Operation Manual © 2017 ZOOM CORPORATION Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
Usage and Safety Precautions Safety Precautions Usage Precautions In this operation manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions that you must read to prevent accidents. The meanings of these symbols are as follows. Warning Caution Interference with other electrical equipment In consideration of safety, the has been designed to minimize its emission of electromagnetic waves and to suppress interference from external electromagnetic waves.
Introduction Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM LiveTrak the following features. ( ). The has 12-channel digital mixer & multitrack recorder The combines a digital mixer with 12 total input channels (8 mono and 2 stereo), a multitrack recorder that can simultaneously record up to 14 tracks, and a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface.
Contents Selecting the folder where projects are saved………………………… 46 Usage and Safety Precautions…… 2 Introduction…………………………… 3 Selecting projects for playback…………………………… 47 Contents……………………………… 4 Names and functions of parts…… 6 Using the metronome…………… 48 Top…………………………………… 6 Enabling the metronome………… 48 Rear panel………………………… 15 Changing metronome settings…………………………… 49 Equipment connection example…………………………… 16 Using the slate mic……………… 53 Live PA system…………………… 16 Recording with the slate mic…
Contents Recording and playback settings……………………………… 77 Changing the recording format……………………………… 77 Changing automatic recording settings…………………………… 78 Showing recording levels on level meters…………………………… 80 Enabling latency adjustment…… 80 Changing the playback mode…… 81 SD card settings…………………… 82 Checking the open space on SD cards……………………………… 82 Formatting SD cards …………… 82 Testing SD card performance…… 83 Various settings…………………… 85 Setting the date and time……… 85 Setting the footswitch…………… 86 Changin
Names and functions of parts Top Input channel section ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ 1 MIC/LINE input jack These input jacks have built-in mic preamps. Connect mics, keyboards and guitars to them. These can be used with both XLR and 1/4-inch (balanced or unbalanced) phone plugs. ⑩ 2 48V switch/indicator This turns +48 V phantom power on or off. Turn this on ( ) to supply phantom power to MIC/LINE input jacks 1–4 (or 5–8). The indicator lights when the switch is on.
Names and functions of parts ① ⑩ ! LINE input jacks (TS) Use these input jacks to connect line level equipment. For example, connect keyboards or audio devices. These can be used with 1/4-inch (unbalanced) phone plugs. NOTE ② If only the left LINE input jack (TS) channel is connected, it will be handled as a mono channel. ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑪ ⑫ " LINE input jacks (RCA) Use these input jacks to connect line level equipment. For example, connect audio devices. These can be used with RCA pin connectors.
Names and functions of parts CHANNEL STRIP section ② 1 EQ OFF button When this button is lit, HIGH, MID, LOW and LOW CUT are bypassed. ⑦ ③ ⑧ ④ 2 HIGH knob This adjusts the boost/cut of high-frequency equalization. Type: shelving Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB Frequency: 10 kHz ① 3 MID FREQ knob This adjusts the central frequency of the mid frequency equalization. Frequency (in Hz): 100, 140, 200, 250, 315, 500, 800, 1k, 1.
Names and functions of parts FADER MODE section 1 MASTER and A–E buttons These switch between the mixes output from the MASTER OUT and MONITOR OUT A–E jacks. MASTER button: Use to show and adjust the mix output from the MASTER OUT jacks. A–E buttons: Use to show and adjust the mixes output from the MONITOR OUT A–E jacks. NOTE ① The parameters that can have separate settings for the MASTER and A–E mixes are as follows.
Names and functions of parts SCENE section ① 1 ON button Press this button, lighting it, to use the scene function ② 2 RESET button Press this button to reset the current mixer settings to the factory defaults. 3 1–9 buttons Use these buttons to select the scene to use to save the current mixer state and to load saved scenes. If the current mixer settings match the settings of a scene, the corresponding number button will light. This unit can save up to 9 scenes.
Names and functions of parts Send effect (SEND EFX) section 1 Effect type list This is the list of the built-in effects. The name of the currently selected effect lights. It blinks when being selected. If some time passes without a different effect being selected, the previously selected effect will remain selected. ① 2 TYPE knob Use to select the built-in effect. Turn this knob to select the effect type, and press it to confirm.
