.net if you like (& have time) and check out some of our videos at rog42.tv/20-cbcpl
Great demo from the perspective of a musician as opposed to a podcaster, David. Thanks for posting this! I've wanted to be able to make a well-mixed track of a solo gig for years. Years ago I used to run through my trusty Tascam 4-track cassette recorder at gigs and that kind of worked in a primitive way. A couple of years ago I bought a Zoom R16 16-track recorder. It's a great bit of kit but it's not ideal for simultaneous use as a live mixer and as a recorder when you want tracks that you can mix and fine-tune later. You can output tracks with FX to FOH and record tracks dry on the R16 if you set up the bus correctly, but you need to go into the menus any time you want to adjust anything. The L-8 looks much better for what I want. It's easier to set up a master mix with FX to send to FOH at your gig while recording individual tracks dry at pre-fader level so that you can remix everything when you get back home. And even better, the channel strip lets you adjust EQ, FX level and pan on the fly with physical knobs. The EQ on the Zoom L-12 even has sweepable mids for not a lot more money if you need that. Zoom have been making some excellent equipment the last few years, I'm becoming a satisfied customer. Check out their multi-effect pedals if you don't know them already, they sound fine and save lots of space on the pedalboard.
That's cool! It's super interesting to hear all the different combinations we've all tried and used to record ourselves! The sweepable mids on the L-12 would be super super handy on the L-8 for live, but sadly then lose the option of running on battery power with the L12. The one thing I wish was available, was some kind of EQ option on the master however - and this isn't available on either. Being able to have that sweepable mid option and applying it to the master/FOH would be superb when you're in a venue that just has that one annoying frequency that is super resonant and needs taking out of the mix!
@@davidshanhun Yes, battery power is important for me too. All my setup is battery-powered these days. I've taken anything that isn't designed to run off batteries already and hacked it so that it runs off 5 V USB powerpacks connected to step-up transformers (you can also use 18 V powertool batteries connected to step-down transformers). The transformers are cheap off Ebay. You need to stay a long way below their max. current rating or they just self-destruct, in my experience. That's not ideal in the middle of a gig... :o( I use these meters: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-LCD-USB-Voltage-Current-Detector-Mobile-Power-Charger-Digital-Tester-Meter/122728736831?hash=item1c9333e83f:g:d9EAAOSwujBZyzt7 to monitor the current being drawn by my equipment and effects and hopefully avoid frying any more transformers. I learned some interesting things along the way. I was surprised to learn that a Boss RC-300 draws far less current than a Digitech JamMan Stereo, for example. Digitech stuff generally seems to consume about five times more power than anything else. I'm thinking of buying an L-8, but if I wanted an L-12 I would power it by plugging a 12 volt lithium battery into the 12 V input that is intended for the mains PSU wall wart. I would check whether it was necessary to stabilize the battery output at a true 12 V with a voltage regulator or DC-DC converter first because a fully-charged 12 V motorbike lithium battery chucks out 13.3 - 13.4 V. But there's a good chance that the L-12 will have an internal voltage regulator that can handle a 13.4 V input even though it's expecting 12 V. It's fun being a musician and a mad professor at the same time... Xo) )
I considered that also. One thing I really love about having the H4n Pro that I have is the two condenser mic's that it has - superb for capturing a really natural sound in any setting, and with the H6 you've still got that plus channel options. Main reason for getting the L8 for me, was the extra channels, the simple livestreaming setup, and then being able to record individual tracking at shows while sending the main mix to the PA. Plus already having the H4n in my aresenal! Not sure if that helps your decision or makes it harder though haha!
@@davidshanhun lol, na. I appreciate the info. I think I decided on the H6. I want to film other bands, not just my own. The H6 will give me more flexibility in that depth. Im thinking most bands aren't gonna want me to swap their mixers with mine.
Hi! Thank you very much for sharing all this great information. I have a quick question ¿Is there any chance to plug in a stereo input? like for example a drum box with some FX already incorporated.
heya! Glad it was useful 😊I use a mac and use final cut, but the two programs I keep hearing from windows users are Premiere Pro, and adobe Premiere Rush (the simpler version). Hope that helps!
Does anyone know if the L8 is compatible with Windows 7 or 8.1? The only drivers on the official website are for W10/11 and I couldn't find this question elsewhere. I am looking for a new audio interface, but would prefer not to have the time and expense of changing my entire PC/Laptop setup in order to do so. Thanks.
Thanks for the demo. I've been waffling on getting the L-8 or the L-12. For live play, do you think the preamps are as good as a Soundcraft or Mackie mixer?
Hard to answer for me personally... I do like the sound from the little Mackie fx4 that I have but I think that's mostly due to being able to EQ the main out rather than a noticeable difference in the preamps between that and the Zoom. Haven't compared with a Soundcraft though sorry. I think if the overall goal is for live shows - I probably would go with another mixer, but if you're wanting a combination of things all in one then this is superb. It's weakest point in my opinion is the live sound options.
I find this fascinating! I have your mic (The Spirit) how long ago did you create this,Lao what multi track hand held recorder do you have good vibes sbout?
Awesome! This mic is the Origin rather than the Spirit just fyi 😊. Video was earlier this year. Handheld recording options I use the Zoom H4n pro and love it. There's an H6 if you need more tracks/inputs etc. Otherwise this Zoom LiveTrak is my mobile recording unit. 😊
hey Joseph - I did this all in Final Cut on mac. What are you using at the moment (or are you looking to get something?). I mostly edit audio if it's for video in my video editing software, however I do use Logic if it's just for audio that I am editing!
I have a question regarding using this with backing tracks. Trying to come up with a simple method not involving a laptop rig. Would it be possible to import tracks onto the SD card of a project that have already been recorded/mixed/processed and have those play as your backing tracks while performing on one of the channels with nothing recorded?
Hi David, can you help with a question? I am trying to record multitrack in my daw (studio one 4) but I can’t do it. I connected 2 instruments and a mic, it records the 3 things in each track, I can’t separated them. In the sd card it does but not in the daw. Please!!
Hey Isaac - what will be happening is in the DAW you need to set the different inputs for each channel. Track one is input 3, track 2 is input 4 and so on. Input 1+2 is the master mix. Have you downloaded the zoom driver first (just checking). 😊
@@davidshanhun THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! I got it. Sorry another question! how to return the sound from my pc to the mixer? if you can help me!! i truly appreciate it.
@@isshernan 1&2 out is track 7, 3+4 out is track 8. It's a little confusing to start with, but once you get it setup and used to it, it all works great! :) Give me a buzz if you get stuck again though eh?
on the desk make sure the track you want is selected, then turn up the efx knob. That sets the amount of reverb for that channel, and then you turn up the blue efx return fader to set the overall amount.
@@davidshanhun I thought I’d tried that, but will try again tomorrow! I’ve just got one for my school (I teach music/media there) and had a quick play when it was delivered, but your videos make me want to explore it more!!
I'm looking at this Zoom LiveTrak L-8 to use as a one man band set-up. Will it store my prerecorded songs sound levels on and so on and send them out through the Master outputs while I play live to them?
You can save scenes with all your settings for different set ups etc. Essentially you want to load backing tracks to the SD card? Not quite sure I understand what you're hoping to do here tbh.
