The most appealing feature on this is the fact that it has midi in and out . People with drum machines and synth will love this feature . Its perfect when you’re in the living room with a small synth setup and you want to record your jam everything synced to this mixer . Thank you for the review
Well...right now I don't think that's possible. I touched on it in my Cons section. You can run a MIDI clock into the L-6, but the only thing that does right now is sync the Delay and Echo effects to the tempo of your drum machine or groovebox. You cannot run a MIDI clock sync OUT of the L-6 to sync all your equipment. And it doesn't have a click sync for devices like Pocket Operators or Aira units. Maybe in the future firmware update that could be possible, but out of the box today, I don't think it is.
@@GazRendar wow, bummer. That was the main reason I was excited about the L6. Question: if you can run clock into mixer, can that function as a source of clock for pre-recorded tracks? Say, where i could then run a sequencer alongside the playing track.
Thanks for the overview! I run a dawless setup and for recording live + not having to worry about levels when recording (BIG ISSUE) while running synthetizers and drumboxes live, it should be great. I have a Yamaha AG-06 mk2 but for my type of setup this blows it away since the ability to record is just one button, whilst on the AG-06 you'd have to connect it to another device like an iPhone (anothe cable, and more buttons to press for a one man show). I do have the Zoom L-12 at home as a mixer + multitrack recorder and it works great, but what the L6 is meant to is for PORTABILITY. I run all my setup either with each instrument's internal battery or else with powerbanks, so the L6 comes perfect for these setups. For me, having the freedom to play anywhere, not having to plug to an AC, I believe is a key factor to take a decision about purchasing the L6. Cheers!
Totally....I think what you are describing is exactly what this product is meant to do. You'll have a little easier time recording on your L-12 because it has a screen and you can see a time stamp. But the convenience of having a bunch of stuff plugged into a compact device, that I can run off a battery bank, and it all fits on my desk is ideal. Additionally, it's much more portable than the large L-12. If you get a case for this thing, it seems pretty durable, so it should travel well.
I have not seen an official case for the L-6 from Zoom. I think they make one for the L-12. But...if i had to bet...I can see Analog Cases making one for the it within couple months if the L-6 starts selling well. I'm pretty sure they make one for the L-8.
Great overview, thanks for taking the time going over every feature. One bit of feedback, I don't think the sound & pattern on the J-6 was the best choice for demonstrating the EQ and effects
Yeah, you're probably right. I just whipped up that pattern in 2 minutes. The L-6 arrived a week earlier than I expected, so I didn't have anything ready to go, other than that Pocket Operator cover that I was partially working on a few weeks ago. I'll be using it more over the coming days and will try to create some other content to test out and demonstrate the other features.
Thanks, Floyd! Yeah, definitely does not replace the R20. Anyone who wants this has to want a compact mixer on their desk first, and only secondarily wants it to be a quick and easy way to record a jam. I'll still be using my R20 as my primary recording device. This is nice to leave on my desk and leave my Airas and POs hooked up to it with one set of headphones plugged into one device.
This was great. Big thanks for the overview. I’d like to add a few other thoughts. As a singer songwriter that uses occasional peripherals, this thing would be excellent for capturing shows and small tours where you never know what the sound situation is at the venue. The battery, EQ, and effects makes anywhere possible without relying on outdated PA systems controls. If one needs more mic preamps, one can always pic up something inexpensively and use the 1/4 jacks since they too have the full EQ and effects. Also busking with a battery operable loudspeaker. The lack of a screen *for me* is not a bug, it’s a feature! I’m always worried one of those Zoom and Tascam screens would fail or fog up and now I can’t do anything. I also like how all the connections are on top, another plus for singer songwriters who can simply access everything without flipping it (I assume this was for the eurorack). Finally. The 32 bit float. I occasionally video record friends bands etc. Now I can use the XLR jacks for the stereo mic and the 1/4 for the board. All separate. And battery operable. This video sealed the deal. Many thanks again.
Yep! Everything you said is spot on and I think the L-6 aligns with your needs very well. After using the recording features more, I really don't think it needs a screen. The recording is limited, so unless they provided true overdubbing, you don't need the screen.
I did some more testing of the recording features. It's definitely designed to record those tracks so you can move them over to a DAW for better editing. I just posted a new video about that: th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
@@GazRendar That was the thing that I was most concerned about. I need something I can record stereo tracks into. The R12 is good, but can only record 2 tracks at once so if you have two inputs for stereo, that's all you can record at one time.
Thanks! That's all I was trying to do with these videos - point people in the right direction to be able to buy the right piece of gear that meets their specific needs.
Had both the L-8 and a Tascam Model 12. Kept the L-8, got rid of the Tascam too many problems😂 with it, so replaced it with a Soundcraft 12MTK used😊 but worked flawlessly
For a solo singing and guitar show, this is exactly what i need. I can monitor exactly what im playing and get a recording of it all at once. If i need to grab more instruments i guess i could route a second mixer into this one thats recording, or go to another device.
The portability and options for powering it are the biggest strengths of the unit. You'll want to route your guitar through a pedal board first, but if you can get by with just 2 XLR inputs, it's a great way to set things up quickly and easily to simultaneously play and record smaller live shows.
@GazRendar yep. I'll be running a piezo equipped electric guitar through a modeler, then into the mixer. I'm on a quest to minimize the amount of gear and/or the physical footprint I need while not sacrificing flexibility and features. And this seems to answer these constraints for my use case. I don't have to bring a separate zoom recorder and mixer
This is what I've been waiting for, for years. WIth a small synth setup, I can throw out my mixer and speakers, and just do everything on headphones. Record too, then go to PC for distribution.
This actually might solve a ton of issues I’ve had with recording my own monitor mix for show footage easily without bringing extra gear. I already use a small mixer for my ears. This will add recording capability within basically the same footprint.
The mixer features are pretty solid. While the multitrack recording capabilities are simplistic, it is convenient to just hit the record button and you get a no-fuss multitrack recording. The compact size and powering options make it a versatile unit for a lot of people.
Mine comes in on Monday, and I will be using it for traveling and recording. I ordered it last month on Sweetwater. They sent an email saying that it had been pushed back until November, and then on Friday, they sent an email saying that it had shipped.
Cheers for the overview. Mine should be arriving in the next few weeks. Really looking forward to it. I currently run all my boxes into eachother and then just get a summed stereo mix through my audio interface into Logic. This will be a nice way for me to separate the inputs and have some control over EQ etc (i could use Overbridge, but thats too granular for my workflow). Also that this can (🤞) replace my audio interface and i like the vertical nature of the ports, it means a smaller footprint my desk. This does seem perfect for my particular needs bit time will tell!
Thanks! And yeah, if you're running a bunch of Elektron boxes into each other for a single summed out at the end of the chain, then this thing should serve you well as a better alternative. I really like the small footprint and that I can run it off a battery bank. I'm just leaving multiple units plugged into channels on my desk and I can leave my headphones plugged into one device. Keeps everything conveniently organized and it's easy to start mixing compact synths and groove boxes if you get a good jam going.
Hey! Thanks for watching! I've only used it for a couple hours, but plan to test it out as an interface for an iPad. I think it will work. Just right now there is no app for the iPad to control all the MIDI parameters. Here's hoping that changes down the line.
Very thorough review. Since it records all 6 tracks whether there is any input or not, I assume there is no way to go back and overdub on something you have recorded?
How / where did you get this so soon? Where I am we don't get it for at least another month and I haven't seen it at Sweetwater, Thomann or B&H. Thanks for doing this video.
Honestly, I was shocked when this showed up a day ago. I saw it being sold by a random third party vendor on Amazon a week ago. I bought it. It was scheduled to arrive at the very end of October and then...just showed up way early. I figured lots of people were intrigued by the mixer, so I tried to get this first impression video out there for interested musicians who wanted something besides the promo material to gauge whether or not they want to buy the device. It's not a comprehensive video - I didn't have anything planned because it showed up early. I'll try to test it out some more over the coming days and see if I can post more content about it.
I have the L8 but ordered this one to use as a desktop mixer, since I need inputs like this more than mic inputs with several grooveboxes and a sampler. I agree the L8 is better for actual multitrack recording. Might leave that elsewhere in the house for impromptu recording away from computer.
The L-8 is a good, versatile product. I like it. It just didn't fit my needs. What you are describing is why I was intrigued by the L-6...based on what you are saying, I think you'll probably like it. Hope it works out well for ya!
Very nice review. I looking for this release because I want the device for home recording. Do you think this is the rigth choice or the ZOOM R4 will suit me best for home recording.
That's really tough to say. It entirely depends on your specific needs. The L-6 is a mixing board, first and foremost. While it can do some multitrack recording, it's going to be limited with it's step-by-step song building capabilities. If you haven't already, definitely check out this L-6 video about recording to the SD card: th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html The R4 is capable of overdubbing and bouncing tracks, which makes it easier for song building directly on the device. The R4 also features a built in mic and more varied effects and effect patches than the L-6. The R4 also features a Hi-Z input if you play guitar. Or if you want to stay around this price point, but you want more step by step song building capability directly on the device, you may want to look at an R12: th-cam.com/video/4DlCoaATouM/w-d-xo.html
this is a great video!!!!! thank you so much for making it and with such great detail! i had one question if you have time to answer- when you play back a multitrack recording that you have recorded on the device, does it play back in the correct channels, meaning can i then mute or add effects to each channel or stem of the mix using live playback from the mixer?
Yeah, that's what it looks like. I'll test that out in more detail, though. One thing I might have noticed is that the separately recorded tracks might be the dry recording, while only the master mix has the EQ and effects applied. That seems like it might apply to the playback as well.
Very interesting. The recording functionality is clear thanks to your video. Is it possible to use the L6 simply as a mixer? 2x synth + 1x groovebox --> L6 --> monitor speakers. Thank you.
Totally. First and foremost it's just a very compact mixer. You don't need to record anything with it. In my example with the Roland J-6, that's all I'm doing - using it as a mixer. It was only in the Pocket Operator example where I was recording anything. For me personally, it's really small. So I have it at the top-middle of my desk and I just leave multiple compact synths plugged into it. Everything routes to the L-6, so I just need my headphones plugged into one thing. I have multiple Airas and Pocket Operators plugged into it and if I get something good going with like, my J-6 or S-1, then I turn on my Tonic and add some drums, and then turn on something else and keep adding. Works very well like that.
