The fact that the L-8 manages to do all this with bus power and batteries alone is really quite a remarkable achievement and one that only adds to the units elite level of portability. You can also specify the recording format, and engage auto (threshold‑triggered) record and/or 2‑second pre‑record modes.

Zoom LiveTrak L-8 - Sound On Sound

The mixing consoles also have USB connectivity for use with Windows or iOS operating DAWs, utilising the consoles ability to work as an interface.

podcasting) and when applying plenty of gain for dynamic mics (a Shure SM57 and Heil Sound PR40) there was pleasingly little hiss. If it involves audio and a location, chances are you will find a Zoom product somewhere in the vicinity, such is the companies omnipresence in the field. You can use the unit as a class compliant audio interface ONLY IF you power the unit with batteries! Channels 7 and 8 are single line level inputs and are switchable between line level, USB 1-2/3-4, or smartphone jack input.

ZOOM LIVETRAK L-8 MIXER Digital, 8-channel, record - Canford ZOOM LIVETRAK L-8 MIXER Digital, 8-channel, record - Canford

I would of loved to have seen a simple compressor/limiter included on the unit, but in terms of standard DAW workflow, this is something that can easily be amended in the box. They have features including multiple headphone level outputs for monitoring, and multi-track recording directly to an inserted SD card. The fact that it fits so easily into a backpack, makes the L-8 an absolute must-have for anyone lacking a dedicated recording space or for the itinerant producer looking to take their recordings outside the bedroom.A further three headphone outputs can be set to have a duplicate of the master mix, or a unique mix – determined by the fader position on the associated output channel. Perhaps one of the more impressive aspects of the LiveTrak L-8 (and one that definitely impressed this reviewer) is when you realise that all of the aforementioned features are powered by the USB Bus alone, something that would have previously been inconceivable a few years ago.