#livetrak

This is a product review of the mixer and interface, the Zoom Livetrak-L12. Again, I will break this down into general information, first impressions, and then long-term review. Long-term will, again, be around 6 months.

So, some overall information about this board: it is a mixer, it is an interface, and it can be a standalone device. Standalone meaning it does not require a computer to actually record or function. The unit costs $599 at the time of writing.

This device is really cool, because it does a lot to set itself apart from traditional mixers or interfaces by combining the two. You are able to take in up to 14 different signals at once, and you can run these into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or straight out to speakers from the master outs if you are doing something like a live performance. It is also capable of running up to five separate ear mixes, which means I can have completely different levels for each instrument for up to a five-piece band. On top of that, you have built in effects to send each sound to, mostly reverbs and delays. Also, this product is iOS compatible, so you can use it to track straight into your iPhone or iPad using Garageband. And finally, you have the ability to store scenes, which means if you run a podcast and have a band, you do not have to change the settings manually every time you switch. You simply choose the recall scene that you want, and you are back to how it was.

First impressions: When I first got this thing, I do not know quite what I was expecting, but it is big. I have quite a large desk, and it takes up a noticeable portion. It is about 18 inches wide by 11 inches deep. After looking around, this is actually fairly compact for a mixer of this capacity. The build leaves a little to be desired because it can feel sort of cheap on some parts. It is an all plastic build, but there is an upside to this as it is much lighter than it would be with an all metal design. The knobs are all plastic as well, but they feel very tactile and responsive. The faders all have a good resistance to them to get a slightly better feel. Even though the build is not metal, you still feel like you have a good product here though. It would be tough to recommend taking it on the road, but with proper storage, it would be fine. Just do not abuse it.

Long-term: In my nearly six months of using this thing, it has been quite incredible. It has held up very well and Zoom is very responsive to their customers. I had a question about when MacOS Catalina support would come, and I had an email back within the day. The unit is still just as tactile and responsive as it was before, the preamps are all still crystal clear, and the unit still looks cool sitting on my desk.