Yeah, that's on my to-do list, but I haven't quite figured out how to get it to work. I'm only getting 2in-2out with iOS devices and I'm getting inconsistent performance with monitor feedback. Once I figure out all the settings I'll put together an instructional video, but I either haven't figured it out yet, or it needs a firmware update. Not sure.
I agree. I reached out to them, and they confirmed the only way to clear the scenes or return all the settings to baseline is to perform a factory reset. There should be an easier way to do that. Let's hope a future firmware update delivers a solution.
I'm trying, but I'm struggling to figure it out. I'm only getting 2in/2out with iOS devices and the monitor out isn't always working. Once I figure out how to hook it up correctly and know what all the appropriate settings are, I'll be sure to post something. But as of right now, it's not as plug 'n' play as I had hoped.
@@GazRendar I'm in the exact same boat. I found a work around when recording/playing multiple devices. Just record and save the midi notes on your DAW. Then push record on the L6 and play everything back. For now, that does it for me. Thank you for attempting to figure it out. 32 bit float is great though. Wish they made a 32 bit interface with multiple connections
I was looking for videos on the L-6 and discovered you. Great and fun content! I am a one-woman creator of audio and video tutorials for the company I work for, and I think this would be a fantastic unit for me, due to the compact size, versatile input options, and sample pads for sound cues, etc. Thus, I too would be interested in a demo of how the sound pads are configured. And, although it's not really related to what you do, I'd also like to know how clean the mic preamps are. I also happen to be totally blind, and would be interested to know whether you think this could be operated with some memorization. Of course, the problem we have with machines like the Rodecaster and Zoom PodTrak P8 is that many of the functions are controlled via touch screen; thus, not only can we not activate desired functions, but we also can't know if we make something happen by accident. This unit seems to generally be controlled by buttons, for which, most changes are audible. I've been waiting for something like this, and am rather sure I could make a go of it. But, I'd be interested to know if you think any of the functionality might be problematic. I'll definitely take your advice, and create a scene for the default settings straight out of the box.
Hi Jennifer, The L-6 might be a good unit for you. I haven't put the preamps through a thorough test yet, but in quickly using them with an AKG C1000S condenser mic on phantom power they seem solid and noise free to me. I just started using the sound pads and will put together a more comprehensive video about them when I fully test them out. But you can drag files to the folder on the SD card to load sound samples into the pads, or you can use the PC or Mac app to load and organize them. You can also record directly to a pad, but it's harder to do that correctly and not have dead time between hitting the record button and actually sending sound to the L-6 to be recorded. You need to use the app to toggle the sound pads between one shot use or looping. I've had several visually impaired people reach out to me over the years asking about the accessibility of recording devices, namely the R20 and R12. I do not think those two products would be easy for visually impaired users, even with the iPad app. By contrast, a visually impaired person can likely use most of the functions of the L-6 once they are familiar with the unit since there is no LCD screen. I think the most challenging element will be using the encoders at the bottom of each channel to make all of your adjustments. As you turn the encoders to the right, a LED ring lights up around perimeter of the knob giving users a visual cue as to how high they adjusted their levels. You'll have to do all of those adjustments by ear. However, once you get a good mix you can save one or two different scenes to always give you a known starting place for your commonly used mics or other equipment. If you moved to a slightly larger Zoom L-8 mixer, the advantage there would be the physical faders that slide up and down. That tactile feel and positioning might be easier for you to use. On the downside, the L-8 does have some options that are routed through its tiny LCD screen. So even with its rotary encoders and visual LED lights, I think the L-6 might be better than the L-8 for you. Besides the L-6, you may want to check out the Zoom H6 essential handy recorder. It also has a $299 list price, although it has been out for one year now and I have seen it on sale. That has a built-in X-Y microphone at the top and 4 combo XLR quarter inch jacks on the sides. You can also pop off the X-Y mic capsule at the top and replace it with another capsule that gives you two more combo jacks. That device is controlled by a set of stop, play, forward and reverse buttons on the face of the unit and will probably be easy to set things up and record for you, especially since the record button is a large concave button right in the middle of those other buttons. There is a small LCD screen at the bottom to use the more advanced features, but Zoom built some accessibility features into that device that will read out menu prompts. To navigate the menu you use a selector wheel and enter button on the lower right side of the unit. The H6 essential also has a 3.5mm headphone out with a physical wheel for volume control and a 3.5mm line out. You can power it with batteries or through the USB-C port and it has a microSD card slot. Overall, based on your needs, I would probably recommend that you focus your comparison shopping between the L-6 and the H6 essential and go from there. Hope that helps...
