Zoom L-12 -Channel Mixer - Powered

The main reason I purchased this system is to use it as a backup mixer for live sound events (I run all my channels into a splitter; one set goes to my primary mixer, the other set goes to the Zoom). The device also gives me the ability to multi-track record the events, so this item works perfect for my situation. Here's a host of pros/cons that I've experienced thus far, but overall I'm very happy with the purchase.Amazon shipped the item in an unsealed factory box! It arrived in great condition, but I expected a little more care with the packing/shipping of the item, so that was unusual. The item is lightweight with plastic housing, but it feels like it will hold up (with the proper care). The buttons/faders/knobs do not provide exceptional resistance, but they don't feel super-cheap either. The size of the knobs are also adequate (see photo - notice I put custom labels on my device). The power adapter has a 7' cable - it does seem cheap, but it kinda' "locks" into the L12, which is a cool feature.Relatively speaking, the mixer/recorder is very easy to operate. I purchased a "SanDisk Class 10 - U1 - 128GB SDXC 80MB/s" SD card, which seems to function well, but I haven't tested it to its limits. The pre-amps and built-in effects sound great. It must be noted that with the new firmware update (v.2.0) Zoom has given users access to effects on all the outputs, but there are limits. The effect you choose is "global" so you can only use one effect at a time for the entire system. For example if you want reverb on channel 1 and delay on channel 2, that is NOT an option. If you want to route reverb to the master output, then you can adjust the send efx level for the reverb on each individual channel, but that setting is carried over to all the outputs (ex. A, B, C, D, E). You can control the OVERALL efx return level for each output, but not for each individual track.If you intend to use the recorder for a project where you want to do overdubs and re-takes, then there are some limitations. The device doesn’t have “virtual” tracks (you can’t save tracks in the background) and you can’t “bounce” tracks from one channel to another. My workaround is to keep a computer connected to the L12, and if I want to bounce a track, I restart the device in “Card Reader” mode. Then I access the card with my computer and rename the file to the track I want to “bounce” it to (they are named something logical like “TRACK1, TRACK2” etc.). I can backup tracks by copying them to my computer using the same method, so that’s my workaround for keeping “virtual tracks”.Even with the limitations listed above, this mixer/recorder is great! Setting up my system and recording tracks is a quick process that is very intuitive. I’m very happy with my purchase and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to fulfill similar needs as me.

It is very intuitive, and sound is wonderful, looks robust, faders are good. I'm still struggling to show the 14 channels present in Audacity, but using Reaper instead it definitely seems to be sending all of them on USB. I guess I have only tested 10% of it's features

This is a great music tool for a musician. You can use it so many different situations, and it does a good job in all of them. Here are some examples of how it can be used, and how it performs in those situations both good and bad.Practice:You can plug in a number of different devices to pull material from to work on. I use it to rehearse to songs playing from spotify on my computer connected VIA USB. I can adjust the volume of both the source music and my practice so I can easily isolate problem spots. You can also set aside trouble spots to share with your teacher when you run into problems.It has a built in metronome so you can practice in time, and see how your timing is while you work on different passages.Rehearsal:This thing really rules in a low volume rehearsal situation where everyone wants to use headphone. It has 5 independent aux sends to 1/4" headphone jacks. This gives everyone the ability to hear exactly what they want to. It has built in effects so the singer can have a little bit of reverb on their vocals.All that, and you can record your rehearsal to an SD card both as individual tracks and as a summed mix. The recording feature is super simple. Just select the tracks you would like to record, arm, and record. Throw a large SD card in the unit, and you will be set for weeks of rehearsal. It's also easy to listen to what you just recorded and sort out what happened as a group in different parts of a song.Writing:I will often get an idea in my head. With this it's as simple as come in, turn it on, start recording the idea. I can go back and add tracks from other instruments after I get the basic idea down, and I can even do these to a click. you could use it to stand alone record, but it's editing features are great, so you just drop the files into your computer and work within your favorite DAW.With the built in metronome you don't have to worry about having your computer turned on to be able to track some stuff and be able to drop it right into the computer in time later.Recording:With a built in recorder, and the ability to plug directly into your computer with 12 inputs and one sum, It provides great tools to work with. I play drums, and use an electronic kit to record. I can plug in the individual sends from my drum brain right into the unit and trick like I was at the studio.Super hack record your whole recording session directly on the device as a safety in case there are any issues with the computer recording, or a perfect solo that you didn't hit record for. Zero latency monitoring is great too.Live:I think it is probably more of a sub mixer, but it can do a whole show if you don't have too many instruments. If everyone is using in ear monitors it gives them up to 5 different mixes for that. it has XLR as well as balanced 1/4" outputs for speakers.You can record the whole show and come back and mix it later at home, or directly on the mixer. It has decent live effects and compression to make your show sound great coming out of your main speakers.Rehearsals:I had to go back and add this after my initial review. I feel like this is another area where this really shines. With the pandemic in full swing playing music with other people can be very difficult while trying to maintain social distancing. I have two rehearsal situations currently that I'm using this for.The first is a group where we are all in separate rooms and communicate via microphones. At my station I have my L-12 and mic up my drums with it. I send a stereo mix of the drums to another L-12 in the house via two XLR cables. I get a headphone signal from the other L-12 with a mix of all the other instruments. I can sum that, my drums, and a click in my L-12 and hear and record everything that happens while controlling my drum mix to the board.The second group rehearses outside with me in a garage. In this situation I mic all the other instruments directly and use 4 mics on the drums. This allows me to hear everything that's happening outside the garage, and record all the songs we play. I setup a template inside of Logic Pro X so when I get home I can copy the stems from the SD card and drag and drop them into logic with no real need to mix them since the levels and effects are already set. This results in great recording for all members of the band to review when we get home.Trouble spots:There aren't many trouble spots on this unit, and I'm still giving it the highest rating due the fact that for its issues it still does way more than just about anything at its price point.1) The compression always writes to the recording and it's not a great compressor.2) The Preamps aren't great, but they're usualable3) The file naming system is okay, but pretty close to impossible to change. (Changing a long file name with a click wheel is not how I want to spend 5 minutes on every recording)4) The faders aren't motorized (you have to set the faders whenever you switch mixes)5) No individual stereo or mono pairs for monitor out in live situationThis is a tool I can definitely get behind. At this or any price point there isn't much else on the market with all of these types of capabilities in a reasonably sized package. I have, and will continue to recommend this to my friends and peers.

This may be a great piece of gear. I don’t have a way of knowing, though, as Zoom did not include the power supply for the unit. I received the box that the power supply came in, but no power supply. This is my first 0 star review. Boo, Zoom.10/8/17 - revised review.I finally got the power supply from Zoom. I plugged in an SM-58 on channel 1, and an SM-81 on track two, using phantom power. A quick sound test, singing and playing an acoustic guitar, here are my impressions.1) It’s extremely simple to set up and start recording. Be sure to have a useable SD card, though - the Zoom did not come with one.2) The pre-amps are very clean. Not as crystal clear as my Apollo Twin, but I didn’t expect them to be. They seem to be especially picky about mic placement and recording volume, but once dialed in, the recordings are clean and clear.3) Monitoring, either by headphone or speaker, is a cinch, and creating monitor mixes is not too complicated4) The built-in compression works well5) The monitor screen is pretty small and hard to see6) Zoom’s customer support is superb7) You can download the full manual on the Zoom site. The included pamphlet, though, has more than enough info to get you started.Bottom line: This is an extremely versatile, compact, no-frills board that is easy to get started with, and sounds great. My guess is that these units will fly off the shelves. Perfect for small gigs, home and studio recording.