Names and functions of parts Output section ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑧ ⑦ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫ ⑬ 1 MASTER OUT jacks These jacks output signals after volume adjustment by the master fader. Connect them to a power amplifier, a PA system or speakers with built-in amplifiers, for example. These support balanced output with XLR connectors (2 HOT). 2 MONITOR OUT A jacks These jacks output signals after volume adjustment by the MONITOR OUT A knob. You can, for example, connect a monitoring system for the mixer operator here.
Names and functions of parts 9 MONITOR OUT B–E switches These switch the signals output from the MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks. NOTE The MONITOR OUT A jacks can be set to output the same signals as the MASTER OUT jacks or the signals set separately in the fader mode section. (→ P.31) Status 3 MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack This headphone jack outputs signals after volume adjustment by the MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob.
Names and functions of parts RECORDER section ① 6TEMPO button/indicator This sets the tempo of the metronome built into the recorder. Press this button to make the recorder detect the tempo from the average value. During recording and playback, the indicator blinks at a tempo of 40.0–250.0 bpm. See P. 49 for metronome settings. ② ③ ④ ⑤ 7 STOP button This stops the recorder. ⑥ ⑦ 8 PLAY/PAUSE button/indicator This starts and pauses recorder playback. The indicator shows the playback status as follows.
Names and functions of parts Rear panel ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ 1 POWER switch This turns the on and off. Switch to — to turn the power on. Switch to to turn the power off. When the POWER switch setting is changed to OFF, the current mixer settings are automatically saved in the unit and in the settings file in the project folder on the SD card. 2 DC IN 12V AC adapter connector Connect the included AC adapter here. ⑥ 5 USB DEVICE port This USB 2.0 port is for connecting with a computer.
Equipment connection example Live PA system Drums Electric guitar Keyboard Vocal/chorus mics ×2 Drum mics ×3 Electric acoustic guitar Powered speakers (main) Bass Performer headphones×4 DI Headphones Portable audio player 16
Portable audio player Equipment connection example Computer (for recording and playback) Footswitch 17
Display overview Home Screen ⑥ ⑦⑧ ⑤ ⑫ ① ② ⑬ ⑭ ③ ④ ⑨ No. ⑪ ⑩ Item Explanation 1 Project name This shows the project name. "<" appears if there is another project before this one in the folder. ">" appears if there is another project after this one in the folder. 2 Status icon This shows the status as follows. : Stopped : Paused : Recording : Playing back 3 Counter This shows the hour: minute: second. 4 Progress bar This bar shows the amount of time in the project from beginning to end.
Turning the unit on/off Turning the unit on POWER switch DC IN 12V AC adapter connector GAIN knob Input/Output jacks Channel faders Master fader EFX RETURN fader 1. Confirm that the output devices connected to the 19 are turned off.
Turning the unit on/off 2. Confirm that 3. Plug the AD-19 adapter designed for this unit into an outlet. 4. Set all 5. Connect instruments, mics, speakers and other equipment. is set to OFF. knobs and faders to their minimum values. HINT Equipment connection example (→ P.16) 6. Set 7. Turn on the output devices connected to the to ON. . NOTE • When using a passive guitar or bass guitar, connect it to channel 1 or 2, and turn • When using a condenser mic, turn on. (→ P.6) on. (→ P.
Turning the unit on/off Turning the power off 1. Minimize the volume of devices connected to the 2. Turn off the power of output devices connected to the 3. Set . . to OFF. The following screens appear and the power turns off. NOTE When the power is turned off, the current mixer settings are saved in the project on the SD card. If they cannot be saved to the SD card, they will be saved in the unit.
Using the MENU screen Recorder function settings, for example are made for the using the MENU screen. This is an explanation of the basic menu operations. Open the menu: Press This opens the MENU screen. Select menu items and parameters: Turn This moves the cursor. Confirm menu items and parameters: Press This opens the selected MENU screen or parameter setting screen. Return to previous screen: Press This opens the selected MENU screen or parameter setting screen.
Mixer Outputting input sounds from output devices Outputting sound from speakers GAIN knob MUTE button MUTE button Channel faders 1. Use Master fader to adjust the input signals while inputting sound from instru- ments and mics. NOTE Set them so that SIG indicators do not light red. SIG indicator 2. Turn off (unlit) for the MASTER and the channels with sound you want to output. 3. Set the MASTER fader to 0.
