Zoom L-12 Service Manual

Operation Manual

© 2017 ZOOM CORPORATION

Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.

Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their

respective companies. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification

purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

Usage and Safety Precautions

Warning

Caution

Safety Precautions Usage Precautions

In this operation manual, symbols are used to highlight warn­ings and cautions that you must read to prevent accidents.
The meanings of these symbols are as follows.

Something that could cause serious injury
or death

Something that could cause injury or dam­age to the equipment

Other symbols used

An action that is mandatory

An action that is prohibited

Warning

Operation using an AC adapter

Never use any AC adapter other than a ZOOM AD-19.

Do not do anything that could exceed the ratings of outlets and

other electrical wiring equipment.

Before using the equipment in a foreign country or other region

where the electrical voltage differs, always consult with a shop
that carries ZOOM products and use the appropriate AC adapter.

Alterations

Do not open the case or modify the product.

Caution

Product handling

Do not drop, bump or apply excessive force to the unit.

Be careful not to allow foreign objects or liquids to enter the unit.

Operating environment

Do not use in extremely high or low temperatures.

Do not use near heaters, stoves and other heat sources.

Do not use in very high humidity or where it c ould be splashed by

wa te r.

Do not use in places with frequent vibrations.

Do not use in places with much dust or sand.

AC adapter handling

When disconnecting the power plug from an outlet, always pull on

the plug itself.

Disconnect the power plug from the outlet when the unit will not

be used for a long time and whenever there is lightning.

Connection cables and input/output jacks

Always turn the power OFF for all equipment before connecting any

cables.

Always disconnect all connection cables and the AC adapter before

moving the unit.

Volume

Do not use at a loud volume for a long time.

Interference with other electrical equipment

In consideration of safety, the has been designed to minimize its
emission of electromagnetic waves and to suppress interference from
external electromagnetic waves. However, equipment that is very sus­ceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves
could result in interference if placed nearby. If this occurs, place the

and the other device farther apart.

With any type of electronic device that uses digit al control, including the

, electromagnetic interference could cause malfunction, corrupt or

destroy data and result in other unexpected trouble. Always use caution.

Cleaning

Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit if it becomes dirty. If
necessary, use a damp cloth that has been wrung out well to wipe it.
Never use abrasive cleansers, wax or solvents such as alcohol, benzene
or paint thinner.

Breakdown and malfunction

If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately disconnec t the AC
adapter, turn the power off and disconnect other cables. Contact the store
where you bought the unit or ZOOM service with the following information:
product model, serial number and specific symptoms of breakdown or mal­function, along with your name, address and telephone number.

Copyrights

• Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation.

• Macintosh, Mac OS and iPad are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Apple Inc.

• The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks.

• Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in
this document are the property of t heir respective companies.
Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are

for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe
on the copyrights of their respective owners.

Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live
performances, video works and broadcasts, without permission of the
copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibi-ted
by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to
infringements of copyrights.

Note about the Auto Power Off function

The power will automatically turn off if unused for 10 hours. If you want
the power to stay on always, refer to "Disabling the automatic power
saving function" on page P. 88.

FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.)

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from

•
that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

For EU Countries

Declaration of Conformity

2

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM LiveTrak ( ). The has
the following features.

12-channel digital mixer & multitrack recorder

The combines a digital mixer with 12 total input channels (8 mono and 2 stereo),
a multitrack recorder that can simultaneously record up to 14 tracks, and a 14-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 performances in rehearsal studios, cafés and
other small venues.

High-quality mic preamps

The has high-quality mic preamps built-in for 8 channels. The high-quality analog
inputs, which can provide +48 V phantom power, have a −128 dBu EIN rating and +60 dB

maximum input gain. In addition, channels 1 and 2 also support Hi-Z input, while chan­nels 3 to 8 have PAD functions (26 dB attenuation), enabling them to accept high levels
of input.

5 MONITOR OUT channels

In addition to the MASTER OUT, the also has 5 MONITOR OUT channels. The
MONITOR OUT mixes can be set separately for each output. Since these support head-

phone output, headphones are all that are needed to send different mixes to each per­former.

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 compressor 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 14 tracks and play 12 tracks

The can simultaneously record every channel and the master fader stereo signal
output for a total of 14 tracks. Since the recorded data is saved in 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96

kHz WAV format, the files 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.

14-in/4-out USB audio interface

The can be used as a 14-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.

3

Contents

Usage and Safety Precautions … 2

Introduction ………………………… 3

Contents …………………………… 4

Names and functions of parts … 6

Top ………………………………… 6

Rear panel ……………………… 15

Equipment connection
example ………………………… 16

Live PA system ………………… 16

Display overview ……………… 18

Home Screen ………………… 18

Turning the unit on/off ………… 19

Turning the unit on …………… 19

Turning the power off ………… 21

Using the MENU screen ……… 22

Mixer ……………………………… 23

Outputting input sounds from
output devices ………………… 23

Adjusting the tone and
panning ………………………… 25

Using the built-in effects ……… 26

Using scene functions ………… 28

Setting signals output from
MONITOR OUT A–E …………… 31

Recording and playback ……… 33

Preparing to record …………… 33

Recording and playing tracks … 35

Adding marks ………………… 38

Redoing parts of recordings
(punching in/out) ……………… 39

Mixing down tracks …………… 41

Recording automatically ……… 43

Capturing audio before recording
starts …………………………… 45

Selecting the folder where projects
are saved ……………………… 46

Selecting projects for
playback ………………………… 47

Using the metronome ………… 48

Enabling the metronome ……… 48

Changing metronome
settings ………………………… 49

Using the slate mic …………… 53

Recording with the slate mic … 53

Changing slate mic settings … 54

Projects …………………………… 56

Changing project names ……… 56

Deleting projects ……………… 58

Protecting projects …………… 59

Checking project information … 60

Saving projects to USB ash
drives …………………………… 61

Importing projects from USB ash
drives …………………………… 64

Managing marks ……………… 66

Audio les………………………… 67

Deleting audio les …………… 67

Exporting audio les to USB ash
drives …………………………… 69

Importing audio les from USB
ash drives ……………………… 71

Using audio interface
functions ………………………… 73

Installing the driver …………… 73

Connecting to a computer ………74

Inputting return signals from the
computer to a stereo channel … 75

Using card reader functions … 76

4

Contents

Recording and playback
settings …………………………… 77

Changing the recording
format …………………………… 77

Changing automatic recording
settings ………………………… 78

Showing recording levels on level
meters ………………………… 80

Enabling latency adjustment … 80

Changing the playback mode … 81

SD card settings ………………… 82

Checking the open space on SD
cards …………………………… 82

Formatting SD cards ………… 82

Testing SD card performance … 83

Various settings ………………… 85

Setting the date and time …… 85

Setting the footswitch ………… 86

Changing the sampling rate … 87

Disabling the automatic power
saving function ………………… 88

Adjusting the display contrast 89

Restoring settings to factory
defaults ……………………… 89

Checking the rmware
versions. ………………………… 90

Updating the rmware ……… 91

Troubleshooting ………………… 92

Specications …………………… 94

Send effects specications …… 95

Mixer block diagram …………… 96

5

Names and functions of parts

⑩

⑪

⑫

⑬

⑮

⑭

To p

Input channel section

MIC/LINE input jack

1

These input jacks have built-in mic preamps. Connect mics, keyboards and guitars to them.

①

②
③

④
⑤
⑥

⑦

⑧

⑨

These can be used with both XLR and 1/4-inch (balanced or unbalanced) phone plugs.

