Behringer X Air XR12 Vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 8: Head To Head Comparison - READ BEFORE YOU BUY!!

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: Behringer X Air XR12 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 Behringer X Air XR12 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.

Behringer X Air XR12

From Basic to Advanced: A User's Transition

I think the Behringer XR12 is a game-changer, especially for those who are transitioning from basic mixers like the Behringer Q802USB to a more advanced digital format. There's definitely a learning curve, but plenty of online tutorials and resources help smooth the transition.

Device Compatibility and App Integration

In my experience, the XR12's compatibility with various platforms is a huge plus. The XAIR app works seamlessly on both Linux and Android, which I find super convenient. It's great to have versatile control options across different devices.

Enhanced Sound Quality and Features

One aspect I absolutely love about the XR12 is the superior sound quality. The built-in stereo effects, gates, compression, and EQ significantly enhance the audio output. I think the MIDAS Preamp contributes a lot to this improvement. Also, the USB recording capability is top-notch, perfect for rehearsals or live performance reviews.

Advanced Sound Routing

The XR12's sound routing capabilities are seriously impressive. It allows for individualized mixes for each band member, which is a big deal in group settings. The ability to create these mixes through buses and aux channels without affecting the main mix is pretty cool. Plus, the mobile app integration for on-the-fly mixing adds a layer of convenience.

Choosing the Right Model: XR12 vs. XR16

When considering the XR12, I think it's important to assess your specific needs. While the XR12 offers a lot, the XR16 might be a better fit for those needing more flexibility, especially with monitor mixes, despite the higher cost.

Final Assessment

Overall, I'd say the Behringer XR12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to step up their audio game. The combination of superior sound quality, flexible routing options, and cross-platform compatibility makes it a valuable asset in both live and studio settings.

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: Behringer X Air XR12 or Zoom LiveTrak L 8

Behringer X Air XR12: Bridging The Gap to Advanced Mixing

The Behringer X Air XR12 is a true game-changer in the realm of digital mixers. For folks who are making the leap from a basic audio mixer like the Behringer Q802USB, this bad boy offers an exhilarating ride into the world of advanced mixing. There's a bit of a learning curve, sure, but with a wealth of online tutorials and resources at your fingertips, you'll be mastering this beast in no time.

Smooth Operator With All Your Devices

One of the major wins for me with the XR12 is its stellar compatibility across various platforms. The XAIR app is like your favorite drink – it goes down smoothly on both Linux and Android. You got it, we're talking seamless integration and versatile control options on different devices. It's like being able to adjust your mix while sipping espresso at your favorite café.

Sound Quality That Makes Your Ears Happy

The sound quality that comes out of this digital mixer is nothing short of astonishing. The built-in stereo effects, gates, compression, and EQ work together to create an audio output that will have you grinning from ear to ear. And let's not forget about that MIDAS Preamp – it’s like sprinkling magic dust on your sound. Also, the USB recording capability on this baby is top-notch – perfect for capturing those jam sessions or live performances.

A Routing Wizard That Works Wonders

Here’s where the XR12 flexes its muscles – advanced sound routing capabilities. This live sound mixer allows you to whip up individual mixes for each band member faster than you can say “encore.” The ability to create these mixes through buses and aux channels without messing with the main mix is like having your cake and eating it too. And let's not forget about the mobile app integration for on-the-fly mixing – it’s like having a sound wizard in your pocket.

XR12 or XR16? The Choice is Yours

Choosing between the XR12 and XR16? It all boils down to what you need. While the XR12 dishes out a ton of features, the XR16 might be a better fit if you want more flexibility with monitor mixes, even if it means parting with a few extra bucks.

Zoom LiveTrak L-8: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

With the Zoom LiveTrak L-8, it’s like having a studio mixer in your pocket, but on steroids. Some folks might call it cheap – I prefer to call it affordable luxury. This portable mixer is versatile and has held up pretty well in my experience.

Pro Features With Battery-Powered Freedom

The L-8 comes loaded with features you'd expect from a pro-level unit – backlit buttons, effects, presets, recording options, and even a battery backup. It's like being able to take your studio anywhere you go.

A Few Bumps Along The Way

However, no mixer is perfect. I've had some issues connecting this one to my Mac Mini M1 – sometimes it just refuses to play nice after a power cycle. And customer service hasn’t exactly been my knight in shining armor here.

The Pre-Amps Are Pure Gold

Where this recording mixer really shines though are its six high-performance pre-amps – each one comes with phantom power. These pre-amps are like a secret weapon for your sound. And while the menu-driven controls can seem a bit overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, they unlock a world of awesome recording possibilities.

Perfect For Podcasters And Bands

This multi-track recorder isn't just for recording – it’s also an excellent tool for podcasting and mixing. The phone integration is a sweet touch and as an audio interface, it's top-notch. It’s also got some pretty nifty features that I haven’t even begun to explore yet.

Live Performances And Solo Acts

For live performances or solo acts, this USB mixer is a walk in the park to use. The effects are actually usable – unlike many other mixers I've come across – which is a serious plus for live performances.

Recording and Interface Capabilities

As an audio interface, this studio mixer is top-tier. You can record at 48/32, which is a step up from most interfaces offering a fixed 24-bit rate. The digital recorder is as simple to use as tying your shoelaces – just record your gig, pop the SD card into your computer, and drag and drop the audio files into your DAW.

And now for the million-dollar question: Which one takes home the trophy? Drum roll please…and the winner is…the Zoom LiveTrak L-8. This portable powerhouse does everything you want in an audio mixer and then some more. It's perfect for podcasters and small bands looking to mix and record on-the-go. The preamps produce amazing sound quality that's hard to beat. It's a portable, battery-powered studio that delivers on all fronts. The only downside? You can't use multiple effects on different tracks at the same time. But hey, no one’s perfect, right? The L-8 is as close as it gets.