Mixer 4. 5. Use the channel faders to adjust the volumes. Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall volume. Outputting sound from headphones MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob MONITOR OUT A switch 1. Connect headphones to the MONITOR OUT PHONES A jack. 2. Set 3. Use to MASTER ( ). to adjust the volume.
Mixer Adjusting the tone and panning CHANNEL STRIP section SEL button 1. Press to light it for the channel for which you want to adjust tone and panning. 2. Use the knobs and buttons in the channel strip section to adjust the tone and panning. Adjusting the tone: , , , , Adjusting the panning: NOTE • Press settings. to light it, turning off all equalization at once. This will bypass HIGH, MID, LOW and LOW CUT • Using the compressor (→ P.6) HINT details about knobs and buttons (→ P.
Mixer Using the built-in effects The has 16 types of send effects SEND EFX knob TYPE knob SEL button Parameters 1 and 2 EFX RETURN MUTE button EFX RETURN fader 1. Turn to select the effect type, and press to confirm. Lit: Effect selected 2. Press 3. Set the SEND EFX RETURN fader to 0. to turn it off, unmuting the EFX RETURN.
Mixer 4. Press the for the channel that you want to use the effect on to light it. 5. Use 6. Use the SEND EFX RETURN fader to adjust the overall effect amount. 7. Use to adjust the amount for each channel. and to adjust the send effect parameters. NOTE See P. 95 for the parameters of each effect that can be adjusted by 27 and .
Mixer Using scene functions The scene function can be used to save up to nine sets of current mixer settings as scenes and to recall these saved settings at any time. ON button RESET button 1–9 buttons RECALL button SAVE button Saving scenes 1. Click so that it lights. This enables the scene function. 2. 3. Press . Buttons – Press again if you do not want to save a scene. will light if they have saved scenes and blink if they do not. Press the button where you want to save the scene.
Mixer NOTE • Nine scenes are saved in the unit. (→ P.10) • If a button that already has a scene saved is selected, that scene will be overwritten. • The following items are saved with scenes. - Fader positions (each channel, SEND EFX, MASTER) - MUTE ON/OFF (each channel, SEND EFX, MASTER) - EQ OFF - LOW CUT ON/OFF - EQ HIGH - EQ MID - EQ MID FREQ - EQ LOW - SEND EFX - PAN - SEND EFX TYPE - SEND EFX parameters 1 and 2 - USB button setting Recalling scenes 1. Click so that it lights.
Mixer Resetting mixer settings 1. Click so that it lights. This enables the scene function. 2. 3. Press . Buttons – Press again if you do not want to reset the settings. Press will blink if they have saved scenes and be unlit if they do not. . The current mixer settings are reset to their factory defaults.
Mixer Setting signals output from MONITOR OUT A–E The MONITOR OUT A–E jacks can be set to output the same mix as the MASTER OUT or different mixes. MONITOR OUT switches MASTER button Channel faders A–E buttons Adjusting the MONITOR OUT A–E mixes 1. Press an – button to select the output to mix. The selected output button lights and operation of all the channel faders is enabled. NOTE The level meters show the fader positions.
Mixer Selecting MONITOR OUT A–E output signals 1. Use the MONITOR OUT switch for an output to select its output signal. To output a mix set using MONITOR OUT A–E: Set MONITOR OUT switch to A–E ( ) To output the same mix as the MASTER: Set MONITOR OUT switch to MASTER ( ) Output different mixes for MONITOR OUT A–E Output same mix as MASTER NOTE • Each output mix is saved with the scene and project. • MONITOR OUT A–E do not output send-return effect signals.
Recording and playback Preparing to record Inserting SD cards POWER switch SD card slot 1. Set 2. Open the SD card slot cover, and insert an SD card all the way into the to OFF. slot. To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out. NOTE • Disable write-protection on the SD card before inserting it. • Always set to OFF before inserting or removing an SD card. Inserting or removing a card while the power is on could result in data loss.
Recording and playback Creating new projects The manages recording and playback data in units called projects. 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > NEW PROJECT . 2. Use to select YES, and press . NOTE • See P.56 for information about projects. • When a new project is created, it will start with the current mixer settings. HINT When the power is turned on, it will automatically load the last used project.