@@davidshanhun Thanks David for your response, `Yes I want to be able to dial up my background tracks that have already been mixed and saved on a single stereo track so I can just pull up that master stereo track and play my guitar to it. Can you tell me if this machine can achieve that?
How long would I be able to record? Like if I did a 30 minute set with keys, guitar and and vocals? I’m thinking of doing an unplugged type show that I’ll put in protools later to mix.
@@davidshanhun Tkank you for response, and sorry for my english ( I'm from Poland, I have to speak more in english, because I will forget everything ). The case is, when you were mixing at home, did you use your headphones straight to mac or plug in Zoom by USB to mac and then you were listening and mixing ? Maybe it's stupid question, but i had a soundcraft mixer with recording option for 2 channels, and it doesn't work as good as soundcraft said. The problem was, that i almost couldn't hear anything when I listened the recording by soundcraft connected to pc. When I pluged in headphones straight to pc I heard the record, but the quality was medium. Maybe soundcraft software was bad. As it seems, Zoom is easier to use. Sorry for so long question. Overall, as I can see, you' re satisfy with Zoom ?
@@mateuszbugiel6581 Ah yes that makes sense - I took the SD card out of the Zoom, and then copied the files onto my mac to listen (with my headphones). So when I was mixing the zoom was not used at all. I have used the Zoom to mix by playing the 1, 2, and 3 channels after recording - and mixing using the zoom faders and that works well also. This is the second piece of Zoom gear for recording audio (the other is the H4n) that I have and I really like them both. The Livetrak L8 could be improved by having an EQ on the master output, but in terms of it working really well it's great. I have tested the zoom plugged into the computer and it works - although haven't extensively tested the quality - Zoom is usually excellent in this regard though so I expect it will be good. I will have a full review on the Livetrak L8 coming out this week so will include that test also :) I hope that helps! (and also, your English is great - I don't really speak any other languages so I'm always impressed!) 😊
@@davidshanhun Thank you so much, now I know everything. I think this peace of kit is much better than any interfaces, with really good price. You don't have to think about latency, etc. For my purposes it will be great. I think, there is a solution for EQ at master output, I'm not so sure but I think it is possible to buy external corrector, or something like that and connect that with Zoom and then to the active speaker. We can buy Zoom l12, but in my opinion better choice is l8, for basic thing, and later on get money for Zoom l20. I really wait for your review !😉 Now I will focus on my english even more.
Hi David, I love your videos! They have been extremely helpful. I'm a loop artist too and was looking at possibly getting this recorded. I was curious on how the setup would be for it. Is it run instruments and mic > zoom > loop station > zoom?
Hi Josh. I run everything I need into the loop pedal, and then into the Zoom for recording. So it's very linear - instruments and mic into the loop pedal, then into the Zoom for recording. If your loop pedal puts guitar and vocals together (into one channel), make sure your levels are good before recording. You can record a bit and listen back to check first 😊
Thank you brother. My buddy has been wanting to master stuff on a daw for me but he said I need to record on individual tracks. So I'm guessing I may need to go a route without the looper or something. Again thank for all that you do. Much love and happy holidays brother ❤
@@joshrobson8724 ok! Love it! Do you use another mixer before the RC300 to input those 5 instruments? My recommendation, would be to run your 5 instruments into the left channel, and your vocal into the right channel on the rc300 for the best mix down options. There's a few variations depending on how much you loop vocals or not, and you can use a different mic to sing into when you aren't looping (which will go direct to it's own channel on the desk for recording). Then, I would record the audio and send it to your friend and ask him/her if any of the instrument levels need adjusting in the mix. This is a test run so you can get things set up well. Make those adjustments as best you can for the next recording so you're sending the best mix you can, then they can do their work to master it for you. even with the headrush they only have 4 channels as separate in/outs, and you have 6 that you're looping from the sounds of it (5 instruments + vox), and 1 direct signal (non looped vocals). You basically have to do the mixing pre-looping as best as possible then your buddy can use a few sneaky mix and mastering techniques to polish it and enhance or reduce any particular part that sticks out. 😊
hey fella We are trying to make the simplest recording (default project) with our Zoom Livetrak L8. The issue is that the recording continually stops after , even though there are hours of free space on our soundcard. (we've filmed the LCD screen as well) We've created a clear 4 second long video that highlights our issue in a crystal clear manner. We are under a lot of pressure to record our show and would appreciate a speedy reply and would even mention it in our show All the best, Norrie
Hey Norrie. Sounds like the SD card is not a high enough speed for what you're recording. Zoom put out a list of SD cards that are compatible - zoomcorp.com/media/documents/L-8_compatible_cards_en_2.pdf. Of course I could be wrong but that sounds like that's what's going on. I'd recommend buying one good SD card with a high write speed and you should be sorted! Let me know how you get on though!
How can you avoid that too much sound of the guitar leaks into the mic that captures the vocals ? I always have that problem when I try to record vovals and acoustic guitar at o ce.
Hey Denis, that will always be an issue with a condenser mic, and less so with a dynamic mic as per this setup. With a dynamic mic if you sing directly into the mic you'll usually have very good separation.
Great video! I just bought one yesterday after watched your video! I admire your work too! I'm trying to play my piano and singing then made a video like you, but I'm not good at computer. You use the Final Cut Pro to edit all audio and video? Is it easy to edit? Thanks
Hi Andy - I'm excited for you! It's a pretty cool piece of gear and I hope you get a lot of fun out of recording and filming yourself with piano and vocals! Yes, I use final cut pro to edit - it is reasonably simple to learn, but will still take some time (as does anything when we start out). As you record and edit more and more videos you will find it gets easier and easier along the way! I'm online every Tuesday evening (New Zealand time) if you have questions that I could help with etc!
@@davidshanhun , thanks for your prompt reply, it's very kind of you to help me! How about the audio? I went to Zoom Web site to download the L-8_Driver, but it couldn't be opened, I don't know why? I may send a message to them. You use another plugins or audio? or can you recommend one for me. Thanks a lot!
Hi Andy - sorry I missed replying to this. How are you going with it? I had no issues with the L8 driver - there are different options for Mac or PC though - perhaps that's what happened. Presume you have sorted it for now but let me know if not! In terms of plugins, I really like some of the soundtoys plugins. Up to you though!
Thanks Chris. Essentially the size of the power bank will determine how long it will last running the L-8. I probably should do a test on this as actually have no idea how long it'll actually last - the L-8 draws 1amp (less than your phone will pull on fast charge), so expect I could probably get over half a day with mine that is 15600mA (the power bank) - amzn.to/2xlZojb. If i was getting one just for the l8 I would probably look at maybe 8000mA and up - it's nicer not having to recharge it specifically every single time. Essentially it just depends how long you might expect to want to run in the field! Sorry this might not be the most useful response but hope that helps in some way! linked to mine above just for reference - it's older and a bit of a brick, but at least I know it'll run things with no worries at all! :)
only other thing I'd make a note of - is check the outputs of the power bank - some have 'smart' or 'variable' outputs like mine - meaning they'll just allow whatever is plugged in to draw as much as they need - others have fixed outputs of higher Amps - which means they charge phones faster, but are actually sending more Amps to the L8 than it really wants/needs (5V 1A). From memory it doesn't actually do any harm - but my knowledge on the electrical side is a bit more limited so double check first haha!
