MIXER SHOWDOWN - ZOOM LIVETRAK L8 vs RODECASTER PRO 

Yeah...there are a few benefits to this board

Awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!!

Thats amazing! Cheers and thanks for watching!!

I'm I can't tell which one you're talking about

Thanks for watching!!

I agree with that. When making an investment, I always keep versatility in mind. The Rodecaster looks like a great product but the Zoom has way more versatility all around. For example, maybe someone is getting into podcasting NOW but down the road they might want to do sound reinforcement for a live show. The versatility of the Zoom allows for that growth/evolution.

Thanks for watching!!

Ty

I just got the zoom l-8 and a podmic for podcasting and I'm also trying to double this as my mic for when I talk to people through discord on my PC. I connected the power supply to my PC and changed my input settings on Windows 10 to "Zoom L-8 Audio" but nothing is working (My levels on the board are working). Do you (or anyone else reading) know what else I could be doing wrong?

Troubleshooting something like that isn't easy on here. Are you able to record into a program?

@@DarkCornerStudios haven't tried. what's a free program I should try on?

Amazing to hear! Thanks for watching!

Yeah. The RCP definitely has some amazing positives! Thanks for watching!

The RCP effect and noise gate are fantastic for those who are less engineer and more podcast host...and that is the point of these devices. However, as a professional recording engineer, I NEVER want my processing recorded.

@@ashleymadison9380 Why?

@@caseyjudson1062 Because you can never undo the processing If it is recorded on the original track. Start with a clean recording.... Going back and adding processing is easy, But if you record it to the original track you're stuck with it.

Amazing! Good luck with the podcast!!

Awww...good to know I could hook you in! You will love the H5! Bit of a learning curve...but one of the most versatile units in audio....and it fits in the palm of your hand. Cheers and thanks for watching!!

@Devin Hollis: How are the preamps on the H5? Can I resort to just using that as an audio interface for Adobe Audition on the Mac?

@@EPHONIC I think the preamps are fine, but others have complained about them. If you go much above 6 I think you can hear some noise, but for me with either the xy mic or my AT2030 I'll get clipping at much over 5. I don't speak overly loudly either. If you use it as an audio interface, be aware that while it's plugged in, mine will lock up if you delete a file on the Zoom. I have to unplug it and take it the batteries to restart it. No idea why. I think I would have just gone with the Yeticaster looking back. The Zoom is kind of inconvenient as an audio interface because you turn it on and choose if you want that or SD reader mode. Then, if you turn off the Zoom, your software will lose the device, which is kind of annoying switching back when you turn it back on. With the Yeti you can just leave it plugged in and mute it when not in use. Plus, I bought a Yeti to leave plugged in for that reason, and it sounds different than my other mic, so I can't just record a quick correction in the same track, because the Yeti sounds a bit deeper and "more full" than my other mic, which I kind of prefer. After a 500 dollar investment, I don't want to switch completely to my Yeti, lol. I can't speak for Adobe, but I'm sure it'll work. I use garage band, and I'm sure it'll work with anything when in audio interface mode.

Devin Hollis Thanks so much for the comprehensive response and advice. I’m trying to decide between the Zoom Livetrak L-8 and the H5. Basically it’s comes down to preamps and the noise at varying levels of gain. They both are portable enough for me but I’m torn. Price is okay for me on either.

Yep...if it works for recording it would work for live. Cheers!!

Thanks for watching!!

If you are a pro...zoom works exceptionally well. If you are JUST doing VO work the RODEcaster would work...but you will find it annoying. I'd go L12

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks for the quick response, Im looking for flexibility, the RODE looks amazing, but as I understand has only one line input. The zoom seems more flexible but as you said I NEED to make the speakers go mute when I record. :D will analyze the L-12 :D

@@Fechu yeah...it is tough if you need any expandability. L12 will suit you well...and despite it being a bit more advanced...it is a pro setup. Seems we are in a stage of audio production where there always seems to be some sort of compromise...

@@Fechu also...thanks for watching!!

Amazing to hear... It really is a powerful little beast at a great price

Yes it is. The only thing I wish is that it connected to my IPad Pro 2019 so I can do live streams over the net.

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Md937mNGXEE.html here is my video on the RavPower Brick. I called Zoom and asked them before hooking it up and they said it would be no problem.

Awesome to hear!!

Pete Johns hi mate, first of all thanks for all your videos, you saved me from a lot of headaches with the iPad adapters. Which one did you get?