48V switch/indicator

2

This turns +48 V phantom power on or off. Turn this on (

phantom power to MIC/LINE input jacks 1–4 (or 5–8).

The indicator lights when the switch is on.

Hi-Z switch

3

Use to switch the input impedance of MIC/LINE input jack 1 (or 2).
Turn it on (

PAD switch

4

This attenuates (reduces) the input signal of the equipment connected

to the MIC/LINE input jack by 26 dB.

Turn this on (

SIG indicator

5

This indicator shows the signal level after adjustment by the GAIN knob.
The indicator color changes according to the signal level.
Lit red: −3 dB
Lit green: −48 to −3 dB

GAIN knob

6

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 channels 1–2 or PAD on channels 3–8).

MIC/LINE input jack 1–2 (XLR) +16 – +60 dB
MIC/LINE input jack 1–2 (TRS) Hi-Z off +16 – +60 dB

MIC/LINE input jack 3–8 PAD off +16 – +60 dB

COMP knob

7

Use to adjust the amount of compression.

SEL button

8

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

9

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 after passing

Lit green

Unlit Files will neither be recorded nor played back.

) when connecting a guitar or bass guitar.

) when connecting line level equipment.

Jack Adjustment range

Hi-Z on (TS) +6 – +50 dB

through the compressor.
An already recorded le will be played back. Playback signals are input
before the equalizer. In this state, signals from input jacks are disabled.

PAD on -10 – +34 dB

) to supply

6

Names and functions of parts

LINE input jacks (TS)

!

Use these input jacks to connect line level equipment. For example,

⑩

⑪

⑫

⑬

⑭

⑮

connect keyboards or audio devices.

These can be used with 1/4-inch (unbalanced) phone plugs.

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.

USB button

#

This switches the signals input to channels 9/10 (or 11/12).
Lit: audio return signal output from the computer
Unlit: LINE input jacks

MUTE button

$

This mutes or unmutes signals sent to the master fader.
To mute the channel, press this button to light it.

NOTE

If only the left LINE input jack (TS) channel is connected, it will be handled as
a mono channel.

NOTE

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

NOTE

Connect the to a computer as an audio interface. (→ P.74)

HINT

This has no effect on recording to the SD card.

Level meter

%

This shows the signal level after adjustment by the channel fader.
Ranges shown: -48 dB – 0 dB

NOTE

If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader position
recalled using the scene function, 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.

7

Names and functions of parts

②

③

④

⑤

⑥

⑧

CHANNEL STRIP section

①

⑦

EQ OFF button

1

When this button is lit, HIGH, MID, LOW and

LOW CUT are bypassed.

HIGH knob

2

This adjusts the boost/cut of high-frequency

equalization.

Type: shelving
Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB
Frequency: 10 kHz

MID FREQ knob

3

This adjusts the central frequency of the mid

frequency equalization.

Frequency (in Hz): 100, 140, 200, 250, 315, 500,

800, 1k, 1.3k, 2k, 3k, 5k or 8k

MID knob

4

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

5

This adjusts the boost/cut of low-frequency

equalization.

Type: shelving
Gain range: −15 db – +15 dB
Frequency: 100 Hz

LOW CUT button

6

This turns on/off the high-pass lter, which cuts

low frequencies.

When ON, signals below 75 Hz are attenuated

12 dB/octave.

SEND EFX knob

7

The amount that can be sent to the SEND EFX

bus can be set from −∞ to +10 dB.

PAN knob

8

Use to adjust the channel volume balance and

stereo position sent to the master bus.

On a stereo input channel, this adjusts the

volume balance between the left and right chan­nels.

8

Names and functions of parts

①

FADER MODE section

MASTER and A–E buttons

1

These switch between the mixes output from

the MASTER OUT and MONITOR OUT A–E
jacks.

MASTER button: Use to show and adjust the

mix output from the MASTER OUT jacks.

A–E buttons: Use to show and adjust the mixes

output from the MONITOR OUT A–E jacks.

NOTE

The parameters that can have separate settings
for the MASTER and A–E mixes are as follows.

- Fader positions (each channel)

9

Names and functions of parts

SCENE section

ON button

1

①

②

③

④

⑤

Press this button, lighting it, to use the scene

function

RESET button

2

Press this button to reset the current mixer set-

tings to the factory defaults.

1–9 buttons

3

Use these buttons to select the scene to use to

save the current mixer state 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

4

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

5

Use this button when saving the current mixer

settings to a scene.

When this button is pressed, buttons 1–9 will

blink if they have saved scenes and be unlit 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.

10

Names and functions of parts

①

②

③

④

⑤

⑥

Send effect (SEND EFX) section

Effect type list

1

This is the list of the built-in effects.
The name of the currently selected effect lights.

It blinks when being selected.

If some time passes without a different effect

being selected, the previously selected effect
will remain selected.

TYPE knob

2

Use to select the built-in effect.
Turn this knob to select the effect type, and

press it to conrm.

Parameters 1 and 2

3

Use these to adjust the parameters for the se-

lected effect.

See P. 95 for the parameters of each effect.

EFX RETURN MUTE button

4

This mutes or unmutes the signal sent from the

built-in effect.

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

EFX RETURN level meters

5

These show the levels of the signals sent from

the built-in effect to the master bus after adjust­ment by the EFX RETURN fader. Their range is
from −48 dB to 0 dB.

EFX RETURN fader

6

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
function, for example, the level meters will show
the recalled fader position.

11

Names and functions of parts

①
②
③

④

⑤
⑥

⑩

⑦

⑪

⑫

⑬

Output section

⑧

⑨

MASTER OUT jacks

1

These jacks output signals after volume adjust-

ment 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 con-

nectors (2 HOT).

MONITOR OUT A jacks

2

These jacks output signals after volume adjust-

ment by the MONITOR OUT A knob.

You can, for example, connect a monitoring sys-

tem for the mixer operator here.

These support balanced 1/4-inch jack phone out-

put.

12

Names and functions of parts

NOTE

The MONITOR OUT A jacks can be set to output
the same signals as the MASTER OUT jacks or the
signals set separately in the fader mode section.
(→ P.31)

MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack

3

This headphone jack outputs signals after volume

adjustment by the MONITOR OUT A PHONES
knob.

NOTE

The MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack always out­puts the same signals as the MONITOR OUT A
jacks.

MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks

4

These headphone jacks output signals after

volume adjustments by the MONITOR OUT B–E
PHONES knobs.

NOTE

The MONITOR OUT B–E jacks can be set to output
the same signals as the MASTER OUT jacks or the
signals set separately in the fader mode section.
(→ P.31)

MONITOR OUT A knob

5

Use to adjust the volume of the signals output

from the MONITOR OUT A jacks.

MONITOR OUT A PHONES knob

6

Use to adjust the volume of the signals output

from the MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack.

MONITOR OUT B–E knobs

7

Use to adjust the volumes of the signals output

from the MONITOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks.

MONITOR OUT A switch

8

This switches MONITOR OUT A output between

the L/R jacks and the PHONES jack.

Status Explanation

The same signals as the

MASTER (

A (

)

MASTER OUT are output.

) The signals set in the

FADER MODE section are
output.

MONITOR OUT B–E switches

9

These switch the signals output from the MONI-

TOR OUT B–E PHONES jacks.

Status Explanation

The same signals as the

MASTER (

B–E (

MASTER REC/PLAY button

!

Use this button to switch between recording the

signal input on the master bus to the SD card
and playing back an already recorded file from
the SD card.

Status Explanation

Lit red The signal will be recorded to the

Lit green The playback signal of a file is in-

Unlit Files will neither be recorded nor

MASTER MUTE button

"

This mutes or unmutes the MASTER OUT jacks.