Recording and playback Recording and playing tracks The has recorder functions that enable simultaneous recording of up to 14 tracks and simultaneous playback of up to 12 tracks. The signals from every channel after they pass through their compressors and from the master fader output can be recorded. These recordings can also be played back. Recording REC/PLAY button PLAY/PAUSE button REC button STOP button 1. Use OVER DUB button to turn overdubbing on or off.
Recording and playback 3. Press to start recording standby. HINT If a recorded file already exists, and cording standby. 4. Press to start recording. 5. Press to stop recording. is off, pressing will create a new project and then start re- NOTE • The signals for each channel are recorded after passing through their compressors. (→ P. 96) • Punching in/out (→ P.39) • Starting recording automatically (→ P.43) • Capturing audio before recording starts (→ P.
Recording and playback Playing recordings REC/PLAY button PLAY/PAUSE button STOP button 1. Press for the channels you want to play, lighting these buttons green. 2. Press to start playback. PLAY/PAUSE indicator Lit: Playing back Blinking: Paused 3. Press to stop playback. NOTE • Playback signals are added before the equalizer section, so their EQ and panning settings can be adjusted during playback. (→ P. 96) • Selecting projects for playback (→ P.47) • Changing the playback mode (→ P.
Recording and playback Adding marks Adding marks at desired positions with the recorder makes moving to those positions easy. Selection encoder >>| button |<< button Adding marks during recording and playback 1. Press during recording/playback. Moving in mark order 1. Use these buttons to move in mark order. Move to next mark: Press Move to previous mark: Press NOTE Checking and deleting marks in projects (→ P.66) HINT • A maximum of 99 marks can be added to one project.
Recording and playback Redoing parts of recordings (punching in/out) Punching in/out is a function that can be used to rerecord parts of already recorded tracks. "Punching in" is switching track status from playback to recording. "Punching out" is switching track status from recording to playback. With the , punching in/out can be conducted using buttons on its top or a footswitch (ZOOM FS01). REC/PLAY button Selection encoder STOP button REC button OVER DUB button PLAY/PAUSE button 1. Press the 2.
Recording and playback 5. Press at the position where you want to start rerecording (punch in). 6. Press to end rerecording (punch out). NOTE • Punching in/out using a footswitch (ZOOM FS01) (→ P.86) • Punching in/out overwrites recordings. • Punching in/out can be done up to 99 times each time playback is started. 7. Press to stop playback.
Recording and playback Mixing down tracks A final stereo mix can be recorded to the master track. Signals are sent to the master track after passing through the master fader. Recording to the master track 1. Click so that it lights. NOTE Adjust the volume and panning of each recorded track before starting. 2. Press MASTER 3. Press to return to the recording beginning. 4. Press to start recording standby. 5. Press to start recording. 6. Press to end mixing down.
Recording and playback Playing the master track 1. Press MASTER 2. Press repeatedly until it lights green. . NOTE • To stop master track playback, press MASTER repeatedly until it becomes unlit. • When the master track is playing, other tracks will not be played back. • To listen to master track playback from a MONITOR OUT, set the MONITOR OUT A–E switch to MASTER ).
Recording and playback Recording automatically Recording can be started and stopped automatically in response to the level after passing through the master fader. Selection encoder MENU button REC button Master fader 1. Select MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > ON/OFF. 2. Use to select ON, and press . NOTE Making additional settings for automatic recording (→ P.
Recording and playback 3. Press repeatedly to return to the main recorder screen. The MASTER level meters will blink at the level that will cause automatic recording to start. 4. Press . The indicator will light and recording standby will start. HINT Recording starts automatically when the input exceeds the set level (shown by the MASTER level meters). You can also set recording to stop automatically when the input goes below a set level. (→ P.79) 5.
Recording and playback Capturing audio before recording starts The input signal can be captured for up to 2 seconds before recording is started (pre-recording). Setting this in advance can be useful when a performance starts suddenly, for example. 1. Select MENU > REC/PLAY > PRE REC. 2. Use to select ON, and press . NOTE • This function cannot be used with the AUTO REC, METRONOME, PRE COUNT or OVER DUB functions. When you turn AUTO REC or PRE COUNT on, PRE REC will be disabled.
Recording and playback Selecting the folder where projects are saved Choose one of ten folders as the folder where recorded projects will be saved. 1. Select MENU > FOLDER. 2. Use to select the folder where you want to save, and press NOTE • Up to 1000 projects can be saved in a single folder. • If a folder that does not have a project is selected, a new project will be created automatically. 46 .
