Zoom has expanded its LiveTrak series with the release of the 12-channel L12next mixer, which has recorder functionality and a USB audio interface.
Standing out from other models in the LiveTrak line, the device features eight improved microphone preamps with 70 dB of gain and low noise (-128 dBu EIN). The new model has eight microphone/line combo XLR/TRS inputs. The first two inputs offer Hi-Z mode, and an attenuator button supplements the remaining six. Additionally, there are two +48 V phantom power buttons (one for every four inputs) and 60 mm faders, as well as three multifunction encoders on each channel. These provide analog control of gain, EQ, compression, panning, and sends.
The mixer comes with 16 built-in digital effects, including a master bus compressor. It can record up to 14 audio tracks (up to 12 separate tracks and a stereo mix) to an SD card. Notably, the product offers four independent TRS monitor outputs, supporting a stereo mix for full-size or in-ear headphones and a mono mix for stage monitors, as well as a separate fifth output for monitoring, designed specifically for the sound engineer. Additionally, users can purchase a Zoom FS01 footswitch to control basic functions and an RKL-12 rack mount adapter to install the device in a standard rack.
Other features of the L12next include a sound card function (14x4), an OLED display, an overlay mode, and automatic recording on/off for precise overlaying and easy re-recording. The File Select button allows you to easily load additional tracks. The device has a built-in Talkback function and can store up to 10 scenes in its memory. This saves fader positions, equalizer settings, panning, muting, and effects. You can control the mixer wirelessly via Bluetooth using the L12next Control app for iPad. The app has a range of up to 10 meters and requires an additional BTA-1 adapter.
The Zoom LiveTrak L12next will be available for purchase at a price of around $700. For more information, please visit the product page on the official Zoom website.
