Zoom LiveTrak L-20 Operating instructions

Brand: Zoom

Model: LiveTrak L-20

Category: Audio mixers

Type: Operating instructions

This manual is also suitable for

LiveTrak L‑20

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You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

Operation Manual

■

Operation Manual overview

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Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM LiveTrak (hereafter, " ").The has the fol-

lowing features.

20-channel digital mixer & multitrack recorder

The combines a digital mixer with 20 total input channels (16 mono and 2 stereo), a multitrack re-

corder that can simultaneously record up to 22 tracks, and a 22-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 per-

formances in rehearsal studios, cafés and other small venues.

High-quality mic preamps

The has high-quality mic preamps built-in for 16 channels. The high-quality analog inputs, which

can provide +48V phantom power, have a −128dBu EIN rating and +60dB maximum input gain. In addi-

tion, channels 1 and 2 also support Hi-Z input, while channels 3 to 16 have PAD functions (26dB attenua-

tion), enabling them to accept high levels of input.

6 MONITOR OUT channels

In addition to the MASTER OUT, the also has 6 MONITOR OUT channels. The MONITOR OUT mixes

can be set separately for each output, enabling different mixes to be sent to individual performers. More-

over, they support output to both headphones and monitor speakers.

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 22 tracks and play 20 tracks

The can simultaneously record every channel and the master fader stereo signal output for a total

of 22 tracks. Since the recorded data is saved in 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96kHz WAV format, the les 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.

22-in/4-out USB audio interface

The can be used as a 22-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.

Operate the from an iPad using a controller app

By connecting a BTA-1 or other ZOOM-specic wireless adapter (sold separately) and using the dedicated

controller app, the can be operated from an iPad. See the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp) for the

controller app.

Contents
■
 Operation Manual overview ………………… 1
Introduction  ……………………………………… 2
Names and functions of parts  …………………… 4
Top  ………………………………………………… 4
Rear panel ……………………………………… 19
Equipment connection examples ……………… 21
Live PA system ………………………………… 21
Display overview  ………………………………… 23
Home Screen …………………………………… 23
Turning the power on and off  ………………… 24
Turning the power on ………………………… 24
Turning the power off  ……………………… 26
Using the MENU screen ………………………… 27
Mixer ………………………………………………… 28
Outputting input  sounds from  output devices 
  …………………………………………………… 28
Adjusting the tone and panning  …………… 30
Using the built-in effects  …………………… 31
Using scene functions  ……………………… 32
Setting signals output from MONITOR OUT A–F 
  …………………………………………………… 35
Recording and playback ………………………… 37
Preparing to record …………………………… 37
Recording/overdubbing and playing tracks  39
Adding marks  ………………………………… 42
Redoing  parts of  recordings (punching in/out) 
  …………………………………………………… 43
Mixing down tracks …………………………… 44
Starting recording automatically …………… 46
Pre-recording before recording starts  …… 48
Selecting the  folder where  projects are  saved 
  …………………………………………………… 49
Selecting projects for playback ……………… 50
Using the metronome …………………………… 51
Enabling the metronome  …………………… 51
Changing metronome settings ……………… 52
Using the slate mic ……………………………… 56
Recording with the slate mic ………………… 56
Changing slate mic settings  ………………… 57
Projects  …………………………………………… 58
Changing project names  …………………… 58
Deleting projects  ……………………………… 60
Protecting projects …………………………… 61
Checking project information  ……………… 62
Saving projects to USB ash drives  ……… 63
Importing projects from USB ash drives … 65
Checking, deleting and moving to marks  … 67
Audio les  ………………………………………… 68
Deleting audio les …………………………… 68
Exporting audio les to USB ash drives … 70
Importing audio les from USB ash drives  72
Using audio interface functions  ……………… 74
Installing the driver …………………………… 74
Connecting to a computer …………………… 75
Inputting return signals from the computer to a 
stereo channel ………………………………… 76
Using card reader functions  …………………… 77
Recording and playback settings ……………… 78
Changing the recording format  …………… 78
Changing automatic recording settings …… 79
Showing recording levels on level meters  81
Compensating for latency that occurs during in-
put and output  ………………………………… 82
Changing the playback mode  ……………… 83
Changing the input signal recording source  83
SD card settings  ………………………………… 84
Checking the open space on SD cards  …… 84
Formatting SD cards  ………………………… 84
Testing SD card performance  ……………… 85
Making various settings ………………………… 88
Setting the date and time  …………………… 88
Setting the footswitch ………………………… 89
Changing the sampling rate ………………… 90
Disabling the automatic power saving function 
  …………………………………………………… 91
Adjusting the display contrast ……………… 91
Restoring settings to factory defaults  ……… 92
Checking the rmware versions.  ……………… 93
Updating the rmware  ………………………… 94
Control from an iPad  …………………………… 95
Troubleshooting …………………………………… 96
Specications ……………………………………… 98
Send effect specications  ……………………… 99
Mixer block diagram ……………………………… 100
3

