Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

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xun
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Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by xun »

Hi! I have purchased the ZOOM LiveTrack L-8 and I'm planning to use it with Ardour.
So far I have not been able to get the L-8 to work as an audio interface on my machine.

I found this thread but no solution there...
RIght now Im on ubuntu studio (20.1).
Any luck :roll: ?
xun
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by xun »

I reply myself just to let future LiveTrak L-8 users know how this device works.

Its a really nice device, you can plug the usb cable to power the device with your computer to use it as a mixer and also to make recordings in a SD card inin the device.

BUT, if you want to use it as an audio interface to record directly on your computer, for example using ardour, you will have to use 4 AA bateries! :shock:

There is another problem.

When running on bateries it last around 2 hours. This make this device almost useless in my case because there is no an option to use the sound card without bateries! :shock:

So, in brief, you have to use 4 AA bateries, then switch the audio interface setting on the front panel to 'IOS' (a class compliant device), and then plug the usb cable and VOILA it works as an audio interface, at least for 2 hours.... :?
tamiade
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by tamiade »

I am using L8 with Linux Mint perfectly under JACK.

L8 works in Linux using USB cable connected to a 2.0 USB port of
your computer and batteries, but the batteries don't provide to much
time of use.

So, the battery option is not the better way for a fixed operation.
That is why I made a work to jump over this problem.

I have installed a connector and attached an external 5V - 1,5A power supply.

Everything works fine right now without any battery.
Perfect for Ardour or any other Linux DAW.
tamiade
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by tamiade »

Now I try to explain what I mean, more graphically :wink:

I can provide power from mains or batteries, and now
the USB is used ONLY for computer connection.

To use the ZOOM fixed as sound interface, I only have to place
the AUDIO I/F in IOS mode, just before switch-on the Linux machine.

This screen shows the USB detection of L8 and below, the JACK engine.
Image

And now comes the MOD:

1) Inside soldering connector to the battery board
Image

2) The hole in the side to place the connector
Image

3) Powering the L8 from outside
Image

4) This is the power adapter I use
Image

The mod is very easy to be done, and very cheap too.
Regards.
alfybe
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by alfybe »

@ Tamiade,
Could you tell me how you can select the IOS mode without power supply?
With the tip you mentioned (external PS), could you explain the whole sequence till been able to get the audio interface available.
Do you need to unplug - plug in the usb cable at the end each time you turn on the zoom?
That's the only thing that hold me to buy it
Thanks
Alfybe
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Linuxmusician01
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by Linuxmusician01 »

Everybody thanks for the warning about the L8 not working as an audio device without batteries.
tamiade
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by tamiade »

alfybe wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:27 am Could you tell me how you can select the IOS mode without power supply?
As I have clearly said already: "Only powering with batteries or with my mod".
No other way for Linux !!!
alfybe wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:27 am With the tip you mentioned (external PS), could you explain the whole sequence till been able to get the audio interface available.
I would not call it a TIP, remember you need to drill a hole and solder properly.
NOTE: This obviously breaks the waranty !!!
The sequence is self explanatory following the menu steps at the livetrack, and/or adding what I have said.
Further info will be found inside the manual you can find at ZOOMCORP webpage.
alfybe wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:27 am Do you need to unplug - plug in the usb cable at the end each time you turn on the zoom?
No !!!
Please, read my above messages again.
alfybe wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:27 am That's the only thing that hold me to buy it
Thanks
Alfybe
Buy the L-12, and forget headaches.
I did the MOD because I discovered this situation (after bought it and start using it).
At least, until ZOOMCORP developes a driver for LINUX. :(
Regards.
Last edited by tamiade on Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:38 pm, edited 2 times in total.
tamiade
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by tamiade »

Linuxmusician01 wrote: Tue Mar 22, 2022 11:00 am Everybody thanks for the warning about the L8 not working as an audio device without batteries.
This is not 100x100 correct !!!
The L8 needs power NOT COMING from the USB to work as an audio device,
in any LINUX environment, until ZOOMCORP provides a driver, and I believe they are not
going to do so (for the time being). :cry:
Regards.

The proper warning is: ZOOMCORP does not support Linux drivers for Livetrak L-8
RockMaster
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by RockMaster »

tamiade wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:18 pm
Linuxmusician01 wrote: Tue Mar 22, 2022 11:00 am Everybody thanks for the warning about the L8 not working as an audio device without batteries.
This is not 100x100 correct !!!
The L8 needs power NOT COMING from the USB to work as an audio device,
in any LINUX environment, until ZOOMCORP provides a driver, and I believe they are not
going to do so (for the time being). :cry:
Regards.

The proper warning is: ZOOMCORP does not support Linux drivers for Livetrak L-8
I wanted to piggy back on your thread. How is Zoom LiveTrak L-8 without connecting it to a PC? I'm assembling hardware for a gig and I've been considering it for a standalone mixer. I need to connect a guitar, couple of microphones, stereo backing track source line in. I have Scarlett 8i6 as an interface and it's great at what it does, so I don't need another one.
tamiade
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Re: Anyone using Zoom LiveTrak L-8?

Post by tamiade »

RockMaster wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:30 pm I wanted to piggy back on your thread. How is Zoom LiveTrak L-8 without connecting it to a PC? I'm assembling hardware for a gig and I've been considering it for a standalone mixer. I need to connect a guitar, couple of microphones, stereo backing track source line in. I have Scarlett 8i6 as an interface and it's great at what it does, so I don't need another one.
It works great as standalone mixer even without PC,
and allows you to digitally save all channels separatelly + the
master channel too (it provides an SD card slot for this purpose).

12 inputs and 4 outputs, is more than enough for small things. :wink:
4 individual monitoring system jacks.....The L-8 is a digital mixer/recorder.
Can be used without mains using 4 standard AA batteries or with a PowerBank via USB.

I am honestly enjoying a lot and very happy using it.
Now is fully operational as standalone (without computer), as well as an
audio interface (macos, ios, windows, linux).

Regards.

PD: Your focusrite 8i6 is also good stuff (8in/6out/midi).
Todays I got a 2i2 attached to my macbook, and before (until having L-8) to my linux pc. 8)
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