Allen & Heath ZED 12FX Vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 8: Compared And Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 8.

We're looking at things like:

Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Allen & Heath ZED 12FX and Zoom LiveTrak L 8. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Allen & Heath ZED-12FX

After using the Allen & Heath ZED12FX for about six months, I think it's a solid piece of gear, especially for those transitioning from basic to more advanced mixing needs. The sound quality is notably clean and clear, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live environments. Working with it, I've found that the preamps deliver a crystal-clear sound, and there’s an impressive amount of gain available, which is a step up from some lower-priced mixers I've used in the past.

Learning Curve and Usability

Although the mixer is fairly user-friendly, I believe beginners might find it a bit challenging at first, mainly due to the underwhelming instruction manual. It's more about trial and error unless you're already familiar with mixers. However, once you get the hang of it, the layout and controls become intuitive. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, adding to the overall ease of use.

Effects and Features

The ZED12FX stands out for its effects. The range and quality are commendable for a mixer in this class. It adds significant value, especially if you're into experimenting with different sound textures. However, the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is a bit puzzling. It's an odd choice considering the rest of the board adheres to industry standards. This might limit some traditional uses, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Reliability Concerns

One of the downsides I've noticed is the question of long-term reliability. I've heard about issues like pre-amps failing just after the warranty period, which can be a major concern if you're planning to use this mixer heavily. While I haven't faced this issue personally, it's something to keep in mind.

Overall Experience

Zoom LiveTrak L-8

Zoom LiveTrak L-8: The Portable Powerhouse

I got my hands on the Zoom LiveTrak L-8, and let me tell you, it's like having a field recorder on steroids. This thing's versatile and solid – despite some calling it cheap, my experience says otherwise. I've got two of these, and they've held up well.

Professional Features, Battery-Powered Convenience

The L-8 packs features you'd expect from a pro-level unit – backlighted buttons, effects, presets, recording options, and even a battery backup. After 12 months of use, not a single hiccup. It's got a very robust feel to it. Beginners, intermediates, pros – this mixer's a solid buy for all. David Shanhun on YouTube showcases its capabilities well, so check him out for some real-world usage.

Mac Compatibility and Customer Service Woes

Now, it's not all perfect. I've had issues with my Mac Mini M1 – the mixer doesn't always stay connected after a power cycle. Customer service hasn't been a great help either. Bypassing my USB hub with a direct connection seemed to improve things, though.

Pre-Amps and Recording Excellence

What really stands out are the six high-performance pre-amps, each with phantom power. It's tough finding a portable recorder with this quality. The board's layered menu-driven controls can be overwhelming at first, but they open up a world of great recording possibilities. Those 6 assignable Sound Pads with 13 preset sounds are a blast, adding an extra dimension, especially for podcasters.

Great for Podcasting and Mixing

It's not just for recording; the L-8 is a fantastic tool for podcasting and mixing. The phone integration is a nice touch too. As an audio interface, it's a winner – plug it into a USB power bank, and you're set for high-quality recordings anywhere.

Live Streaming and Solo Acts

For church livestreaming or solo acts, it's a breeze to use. It's got way more features than I've tapped into yet, but it's been smooth sailing so far. The effects are usable, unlike many other mixers I've encountered, which is a major plus for live performances.

Recording and Interface Capabilities

As an audio interface, it's top-notch. You can record at 48/32, which is a step up from most interfaces offering a fixed 24-bit rate. The digital recorder is simple to use – just record your gig, pop the SD card into your computer, and drag and drop the audio files into your DAW.
Final Verdict

This mixer is a dream device for podcasters and small bands. It combines mixing and recording in a portable package that runs on batteries or power banks. The preamps sound amazing, making mics like the Shure Beta 58 sound fuller and richer. The only downside? You can use only one effect for all tracks, so no combining effects or using different ones on different tracks. But overall, highly recommended!