Names and functions of parts
Top
Input channel section
1
 MIC/LINE input jack
2
 48V switch/indicator
3
 Hi-Z switch
4
 PAD switch
5
 SIG indicator
6
 GAIN knob
7
 COMP knob
8
 SEL button
9
 REC/PLAY button
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.
2
 48V switch/indicator
This turns +48 V phantom power on or off. Turn this on ( ) to supply phantom power to MIC/LINE in-
put jacks 1–4, 5–8, 9–12 or 13–16.
The indicator lights when the switch is on.
3
 Hi-Z switch
Use to switch the input impedance of MIC/LINE input jack 1 (or 2).
4

Turn it on ( ) when connecting a guitar or bass guitar.

PAD 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.

SIG indicator

This indicator shows the signal level after adjustment by the GAIN knob.

The indicator color changes according to the signal level. Adjust so that it does not light red.

Lit red: Lit red: input signal level is close (−3 dBFS or higher) to the clipping level (0 dBFS)

Lit green: Lit green: input signal level is between −48 dBFS and −3 dBFS compared to the clipping level

(0 dBFS)

GAIN 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 3–16).

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 3–16

PAD off +16 – +60 dB

PAD on −10 – +34 dB

COMP knob

Use to adjust the amount of compression.

SEL 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.

REC/PLAY button

Use this button to switch between recording input signals to the SD card and playing back an already

recorded le from the SD card.

Status Explanation

Lit red Input signals will be recorded to the SD card.

Lit green

An already recorded le will be played back. Playback signals are input

before the equalizer. In this state, only files are played back. Signals

from input jacks are disabled.

Unlit Files will neither be recorded nor played back.

NOTE

Recorded signals can be set to either before or after the compressor. (→ "Changing the input signal re-

cording source")

LINE input jacks (TS)

LINE input jacks (RCA)

USB button

MUTE button

SOLO button

Level meter

(

Channel fader

LINE 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.

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.

NOTE

If both the RCA and TS LINE input jacks are connected, the TS input jacks will be used.

USB button

This switches the signals input to channels 17/18 (or 19/20).

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")

MUTE 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.

SOLO button

When a SOLO button is ON, the pre-fader signal can be heard from the PHONES jack. At such times, the

SELECT knob will automatically select SOLO.

Level meter

This shows the signal level after adjustment by the channel fader.

Range shown: −48 dB – 0 dB

0 (Clipping level)

-9

-6

-3

-12

-15

-18

-21

-24

-27

-30

-48

(dBFS)

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.

(

Channel fader

This adjusts the channel signal level in a range from −∞ to +10 dB.

CHANNEL STRIP section

MID FREQ knob

MID knob

LOW knob

EQ OFF button

HIGH knob

SEND EFX1 knob

SEND EFX2 knob

LOW CUT knob

PAN knob

(polarity) button

SEND EFX1 knob

The amount that can be sent to the SEND EFX 1 bus can be set from −∞ to +10 dB.

SEND EFX2 knob

The amount that can be sent to the SEND EFX 2 bus can be set from −∞ to +10 dB.

HIGH knob

This adjusts the boost/cut of high-frequency equalization.

Type: shelving

Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB

Frequency: 10 kHz

MID FREQ knob

This adjusts the central frequency of the mid frequency equalization.

Frequency: 100 Hz–8 kHz

Frequency guide

140 5.4k

100 8k

3.7k

2.5k

1.7k

1.2k

200

280

400

570

800

MID knob

This adjusts the boost/cut of mid-frequency equalization.

Type: peaking

Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB

Frequency: set by MID FREQ knob

LOW knob

This adjusts the boost/cut of low-frequency equalization.

Type: shelving

Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB

Frequency: 100 Hz

PAN knob

This adjusts the position in the stereo output bus.

On a stereo input channel, this adjusts the volume balance between the left and right channels.

LOW CUT knob

This adjusts the high-pass lter, which cuts low frequencies. Signals below the set frequency are atten-

uated 12 dB/octave. Turning the LOW CUT knob left so that all the LEDs around it become unlit turns off

the LOW CUT.