Recording and playback Selecting projects for playback Projects saved on SD cards can be loaded. 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > SELECT. 2. Use to select the project you want to load, and press . NOTE • Projects in different folders cannot be selected. To select a project that is saved in a different folder, select that folder first. (→ P.46) • When a project is loaded, the mixer settings saved in that project are also loaded.
Using the metronome The metronome has adjustable volume, a selectable sound, and a precount function. The volume can also be adjusted separately for each output. Metronome settings are saved separately with each project. Enabling the metronome 1. Select MENU > METRONOME > CLICK. 2. Use to select when the metronome makes sound, and press Setting value Explanation OFF The metronome does not make sound. REC AND PLAY The metronome sounds during recording and playback.
Using the metronome Changing metronome settings MENU button Selection encoder Metronome button Changing the metronome tempo 1. Press . The current tempo is shown on the display. 2. Do one of the following to change the tempo.
Using the metronome Setting the precount A metronome count can be sounded before starting recording/playback. 1. Select MENU > METRONOME > PRE COUNT. 2. Use to select the precount behavior, and press . Setting value Explanation OFF No precount will sound. 1–8 Before recording/playback, the precount will sound for the set number of times (1–8). SPECIAL Before recording/playback, the precount will sound as shown below. NOTE • The precount is enabled even during playback.
Using the metronome Changing the metronome sound 1. Select MENU > METRONOME > SOUND. 2. Use to select the sound, and press . HINT The options are BELL, CLICK, STICK, COWBELL and HI-Q. NOTE Press to play the metronome and check the sound. Changing the metronome pattern 1. Select MENU > METRONOME > PATTERN. 2. Use to select the pattern, and press HINT The options are 1/4–8/4 and 6/8. NOTE Press to play the metronome and check the pattern. 51 .
Using the metronome Changing the metronome volume The metronome volume can be adjusted separately for the MASTER OUT and each of the MONITOR OUT A–E outputs. 1. Select MENU > METRONOME > LEVEL > MASTER or A–E. 2. Turn to adjust the volume, and press HINT Set from 0 to 100. NOTE Press to play the metronome and check the volume. 52 .
Using the slate mic The has a built-in slate mic that allows comments to be recorded. SLATE button Selection encoder MENU button Recording with the slate mic 1. Start recording. (→ P.35) 2. Press While to enable the slate mic. is being pressed, the indicator lights and the slate mic is enabled. NOTE • When the slate mic is in use, signals from input jacks are muted to the channels to which the slate mic is routed. • None of the channel faders affect the level of the slate mic.
Using the slate mic Changing slate mic settings Changing the slate mic volume 1. Select MENU > SLATE > LEVEL. 2. Turn to adjust the volume, and press 54 .
Using the slate mic Changing the slate mic routing 1. Select MENU > SLATE > ROUTING. 2. Turn to select a channel for routing. 3. Press confirm. ON OFF ALL: Set routing to all channels at once ALL CLEAR: Clear all settings Channel routing for slate mic input 4. Press . HINT Pressing toggles it ON/OFF.
Projects The manages recording and playback data in units called projects. The following data is saved in projects. • Audio data • Mixer settings • Send return effect settings • Mark information • Metronome settings Changing project names The name of the currently loaded project can be changed. MENU button Selection encoder REC button 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > RENAME.
Projects 2. Edit the name. Move cursor or change character: Turn Select character to change/confirm change: Press NOTE • The default project name is the date and time of creation. For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be "170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS). • Project names have 13 characters. • The following characters can be used in project and file names.
Projects Deleting projects Projects inside the selected folder can be deleted. 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > DELETE. 2. Use to select the project you want to delete, and press 3. Use to select YES, and press NOTE Projects cannot be deleted if protection is ON. 58 . .
Projects Protecting projects The currently loaded project can be write-protected, preventing the project from being saved, deleted or having its content changed. 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROTECT. 2. Use to select ON, and press . NOTE • Projects cannot be used for recording if protection is ON. Turn protection OFF to record. • When protection is OFF for a project, it will always be saved to the SD card when the power is turned off or another project is loaded.
Projects Checking project information Various information about the currently loaded projects can be viewed. 1. Select MENU > PROJECT. 2. Use to select the project with information you want to check, and press . Use to select INFORMATION, and press 3. .