David, thank you very much for the video, can I ask a question that are you using a dynamic mic for your vocals while using a condenser mic for the ambient sound which requires a phantom power? As I've heard it is not allowed to turn on the phantom power when a dynamic mic is plugged cuz it's gonna harm the mic. Is it a rumor?
yes I am using both a condenser and a dynamic mic with phantom power on. You are correct - phantom power can be damaging to a dynamic mic, but it's not really an issue for most standard vocal dynamic mics (eg sm58 or the e835 that i'm using here). If you had a ribbon mic or something like that then yes worthy mentioning etc. Funnily enough I actually mentioned it when I filmed this, but then cut it out in the editing as it was just not going to be that useful to most people.
Hi Alastar - no clap, I usually just match up the camera audio with the other files. All the individual channels from the Zoom L8 are synced together as they all start and stop recording via the unit at exactly the same time. I just match an obvious point in the wave form to sync with the camera audio and get it all in time.
What would you recommend for recording live with a band? Are there more things to consider? Will some of the other music bleed into the vocal mics recording? Will putting it in recording mode change whether the sound or effects will be going through the mains? And what sample rate do you recommend?
There typically will always be vocal bleed in a live setting- that’s up to you on mics used, general venue noise, and how you set up and not to do with which desk you use. Recording doesn’t change any of the live effects of the mixer or main out. You either choose to record and play or don’t record but all live settings remain the same either way however you’ve set it. Sample rate will depend on what you want to use. 44.1 or 48 are standard. I use 48 simply because my camera captures audio at 48 and then it all syncs nicely 👌 hope that helps! The main other thing to consider with a live band is if they want speaker monitors, or will be wearing headphones to monitor. L8 great if they use headphones or no monitors. L12 or l20 better for onstage/live monitoring as has the appropriate outputs. 🥰
Great video as always and the song choice is awesome. I've been interested in that mixer. Now I see you use it, definitely gonna get one for myself.
Thankyou. Yep I'm really happy with it! There's a few things that would be a real bonus to it, but it's pretty darn good 👌
David Shanhun what things 😁
@@daddyheart5673 the number one thing I would love is EQ on the master output - if you're using it as a live gigging mixer, being able to take out at least a rough resonant frequency that's in the venue is so crucial to a decent sounding mix. You can take some out individually on the individual channels but the bands are pretty wide that it isn't that useful for this purpose. The L-12 has sweepable mids which is awesome, but loses the abililty to be battery powered so didn't quite work - but sweepable mids would be a real bonus to this also. Most of the things I would like are for running it as a live show mixer - and there are ways around it - eg running a 15 or 30 band graphic EQ or something on the main outs - but then it's more gear etc. Compression would have been another nice addition. What are you looking to use it for yourself?
David Shanhun I was waiting for your reply but I just ordered the L-12. The fact that there’s no battery power option is sort of not nice that’s why I was looking at the L8, but then I wanted more inputs as well as the compression. I am thinking of how to go about a mobile power solution.
@@daddyheart5673 awesome - they are pretty cool unit's i'm sure you'll enjoy it!
I just was given an L-8 when my friend upgraded and your videos are just what I needed. Great visual instructions, love it! 5 Stars ✨
ah thanks so much! Enjoy your new unit - they're great!
I bought this machine a few weeks ago. It is such an amazing machine. I am so glad I got it before the lock down. You can call people and interview people. It is crazy.
Awesome! I think there's a few of us that are grateful we got things before lockdown eh!
Thank you for walking us through the whole process because no one else has made a video like this on this mixer. Thank you!
This is epic! Love the full breakdown of the process. Thank you so much. When we have so much tech, it’s really an all in one box. A mixer, a recorder, an effects unit. LOVE the fact the ambience mic can be muted, very very clever. Awesome.
Thanks! Yeah - that was gold when I found that out about the muting haha!
Ne Kadar Güler Yüz Ve Samimi Çok Sevdim Bu Kanalı Ve İçerikler Çok Kaliteli Oynanmış...❤️👏😊💯🌹
thank you so much ❤️
@@davidshanhun You're Welcome ❤️👏
I just ordered my L8 yesterday along with a few extra items...di box, cables and a passive Johnson under bridge pickup. My studio and live performance gigs are soon ready to go.
The plan is to record my live performances .
BTW I've been working on writing my first manuscript ever, telling the stories behind 30 of my songs. Each of the 30 chapters is titled with the song titles.
Anyhow, I thought I should share this tidbit with you.
Thanks for the vids.
I want to know this microphone model that you sing in ?? Thank you for this good and informative video
hiya! All my gear is listed here for you! davidshanhun.com/live-looping-gear-list/
Hi david. Because of this great tutorial demo. I ordered L8 as my travel body mixer.
Great video thank you. Can you tell us what mic you used? I am amazed how this mic muted all the wind and noise around you.
hey Ema, this was the mic used - amzn.to/3zXIr8E - with a windsock on it to stop noise.
@@davidshanhun Thank you
Great video David, I was making videos of musicians before I learnt guitar and the ability to take a battery powered device to any location and record the actual recording rather than a lip sync thing is crucial. Roof tops, beaches, cars, cliffs, barns ,shacks, warehouses, boats the skyis the limit. So much more interesting VISUALS which is key to a great video!
Thanks Peter! Ah that's awesome! ...yep, now that I'm back from touring that's on my list of things to do.. wish me luck with some warmish winter days haha!
Good luck David
Well done. Inspiration is finally always to use the recording results the way they are to create a final mix.
Thank you very much 🍀🍀🍀
thanks!
Awesome display and actual edit and walk through with this how-to video Thank you for sharing this is truly a tutorial 💯🏁
Thanks!
Super video. Very educational and clear explanation. Thank you very much David.
Thanks Paul! 😊
Great insightful video with useful tips again David.
Many thanks
Cheers Mike!
sounds great!
I used to take walks in the woods of tall pines and when you got in there good, it sounded really amazing!
ha love this! I feel like that would be a super cool setting to film/record something in. Might have sparked an idea here :)
What a helpful insightful video this is. Thanks David for your help. Blessings. x
glad it was useful!
I liked your idea of the extra mike it's great to catch the applause ( if any ) at the end of songs. Before I used the L8 to record my performances I was using a Tascam DR 40 which has 4 track capability. This results in a board mix from the line inputs and then the ambient sound from the mikes. More or less useless for anything other than listening to how I might have sounded. Now with the Zoom I get my vocals and guitar isolated as well as I recorded the master which of course is the good old board mix. I play to backing tracks. So I can take the vocals and guitar tracks and dump them into the original backing track DAW project and it all syncs up nicely. Cool.
Question- I was wondering why you didn't just use the built in batteries?
So good! Every time it crosses my mind that I wana ask you something, you have it all laid out on your channel haha legend.
Sweet video !!! And that Takamine wow the EN series is an 1990’s guitar 👏
Takamine ND15c - but yep that's the era haha!
Great vocals.
Thankyou!