To mute the signals, 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.

)

MASTER OUT are output.

) The signals set in the

FADER MODE section are
output.

SD card after adjustment by the
master fader.

serted on the master bus. The REC/
PLAY buttons of other channels will
be unlit at this time.

played back.

NOTE

If the actual channel fader position differs from the
channel fader position recalled using the scene
function, for example, the level meters will show
the recalled fader position.

13

Names and functions of parts

①

②

③

⑨

⑫

④
⑤

⑧

⑥

RECORDER section

⑦

⑩

⑪

Slate mic

1

This is a built-in mic for recording comments.
This mic input is active while the SLATE button

is being pressed.

The input channel can be set to channels 1–12,

MASTER, or all channels. (

SLATE button/indicator

2

This activates the slate mic.
The slate mic is activated while this button is

being pressed and its indicator is lit.

Display

3

This shows the recorder status and MENU

screen.

MENU button

4

This opens the menu.

Selection encoder

5

Use this to change menus and values and to

move between items.

Operation Result

Turn when main re­corder screen open

Push when main re­corder screen open

Turn when menu
open

Press when menu open

→

P. 55)

h forward or backward

Searc
in one-second increments.

This sets a mark.

Move between parame­ters and change values.

Conrm parameter value.

TEMPO button/indicator

6

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.

During recording and playback, the indicator

blinks at a tempo of 40.0–250.0 bpm.

See P. 49 for metronome settings.

STOP button

7

This stops the recorder.

PLAY/PAUSE button/indicator

8

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

9

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

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

Unlit (OFF) Create a new project folder and

recording standby.

current project folder.

make a new recording.

14

Names and functions of parts

① ② ③ ④ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨⑤

Rear panel

POWER switch

1

This turns the
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 file in the
project folder on the SD card.

DC IN 12V AC adapter connector

2

Connect the included AC adapter here.

USB HOST port

3

This USB 2.0 HOST port is for connecting USB

ash drives.

Projects and audio files can be saved on and

loaded from connected USB ash drives.

MODE switch

4

Set whether to use as a USB HOST, card reader

or audio interface.

This cannot be changed after starting up.

USB DEVICE port

5

This USB 2.0 port is for connecting with a com-

puter.

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 ex-

changed with a computer.

Audio interface mode

Operating as an audio interface, audio data can

be exchanged with a computer.

Inputs: The signals from channels 1–12 after they

pass through their compressors and the master
fader output signals are input to the computer.

Outputs: Outputs from the computer can be as-

signed to channels 9/10 and 11/12.

Use when connected to an iOS device is possi-

ble if the CLASS COMPLIANT MODE switch is
set to ON.

on and off.

CLASS COMPLIANT MODE switch

6

Use this to turn Class Compliant Mode ON/OFF.
Set it to ON when connected to an iOS device.

SAMPLE RATE switch

7

Set the sampling rate used by the unit.
This cannot be changed after starting up.

SD card slot

8

This slot is for SD cards.
The

specications.

supports SD, SDHC and SDXC card

HINT

You can test whether an SD card can be used with
the

CONTROL IN jack

9

A footswitch (ZOOM FS01) can be connected

here.

The footswitch can be assigned to one function:

starting/stopping recorder playback, manually
punching in/out or muting/unmuting the built-in
effect. (

→

. (→ P.83)

P.86)

15

Equipment connection example

Drums

Live PA system

Vocal/chorus mics

×2

Electric guitar

Electric

acoustic guitar

Bass

DI

Drum mics ×3

Powered speakers

(main)

Keyboard

Performer

headphones×4

Portable audio player

16

Headphones

Headphones

Performer

headphones×4

Powered speakers

(main)

Electric

acoustic guitar

Bass

Portable audio player

playback)

DI

Equipment connection example

Computer

(for recording and

Footswitch

17

Display overview

①

⑨ ⑩

⑤

⑥ ⑧⑦

⑫

⑬
⑭

④

②

③

⑪

Home Screen

No. Item Explanation

Project name This shows the project name.

1

Status icon This shows the status as follows.

2

Counter This shows the hour: minute: second.

3

Progress bar This bar shows the amount of time in the project from begin-

4

Folder name The folder where the project is saved will be shown as FOLD-

5

PLAY MODE icon This shows the PLAY MODE setting.(

6

Metronome icon This is shown when the metronome is enabled. (

7

Project protection icon This is shown when project protection is enabled.(

8

Remaining recordable

9

time

Recording le format This shows the recording le format used by the recorder.

!

Current date and time This shows the current date and time.

"
#
$

%

SD card icon This is shown when an SD card is being recognized.

Mark This shows the mark number and the status as follows.

Longest le time in project

"<" appears if there is another project before this one in the
folder.
">" appears if there is another project after this one in the folder.

: Stopped

: Paused

: Recording

: Playing back

ning to end.

ER01 – FOLDER10.

→

P. 81)

→

P. 48)

→

P.59)

This shows the remaining recordable time.
This will change automatically according to the number of chan­nels that have recording enabled with

: at mark (mark added at counter location)

: not at mark (mark not added at counter location)

This shows the length of the longest le in the project.

.

18

Turning the unit on/off

GAIN knob

Input/Output

EFX RETURN fader

Turning the unit on

POWER

switch

DC IN 12V
AC adapter connector

jacks

Master faderChannel faders

1. Conrm that the output devices connected to the are turned off.

19

Turning the unit on/off

2. Conrm that is set to OFF.

3. Plug the AD-19 adapter designed for this unit into an outlet.

4. Set all knobs and faders to their minimum values.

5. Connect instruments, mics, speakers and other equipment.

HINT

Equipment connection example (→ P.16)

6. Set to ON.

7. Turn on the output devices connected to the .

NOTE

• When using a passive guitar or bass guitar, connect it to channel 1 or 2, and turn on. (→ P.6)

• When using a condenser mic, turn

• The power will automatically turn off if the
on always, disable the automatic power saving function (→ P.88)

on. (→ P.6)

is unused for 10 hours. If you want the power to stay

20

Turning the unit on/off

Turning the power off

1. Minimize the volume of devices connected to the .

2. Turn off the power of output devices connected to the .

3. Set to OFF.

The following screens appear and the power turns off.

NOTE

When the power is turned off, the current mixer settings are saved in the project on the SD card. If they can­not be saved to the SD card, they will be saved in the unit.

21

Using the MENU screen

Recorder function settings, for example are made for the using the
MENU screen. This is an explanation of the basic menu operations.

Open the menu: Press

This opens the MENU screen.

Select menu items and parameters: Turn

This moves the cursor.

Confirm menu items and parameters: Press

This opens the selected MENU screen or parameter setting screen.

Return to previous screen: Press

This opens the selected MENU screen or parameter setting screen.

On the following pages, menu screen operations are shown in the following way.
For example, "After selecting 'METRONOME' on the MENU screen, select
'CLICK'" becomes:
Select MENU > METRONOME > CLICK

22

MUTE

MUTE
button

Channel faders Master fader

SIG indicator

Mixer

Outputting input sounds from output devices

Outputting sound from speakers

GAIN

knob

1. Use to adjust the input signals while inputting sound from instru-

ments and mics.

NOTE

Set them so that SIG indicators do not light red.

2. Turn off (unlit) for the MASTER and the channels with sound you

want to output.

