Thanks to Priscilla & Luis Bueno and Juan Carrillo, I now know there is a utility that Zoom released as part of their Firmware 2.0 that allows you to map the master channels to USB 1-2 which removes one of my biggest complaints in this video. It's not full cutomizable routing, but it does the main thing I would need. Check out the details here: zoomcorp.com/media/documents/L-12_L-20_L-20R_Driver_V2manual_en.pdf

This is probably the most useful review on the product I've seen so far. Thanks.

this is probably one of the best down to earth, comprehensive audio equipment reviews i've ever seen.

I know some might say there are workarounds, but for those who are looking for this product as an audio interface, be aware THIS PRODUCT BASICALLY IS NOT FOR AN AUDIO INTERFACE AND IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL ITS FEATURES incl. basica functions such as gain control and etc., on a computer, whether mac or windows system. AND IPAD IS A MUST FOR THIS PRODUCT TO WORK.

Your review makes sense. Thanks for taking the time. It's very understanding and gives me a clear picture on this product.

Thanks so much Casey, you covered everything I needed to know. I'm looking for a recorder we can capture band practices with, feed mixes to the room and monitor speakers, and have the option to do some overdubs. You had me at the headphone/speaker switch on the auxes :) and the size comparison to a MacBook 13". Stellar stuff!

I don’t remember the last time I watched a so long review, but you keep me here all the way until the end. Thanks for your amazing thoughts on this. I’m planning to buy this to integrate it into my Atem switcher. Some times I can get audio from the venue’s mixers but sometimes I need to bring mics for my livestream or live recording and I have few clients that asked me to bring mics plus speakers (low end events). So since this is rack mount and also a recorder, (many times I would like to just have a recorded audio that I can replace in post and most of the mixers out there don’t record audio). I think this is the right one for me. I’ve been seen many video switcher cases with those Rolls mixers but they are so simple that is really hard to trust them. Another one because of the price, is the Alesis Multimix 10. But haven’t search it yet. Thanks again!

thanks for taking the time to review this! I own one as well and youre confirming all my worst concerns about this unit. The Midas 18 (big brother to the beringer) mixer is the same price and has 10x the capability. The X18 and M18 can record multitrack in real time just as easy with a third party app and a usb connection to an ipad. even using this live, the equalizer isnt even intuitive enough to notch out a single feedback frequency since the sweepable midrange band's Q is so wide its basically just cutting the entire mid frequency spectrum.. The X and MD18 has multiple bands with adjustable Q. The compression knob is a joke not giving you the details of its settings. I bought this unit to have 16 channels of IO which it does deliver but was really scammed out of two other really great options for the same price and even less.

Came here because the band I mix decided to buy one, after I remarked on seeing how effective other sound-managers were with ipad controllers. Monitoring anywhere in the room + no snake to run = win. So I guess I got my wish. The selling point of the Zoom for them was its ability to record to multitrack and mix later. This really is the Zoom's strong point; even my Tascam wouldn't handle that many simultaneous tracks. I'll have to see how useful that one-knob compressor really is ... but to be fair: that's what the hardwired mixer has (and I agree: it seems only marginally useful compared to the 4-band compressor I've use on my home recordings). Nice of you to post this for the rest of us. One note: while no doubt easier for you to present casually and unscripted, the natural result is a substantial amount of discursiveness. While this does contribute a congenial informality (you bring a wonderfully warm personality) it also takes twice as much space/time to get the info across. I guess I'd compare it to making up a song as you go along (after deciding what the elements would be) and crafting a finished composition; both get the intent and ideas across. The latter just has the extraneous elements pruned away :)

Now this is what a review is all about : a knowledgeable point of view. Exceptional and valuable work. Thanks.

Best Zoom review I have seen, helped me make my decision to buy. I will most likely get the L20 vs the L20R, your vid really helped.

Thanks for the detailed review!

Very useful review. Almost bought this, but gain control in the app is the most imp aspect for me. Thanks for the save. Recording is also important, guess Bh xr18 is also out.

Good review!!! Thank you. I ran into that problem with OBS on other interfaces. I'm pretty sure that is a general ASIO driver standard design constraint common to all ASIO interfaces. To get around that I remember using something free called patch cable, or something like that which works pretty good. It's a bit of setting up, but it does work without the need for a 2nd interface wired up.

