Zoom LiveTrak L-12 User 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.
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
Operation Manual

Usage and Safety Precautions
In this operation manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions that you must read to pre-
vent accidents. The meanings of these symbols are as follows.
Warning
Something that could cause serious injury or
death Caution
Something that could cause injury or damage
to the equipment
Other symbols used
An action that is mandatory An action that is prohibited
Warning
■Operation using an AC adapter
Never use any AC adapter other than a ZOOM AD-19.
Do not do anything that could exceed the ratings of outlets and other electrical wiring equipment.
Before using the equipment in a foreign country or other region where the electrical voltage differs, al-
ways consult with a shop that carries ZOOM products and use the appropriate AC adapter.
■Alterations
Do not open the case or modify the product.
Caution
■Product handling
Do not drop, bump or apply excessive force to the unit.
Be careful not to allow foreign objects or liquids to enter the unit.
■Operating environment
Do not use in extremely high or low temperatures.
Do not use near heaters, stoves and other heat sources.
Do not use in very high humidity or where it could be splashed by water.
Do not use in places with frequent vibrations.
Do not use in places with much dust or sand.
■AC adapter handling
When disconnecting the power plug from an outlet, always pull on the plug itself.
Disconnect the power plug from the outlet when the unit will not be used for a long time and whenev-
er there is lightning.
■Connection cables and input/output jacks
Always turn the power OFF for all equipment before connecting any cables.
Always disconnect all connection cables and the AC adapter before moving the unit.
■Volume
Do not use at a loud volume for a long time.
■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. However, equipment that is
very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves could result in interference
if placed nearby. If this occurs, place the and the other device farther apart.
With any type of electronic device that uses digital control, including the , electromagnetic interfer-
ence could cause malfunction, corrupt or destroy data and result in other unexpected trouble. Always use
caution.
1

■Cleaning
Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit if it becomes dirty. If necessary, use a damp cloth that has
been wrung out well to wipe it. Never use abrasive cleansers, wax or solvents such as alcohol, benzene or
paint thinner.
■Breakdown and malfunction
If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately disconnect the AC adapter, turn the power off
and disconnect other cables. Contact the store where you bought the unit or ZOOM service with the fol-
lowing information: product model, serial number and specific symptoms of breakdown or malfunction,
along with your name, address and telephone number.
■Copyrights
• Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft®Corporation.
• Macintosh, Mac OS and iPad are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
• The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks.
• Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of
their respective companies.
Note: 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.

Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and
broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohi-
bi-ted by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

■Note about the Auto Power Off function
The power will automatically turn off if unused for 10 hours. If you want the power to stay on always, refer
to Disabling the automatic power saving function.

FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.)
Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursu-
ant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular instal-
lation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For EU Countries
Declaration of Conformity

2

Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM LiveTrak .The has the following features.
12-channel digital mixer & multitrack recorder
The combines a digital mixer with 12 total input channels (8 mono and 2 stereo), a multitrack re-
corder that can simultaneously record up to 14 tracks, and a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface. Compact and
lightweight, this digital mixer is easy to transport and can even be used with PA systems for live perfor-
mances in rehearsal studios, cafés and other small venues.
High-quality mic preamps
The has high-quality mic preamps built-in for 8 channels. The high-quality analog inputs, which
can provide +48 V phantom power, have a −128 dBu EIN rating and +60 dB maximum input gain. In addi-
tion, channels 1 and 2 also support Hi-Z input, while channels 3 to 8 have PAD functions (26 dB attenua-
tion), enabling them to accept high levels of input.
5 MONITOR OUT channels
In addition to the MASTER OUT, the also has 5 MONITOR OUT channels.The MONITOR OUT mixes
can be set separately for each output. Since these support headphone output, headphones are all that are
needed to send different mixes to each performer.
Digital mixer that can be operated intuitively
Opening menus is not necessary with the . Every mixer parameter can be controlled with knobs
and keys just like an analog mixer. Each channel has a 3-band EQ, and the mono channels have compres-
sor functions. The mixer also includes high-quality send effects. In addition, up to 9 mixer status scenes
can be saved in the unit.
Recorder can simultaneously record 14 tracks and play 12 tracks
The can simultaneously record every channel and the master fader stereo signal output for a total
of 14 tracks. Since the recorded data is saved in 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz WAV format, the files can easily
be copied to a computer and used in a DAW. In addition, overdubbing and punching in/out can be done as
expected with a multitrack recorder.
14-in/4-out USB audio interface
The can be used as a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface. The signals from each input and the master
fader output can be recorded in a DAW. In addition, signals output from a computer can also be assigned
to a stereo channel.
Class compliant mode, which enables connection with iOS devices, is also supported.
3