3. Set the MASTER fader to 0.

23

Mixer

MONITOR OUT A PHONES jack

A PHONES knob

4. Use the channel faders to adjust the volumes.

5. Use the MASTER fader to adjust the overall volume.

Outputting sound from headphones

MONITOR OUT

MONITOR OUT
A switch

1. Connect headphones to the MONITOR OUT PHONES A jack.

2. Set to MASTER ( ).

3. Use to adjust the volume.

24

Mixer

STRIP section

button

Adjusting the tone and panning

CHANNEL

SEL

1. Press to light it for the channel for which you want to adjust tone

and panning.

2. Use the knobs and buttons in the channel strip section to adjust the tone

and panning.

Adjusting the tone: , , , ,

Adjusting the panning:

NOTE

• Press to light it, turning off all equalization at once. This will bypass HIGH, MID, LOW and LOW CUT
settings.

• Using the compressor (→ P.6)

HINT

details about knobs and buttons (→ P.8)

25

Mixer

EFX RETURN
MUTE button

EFX RETURN fader

button

Lit: Effect selected

Using the built-in effects

The has 16 types of send effects

SEND EFX
knob

TYPE knob

SEL

1. Turn to select the effect type, and press to conrm.

2. Press to turn it off, unmuting the EFX RETURN.

3. Set the SEND EFX RETURN fader to 0.

Parameters
1 and 2

26

Mixer

4. Press the for the channel that you want to use the effect on to light

it.

5. Use to adjust the amount for each channel.

6. Use the SEND EFX RETURN fader to adjust the overall effect amount.

7. Use and to adjust the send effect parameters.

NOTE

See P. 95 for the parameters of each effect that can be adjusted by and .

27

Mixer

RECALL button

SAVE button

Using scene functions

The scene function can be used to save up to nine sets of current mixer set­tings as scenes and to recall these saved settings at any time.

ON button
RESET button

1–9 buttons

Saving scenes

1. Click so that it lights.

This enables the scene function.

2. Press .

Buttons – will light if they have saved scenes and blink if they do not.

Press

again if you do not want to save a scene.

3. Press the button where you want to save the scene.

28

Mixer

NOTE

• Nine scenes are saved in the unit. (→ P.10)

• If a button that already has a scene saved is selected, that scene will be overwritten.

• The following items are saved with scenes.

- Fader positions (each channel, SEND EFX, MASTER)

- MUTE ON/OFF (each channel, SEND EFX, MASTER)

- EQ OFF

- LOW CUT ON/OFF

- EQ HIGH

- EQ MID

- EQ MID FREQ

- EQ LOW

- SEND EFX

- PAN

- SEND EFX TYPE

- SEND EFX parameters 1 and 2

- USB button setting

Recalling scenes

1. Click so that it lights.

This enables the scene function.

2. Press .

Buttons – will blink if they have saved scenes and be unlit if they do not.

Press

again if you do not want to recall a scene.

3. Press the button for the scene you want to recall.

The scene for the selected number is recalled.

NOTE

If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader position shown, the volume will not change
until the fader is moved to the same position. (→ P. 7)

29

Mixer

Resetting mixer settings

1. Click so that it lights.

This enables the scene function.

2. Press .

Buttons – will blink if they have saved scenes and be unlit if they do not.

Press

again if you do not want to reset the settings.

3. Press .

The current mixer settings are reset to their factory defaults.

30

Mixer

MASTER button

A–E buttonsChannel faders

Setting signals output from MONITOR OUT A–E

The MONITOR OUT A–E jacks can be set to output the same mix as the MAS­TER OUT or different mixes.

MONITOR OUT
switches

Adjusting the MONITOR OUT A–E mixes

1. Press an – button to select the output to mix.

The selected output button lights and operation of all the channel faders is enabled.

NOTE

The level meters show the fader positions. If the actual channel fader position differs from the channel fader
position shown, the volume will not change until the fader is moved to the same position.

2. Use the channel faders to adjust the volumes.

31

Mixer

Output different mixes for MONITOR OUT A–E

Output same mix as MASTER

Selecting MONITOR OUT A–E output signals

1. Use the MONITOR OUT switch for an output to select its output signal.

To output a mix set using MONITOR OUT A–E:
Set MONITOR OUT switch to A–E ( )
To output the same mix as the MASTER:
Set MONITOR OUT switch to MASTER ( )

NOTE

• Each output mix is saved with the scene and project.

• MONITOR OUT A–E do not output send-return effect signals.

• The parameters that can have separate settings for the MASTER and MONITOR OUT A–E are as follows.

- Fader positions (each channel)

Copying a mix

1. While pressing the button ( or – ) for the output you want

to copy for at least 2 seconds, press a blinking copy destination button

or – ).

(

This copies the mix from the source to the destination.

32

Recording and playback

POWER switch SD card slot

Preparing to record

Inserting SD cards

1. Set to OFF.

2. Open the SD card slot cover, and insert an SD card all the way into the

slot.

To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.

NOTE

• Disable write-protection on the SD card before inserting it.

• Always set

Inserting or removing a card while the power is on could result in data loss.

• When inserting an SD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up as shown.

• If an SD card is not loaded, recording and playback are not possible.

• To format an SD card, see P.82.

to OFF before inserting or removing an SD card.

33

Recording and playback

Creating new projects

The manages recording and playback data in units called projects.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > NEW PROJECT .

2. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

• See P.56 for information about projects.

• When a new project is created, it will start with the current mixer settings.

HINT

When the power is turned on, it will automatically load the last used project.

34

Recording and playback

REC/PLAY

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP button

OVER DUB indicator

Unlit (off): Create and record to new project

Recording and playing tracks

The has recorder functions that enable simultaneous recording of up to
14 tracks and simultaneous playback of up to 12 tracks.
The signals from every channel after they pass through their compressors and
from the master fader output can be recorded. These recordings can also be
played back.

Recording

button

button

REC button

OVER DUB
button

1. Use to turn overdubbing on or off.

Lit (on): Overwrite current project

2. Press for the channels you want to record, lighting these buttons

red.

35

Recording and playback

3. Press to start recording standby.

HINT

If a recorded le already exists, and
cording standby.

is off, pressing will create a new project and then start re-

4. Press to start recording.

5. Press to stop recording.

NOTE

• The signals for each channel are recorded after passing through their compressors. (→ P. 96)

• Punching in/out (→ P.39)

• Starting recording automatically (→ P.43)

• Capturing audio before recording starts (→ P.45)

• When recording stops, “Please Wait” appears on the display. Do not turn the power off or remove the SD
card while this message appears. Doing so could cause data loss or malfunction.

36

Recording and playback

REC/PLAY

PLAY/PAUSE

STOP button

PLAY/PAUSE indicator

Blinking: Paused

Playing recordings

button

button

1. Press for the channels you want to play, lighting these buttons

green.

2. Press to start playback.

Lit: Playing back

3. Press to stop playback.

NOTE

• Playback signals are added before the equalizer section, so their EQ and panning settings can be adjusted
during playback. (→ P. 96)

• Selecting projects for playback (→ P.47)

• Changing the playback mode (→ P.81)

Other channels cannot be played back when the MASTER channel is playing back.

37

Recording and playback

>>| button

|<< button

Adding marks

Adding marks at desired positions with the recorder makes moving to those
positions easy.

Selection
encoder

Adding marks during recording and playback

1. Press during recording/playback.

Moving in mark order

1. Use these buttons to move in mark order.

Move to next mark: Press

Move to previous mark: Press

NOTE

Checking and deleting marks in projects (→ P.66)

HINT

• A maximum of 99 marks can be added to one project.

• You can also delete a mark by pressing the

when at the mark position.

