Zoom LiveTrak L-12

The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 is a 12-channel digital mixer that also records multitrack audio to SD card and works as a USB audio interface.

What it is

The L-12 combines mixing, multitrack recording, monitoring, playback, and remixing in one unit. It has eight mono and two stereo channels, each channel strip has a low cut, a three-band EQ, and access to 16 built-in send effects, and the eight mono channels also have a dedicated compressor. Independent sources describe it mainly as a mixer that is also a recorder and interface. One forum contributor notes that the signal is converted to digital right after the preamps, so compression, EQ, level, and routing are handled digitally until the analog outputs, and that the physical design can make it look like a hybrid analog mixer when it is not. Sound On Sound presents it as an improvement over its predecessor, the R16, with better sound and more inputs and outputs. Its limits include that two units cannot be synced and that I/O cannot be added. The reviewer of the Sound On Sound review and other sources describe a plastic build. The unit is a current Zoom product line member; the manufacturer's page lists it as unavailable with a preorder message, and retailers list it at 649.99 USD.

Specifications

Mono inputs: 8 mic/line combo XLR/TRS jacks, with +16 to +60 dB gain (pad off), -10 to +34 dB (pad on), and +6 to +50 dB (Hi-Z on)
Stereo inputs: 2 line inputs on TRS/RCA
Phantom power: 48V on channels 1-4 and 5-8
Hi-Z: Channels 1 and 2
Pad: 26 dB on channels 3-8
Equivalent input noise: 128 dB (IHF-A) at +60 dB input gain, 150 ohm source; headline figure -128 dBu
Master output: 1 balanced XLR
Monitor outputs: 5 stereo outputs (A is balanced TRS; A-E are stereo phone jacks), 42 mW + 42 mW into 60 ohms
Low cut: 75 Hz, 12 dB/octave
EQ: Three-band: high shelf at 10 kHz, mid peaking 100 Hz to 8 kHz, low shelf at 100 Hz, each +/-15 dB
Level meters: 12 segments, -48 to 0 dB
Recording: 14 tracks at 44.1/48 kHz; 12 tracks at 96 kHz
Playback: 12 tracks
File format: WAV at 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, mono or stereo
Media: SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, 16 MB to 1 TB per manufacturer
USB audio interface: 14 in / 4 out at 44.1/48 kHz, 24-bit, USB 2.0
Frequency response: -1.0 dB at 20 Hz-20 kHz at 44.1 kHz; -3.0 dB at 20 Hz-40 kHz at 96 kHz
Scenes: Up to 9 saveable scenes
Display: 128 x 64 backlit LCD
Dimensions: 445 x 282 x 70.5 mm
Weight: 2.53 kg, main unit only
Power: AD-19 adapter, DC 12V/2A, included
Included: AD-19 adapter, USB 2.0 cable, quick guide
Optional accessories: RKL-12 rack adapter, FS-01 footswitch, CBL-20 carrying bag

How it's used

Musicians use the L-12 for live band recording and rehearsal, for live acoustic gigs, for podcast archiving, and for home studios with keyboards and microphones. It is also used as a live sub mixer and for in-ear or floor monitor routing, with five headphone outputs. It can record to SD and to a computer DAW at the same time. Its recording is pre-EQ and pre-effects, so it is often used to capture multitrack audio for later mixing.

Suggested usage

Record pre-processing if you plan to mix later
The manufacturer says tracks are recorded before EQ and effects. A reviewer describes the preamps as clean and neutral, which suits multitrack capture for a later DAW mix.
Plan file management around a computer
One reviewer found the unit's file management limited, so audio is best transferred or recorded directly to a computer.
Expect limited automation without a computer
One reviewer found automation weak unless the unit is paired with a computer and a MIDI controller with faders.
Use scenes for repeated setups
Reviewers who mention scenes find them useful for live performance. The manufacturer lists up to nine scenes.
Use the monitor outputs for individual performers
Each of the five monitor outputs can hold its own saved mix.
Check SD card compatibility
One reviewer notes the unit includes a card tester to confirm whether a given SD card will work.
Use the Lightning adapter for iOS
The manufacturer says iOS class-compliant use requires an Apple Lightning-to-USB camera adapter.
Test channels 11/12 return before relying on them on a Mac
One user reported that channels 11/12 could be set to return audio via USB but did not work on a Mac in their tests. This is one report and may depend on firmware.

What reviewers said

Sound On Sound
Positive overall. The reviewer found the mixer workflow a large improvement over the R16, with no hidden menu functions and a fast scenes system. The build is mostly plastic but feels reasonably robust, though it creaks at times. The reviewer judged it well suited to its intended roles, with noted limits on expansion.
Long McQuade customer review
A customer described it as a versatile all-in-one unit suited to small studios, podcasters, and live sub mixing, but not ideal for beginners unless they learn quickly.
The Podcasters Studio
Positive. The reviewer praised the preamps, the clean headphone amplifiers, and the per-output gain knobs, and considered it a strong multichannel interface choice. The reviewer noted the plastic build.
Gearspace forum contributor
The preamps are described as plain and adequate, with clean, neutral results and no particular character. Another forum user said the preamps held their own against comparable devices.
Gearspace user review
The one negative user report. The reviewer could not play back more than one track at a time after recording with dynamic and 48V microphones, and found the compressors distorted, the EQ boxy, the channel low cut ineffective, and channels 1/2 noisy. This is a single report that could not be verified against other sources. The page shows an aggregate rating of 3.9 from two reviews.
FLZ Studio
A blog summary of unnamed users, positive overall. It describes good value and notes that some users find the faders and buttons lightweight, which could affect long-term reliability, while many users report the build holds up to regular use.
Reverb Zone customer reviews
Positive. Reviewers praised the sound quality, compact size, and separate IEM track function. One noted the lack of tablet remote control.

What it is

Specifications

How it's used

Suggested usage

Record pre-processing if you plan to mix later

Plan file management around a computer

Expect limited automation without a computer

Use scenes for repeated setups

Use the monitor outputs for individual performers

Check SD card compatibility

Use the Lightning adapter for iOS

Test channels 11/12 return before relying on them on a Mac

What reviewers said

Sources