Wow man, thank you, fantastic video and very informative

Thanks a lot for this amazing review.

Very comprehensive review, thanks Casey. Leaving aside your quite valid concern about routing (I don't livestream), it sounds like the biggest issue is the compressor. The Behringer's signal routing and processing sound perfect... if only it had onboard recording! The virtual soundcheck capability is sweet. I don't like the thought of bringing my laptop/DAW to a gig. It could be argued the onboard recorder is worth the $100. Still, in all my years of buying gear it has often been the case that no one product has every desirable feature and it is frustrating.

just bought one of these for 899 canadian. everything else is super overpriced at the moment and this will fit the bill for band rehearsal PA/idea capture/eventual live mixing duties. i don't like the lack of gates and limited EQ controls, but it will still do a nice job for me. i think i'll REALLY like multitracking straight to SD card great video! thanks for taking the time to do it

This is super helpful. Thanks!

Thanks for your excellent analysis! it's an insurmountable shame that this doesn't even have ONE parametric equalization band on the channels, nor inserts to add in case of need (quite frequent), so for live mixer its usefulness is very relativized. I like the physical gains and the SD recording, each one should evaluate their needs and convenience.Beautiful device for the rest, "but" (as you say)... Saludos

We have the Presonus 32R at church and we had the same problem with OBS. The workaround we do is that in the mixer settings we digitally send the LR to channels 1 and 2.

Very good review although quite long. 👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Now for me it would be important that you could choose many different effects on different channels/tracks or if that’s not possible (in a digital mixer) that it should have been provided with the possibility to insert external effects. I’m also a little disappointed about the one-knob compressor which can’t be adjusted to the personal needs when compressing. And I have also got the question (I bought the mixer in August 2019) if there meanwhile is a firmware update (I didn‘t use the mixer at all so far as needs have completely changed after purchasing and today is the first day where I think of selling it. That‘s why I ‚ve been looking for reviews/comments etc.

I've watched your review 3 times. Fantastic review. I've purchased a used L-20R and so far love it. Any suggestions on how a subwoofer can be added for extra low for our bass player? TIA!

Thanks for the insight, saved me lots of frustration.

really useful stuff!

Great explanation, thanks so much

I bought the regular mixer version and dont have any issue. As the keyboard player it sits behind be and allows me to control everything and mix on my kitchen table the next day. And teh record feature is a must....I have captured crisp mixes of moments that I blew me away the next day. I just didnt want to be tied down to an Ipad..even though I still have that capability. Great video BTW

Excellent review ! And Tovar was without showing the interface and listening to it etc. very talented !

Thanks for your excellent end-user report Casey! We are looking for a handy mixer for our band with capability of making personal monitor mixes for five players. Please, would you confirm if every TRS output can be turned to stereo output meaning that we then could end-up with max. 6 stereo mixes to headphones?

Great vid. I’m am considering a zoom product either the l20 or the l20r. I think the l20r is less money with all the same features with the controls through the iPad. Your review was extremely honest and informative. Thank you and I will look at the beheringer prod as well😊

Nice video.my question,is the effects working on live streaming,facebook libe and recording also?

Great review. Cheers from Oz.

Great video. I reallønn like reviews like this one without funny voices or faces. Great format !

Thanks for the review. Looking jnto buying one of these. Just one question: can you connect wireless headphones for in ear monitors directly or does it need a separate connection. If thats the case can I use 8 monitor outs? And does it have individual instrument + the band volume controls? Thanks

I own zoom l20 and I can say this is the best zoom livetrack review so far.

For recording into OBS, did you try to use loopback and create a virtual audio device? I do that with Ableton and my Focusrite Interface and route everything into OBS. Thanks for you honest review

I have both zoom that you reviewed and the behringer xr12 and the zoom is a lot more user friendly to use especially when it comes to effects but thanks for your great review

The Soundcraft UI24r has built in recording and nuanced controls and fx. It is a bit more expensive, but you can find open box deals on it for about the same price as the Zoom L20r.

I've worked an x32, m32 and an xr18 for many years now and the xr18 has one additional thing not mentioned.... EQ and compression on the monitor outs. It's compressor also has a frequency selection which is the best thing since sliced bread. 👍

Informative review, love it. Thanks . does it has feedback eliminator? And is it usable on windows pc?