Contents
Usage and Safety Precautions
Introduction
Names and functions of parts
Top
Rear panel
Equipment connection example
Live PA system
Display overview
Home Screen
Turning the unit on/off
Turning the unit on
Turning the power off
Using the MENU screen
Mixer
Outputting input sounds from output devices
Adjusting the tone and panning
Using the built-in effects
Using scene functions
Setting signals output from MONITOR OUT A–E
Recording and playback
Preparing to record
Recording and playing tracks
Adding marks
Redoing parts of recordings (punching in/out)
Mixing down tracks
Recording automatically
Capturing audio before recording starts
Selecting the folder where projects are saved
Selecting projects for playback
Using the metronome
Enabling the metronome
Changing metronome settings
Using the slate mic
Recording with the slate mic
Changing slate mic settings
Projects
Changing project names
Deleting projects
Protecting projects
Checking project information
Saving projects to USB flash drives
Importing projects from USB flash drives
Managing marks
Audio files
Deleting audio files
Exporting audio files to USB flash drives
Importing audio files from USB flash drives
Using audio interface functions
Installing the driver
Connecting to a computer
Inputting return signals from the computer to a
stereo channel
Using card reader functions
Recording and playback settings
Changing the recording format
Changing automatic recording settings
Showing recording levels on level meters
Enabling latency adjustment
Changing the playback mode
SD card settings
Checking the open space on SD cards
Formatting SD cards
Testing SD card performance
Various settings
Setting the date and time
Setting the footswitch
Changing the sampling rate
Disabling the automatic power saving function
Adjusting the display contrast
Restoring settings to factory defaults
Checking the firmware versions
Updating the firmware
4

Troubleshooting
Specifications
Send effects specifications
Mixer block diagram
5

Names and functions of parts
Top
Input channel section
①MIC/LINE input jack
②48V switch/indicator
③Hi-Z switch
④PAD switch
⑤SIG indicator
⑥GAIN knob
⑦COMP knob
⑧SEL button
⑨REC/PLAY button
①MIC/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.
②48V 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.
③Hi-Z switch
Use to switch the input impedance of MIC/LINE input jack 1 (or 2).
6

Turn it on ( ) when connecting a guitar or bass guitar.
④PAD switch
This attenuates (reduces) the input signal of the equipment connected
to the MIC/LINE input jack by 26 dB.
Turn this on ( ) when connecting line level equipment.
⑤SIG indicator
This indicator shows the signal level after adjustment by the GAIN knob.
The indicator color changes according to the signal level.
Lit red: −3 dB
Lit green: −48 to −3 dB
⑥GAIN knob
Use to adjust the input gain of the mic preamp.
The range of adjustment depends on the on/off status of the MIC/LINE input jack switch (Hi-Z on chan-
nels 1–2 or PAD on channels 3–8).
Jack Adjustment range
MIC/LINE input jack 1–2 (XLR) +16 – +60 dB
MIC/LINE input jack 1–2 (TRS) Hi-Z off +16 – +60 dB
Hi-Z on (TS) +6 – +50 dB
MIC/LINE input jack 3–8 PAD off +16 – +60 dB
PAD on -10 – +34 dB
⑦COMP knob
Use to adjust the amount of compression.
⑧SEL button
Use to select a channel for parameter adjustment in the channel strip section.
Channels with lit SEL buttons are affected by channel strip section adjustments.
⑨REC/PLAY button
Use this button to switch between recording input signals to the SD card and playing back an already
recorded file from the SD card.
Status Explanation
Lit red Input signals will be recorded to the SD card after passing through the
compressor.
Lit green An already recorded file will be played back. Playback signals are input
before the equalizer. In this state, signals from input jacks are disabled.
Unlit Files will neither be recorded nor played back.
7