Lol...funny question. @mr3ff made it for me waaayyyy back. He charges a bit of cash...but he does some decent stuff

Also...thanks for watching

Dark Corner Studios keep up the good work great explanation on your videos 🍻. I need myself one of these intros 😅.

@@topalecom ill hit him up and see what he says

You got an email he can hit up?

Pretty sure a basic switch would work...just to kill signal

Btw...thanks for watching!!

Plug them into mixes, not mains.

You keep saying this...do you understand how audio works? Those are headphone outs

Thanks for watching! It is a weird omission by Zoom...it is standard on the L-12, and when I pressed them for an answer...they didnt have one. The RCP has its downfalls, but only on the software...not on the hardware

I got a lot of hate for that statement...lol. Someone even called me elitist! Good times

I use Hindenburg to edit my Podcast. So are you telling me that Rodecaster won't work for me?

@@Sumohano it's nothing to do with the DAW you use. The 3rd party drivers are a pain in the ass to use.

You can record multitrack to the SD card and import the tracks in. Some of it could have been my particular computer too. Many people don't have the problem I had. Rode nor Hindenburg could resolve the problem. Nor Sweetwater.

Just curious, are you guys using mac or PC

Thanks for watching! Glad the review helped!!

Yes pocket operators ! My one man band of awesome pocket operators need this L8 mixer asap. they deserve a cool mixer to breathe in . I love those little music making calculators LOL

Oh...no question the Zoom Livetrak L8. Much more versatility when doing any kind of live sound

Thanks for watching by the way!!

@@DarkCornerStudios Can you add jog wheels and crossfade on Livetrak?

@@MduNhlebela gah...thats a great question. I can't imagine why not...though I've never set up jog wheels. But if they interact with other mixers in that way...there shouldn't be any issue

I have one of the Rode phone interfaces...but it's only for iPhones. I'm an Android guy. May have to steal the wife's phone for a day or two to nail off a review

Didnt see this comment. Considering your setup and the fact that you are running the mac, I would suggest the RCP. It has better implementation of the phone...as well as offering 2 options for recording...both the hardwired, and bluetooth. The Zoom is a bit more like its older brother the L12, and cheaper, but if you have monitors... So...yeah...RCP all the way. All this would change if you were rocking a PC BTW

My pleasure! Let me know what your first impressions are when you get the mixer!!

Hi John, did you get the L-8? What do you think?

@@ashleymadison9380 I Love it! Does all I had hoped and more

I used to...but as my studio grows...so does the need for deskspace. That said...I hear what you mean...my old presonus was good for that. Very sturdy

Nope. None whatsoever. Thanks for watching!

I personally think the Zoom is the better buy..if you have experience with mixers. Please consider using the links in the description! Cheers!

Thanks

I would try to keep you entire podcast at -ထdb.

Not if you aren't using the board for anything other than recording. Like I said in the video...the board would be my daily audio for my studio...

Seems weird to record audio pre-fader. Seems like it would make it much harder to edit, especially if you have to control the levels of a specific guest, or pull him out of the mix for some reason. Going back and editing the raw files, (even IF you do get each mic on it's own raw file) you'd have to remember exactly when he was supposed to be pulled out of the mix. Seems awkward to me. I dunno.

Dave Cruickshank yeah, it is a little odd, but it always plays back post fader if you record something to the SD card and play it back, so you have everything recorded on each track even if the fader is down. So I think it’s just a safety precaution to make sure nothing is ever missed because the fader was too low.

The Livetrak L8 is still a fantastic mixer for music. It's a nit long in the tooth for podcasts however. Totally worth it for live or recording bands. And if the l8 isn't enough...the L12 isn't much more

I would have to say the Zoom LiveTrak L8 would be a great starter for that. It would be a quick and easy setup. The only thing I would caution is the condenser mic... If you are using speakers in a live sound scenario, that condenser will give an awful lot of feedback. Best bet for live sound would be a Shure SM58. If you are just going through the computer to record and stream...the condenser will be just fine. Just follow the instructions with the Zoom L8 you will be just fine... And as always...do consider using the links in the video description as it does support the channel!

Cool...good to know

You mean that lock that Apple decided we didn't need a while back? IDIOTS. I sure miss my MBP, that I would still have if they had not removed that Kensington Lock option.

Thanks for watching!!! Good points

Totally would go with the L-8 if you are doing any kind of music.

That's something I never thought of. Nope...no way to mount to a stand

@@DarkCornerStudios You could probably rig something up using a laptop stand or a holder for the larger iPads.

Or you can just use a monitor controller...