Thanks this gave me a pretty clear idea of usability, really helpful! However, one confusing point: after you recorded a project, can you then go back and overdub some of the tracks? It seems not? So, this is only for a one-shot live field recording, you can't add or overdub tracks to an existing project?
I made a follow up video to address all the specific recording questions. See link below, but I don't think overdubbing is possible and don't see that being "fixed" with a firmware update: th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
Correct me if I'm wrong, if this has MIDI thru you might be able set up a master clock from (1) external keyboard. The out on the Zoom should also be the thru. As long as the MIDI is modern and fast from the keyboard, latency should be very low.
It might be possible, but I haven't specifically tested that yet. I don't know if the L-6 is a true MIDI "Thru" or if it's more of a MIDI "Out." If it's MIDI Thru then it likely just passively allows all MIDI signals to go through the L-6. But if it's an Out, it might process the MIDI IN signal in some way and not transmit everything through the MIDI Out. I've only started to play around with the USB connection as an interface and the MIDI connection. I'm running into technical challenges with each. I don't want to post a video about either until I fully understand what's going on.
It's this DIY kit that I bought for about $50 over a year ago. Sadly, shortly after I bought it the link went dead, so I never made a video about it. But it's a neat little device! I figured it might help visual some of the EQ changes in the video here.
9:00 Would you mind sharing what kind of spectrum display you got there? Looks cool! Can you adjust the frequency tilt (to 4.5dB or so, to make it more flat)?
It's a DIY kit that I bought for about $50 maybe a year and a half ago. Shortly after I bought it the thing wasn't listed on the internet anymore, so I didn't make a video about it. You can't sweep the frequency on it, but it does have a dial on the top to slightly adjust the gain. It's kinda fun to use and it can actually be useful when adjusting EQ settings for any device.
It would probably work in a pinch, but you might lose signal quality along the way. If you want to always hook up 3 or 4 mics to this thing, I have to recommend you look at the L-8 instead. If you want to once in a great while hook up an extra mic or two, you could make it work, especially if you run the mic to a preamp or powered vocal effects box first.
thankyou for this review: i miss the way to set the input levels: mic gain or line trim ... and let me know something about that beautiful and small frequency analyzer!
Yeah, that's the crazy thing about 32-bit recording. You don't set a gain on the input. You only adjust the volume for the channel going to the master out mix.
Very nice review! How do you place this compared to the R12 for example? They seem to sit in a similar space, minus the audio editing part of course, as this one does not have a screen but has more input of course.
The R12 and L6 are actually quite a bit different. The L-6 is definitely a mixing board. It has a nice array of inputs, especially if you have synths or things that connect via 1/4" cables. You can blend your sounds together and send them out of the master output or headphone out. The multitrack recording and effects for the L-6 is sort of a "nice bonus." The L-6 is optimal if you have a crowded desk of musical equipment and want to leave everything plugged into to one central hub...just kind of jam...but hit the record button to capture ideas that randomly and pleasantly pop up while you are jamming. The R12 is a true multitrack recording device. If you want to make a song, you can record just the verse rhythm guitar. Then just the verse bass. Then just verse drums. And then use copy commands to create verse 2 and verse 3. And then do the same to record parts of the song's chorus one time and then copy and paste those to the second and third choruses. And the R12 has a much better pool of effects and custom effect patches that you can apply to instruments as you are recording them, or after the fact as send effects. The R12 is a step-by-step song building machine and not really a mixing board because it only has those two inputs. The larger R20 has enough inputs that you can also sort of use it as a mixing board, but far and away, it's also a song-building machine more than anything else. I should probably make a video explaining why a person should get a hybrid mixing board, vs. a handy recorder, vs. a true multitracker...
@@GazRendar very useful, thanks. Indeed this is one of those things that trip off a lot of people... Many devices can record but one record and can also edit while the other just record as "after thought". And the point about inputs is also something to think about... But then why get the L6 if the R20 would do both things better at that point (although then you end up with a larger device... So again pros and cons )
@@GazRendarI would definitely watch and benefit from that idea, you should consider the 1010 bluebox too. It seems like suddenly everything has USB and an interface built in. I could something like this for my portable setup...or I could feed my mixer into my H6...etc
Ha....I get asked about that a lot. That's a DIY kit to build an spectral audio analyzer. I bought it for maybe $50 over a year ago. Shortly after I bought it I never saw the product listing again, so I haven't made a specific video about it. It's low fidelity, but it's actually kinda useful and it's also fun to use. I thought it might help viewers see changes in the levels and EQ as I was adjusting the knobs. I use it for my fun video shorts featuring video game music and papercrafts, like this one: th-cam.com/users/shortstLJQphNHJ0w?feature=share
Yeah, I wish it had a screen, but I can see why they left it out. The thing is dense...I'm not sure the electronics would have fit for a small screen without making the whole thing bigger. You have to want to use it as a mixer, first and foremost, and only as a recorder for quick, simple recordings. Not really for track-by-track, verse-by-verse, song building.
I've just picked one of these up, and love the form factor but so far I'm a bit disappointed; I want to use it mainly as a live mixer, with backing/click tracks for In Ear Monitors. The key of course is that the click track doesn't go to front of house, you don't want the audience hearing the count-ins, voice prompts, click etc. I was hoping the L6 would allow me to therefore split the backing/click, so I could feed the backing to the main outs, and the click track to an output, either Aux or Monitor, where I connect my monitors. Some mixers allow you to mute a channels main output, but still feed it to headphones, or to Aux. So far it seems that on the L6, whatever I send to the main outs also goes to Aux and Monitor, and I can't find a way to send the click tracks only to headphones or to Aux. Have you any suggestions on how to do this with the L6 please?
I don't think you really can. I believe the interior signal bus has all 6 of the channels going to the master output. There is a branching path in the bus chain that will split off sound to the AUX out (I think it goes Channel -->EQ-->AUX +and Master-->Pan), but that sound from any and all channels will always still travel to the master out and headphone out. I think the L-8 and L-12 allow you to set up separate signal flows to get custom mixes going to various headphone and AUX outs. The best you can probably do with the L-6 is NOT use the master out. Instead, just use the two AUX outs to get two separate signals. You send the click/count in to AUX 1 and everything else to AUX 2. That means you probably can't use the compressor and that the AUX outs are going to be summed mono signals, so when you listen in earphones it's just gonna be the left side. I think that's all you could probably do with the L-6 for your type of set up.
@@GazRendar Thanks for the reply, that's very helpful. It's a shame that the Aux still goes to master and headphone outs, but nice idea about using the Aux outs and not the Master - I'll give that a try and I'll let you know how I get on 👍🏻🙏🏻
@@GazRendar Feeling very pleased with myself, as after some trial and error, I've worked it out! This method allows you to connect the Master Outs to PA/FOH and only the backing track will come through. The click track will be available via both the Aux 1 and Aux 2 jacks, meaning you can have 2 pairs of IEMS connected; 1) Put the backing track in a mono input (eg input 5) and the click track in a separate mono input (eg input 6) 2) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART; connect the L6 to the L6 Editor, and in the drop-down menu, select Aux Send Point on the left hand side of the screen and click the EDIT button. Then for whatever channel the click track is on (in this example Channel 6) set the AUX 1 SEND and AUX 2 SEND to 'Pre Fader'. What this does is allow you to mute the click track so it does NOT play through the Master Outs, but you will hear it if you plug your IEMs/headphones in to either Aux 1 or Aux 2. (previously, before I set the Aux Sends to pre-fader, one of the problems I had was that when I played a click track through the L6, and muted the main volume for whichever channel the click was on, it muted it in all outputs. By setting the Aux Sends to pre-fader you have managed to basically 'split' the click track output so only you can hear it, not the audience. 3) Once your IEMs are connected to Aux 1, On the Channel Strip, select Aux 1 and balance in your ears the Backing and Click track levels via the Channel 5 and 6 rotary knobs. In this example Channel 5 will increase/decrease backing volume and Channel 6 knob will do the same for the click track. You can do the same for IEMs connected to Aux 2 by selecting Aux 2 on the Channel Strip. 4) Ensure that you have either the Level for Channel 6 (Click track) set to zero, AND/OR select the mute on for Channel 6. Now you can hear the click when plugged in to Aux 1 or 2, but it won't come out through the Master Out. Hope that makes sense - I'm very pleased I've got this to work, it's the difference for me between whether I keep the L6 or not... 😀👍🏻
I didn't specifically try that yet, but I think you can. However, each time you hit the record button it will create an entirely new folder with 6 new tracks + master track inside of it. And it only plays the last mix that you recorded. So if you want to build up a song one track at a time, that would be spread across multiple folders with the last folder being the one that has all the tracks that you want. You can sorta build up songs one track at a time with the L-6, but it's difficult. I don't recommend it if that's the only reason why you want to get it.
@@GazRendar Thanks - that's what I thought from watching your video. Seems like this one would not fit my needs, even though I really like the idea of it and how they did it. I still like to be able to arm a track and record it individually while listening to the others while staying in the project. Thanks again for your very thorough review video!
Yeah....if you want those key features, I think you want a multitrack recorder instead. If you haven't already, I recommend looking at the R20 or R12. I have quite a few videos/playlists dedicated to those devices.
I‘m so sad it‘s not working with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Fingers crossed it will do one day, because it‘s currently not working with the newest iOS 18 too and they will probably work on that with an update.
That's easily accomplished with a short HOSA stereo to mono break out cable for $10. You can get one that has two mono 1/4" plugs on one side that feeds into a female stereo 1/4" or 3.5mm jack.
@@GazRendar no each aux output is a mono sum of both channels. you want an option for stereo aux which would mean aux1 is left, aux 2 is right, and and setting the aux level would affect both left+right together
It might be decent as a ceremony/mobile mixer for DJs or small gigs. I would definitely catch it if it's on sale. However, 299 is over the price point for me, with the Behringer flow 8 at 179 and the Mackie mobile mix at 229, which, in my opinion, are comparable choices for a mixer this size and mobile.