38

Recording and playback

PLAY/PAUSE
button

Redoing parts of recordings (punching in/out)

Punching in/out is a function that can be used to rerecord parts of already re­corded tracks. "Punching in" is switching track status from playback to record­ing. "Punching out" is switching track status from recording to playback.
With the
a footswitch (ZOOM FS01).

, punching in/out can be conducted using buttons on its top or

REC/PLAY
button

Selection
encoder

STOP button
REC button
OVER DUB
button

1. Press the to turn it on (lighting its indicator).

2. Press repeatedly for the tracks to re-record until they light red.

3. Press or turn left to move to before the part to be rerecorded.

4. Press to start playback.

39

Recording and playback

5. Press at the position where you want to start rerecording (punch

in).

6. Press to end rerecording (punch out).

NOTE

• Punching in/out using a footswitch (ZOOM FS01) (→ P.86)

• Punching in/out overwrites recordings.

• Punching in/out can be done up to 99 times each time playback is started.

7. Press to stop playback.

40

Recording and playback

Mixing down tracks

A final stereo mix can be recorded to the master track.
Signals are sent to the master track after passing through the master fader.

Recording to the master track

1. Click so that it lights.

NOTE

Adjust the volume and panning of each recorded track before starting.

2. Press MASTER repeatedly until it lights red.

3. Press to return to the recording beginning.

4. Press to start recording standby.

5. Press to start recording.

6. Press to end mixing down.

41

Recording and playback

Playing the master track

1. Press MASTER repeatedly until it lights green.

2. Press .

NOTE

• To stop master track playback, press MASTER repeatedly until it becomes unlit.

• When the master track is playing, other tracks will not be played back.

• To listen to master track playback from a MONITOR OUT, set the MONITOR OUT A–E switch to MASTER

).

(

42

Recording and playback

MENU button

Master fader

Recording automatically

Recording can be started and stopped automatically in response to the level
after passing through the master fader.

Selection
encoder

REC button

1. Select MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > ON/OFF.

2. Use to select ON, and press .

NOTE

Making additional settings for automatic recording (→ P.78)

43

Recording and playback

3. Press repeatedly to return to the main recorder screen.

The MASTER level meters will blink at the level that will cause automatic recording to
start.

4. Press .

The indicator will light and recording standby will start.

HINT

Recording starts automatically when the input exceeds the set level (shown by the MASTER level meters).

You can also set recording to stop automatically when the input goes below a set level. (→ P.79)

5. Press to end recording standby or stop recording.

NOTE

• This function cannot be used with the PRE REC, METRONOME or PRE COUNT functions. When you turn
AUTO REC on, these other functions will be disabled.

• When you turn OVER DUB on, AUTO REC will be disabled.

44

Recording and playback

Capturing audio before recording starts

The input signal can be captured for up to 2 seconds before recording is start­ed (pre-recording). Setting this in advance can be useful when a performance
starts suddenly, for example.

1. Select MENU > REC/PLAY > PRE REC.

2. Use to select ON, and press .

NOTE

• This function cannot be used with the AUTO REC, METRONOME, PRE COUNT or OVER DUB functions.
When you turn AUTO REC or PRE COUNT on, PRE REC will be disabled.

• The PRE REC function continues to be enabled even when recording is paused.

45

Recording and playback

Selecting the folder where projects are saved

Choose one of ten folders as the folder where recorded projects will be saved.

1. Select MENU > FOLDER.

2. Use to select the folder where you want to save, and press .

NOTE

• Up to 1000 projects can be saved in a single folder.

• If a folder that does not have a project is selected, a new project will be created automatically.

46

Recording and playback

Selecting projects for playback

Projects saved on SD cards can be loaded.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > SELECT.

2. Use to select the project you want to load, and press .

NOTE

• Projects in different folders cannot be selected. To select a project that is saved in a different folder, select
that folder rst. (→ P.46)

• When a project is loaded, the mixer settings saved in that project are also loaded.

• If actual channel fader positions differ from the channel fader positions of the loaded project, the level me­ters will show the recalled fader positions. The volume will not be changed until the actual fader position
becomes the same as the recalled position.

• When switching to a different project, the project mixer settings of the current project are saved to the
settings le in the project folder.

47

Using the metronome

The metronome has adjustable volume, a selectable sound, and a pre­count function. The volume can also be adjusted separately for each output.
Metronome settings are saved separately with each project.

Enabling the metronome

1. Select MENU > METRONOME > CLICK.

2. Use to select when the metronome makes sound, and press .

Setting value Explanation

OFF The metronome does not make sound.

REC AND PLAY The metronome sounds during recording and playback.

REC ONLY The metronome sounds only during recording.

PLAY ONLY The metronome sounds only during playback.

48

Using the metronome

MENU button

Changing metronome settings

Changing the metronome tempo

1. Press .

The current tempo is shown on the display.

Selection
encoder

Metronome
button

2. Do one of the following to change the tempo.

• Turn

• Press repeatedly at the tempo you want to set

49

Using the metronome

Setting the precount

A metronome count can be sounded before starting recording/playback.

1. Select MENU > METRONOME > PRE COUNT.

2. Use to select the precount behavior, and press .

Setting value Explanation

OFF No precount will sound.

1–8 Before recording/playback, the precount will sound for the set

number of times (1–8).

SPECIAL Before recording/playback, the precount will sound as shown

below.

NOTE

• The precount is enabled even during playback.

• This function cannot be used with the AUTO REC function. When you turn AUTO REC on, PRE COUNT will
be disabled.

• This function cannot be used with the PRE REC function. When you turn PRE COUNT on, PRE REC will be
disabled.

50

Using the metronome

Changing the metronome sound

1. Select MENU > METRONOME > SOUND.

2. Use to select the sound, and press .

HINT

The options are BELL, CLICK, STICK, COWBELL and HI-Q.

NOTE

Press to play the metronome and check the sound.

Changing the metronome pattern

1. Select MENU > METRONOME > PATTERN.

2. Use to select the pattern, and press .

HINT

The options are 1/4–8/4 and 6/8.

NOTE

Press to play the metronome and check the pattern.

51

Using the metronome

Changing the metronome volume

The metronome volume can be adjusted separately for the MASTER OUT and
each of the MONITOR OUT A–E outputs.

1. Select MENU > METRONOME > LEVEL > MASTER or A–E.

2. Turn to adjust the volume, and press .

HINT

Set from 0 to 100.

NOTE

Press to play the metronome and check the volume.

52

Using the slate mic

SLATE button

MENU button

The has a built-in slate mic that allows comments to be recorded.

Selection
encoder

Recording with the slate mic

1. Start recording. (

→

P.35)

2. Press to enable the slate mic.

While is being pressed, the indicator lights and the slate mic is enabled.

NOTE

• When the slate mic is in use, signals from input jacks are muted to the channels to which the slate mic is
routed.

• None of the channel faders affect the level of the slate mic.

53

Using the slate mic

Changing slate mic settings

Changing the slate mic volume

1. Select MENU > SLATE > LEVEL.

2. Turn to adjust the volume, and press .

54

Using the slate mic

ALL: Set routing to all channels at once

Channel routing for slate mic input

Changing the slate mic routing

1. Select MENU > SLATE > ROUTING.

2. Turn to select a channel for routing.

3. Press conrm.

ON

OFF

ALL CLEAR: Clear all settings

4. Press .

HINT

Pressing toggles it ON/OFF.

55

Projects

MENU button

The manages recording and playback data in units called projects.
The following data is saved in projects.

• Audio data

• Mixer settings

• Send return effect settings

• Mark information

• Metronome settings

Changing project names

The name of the currently loaded project can be changed.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > RENAME.