First of all...thanks for watching! As for the upcoming podcast...that's awesome news! Congrats and good luck with it!!

Yep! The Zoom is for you! Consider using the links in the description...they help support the channel! Cheers and thanks for watching

Zoom L8 all the way... The Zoom is made for both musicians and podcasters...the RCP is literally ONLY for podcasters. Cheers and thanks for watching!

@@DarkCornerStudios Noted with many thanks. Will go for L8. Cheers :)

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

Randy S. RCP 2?👀

Lol...if you must...do indeed buy both! If you want everything the L8 offers with the ability to switch off the monitors...try the L12

Also...thanks for watching!!!

@@DarkCornerStudios Oh Bugger!! If Id had known that I would have bought that instead!! Thanks for the Info I will check it out!!

Ohhh...that is a great question. I will have to look into that. I think the best option will always be OBS...which is free...but I have never set up an HDMI stream.

The elgato CamLink 4K is terrific 👍

Adan Hernandez ATEM Mini

Thank you for watching!!

Yeah...the master out...but that turns your mic down as well I believe.

@@DarkCornerStudios I just got one myself, as soon as I set it up will let you know!! ;-) By the way thanks for your reply!!

Yes...if not surpass. RODE really knocked it out of the park with their processing

Also...thanks for watching!

Much better preamps and general quality all around. This is also aimed at podcasters and musicians solely. Also there are several features on this you cannot get with the behringer.

@@DarkCornerStudios I’m just learning about all of this today and trying to get something for a three host podcast setup with rode podmics, but also something that I can try and record simple music covers with. The Zoom is looking good but not sure if it’s worth double the money over the behrginger regarding sound quality and hiss

Yes. Yes it is. Also it will hold a lot more of its value if you ever resell. The behringers are not great

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks for the help I really appreciate it; last question. Do you have a better/cheaper alternative that you think is worth getting over the l-8 or should I just pull the trigger on the l-8? Thanks again!

For what you get...the L8 is the best for the price. Especially for what you want to do. Any steps down would give up a lot if usability and quality. Cheers!

Not really. The point of speakers is the ability to get a L/R feed...not a stereo blend. Though I did overlook one thing. A separate monitoring controller...so very possible

Cheers and ghanks for watching!

Fully functioning wav recordings and multi tracking is an option of course

By the way...thanks for watching!

The gain is comparable...and to be honest...you can read it off the internet. The zoom pre has always been a tad noisier...but frankly not really an issue for podcasts....only if you are doing VO work. And to be honest...you WONT hear a difference between the two over a RU-vid video. The differential would be minute

@@DarkCornerStudios thank you for reply!

Anytime! Thanks for taking the time to watch!!

Nope...sorry

@@DarkCornerStudios oh ok, so that's only viable with something like a goXlr?

I don't even know if the goxlr can do that...good luck though

@@DarkCornerStudios Yeah I'm pretty sure people are doin it :) Live streamers mainly. Not sure if that's a workaround with VoiceMeter Banana or a built-in goXlr thing, I have to check. Thanks though

yeah you can. that's what the USB input selector button is for on channels 8 and 10 (both stereo inputs) . in terms of limiting the recorded audio from a specific app as opposed to the whole pc audio, that you would have to do on the pc its self before its routed to the channel.

The Livetrak doesnt have those effects. As for sound quality...there is no discernible difference

@@DarkCornerStudios That makes a lot of difference for me too. RCP for me, I guess.

@@DarkCornerStudios Most interested in relative audio quality. If no difference, then good to know. Thx.

@@RadioCamp nah...with interfaces at this level...they are all going to be similar in sound quality

The differential is plain as day on PC. Are you a mac user? Because the difference between 3rd party drivers vs proprietary is pretty clear...considering the amount of effort that is put in for a substandard setup. Not to mention - - Drivers that are another company are not fine tuned to a specific machine - Reliance on another company to make sure the drivers arent buggy with software implementations - Better customer support when dealing with issues as the parent company will know the complete ins and outs of issues when they come up.

Not a bad idea...though I do kind of consider them different beasts. Ill keep it in mind though. Thanks for watching!!

