MidlifeSynthesist Crowns Zoom L6 the Mixer Champ

MidlifeSynthesist kicks off his review by highlighting the often overlooked downside of having too much gear: not having enough space to manage them all. For synth enthusiasts drowning in a sea of devices, the limited real estate becomes a massive challenge. He humorously suggests that a mixer or audio interface becomes a necessity when the collection spirals out of control. The competition, like the Teenage Engineering’s TX-6, is compared unfavorably due to its price and impractical 1/8 inch jacks. Enter the Zoom LiveTrak L6, which he praises for its compact and efficient design. Costing just over $300, this device promises to be a solution for those juggling multiple synth setups.

MidlifeSynthesist notes that the L6 maximizes its space efficiently, ensuring no centimeter goes to waste. The controls are generously spaced, catering even to those with chubbier fingers. While he gives a nod to the tactile feel of the case and buttons, he’s quick to point out the cost-saving measures on the knobs, which feel like low-grade plastic. But hey, they get the job done! Power-wise, the L6 can be run on AA batteries, USB-C ports, or a standard wall outlet, providing flexibility that’s music to any roadie’s ears. One of the USB-C ports even doubles as a data transfer point, making it essential for those looking to utilize the L6 as an audio interface. The unit’s ability to record in 32-bit float resolution is celebrated as a boon for synth lovers, though he warns against relying on this as a shortcut for proper gain staging.

Zoom’s L6 is packed with features that seem too good to be true at its price point. Each channel can be individually controlled for level, pan, effects, and EQ, with two auxiliary sends for external effects. The inclusion of XLR inputs with phantom power on channels 1 and 2 expands its versatility, though the lack of a high Z option might be its Achilles’ heel for guitarists. MidlifeSynthesist appreciates the built-in compressor on the master out, which adds a touch of polish without clipping. His gripe? The gain knobs not offering enough boost, especially for quieter equipment like the PolyBrute. He contrasts this with his experience using louder synths, where the L6 truly shines by preventing clipping even under intense audio inputs.

MidlifeSynthesist delves into the connectivity options of the L6, pointing out the abundant quarter-inch jacks across the board. The ability to toggle between stereo and mono inputs gives great flexibility, especially when interfacing with DAWs like Ableton or Logic Pro. The L6’s standout feature? It doubles as both an audio and a MIDI interface. While many mixers now offer audio-to-DAW capabilities, adding MIDI bridging is a cherry on top. However, compatibility isn’t flawless—his issues with the MPC and recording resolution highlight areas where improvements could be made. Still, being able to use MIDI TRS type A ports for extensive control, like linking to DAWs without USB MIDI, is a winner for those with a foot in both the old and new music worlds.