56

Selection
encoder

REC button

Projects

2. Edit the name.

Move cursor or change character: Turn

Select character to change/confirm change: Press

NOTE

• The default project name is the date and time of creation.

For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be

"170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS).

• Project names have 13 characters.

• The following characters can be used in project and le names.

(space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z {˜ }

• Projects can be ordered by numerical or alphabetical order.

• Project/le names cannot be only spaces.

• The project name is the same as the project folder name on the SD card.

3. Press .

57

Projects

Deleting projects

Projects inside the selected folder can be deleted.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > DELETE.

2. Use to select the project you want to delete, and press .

3. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

Projects cannot be deleted if protection is ON.

58

Projects

Protecting projects

The currently loaded project can be write-protected, preventing the project
from being saved, deleted or having its content changed.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROTECT.

2. Use to select ON, and press .

NOTE

• Projects cannot be used for recording if protection is ON. Turn protection OFF to record.

• When protection is OFF for a project, it will always be saved to the SD card when the power is turned off
or another project is loaded. We recommend turning protection ON to prevent accidentally saving changes
to a musical project after it has been completed.

59

Projects

Checking project information

Various information about the currently loaded projects can be viewed.

1. Select MENU > PROJECT.

2. Use to select the project with information you want to check, and

press

.

3. Use to select INFORMATION, and press .

Items shown Explanation

NAME Project name

PATH Location where project saved

DATE Project creation date and time (YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS)

FORMAT Recording format

SIZE Project size

TIME Project length (HHH: MM: SS)

FILES Information about tracks and les

60

Projects

USB HOST port

Saving projects to USB flash drives

A USB flash drive can be connected directly to the , and the currently
loaded project can be saved to it.

MODE switch

POWER

switch

1. Set to OFF.

2. Connect the USB ash drive to the USB HOST port.

61

MENU button
Selection

encoder

Projects

3. Set to USB HOST.

4. Set to ON.

5. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROJECT EXPORT.

6. Edit the name.

Move cursor or change character: Turn

Select character to change/confirm change: Press

NOTE

• The default project name is the date and time of creation.

For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be

"170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS).

• Project names have 13 characters.

• The following characters can be used in project and le names.

(space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z { }

• Projects can be ordered by numerical or alphabetical order.

• Project/le names cannot only be spaces.

• The project name is same as the project folder name on the SD card.

7. Press .

62

Projects

Folder where project data is saved

8. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

• The folder structure on USB ash drives is as follows.

Never change this folder structure.

ZOOM_L-12

PROJECT

AUDIO

• Projects will b e saved on t he USB  ash drive in the "P ROJ ECT " subfolder of the " ZOOM _L-12" fold er.

• Never disconnect a USB ash drive when “Saving” or “Loading” appears on the display.

Folder where audio data is saved

63

Projects

Importing projects from USB flash drives

Projects saved on USB flash drives can be copied to SD cards.

NOTE

Use a comp uter to crea te "ZOO M_ L-12" and "PROJEC T" fo lders on the USB  ash drive in advan ce (→ P.

63). On ly proje cts insi de the "PROJ ECT " folde r can be im ported.

1. Set to OFF.

2. Connect the USB ash drive to the USB HOST port.

3. Set to USB HOST.

4. Set to ON.

5. Select MENU > PROJECT > PROJECT IMPORT.

6. Use to select the project you want to load from the USB ash drive,

and press

.

64

Projects

7. Edit the name.

Move cursor or change character: Turn

Select character to change/confirm change: Press

NOTE

• The default project name is the date and time of creation.

For example, if a project was created at 6:48:20 p.m. on March 14, 2017, the project name would be

"170314_184820" (YYMMDD-HHMMSS).

• Project names have 13 characters.

• The following characters can be used in project and le names.

(space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z {˜ }

• Projects can be ordered by numerical or alphabetical order.

• Project/le names cannot only be spaces.

• The project name is the same as the project folder name on the SD card.

8. Press .

9. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

• Imported projects are saved in the currently selected folder.

• Never disconnect a USB ash drive when “Saving” or “Loading” appears on the display.

65

Projects

MENU button

when skipping occurred

during recording

Managing marks

A list of marks in the currently loaded project can be opened, allowing them to
be checked, played and deleted.

Selection
encoder

REC button

1. Select MENU > PROJECT > MARK LIST.

A list of marks appears.

E mark indicates time

2. Use to select a mark, and play or delete it.

Press to move to the mark position.

Press

Indicates added mark

to delete the mark.

66

Audio les

MENU button

The creates the following types of audio files according to the record­ing channel.

• Channels 1–8: mono WAV files

• Channels 9/10, 11/12 and MASTER: stereo WAV files
The file format depends on the sampling rate (→ P.87) and quantization bit
depth (→ P.77) used by the unit.
The
P.71).

Deleting audio files

Audio files that are not needed can be deleted.

can also play back audio files created using DAW software (→

NOTE

• The names given to audio les depend on their channels.

Channels 1–8: TRACK01–TRACK08
Channels 9/10, 11/12: TRACK09_10, TRACK11_12
MASTER: MASTER

• If the le size exceeds 2GB during recording, a new le will be created automatically in the same project
and recording will continue without pause. When this happens, numbers will be added to the ends of the
le names: “-01”, “-02” and so on.

1. Select MENU > FILE DELETE.

Selection
encoder

REC button

67

Audio les

2. Use to select the le you want to delete, and press .

NOTE

Press to select/deselect all les.

3. Press .

4. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

Audio les cannot be deleted if protection is ON for their projects.

68

Audio les

MENU button

Exporting audio files to USB flash drives

The desired audio files can be exported from projects to USB flash drives.
Exported audio files will be saved on the USB flash drive in the "AUDIO" sub­folder of the "ZOOM_L-12" folder.

Selection
encoder

REC button

1. Set to OFF.

2. Connect the USB ash drive to the USB HOST port.

3. Set to USB HOST.

4. Set to ON.

5. Select MENU > PROJECT > FILE EXPORT.

69

Audio les

6. Use to select the le you want to export, and press .

7. Edit the name.

Move cursor or change character: Turn

Select character to change/confirm change: Press

NOTE

• Audio le names have 24 characters.

• The following characters can be used in project and le names.

(space) ! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z {˜ }

• Project/le names cannot only be spaces.

8. Press .

9. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

• Never disconnect a USB ash drive when “Saving” or “Loading” appears on the display.

• Audio les will b e saved on t he USB  ash drive in the "AUDIO" subfolder of the "ZOO M_ L-12" folder.

70

Audio les

Importing audio files from USB flash drives

The desired audio files can be imported from USB flash drives to existing proj­ects and assigned to channels.

NOTE

Use a comp uter to crea te "ZOO M_ L-12" and "AUDIO " folders on the US B ash drive in advance (→ P.6 3).
Only aud io les in side the "AU DIO" folder c an be imported .

1. Set to OFF.

2. Connect the USB ash drive to the USB HOST port.

3. Set to USB HOST.

4. Set to ON.

5. Select MENU > PROJECT > FILE IMPORT.

6. Use to select the le you want to import, and press .

71

Audio les

7. Use to select the channel where you want to assign the file, and

press

.

NOTE

• Mono WAV les can be assigned to mono channels and stereo WAV les can be assigned to stereo chan­nels.

• Files cannot be imported to channels that already have les assigned to them.

• When les are imported, their le names will automatically be changed according to their import channels.

8. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

Never disconnect a USB ash drive when “Saving” or “Loading” appears on the display.

72

Using audio interface functions

The can be used as a 14-in/4-out USB audio interface. After applying its
compressor, each input channel always outputs its signal to the corresponding
USB audio channel. Channels 1–12 and the stereo signal output from the mas­ter fader are sent to the computer (14 channels total).