Thank you for the extremely detailed response. 😀 I probably should have started by mentioning that I have several audio and video gadgets for different purposes, including two of the Zoom essential recorders. I do love their accessibility, and I loved the old age 6. I also have a P4, which I primarily use to insert sound pads, usually via a mixer, of which I also have a few. Yes, the H6 is easy to use for recording, but, the preamps are a little bit terrible, and there is very little that you can do in the way of EQ. so, for my company recordings, I do usually end up using some kind of audio mixer, sometimes with other auxiliary devices like the P4. What appeals to me about the L6 is that it seems to have everything all in one device. and, it’s interesting that you do point out the encoder issue. You’re actually the second sided person to do that. I have another friend who is considering this, and we both smile at these comments. Because, even on your typical analog mixer, it’s our ears that determine our settings, regardless of where those knobs are set. 😀 so, I don’t think that will be a problem. if that is all that concerns you, I’d say it’s probably a go. i’d be curious to know how it would do with a dynamic mic if you have one, as those generally need more preamp. But, I do also have a road NT one, NAKG Mike, and the Lewitt Ray, as well as a Sennheiser shotgun Mike, all of which tend to perform well with just about anything. I really appreciate the time you took with your response. I do think I’m going to give one of these a try. Thanks again for all the great videos. I do wish I could see your paper crafts though. 😀
Oh, if you already have several Zoom recorders and you can operate them well, then you mostly know what you are getting here. I haven't tested the H6 essential yet, but if I had to guess, it probably uses a similar preamp, if not the same preamp that the L-6 has for the combo inputs. They both use the dual analog to digital converters with 32-bit float coupled to auto-switching high and low gain preamps. In in my other 24-bit Zoom equipment I always had to turn the gain up to at least 60%, and often as high as 80% for dynamic mics, especially for normal volume talking. For singing with some power behind the voice I could turn the preamp down to 60%. If you go with condenser mics you'll probably be ok. If you like to work with dynamic mics to capture conversations with the L-6, you might need to spend some time normalizing the recorded dialogue. The L-6's EQ settings aren't too fancy, but they are readily accessible with a button push and an encoder twist. For quick fixes, they get the job done. If you are already familiar with using sound pads for the P4, then using them for the L-6 shouldn't be a problem for you. The sound pads get routed to the master out and headphone out. They do not get recorded in the individual WAV file tracks on the SD card. I hope to get a sound pad tutorial video up sometime soon. Good luck with the L-6 if that's the direction you decide to go.
@@GazRendar Thanks yet again. Very helpful. I hoped they might use different preamps, given that this is a mixer unit. But, as with most Zoom devices, I'll likely have to stick to using condenser mics. Really appreciate all the info.
It actually occurs to me that a couple of fetheads would probably remedy the situation. I have one already, so may purchase another. Because, I do, in fact, sometimes need to do interviews, for which i would wish to use dynamic mics. you may not wish to share this, but I am curious as all get out. You clearly have some breadth and depth of understanding of all of this. And, it seems, also some real musical ability. And yet, pocket operators and paper crafts. :) Nothing wrong with it, I love it actually. But, it does make me wonder what on earth you do? Is this all just side fun, or does it off shoot from your work? As someone who has to deal with the public and their various reactions often, I always appreciate when someone takes their own time to provide information like this, as well as to respond to random questions from people like me. So, again, thanks for your attention to my questions and your thoughtful answers.
