Zoom Livetrak L-8 Review
Author: Audreyonna Sequale
As podcasters, I’m sure we all like to keep up with the latest tech. When my producer, Mr. Al Pete, sent me a video of the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 I was immediately intrigued. I got the chance to use the digital mixer to record an episode of my podcast and I loved how easy it was to use. I would have loved to create a pros and cons list for you all but there's virtually no downside to this sound board! Let's dive into a few of its features, shall we?
Portability
Probably the best thing about the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is the fact that it's portable. That's right, you can record on-the-go if necessary because it can run on 4 AA batteries for up to 2½ hours. Also, don't worry about lugging your laptop along because you can record to an SD card with this baby!
Sound Pad
With this mixer you can have your intro, outro, and sound effects right at your fingertips. This mixer comes with 6 sound pads that are extremely easy to use and you can assign whatever sound you need for as long as you need.
The only negative I could find is this: if you're using the phone cord for remote recording, you'll be limited to only three of the sound pads. If you're like me and don't require as many sounds, that shouldn't be an issue but for podcasts that are heavy on sound effects it may be something to give thought to.
Remote Interviewing
My favorite feature of the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is the ability to record remote interviews with impeccable quality. The setup is so simple, even a novice could do it without mistake. All you have to do is plug the cable into the jack and your phone at the same time.
I'd like to add that, depending on your guests phone quality, they can sound like they're right there in the room with you. The quality is that good.
Let me be clear, I'm no podcast producer and I'm blessed to have someone do it for me. However, I'm excited to learn how to use the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 because most of the features seem easier to use than other mixers. If you're starting a podcast or looking for equipment to make recording easier, I think it's a great investment at $399. Consider making a purchase for the sake of a quality podcast!