The Mackie and Behringer are totally fine if you only need a mixing board that's portable. The L-6 let's you record directly to a mircoSD card. The recording is limited because there is no screen, but that's still a key feature why the price point is about $100 over those other two. I also perrsonally think the Zoom combination of inputs is a little better and more flexible.
Unfortunately, no. Everything runs to the master. The only way to pull that off is to like, send one to five of the channels to AUX 1, and then plug in a new instrument into a 6th channel and run that exclusively to AUX 2 while completely avoiding the master out or headphone out. You could audition sounds and levels on AUX 2 then. But those AUX outputs are summed mono signals, so that's not ideal.
Yeah, those are definitely features of true mixing boards. These hybrid models are wonderful because they can do stand-alone multitrack recording without a computer...but the trade-off is that they are going to compromise on some of the more nuanced mixing board features.
Hey i was gonna ask this on your latest L6 vid but figured id ask it here as it wasnt really relevant to the scenes topic....anyways! I was wondering if you could have a synth plugged into channel 2 with 48v on? Like of you were using a condenser mic on channel one, and all the line ins are filled, cpuld you use channel two for a synth or line instrument? Thanks! Great videos this thing rules!
You maybe can in a pinch, but depending on how the out jack on your synth is wired and grounded, it could potentially cause damage to the synth since the synth is already a powered device. Sending phantom power on accident to a dynamic mic doesn't usually cause damage because it's an unpowered piece of equipment. But since your synth is going to already have it's own electrical current inside that is flowing in one direction, sending a phantom powered current back in the opposite direction has the potential to fry some circuitry inside.
Technically, no. All the channels are recorded at 32-bit with a 48kHz sample rate. It's just that channels 1 and 2 have the dual DACs that provide better automatic gains prior to the sound being recorded on the SD card, or moving through the interior bus. Practically, what that means is that if you have really wide dynamic ranges of volumes you are trying to capture with mics through the XLR inputs, is that the gains will help normalize the sound on the SD card for people whispering to each other on one microphone while a garbage truck is moving in the background being picked up by another microphone. It's less processing on a computer later because the volume of the whispering is automatically increased by the L6 while the loud garbage truck's volume wasn't increased at all. But all that sound fits within the dynamic spectrum of 32-bit recording. The other channels still have the dynamic range, but if you are capturing incredibly quiet sounds on channel 4 and then 10 seconds later capture super loud stuff on channel 4, you're shouldn't get clipping, but you're going to have to bring the quiet sounds up and the loud sounds down in post before you output it to media that is easy to listen to on any audio player.
For the L-6 I've been using a SanDisk 128GB card. Class 10, V30, A3. It's been perfectly fine. I think you could get by with a class 10, V10, A1 card though.
I would love one of these. What bums me out is that it has 32 float but the sampling frequency is capped at 48 kHz. Would you be able to check for me on a device that it really is capped? I bought the uac 232 and it works good but the official “zoom” documentation is lacking! So I’m wondering, hoping, praying,… that they made a mistake here! 😅 Thanks for the review! Have fun with it!
That's a DIY kit that I bought over a year ago. It's pretty fun and can also be useful, like to visual some EQ changes. Shortly after I bought it the product listing disappeared, so I never made a video specifically about it.
If you search for Spectral Audio Analyzer, you should find some stuff. The Korg NTS-2 has an audio analyzer inside of it, in addition to it's multiple wave oscilloscopes, but that's closer to $200.
USELESS DEVICE for multitrack they could just add a little screen, people these days think every screen has to be big and touch, but a simple old school screen is enough for this type thing, anyways nice video, it made me know I dont need this. Thanks
It's not going to work for multitrack song building at all. It's good for a quick multitrack capture of ideas and song concepts, or to record a practice session or record your live show. But after using the (limited) recording features, I really don't think they needed the screen.
Well, technically I guess you can. I can plug in headphones directly into an AUX output and hear something. But the signal is only mono, so it only comes out of the left side of the headphones, and I don't really have enough volume control for it to easily hear something. I suppose if you ran that signal out of the AUX output into a small headphone amplifier it could sort of work, but it's a summed mono signal. So far from ideal.
Some additional mild criticisms of this mixer, mostly from an opportunity missed standpoint: No Bluetooth. No ability to charge its own batteries. No tools for streamers such as mix-minus and loopback. No hi-Z inputs (despite having aux sends)…. You may have to route your high z guitar into an intermediate pedal, then into this mixer…. Or does channel 1 & 2 have enough headroom to get around that? I wish there was some sort of decksaver like cover that could slide over the front, just to protect the knobs as I know I will be throwing this into various gear bags. Hopefully Zoom will address some of these in the next release, but those are the only things keeping it from being a perfect all-around mini-mixer for me. That said, its pros outweigh the cons and it’s pretty much an instabuy.
Those are valid assessments. You definitely want to run a guitar with passive pickups into a preamp or pedal before routing it into the L6. If you put it in directly the tone will sound muffled and "incomplete." I haven't seen an official Zoom gig bag, but Analog Cases usually makes good 3rd party stuff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them come out with a good travel case for it soon--if the L6 sells well. Changing the batteries doesn't bother me. In fact, I'd rather have the convenience of being able to pop in 4 alkaline AA's in the back in an emergency and get 3-4 hours of usage. But you can buy a rechargeable USB battery bank that has a built-in USB-C cable for $30 and that works great. Or just buy some rechargeable AA batteries for yourself and use those. You can do some loopback with the AUX outs, depending on how you set things up. Streamer tools might not match up exactly with your needs though, depending on how you like to hook everything up.
The AUX sends are mono. It looks like the AUX jacks accept TRS cables, but I think that's set up to send a balanced signal a long distance to a PA system or second mixing board. The L-6 only sends sound on the tip of the TRS cable, and it's a summed mono sound from whatever channels you have sending signal there. You can plug headphones into the AUX jacks, but you'll only get sound in the left ear, and it will be hard to control the volume in a useful way. I think it's a good compact mixer for one person. If you want a mixer for a multi-person band, I think you are better going up to the L-8, which has multiple headphone outs.
Yeah, you could maybe use it on stage for a set of keyboards, but it could be limited. You could opt to not use the master out and instead connect a couple keyboards/synths to the L-6 and then selectively route what you want to AUX 1 and other sound to AUX 2. But you're going to get a mono sound. Maybe that's ok for stage speakers where all the keyboards get AUX 1 signal, but for something that's in your ear that has a metronome plus a lower mix of the keyboards from AUX 2, you'll probably only hear sound in the left ear unless you split that mono signal across both ears.
You are correct. No Hi-Z. I talk about it briefly in my Cons/Summary section towards the end of the video. But if you put an effects pedal between your guitar and the L-6, then it usually sounds fine.
With an electric guitar obviously you can run the line-level output from a modeller direct in to the L6. I've tried it with an acoustic guitar direct, and it sounded awful. I've also tried using a few different DI boxes (ranging from £15 to £100 in price). Interestingly most of these sounded awful as well, even the expensive ones. The best (ie, quietest) one was the Behringer DI400, which I've seen slated in some reviews, but for me it was the best, and about a fifth of the price of things like the Boss DI box, which sounded awful too. But the best solution was to use a wireless guitar link; no noise at all. I use the Boss WL20 system, which I love, and it worked noiselessly...
Yes. That's a 3.5mm TRS stereo cable in the headphone out of the J-6, and it breaks out as a mono 1/4" TS cable into the mono input of 5 on the L-6, and a mono 1/4" TS cable into the mono input of input 6 of the L-6. I could have also ran that as a L/R stereo into just track 5 or just track 6 of the L-6. With the way I set it up, that would record a mono Track 5 and mono Track 6 on the L-6's SD card.
@@GazRendarWhat was the purpose of breaking out the J-6 stereo signal into 2 mono signals as opposed to connecting it to one if the stereo inputs of the Zoom? You had to adjust the controls of 2 channels where you could have just adjusted the EQ and other functions using the knob of the one stereo input. Maybe I missed something here.
I totally could have ran that cable into a single channel as a stereo feed. But, that was literally my first time using the L-6 and I wanted to test how channels 5 and 6 worked as mono channels. I wasn't sure how the panning would work if they were mono, but they did indeed pan. But that's why I also tested out the blue pocket operator as a stereo feed in my second example. It allowed me to then test a stereo feed with levels/EQ/panning. But sometimes I prefer to record two totally separate mono tracks instead of a stereo track so I can do some post-processing panning tricks like I demonstrate in this video around the 11 minute mark: th-cam.com/video/JYfAHu39vLo/w-d-xo.html
I have. That's a unique unit that exists somewhere between a handy recorder and a multitrack unit. Zoom gave it an "R" designation as a multitrack unit, but it's not quite a multitracker. You can record separate tracks on it, and bounce them. However, you cannot split tracks or copy and paste sections of tracks....which makes it a little more like a handy recorder from their "H" line. It does have a Hi-Z input for guitars, though, and it has more effects than the Handy line. But it only has two inputs, much like the R12. Unlike the R12, though, it has a built in mic. So it's really in an in between category all to itself. It just doesn't align with my needs at the moment, so I didn't buy it. I only used a friend's unit for about 30 minutes to test it out.
The R4 and R12 are both solid devices, but it depends on your specific needs. They are both small, but the R4 is even more portable. The R4 has that built-in mic that can be handy at times. But the R4 is not going to let you do much editing after you record a track. The R12 has a wider range of effects and the touchscreen allows you to split up audio regions, copy and paste them, and move them around easily. So if you want more portability with a built in mic, but plan to do all your audio editing on a computer after you record, then the R4 could be a better fit for you. If you want to build songs part by part, and be able to do some audio editing directly on your recording device without a computer, then the R12 would like be a better fit.
@@GazRendar I'll look at your R 12 videos and make a decision,I really like what the R12 offers particularly its copy and paste strengths ,minus the lack of on board condenser mic and possibly lack of looping ? Punching in / out ? ,I'm not really in the mood to buy microphones All over again like when I was younger.I do like the challenge of seeing just how far a mix of electric acoustic instruments along side midi sequenced work I can take the little r4.I don't use a computer except a phone and tablet definitely don't want or need the power crazy daw which will get in the way of my creativity. The R4 has greatness but some serious limitations which practically verge on being masicicistic for example I don't even think it has a go to memory location. Thanks for listening to my requirements and assistance your a star.Do you like the bounce down facility of the R12 do you feel it is well implemented/ executed?