I just got mime , I'm very excited to have this mixer 😃 I always play the guitar and sing out side like you did on this video. Finally I going to record everything I want, no power need it. And I can sing with my wife and my 2 years old baby girl 👧🎶🎶😘 can you please tell me what portable charger or battery you using. By the way, I like your voice.🎶🎵🎼 thanks for this video and great 👍 job😀 God bless you🙏
Awesome Ivan! Send me a link once you have a recording/video done i'll look forward to it 😊The power bank I personally use is this - amzn.to/2xlZojb but I believe it's discontinued now. That particular one will last a looong time with this mixer (haven't tested specifically the time), but most powerbanks you choose will be absolutely fine! Enjoy the new mixer and happy recording!
Is it possible to assign input 1 to record to another track? I would likely only have 1 mic plugged in for vocals only and would like to to do overdubs without having to unplug and plug in a new jnput
I haven't come across that option anywhere - I literally just shift the xlr from input to input - just did a vid on it! ua-cam.com/video/MXJIKlacPpw/v-deo.html
@@davidshanhun cool thanks 🙏 ill check it out. Just imagine after awhile that would cause quite a bit of wear pluging in and out.
Good job. Nice presentation. I also have a Livetrak L20. I'm still learning how to handle it. Greetings.
thanks Vítor! Trust you're enjoying the L20!
David - thank you so much for these films - I am about to buy the L8 and your tests have proven so helpful - you're a good performer too ! ATB - Dan
Your the man bro 😎! Thank you for sharing this 🔥🔥🔥.
You made my day, Sir
aww shucks! 😜 hope you have many more great days ahead too!
Great video, I enjoyed it immensely. Only distraction: some hiss in the background. Self noise of preamps or mics?
the hiss is never present when I'm sharing the actual audio from the L-8. That's just my camera mic recording me.
It sounds amazing. It will be fine to see you using it with your looper. You can travel light! Another great video my friend ( i mean it's good to see you working on the process).
You are so lucky to live in a country where socks goes on the mics!😁
Thanks Dov! haha yes the handy sock mic! Looking forward to sharing some more videos from shows using this down the track!
Yess! 🙌👏👏 Zoom is wonderfull
Yep!
Great review David 👍🏻 - A Gamechanger, Good Job Zoom. Amazing records 2 track Master aaand Multitrack simultaneously, and it can be powered off a USB poweebank
I love the song.
🥰
Very cool and informative
Thanks!
Great video Great voice too, thanks
Thanks Maurice!
Super helpful!
glad to hear!
Awesome video! Immediately subscribed!
Thanks Nam! Welcome to the channel!
Wow, That was pretty great! Good job. Very well explained...
Thanks Eddie!
Nice rundown! Very handy info indeed! I had no idea there is a mixer that can record. Ill be needing one, would simplify my workflow for sure!! T
hank you kindly!!
Awesome! Yep it's a super handy piece of kit! I looked at their other ones, but when this came out and could be battery powered I grabbed it! :)
I admire your work !
thankyou :)
Well done tutorial of your recording/editing process. I didn't know Zoom came out with a portable (battery operated) version of their LiveTrak. I've got a LiveTrak L-12, but it has to be plugged into an electrical outlet. I love the thought of being able to record like this in a park without power. Thanks :)
Cheers Ricky. Got plenty of plans/ideas for using this to film, but as yet this is the only one i've actually completed in the wild haha!
I didn't know the L8 had this battery power functionality but the L12 didn't. It isn't really advertised.
Awesome video.. Like your explanatins on this unit.. Thnx!
Glad it was useful for you!
Great walkthrough! Very informative. I have a question. Can you upload your own custom soundpad?
Cheers. Yes - yes you can!
Hi David - I just watched your video and it raises a big question. As I understand it all the channels only have a gain control and no EQ? Also you couldn't monitor the reverb until you recorded the track and played back the master file. Would it not be easier and arguably better to have an "old school" multi-track recorder that has inputs for your vocals, guitar and ambient mic with each channel having it's own EQ, pan, effects send and also that you could monitor them in that state as your are recording? or am I missing the point. Cheers, Peter.
Hi Peter, I think you have mis-understood. Each channel has EQ, fx, panning, but the audio recorded to the SD card is the raw file without any processing from the channel strip. It means you can listen to the audio with EQ, FX, panning etc applied while recording, and then still adjust any of those later to be completely different should you wish, or import the raw audio to mix in a DAW later. You can of course do a mix down of any individual track, or mix any and all tracks to a stereo.wav which will include fx, panning, eq etc. Hope that helps!
@@davidshanhun Hi David, thank you for the clarification. I have 1 more question (sorry) lol - so say you have done your recording and monitored live with effects for a “feel good” factor, the recorded file to the SD card is just raw. I understand your point that you could then import the raw tracks into your favourite DAW, remix, add effects and save to a master file. Can you however remix the raw tracks in the actual recorder, in the location you recorded the tracks in without returning home to your computer and DAW? If so that would be pretty impressive to record and mix down with headphones to master in the middle of a field. Peter.
@@PeterMossUkulele Yes you can. I did exactly that with this video and mix - ua-cam.com/video/MXJIKlacPpw/v-deo.html. All done mixed/remixed in the Zoom LiveTrak (not in the middle of a field but could have been if i wished!)
@@davidshanhun Fabulous - Thank you.
@@PeterMossUkulele Most welcome!
Dude one day I'll come and visit you. I really want to hang out, play and record songs with you
Sounds awesome! Let me know and lets do it. Can record on this mixer too 😎
Hello Mr. Shanhun. If I mute my two stereo configuration room microphones in my studio while recording a live three piece Rock band (the drums,guitar amp and bass are all mic'd up) will my recorded mix to master have a better sense of isolation when listening to the recording.I have the Live Trak 20. A Superb machine.Thanks for your video series.
Regards from Toronto Canada!
Hi Tom and hi from New Zealand! Yes - you are correct (if I've read what you want to do right!). If you mute the stereo room mics, they won't be included in your master output/mix when you're listening, but will still be recorded and mixed later into the final track! It can be quite handy to do!
Thank you thank you!
most welcome!
can you record multitrack from the zoom via USB cable into any daw?
Nice demo of a great mixer. My favorite part of Nature Boy is the natural 7 in the melody on the first “far”, not dominant 7. Fun to mix on the board!
Cheers! haha don't keep listening to my version then it'll annoy you! Have you got a livetrak yourself?
David Shanhun I do, I love it for all the same reasons you stated, great sounding board and easy to use. I think sometimes it’s a best kept secret.
@@jordanhedlund nice! It's a pretty solid board for what's packed in there eh! Glad you're enjoying yours too!
Wow what a cool piece of kit. Do you happen to know what the largest size SD card it's compatible with is? The muted - but - recording mic input is a stroke of genius, and this is, as ever, a very well put together video. Awesome work man :) 👏
Cheers! Yeah its pretty handy! Says up to 512 gb SDXC. Have only used with a 32 so far though 😂 how many hours and large band setups are you recording? 🤔
@@davidshanhun Haha - no still jut the two of us ... I just wondered, if you were going to use it as your live mixer, how many times you could go 'Oh I think I'll record this gig' before realising you were out of space. Assuming you recorded the number of channels you did here, and let's say each show was 2 hours long, I guess you could get at least two or three goes out of a 32gb card. Anyway I'm waffling.
@@MatONeill just checking 😉The nice thing about it being right behind you on the desk, is if you're feeling really good about a show, you can just turn around and hit 'record' and it's happening with no extra setup. (if it's a bad gig day then simply don't hit the button haha). Now if only I could find a camera that did the same haha.