Projects Saving projects to USB flash drives A USB flash drive can be connected directly to the loaded project can be saved to it. , and the currently MODE switch POWER switch USB HOST port MENU button Selection encoder 1. Set 2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB HOST port. to OFF.
Projects 3. Set 4. Set 5. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROJECT EXPORT. 6. Edit the name. to USB HOST. to ON. Move cursor or change character: Turn Select character to change/confirm change: Press NOTE • The default project name is the date and time of creation. For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be "170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS). • Project names have 13 characters. • The following characters can be used in project and file names.
Projects 8. Use to select YES, and press . NOTE • The folder structure on USB flash drives is as follows. Never change this folder structure. ZOOM_L-12 PROJECT Folder where project data is saved AUDIO Folder where audio data is saved • Projects will be saved on the USB flash drive in the "PROJECT" subfolder of the "ZOOM_L-12" folder. • Never disconnect a USB flash drive when “Saving” or “Loading” appears on the display.
Projects Importing projects from USB flash drives Projects saved on USB flash drives can be copied to SD cards. NOTE Use a computer to create "ZOOM_L-12" and "PROJECT" folders on the USB flash drive in advance (→ P. 63). Only projects inside the "PROJECT" folder can be imported. 1. Set 2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB HOST port. 3. Set 4. Set 5. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROJECT IMPORT. 6. Use to OFF. to USB HOST. to ON.
Projects 7. Edit the name. Move cursor or change character: Turn Select character to change/confirm change: Press NOTE • The default project name is the date and time of creation. For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be "170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS). • Project names have 13 characters. • The following characters can be used in project and file names.
Projects Managing marks A list of marks in the currently loaded project can be opened, allowing them to be checked, played and deleted. MENU button Selection encoder REC button 1. Select MENU > PROJECT > MARK LIST. A list of marks appears. Indicates added mark E mark indicates time when skipping occurred during recording 2. Use to select a mark, and play or delete it. Press to move to the mark position. Press to delete the mark.
Audio files The creates the following types of audio files according to the recording channel. • Channels 1–8: mono WAV files • Channels 9/10, 11/12 and MASTER: stereo WAV files The file format depends on the sampling rate (→ P.87) and quantization bit depth (→ P.77) used by the unit. The can also play back audio files created using DAW software (→ P.71). NOTE • The names given to audio files depend on their channels.
Audio files 2. Use to select the file you want to delete, and press NOTE Press 3. Press 4. Use to select/deselect all files. . to select YES, and press . NOTE Audio files cannot be deleted if protection is ON for their projects. 68 .
Audio files Exporting audio files to USB flash drives The desired audio files can be exported from projects to USB flash drives. Exported audio files will be saved on the USB flash drive in the "AUDIO" subfolder of the "ZOOM_L-12" folder. MENU button Selection encoder REC button 1. Set 2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB HOST port. 3. Set 4. Set 5. Select MENU > PROJECT > FILE EXPORT. to OFF. to USB HOST. to ON.
Audio files 6. Use 7. Edit the name. to select the file you want to export, and press . Move cursor or change character: Turn Select character to change/confirm change: Press NOTE • Audio file names have 24 characters. • The following characters can be used in project and file names. (space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z {˜ } • Project/file names cannot only be spaces. 8.
Audio files Importing audio files from USB flash drives The desired audio files can be imported from USB flash drives to existing projects and assigned to channels. NOTE Use a computer to create "ZOOM_L-12" and "AUDIO" folders on the USB flash drive in advance (→ P.63). Only audio files inside the "AUDIO" folder can be imported. 1. Set 2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB HOST port. 3. Set 4. Set 5. Select MENU > PROJECT > FILE IMPORT. 6. Use to OFF. to USB HOST. to ON.
Audio files 7. Use to select the channel where you want to assign the file, and press . NOTE • Mono WAV files can be assigned to mono channels and stereo WAV files can be assigned to stereo channels. • Files cannot be imported to channels that already have files assigned to them. • When files are imported, their file names will automatically be changed according to their import channels. 8. Use to select YES, and press .