Yes. Around the 8:00 mark in this video you can see me adjusting the EQ for the two separate mono channels. You can do that for all 6 channels. I do the same around the 16:00 minute mark with all three Pocket Operators. Each channel allows you to adjust the level, EQ, Pan, and Effects level independently.
Depends on what you mean "work on android phones." Can you use it as an interface to record to an app on Android phones? I haven't specifically tested this (I have an iPhone), but the answer should be yes. Can you use an Android phone to alter and adjust all the MIDI CC parameters and controls? No. At least, not at this time....maybe a future firmware update and app will be available later, but I don't know. Right now you can only control all those MIDI modifiable parameters with a PC or Mac.
I have to experiment with it more....but I think the individual tracks might be recorded dry on the SD card. From what I can tell based on just adjusting the knobs...the path for everything else is probably Input --> Track --> EQ --> Pan --> Effects --> Master Volume. I didn't demonstrate it in this video, but there is also a master compressor (COMP button) that I think is applied immediately after the Master Volume. Right after that the sound either goes out the master out, the headphone out, or the USB out if it's an interface. I haven't tested as an interface just yet. Hope to get to that this weekend.
very nice informations, thanks I think this portable mixer is over priced, this should be between 150 - 200 but not more. for the range of 300-350 there are many other options which has big screen and huge effects and options for musicans and podcasters.
It's definitely not for everyone. It all comes down to what a person values for their individual needs. I think part of the price is the compact size of the device and 3 different powering options, another part of the price is a pretty good set of inputs for the size, and then you also get quick and easy stand-alone recording with an SD card and the last part of the price is 32-bit float operation, whereas all the competition in the sub-$200 range is 16 or 24-bit. But if a person doesn't need the compact form factor or 32-bit operation, and if they don't need to record directly from this mixer, then they definitely should look elsewhere for their mixing needs.
Sorry. They really should have popped an OLED screen into the place where the logo sits. The dependence on the computer for setup is a pain. I've been down that road with the circuit tracks. The experience wears thin quickly.
Yeah....if you want the L-6, you absolutely have to want it as a mixer first and foremost. Then it doesn't really need the screen. It's also adequate at recording and capturing a jam that you have going and want to playback later, mostly on a computer. But if you want to do any more elaborate recording, you'll want to at least move up the L-8 which has screen and even then you might want to think about going to a multitrack recorder like the R20 if your needs are more centered around recording, vs. mixing.
@@GazRendar I still use my MRS 8 mainly because of its midi capability. I can lay down one track of a synthesizer, and then sync another track using the midi output from the recorder. What I liked about the l6 was that, finally, after all of these years, someone actually put Midi back on to a multitrack recorder. But they seem to have dropped the ball here. A very small OLED screen could have expanded the capabilities, and usability, almost exponentially.
@@wolfgangdevries127 the oled screen on my Korg Minilogue XD is about an inch high and an inch and a half wide. It offers all of the informational flexibility that that synthesizer needs in a very compact space. That's what I'm talking about.
I need to test it out some more, but I think if you directly plug it in to an iOS device it should "just work" as an interface. For windows, since it's a 32-bit device, I'm pretty sure you need to first download the free drivers on the Zoom website. And for a Mac computer, I suspect that it will work as an interface, but you still need to install the specific drivers and app to be able to modify any of the settings on the L-6. Once I test it some more I'll try to post specific content about L-6's USB connectivity.
Ah, gotcha. Sadly, I don't have an MPC to test that out. But at the very least, I have to believe the 2-out Master Out will run through the USB cable to your MPC. I don't know if you'll get like a full 8-out or 10-out from the L-6 into the MPC, though.
It can run off 4 AA batteries. I haven't tested it, but you probably get 3-5 hours of run time with the batteries. It's a nice option to have. I plan on primarily running this thing off that USB battery bank that I demonstrated in the video. Or you can simply plug it into the wall with the included adapter and cord. You get a full slate of options to power it - that's a strength of this device.
I really think that Zoom is getting confused with their product market. They came out with the Zoom R-20 multi track a while ago which was/is a product that they have woefully not supported!!! That product has a current retail price of $450. It has a touch screen and a fair amount of functionality. Now they have released this veritable toy in the form of the Zoom L6 for approximately $150 less than the R-20, (which in theory should be a much more powerful device!) The question remains...What is wrong with this company? They seem to seriously not know what they are doing! IMO They either have lost their way or are heading in that direction.
I buy all my products, so I don't speak for Zoom....but I don't necessarily think they are confused. I'm guessing they are selectively choosing not to hit every budget product market. The R20 has at least had firmware updates for the 3 years it's been out. They have been fixing recording bugs. Would I like to see some extra features added via firmware? Absolutely! Do I think it's possible...I think maybe some stuff like setting up auto punch I/O and looping with marker points is, but I don't know for sure. Still, the R20 has served me well for 3 years. It lists for $449, but I've legit seen it on sale for $349 a couple times a year. And I've seen the R12 for as low as $210 during Amazon Prime days. At those prices, those budget recorders still offer quite a bit. The L-6 is clearly a mixing board first and foremost. Anyone interested the L-6 has to want it to be a mixer for them. It will also do quick recordings in a pinch, and it's not bad. I just think it's not going to be easy to build songs with this device alone. You'll also need a DAW. But for 2-man bands, or synth people, or singer/songwriters, this thing could really work for them as long as they know the limitations. If you want a really compact mixing device that can take XLR cables and 1/4" for $299, nothing else comes close. You have to go up to the Bluebox at $550 or the TX-6 at a ridiculous $1200 and those both lack XLR inputs and 1/4" inputs. I mostly think Zoom, or Tascam, should make a true flagship multitrack recorder for about $600 that has more combo inputs, touchscreen audio editing, and some MIDI sync capabilities. I do think there would be a great market for that if they made the right kind of unit. Zoom just revamped their entire line of handy recorders and they are trying something new with this compact mixer/recorder. That's still quite a bit for a company that isn't that big. I'll give them realistic benefit of the doubt. I like that they are trying some new stuff with 32-bit recording systems and with this unit...it's the first time they are targeting more of the synth community. While it's not definitely perfect, that's decent progress when you look at it from a broad perspective.
@@GazRendaryou said it best with your comment regarding Zoom and Tascam needing to release a flagship multitrack recorder for around $600 with better more comprehensive functionality. I truly believe such a product would sell very well.
I think it depends on your needs. If you are 90% just using this thing as a super compact and portable mixing board, it's ok without the screen. But if you need more recording functionality, then it definitely won't fit your needs without a screen. But if you simply want to have it as a mixer and want a simple way to hit record at any time to capture a jam, and you want the thing to be super portable, then this thing can work fairly well.
"I don't even know if there is a quick start guide" as you barely fumble through the included paperwork. I enjoyed your video but the unboxing left a lot to be desired. Just a constructive criticism. Cheers!
There really isn't anything to criticize...what you saw is all there is. That's why I went fast and just got to the mixer itself to keep it moving. There is no quick start guide or manual in the box. It's just some safety precaution paperwork in a bunch of languages. Wait, i take it back! There was also a small sticker in there that "Zoom - For Creators." That's it.
The most appealing feature on this is the fact that it has midi in and out . People with drum machines and synth will love this feature . Its perfect when you’re in the living room with a small synth setup and you want to record your jam everything synced to this mixer . Thank you for the review
Well...right now I don't think that's possible. I touched on it in my Cons section. You can run a MIDI clock into the L-6, but the only thing that does right now is sync the Delay and Echo effects to the tempo of your drum machine or groovebox. You cannot run a MIDI clock sync OUT of the L-6 to sync all your equipment. And it doesn't have a click sync for devices like Pocket Operators or Aira units. Maybe in the future firmware update that could be possible, but out of the box today, I don't think it is.
@@GazRendar What?? 28:50 That would make or break the deal for me. Perhaps I will download the manual and read it...
@@GazRendar wow, bummer. That was the main reason I was excited about the L6. Question: if you can run clock into mixer, can that function as a source of clock for pre-recorded tracks? Say, where i could then run a sequencer alongside the playing track.
Couldn't you still use a MIDI thru box between the drum machine and L6?
@@zmmmzmmmz , thru box could be used but won't matter, at least for me, if it can't sync midi clock.
Thanks for the overview! I run a dawless setup and for recording live + not having to worry about levels when recording (BIG ISSUE) while running synthetizers and drumboxes live, it should be great. I have a Yamaha AG-06 mk2 but for my type of setup this blows it away since the ability to record is just one button, whilst on the AG-06 you'd have to connect it to another device like an iPhone (anothe cable, and more buttons to press for a one man show). I do have the Zoom L-12 at home as a mixer + multitrack recorder and it works great, but what the L6 is meant to is for PORTABILITY. I run all my setup either with each instrument's internal battery or else with powerbanks, so the L6 comes perfect for these setups. For me, having the freedom to play anywhere, not having to plug to an AC, I believe is a key factor to take a decision about purchasing the L6. Cheers!
Totally....I think what you are describing is exactly what this product is meant to do. You'll have a little easier time recording on your L-12 because it has a screen and you can see a time stamp. But the convenience of having a bunch of stuff plugged into a compact device, that I can run off a battery bank, and it all fits on my desk is ideal. Additionally, it's much more portable than the large L-12. If you get a case for this thing, it seems pretty durable, so it should travel well.
@@GazRendar thanks for the feedback! is there a case from zoom designed for the L6 already?
I have not seen an official case for the L-6 from Zoom. I think they make one for the L-12. But...if i had to bet...I can see Analog Cases making one for the it within couple months if the L-6 starts selling well. I'm pretty sure they make one for the L-8.