Great review! Have you tried a software like "Loopback" to route the audio in your macbook? Maybe it solves the issue using it with OBS.

Thanks. I had an X32 rack before but sold it at the start of covid as it was for (impossible) gaming events. Wish i hadn't as the price has gone up from £640 to £900 and sold it for £550 :( Was looking at this L20R but had assumed compressors and EQ would be similar to other models. Saved me from a wrong purchase. Compression is really important to me as there's radio mikes being used for interviews with varying volumes, plus game sound output from PCs where you want to squash down explosions but keep quieter nuances.

Hey mate, awesome video! Very insightful. Regards Behringer, the usual trope is a grizzle about component quality.. Anyways, whats the process for recording via class compliant mode? Do all the tracks go via bluetooth into the iPad? Or is there a cable connection? Seems crazy to send it through thin air but thats music for ya. I am temped by this for studio work but having some gear dependent on others.. I already brought a synthstation 25 and now those ios devices are redundant and I still have the keyboard.. My own iPad died and replacement took like 2 months... So in a case like that, can you still actually record at all on this, just using what is on the hardware? Or could you use it as a computer interface, without the iPad? I own an L12 presently and I know all the faders and stuff on that are only really usable on the monitoring side of things, and when using a DAW all the levels are in there. Interested to hear your feedback and thanks again, very helpful!

Thanks for the detailed review. I guess you have specific use case issues which validly are not supported, but on the whole it looks like it's still good for straight forward use. (Maybe your video could act as good feedback to the company. Zoom should be bright enough to figure that one out.) Cool! Well done.

On Sweetwater, XR18 is almost as much as the L20R now ($739 vs $799). But even at $699 -- yes, it's the recorder. Which makes sense, since that's what Zoom is primarily known for.

I’m purchasing one of these specifically for the internal recording

Will this unit record to SD card while playing the master mix over a USB device? I want to use this for live streaming and recording simultaneously without adding another DA/AD conversion.

Does anyone know if the EQ & compression are captured/printed to the track recordings when using the mixer as an audio interface?

I solved the streaming problem with a single jack lead - just use monitor busses and connect them to input 1+2 or just go mono - in most cases mono is sufficient - I can stream and record post compression/post EQ/post FX in OBS

Pretty cool mixer! thanks for sharing, does it have an automixer?

Very useful tips I own a 18 Behringer and a L20 that I use at church. Was looking to get the L20r because of the cost and yes the only reason I would ever take the L20r over the Behringer is the recording that helps a lot when you are mixing on stage also the part that you can listen to all the monitor channels that your sending to all the musicians is so easy. Compared to what I’m used to. I would have to tell everyone to check their mic signals gains and so on. It would take hours before I get it right. The Recorder is the game changer.

And if we bypass the iOS app and just use Logic Pro X… do we get the ability to keep those distinct monitor mixes??

On power-up, assuming levels are set and signals are live, will it start recording all channels when you hit the record button, or does it require iPad connection?

When you’re connected to the device, can you save each independent mix so you don’t have to change it every time? Or do you need to set each mix every time?

Great video.

One thing you may or may not know is that chipsets for Behringer are in very short supply... At the time of this writing 6/22, release for Behringer X series boards are scheduled for Feb or March of '23!

I’m very confused people say you can’t use it without an iPad. Can it not be simply an interface for Logic Pro? Thanks!

Hello, I have the full size L20, and one thing I hate about it is that, I don't think it can do automated punch-in/out. Which is crazy considering that the zoom R24 can do this. Which is why I only use the L20 for recording live performances. As a footnote, I also own the XR18, which is great for the reasons you stated, but sometimes I need the recording function. Anyway, please let me know if I am wrong about the automated punching in/out.

Very nice review but do i need to still buy an amplifier to power a PA system on stage, and if so, what would be good?

