Zoom LiveTrak L6max 12-Channel Digital Mixer and Multitrack Recorder
The L6max is a full-size mixer's feature set folded into a compact, battery-powered box with a multitrack recorder attached. Twelve channels go in, up to 14 tracks come out on a card, and none of it needs a laptop.
- 12 channels: 4 combo inputs, two of them switchable to Hi-Z for guitar and bass, plus 8 line inputs.
- 14-track recording: records and plays back up to 14 tracks at 48 kHz, 32-bit float, as mono or stereo WAV files.
- 32-bit float capture: also selectable at 24-bit, over a USB 2.0 interface when you want the computer involved.
- Two headphone outputs: with a customisable Sub-Out mix, so two people can monitor different things.
- -20 dB pad on channels 5 to 8: handles hot sources such as vintage synths and Eurorack modules without an external attenuator.
- High-contrast OLED display: for creating projects and adjusting settings.
- Battery powered: compact enough to be the centre of a live show, a rehearsal or a podcast setup.
- microSDHC media: Class 10 or higher cards.
Zoom's pitch for the LiveTrak L6max is that it packs what you would expect from a full-size mixer, plus a multitrack recorder, into something compact and battery powered. It suits a small live show, a rehearsal room or a podcast table equally, because the mixing and the recording are the same box.
Twelve channels, sized for real bands
The input count is the interesting part. 4 combo inputs cover mics and DIs, and two of those switch to Hi-Z so a guitar or bass can go straight in. 8 line inputs handle keyboards, modules and playback sources. Add it up and you have 12 channels, which is enough for a full band, comfortable for an acoustic duo and generous for a solo performer with a lot of gear.
Recording without a computer
The L6max records and plays back up to 14 tracks at 48 kHz in 32-bit float, written as mono or stereo WAV files to microSDHC cards of Class 10 or higher. 32-bit float means a level set for soundcheck does not ruin the recording when the band plays louder on the night. If you do want a computer in the chain, it also works as a USB 2.0 audio interface, at 32-bit float or 24-bit.
Monitoring and hot sources
Two headphone outputs with a customisable Sub-Out mix let one person monitor the front-of-house balance while another gets a different blend, which is the practical difference between mixing from the stage and mixing from the room. Channels 5 to 8 carry a -20 dB pad switch, so vintage synths and Eurorack modules with high output levels connect directly instead of needing an attenuator in the signal path. A high-contrast OLED display handles project creation and settings.