Great overview, thanks for taking the time going over every feature. One bit of feedback, I don't think the sound & pattern on the J-6 was the best choice for demonstrating the EQ and effects
Yeah, you're probably right. I just whipped up that pattern in 2 minutes. The L-6 arrived a week earlier than I expected, so I didn't have anything ready to go, other than that Pocket Operator cover that I was partially working on a few weeks ago. I'll be using it more over the coming days and will try to create some other content to test out and demonstrate the other features.
Great video, very informative. This looks like a nice product that does not quite replace the R20 (but has other interesting functions)
Thanks, Floyd! Yeah, definitely does not replace the R20. Anyone who wants this has to want a compact mixer on their desk first, and only secondarily wants it to be a quick and easy way to record a jam. I'll still be using my R20 as my primary recording device. This is nice to leave on my desk and leave my Airas and POs hooked up to it with one set of headphones plugged into one device.
This was great. Big thanks for the overview. I’d like to add a few other thoughts.
As a singer songwriter that uses occasional peripherals, this thing would be excellent for capturing shows and small tours where you never know what the sound situation is at the venue.
The battery, EQ, and effects makes anywhere possible without relying on outdated PA systems controls. If one needs more mic preamps, one can always pic up something inexpensively and use the 1/4 jacks since they too have the full EQ and effects. Also busking with a battery operable loudspeaker.
The lack of a screen *for me* is not a bug, it’s a feature! I’m always worried one of those Zoom and Tascam screens would fail or fog up and now I can’t do anything. I also like how all the connections are on top, another plus for singer songwriters who can simply access everything without flipping it (I assume this was for the eurorack).
Finally. The 32 bit float. I occasionally video record friends bands etc. Now I can use the XLR jacks for the stereo mic and the 1/4 for the board. All separate. And battery operable.
This video sealed the deal. Many thanks again.
Yep! Everything you said is spot on and I think the L-6 aligns with your needs very well. After using the recording features more, I really don't think it needs a screen. The recording is limited, so unless they provided true overdubbing, you don't need the screen.
Definitely tempted. Those effects are lovely 🥴
Thanks for pointing out that they save in individual tracks. So long as you can fix stuff in post, it sounds like a great piece of gear.
I did some more testing of the recording features. It's definitely designed to record those tracks so you can move them over to a DAW for better editing. I just posted a new video about that:
th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
@@GazRendar That was the thing that I was most concerned about. I need something I can record stereo tracks into. The R12 is good, but can only record 2 tracks at once so if you have two inputs for stereo, that's all you can record at one time.
I was hoping you were going to cover the L-6, thank you Gaz ! Just got one the other day, love it !
Nice! Seems like Zoom shipped them quicker than most people were expecting. So far it seems pretty good...I'll keep testing it out.
Thank you for a great review, now I am confident L-8 is what I need.
Thanks! That's all I was trying to do with these videos - point people in the right direction to be able to buy the right piece of gear that meets their specific needs.
Had both the L-8 and a Tascam Model 12. Kept the L-8, got rid of the Tascam too many problems😂 with it, so replaced it with a Soundcraft 12MTK used😊 but worked flawlessly
For a solo singing and guitar show, this is exactly what i need. I can monitor exactly what im playing and get a recording of it all at once. If i need to grab more instruments i guess i could route a second mixer into this one thats recording, or go to another device.
The portability and options for powering it are the biggest strengths of the unit. You'll want to route your guitar through a pedal board first, but if you can get by with just 2 XLR inputs, it's a great way to set things up quickly and easily to simultaneously play and record smaller live shows.
@GazRendar yep. I'll be running a piezo equipped electric guitar through a modeler, then into the mixer. I'm on a quest to minimize the amount of gear and/or the physical footprint I need while not sacrificing flexibility and features. And this seems to answer these constraints for my use case. I don't have to bring a separate zoom recorder and mixer
Yep! Sounds like you have a good plan for using it then. Hope it works out well for ya!
@@GazRendar you can use more microphones using a phantom-box
This is what I've been waiting for, for years. WIth a small synth setup, I can throw out my mixer and speakers, and just do everything on headphones. Record too, then go to PC for distribution.
Yep. What you are describing is exactly what this thing does best.
This actually might solve a ton of issues I’ve had with recording my own monitor mix for show footage easily without bringing extra gear. I already use a small mixer for my ears. This will add recording capability within basically the same footprint.
The mixer features are pretty solid. While the multitrack recording capabilities are simplistic, it is convenient to just hit the record button and you get a no-fuss multitrack recording. The compact size and powering options make it a versatile unit for a lot of people.
Mine comes in on Monday, and I will be using it for traveling and recording. I ordered it last month on Sweetwater. They sent an email saying that it had been pushed back until November, and then on Friday, they sent an email saying that it had shipped.
Cool! Mine came in much earlier than expected, so maybe Zoom ramped up their manufacturing for it to get it out the door sooner.
Great review! Thank you! The device looks really great!
Thanks!
Cheers for the overview. Mine should be arriving in the next few weeks. Really looking forward to it. I currently run all my boxes into eachother and then just get a summed stereo mix through my audio interface into Logic. This will be a nice way for me to separate the inputs and have some control over EQ etc (i could use Overbridge, but thats too granular for my workflow). Also that this can (🤞) replace my audio interface and i like the vertical nature of the ports, it means a smaller footprint my desk. This does seem perfect for my particular needs bit time will tell!
Thanks!
And yeah, if you're running a bunch of Elektron boxes into each other for a single summed out at the end of the chain, then this thing should serve you well as a better alternative. I really like the small footprint and that I can run it off a battery bank. I'm just leaving multiple units plugged into channels on my desk and I can leave my headphones plugged into one device. Keeps everything conveniently organized and it's easy to start mixing compact synths and groove boxes if you get a good jam going.
Thank you for mentioning the iPad. I had my eye on this to use with the iPad.
Hey! Thanks for watching! I've only used it for a couple hours, but plan to test it out as an interface for an iPad. I think it will work. Just right now there is no app for the iPad to control all the MIDI parameters. Here's hoping that changes down the line.
Thanks for the review -really appreciated as I considering ordering one 👍
Thanks for watching, and that's exactly what I was trying to do...help people out with their shopping considerations!
Very thorough review. Since it records all 6 tracks whether there is any input or not, I assume there is no way to go back and overdub on something you have recorded?
Thanks! And no overdubbing. I cover recording to the SD card in more detail here:
th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
How / where did you get this so soon? Where I am we don't get it for at least another month and I haven't seen it at Sweetwater, Thomann or B&H. Thanks for doing this video.
Honestly, I was shocked when this showed up a day ago. I saw it being sold by a random third party vendor on Amazon a week ago. I bought it. It was scheduled to arrive at the very end of October and then...just showed up way early. I figured lots of people were intrigued by the mixer, so I tried to get this first impression video out there for interested musicians who wanted something besides the promo material to gauge whether or not they want to buy the device. It's not a comprehensive video - I didn't have anything planned because it showed up early. I'll try to test it out some more over the coming days and see if I can post more content about it.
I have the L8 but ordered this one to use as a desktop mixer, since I need inputs like this more than mic inputs with several grooveboxes and a sampler. I agree the L8 is better for actual multitrack recording. Might leave that elsewhere in the house for impromptu recording away from computer.
The L-8 is a good, versatile product. I like it. It just didn't fit my needs. What you are describing is why I was intrigued by the L-6...based on what you are saying, I think you'll probably like it. Hope it works out well for ya!
Thank you for the video!
Is there any possibility to cue the channels? 🤔
Maybe with a DAW? If not, this is a deal breacker for me. 😢
Very nice review. I looking for this release because I want the device for home recording. Do you think this is the rigth choice or the ZOOM R4 will suit me best for home recording.
That's really tough to say. It entirely depends on your specific needs. The L-6 is a mixing board, first and foremost. While it can do some multitrack recording, it's going to be limited with it's step-by-step song building capabilities. If you haven't already, definitely check out this L-6 video about recording to the SD card:
th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
The R4 is capable of overdubbing and bouncing tracks, which makes it easier for song building directly on the device. The R4 also features a built in mic and more varied effects and effect patches than the L-6. The R4 also features a Hi-Z input if you play guitar.
Or if you want to stay around this price point, but you want more step by step song building capability directly on the device, you may want to look at an R12:
th-cam.com/video/4DlCoaATouM/w-d-xo.html
@ Thanks for the advice.
this is a great video!!!!! thank you so much for making it and with such great detail! i had one question if you have time to answer- when you play back a multitrack recording that you have recorded on the device, does it play back in the correct channels, meaning can i then mute or add effects to each channel or stem of the mix using live playback from the mixer?
Yeah, that's what it looks like. I'll test that out in more detail, though. One thing I might have noticed is that the separately recorded tracks might be the dry recording, while only the master mix has the EQ and effects applied. That seems like it might apply to the playback as well.
Very interesting. The recording functionality is clear thanks to your video. Is it possible to use the L6 simply as a mixer? 2x synth + 1x groovebox --> L6 --> monitor speakers. Thank you.
Totally. First and foremost it's just a very compact mixer. You don't need to record anything with it. In my example with the Roland J-6, that's all I'm doing - using it as a mixer. It was only in the Pocket Operator example where I was recording anything.
For me personally, it's really small. So I have it at the top-middle of my desk and I just leave multiple compact synths plugged into it. Everything routes to the L-6, so I just need my headphones plugged into one thing. I have multiple Airas and Pocket Operators plugged into it and if I get something good going with like, my J-6 or S-1, then I turn on my Tonic and add some drums, and then turn on something else and keep adding. Works very well like that.
Thanks this gave me a pretty clear idea of usability, really helpful! However, one confusing point: after you recorded a project, can you then go back and overdub some of the tracks? It seems not? So, this is only for a one-shot live field recording, you can't add or overdub tracks to an existing project?
I made a follow up video to address all the specific recording questions. See link below, but I don't think overdubbing is possible and don't see that being "fixed" with a firmware update:
th-cam.com/video/pKm4lGzMJgo/w-d-xo.html
Correct me if I'm wrong, if this has MIDI thru you might be able set up a master clock from (1) external keyboard. The out on the Zoom should also be the thru. As long as the MIDI is modern and fast from the keyboard, latency should be very low.