Frequency: OFF, 40–600 Hz

Frequency guide

140 5.4k

100 8k

3.7k

2.5k

1.7k

1.2k

200

280

400

570

800110

600

90 150

190

260

340

450

(polarity) button

This reverses the polarity of the selected channel.

EQ OFF button

When this button is lit, HIGH, MID, LOW and LOW CUT are bypassed.

FADER MODE section

MASTER and A–F buttons

These switch between the mixes output from the MASTER OUT and MONITOR OUT A–F jacks.

MASTER button: Use to show and adjust the mix output from the MASTER OUT jacks.

A–F buttons: Use to show and adjust the mixes output from the MONITOR OUT A–F jacks.

NOTE

The following parameters can have separate settings for the MASTER and A–F mixes.

- Fader positions (each channel)

- EFX1/2 RTN positions

Send effect (SEND EFX) section
1
 Effect type 2 list
1
 Effect type 1 list
2
 EFX2 TYPE knob
2
 EFX1 TYPE knob
3
 Parameter 2 knobs
3
 Parameter 1 knobs
4
 MUTE button
5
 SOLO button
6
 EFX RTN level meters
7
 EFX RTN fader
1
 Effect 1/2 type lists
These are lists of the built-in effects. The effects are separated into two sets, and one effect from each 
set can be used.
The names of the currently selected effects light. An effect name blinks when being selected.
If some time passes without a different effect being selected, the previously selected effect will remain 
selected.
2
 EFX1/EFX2 TYPE knobs
Use to select the built-in effects.
Turn these knobs to select effect types, and press them to conrm.
11

Parameter 1 and 2 knobs

Use these to adjust the parameters for the selected effects.

See "Send effect specications" for the parameters of each effect.

MUTE button

This mutes or unmutes the signal sent from the built-in effect.

To mute the channel, press this button to light it.

SOLO button

When a SOLO button is ON, the signal before the EFX 1/2 RTN fader can be heard from the PHONES

jack. At such times, the SELECT knob will automatically select SOLO.

EFX RTN level meters

These show the levels of the signals sent from the built-in effect to the master bus after adjustment by

the EFX RTN fader. Their range is from −48 dB to 0 dB.

EFX RTN 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 meter will show the recalled fader position.

SCENE section

ON button

RESET button

1–9 buttons

RECALL button

SAVE button

ON button

Press this button, lighting it, to use the scene function

RESET button

Press this button to reset the current mixer settings to the factory defaults.

1–9 buttons

Use these buttons to select the scene to use to save the current mixer settings 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.

RECALL 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.

SAVE 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 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.

Output section
1
 MASTER OUT jacks
2
 MONITOR OUT A–F jacks
3
 MONITOR OUT A–F knobs
6
 SELECT knob
7
 VOLUME knob
8
 PHONES jack
9
 MASTER REC/PLAY button
4
 MONITOR OUT A–F switches
5
 MONITOR OUT A–F 
PHONES/SPEAKER switches
!
 MASTER MUTE button
"
 Master level meters
#
 Master fader
1
 MASTER OUT jacks
These jacks output signals after volume adjustment by the master fader.
Connect them to a power amplier, a PA system or speakers with built-in ampliers, for example.
These support balanced output with XLR connectors (2 HOT).
2
 MONITOR OUT A–F jacks
These jacks output signals after volume adjustment by the MONITOR OUT A–F knobs.
Connect monitor speakers or headphones for performers here.
These support balanced 1/4-inch phone jack output.
NOTE
• The MONITOR OUT A–F 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–F")
• Set the MONITOR OUT A–F PHONES/SPEAKER switch according to the type of connected equipment.
14

MONITOR OUT A–F knobs

Use to adjust the volumes of the signals output from the MONITOR OUT A–F jacks.

MONITOR OUT A–F switches

These switch the signals output from the MONITOR OUT A–F jacks.

Status Explanation

MASTER ( ) The signal after adjustment by the master fader will be output.

A–F ( ) The signals set in the FADER MODE section are output.

MONITOR OUT A–F PHONES/SPEAKER switches

Use these to select the type of equipment connected to the MONITOR OUT A–F jacks.

Status Explanation

( )

Select this when headphones are connected. A stereo signal is output from the

MONITOR OUT A–F jack.

( )

Select this when speakers are connected. A mono balanced signal is output from

the MONITOR OUT A–F jack.

SELECT knob

Use this to select the signal output from the PHONES jack.

The options are MASTER, SOLO and MONITOR OUT A–F.