You might not benefit at all. They are two different class of devices. The R20 is a multitrack recorder that is designed to help you build songs one track, or even just one audio region at a time. The L-6 mixer is a mixing board first and foremost. So for me, I now leave the L-6 on the desk and a leave a bunch of stuff plugged into it so I can turn compact synths on and off easily and it all goes to the same place with the same headphones. The L-6 also gives me more 1/4" jacks than the R20 does. I don't use the L-6 to build songs one audio region at a time. I use the L-6 to just kinda jam and work things out and I can quickly record an idea if it sounds good....but once I record it on the L-6, I need to move that to a computer to do anything else with it. With the R20, I have already song ideas and I record them one instrument at a time.
I haven't covered the sample pads yet. But yes, what you load into the sample pads is actually saved into specific folders of the SD card. However, that also means that if you swap in a whole new SD card that you'll have empty sample pads.
@GazRendar thank you very much for the response. I own a zoom R20 and a zoom r24 and I don't know if the files will work into one another they probably won't and that's kind of disappointing and I also understand that they are two machines, some of these companies hopefully Zoom we'll get this computer thing out of the middle or at least go Android. That's why I'm keeping an eye on this product. Thank you so much again.
A freshly recorded file from the L-6 won't work with the R20 or R24 because the L-6 files are only 32-bit/48kHz. You first have to move the L-6's WAV files to a computer, use some software to convert them to 24-bit/44.1kHz, and then you can import them into an R20 or R24. Doable, but will annoyingly take time.
Would you consider covering the audio interface features. That is what I am most interested in at this point.
Yeah, that's on my to-do list, but I haven't quite figured out how to get it to work. I'm only getting 2in-2out with iOS devices and I'm getting inconsistent performance with monitor feedback. Once I figure out all the settings I'll put together an instructional video, but I either haven't figured it out yet, or it needs a firmware update. Not sure.
Oh goodness, they need to find a quick way of doing a clear…
Maybe A+B+C = clear would make sense zoom if you’re watching? For a future update! 😂
I agree. I reached out to them, and they confirmed the only way to clear the scenes or return all the settings to baseline is to perform a factory reset. There should be an easier way to do that. Let's hope a future firmware update delivers a solution.
can you make a video on how to connect it to use as an interface?
I'm trying, but I'm struggling to figure it out. I'm only getting 2in/2out with iOS devices and the monitor out isn't always working. Once I figure out how to hook it up correctly and know what all the appropriate settings are, I'll be sure to post something. But as of right now, it's not as plug 'n' play as I had hoped.
@@GazRendar I'm in the exact same boat. I found a work around when recording/playing multiple devices. Just record and save the midi notes on your DAW. Then push record on the L6 and play everything back. For now, that does it for me. Thank you for attempting to figure it out. 32 bit float is great though. Wish they made a 32 bit interface with multiple connections
I was looking for videos on the L-6 and discovered you. Great and fun content! I am a one-woman creator of audio and video tutorials for the company I work for, and I think this would be a fantastic unit for me, due to the compact size, versatile input options, and sample pads for sound cues, etc. Thus, I too would be interested in a demo of how the sound pads are configured. And, although it's not really related to what you do, I'd also like to know how clean the mic preamps are.
I also happen to be totally blind, and would be interested to know whether you think this could be operated with some memorization. Of course, the problem we have with machines like the Rodecaster and Zoom PodTrak P8 is that many of the functions are controlled via touch screen; thus, not only can we not activate desired functions, but we also can't know if we make something happen by accident. This unit seems to generally be controlled by buttons, for which, most changes are audible. I've been waiting for something like this, and am rather sure I could make a go of it. But, I'd be interested to know if you think any of the functionality might be problematic. I'll definitely take your advice, and create a scene for the default settings straight out of the box.