Thanks for this very thorough and thoughtful review. Subbed and liked. I have a quick question that I can't find the answer to anywhere. Is the compressor flexible enough to create a harsh noise gate? I'm particularly interested in using this to mic a government board room with 16 tabletop mics and I want it to have a very aggressive noise gate to deal with mic bleed and general room noise. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Good evening I have zoom live track L-20 It's having problem when I turn it on it says Goodbye see you please tell anyone solving problem

Owned a few digital mixers. Started with the Presonus 16.4.2 (haven't used in 3+ years), moved on to XR18 and X32 compact (and also the Flow 8 just use for home PC). Out of the bunch, the XR18 90%+ sees the MOST use for the reasons you mention PLUS it being very portable/lug-able. The XR18 + X-Touch is a nice combination but not required. Made heavy use of the automixer, downward expander (gate), compressors and EQs just recently (few weeks ago) for a twitch live stream of the NWPAS 2022 Pinball Tournaments (very VERY noisy room, like a loud waterfall). All critical to get as much headroom in a super noisy room into the stream. The X32 was also used for the main stage discussions/interviews/talks for live streams out to KZfaq. The nice thing is I was able to tweak the XR18 dynamics remotely from the other room without disturbing the tournament. I actually have considered getting a 2nd XR18.

hello. thanks for the review, by wifi what distance does it work for control on a tablet?

Amazon video bro!!! I was thinking to Produce a video about this mixer in Spanish. I did purchase this one a couple months ago, a it’s an amazing mixer!!!

I think the decision to put the gain control on the unit is a big positive. To use a digitally controlled gain/attenuating circuit will definitely compromise the signal in comparison. Having used other iPad controlled stage mixers I think this is a big plus. As to the compressor it’s, again, probably the best way to maintain signal integrity. In any case I can’t see how it would affect me as I don’t think I’ve ever adjusted compression during performance. What I do like is the form factor. I might also add, as I’m also in the film / video production business, I own quite a bit of Zoom gear, use it daily, and it’s all (1) very cleverly designed, (2) very reliable and (3) has very good pre-amps. It’s only when you’ve used a piece of their gear for a while that you realise just what they’ve made the wise design decisions they have.

Excellent video. Almost had an XR sale. Now the prices are reversed and I want the recorder. Ive never gotten anything from a compressor. Im illiterate about most cimputer stuff. I was looking for a demonstration of this device with the remote. Im sold with a couple questions. Can it be controlled with a MacBook instead of an ipad. Can it be controlled with an iPhone? An android kindle or PC?

Thanks for this informative review Casey. I own and use this live and purchased it for recording live as it was the best value and with a micro sd to capture - really simple. For this purpose alone, it’s great as like you mentioned it records each channel separately to mix in your DAW with or without effects which is just super handy when editing. Damn app crashes if you have wifi on while recording or run other apps while recording like ultimate guitar, but for a mixer for live recording - damn it’s got good features.

Hi Casey, I've just bought the L20r and had a question about recording (first time). After inserting a SD card and creating a new project, I tried to arm tracks for recording but all tracks were greyed out and unable to be armed. Any thoughts why? Kind of at a loss to know why? Thanks heaps.

Is the Behringer XR 18 Bluetooth like the Zoom L20R? I had the Soundcraft UI 24R and had problems with drop outs during the show and being able to reset.

Hey Casey! It’s been almost a month since my band and I bought a zoom livetrak L-20R and we like it pretty much from now! The only problem is that we can’t program individual mixes. The « select » knob on the physical machine only let us select « master » or « solo » and on the iPad it’s stuck on « Master ». Any answer would help us a lot! Thanks

Any chance they’ve updated the app for the L20R in the last year to include compression controls?

I've been looking at this but unless I'm mistaken there's no android app for control? I don't see myself buying an iPad just to use this when I already have a Galaxy tablet. Also I'm wondering if like their other recorders this Zoom doesn't have a timebase that's locked very well. I have the R24 and H6 and when I use them in conjunction with video cameras I find there's a LOT of drift, even between the H6 and R24, but especially with video. I expect SOEM drift, but the Zoom products drift in a way that seems to vary making it harder to sync them with other tracks.

Hello, if I had seen your video before, I would not have bought this device. I was especially disappointed that Zoom does not offer any support on the time length. The defects of the application are present 3 years later! I have a question: can you do a Reset of a scene with the iPad app. I have never been able to do anything with the scene reset button which remains grey and my scenes busy ? Thanks in advance for the answer.

I think one downside could be that it uses the Bluetooth protocol for the iPad controlling app instead of WiFi. Seems to be only brand who does it this way. So it would be interesting how stable it works from when controlling from far away places in a crowded hall.

