Rode Rodecaster Pro II 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: Rode Rodecaster Pro II 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 Rode Rodecaster Pro II 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.

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

Real Talk: The RØDECaster Pro II Experience

High Expectations Met

When I first got my hands on the RØDECaster Pro, I was expecting something phenomenal. The multi-track recording with polywav files, one-button Bluetooth, USB in/out with mix-minus, and soundFX banks – it seemed like a complete package. It's like having your own audio production studio.

Initial Shortcomings

Lacking EQ Adjustments

However, it wasn't all perfect. The lack of basic three-frequency EQ control was a letdown. I thought the beautiful touchscreen would be perfect for this, but no luck. Not having these fundamental adjustments was a bit of a disappointment, especially considering its user-friendly design.

Microphone Compatibility

Not Just for Rode Mics

I don’t use a Rode mic – I’ve got Heil PR40s, which sound incredible with a Mackie mixer. So without onboard EQ, I had to tweak things in post-production. It’s a workaround, but not ideal. I’m curious to see how a Rode mic would fare, given their tuned presets.

Recommendation

Still Worth It?

Would I recommend the Rodecaster Pro? Absolutely. Despite some quirks, its potential is undeniable. It's a bit frustrating that I have to spend more time in post, which I hoped to avoid. But, I'm planning to test it with a Rode mic eventually.

Update: After Extended Use

Impressed by the Updates

After several months of use and with the release of the new software update, my view has shifted. The update addressed my concerns, adding controls for the onboard compressor, noise gate, de-esser, and more. It’s become a reliable workhorse for my podcast.

Power and USB Issues

A Frustrating Experience

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. There were power and USB issues that were quite troublesome. At one point, I couldn’t get the USB 1 to connect to anything, which was incredibly frustrating. This kind of issue is not what you expect from a premium product.

Final Thoughts

Great, But With Caveats

Overall, the RØDECaster Pro II is a powerful tool, but it comes with its own set of challenges. It's packed with features that any podcaster or content creator would love, but be prepared for some potential hiccups along the way.

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: Rode Rodecaster Pro II or Zoom LiveTrak L 12

Stepping into the Audio Arena: Rode Rodecaster Pro II vs. Zoom LiveTrak L-12

In the world of podcasting equipment and studio recording consoles, two heavyweights are vying for the top spot. We're talking about the Rode Rodecaster Pro II and the Zoom LiveTrak L-12. Both serve as a multitrack recorder, audio mixer, soundboard, and portable recording studio wrapped up in one neat package. But which one takes the cake? Let's dive into their specifics.

Living it Up with The Rode Rodecaster Pro II

The Rode Rodecaster Pro II hits high expectations right out of the gate. It's like a magic box for audio production with polywav files, one-button Bluetooth, USB in/out with mix-minus, and soundFX banks. However, it originally missed a beat by lacking three-frequency EQ control. A slight damper on an otherwise impressive resume. Microphone compatibility was another hiccup. Non-Rode mics need some post-production tweaking to hit that sweet spot of sound quality. But don't let this scare you away – this soundboard is still a contender in our showdown. After some time in the ring (and a software update), this live streaming gear came back swinging with onboard compressor controls, noise gate adjustments, de-esser tweaks – you name it! However, it's not all rosy; there were some power and USB issues that can be frustrating to deal with.

Jamming Out with The Zoom LiveTrak L-12

On to its rival – the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 – a powerhouse of an audio mixer. This portable recording studio shines in multiple scenarios, from practice sessions with integrated metronome and easy recording to live performances with flexible output options. Its ability to connect multiple devices and record instantly makes it a musician's best friend. It even adapts well to socially distanced rehearsals (thanks, pandemic), allowing for effective mic setups and clear monitoring of all instruments. However, no audio gear is perfect. The L-12's compression quality could use some tuning up, and the preamps are satisfactory but not exceptional. Manual adjustments are necessary when switching mixes due to the lack of motorized faders. Lastly, its file naming system is functional but can be tricky to navigate.

And The Winner Is…

After weighing their features and quirks, the winner of this podcasting equipment showdown is the Zoom LiveTrak L-12. Its versatility as a multitrack recorder makes it the prime choice for musicians and sound engineers alike. Despite minor setbacks like its compression quality, it stands tall with comprehensive features at an excellent price point. The Rode Rodecaster Pro II put up a good fight with its feature-rich design and improved updates. But issues like power inconsistencies and USB connectivity problems detract from its overall usability. While both pieces of live streaming gear offer impressive features, the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 ultimately takes the crown for being more reliable and versatile in different setups – from studio recording console to live performance soundboard. So there you have it! Your search for top-notch podcasting equipment ends here – rest assured that the Zoom LiveTrak L-12 will serve you well in all your audio endeavors.