Hi Jennifer,
The L-6 might be a good unit for you. I haven't put the preamps through a thorough test yet, but in quickly using them with an AKG C1000S condenser mic on phantom power they seem solid and noise free to me.
I just started using the sound pads and will put together a more comprehensive video about them when I fully test them out. But you can drag files to the folder on the SD card to load sound samples into the pads, or you can use the PC or Mac app to load and organize them. You can also record directly to a pad, but it's harder to do that correctly and not have dead time between hitting the record button and actually sending sound to the L-6 to be recorded. You need to use the app to toggle the sound pads between one shot use or looping.
I've had several visually impaired people reach out to me over the years asking about the accessibility of recording devices, namely the R20 and R12. I do not think those two products would be easy for visually impaired users, even with the iPad app. By contrast, a visually impaired person can likely use most of the functions of the L-6 once they are familiar with the unit since there is no LCD screen. I think the most challenging element will be using the encoders at the bottom of each channel to make all of your adjustments. As you turn the encoders to the right, a LED ring lights up around perimeter of the knob giving users a visual cue as to how high they adjusted their levels. You'll have to do all of those adjustments by ear. However, once you get a good mix you can save one or two different scenes to always give you a known starting place for your commonly used mics or other equipment.
If you moved to a slightly larger Zoom L-8 mixer, the advantage there would be the physical faders that slide up and down. That tactile feel and positioning might be easier for you to use. On the downside, the L-8 does have some options that are routed through its tiny LCD screen. So even with its rotary encoders and visual LED lights, I think the L-6 might be better than the L-8 for you.
Besides the L-6, you may want to check out the Zoom H6 essential handy recorder. It also has a $299 list price, although it has been out for one year now and I have seen it on sale. That has a built-in X-Y microphone at the top and 4 combo XLR quarter inch jacks on the sides. You can also pop off the X-Y mic capsule at the top and replace it with another capsule that gives you two more combo jacks. That device is controlled by a set of stop, play, forward and reverse buttons on the face of the unit and will probably be easy to set things up and record for you, especially since the record button is a large concave button right in the middle of those other buttons. There is a small LCD screen at the bottom to use the more advanced features, but Zoom built some accessibility features into that device that will read out menu prompts. To navigate the menu you use a selector wheel and enter button on the lower right side of the unit. The H6 essential also has a 3.5mm headphone out with a physical wheel for volume control and a 3.5mm line out. You can power it with batteries or through the USB-C port and it has a microSD card slot.
Overall, based on your needs, I would probably recommend that you focus your comparison shopping between the L-6 and the H6 essential and go from there. Hope that helps...
Thank you for the extremely detailed response. 😀 I probably should have started by mentioning that I have several audio and video gadgets for different purposes, including two of the Zoom essential recorders. I do love their accessibility, and I loved the old age 6. I also have a P4, which I primarily use to insert sound pads, usually via a mixer, of which I also have a few. Yes, the H6 is easy to use for recording, but, the preamps are a little bit terrible, and there is very little that you can do in the way of EQ. so, for my company recordings, I do usually end up using some kind of audio mixer, sometimes with other auxiliary devices like the P4. What appeals to me about the L6 is that it seems to have everything all in one device. and, it’s interesting that you do point out the encoder issue. You’re actually the second sided person to do that. I have another friend who is considering this, and we both smile at these comments. Because, even on your typical analog mixer, it’s our ears that determine our settings, regardless of where those knobs are set. 😀 so, I don’t think that will be a problem. if that is all that concerns you, I’d say it’s probably a go. i’d be curious to know how it would do with a dynamic mic if you have one, as those generally need more preamp. But, I do also have a road NT one, NAKG Mike, and the Lewitt Ray, as well as a Sennheiser shotgun Mike, all of which tend to perform well with just about anything. I really appreciate the time you took with your response. I do think I’m going to give one of these a try. Thanks again for all the great videos. I do wish I could see your paper crafts though. 😀
Oh, if you already have several Zoom recorders and you can operate them well, then you mostly know what you are getting here.