@@davidshanhun Haha - yeah a camera that just records constantly but can delete your viewers eyes at the flick of a switch...
@@MatONeill hmm now that would be an interesting one 😝
Do we still need DI boxes for instruments like bass digital drum?
I will use this in a live performance / live recording
has two high impedance inputs so not required, up to you!
Hah! Dude that was altogether engaging... Nicely done!
Thanks! 😊
David, Bless you. This helps a lot. I bought L8 because of you:-). Could you please tell me what is the recording software you are using and what is the software for video editing which has both audio and video. Are there any free softwares available?.
oh that's awesome Joel. I use Final Cut as my video editing software - and I actually edit most of my audio in final cut as well although I do have logic for audio if I need to use it. I'm on a mac so they might not apply to you. Audacity is probably the most well known free audio program, not too sure about video sorry. I started with imovie which is free on mac, and then once I'd learnt a bit more I upgraded. Hope you find something that works for you!
Awesome video! I'm trying to figure out how to get the mixer to get picked up on obs as my main audio source for live streaming. And also could I plug a phone into the mixer that is plugged into the computer to capture the sound from the phone on the stream.
Daniel! So sorry I missed this. Interestingly for me OBS Studio picks up the LiveTrak just fine, but for some reason Streamlabs doesn't. Curious if you solved this or not for yourself. I expect what I'll do is simply create an aggregate device that includes the Zoom and that'll solve the Streamlabs option. In answer to your phone question - yes you can it goes into the main output which outputs to the stream. ...this is all probably a bit late though!
You could get those wireless XLR transmitters with phantom power and do stereo ambiance mics if you wanted to go crazy haha
That actually sounds like fun!
Great Video!!!! Thanks a lot!
You're welcome! 😊
Hey Great Content. Mate can you pull the camera back a bit on the face close ups. On an 85 inch Tv you look a bit creepy filling the whole screen. Just a thought . .
mate - genuinely appreciate this feedback haha! I'll try be less creepy for the next vids haha!
thank you for the info. verry good info.
Hello. I want to buy a Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Mixer... But now i heave heard, that is not possible, to use a different effect for each channel. For example: When i am a solo singer-songwriter with one guitar and one microphone and i use the delay effect on channel 1 (guitar), there is also the same delay effect on my channel 2 (microphone)!? But i want delay on ch1 guitar and hall on ch2 microphone and maybe plate on ch3 for a second guitar all at the same time... For all 4 headphone outputs of course! :-) Is it possible, to record all input channels separate in my DAW Software (Ableton Live), or only the single overall master signal? Can you help?
Hey 667. You are correct that you can only choose 1 effect for every channel. You can have different levels for each channel, but all will use the same effect.
Totally possible to record each individual channel separately in your DAW Software - the Zoom L-8 sends 1-6 as individual channels, 7 and 8 as stereo channels, and the master L-R also to your DAW so you can record any of them (or all of them) at once. The only restriction is that track 7 is the output from your computer if you are wishing to use headphones from the Zoom (so you would lose being able to record track 7).
Feel free to message with any other questions you have - although there are some restrictions, it's a pretty great piece of gear.
@@davidshanhunHi David, you are great!! Thank you very much, for your fast reply! :-)
O.K. that is a little bit sad, with the only one effect for all channels. In my opinion, for guitar and for singing it would be much better, to have separate effects like delay and chorus and hall etc. on every single input channel.
Are the channels 7 and 8 inputs stereo inputs, or is only the pair of 7 and 8 stereo? If i want to connect a keyboard which have mostly stereo output, can i use it with the correct cable on input 7 or 8, or must i use 7 and 8 together?
And if i connect a keyboard on 7/8, can i use the USB 1/2 3/4, which is also on 7/8?
And if i made a bad or false record on the internal SD Card, is there only the delete function in the settings menu? A faster DELETE or UNDONE function would be great.
@@12345Flipside you're welcome!
channels 7 and 8 jack inputs are unbalanced which means mono inputs, however they appear as stereo channels when using a DAW. To connect a keyboard in stereo you would need to use both channels 7 and 8.
You can only use one input at a time on 7 or 8. so if you are using the line input, you can't also use usb etc. they have a selector switch that you need to use.
pretty sure the only delete is in the menu - there may be a faster hack way to do it, but not that i've found yet!
Hope that helps. I did a bit more of an in depth review in this video in case it's useful!
ua-cam.com/video/IFIaJIFWJ0M/v-deo.html
GRACIAS POR TU VIDEO
most welcome :)
Thanks for the demo . you said it can Record 1-8 is it true? When connected USB to computer Using DAW can I Record 8 tracks at same time in pro tools or cubase. most devices give only two channels output to DAW please reply. Before buying I want to confirm.
yes this is correct - you can record all tracks 1-8 separately into a DAW like pro tools/cubase/logic etc.
@@davidshanhun thank you so much
Awesome video! I need one now.
hehe! Get it! I'm actually liking it more and more as I use and get used to it!
hi buddy, I didn't get how were you able just put the fx on the master and record the other tracks as dry without FX , how to do that? can you explain please?, thank you
heya - this is how the unit records. Individual tracks record directly after the gain (raw audio if you like - no eq/fx or anything). The Master records after all fx and eq so that channel includes all of the fx.
The reason is so you can simply export a full mix just how you sound from the master - ready to go etc. OR, you can import all the individual track audio to mix however you like afterwards and add whichever fx and eq you like from another program etc. Hope that helps!
@@davidshanhun thanks David I actually figured it , I realize I didn’t turn off my guitar pedal reverb that’s why I was getting confused , but yeah I already used it
@@dannyveras ah perfect!
sorry David, a bit of topic necrophilia here... whats unclear to me is, is your acoustic plugged directly into the Zoom?? which case the Zoom must have some sort of amplification to process the signal from the guitar?? so to do a "live" show you only need some speakers and the Zoom? you don't need any other amplifiers? cheers.
Hi Stephen, yep has a hi-z option for the first 2 channels so you can plug the guitar line straight in. And yes for a live show to real people I've run just the Zoom l8 into a pair of powered speakers. 😊 Buuuut I think what you're asking is about one of these following combos - either a powered desk with an inbuilt amp (this is not), into passive speakers, OR, a passive desk (no power amplifier) running into powered speakers (where the amp is in the speakers). Basically - if the speakers you are planning to run from this require power then you're good. If not then you'll need a power amplifier in the chain at some stage before the speakers. does that clarify things? (I feel like I wrote this rather oddly but hopefully makes sense!)
@@davidshanhun thanks a lot David.. yeah that answers me... but just so I am clear.... I can run an acoustic guitar and a microphone into the TC Helicon PlayAcoustic pedal, a line from that to the Zoom, and then Line Out the Zoom to my powered speaker FOH.?
and I can have my electric guitar plugged into another channel (3-onwards) from the line-out from my guitar amp, into theh zoom to the powered FOH speakers while the microphone is still plugged in Via the Playacoustic pedal?
i think I have it now, thanks so much and stay safe..
Very nice and helpful video, thank you for sharing! Btw, a stereo mic or pair used for ambience would do much better job, but even a single mic gives it a very nice touch! :) Cheers!
yes for sure - stereo pair would be ideal 👌 thanks!