Wow...there is a whole bunch going on here. Ok. Let's start at the top. Crackling through the comp. I do know one of the most common causes for this is latency. If the buffer size is different between your mixer and the daw you are using...this can happen. The fix is - go into the settings on your DAW and look for buffer size setting. If I recall...the sample size should be 1024... If that doesnt work...I would look at your usb cable. Try buying a cheap replacement and see if that fixes the problem. From there...if the problem persists...I am lost... Give that a try and report back. Now...sounds of the PC coming through on interviews. This one is tough...cause I am not sure what your settings are...but I think I know what you are talking about. This is from the Rode website - "Switchable Mix-Minus on USB Main Output" The RØDECaster Pro now has switchable mix-minus on the USB channel, in addition to the mix-minus on the Bluetooth and TRRS channels. This means if you want to connect a computer-based communication app like Discord or Skype via the USB channel, you can do so without a feedback loop. This is also activated via the ‘Advanced’ menu. An important note to remember: if you activate mix-minus mode on the USB output, the main USB output no longer represents the full podcast mix. This means if you want to record the stereo mix to your computer as well as use the USB input for a phone call or similar, you will need to activate multitrack mode. Make sure you allocate the main USB device to your communications app, and Source 1 and 2 of the multitrack USB device to your recording software." Now...I think this covers it all...but if you are still having problems...join Dark Corner Studios on FB...easier to chat on there. As for the asio4all...lol...you are on your own...

Let me know how it goes for you!! I do know they were on sale when I posted the links below!

I will.

I like it because it is portable on batteries.

It powers up by 110, iPad Pro, and an external power supply. It will not power up with the iPad Air 2. I tried it. I’m loving this mixer so far.

If its recognized...it will record. Double check to make sure you volume was up

Software and multitrack? First of all...there is no software with either board. I think you mean effects. Personally a lot of people dont like issuing effects online with audio as it can be destructive to the final product. As for multitrack...both boards have multitrack

@@DarkCornerStudios Meant to say hardware, however, doesnt change anything, still meant what I said about the multitrack updates. the lil Zoom board is ok, but Rodecaster is still better option over all if u can spend a lil more.

Even with the 2.0 update, I still had lots of issues with multitrack recording on the Rodecaster Pro and Windows. I've switched to the L-8 and it's a dream to use in comparison.

@Arriaga Two Yes, I've owned both - currently I just have the L-8 and you need six XLR inputs if you have six mics :) In terms of which looks more 'pro', to a professional, the L-8 looks a lot more professional than the Rodecaster but I can see why others see it the other way round. The Rodecaster is great but can be very frustrating for those who know how to use a mixer.

Really doesnt look like it. It's a pity too. There are some weird workarounds...but nothing that actually is a decent solution for proper monitors. Sorry to hear that's the bug that bit you

Dark Corner Studios thank you for your reply and I meant to say I enjoyed the video. I plan to keep it because that issue aside it’s fantastic, but it seems a real oversight.

@@samsicles_jr thanks for watching!

Yep

Sadly no...though I do recommend not going with inline effects like that...though the RCP does actually do it VERY well. All that aside...good luck on the decision...and consider using the links below if you are gonna buy! Thanks for taking the time to watch!!

Dark Corner Studios thanks for the response. I knew something would come come along and rival the RCP.

@@lorddeathspit1124 no kidding. Seems to be the new craze.

Yeah...pretty standard as the channels are only considered for voice. And that is usually mono

YES! And consider the links in the description as they support the channel! LOL Seriously though...I should move to that system

you can actually down the volume on the master out if you want to record, if you look at the main out, there is a 3/4 jack output in form. of head phone , the nub controls the 3/4 and the master out I guess try it if it works.

I had done a complete review for the rcp prior. And there are minimal eq options

Thanks for watching!

I was really let down by this piece of gear. I mean I can understand (don't like but can understand) the Go XLR doing a max of 24 bit at 48khz but this? Far far far from being a PRO as is part of the name. At least 96khz and in 2020 192khz is becoming a standard with 384 khz showing up on some gear.

@@generalawareness101 44.1 for music or 48khz for video is and will be standard. 88.1, 96, 192 and so improves the datastorage but most people in the world will not hear a differente. So that is not an argument. You could do podcasting even in 16 bit 44.1k. 🤓🖖🏽🍀

@@Micouniverse I stand by what I said.

@@generalawareness101 Yes yes and be aware with 384khz 🤩

Why would you want the drivers like the Rode? The Zoom are so much nicer and more intuitive. No thought process when multitracking

I did mention it. I said it too was stellar...even though I dont like in line effects.

@@DarkCornerStudios You should NEVER use inline effects. Your recording should be effects free. Effects should be done in post :-)

Yeah...got schooled on that already...lol

@@DarkCornerStudios Didn't mean to "School" you. Great channel!

@@mtg75 lol...its seriously all good. Cant have the wrong info going out. Thanks for the correction though. And thanks for the love!