I haven't tested the H6 essential yet, but if I had to guess, it probably uses a similar preamp, if not the same preamp that the L-6 has for the combo inputs. They both use the dual analog to digital converters with 32-bit float coupled to auto-switching high and low gain preamps. In in my other 24-bit Zoom equipment I always had to turn the gain up to at least 60%, and often as high as 80% for dynamic mics, especially for normal volume talking. For singing with some power behind the voice I could turn the preamp down to 60%. If you go with condenser mics you'll probably be ok. If you like to work with dynamic mics to capture conversations with the L-6, you might need to spend some time normalizing the recorded dialogue.
The L-6's EQ settings aren't too fancy, but they are readily accessible with a button push and an encoder twist. For quick fixes, they get the job done.
If you are already familiar with using sound pads for the P4, then using them for the L-6 shouldn't be a problem for you. The sound pads get routed to the master out and headphone out. They do not get recorded in the individual WAV file tracks on the SD card. I hope to get a sound pad tutorial video up sometime soon.
Good luck with the L-6 if that's the direction you decide to go.
@@GazRendar Thanks yet again. Very helpful. I hoped they might use different preamps, given that this is a mixer unit. But, as with most Zoom devices, I'll likely have to stick to using condenser mics. Really appreciate all the info.
It actually occurs to me that a couple of fetheads would probably remedy the situation. I have one already, so may purchase another. Because, I do, in fact, sometimes need to do interviews, for which i would wish to use dynamic mics.
you may not wish to share this, but I am curious as all get out. You clearly have some breadth and depth of understanding of all of this. And, it seems, also some real musical ability. And yet, pocket operators and paper crafts. :) Nothing wrong with it, I love it actually. But, it does make me wonder what on earth you do? Is this all just side fun, or does it off shoot from your work?
As someone who has to deal with the public and their various reactions often, I always appreciate when someone takes their own time to provide information like this, as well as to respond to random questions from people like me. So, again, thanks for your attention to my questions and your thoughtful answers.
Really enjoy your videos.
Question: I own a R20. What benefit could I gain by owning one of these besides the battery option?
Thanks!
You might not benefit at all. They are two different class of devices. The R20 is a multitrack recorder that is designed to help you build songs one track, or even just one audio region at a time. The L-6 mixer is a mixing board first and foremost. So for me, I now leave the L-6 on the desk and a leave a bunch of stuff plugged into it so I can turn compact synths on and off easily and it all goes to the same place with the same headphones. The L-6 also gives me more 1/4" jacks than the R20 does. I don't use the L-6 to build songs one audio region at a time. I use the L-6 to just kinda jam and work things out and I can quickly record an idea if it sounds good....but once I record it on the L-6, I need to move that to a computer to do anything else with it. With the R20, I have already song ideas and I record them one instrument at a time.
What about the sample pads? Does it save whatever you put in that recording before? Or maybe I have missed it in the last video.
I haven't covered the sample pads yet. But yes, what you load into the sample pads is actually saved into specific folders of the SD card. However, that also means that if you swap in a whole new SD card that you'll have empty sample pads.
@GazRendar thank you very much for the response. I own a zoom R20 and a zoom r24 and I don't know if the files will work into one another they probably won't and that's kind of disappointing and I also understand that they are two machines, some of these companies hopefully Zoom we'll get this computer thing out of the middle or at least go Android. That's why I'm keeping an eye on this product. Thank you so much again.
A freshly recorded file from the L-6 won't work with the R20 or R24 because the L-6 files are only 32-bit/48kHz. You first have to move the L-6's WAV files to a computer, use some software to convert them to 24-bit/44.1kHz, and then you can import them into an R20 or R24. Doable, but will annoyingly take time.