⑩LINE input jacks (TS)
⑪LINE input jacks (RCA)
⑫USB button
⑬MUTE button
⑭Level meter
⑮Channel fader
⑩LINE input jacks (TS)
Use these input jacks to connect line level equipment. For example, connect keyboards or audio devic-
es.
These can be used with 1/4-inch (unbalanced) phone plugs.
NOTE
If only the left LINE input jack (TS) channel is connected, it will be handled as a mono channel.
⑪LINE 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.
NOTE
If both the RCA andTS LINE input jacks are connected, theTS input jacks will be used.
8

⑫USB button
This switches the signals input to channels 9/10 (or 11/12).
Lit: audio return signal output from the computer
Unlit: LINE input jacks
NOTE
Connect the to a computer as an audio interface. (→Connecting to a computer)
⑬MUTE button
This mutes or unmutes signals.
To mute the channel, press this button to light it.
HINT
This has no effect on recording to the SD card.
⑭Level meter
This shows the signal level after adjustment by the channel fader.
Ranges shown: -48 dB – 0 dB
NOTE
If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader position recalled using the scene func-
tion, for example, the level meter will show the recalled fader position.
⑮Channel fader
This adjusts the channel signal level in a range from −∞ to +10 dB.
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CHANNEL STRIP section
③MID FREQ knob
④MID knob
⑤LOW knob
⑥LOW CUT button
②HIGH knob
①EQ OFF button
⑦SEND EFX knob
⑧PAN knob
①EQ OFF button
When this button is lit, HIGH, MID, LOW and LOW CUT are bypassed.
②HIGH knob
This adjusts the boost/cut of high-frequency equalization.
Type: shelving
Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB
Frequency: 10 kHz
③MID FREQ knob
This adjusts the central frequency of the mid frequency equalization.
Frequency (in Hz): 100, 140, 200, 250, 315, 500, 800, 1k, 1.3k, 2k, 3k, 5k or 8k
④MID knob
This adjusts the boost/cut of mid-frequency equalization.
Type: peaking
Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB
Frequency: set by MID FREQ knob
⑤LOW knob
This adjusts the boost/cut of low-frequency equalization.
Type: shelving
Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB
Frequency: 100 Hz
⑥LOW CUT button
This turns on/off the high-pass filter, which cuts low frequencies.
When ON, signals below 75 Hz are attenuated 12 dB/octave.
⑦SEND EFX knob
The amount that can be sent to the SEND EFX bus can be set from −∞ to +10 dB.
10

⑧PAN knob
Use to adjust the channel position in the stereo field.
On a stereo input channel, this adjusts the volume balance between the left and right channels.
11

FADER MODE section
①MASTER and A–E buttons
①MASTER 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
The parameters that can have separate settings for the MASTER and A–E mixes are as follows.
- Fader positions (each channel)
12

SCENE section
①ON button
②RESET button
③1–9 buttons
④RECALL button
⑤SAVE button
①ON button
Press this button, lighting it, to use the scene function
②RESET button
Press this button to reset the current mixer settings to the factory defaults.
③1–9 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.
④RECALL button
Use this button when loading scenes saved to buttons 1–9.
When this button is pressed, buttons 1–9 will blink if they have saved scenes and be unlit if they do not.
To recall a saved scene, press a blinking button between 1 and 9. To cancel recalling a scene, press the
RECALL button again.
⑤SAVE button
Use this button when saving the current mixer settings to a scene.
When this button is pressed, buttons 1–9 will light if they have saved scenes and be blink if they do not.
To save a scene, press a button between 1 and 9 to save it to that number. To cancel saving a scene,
press the SAVE button again.
13

Send effect (SEND EFX) section
①Effect type list
②TYPE knob
③Parameters 1 and 2
④EFX RETURN MUTE button
⑤EFX RETURN level meters
⑥EFX RETURN fader
①Effect 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.
②TYPE knob
Use to select the built-in effect.
Turn this knob to select the effect type, and press it to confirm.
③Parameters 1 and 2
Use these to adjust the parameters for the selected effect.
See Send effects specifications for the parameters of each effect.
④EFX RETURN MUTE button
This mutes or unmutes the signal sent from the built-in effect.
To mute the signal, press this button to light it.
14