Status Explanation

MASTER The same signals as the MASTER OUT are output.

A-F The signals set in the FADER MODE section are output.

SOLO The signals of SOLO enabled channels are output.

NOTE

When a SOLO button is activated, this knob will also automatically select SOLO. At such times, changing

the output with the SELECT knob will cancel soloing.

VOLUME knob

Use this to adjust the volume of the PHONES jack.

PHONES jack

Connect headphones here.

MASTER 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 le 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 le 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.

MASTER MUTE button

This mutes or unmutes the MASTER OUT jacks. To mute the channel, press this button to light it.

Master level meters

These show the signal levels output from the MASTER OUT jacks in a range from −48 dB to 0 dB.

Master 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 meter will show the recalled fader position.

When AUTO REC is activated, however, the master fader position will not be shown.

RECORDER section
1
 Slate mic
7
  STOP button
#
 REW button
"
 FF button
2
 SLATE button/indicator
3
 Display
4
 MENU button
5
 Selection encoder
6
 TEMPO button/indicator
8
 PLAY/PAUSE button/in-
dicator
9
 REC button/indicator
!
 OVER DUB button/indicator
1
 Slate mic
This is a built-in mic for recording comments.
This mic input is active while the SLATE button is being pressed.
It can be set to record on channels 1–20, the MASTER channel or all channels. (→ "Changing the slate 
mic routing")
2
 SLATE button/indicator
This activates the slate mic.
The slate mic is activated while this button is being pressed and its indicator is lit.
3
 Display
This shows the recorder status and MENU screen.
4
 MENU button
This opens the menu.
5
 Selection encoder
Use this to change menus and values and to move between items.
Operation Result
Turn when Home Screen open Search forward or backward in one-second increments.
Press when Home Screen open Set a mark.
Turn when menu open Move between parameters and change values.
Press when menu open Conrm parameter value.
6
 TEMPO 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.
The indicator blinks at a tempo of 40.0–250.0 bpm during recording, playback and when one of the fol-
lowing effects that synchronize with tempo is selected.
Effects that synchronize with the tempo: Delay, Analog, P-P Dly
Metronome settings (→ "Changing metronome settings")
17

STOP button

This stops the recorder.

PLAY/PAUSE button/indicator

This starts and pauses recorder playback. The indicator shows the playback status as follows.

Status Explanation

Lit green The recorder is playing back.

Blinking green Playback is paused.

REC button/indicator

This puts the recorder in recording standby. The indicator shows the recording status as follows.

Status Explanation

Lit red The recorder is recording or in recording standby.

Blinking red Recording is paused.

REW button

Press to move to the previous mark.

If no mark is set, this moves to the beginning. Press this button when at the beginning to move to the

previous project.

Press and hold to search backward. (The longer you press, the faster the speed becomes.)

FF button

Press to move to the next mark.

If it is the last mark, this moves to the end of the le. Press this button again to move to the next project.

Press and hold to search forward. (The longer you press, the faster the speed becomes.)

OVER DUB button/indicator

Status Explanation

Lit (ON) Record by overwriting into the current project folder.

Unlit (OFF) Create a new project folder and make a new recording.

Rear panel
1
 POWER switch
2
 DC IN 12V AC adapter connector
3
 USB HOST port
4
 MODE switch
5
 USB DEVICE port
6
 CLASS COMPLIANT MODE 
switch
7
 SAMPLE RATE switch
8
 SD card slot
9
 CONTROL IN jack
!
 REMOTE jack
1
 POWER switch
This turns the unit 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 le in the project folder on the SD card.
2
 DC IN 12V AC adapter connector
Connect the included AC adapter here.
3
 USB HOST port
This USB 2.0 HOST port is for connecting USB ash drives.
Projects and audio les can be saved on and loaded from connected USB ash drives.
4
 MODE switch
Set whether to use as a USB HOST, card reader or audio interface.
This cannot be changed after starting up.
5
 USB DEVICE port
This USB 2.0 port is for connecting with a computer.
It will start up as a card reader or audio interface, depending on the MODE switch selection.
Card reader mode
Operating as an SD card reader, data can be exchanged with a computer.
Audio interface mode
Operating as an audio interface, audio data can be exchanged with a computer.
Inputs: The signals from channels 1–20 after they pass through their compressors and the master fader 
output signals are input to the computer.
Outputs: Outputs from the computer can be assigned to channels 17/18 and 19/20.
Use when connected to an iOS device is possible if the CLASS COMPLIANT MODE switch is set to ON.
19