With the Zoom LiveTrak L-20R digital mixer, sound engineers can mix the live performance of a complete band and simultaneously record up to twenty discrete channels plus a stereo mix onto an SD card. At the same time, this neatly-designed device provides six powerful headphone outputs, each with its own mix, making an additional headphone amplifier superfluous. The Zoom LiveTrak L-20 doubles as a USB audio interface with 22 inputs and four outputs, and can be connected to iOS devices via an optional adapter. And Zoom offers this wealth of features for a very reasonable price.
The Zoom LiveTrak L-20's twenty discrete tracks – sixteen mono and two stereo channels – feature medium-parametric three-band EQs in the form of rotary knobs with LED rings, low cut, and twenty integrated and editable two-way send effects. The sixteen mono channels each have their own compressor. Mixing itself is intuitive and clear, thanks to the array of controls and the 12-segment LEDs next to the volume faders. Audio can be recorded to an SD card while mixing (in up to 24 bit/96kHz quality) – and before the EQs and effects, so that the twenty tracks can be further processed using a DAW.
With its sophisticated features, the Zoom LiveTrak L-20 mixer is especially suitable for bands who want to mix their gigs or rehearsals while recording quickly and easily at the same time. There is even the option to start or stop recordings automatically, as well as a connection for a footswitch; ideally, the LiveTrak will be set up right there on stage. Mixing is easy with the proprietary L-20 Control app – simply connect an iPad using the Bluetooth adapter included. The additional functionality as an audio interface provides even more flexibility, enabling the live mix to be expanded with backing or click tracks on a computer.
Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.
A clever idea – and quite sensational at this price – are the Zoom LiveTrak L-20's seven headphone outputs, which can each be set up individually. For example, six musicians can be supplied with an individual headphone mix. In addition, there is a separate headphone output for the engineer, who can listen to the main mix or any of the submixes. Furthermore, the Zoom LiveTrak L-20 digital mixer can store up to nine mixer scenes. The bright, backlit LCD screen and rotary knob provide access to an intuitive menu system for creating new projects, recalling previous projects, and adjusting settings. Features such as Hi-Z inputs and 48V phantom power are of course also included as standard – even demanding sound techs will find their every wish fulfilled.