Installing the driver

1. Download the "ZOOM L-12 Driver" from http://www.zoom.co.jp to the

computer.

NOTE

• You can download the latest "ZOOM L-12 Driver" from the above website.

• Download the driver for the operating system that you are using.

2. Launch the installer and install the driver.

Follow the instructions that appear on screen to install the ZOOM L-12 Driver.

NOTE

See the Installation Guide included in the driver package for detailed installation procedures.

73

Using audio interface functions

USB DEVICE
port

Connecting to a computer

POWER

switch

MODE switch

1. Use a USB cable to connect the USB DEVICE port to the computer.

2. Set the switch to AUDIO INTERFACE.

3. Set to ON.

NOTE

• Set to ON when connected to an iOS device.

• When connecting to an iOS device, use a Lightning to USB camera adapter (or Lightning to USB 3 camera
adapter).

4. Set the as the computer sound device.

NOTE

• See the Installation Guide included in the driver package for procedures to set the sound device in different
operating systems.

• Audio interface functions cannot be used when the sampling rate is set to 96 kHz.

74

Using audio interface functions

USB buttons

Inputting return signals from the computer to a stereo channel

1. Turn the , button channel ON for the stereo channel to use for

input.

The signal controlled by the channel is switched to the USB audio channel signal (before
EQ).

75

Using card reader functions

MODE switch

When connected to a computer, data on the SD card can be checked and cop­ied.

POWER

switch

USB DEVICE
port

1. Use a USB cable to connect the USB DEVICE port to the computer.

2. Set to CARD READER.

3. Set to ON.

NOTE

When operating as a CARD READER, other functions and buttons cannot be used.

76

Recording and playback settings

Changing the recording format

The recording format can be changed in consideration of audio quality and file
size.

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > REC FORMAT.

2. Use to change the format, and press .

HINT

When overwriting a recording, recording will occur at the bit depth of the original le. For example, a le re­corded at 16-bit cannot be overwritten with 24-bit recording.

77

Recording and playback settings

Changing automatic recording settings

The conditions for automatically starting and stopping recording can be set.

Setting the automatic recording start level

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > REC START LEVEL.

2. Use to change the start level, and press .

Recording will start automatically when the level of the MASTER fader output signal
exceeds the set level.

HINT

This can be set from −48 to 0 dB.

78

Recording and playback settings

Setting automatic stopping

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > AUTO STOP.

2. Use to select the automatic stop time, and press .

HINT

This can be set to OFF or between 0 and 5 seconds.

3. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > AUTO REC > REC STOP LEVEL.

4. Use to set the stop level, and press .

Recording will stop automatically when the level of the MASTER fader output stays
below the set level for the amount of time set in step 2.

NOTE

If you start recording after setting automatic recording starting and stopping, the level set in step 4 will be
shown on the MASTER level meters.

79

Recording and playback settings

Showing recording levels on level meters

The signals of levels recorded to the recorder or recorded to a computer when
using the audio interface function can be shown on the level meters of each
channel.

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > REC LEVEL METER.

2. Use to select ON, and press .

If recorded signal levels are higher than post fader levels, the recorded signal levels are
shown lit dimly on the level meters.

Enabling latency adjustment

When overdubbing, adjustment can be made for the delay caused by ana­log-to-digital conversion, signal processing and digital-to-analog conversion.

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > LATENCY ADJUST.

2. Use to select ON, and press .

80

Recording and playback settings

Changing the playback mode

1. Open MENU > REC/PLAY > PLAY MODE.

2. Use to select the play mode, and press .

Setting value Explanation

OFF Only the selected project plays back. Playback continues even

when the end of a le is reached.

PLAY ONE

(single song playback)

PLAY ALL

(all song playback)

REPEAT ONE
(single song repeat

playback)

REPEAT ALL
(all song repeat play-

back)

Only the selected project plays back. Playback stops when

when the end of a le is reached.

Every project from the selected one to the last one will be

played back.

The selected project will be played repeatedly.

All projects in the selected folder will be played repeatedly.

81

SD card settings

Checking the open space on SD cards

1. Open MENU > SD CARD > REMAIN.

This shows the open space on the card.

NOTE

The shows less than the actual open space in order to maintain space to prevent SD card writing per­formance from degrading.

Formatting SD cards

Format SD cards for use with the .

1. Open MENU > SD CARD > FORMAT.

2. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

• Before using SD cards that have just been purchased or that have been formatted on a computer, they
must be formatted by the

• Be aware that all data previously saved on the SD card will be deleted when it is formatted.

• Format an SD card before recording to it at 96 kHz.

.

82

SD card settings

Testing SD card performance

You can test whether SD cards can be used with the .
A basic test can be done quickly, while a full test examines the entire SD card.

Conducting a quick test

1. Open MENU > SD CARD > PERFORMANCE TEST.

2. Use to select QUICK, and press .

3. Use to select YES, and press .

The card performance test will start. The test should take about 30 seconds.

The result of the test will be shown when it completes.

4. Press to stop the test.

NOTE

Even if a performance test result is "OK", there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This informa­tion is just to provide guidance.

83

SD card settings

Conducting a full test

1. Open MENU > SD CARD > PERFORMANCE TEST.

2. Use to select FULL TEST, and press .

The amount of time required will be shown.

3. Use to select YES, and press .

The result of the test will be shown when it completes.
If the access rate MAX reaches 100%, the card will fail (NG).

4. Press to stop the test.

HINT

You can press to pause and resume a test.

NOTE

Even if a performance test result is "OK", there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This informa­tion is just to provide guidance.

84

Various settings

MENU button

Setting the date and time

1. Select MENU > SYSTEM > DATE/TIME.

2. Set the date and time.

Move cursor or change value: Turn

Select item/confirm change: Press

Display

REC button

3. Press .

The rst time you turn the power on after purchase, you must set the date/
time.

85

Various settings

Setting the footswitch

If a footswitch (ZOOM FS01) is connected to the CONTROL IN jack, you can
start/stop recorder playback punch in/out or mute/unmute the send effect by
foot.

1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > CONTROL IN.

2. Use to change the value.

Setting value Explanation

PLAY Press the footswitch to start/stop playback (equivalent to

PUNCH I/O Use to control punching in/out (equivalent to

SEND EFX MUTE Mute/unmute the send effect

)

)

86

Various settings

Changing the sampling rate

The file format used when recording to the recorder depends on this setting.
Before changing the sampling rate,

must be set to OFF.

1. Conrm that is set to off.

2. Change the position.

HINT

The options are 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz.

NOTE

• When 96 kHz is selected, some unit operations are limited. The limited functions are as follows.

- Recordable tracks: tracks 1–12 only

- SEND EFX: disabled

- EQ: disabled

- OVER DUB: disabled

- Audio interface: disabled

- MONITOR OUT: output signal same as MASTER only

• Format an SD card before recording to it at 96 kHz.

3. Set to ON.

NOTE

• The sampling rate cannot be changed during operation.

• If a project is loaded that has a different sampling rate than the unit setting, recording and playback will not
be possible.

87

Various settings

Disabling the automatic power saving function

The power will automatically turn off if the is unused for 10 hours.
If you want the power to stay on always, disable the automatic power saving
function

1. While pressing and holding , set to ON.

2. Use to select OFF, and press .

NOTE

This setting is saved in the unit.

88

Various settings

Adjusting the display contrast

1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > DISPLAY CONTRAST.

2. Use to change the value.

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 10.

Restoring settings to factory defaults

You can restore an to its factory default settings.