It might be possible, but I haven't specifically tested that yet. I don't know if the L-6 is a true MIDI "Thru" or if it's more of a MIDI "Out." If it's MIDI Thru then it likely just passively allows all MIDI signals to go through the L-6. But if it's an Out, it might process the MIDI IN signal in some way and not transmit everything through the MIDI Out. I've only started to play around with the USB connection as an interface and the MIDI connection. I'm running into technical challenges with each. I don't want to post a video about either until I fully understand what's going on.
Interesting review.
What spectrum analyser are you using?
It's this DIY kit that I bought for about $50 over a year ago. Sadly, shortly after I bought it the link went dead, so I never made a video about it. But it's a neat little device! I figured it might help visual some of the EQ changes in the video here.
@@GazRendar Thanks, I think I've seen a similar item
3.12 inch OLED Music Spectrum Display Analyzer Audio Level Indicator VU Meter
Thanks for posting.
You're welcome!
9:00 Would you mind sharing what kind of spectrum display you got there? Looks cool! Can you adjust the frequency tilt (to 4.5dB or so, to make it more flat)?
It's a DIY kit that I bought for about $50 maybe a year and a half ago. Shortly after I bought it the thing wasn't listed on the internet anymore, so I didn't make a video about it. You can't sweep the frequency on it, but it does have a dial on the top to slightly adjust the gain. It's kinda fun to use and it can actually be useful when adjusting EQ settings for any device.
Thank you for this nice post. One question: Would a microphone with an asymmetrical connection to the inputs 3 to 6 work or is the level too low?
It would probably work in a pinch, but you might lose signal quality along the way. If you want to always hook up 3 or 4 mics to this thing, I have to recommend you look at the L-8 instead. If you want to once in a great while hook up an extra mic or two, you could make it work, especially if you run the mic to a preamp or powered vocal effects box first.
thankyou for this review: i miss the way to set the input levels: mic gain or line trim ...
and let me know something about that beautiful and small frequency analyzer!
reading the manual I discovered everything about levels and routing!
Yeah, that's the crazy thing about 32-bit recording. You don't set a gain on the input. You only adjust the volume for the channel going to the master out mix.
Very nice review! How do you place this compared to the R12 for example? They seem to sit in a similar space, minus the audio editing part of course, as this one does not have a screen but has more input of course.
The R12 and L6 are actually quite a bit different.
The L-6 is definitely a mixing board. It has a nice array of inputs, especially if you have synths or things that connect via 1/4" cables. You can blend your sounds together and send them out of the master output or headphone out. The multitrack recording and effects for the L-6 is sort of a "nice bonus." The L-6 is optimal if you have a crowded desk of musical equipment and want to leave everything plugged into to one central hub...just kind of jam...but hit the record button to capture ideas that randomly and pleasantly pop up while you are jamming.
The R12 is a true multitrack recording device. If you want to make a song, you can record just the verse rhythm guitar. Then just the verse bass. Then just verse drums. And then use copy commands to create verse 2 and verse 3. And then do the same to record parts of the song's chorus one time and then copy and paste those to the second and third choruses. And the R12 has a much better pool of effects and custom effect patches that you can apply to instruments as you are recording them, or after the fact as send effects. The R12 is a step-by-step song building machine and not really a mixing board because it only has those two inputs.
The larger R20 has enough inputs that you can also sort of use it as a mixing board, but far and away, it's also a song-building machine more than anything else.
I should probably make a video explaining why a person should get a hybrid mixing board, vs. a handy recorder, vs. a true multitracker...
@@GazRendar very useful, thanks.
Indeed this is one of those things that trip off a lot of people... Many devices can record but one record and can also edit while the other just record as "after thought". And the point about inputs is also something to think about... But then why get the L6 if the R20 would do both things better at that point (although then you end up with a larger device... So again pros and cons )
@@GazRendarI would definitely watch and benefit from that idea, you should consider the 1010 bluebox too. It seems like suddenly everything has USB and an interface built in. I could something like this for my portable setup...or I could feed my mixer into my H6...etc
What's the hardware device with the visualizer onscreen?
Ha....I get asked about that a lot. That's a DIY kit to build an spectral audio analyzer. I bought it for maybe $50 over a year ago. Shortly after I bought it I never saw the product listing again, so I haven't made a specific video about it. It's low fidelity, but it's actually kinda useful and it's also fun to use. I thought it might help viewers see changes in the levels and EQ as I was adjusting the knobs.
I use it for my fun video shorts featuring video game music and papercrafts, like this one:
th-cam.com/users/shortstLJQphNHJ0w?feature=share
The lack of a screen isnt great, but this thing is pretty much what I need otherwise.
Yeah, I wish it had a screen, but I can see why they left it out. The thing is dense...I'm not sure the electronics would have fit for a small screen without making the whole thing bigger. You have to want to use it as a mixer, first and foremost, and only as a recorder for quick, simple recordings. Not really for track-by-track, verse-by-verse, song building.
I've just picked one of these up, and love the form factor but so far I'm a bit disappointed; I want to use it mainly as a live mixer, with backing/click tracks for In Ear Monitors. The key of course is that the click track doesn't go to front of house, you don't want the audience hearing the count-ins, voice prompts, click etc.
I was hoping the L6 would allow me to therefore split the backing/click, so I could feed the backing to the main outs, and the click track to an output, either Aux or Monitor, where I connect my monitors.
Some mixers allow you to mute a channels main output, but still feed it to headphones, or to Aux.
So far it seems that on the L6, whatever I send to the main outs also goes to Aux and Monitor, and I can't find a way to send the click tracks only to headphones or to Aux.
Have you any suggestions on how to do this with the L6 please?
I don't think you really can. I believe the interior signal bus has all 6 of the channels going to the master output. There is a branching path in the bus chain that will split off sound to the AUX out (I think it goes Channel -->EQ-->AUX +and Master-->Pan), but that sound from any and all channels will always still travel to the master out and headphone out.
I think the L-8 and L-12 allow you to set up separate signal flows to get custom mixes going to various headphone and AUX outs.
The best you can probably do with the L-6 is NOT use the master out. Instead, just use the two AUX outs to get two separate signals. You send the click/count in to AUX 1 and everything else to AUX 2. That means you probably can't use the compressor and that the AUX outs are going to be summed mono signals, so when you listen in earphones it's just gonna be the left side. I think that's all you could probably do with the L-6 for your type of set up.
@@GazRendar Thanks for the reply, that's very helpful. It's a shame that the Aux still goes to master and headphone outs, but nice idea about using the Aux outs and not the Master - I'll give that a try and I'll let you know how I get on 👍🏻🙏🏻
@@GazRendar Feeling very pleased with myself, as after some trial and error, I've worked it out!
This method allows you to connect the Master Outs to PA/FOH and only the backing track will come through. The click track will be available via both the Aux 1 and Aux 2 jacks, meaning you can have 2 pairs of IEMS connected;
1) Put the backing track in a mono input (eg input 5) and the click track in a separate mono input (eg input 6)
2) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART; connect the L6 to the L6 Editor, and in the drop-down menu, select Aux Send Point on the left hand side of the screen and click the EDIT button. Then for whatever channel the click track is on (in this example Channel 6) set the AUX 1 SEND and AUX 2 SEND to 'Pre Fader'.
What this does is allow you to mute the click track so it does NOT play through the Master Outs, but you will hear it if you plug your IEMs/headphones in to either Aux 1 or Aux 2. (previously, before I set the Aux Sends to pre-fader, one of the problems I had was that when I played a click track through the L6, and muted the main volume for whichever channel the click was on, it muted it in all outputs. By setting the Aux Sends to pre-fader you have managed to basically 'split' the click track output so only you can hear it, not the audience.
3) Once your IEMs are connected to Aux 1, On the Channel Strip, select Aux 1 and balance in your ears the Backing and Click track levels via the Channel 5 and 6 rotary knobs. In this example Channel 5 will increase/decrease backing volume and Channel 6 knob will do the same for the click track.
You can do the same for IEMs connected to Aux 2 by selecting Aux 2 on the Channel Strip.
4) Ensure that you have either the Level for Channel 6 (Click track) set to zero, AND/OR select the mute on for Channel 6.
Now you can hear the click when plugged in to Aux 1 or 2, but it won't come out through the Master Out.
Hope that makes sense - I'm very pleased I've got this to work, it's the difference for me between whether I keep the L6 or not... 😀👍🏻
Can you playback some tracks and record along with them on other track(s) to build a song with overdubs?
I didn't specifically try that yet, but I think you can. However, each time you hit the record button it will create an entirely new folder with 6 new tracks + master track inside of it. And it only plays the last mix that you recorded. So if you want to build up a song one track at a time, that would be spread across multiple folders with the last folder being the one that has all the tracks that you want. You can sorta build up songs one track at a time with the L-6, but it's difficult. I don't recommend it if that's the only reason why you want to get it.
@@GazRendar Thanks - that's what I thought from watching your video. Seems like this one would not fit my needs, even though I really like the idea of it and how they did it. I still like to be able to arm a track and record it individually while listening to the others while staying in the project. Thanks again for your very thorough review video!
Yeah....if you want those key features, I think you want a multitrack recorder instead. If you haven't already, I recommend looking at the R20 or R12. I have quite a few videos/playlists dedicated to those devices.
I really want this feature too
excellent review! Too ba about MIDI sync,
Thank you! And yeah...maybe that's something they can do with a future firmware update...
I‘m so sad it‘s not working with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Fingers crossed it will do one day, because it‘s currently not working with the newest iOS 18 too and they will probably work on that with an update.
I'm not on iOS 18 yet. But I'll test it out when I get a new iPhone.
all this needs is a mode to convert the 2 aux out to a single stereo aux out and i'd buy this straight away.
That's easily accomplished with a short HOSA stereo to mono break out cable for $10. You can get one that has two mono 1/4" plugs on one side that feeds into a female stereo 1/4" or 3.5mm jack.
@@GazRendar no each aux output is a mono sum of both channels. you want an option for stereo aux which would mean aux1 is left, aux 2 is right, and and setting the aux level would affect both left+right together
You're right. I just checked and each AUX out is a mono out.