Using audio interface functions The can be used as a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface. After applying its compressor, each input channel always outputs its signal to the corresponding USB audio channel. Channels 1–12 and the stereo signal output from the master fader are sent to the computer (14 channels total). Installing the driver 1. Download the "ZOOM L-12 Driver" from http://www.zoom.co.jp to the computer. NOTE • You can download the latest "ZOOM L-12 Driver" from the above website.
Using audio interface functions Connecting to a computer MODE switch POWER switch USB DEVICE port 1. Use a USB cable to connect the USB DEVICE port to the computer. 2. Set the 3. Set switch to AUDIO INTERFACE. to ON. NOTE • Set to ON when connected to an iOS device. • When connecting to an iOS device, use a Lightning to USB camera adapter (or Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter). 4. Set the as the computer sound device.
Using audio interface functions Inputting return signals from the computer to a stereo channel USB buttons 1. Turn the , button channel ON for the stereo channel to use for input. The signal controlled by the channel is switched to the USB audio channel signal (before EQ).
Using card reader functions When connected to a computer, data on the SD card can be checked and copied. USB DEVICE port POWER switch MODE switch 1. Use a USB cable to connect the USB DEVICE port to the computer. 2. Set 3. Set to CARD READER. to ON. NOTE When operating as a CARD READER, other functions and buttons cannot be used.
Recording and playback settings Changing the recording format The recording format can be changed in consideration of audio quality and file size. 1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > REC FORMAT. 2. Use to change the format, and press . HINT When overwriting a recording, recording will occur at the bit depth of the original file. For example, a file recorded at 16-bit cannot be overwritten with 24-bit recording.
Recording and playback settings Changing automatic recording settings The conditions for automatically starting and stopping recording can be set. Setting the automatic recording start level 1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > REC START LEVEL. 2. Use to change the start level, and press . Recording will start automatically when the level of the MASTER fader output signal exceeds the set level. HINT This can be set from −48 to 0 dB.
Recording and playback settings Setting automatic stopping 1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > AUTO STOP. 2. Use to select the automatic stop time, and press . HINT This can be set to OFF or between 0 and 5 seconds. 3. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > REC STOP LEVEL. 4. Use to set the stop level, and press . Recording will stop automatically when the level of the MASTER fader output stays below the set level for the amount of time set in step 2.
Recording and playback settings Showing recording levels on level meters The signals of levels recorded to the recorder or recorded to a computer when using the audio interface function can be shown on the level meters of each channel. 1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > REC LEVEL METER. 2. Use to select ON, and press . If recorded signal levels are higher than post fader levels, the recorded signal levels are shown lit dimly on the level meters.
Recording and playback settings Changing the playback mode 1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > PLAY MODE. 2. Use to select the play mode, and press . Setting value Explanation OFF Only the selected project plays back. Playback continues even when the end of a file is reached. PLAY ONE Only the selected project plays back. Playback stops when (single song playback) when the end of a file is reached. PLAY ALL Every project from the selected one to the last one will be (all song playback) played back.
SD card settings Checking the open space on SD cards 1. Open MENU > SD CARD > REMAIN. This shows the open space on the card. NOTE The shows less than the actual open space in order to maintain space to prevent SD card writing performance from degrading. Formatting SD cards Format SD cards for use with the . 1. Open MENU > SD CARD > FORMAT. 2. Use to select YES, and press .
SD card settings Testing SD card performance You can test whether SD cards can be used with the . A basic test can be done quickly, while a full test examines the entire SD card. Conducting a quick test 1. Open MENU > SD CARD > PERFORMANCE TEST. 2. Use to select QUICK, and press 3. Use to select YES, and press . . The card performance test will start. The test should take about 30 seconds. The result of the test will be shown when it completes. 4. Press to stop the test.
SD card settings Conducting a full test 1. Open MENU > SD CARD > PERFORMANCE TEST. 2. Use to select FULL TEST, and press . The amount of time required will be shown. 3. Use to select YES, and press . The result of the test will be shown when it completes. If the access rate MAX reaches 100%, the card will fail (NG). 4. Press to stop the test. HINT You can press to pause and resume a test.
Various settings Setting the date and time Display MENU button REC button 1. Select MENU > SYSTEM > DATE/TIME. 2. Set the date and time. Move cursor or change value: Turn Select item/confirm change: Press 3. Press . The first time you turn the power on after purchase, you must set the date/ time.
