Zoom Podcast Digital Mixer/Recorder (L-8)

The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 has been a great addition to my audio setup. It’s packed with features and the build quality feels solid and professional. One of the best things about it is that you don’t need a computer to mix—everything can be done right on the unit itself. I’ve even run it off a portable battery bank, which makes it perfect for mobile or outdoor setups.There is a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to mixers or audio gear in general. But if you’ve used this type of equipment before, it’s pretty intuitive once you get going. Overall, it’s a really versatile and well-designed mixer that gives you a ton of value for the price.Highly recommend it for podcasters, streamers, or anyone needing a flexible, portable audio solution.

This is an excellent machine, and I found it quite easy to figure out, as sound equipment goes. Hardly needed the directions. I did, however, trade it for the 12 channel version (L-12), partly for more channels, but also so that I could run mics with and without phantom power at the same time. The L-8 has the 6 XLR channels with either phantom ON on all of them or OFF on all of them. You can switch it for all 6 together, but not individually. The L-12 has separate phantom buttons for channels 1-4 and 5-8. The L-8, however, can run off of battery or USB, which makes it more portable, as does its smaller size. Decide what you need in terms of size.

I bought this because I have experience using sound boards and was hoping to cut out some post production on my podcast sine I could adjust it before recording during sound test. For that it is a solid little board, great combination for running a podcast. If you are not used to sound boards it could be a little daunting and you would have to think hard between this and the Rodecaster Pro.Pro's:Portable, battery capable.6 Dedicated Microphones2 Flexible channels for sound pads, phone inputs and suchMore control over recording set up because you can adjust individual channelsOn Board Recording via SD CardCon's:Not the easiest to incorporate as a Interface for the computer.Micro USB instead of USB -CI am pretty much satisficed with this board, however they could use with 1 or 2 small upgrades.I have a Zoom Podtrak P4 that I bought before this. Great little device. It's big brother could use the USB-C upgrade that it has. Micro USB is outdated. You also have to go to ZOOM's website and down load drivers to use it with your computer (Which I did not find in the instructions, had to go to YouTube to find that out). I didn't have to with the Podtrak 4, just a USB-C connection and I was in business.Upgrade the micro USB to USB-C so the computer can talk at a higher quality and send better sound back and I would upgrade this to a 5 Start review.Overall it is a good little board with a couple small imperfections. When I am doing in person interviews or a stand alone show I love it, just wish it interfaced with my computer a little more like it's baby brother.

My first criteria was portability and battery power. For my purposes, the L-8 is like a field recorder on steroids. Very versatile. And of the negative reviews I've seen two things seemed be an issue for some users:Some called them cheesy and cheaply made - I don't see it - I have two of these things and they are pretty solid. The other is that the Rode unit is better for Podcasting - maybe true, but this one doubles way better for small PA work.

I have purchased several digital recorders and this has become my go to recorder. My search for a portable digital recorder with more than two phantom powered channels too me to this amazing recorder. Simply put it was very difficult a good portable recorder with SIX high performance pre-amps each with phantom power. It is important to note, this board packs layers of menu driven controls that can become part of a pre-set. This expands the recorders capacity produce great recordings. Thus a review of the user's guide is STRONGLY encouraged. This will reduce frustration. 6 assignable Sound Pads, with 13 preset sounds is a lot of fun and adds an additional dimension pod-casters. Simply put this is an amazing recorder!

Its a brilliant little machine with so many pointless flaws that Zoom could easily change. I bought it, I liked it; then I saw a comparison video on youtube. You don't even realize the many issues with this L-8 until you see what the other mixers offer in this category. In all honesty this unit has some great features but if you are going to drop hundreds of dollars check out what other mixers have (by comparison). There is a Pyle unit that has almost everything the L-8 has and its $250 less. Yes, I know, "but its Pyle". I didn't go with that brand, I'm just sharing others I found. I went with the Rodecaster Pro. Its a couple hundred more but watch a comparison on youtube between the Rodecaster and the L-8. The cord management (plugging in the back vs the top) is worth choosing another option (for this reason alone). The best reason to go with the Rode is all the digital processing that comes along with the Rode (limiter, compressor, etc...) The best thing about the L-8 is the EQ that is customizable on every channel. -There is no EQ on the Rode. If you are using different mics (shotgun along with a dynamic mic or ribbon) you can add bass to your shotgun or turn up the highs on a ribbon mic (on L-8). The final straw for me was that on the L-8 you can only turn phantom power on (for all channels) or off (on all channels). The Rode has phantom power PER CHANNEL. Also, the L-8 LED screen is overly complicated.You can't have it all. There are pro's and con's with everything but take the time to watch some videos on both options. The EQ is the best feature on the L-8 but unless you watch some videos on other mixers you won't actually know all that you are missing.