Midas MR18 Vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 12: Reviewed & Compared

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: Midas MR18 vs. Zoom LiveTrak L 12.

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 Midas MR18 and Zoom LiveTrak L 12. 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.

Midas MR18

After thoroughly testing the Midas MR18 for a few months, I'm ready to spill all the details – the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty. This mixer is a powerhouse in a compact package, perfect for both live sound and recording. Here's the full breakdown for anyone eyeing this mixer.

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Sound Quality and Performance

Right off the bat, the sound quality is top-notch. The MR18 delivers a pristine audio experience with impressively low latency. Whether you're mixing live or laying down tracks in a studio, the clarity and warmth of the sound are remarkable. Plus, the variety of outputs offers immense flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various audio setups.

Build and Connectivity

The mixer is built tough with Neutrik connectors, ensuring robust and reliable connections. This is a big plus for anyone who's had to deal with flimsy ports in the past. The MR18's ease of configuration is another high point. It offers numerous signal routing options, catering to both planned and spontaneous audio needs. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, putting it ahead of competitors like the X-Air 18, especially with its superior Midas converters.

User Interface and Software

The software is intuitive and musician-friendly, not overly complicated like some gear designed with tech whizzes in mind. There's a wealth of online resources and user communities, which is a godsend for troubleshooting and getting creative with your setup. As an audio interface, it boasts 18 inputs and outputs, offering ample connectivity for most studio and live situations.

Challenges and Considerations

However, it's not all smooth sailing. While the MR18 is user-friendly, there's still a learning curve, especially if you're not used to digital mixers. It might take a bit of time to fully grasp all the features and make the most out of this mixer.

Also, while it works great as an audio interface, those who are looking for more integrated DAW control might find its capabilities a bit limited. It's more suited for live mixing and straightforward recording setups rather than complex studio productions.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Midas MR18 is a solid investment. It's especially great for live sound applications and straightforward recording needs. The sound quality is exceptional, and the flexibility in routing and connectivity is a major win. Just be ready to spend some time getting to know this mixer inside out. For its price point, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. Just remember, while it excels in many areas, it might not be the perfect fit for those needing advanced studio integration.

Zoom LiveTrak L-12

Zoom LiveTrak L-12: A Multifaceted Digital Mixer

Practical Design, Impressive Functionality

After spending three months with the Zoom LiveTrak L-12, I've found it to be an invaluable tool for a musician, offering versatility in numerous situations. Its compact size belies its powerful capabilities, making it ideal for various settings from practice to live performances.

Rehearsal and Practice Sessions Elevated

Integrated Metronome and Recording Ease

The L-12 excels in practice environments. Its ability to connect multiple devices, such as a computer via USB for playing along with Spotify, is highly convenient. The built-in metronome and easy recording to SD cards are perfect for pinpointing and working on challenging sections. The recording feature is intuitive, simply arm the desired tracks, and you're set.

Rehearsal Powerhouse

Individual Monitoring and Built-in Effects

In low-volume rehearsals, particularly where everyone uses headphones, the L-12 is a game-changer. With five independent aux sends to 1/4″ headphone jacks, it offers personalized monitoring for each musician. The built-in effects, like reverb for vocals, add to the mix's quality.

Writing and Recording Made Simple

Instant Recording and DAW Integration

Capturing spontaneous musical ideas is effortless with the L-12. Its standalone recording capability, combined with the metronome, allows for quickly laying down initial ideas and building upon them. The seamless integration with DAWs for further editing is a significant advantage.

Live Performances and Mixing

Flexible Output Options for Shows

Though more suited as a sub-mixer, the L-12 can handle a full show, especially when using in-ear monitors. It offers up to five different mixes for in-ear monitoring and has both XLR and balanced 1/4″ outputs for speakers. Recording live shows for later mixing is a breeze.