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX or Zoom LiveTrak L 8

After half a year of tinkering, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX audio interface has proven to be a solid piece of gear, especially for those transitioning from basic to more advanced mixing needs. The sound quality is clean and clear as a winter's day in Antarctica, making it a reliable choice for both studio recording mixer and live sound mixer applications. The preamps on this bad boy deliver a crystal-clear sound that's crisper than your favorite potato chips, and there’s an impressive amount of gain available – a noticeable step up from some lower-priced mixers I've used in the past. You could say it's like moving from a compact car to a luxury sedan.

Learning Curve Faster Than A Roller Coaster Drop

While this digital mixer is fairly user-friendly, beginners might find it as challenging as juggling flaming swords at first, mainly due to the underwhelming instruction manual. It's more about trial and error unless you're already familiar with mixers; think learning how to ride a bike without training wheels. However, once you get the hang of it, the layout and controls become intuitive like your favorite video game combo. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, adding to the overall ease-of-use.

Effects So Good They Could Win an Oscar

The ZED12FX stands out for its effects – think of it as your secret weapon in creating magical soundscapes. The range and quality are commendable for a mixer in this class – kind of like finding gourmet food at fast-food prices. It adds significant value, especially if you're into experimenting with different sound textures – think Bob Ross but for music! However, the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is puzzling – kind of like bringing sandals to a snowstorm. This might limit some traditional uses, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Reliability? We'll See…

One of the downsides I've noticed is the question of long-term reliability. It's like dating someone who's always late – you start to wonder if they'll show up at all. There have been reports of pre-amps failing just after the warranty period, which can be a major concern if you're planning to use this mixer heavily. While I haven't faced this issue personally, it's something to keep in mind.

Overall Experience: Mostly Sunshine with a Chance of Rain

In terms of overall experience, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX has mostly been a positive journey. The sound quality, ease of use (once you get past the learning curve), and the additional effects make it a worthy investment for someone looking to upgrade from a basic setup. Just be wary of potential long-term reliability issues and ensure you have a Plan B. Now let's talk about the Zoom LiveTrak L-8, described by some as having all the power of a mixing console in an easily portable package. This multitrack recorder is for those who love their tech as much as their toast – versatile and solid.

Battery Convenience with Pro Features

The L-8 packs features you'd expect from a pro-level unit – think luxury sports car features in an economy model. After 12 months of use, not a single hiccup; this thing runs smoother than butter on hot toast! It's got features that cater to beginners, intermediates and pros alike – so whether you're an aspiring Beethoven or simply love playing around with sound for fun, this mixer has got your back.

Slight Hiccups with Mac Compatibility and Customer Service

However, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. I've had issues with my Mac Mini M1 – the mixer doesn't always stay connected after a power cycle. It's like that friend who sometimes forgets to text back. Customer service hasn't been as responsive as we'd like, but bypassing my USB hub with a direct connection seemed to improve things.

Pre-Amps That Deserve a Standing Ovation

What really stands out are the six high-performance pre-amps, each with phantom power. It's tough finding a portable recorder with this quality; it's like finding a unicorn in your backyard! The board's layered menu-driven controls can be overwhelming at first, but once you navigate through them, they open up a range of recording possibilities that make this podcasting mixer worth every penny.

Superb for Podcasting, Mixing and More!

The L-8 isn't just for recording; it's also an excellent podcasting mixer and live sound mixer. The phone integration is a nice touch too – like having built-in GPS on a road trip. As an audio interface, it shines brighter than the North Star – plug it into a USB power bank, and you're set for high-quality recordings anywhere.

Final Verdict

So who wins this face-off? After careful consideration, I have to crown the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 as the champ. While the Allen & Heath ZED12FX brings plenty to the table in terms of sound quality and effects, the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 takes home the gold due to its impressive feature set combined with portability and reliability. It's like comparing a sports car to an SUV – both are great, but the latter is more versatile and reliable for everyday use. Whether you're a podcaster, part of a small band, or just need an all-in-one mixing and recording solution, the Zoom LiveTrak L-8 is your go-to audio interface. It's like having an all-star team in one player!