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The main stereo mix comes out on two balanced XLRs, and that signal is duplicated on the first headphone output. It’s also available on three more headphone outputs, each of which, like the first, has a dedicated level control. These three can be switched to monitor one of three secondary mixes, Mix A, Mix B and Mix C, of which more below. The headphone amps sound clean and clear and do the job well for most headphones, though with high‑impedance models I found there wasn’t lots of gain in reserve — occasionally frustrating when I was miking quiet sources, but it won’t be an issue for most users. Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions. Once you’ve dialled in your mix…save it! The L-8 lets you save up to 7 show “scenes” that can be saved and instantly recalled at the press of a button. Unfortunately, Rodecasters use microSD cards. The main downside is that microSDs are usually slower compared to SDs. In addition, they are too tiny and easy to lose or break. In this case, Zoom 8 takes the lead thanks to its reliability and ease of use. Power Designing a mixer/interface that caters to both music and podcast types in equal measure is by no means an easy feat. Both disciplines bring with them their own unique set of conventions and production requirements and it’s hard to please everybody. Thankfully, Zoom have done a more than commendable job of integrating enough of both worlds to make the L-8 a more than capable mixer on all but the most high end of applications. Musicians will be drawn to it by its simplicity and minimal power requirements, podcasters will be impressed by its technical thoroughness and ease of use.
Power to the Podcast: Podcast creators are a special breed. They require a unique set of audio features, along with the flexibility of a proper mixing console. The LiveTrak L-8 combines Zoom’s famous audio performance with features made for podcasters.• Just press a button to play intros, outros, jingles, ads and sound effects. With 6 easily-assignable Sound Pads, the right sound is at your fingertips. Each of the eight input channels has its own fader, mute (but not solo) and Select buttons, and when a channel is selected you can tweak further parameters in the Channel Strip section. This has five continuous rotary encoders and a (12dB/octave 75Hz) high‑pass filter button. Each encoder is circled by 13 LEDs, but as each LED has five levels of brightness and they light in combinations you’re treated to a finer level of indication than first sight suggests. A very minor gripe is that the height of the knobs means they obscure some LEDs’ default positions (eg. centre pan) when you’re seated, with the L‑8 on your desktop. The encoders control panning, the effects send level and a three‑band EQ, comprising high (10kHz) and low (100Hz) shelves and a peaking mid band (2.5kHz). Each band can boost up to ±15dB, again in fine enough steps that you have plenty of control. There is a thin between the qualities of sound produced by both units. Zoom units boil down to 0 – +70 dB when comparing the specs. On the contrary, Rodecaster specs are 0dB – 55dB. Recording Mode Here comes the most annoying thing about this mixer (if you want to use it as a class compliant audio interface).
It works as a class compliant audio interface (Maschine+ recognizes it) (if you are interested in this please read the terrible part!) Both options operate through batteries. The Zoom L8 is powered by two AA batteries or a USB cable. However, a Rodecaster has a DC-USB cable that accommodates a USB battery. You only need a USB cable to power a Zoom 8, making it more convenient than a Rode. Noise Reduction vs. Noise Gate
Perhaps one of the more impressive aspects of the LiveTrak L-8 (and one that definitely impressed this reviewer) is when you realise that all of the aforementioned features are powered by the USB Bus alone, something that would have previously been inconceivable a few years ago. I’m still scratching my head as to how they managed to pull this off, as the amount of processing on offer (not to mention the ability to run 6 phantom powered mics simultaneously), would normally render the need for a wall mounted power supply, completely inescapable. The fact that the L-8 manages to do all this with bus power and batteries alone is really quite a remarkable achievement and one that only adds to the units elite level of portability. The Zoom Livetrak L-8 can run up to 2 ½ hours with just 4 AA batteries, alternatively you can use a USB battery with the L-8’s unique USB connection design, so you can podcast from anywhere that inspires you, and not worry about disconnecting. The Zoom Livetrak L-8 is class compliant, allowing a connection with iOS devices, although an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter is required. There are two each Hi-Z, line-level and USB inputs.Sound Pads are the easiest way to transform a single instrument into an entire band. A Rodecaster has eight pads while zoom has nine. Still, a Rodecaster has the upper hand because you can use additional software to drag files to the unit. When using a Zoom 8, you can send files to the card and the unit. You can also convert your files with a Zoom 8 if need be. Effects
Podcast creators are a special breed. They require a unique set of audio features, along with the flexibility of a proper mixing console. The LiveTrak L-8 combines Zoom’s famous audio performance with features made for podcasters. Sound Pad Magic It’s important to understand that the Mixes store only the fader settings: the Gain, Pad/Hi‑Z, Select, Channel Strip and Mute status aren’t recalled. But more settings can be stored in what Zoom call Scenes. Several settings are stored in each Scene: the fader positions (for every channel, including EFX RTN and Master); Mute status; all Channel Strip settings; the selected effect patch and parameters; and the input source selection for channels 7+8. Despite this being a digital desk (meaning no physical routing limitations in between the converters) you can’t apply EQ to the effects return or master mix; I can’t say I missed that ability but some might. Naturally, you can’t apply reverb to the main mix, since there’s only one effects engine and its signal already flows to the mix bus. The L-8 lets you save up to 7 scene memories that can instantly be recalled at the press of a button. The L-8 lets you create up to three individual monitor mixes, and you can also adjust each channel with EQ and onboard effects. Making podcasts requires some technical know-how on audio and video recording software. With several recording units in the market, most people consider Zoom L8 and Rode Rodecaster brands because each has unique sound quality, build superiority, and versatility features. So let’s explore key features likely to guide you to the best fit. File ManagementOverall handling of the device feels retro (but in a bad way). Some of the options like putting the unit into audio interface mode are not saved, so you have to put the unit into that mode every time you power it up.
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