⑤EFX RETURN level meters
These show the levels of the signals sent from the built-in effect to the master bus after adjustment by
the EFX RETURN fader.Their range is from −48 dB to 0 dB.
⑥EFX RETURN fader
This adjusts the levels of the signals sent from the built-in effect to the master bus in a range from −∞
dB to +10 dB.
NOTE
If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader position recalled using the scene func-
tion, for example, the level meters will show the recalled fader position.
15

Output section
①MASTER OUT jacks
②MONITOR OUT A jacks
③MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack
④MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES
jacks
⑤MONITOR OUT A knob
⑥MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob
⑦MONITOR OUT B–E knobs
⑩MASTER REC/PLAY button
⑪MASTER MUTE button
⑧MONITOR OUT A switch
⑨
MONITOR OUT B–E
switches
⑫Master level meters
⑬Master fader
①MASTER 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).
②MONITOR 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.
These support balanced 1/4-inch jack phone output.
NOTE
The MONITOR OUT A jacks can be set to output the same signals as the MASTER OUT jacks or the sig-
nals set separately in the fader mode section. (→Selecting MONITOR OUT A–E output signals)
③MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack
This headphone jack outputs signals after volume adjustment by the MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob.
NOTE
The MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack always outputs the same signals as the MONITOR OUT A jacks.
16

④MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks
These headphone jacks output signals after volume adjustments by the MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES
knobs.
NOTE
The MONITOR OUT B–E jacks can be set to output the same signals as the MASTER OUT jacks or the
signals set separately in the fader mode section. (→Setting signals output from MONITOR OUT A–E)
⑤MONITOR OUT A knob
Use to adjust the volume of the signals output from the MONITOR OUT A jacks.
⑥MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob
Use to adjust the volume of the signals output from the MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack.
⑦MONITOR OUT B–E knobs
Use to adjust the volumes of the signals output from the MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks.
⑧MONITOR OUT A switch
This switches MONITOR OUT A output between the L/R jacks and the PHONES jack.
Status Explanation
MASTER ( ) The same signals as the MASTER OUT are output.
A ( ) The signals set in the FADER MODE section are output.
⑨MONITOR OUT B–E switches
These switch the signals output from the MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks.
Status Explanation
MASTER ( ) The same signals as the MASTER OUT are output.
B-E( ) The signals set in the FADER MODE section are output.
⑩MASTER REC/PLAY button
Use this button to switch between recording the signal input on the master bus to the SD card and play-
ing back an already recorded file from the SD card.
Status Explanation
Lit red The signal will be recorded to the SD card after adjustment by the master fader.
Lit green The playback signal of a file is inserted on the master bus.The REC/ PLAY buttons
of other channels will be unlit at this time.
Unlit Files will neither be recorded nor played back.
⑪MASTER MUTE button
This mutes or unmutes the MASTER OUT jacks.
To mute the signals, press this button to light it.
⑫Master level meters
These show the signal levels output from the MASTER OUT jacks in a range from −48 dB to 0 dB.
17

⑬Master fader
This adjusts the signal levels output from the MASTER OUT jacks in a range from −∞ to +10 dB.
NOTE
If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader position recalled using the scene func-
tion, for example, the level meters will show the recalled fader position. However, the position of the
master fader is not shown when AUTO REC is activated.
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RECORDER section
①Slate mic
⑦STOP button
⑩REW button
⑪FF button
②SLATE button/indicator
③Display
④MENU button
⑤Selection encoder
⑥TEMPO button/indicator
⑧
PLAY/PAUSE button/indicator
⑨REC button/indicator
⑫OVER DUB button/indicator
①Slate mic
This is a built-in mic for recording comments.
This mic input is active while the SLATE button is being pressed.
The input channel can be set to channels 1–12, MASTER, or all channels. (→Changing the slate mic
routing)
②SLATE button/indicator
This activates the slate mic.
The slate mic is activated while this button is being pressed and its indicator is lit.
③Display
This shows the recorder status and MENU screen.
④MENU button
This opens the menu.
⑤Selection encoder
Use this to change menus and values and to move between items.
Operation Result
Turn when main recorder
screen open Search forward or backward in one-second increments.
Push when main recorder
screen open This sets a mark.
Turn when menu open Move between parameters and change values.
Press when menu open Confirm parameter value.
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.
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