Adaptable for Socially Distanced Rehearsals

Effective for Diverse Rehearsal Setups

The current pandemic has made music rehearsals challenging, but the L-12 adapts well to different scenarios. Whether it's playing in separate rooms or outdoors, it allows for effective mic setups and clear monitoring of all instruments. The ability to quickly transfer recordings to a DAW like Logic Pro X is highly convenient.

Areas for Improvement

Minor Setbacks, But Still a Top Choice

Despite its many strengths, the L-12 has a few areas that could be improved:
1. The compression always writes to the recording and isn’t of the highest quality.
2. The preamps are adequate but not exceptional.
3. The file naming system, while functional, can be cumbersome to navigate.
4. The lack of motorized faders means manual adjustments are necessary when switching mixes.
5. There's no option for individual stereo or mono pairs for monitor outputs in live situations.
Despite these minor issues, the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 stands out for its versatility and comprehensive features at its price point.

Final Verdict

A Robust, Versatile Mixer for Various Needs

Concluding, the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 is an excellent choice for musicians and sound engineers looking for a versatile, all-in-one mixer and recorder. Its strengths in various environments, from studio to stage, make it a valuable asset. While it has some limitations, its advantages far outweigh them, making it a highly recommended tool in the music and recording industry.

Head 2 Head: Midas MR18 or Zoom LiveTrak L 12

Midas MR18: The Heavyweight in a Compact Frame

If you're in the market for a mixer that packs a punch, the Midas MR18 is your guy. This little beast delivers sound quality that's hard to beat, maintaining a crisp, warm audio experience even with low latency. If you've ever had to deal with flimsy connectors, you'll appreciate the durable Neutrik connectors on this baby. Trust me, they're built to last.

Flexibility and Connectivity

The MR18 isn't just about good looks and high-quality sound. It's also known for its flexibility in signal routing and it offers multiple outputs which can be a lifesaver when you need to switch up your audio setup on the fly.

Intuitive Software and User-Friendly Interface

One thing that sets the Midas MR18 apart is its intuitive software. You don't need to be a tech whiz to navigate through its features. Plus, it has an active online community so when you're stuck (or just feeling creative), there's always help at hand.

A Few Hiccups

Of course, no product is perfect and I'd be lying if I said the MR18 doesn't have its hiccups. If you're new to digital mixers, prepare yourself for a bit of a learning curve. And while this mixer works great as an audio interface, it might not meet all your needs if you require advanced studio integration.

Zoom LiveTrak L-12: The Jack of All Trades Mixer

Now let's talk about the Zoom LiveTrak L-12. This compact mixer is a true multi-tasker, excelling in everything from live performances to practice sessions.

Practice Made Perfect

The L-12 is a dream come true for practice sessions. Its built-in metronome and easy recording to SD cards make it perfect for honing your skills. Plus, you can connect multiple devices via USB so you can jam along to your favorite Spotify playlists.

A Rehearsal Powerhouse

Where the L-12 really shines is in rehearsals. With five independent aux sends and built-in effects, it ensures each musician gets personalized monitoring. And let's not forget about its instant recording and DAW integration features – perfect for capturing those spur of the moment ideas.

A Few Drawbacks

Like the MR18, the L-12 isn't without its flaws. The preamps could be better, the file naming system might make you scratch your head a bit, and there's no option for individual stereo or mono pairs for monitor outputs in live situations.

So, Who's The Winner?

Now comes the moment of truth: who's the winner? Drumroll, please… And it's…the Midas MR18! While both mixers have their strengths and weaknesses, I find that the MR18 just edges out the competition with its superior sound quality and impressive flexibility in routing and connectivity. It may not be perfect – heck, no product is – but at this price point, you're getting a whole lot of top-notch features that are hard to beat. The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 is still a solid option, especially if you're looking for a mixer that excels in practice and rehearsal environments. However, when it comes to the overall package – sound quality, build, connectivity, and software – the Midas MR18 simply delivers more bang for your buck. So there you have it folks – the winner in this mixer showdown!