Various settings Setting the footswitch If a footswitch (ZOOM FS01) is connected to the CONTROL IN jack, you can start/stop recorder playback punch in/out or mute/unmute the send effect by foot. 1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > CONTROL IN. 2. Use to change the value.
Various settings Changing the sampling rate The file format used when recording to the recorder depends on this setting. Before changing the sampling rate, must be set to OFF. 1. Confirm that 2. Change the is set to off. position. HINT The options are 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz. NOTE • When 96 kHz is selected, some unit operations are limited. The limited functions are as follows.
Various settings Disabling the automatic power saving function The power will automatically turn off if the is unused for 10 hours. If you want the power to stay on always, disable the automatic power saving function 1. While pressing and holding 2. Use , set to select OFF, and press NOTE This setting is saved in the unit. 88 . to ON.
Various settings Adjusting the display contrast 1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > DISPLAY CONTRAST. 2. Use to change the value. HINT This can be set from 1 to 10. Restoring settings to factory defaults You can restore an to its factory default settings. 1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > FACTORY RESET. 2. Use to select YES, and press NOTE This does not reset mixer settings. (→ P.30) 89 .
Various settings Checking the firmware versions The 1. firmware versions can be viewed. Open MENU > SYSTEM > FIRMWARE VERSION. This shows the firmware versions.
Various settings Updating the firmware The 1. firmware can be updated to the latest versions. Copy the file for updating the firmware to the root directory on an SD card. NOTE An update file for the latest version can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp). 2. Insert the SD card into the . 3. While pressing and holding , set 4. press to ON. . NOTE Do not turn the power off or remove the SD card during a firmware update. Doing so could cause the to become unstartable. 5.
Troubleshooting General There is no sound or output is very quiet Playback sound cannot be heard or is quiet • Check the speaker connections and volume settings on the speakers. • When playing data from an SD card, confirm that • Check instrument and mic connections • When using a condenser mic, turn • Raise the faders on the playback channels, on. and confirm that the level meters are lit. • Confirm that the SIG indicators are lit green.
Troubleshooting Audio interface Cannot select or use the • Confirm that the device Cannot play or record is connected to • Confirm that the the computer correctly. • Confirm that the • Confirm that the Sound setting of the is set to OFF on computer you are using is set to "ZOOM . L-12". • Quit all the software that is using the , and turn the • Confirm that off and on • Confirm that the • Reinstall the driver.
Specifications Number of in- Inputs put and output channels Outputs Inputs Mono (MIC/LINE) Stereo (LINE) Outputs MASTER OUT MONITOR OUT A (TRS) MONITOR OUT A–E (PHONES) Buses Channel strip Level meters Send effects Recorder Audio interface Card reader USB HOST Sampling rate Frequency characteristics Equivalent input noise Display Power supply Power consumption External dimensions Weight (main unit only) 8 2 1 5 XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 HOT, TRS: TIP HOT) PAD OFF: +16 – +60 dB PAD ON: −10 – +34 d
Send effects specifications No Type Explanation Parameters 1 Parameters 2 1 Hall 1 Hall reverb with a bright tone TONE DECAY 2 Hall 2 Hall reverb with a long time for early reflections TONE DECAY 3 Room 1 Room reverb with coarse reflections TONE DECAY 4 Room 2 Dense room reverb TONE DECAY 5 Plate Plate reverb simulation TONE DECAY 6 Church Reverb that simulates the sound of a church TONE DECAY 7 DrumAmb Reverb that adds a natural ambience (air sound) to drums TONE DECAY
GAIN A/D A/D Metronome Built-in Mic A/D INPUT 9/10‒11/12 USB RETURN DATA 1/3 from PC USB RETURN DATA 2/4 from PC PLAY DATA 9/11 from SD CARD PLAY DATA 10/12 from SD CARD INPUT 1-8 PLAY DATA 1-8 from SD CARD (INPUT 1,2)(INPUT 3-8) PAD -26dB GAIN DC CUT DC CUT SIG USB COMP SLATE LOW CUT REC/PLAY EQ USB SEND DATA 1-8 to PC LOW CUT EQ USB SEND DATA 9/11 to PC USB SEND DATA 10/12 to PC REC DATA 9/11 to SD CARD REC DATA 10/12 to SD CARD REC/PLAY REC DATA 1-8 to SD CARD MID Hi-Z SLATE
ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan http://www.zoom.co.