Has anyone used this as usb audio interface? How well does it work? How many ins and outs does it show on a daw? Thanks
10+2 in /4 out
It might be decent as a ceremony/mobile mixer for DJs or small gigs. I would definitely catch it if it's on sale. However, 299 is over the price point for me, with the Behringer flow 8 at 179 and the Mackie mobile mix at 229, which, in my opinion, are comparable choices for a mixer this size and mobile.
The Mackie and Behringer are totally fine if you only need a mixing board that's portable. The L-6 let's you record directly to a mircoSD card. The recording is limited because there is no screen, but that's still a key feature why the price point is about $100 over those other two. I also perrsonally think the Zoom combination of inputs is a little better and more flexible.
@@GazRendar@GazRendar That's a fair point I didn't think of. Can you do a multi-track recording through the USB port? That wasn't really mentioned.
Can you audition a single input in the headphones before bringing it into the master?
Unfortunately, no. Everything runs to the master. The only way to pull that off is to like, send one to five of the channels to AUX 1, and then plug in a new instrument into a 6th channel and run that exclusively to AUX 2 while completely avoiding the master out or headphone out. You could audition sounds and levels on AUX 2 then. But those AUX outputs are summed mono signals, so that's not ideal.
@ thanks so much. Darn must be a rarely desired function. Seems no compact mixers do this. Guess the 802VLZ4 will remain in the desk.
Yeah, those are definitely features of true mixing boards. These hybrid models are wonderful because they can do stand-alone multitrack recording without a computer...but the trade-off is that they are going to compromise on some of the more nuanced mixing board features.
Hey i was gonna ask this on your latest L6 vid but figured id ask it here as it wasnt really relevant to the scenes topic....anyways!
I was wondering if you could have a synth plugged into channel 2 with 48v on? Like of you were using a condenser mic on channel one, and all the line ins are filled, cpuld you use channel two for a synth or line instrument? Thanks!
Great videos this thing rules!
You maybe can in a pinch, but depending on how the out jack on your synth is wired and grounded, it could potentially cause damage to the synth since the synth is already a powered device. Sending phantom power on accident to a dynamic mic doesn't usually cause damage because it's an unpowered piece of equipment. But since your synth is going to already have it's own electrical current inside that is flowing in one direction, sending a phantom powered current back in the opposite direction has the potential to fry some circuitry inside.
So if channels 1 and 2 have dual DACs but the others don’t, doesn’t it imply that the 32 bit float capability is only limited to those 2 channels?
Technically, no. All the channels are recorded at 32-bit with a 48kHz sample rate. It's just that channels 1 and 2 have the dual DACs that provide better automatic gains prior to the sound being recorded on the SD card, or moving through the interior bus. Practically, what that means is that if you have really wide dynamic ranges of volumes you are trying to capture with mics through the XLR inputs, is that the gains will help normalize the sound on the SD card for people whispering to each other on one microphone while a garbage truck is moving in the background being picked up by another microphone. It's less processing on a computer later because the volume of the whispering is automatically increased by the L6 while the loud garbage truck's volume wasn't increased at all. But all that sound fits within the dynamic spectrum of 32-bit recording. The other channels still have the dynamic range, but if you are capturing incredibly quiet sounds on channel 4 and then 10 seconds later capture super loud stuff on channel 4, you're shouldn't get clipping, but you're going to have to bring the quiet sounds up and the loud sounds down in post before you output it to media that is easy to listen to on any audio player.
Which SD card do you have?
For the L-6 I've been using a SanDisk 128GB card. Class 10, V30, A3. It's been perfectly fine. I think you could get by with a class 10, V10, A1 card though.
I would love one of these. What bums me out is that it has 32 float but the sampling frequency is capped at 48 kHz. Would you be able to check for me on a device that it really is capped? I bought the uac 232 and it works good but the official “zoom” documentation is lacking! So I’m wondering, hoping, praying,… that they made a mistake here! 😅
Thanks for the review! Have fun with it!
The .WAV files are indeed 32-bit at 48kHz.
@@GazRendar thank you for checking that out! Now I know! God bless you! 🙏
Hey what spectrometer is that it looks cool af
That's a DIY kit that I bought over a year ago. It's pretty fun and can also be useful, like to visual some EQ changes. Shortly after I bought it the product listing disappeared, so I never made a video specifically about it.
@@GazRendar what’s it called. So I can find something like it really need one of those.
If you search for Spectral Audio Analyzer, you should find some stuff. The Korg NTS-2 has an audio analyzer inside of it, in addition to it's multiple wave oscilloscopes, but that's closer to $200.
USELESS DEVICE for multitrack they could just add a little screen, people these days think every screen has to be big and touch, but a simple old school screen is enough for this type thing, anyways nice video, it made me know I dont need this.
Thanks
It's not going to work for multitrack song building at all. It's good for a quick multitrack capture of ideas and song concepts, or to record a practice session or record your live show. But after using the (limited) recording features, I really don't think they needed the screen.
Can you use the AUX sends for headphones?
Well, technically I guess you can. I can plug in headphones directly into an AUX output and hear something. But the signal is only mono, so it only comes out of the left side of the headphones, and I don't really have enough volume control for it to easily hear something. I suppose if you ran that signal out of the AUX output into a small headphone amplifier it could sort of work, but it's a summed mono signal. So far from ideal.
Some additional mild criticisms of this mixer, mostly from an opportunity missed standpoint: No Bluetooth. No ability to charge its own batteries. No tools for streamers such as mix-minus and loopback. No hi-Z inputs (despite having aux sends)…. You may have to route your high z guitar into an intermediate pedal, then into this mixer…. Or does channel 1 & 2 have enough headroom to get around that? I wish there was some sort of decksaver like cover that could slide over the front, just to protect the knobs as I know I will be throwing this into various gear bags. Hopefully Zoom will address some of these in the next release, but those are the only things keeping it from being a perfect all-around mini-mixer for me. That said, its pros outweigh the cons and it’s pretty much an instabuy.
Those are valid assessments. You definitely want to run a guitar with passive pickups into a preamp or pedal before routing it into the L6. If you put it in directly the tone will sound muffled and "incomplete."
I haven't seen an official Zoom gig bag, but Analog Cases usually makes good 3rd party stuff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them come out with a good travel case for it soon--if the L6 sells well.
Changing the batteries doesn't bother me. In fact, I'd rather have the convenience of being able to pop in 4 alkaline AA's in the back in an emergency and get 3-4 hours of usage. But you can buy a rechargeable USB battery bank that has a built-in USB-C cable for $30 and that works great. Or just buy some rechargeable AA batteries for yourself and use those.
You can do some loopback with the AUX outs, depending on how you set things up. Streamer tools might not match up exactly with your needs though, depending on how you like to hook everything up.
Has anyone used this as usb audio interface? How well does it work? How many ins and outs does it show on a daw? Thanks 🙏
Are the aux sends stereo (Double as more headphones) Would this make a good keyboard mixer? Sends to FOH & or IEMs
and main to on stage monitor
The AUX sends are mono. It looks like the AUX jacks accept TRS cables, but I think that's set up to send a balanced signal a long distance to a PA system or second mixing board. The L-6 only sends sound on the tip of the TRS cable, and it's a summed mono sound from whatever channels you have sending signal there.
You can plug headphones into the AUX jacks, but you'll only get sound in the left ear, and it will be hard to control the volume in a useful way.
I think it's a good compact mixer for one person. If you want a mixer for a multi-person band, I think you are better going up to the L-8, which has multiple headphone outs.
@@GazRendar Thanks...i actually own the L20 but was looking for a keyboard mixer fuction from this
Yeah, you could maybe use it on stage for a set of keyboards, but it could be limited. You could opt to not use the master out and instead connect a couple keyboards/synths to the L-6 and then selectively route what you want to AUX 1 and other sound to AUX 2. But you're going to get a mono sound. Maybe that's ok for stage speakers where all the keyboards get AUX 1 signal, but for something that's in your ear that has a metronome plus a lower mix of the keyboards from AUX 2, you'll probably only hear sound in the left ear unless you split that mono signal across both ears.
I suppose it's not possible to hook a guitar straight into it? (I don't see the high-z option)
You are correct. No Hi-Z. I talk about it briefly in my Cons/Summary section towards the end of the video. But if you put an effects pedal between your guitar and the L-6, then it usually sounds fine.
With an electric guitar obviously you can run the line-level output from a modeller direct in to the L6. I've tried it with an acoustic guitar direct, and it sounded awful. I've also tried using a few different DI boxes (ranging from £15 to £100 in price). Interestingly most of these sounded awful as well, even the expensive ones. The best (ie, quietest) one was the Behringer DI400, which I've seen slated in some reviews, but for me it was the best, and about a fifth of the price of things like the Boss DI box, which sounded awful too.
But the best solution was to use a wireless guitar link; no noise at all. I use the Boss WL20 system, which I love, and it worked noiselessly...
For the initial setup, do you have the stereo output of the J-6 to the mono inputs on 5/6?
Yes. That's a 3.5mm TRS stereo cable in the headphone out of the J-6, and it breaks out as a mono 1/4" TS cable into the mono input of 5 on the L-6, and a mono 1/4" TS cable into the mono input of input 6 of the L-6. I could have also ran that as a L/R stereo into just track 5 or just track 6 of the L-6.
With the way I set it up, that would record a mono Track 5 and mono Track 6 on the L-6's SD card.
@@GazRendarWhat was the purpose of breaking out the J-6 stereo signal into 2 mono signals as opposed to connecting it to one if the stereo inputs of the Zoom? You had to adjust the controls of 2 channels where you could have just adjusted the EQ and other functions using the knob of the one stereo input. Maybe I missed something here.
I totally could have ran that cable into a single channel as a stereo feed. But, that was literally my first time using the L-6 and I wanted to test how channels 5 and 6 worked as mono channels. I wasn't sure how the panning would work if they were mono, but they did indeed pan. But that's why I also tested out the blue pocket operator as a stereo feed in my second example. It allowed me to then test a stereo feed with levels/EQ/panning.
But sometimes I prefer to record two totally separate mono tracks instead of a stereo track so I can do some post-processing panning tricks like I demonstrate in this video around the 11 minute mark:
th-cam.com/video/JYfAHu39vLo/w-d-xo.html
Have you looked at the zoom R4 yet ?
