Both options operate through batteries. The Zoom L8 is powered by two AA batteries or a USB cable. However, a Rodecaster has a DC-USB cable that accommodates a USB battery. You only need a USB cable to power a Zoom 8, making it more convenient than a Rode. Noise Reduction vs. Noise Gate 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. I’m still scratching my head as to how they managed to pull this off, as the amount of processing on offer (not to mention the ability to run 6 phantom powered mics simultaneously), would normally render the need for a wall mounted power supply, completely inescapable. 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. Input channels 7 and 8 are shared with output 1/2 and 3/4 correspondingly, when used in audio interface mode. So you can not hear the output from the host, when you are recording from those channels. Only USB host controllers with Intel Chipsets are supported. Operation is not guaranteed when used with USB hubs or expansion cards. I've bought this mixer to route my external synths into the Maschine+ which is running in standalone mode.

In 96kHz, you can only use the unit as a mixer (Recording in 96kHz might work too but I don't need it) Alkaline surely lasts longer but who doesn't get bad conscience replacing alkaline batteries every 2 hours? Podcast creators are a special breed. They require a unique set of audio features, along with the flexibility of a proper mixing console. The LiveTrak L-8 combines Zoom’s famous audio performance with features made for podcasters. Sound Pad Magic No power outlet? No worries. Get up to 2 ½ hours of power from just four AA batteries. You can also power using a USB battery, and with the L-8’s unique USB connection design, you never have to worry about accidentally disconnecting.Zoom LiveTrak L-8 พ็อดคาสท์แบบพกพา / สตูดิโอเพลง -XLR-1/4 “Mic / Line อินพุตพร้อม + 48V 10 iputเฟดเดอร์เพื่อควบคุมระดับเสียง บันทึกหลายแทร็คผ่านการ์ด SD และ USB -เครื่องผสมและเครื่องบันทึกดิจิทัล Zoom LiveTrak L-8 ให้ความยืดหยุ่นในช่วงของ LiveTrak L-Series ยอดนิยมในรูปแบบกะทัดรัดและพกพาได้ซึ่งเหมาะสำหรับการผลิตพอดคาสต์และการผลิตดนตรีในทุกที่ LiveTrak L-8 มีการควบคุมสัมผัสและฟังก์ชั่นการใช้งานง่ายดังนั้นคุณสามารถเริ่มการสร้างพอดแคสต์หรือการบันทึกเพลงในไม่กี่นาที The Zoom Livetrak L-8 can run up to 2 ½ hours with just 4 AA batteries, alternatively you can use a USB battery with the L-8’s unique USB connection design, so you can podcast from anywhere that inspires you, and not worry about disconnecting. The Zoom Livetrak L-8 is class compliant, allowing a connection with iOS devices, although an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter is required. There are two each Hi-Z, line-level and USB inputs. There is a thin between the qualities of sound produced by both units. Zoom units boil down to 0 – +70 dB when comparing the specs. On the contrary, Rodecaster specs are 0dB – 55dB. Recording Mode

Zoom have been on the cutting edge of this kind of stuff for years. The companies continued dedication to location recording and portability have seen them emerge as something of an industry standard for anyone working in the video/sound design/content space. 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. It’s important to understand that the Mixes store only the fader settings: the Gain, Pad/Hi‑Z, Select, Channel Strip and Mute status aren’t recalled. But more settings can be stored in what Zoom call Scenes. Several settings are stored in each Scene: the fader positions (for every channel, including EFX RTN and Master); Mute status; all Channel Strip settings; the selected effect patch and parameters; and the input source selection for channels 7+8. The Zoom Livetrak L-8 has 6 independent, high performance preamps, which are transparent, powerful, and reliable. They have a low noise floor (-121dBU EIN), and maximum input gain of +54dB. If you can’t hear yourself, how are you supposed to speak your mind? The L-8 is equipped with four headphone outputs, so that each participant can clearly hear what is going on. All rest of the functionality like ABC Mixes, effects and Audio Interface mode only work in 41kHz mode.Just press a button to play intros, outros, jingles, ads and sound effects. With 6 easily-assignable Sound Pads, the right sound is at your fingertips. First-Time Caller, Long-Time Listener The Zoom LiveTrak L-8 can run up to 2 ½ hours with just four AA batteries, or on a USB battery, so you can podcast from anywhere. Despite this being a digital desk (meaning no physical routing limitations in between the converters) you can’t apply EQ to the effects return or master mix; I can’t say I missed that ability but some might. Naturally, you can’t apply reverb to the main mix, since there’s only one effects engine and its signal already flows to the mix bus.

Power to the Podcast: Podcast creators are a special breed. They require a unique set of audio features, along with the flexibility of a proper mixing console. The LiveTrak L-8 combines Zoom’s famous audio performance with features made for podcasters.• Just press a button to play intros, outros, jingles, ads and sound effects. With 6 easily-assignable Sound Pads, the right sound is at your fingertips. Unfortunately, Rodecasters use microSD cards. The main downside is that microSDs are usually slower compared to SDs. In addition, they are too tiny and easy to lose or break. In this case, Zoom 8 takes the lead thanks to its reliability and ease of use. Power Each of the eight input channels has its own fader, mute (but not solo) and Select buttons, and when a channel is selected you can tweak further parameters in the Channel Strip section. This has five continuous rotary encoders and a (12dB/octave 75Hz) high‑pass filter button. Each encoder is circled by 13 LEDs, but as each LED has five levels of brightness and they light in combinations you’re treated to a finer level of indication than first sight suggests. A very minor gripe is that the height of the knobs means they obscure some LEDs’ default positions (eg. centre pan) when you’re seated, with the L‑8 on your desktop. The encoders control panning, the effects send level and a three‑band EQ, comprising high (10kHz) and low (100Hz) shelves and a peaking mid band (2.5kHz). Each band can boost up to ±15dB, again in fine enough steps that you have plenty of control. It works as a class compliant audio interface (Maschine+ recognizes it) (if you are interested in this please read the terrible part!)Overall handling of the device feels retro (but in a bad way). Some of the options like putting the unit into audio interface mode are not saved, so you have to put the unit into that mode every time you power it up.