Hi David, thanks so much for this video. I'm considering picking up an L-8 and there are so few videos on how to use it.
We do a bunch of overdubbing (virtual band for streamed church) to a click track, and I use Auria on the iPad to mix audio. I know the iPad doesn't return over the USB. But I'm thinking I could save the click to one of the channels or even the sound FX pads - would that work? This is the one thing that is stopping me buying this ATM
Cheers
Rog42
Hey Roger! You are talking about the one thing I TOTALLY missed in a review I did haha. The Zoom L-8 has an onboard metronome! You can set it to any tempo (up to 1/10th) eg 120.1, 120.2bpm etc. (not that most of us will use such fine timing but it's there if you wish to be super specific). You could easily save the click track to one of the channels or the sound pads if you wished, however that sounds a bit tedious! Could you explain the signal chain to me just so I understand what you're aiming to do and where audio is coming from when you wish to overdub. I'm presuming you'd run from the Zoom L8 into the ipad to mix yes?
Hi David, yep pretty much nailed it. For the musicians, we save a source track (we call a clap track) that has a 2 bar count in with a clap on beat four of bar one. This has both click and the piano part, just so they can play/sing to the tune. Most of them listen through one device and video themselves using a phone. We get everyone to clap on that count in bar, which makes it super easy to synch multiple tracks and video. But my wife and I, and increasingly (now restrictions are easing) some of the band, record audio at our place directly into the DAW which sppeds up the workflow. Currently I have an original Zoom H2, which I can plug into my 2015 iPad Pro. This either records stereo mics from the Zoom, or stereo line in from an instrument. I import the clap track to one of the channels in the DAW, then arm another track to record. So what I’m looking to do is have the the iPad play the source whilst recording from the L-8 into other tracks on the iPad simultaneously if that makes sense. Soon I expect we’ll want to record 3 or 4 musos at the same time to speed up workflow even more. You can connect with me at rog42@rog42.net if you like (& have time) and check out some of our videos at rog42.tv/20-cbcpl
Great demo from the perspective of a musician as opposed to a podcaster, David. Thanks for posting this!
I've wanted to be able to make a well-mixed track of a solo gig for years. Years ago I used to run through my trusty Tascam 4-track cassette recorder at gigs and that kind of worked in a primitive way. A couple of years ago I bought a Zoom R16 16-track recorder. It's a great bit of kit but it's not ideal for simultaneous use as a live mixer and as a recorder when you want tracks that you can mix and fine-tune later. You can output tracks with FX to FOH and record tracks dry on the R16 if you set up the bus correctly, but you need to go into the menus any time you want to adjust anything. The L-8 looks much better for what I want. It's easier to set up a master mix with FX to send to FOH at your gig while recording individual tracks dry at pre-fader level so that you can remix everything when you get back home. And even better, the channel strip lets you adjust EQ, FX level and pan on the fly with physical knobs. The EQ on the Zoom L-12 even has sweepable mids for not a lot more money if you need that. Zoom have been making some excellent equipment the last few years, I'm becoming a satisfied customer. Check out their multi-effect pedals if you don't know them already, they sound fine and save lots of space on the pedalboard.
And I have no connection with Zoom, I just buy their stuff... :oP
That's cool! It's super interesting to hear all the different combinations we've all tried and used to record ourselves! The sweepable mids on the L-12 would be super super handy on the L-8 for live, but sadly then lose the option of running on battery power with the L12. The one thing I wish was available, was some kind of EQ option on the master however - and this isn't available on either. Being able to have that sweepable mid option and applying it to the master/FOH would be superb when you're in a venue that just has that one annoying frequency that is super resonant and needs taking out of the mix!
haha all good re connection with Zoom - I'm the same - found the stuff from them really good and reliable :)
@@davidshanhun Yes, battery power is important for me too. All my setup is battery-powered these days. I've taken anything that isn't designed to run off batteries already and hacked it so that it runs off 5 V USB powerpacks connected to step-up transformers (you can also use 18 V powertool batteries connected to step-down transformers). The transformers are cheap off Ebay. You need to stay a long way below their max. current rating or they just self-destruct, in my experience. That's not ideal in the middle of a gig... :o(
I use these meters:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-LCD-USB-Voltage-Current-Detector-Mobile-Power-Charger-Digital-Tester-Meter/122728736831?hash=item1c9333e83f:g:d9EAAOSwujBZyzt7
to monitor the current being drawn by my equipment and effects and hopefully avoid frying any more transformers. I learned some interesting things along the way. I was surprised to learn that a Boss RC-300 draws far less current than a Digitech JamMan Stereo, for example. Digitech stuff generally seems to consume about five times more power than anything else.
I'm thinking of buying an L-8, but if I wanted an L-12 I would power it by plugging a 12 volt lithium battery into the 12 V input that is intended for the mains PSU wall wart. I would check whether it was necessary to stabilize the battery output at a true 12 V with a voltage regulator or DC-DC converter first because a fully-charged 12 V motorbike lithium battery chucks out 13.3 - 13.4 V. But there's a good chance that the L-12 will have an internal voltage regulator that can handle a 13.4 V input even though it's expecting 12 V.
It's fun being a musician and a mad professor at the same time... Xo) )
@@eekamoose haha i love this! I had a friend running a RC300 from a battery setup for quite a while ay! :)
Can you rename project folders and files on the zoom Livetrak itself and how would that work?
Nice recording. We use the L-12 for all the recordings
it's a nice piece of kit the L-12 eh!
love it. I'm trying to decide on this mixer or the zoom h6.
I considered that also. One thing I really love about having the H4n Pro that I have is the two condenser mic's that it has - superb for capturing a really natural sound in any setting, and with the H6 you've still got that plus channel options. Main reason for getting the L8 for me, was the extra channels, the simple livestreaming setup, and then being able to record individual tracking at shows while sending the main mix to the PA. Plus already having the H4n in my aresenal! Not sure if that helps your decision or makes it harder though haha!
@@davidshanhun lol, na. I appreciate the info. I think I decided on the H6. I want to film other bands, not just my own. The H6 will give me more flexibility in that depth. Im thinking most bands aren't gonna want me to swap their mixers with mine.
so Cool!!
Thanks!
Hi! Thank you very much for sharing all this great information. I have a quick question ¿Is there any chance to plug in a stereo input? like for example a drum box with some FX already incorporated.
yes - but you would use two channels for that eg 7+8.
@@davidshanhun thank you! that's what I imagined!
Hi David, thanks so much for this information, it is really useful! I am wondering if you can recommend a video editor for Windows.
heya! Glad it was useful 😊I use a mac and use final cut, but the two programs I keep hearing from windows users are Premiere Pro, and adobe Premiere Rush (the simpler version). Hope that helps!
@@davidshanhun thank you for your reply!! I'm really enjoying your videos and am glad I found you!
Yoshi in Arizona
Does anyone know if the L8 is compatible with Windows 7 or 8.1? The only drivers on the official website are for W10/11 and I couldn't find this question elsewhere. I am looking for a new audio interface, but would prefer not to have the time and expense of changing my entire PC/Laptop setup in order to do so. Thanks.
Thanks for the demo. I've been waffling on getting the L-8 or the L-12. For live play, do you think the preamps are as good as a Soundcraft or Mackie mixer?