I have. That's a unique unit that exists somewhere between a handy recorder and a multitrack unit. Zoom gave it an "R" designation as a multitrack unit, but it's not quite a multitracker. You can record separate tracks on it, and bounce them. However, you cannot split tracks or copy and paste sections of tracks....which makes it a little more like a handy recorder from their "H" line. It does have a Hi-Z input for guitars, though, and it has more effects than the Handy line. But it only has two inputs, much like the R12. Unlike the R12, though, it has a built in mic. So it's really in an in between category all to itself. It just doesn't align with my needs at the moment, so I didn't buy it. I only used a friend's unit for about 30 minutes to test it out.
@@GazRendar Thank you,I'm tempted to purchase the R4 but the R12 looks excellent as I'm sure you'd agree/repeat?
The R4 and R12 are both solid devices, but it depends on your specific needs. They are both small, but the R4 is even more portable. The R4 has that built-in mic that can be handy at times. But the R4 is not going to let you do much editing after you record a track. The R12 has a wider range of effects and the touchscreen allows you to split up audio regions, copy and paste them, and move them around easily. So if you want more portability with a built in mic, but plan to do all your audio editing on a computer after you record, then the R4 could be a better fit for you. If you want to build songs part by part, and be able to do some audio editing directly on your recording device without a computer, then the R12 would like be a better fit.
@@GazRendar I'll look at your R 12 videos and make a decision,I really like what the R12 offers particularly its copy and paste strengths ,minus the lack of on board condenser mic and possibly lack of looping ? Punching in / out ? ,I'm not really in the mood to buy microphones
All over again like when I was younger.I do like the challenge of seeing just how far a mix of electric acoustic instruments along side midi sequenced work I can take the little r4.I don't use a computer except a phone and tablet definitely don't want or need the power crazy daw which will get in the way of my creativity.
The R4 has greatness but some serious limitations which practically verge on being masicicistic for example I don't even think it has a go to memory location.
Thanks for listening to my requirements and assistance your a star.Do you like the bounce down facility of the R12 do you feel it is well implemented/ executed?
can each track have its own EQ settings?
Yes. Around the 8:00 mark in this video you can see me adjusting the EQ for the two separate mono channels. You can do that for all 6 channels. I do the same around the 16:00 minute mark with all three Pocket Operators. Each channel allows you to adjust the level, EQ, Pan, and Effects level independently.
@@GazRendar thanks!
does it work on android phones?
Depends on what you mean "work on android phones."
Can you use it as an interface to record to an app on Android phones? I haven't specifically tested this (I have an iPhone), but the answer should be yes.
Can you use an Android phone to alter and adjust all the MIDI CC parameters and controls? No. At least, not at this time....maybe a future firmware update and app will be available later, but I don't know. Right now you can only control all those MIDI modifiable parameters with a PC or Mac.
Pre or post eq/fx recording to usb?
I have to experiment with it more....but I think the individual tracks might be recorded dry on the SD card.
From what I can tell based on just adjusting the knobs...the path for everything else is probably
Input --> Track --> EQ --> Pan --> Effects --> Master Volume.
I didn't demonstrate it in this video, but there is also a master compressor (COMP button) that I think is applied immediately after the Master Volume. Right after that the sound either goes out the master out, the headphone out, or the USB out if it's an interface. I haven't tested as an interface just yet. Hope to get to that this weekend.
@@GazRendar Yes, a video about this one and the r20 used as interfaces would nice. Thank you!
Ok, I'll see what I can do...
very nice informations, thanks
I think this portable mixer is over priced, this should be between 150 - 200 but not more. for the range of 300-350 there are many other options which has big screen and huge effects and options for musicans and podcasters.
It's definitely not for everyone. It all comes down to what a person values for their individual needs. I think part of the price is the compact size of the device and 3 different powering options, another part of the price is a pretty good set of inputs for the size, and then you also get quick and easy stand-alone recording with an SD card and the last part of the price is 32-bit float operation, whereas all the competition in the sub-$200 range is 16 or 24-bit.
But if a person doesn't need the compact form factor or 32-bit operation, and if they don't need to record directly from this mixer, then they definitely should look elsewhere for their mixing needs.
Sorry. They really should have popped an OLED screen into the place where the logo sits. The dependence on the computer for setup is a pain. I've been down that road with the circuit tracks. The experience wears thin quickly.
Yeah....if you want the L-6, you absolutely have to want it as a mixer first and foremost. Then it doesn't really need the screen. It's also adequate at recording and capturing a jam that you have going and want to playback later, mostly on a computer. But if you want to do any more elaborate recording, you'll want to at least move up the L-8 which has screen and even then you might want to think about going to a multitrack recorder like the R20 if your needs are more centered around recording, vs. mixing.
It’s priced like it does have that, otherwise this thing should not be over 200
Then it would be larger and thus less portable
@@GazRendar I still use my MRS 8 mainly because of its midi capability. I can lay down one track of a synthesizer, and then sync another track using the midi output from the recorder. What I liked about the l6 was that, finally, after all of these years, someone actually put Midi back on to a multitrack recorder. But they seem to have dropped the ball here. A very small OLED screen could have expanded the capabilities, and usability, almost exponentially.
@@wolfgangdevries127 the oled screen on my Korg Minilogue XD is about an inch high and an inch and a half wide. It offers all of the informational flexibility that that synthesizer needs in a very compact space. That's what I'm talking about.
Hi, is this class compliant?
I need to test it out some more, but I think if you directly plug it in to an iOS device it should "just work" as an interface. For windows, since it's a 32-bit device, I'm pretty sure you need to first download the free drivers on the Zoom website. And for a Mac computer, I suspect that it will work as an interface, but you still need to install the specific drivers and app to be able to modify any of the settings on the L-6.
Once I test it some more I'll try to post specific content about L-6's USB connectivity.
@@GazRendar thank you, I was thinking of plugging it to my mpc one the way I do it with my model 12, hope this is possible, cheers!
Ah, gotcha. Sadly, I don't have an MPC to test that out. But at the very least, I have to believe the 2-out Master Out will run through the USB cable to your MPC. I don't know if you'll get like a full 8-out or 10-out from the L-6 into the MPC, though.
-1 aa batteries?
It can run off 4 AA batteries. I haven't tested it, but you probably get 3-5 hours of run time with the batteries. It's a nice option to have. I plan on primarily running this thing off that USB battery bank that I demonstrated in the video. Or you can simply plug it into the wall with the included adapter and cord. You get a full slate of options to power it - that's a strength of this device.
L8 is way better ❤️🔥
I like the L-8! It's a good, versatile product. I just like the form factor and USB-C of the L-6 a little better for my needs.
I really think that Zoom is getting confused with their product market. They came out with the Zoom R-20 multi track a while ago which was/is a product that they have woefully not supported!!! That product has a current retail price of $450. It has a touch screen and a fair amount of functionality. Now they have released this veritable toy in the form of the Zoom L6 for approximately $150 less than the R-20, (which in theory should be a much more powerful device!) The question remains...What is wrong with this company? They seem to seriously not know what they are doing! IMO They either have lost their way or are heading in that direction.
I don’t know, the desktop synth dawless crowd seems pretty excited. The only other really small options are really expensive.
I buy all my products, so I don't speak for Zoom....but I don't necessarily think they are confused. I'm guessing they are selectively choosing not to hit every budget product market. The R20 has at least had firmware updates for the 3 years it's been out. They have been fixing recording bugs. Would I like to see some extra features added via firmware? Absolutely! Do I think it's possible...I think maybe some stuff like setting up auto punch I/O and looping with marker points is, but I don't know for sure. Still, the R20 has served me well for 3 years. It lists for $449, but I've legit seen it on sale for $349 a couple times a year. And I've seen the R12 for as low as $210 during Amazon Prime days. At those prices, those budget recorders still offer quite a bit.
The L-6 is clearly a mixing board first and foremost. Anyone interested the L-6 has to want it to be a mixer for them. It will also do quick recordings in a pinch, and it's not bad. I just think it's not going to be easy to build songs with this device alone. You'll also need a DAW. But for 2-man bands, or synth people, or singer/songwriters, this thing could really work for them as long as they know the limitations. If you want a really compact mixing device that can take XLR cables and 1/4" for $299, nothing else comes close. You have to go up to the Bluebox at $550 or the TX-6 at a ridiculous $1200 and those both lack XLR inputs and 1/4" inputs.
I mostly think Zoom, or Tascam, should make a true flagship multitrack recorder for about $600 that has more combo inputs, touchscreen audio editing, and some MIDI sync capabilities. I do think there would be a great market for that if they made the right kind of unit. Zoom just revamped their entire line of handy recorders and they are trying something new with this compact mixer/recorder. That's still quite a bit for a company that isn't that big. I'll give them realistic benefit of the doubt. I like that they are trying some new stuff with 32-bit recording systems and with this unit...it's the first time they are targeting more of the synth community. While it's not definitely perfect, that's decent progress when you look at it from a broad perspective.
It has batteries. It is small
@@GazRendaryou said it best with your comment regarding Zoom and Tascam needing to release a flagship multitrack recorder for around $600 with better more comprehensive functionality. I truly believe such a product would sell very well.
There’s no other product lime this currently. Paired with an iPad you can make a pretty impressive mobile setup.
Terrible. No display on a portable unit is just stupid.
I think it depends on your needs. If you are 90% just using this thing as a super compact and portable mixing board, it's ok without the screen. But if you need more recording functionality, then it definitely won't fit your needs without a screen. But if you simply want to have it as a mixer and want a simple way to hit record at any time to capture a jam, and you want the thing to be super portable, then this thing can work fairly well.
"I don't even know if there is a quick start guide" as you barely fumble through the included paperwork. I enjoyed your video but the unboxing left a lot to be desired. Just a constructive criticism. Cheers!
There really isn't anything to criticize...what you saw is all there is. That's why I went fast and just got to the mixer itself to keep it moving. There is no quick start guide or manual in the box. It's just some safety precaution paperwork in a bunch of languages. Wait, i take it back! There was also a small sticker in there that "Zoom - For Creators." That's it.