Looking for automatic (Dugan style) microphone mixing, but I don't see it.

Thanks for this video with great content. I wanted to ask you a question: is it possible to use the Zoom Livetrack L12 / 20 with a band and make a Playlist and send the click to the drummer? I thank you for the answer

This mixer have same price range as XR18 in my place. But the hybrid problem, unbalanced mix/aux out, and just Stereo out USB are biggest disadvantage for me, compared to XR18 (I'm using this mixer this time). The USB feature here same as XR12 or XR16. I hope zoom can come with another rack like their L12 or L8 and got more cheap price range and have full digitally controlled by phone/tablet or PC. *** The only advantages on L20R is SD Card recording, sometimes I didn't take my laptop with me and some people want to record their performances by multitrack.

Hello. Does the device work without an app? even just record sound from microphones.

Does the L20 R have overdubbing capability? I have an H6 that does but I haven’t seen anyone talk about overdubs on this unit. Thanks

Sounds like the OBS only reading channels 1 & 2 is probably an OBS issue to not see the device properly?

Hey is the BTA-1 adapter included in the purchase?

So I don't know how you would react to the Soundcraft UI24R, it sounds like it might be the solution you are looking for

18:00 I guess one reason to get the L20 over the L20R is that in some live situations, there is interference in wifi signal. I have had this happen to me with an X32 but I had the option of connecting via ethernet to my laptop. Doesn't look like the L20R has an ethernet option. Also, I guess the full mixing board could look a little more professional if you were doing small live gigs and you show up with something that looks a bit more substantial to the client.

how many units does it take up on a rack?! I can't find this information anywhere

Hi, please can you tell me if this unit works in Wifi too, like Behringer or Soundcraft? I'm unhappy with my Ui16 soundcraft so i can't record multitrack, but it works with my old Ipad 2 ! Thanks

The Wifi and the missing recording feature on the Beringer are what's stopping me from buying one. For me it's a very big inconvenience to always have to transport my Laptop to record stuff properly

Hi thanks for this amazing review, is possible assign channels with usb? I mean in the case I want use backing tracks with the band in separate channel for example channel 5 bass channel 6 click ecc… thanks man

Hi, have you consider Soundcraft Ui24R?

lol its a mixer. I thought this was a 20 channel recorder. glad I saw your review. really want to find a digital audio capture device. I don't care so much about mixing just need to capture alot of live mics so I can mix them later, elsewhere on another collection of hardware.

Como conectar o fone na mesa para ouvir o retorno?

What’s up man, I’m not sure if I understood right about you Only getting channel 1 and 2 on OBS but I use the exact same l20r + OBS and I can plug in my whole band with no extra interface. Also for a little auto tune or affects I’ll run it through logic but still I can use all the channels I want or need.

My buddy has a zoom r16 that i use regular. We're looking at a mixer that can record. Im sold ten minutes in. Im waiting for the problems

I can only control it through and ipad? Doesn't it work with PC or Android? And the monitor out, is it stereo? Thanks

When I'd use it as an Interface with cubase pro 12, do I still need the app?? I'm actually just interested in the 20 inputs, to use it with my DAW. ??? ANY GOOD ADVICES FOR ME?

Tenho uma mesa da Yamaha xu20 analógica e o seu controle de compressor é único. Mas no manual explica tudo o fator ratio no knob então eu sei em que fator de ratio está no knob só pelo manual.

UI24R was my choice. It s pretty good. This seems interesting ;)

Oh this was very useful was looking at this mixer but probably that gain and compression control will break the deal. I also see it as a real life scenario that you adjust the gain and compression in front of the stage not going back to the rack or where the mixer is located. It is a shame indeed. :(

Can I export the recording as wav file?

The XR18 may be cheaper but you will need that money to buy a router and a laptop and Ethernet cables so you can talk to it since its access point and wireless control is not reliable. Spent 4 hours yesterday trying to get a new tablet to talk to XR18. Found out due to "updates" the Xair app would no longer work with the Xair. Downloaded Mix Station and finally got it working. Even then, no recorder like the Zoom. After spending a day with the XR18 I love my L20 even more. (not L20R).

Soundcraft too also have that kind of mixer.