Hard to answer for me personally... I do like the sound from the little Mackie fx4 that I have but I think that's mostly due to being able to EQ the main out rather than a noticeable difference in the preamps between that and the Zoom. Haven't compared with a Soundcraft though sorry. I think if the overall goal is for live shows - I probably would go with another mixer, but if you're wanting a combination of things all in one then this is superb. It's weakest point in my opinion is the live sound options.
I find this fascinating! I have your mic (The Spirit) how long ago did you create this,Lao what multi track hand held recorder do you have good vibes sbout?
Awesome! This mic is the Origin rather than the Spirit just fyi 😊. Video was earlier this year. Handheld recording options I use the Zoom H4n pro and love it. There's an H6 if you need more tracks/inputs etc. Otherwise this Zoom LiveTrak is my mobile recording unit. 😊
Wow,, great video!!! I will get and replace my Soundcraft. What editing software do you use?
hey Joseph - I did this all in Final Cut on mac. What are you using at the moment (or are you looking to get something?). I mostly edit audio if it's for video in my video editing software, however I do use Logic if it's just for audio that I am editing!
I have a question regarding using this with backing tracks. Trying to come up with a simple method not involving a laptop rig. Would it be possible to import tracks onto the SD card of a project that have already been recorded/mixed/processed and have those play as your backing tracks while performing on one of the channels with nothing recorded?
hey Chris - possible - yes... but I suspect would be super frustrating switching through different projects for each different backing track etc.
Ah, this is genius!
Hi David, can you help with a question? I am trying to record multitrack in my daw (studio one 4) but I can’t do it. I connected 2 instruments and a mic, it records the 3 things in each track, I can’t separated them. In the sd card it does but not in the daw. Please!!
Hey Isaac - what will be happening is in the DAW you need to set the different inputs for each channel. Track one is input 3, track 2 is input 4 and so on. Input 1+2 is the master mix. Have you downloaded the zoom driver first (just checking). 😊
@@davidshanhun THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! I got it. Sorry another question! how to return the sound from my pc to the mixer? if you can help me!! i truly appreciate it.
@@isshernan awesome! Tracks 7 & 8 have the return audio from the PC. Make sure they are set to USB, and then you'll be good!
David Shanhun thanks!! I don’t why in my daw in the output configurations doesn’t show all the channels, it shows just out 1 out 2, and 4
@@isshernan 1&2 out is track 7, 3+4 out is track 8. It's a little confusing to start with, but once you get it setup and used to it, it all works great! :) Give me a buzz if you get stuck again though eh?
Great video! How do you add reverb to the tracks on the desk?
on the desk make sure the track you want is selected, then turn up the efx knob. That sets the amount of reverb for that channel, and then you turn up the blue efx return fader to set the overall amount.
@@davidshanhun I thought I’d tried that, but will try again tomorrow! I’ve just got one for my school (I teach music/media there) and had a quick play when it was delivered, but your videos make me want to explore it more!!
I'm looking at this Zoom LiveTrak L-8 to use as a one man band set-up. Will it store my prerecorded songs sound levels on and so on and send them out through the Master outputs while I play live to them?
You can save scenes with all your settings for different set ups etc. Essentially you want to load backing tracks to the SD card? Not quite sure I understand what you're hoping to do here tbh.
@@davidshanhun Thanks David for your response, `Yes I want to be able to dial up my background tracks that have already been mixed and saved on a single stereo track so I can just pull up that master stereo track and play my guitar to it. Can you tell me if this machine can achieve that?
@@user-eh6pk1iy1d I think you'd be best to bring your phone and plug it in with the backing tracks into input 8.
How long would I be able to record? Like if I did a 30 minute set with keys, guitar and and vocals? I’m thinking of doing an unplugged type show that I’ll put in protools later to mix.
up to how big SD card you get really - I have a 32gb and have recorded hours of stuff with various amounts of tracks so you'll be absolutely fine!
Thnks bro!! Amazing job
Thankyou!
Great stuff. Can you tell me, did you plug in your headphones straight to mac, or used zoom as a soundcard ?
Heya! I only took the zoom with me - headphones straight into the zoom to play back the file and listen. Is that what you were asking?
@@davidshanhun Tkank you for response, and sorry for my english ( I'm from Poland, I have to speak more in english, because I will forget everything ). The case is, when you were mixing at home, did you use your headphones straight to mac or plug in Zoom by USB to mac and then you were listening and mixing ? Maybe it's stupid question, but i had a soundcraft mixer with recording option for 2 channels, and it doesn't work as good as soundcraft said. The problem was, that i almost couldn't hear anything when I listened the recording by soundcraft connected to pc. When I pluged in headphones straight to pc I heard the record, but the quality was medium. Maybe soundcraft software was bad. As it seems, Zoom is easier to use. Sorry for so long question. Overall, as I can see, you' re satisfy with Zoom ?
@@mateuszbugiel6581 Ah yes that makes sense - I took the SD card out of the Zoom, and then copied the files onto my mac to listen (with my headphones). So when I was mixing the zoom was not used at all. I have used the Zoom to mix by playing the 1, 2, and 3 channels after recording - and mixing using the zoom faders and that works well also. This is the second piece of Zoom gear for recording audio (the other is the H4n) that I have and I really like them both. The Livetrak L8 could be improved by having an EQ on the master output, but in terms of it working really well it's great. I have tested the zoom plugged into the computer and it works - although haven't extensively tested the quality - Zoom is usually excellent in this regard though so I expect it will be good. I will have a full review on the Livetrak L8 coming out this week so will include that test also :) I hope that helps! (and also, your English is great - I don't really speak any other languages so I'm always impressed!) 😊
@@davidshanhun Thank you so much, now I know everything. I think this peace of kit is much better than any interfaces, with really good price. You don't have to think about latency, etc. For my purposes it will be great. I think, there is a solution for EQ at master output, I'm not so sure but I think it is possible to buy external corrector, or something like that and connect that with Zoom and then to the active speaker. We can buy Zoom l12, but in my opinion better choice is l8, for basic thing, and later on get money for Zoom l20. I really wait for your review !😉 Now I will focus on my english even more.
@@mateuszbugiel6581 possible to buy an external EQ (I have been considering it!) 👌
Hi David, I love your videos! They have been extremely helpful. I'm a loop artist too and was looking at possibly getting this recorded. I was curious on how the setup would be for it. Is it run instruments and mic > zoom > loop station > zoom?
Hi Josh. I run everything I need into the loop pedal, and then into the Zoom for recording. So it's very linear - instruments and mic into the loop pedal, then into the Zoom for recording. If your loop pedal puts guitar and vocals together (into one channel), make sure your levels are good before recording. You can record a bit and listen back to check first 😊
Thank you brother. My buddy has been wanting to master stuff on a daw for me but he said I need to record on individual tracks. So I'm guessing I may need to go a route without the looper or something. Again thank for all that you do. Much love and happy holidays brother ❤
@@joshrobson8724 makes sense. It can be quite a challenge. What loop pedal are you using? There are a few ways sometimes to work around these things!
I've been using a Boss rc300 and loop 5 instruments with my vocals.