Didn't work. The master kills the audio going through the usb to the computer as well. That's why it's the master

@@DarkCornerStudios are you on Whats app

I wish I could show you how I am using mine without that problem

That's a great question. The ONE thing I did not test was file transfer... Sorry. That would be dependent on several factors. Most of the time it is easier to get a card reader and plug that directly to your computer. If your sd card is fast enough...it can be a pretty painless experience

This was my exact question. If I am only recording 2 mics, I don't want 16 files to transfer. Super annoying.

@@wentrekin1 this does seem like an odd problem for Rode to have I have transferred off a Zoom product many times and I can say it doesnt have that issue. Considering the L8 is based on a lot of the architecture of the H series...i thin it shouldn't be an issue

I dont know what you mean by faded automatically

@@DarkCornerStudios good morning automatic fade in the music down so when you talk the music goes down on the Neath you and your louder than the music

@@DJ-SPARKY-REACH-ON-AIR You mean compression?

@@DarkCornerStudios well I do radio streaming and I play music and I like to talk over the music with out fading the music down

@@DJ-SPARKY-REACH-ON-AIR There is nothing I can think of on the market that would do that. But I do know that the RCP has a few features for your voice that would do that...which is eq and compression. Outside of getting that stuff separately, there really isnt anything other than the rcp...

Thanks for watching!

Cheers and thanks for watching!!

Yes. I was using multitrack...and that is the primary issue I had with the Rodecaster. Or to be more specific, was the use of 3rd party ASIO drivers...which I found particularly shocking. A company as big as RODE should be releasing their own proprietary drivers...much like ZOOM...and all the others. That being said I really did like EVERYTHING else about the RODEcaster Pro

@@DarkCornerStudios I don't find it shocking at all. Asio is a well supported and optimised protocol for companies to use and many companies use it as the foundation for their audio drivers. Asio itself isn't the problem, it's what the developers do with it. As to why not fully custom, it's not needed. Asio is more than sufficient enough to handle 14 tracks in which most cases, doesn't need to be realtime. It's also heavily battletested over the years. Also not to forget, Asio works on all-most used platforms (Windows, Mac and Linux.)

@@annekedebruyn7797 it's not ASIO in general that I have an issue with...it is the implementation of ASIO4all... These are the drivers they decided to go with...and they are not perfect in any way. While 3rd party ASIO drivers are used a LOT...i generally expect large companies that charge large money for their products to have their OWN drivers for it. That means the drivers can be specifically tuned to the device...an issue that the RODEcaster currently has. For the amount of money you are spending...why is everyone so willing to accept an OK solution...when the best solution is within reach?

@@DarkCornerStudios Ah fair enough, I thought that you didn't like the ASIO protocol in general. I agree, for 500 dollars the drivers should at least work.

Yeah. I get a lot of heat for that statement right there...if you look at the amount of downvotes on this video it is cringeworthy. Worst part is...I am just trying to be honest...as it pertains to the review. Sigh...I guess you literally CANT win on RU-vid...lol

You can still use some of the sound pads...just not all... a phone call only takes the one bank of 3 I believe

(Maybe I'd be better to run it into stereo input 8 using a 1/4 stereo in? But 1/8 inch to L/R TR is what I have I don't need 2000 cables. Plus, I want to use input 8 for the phone.

Funny enough...I didnt even consider that while doing the review. That is a fantastic idea for anyone that wants to rock this...though you do lose the pricing benefit compared to the RCP Thanks for watching...

Lol. It was a first impressions unboxing. Sorry I hurt you with my words

That is odd. The LiveTrak should not suffer that issue...as mix minus sends all the audio...minus their voice... Weird though

@@DarkCornerStudios Yes, I was shocked to learn this about the Roadcaster Pro. So to reiterate, a guest / caller (mix-minus) will not hear the audio of the computer, say (maybe playing a Podcast or RU-vid video). The other guests will hear this, however.

@@yinYangMountain yeah...the zoom will have no problem with that So it would seem RODE doesnt consider the audio pass through a part of the mix. One way around that is to capture the audio on a sound pad or external device plugged in...like another phone

sserunjaba george just buy it. Order it online and ship it to your place !!

I have one on the way...stay tuned!!

It mutes the entire signal

@@DarkCornerStudios Darn. Well, i guess I could run the xlr cables to say my old scarlet 2i2o and use that to control volume to the monitor speakers.

@@seanmbranch yeah...or buy a monitor console. A really weird omission....not gonna lie