@@joshrobson8724 ok! Love it! Do you use another mixer before the RC300 to input those 5 instruments? My recommendation, would be to run your 5 instruments into the left channel, and your vocal into the right channel on the rc300 for the best mix down options. There's a few variations depending on how much you loop vocals or not, and you can use a different mic to sing into when you aren't looping (which will go direct to it's own channel on the desk for recording). Then, I would record the audio and send it to your friend and ask him/her if any of the instrument levels need adjusting in the mix. This is a test run so you can get things set up well. Make those adjustments as best you can for the next recording so you're sending the best mix you can, then they can do their work to master it for you. even with the headrush they only have 4 channels as separate in/outs, and you have 6 that you're looping from the sounds of it (5 instruments + vox), and 1 direct signal (non looped vocals). You basically have to do the mixing pre-looping as best as possible then your buddy can use a few sneaky mix and mastering techniques to polish it and enhance or reduce any particular part that sticks out. 😊
hey fella
We are trying to make the simplest recording (default project) with our Zoom Livetrak L8.
The issue is that the recording continually stops after , even though there are hours of free space on our soundcard. (we've filmed the LCD screen as well)
We've created a clear 4 second long video that highlights our issue in a crystal clear manner. We are under a lot of pressure to record our show and would appreciate a speedy reply and would even mention it in our show
All the best,
Norrie
Hey Norrie. Sounds like the SD card is not a high enough speed for what you're recording. Zoom put out a list of SD cards that are compatible - zoomcorp.com/media/documents/L-8_compatible_cards_en_2.pdf.
Of course I could be wrong but that sounds like that's what's going on. I'd recommend buying one good SD card with a high write speed and you should be sorted! Let me know how you get on though!
Thank you David we are now sourcing a new sound card
bought recommended sound card and still have the same issue s as before
@@norriehunter7436 can you send me video of what happens? info@davidshanhun.com
@@davidshanhun will do David
Very cool.
How can you avoid that too much sound of the guitar leaks into the mic that captures the vocals ? I always have that problem when I try to record vovals and acoustic guitar at o ce.
Hey Denis, that will always be an issue with a condenser mic, and less so with a dynamic mic as per this setup. With a dynamic mic if you sing directly into the mic you'll usually have very good separation.
Great video! Does any of the inputs available have hi z for recording guitar?
yes, the first two channels do.
Great video! I just bought one yesterday after watched your video! I admire your work too! I'm trying to play my piano and singing then made a video like you, but I'm not good at computer. You use the Final Cut Pro to edit all audio and video? Is it easy to edit? Thanks
Hi Andy - I'm excited for you! It's a pretty cool piece of gear and I hope you get a lot of fun out of recording and filming yourself with piano and vocals! Yes, I use final cut pro to edit - it is reasonably simple to learn, but will still take some time (as does anything when we start out). As you record and edit more and more videos you will find it gets easier and easier along the way! I'm online every Tuesday evening (New Zealand time) if you have questions that I could help with etc!
@@davidshanhun , thanks for your prompt reply, it's very kind of you to help me! How about the audio? I went to Zoom Web site to download the L-8_Driver, but it couldn't be opened, I don't know why? I may send a message to them. You use another plugins or audio? or can you recommend one for me. Thanks a lot!
Hi Andy - sorry I missed replying to this. How are you going with it? I had no issues with the L8 driver - there are different options for Mac or PC though - perhaps that's what happened. Presume you have sorted it for now but let me know if not! In terms of plugins, I really like some of the soundtoys plugins. Up to you though!
@@davidshanhun , thanks for your reply. I'm now learning "Logic Pro" from my friend and thanks again!!
Great video, David! I love my L-8. Question- I know nothing about USB power banks- what do you recommend for use with the L-8?
Thanks Chris. Essentially the size of the power bank will determine how long it will last running the L-8. I probably should do a test on this as actually have no idea how long it'll actually last - the L-8 draws 1amp (less than your phone will pull on fast charge), so expect I could probably get over half a day with mine that is 15600mA (the power bank) - amzn.to/2xlZojb. If i was getting one just for the l8 I would probably look at maybe 8000mA and up - it's nicer not having to recharge it specifically every single time. Essentially it just depends how long you might expect to want to run in the field! Sorry this might not be the most useful response but hope that helps in some way! linked to mine above just for reference - it's older and a bit of a brick, but at least I know it'll run things with no worries at all! :)
David Shanhun thank you, that is just the kind of info I was looking for!
only other thing I'd make a note of - is check the outputs of the power bank - some have 'smart' or 'variable' outputs like mine - meaning they'll just allow whatever is plugged in to draw as much as they need - others have fixed outputs of higher Amps - which means they charge phones faster, but are actually sending more Amps to the L8 than it really wants/needs (5V 1A). From memory it doesn't actually do any harm - but my knowledge on the electrical side is a bit more limited so double check first haha!
@@chrisdecker995 sweet that's good then haha!
David, thank you very much for the video, can I ask a question that are you using a dynamic mic for your vocals while using a condenser mic for the ambient sound which requires a phantom power? As I've heard it is not allowed to turn on the phantom power when a dynamic mic is plugged cuz it's gonna harm the mic. Is it a rumor?
yes I am using both a condenser and a dynamic mic with phantom power on. You are correct - phantom power can be damaging to a dynamic mic, but it's not really an issue for most standard vocal dynamic mics (eg sm58 or the e835 that i'm using here). If you had a ribbon mic or something like that then yes worthy mentioning etc. Funnily enough I actually mentioned it when I filmed this, but then cut it out in the editing as it was just not going to be that useful to most people.
@@davidshanhun Your answer is very helpful, thank you very much David.
Can you overdub with the L-8......GREAT VID
yes you can! Can record one track, then the next and so on!
Hi.. Nice video!! The video and audio was sync with a clap? :)
Hi Alastar - no clap, I usually just match up the camera audio with the other files. All the individual channels from the Zoom L8 are synced together as they all start and stop recording via the unit at exactly the same time. I just match an obvious point in the wave form to sync with the camera audio and get it all in time.
@@davidshanhun Okay!! Thank you!!
thanks ! you should be the next Michael buble, nice voice
Thanks Mehlinda!
Is the reverb coming from the mixer or an outboard unit?
Reverb is coming from the mixer. It has various effects options built in.
What would you recommend for recording live with a band? Are there more things to consider? Will some of the other music bleed into the vocal mics recording? Will putting it in recording mode change whether the sound or effects will be going through the mains? And what sample rate do you recommend?
There typically will always be vocal bleed in a live setting- that’s up to you on mics used, general venue noise, and how you set up and not to do with which desk you use. Recording doesn’t change any of the live effects of the mixer or main out. You either choose to record and play or don’t record but all live settings remain the same either way however you’ve set it. Sample rate will depend on what you want to use. 44.1 or 48 are standard. I use 48 simply because my camera captures audio at 48 and then it all syncs nicely 👌 hope that helps! The main other thing to consider with a live band is if they want speaker monitors, or will be wearing headphones to monitor. L8 great if they use headphones or no monitors. L12 or l20 better for onstage/live monitoring as has the appropriate outputs. 🥰
The questiom of the hr: how long will the powerbank power the mixer? Thanks.
Much longer than i care to stay up and wait for 😂
You didn’t use di box? I mean you just plugin straight to zoom?
correct - a DI would have given me a nicer tone, but I didn't bring it with me 😂
I d like to make a podcast for freestyle, can I do it with this one?
yes you can 😊