1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > FACTORY RESET.

2. Use to select YES, and press .

NOTE

This does not reset mixer settings. (→ P.30)

89

Various settings

Checking the firmware versions

The firmware versions can be viewed.

1. Open MENU > SYSTEM > FIRMWARE VERSION.

This shows the firmware versions.

90

Various settings

Updating the firmware

The firmware can be updated to the latest versions.

1. Copy the le for updating the rmware to the root directory on an SD

card.

NOTE

An update le for the latest version can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp).

2. Insert the SD card into the .

3. While pressing and holding , set to ON.

4. press .

NOTE

Do not turn the power off or remove the SD card during a rmware update. Doing so could cause the
to become unstartable.

5. After the rmware update completes, turn the off.

91

Troubleshooting

General

There is no sound or output is very quiet

• Check the speaker connections and vol-

ume settings on the speakers.

• Check instrument and mic connections

• When using a condenser mic, turn

• Confirm that the SIG indicators are lit

green.

• Conrm that

• Raise all the channel faders and the mas-

ter fader, and conrm that the level meters

are lit.

• Conrm that the MASTER

and is lit red.

is unlit.

on.

is unlit

Recorded audio is too loud, too quiet or
silent

• Adjust input gains and confirm that SIG

indicators are lit green.

• When using a condenser mic, turn

• When recording to an SD card, confirm

that

is lit red.

on.

Recording not possible

• When recording to an SD card, confirm

that

• Conrm that the SD card has open space.

• When recording to an SD card, confirm

that the project is not protected (to pre-

vent overwriting).

is lit red.

Playback sound cannot be heard or is
quiet

• When playing data from an SD card, con-

rm that

• Raise the faders on the playback channels,

and conrm that the level meters are lit.

is lit green.

The sounds of devices connected to
input jacks are distorted

• Conrm that SIG indicators are not lighting

red. If they are lighting, lower their input

gains. You can also turn on.

• Conrm that level meters are not lighting

to their highest levels. If a level meter is

lighting to its highest level, lower its fader.

The send effect is not working

• Conrm that the EFX RETURN is unlit.

• Raise the EFX RETURN fader, and conrm

that the EFX RETURN level meters are lit.

• Conrm the send amounts of the channels

on which you want to use the effect.

There is no sound or output is very quiet
from MONITOR OUT A–E

• Conrm the mixes of each output.

• Confirm that the output volume of each

output is raised (MONITOR OUT A

PHONES and MONITOR OUT A–E knobs).

• Confirm the settings of the MONITOR

OUT A–E switches.

92

Troubleshooting

Audio interface

Cannot select or use the device

• Confirm that the is connected to

the computer correctly.

• Conrm that

the

• Quit all the software that is using the

again.

• Reinstall the driver.

• Connect the

port on the computer. Do not connect it

through a USB hub.

.

, and turn the off and on

is set to OFF on

directly to a USB

Sound skips during playback or recording

• If you can adjust the audio buffer size of

the software that you are using, increase

the buffer size.

• Connect the

port on the computer. Do not connect it

through a USB hub.

• Turn the automatic sleep function and oth-

er computer power saving settings off.

directly to a USB

Cannot play or record

• Confirm that the is connected to

the computer correctly.

• Confirm that the Sound setting of the

computer you are using is set to "ZOOM

L-12 ".

• Confirm that

output in the software that you are using.

• Conrm that the

the level meters are lit for channels 9/10 or

11/12.

• Quit all the software that is using the

, and disconnect and reconnect the

USB cable connected to the .

is set for input and

, is lit red and

93

Specications

Number of in­put and output
channels

Inputs Mono

Outputs MASTER OUT Type XLR jacks (balanced)

Buses MASTER 1

Channel strip COMP

Level meters 12 segments
Send effects 16 types
Recorder

Audio interface 44.1/48 kHz Recording: 14 channels

Card reader Class Mass storage

USB HOST Class USB 2.0 High Speed
Sampling rate 44.1/48/96 kHz
Frequency characteristics Frequency characteristics (44.1 kHz): -1.0 dB: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Equivalent input noise Actual measurements: -128 dB EIN (IHF-A) with

Display LCD with backlight (128×64 resolution)
Power supply AD-19 AC adapter (DC12 V/2 A)
Power consumption 17 W maximum
External dimensions 445 mm (W)×282 mm (D)×70.5 mm (H)
Weight (main unit only) 2.53 kg

Inputs Mono (MIC/LINE) 8

Outputs MASTER OUT 1

(MIC/LINE)

Stereo (LINE) Type TRS phone/RCA pin (unbalanced) jacks

MONITOR OUT
A (TRS)

MONITOR OUT
A–E (PHONES)

Stereo (LINE) 2

MONITOR OUT 5
Type XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 HOT, TRS: TIP HOT)
Input gain PAD OFF: +16 – +60 dB

Input impedance XLR: 3 kΩ

Maximum input level PAD OFF: 0 dBu (at 0 dBFS)

Phantom power +48 V

Maximum input level +10 dBu

Maximum output level +14.5 dBu
Output impedance 100 Ω
Type TRS phone jacks (balanced)
Maximum output level +14.5 dBu
Output impedance 100 Ω
Type Standard stereo phone jacks
Maximum output level 42 mW + 42 mW at 60 Ω
Output impedance 100 Ω

MONITOR 5
SEND EFX 1

LOW CUT 75 Hz, 12 dB/OCT
EQ HIGH: 10 kHz, ±15 dB, shelving

Maximum simultaneous
recording tracks

Maximum simultaneous
playback tracks

Recording format WAV 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, mono/stereo

Recording media 16 MB–2 GB SD cards, 4 GB–32 GB SDHC cards,

Bit depth 24-bit
Interface USB 2.0

PAD ON: −10 – +34 dB
Hi-Z ON: +6 – +50 dB

TRS: 10 kΩ/1 MΩ (when Hi-Z ON)

PAD ON: +26 dBu (at 0 dBFS)

MID: 100 Hz–8 kHz, ±15 dB, peaking
LOW: 100 Hz, ±15 dB, shelving

14 at 44.1/48 kHz
12 at 96 kHz

12

WAV format

64 GB–512 GB SDXC cards

Playback: 4 channels

USB 2.0 High Speed

Frequency characteristics (96 kHz): -3.0 dB: 20 Hz – 40 kHz

+60 dB/150 Ω input

94

Send effects specications

No Type Explanation

1 Hall 1 Hall reverb with a bright tone TONE DECAY

2 Hall 2

3 Room 1

4 Room 2 Dense room reverb TONE DECAY

5 Plate Plate reverb simulation TONE DECAY

6 Church

7 DrumAmb

8 GateRev

9 Spring Spring reverb simulation TONE DECAY

10 Delay Digital delay with a clear tone TIME FEEDBACK

11 Analog Warm analog delay simulation TIME FEEDBACK

Hall reverb with a long time for
early reections

Room reverb with coarse reflec­tions

Reverb that simulates the sound
of a church

Reverb that adds a natural ambi­ence (air sound) to drums

Special reverb suited to percussive
performances

Parameters 1 Parameters 2

TONE DECAY

TONE DECAY

TONE DECAY

TONE DECAY

TONE DECAY

tempo

synchronization

12 P-P Dly

13 Vocal 1

14 Vocal 2

15 Vocal 3

16 Vocal 4

Note: Delay effects that are tempo synchronized can be synchronized to the project tempo.

To synchronize them, press the TEMPO button and set the tempo. Quarter notes will be syn-

chronized to the tempo.

Effect that outputs delay sound
alternately left and right

Very useful effect that combines
delay with hall reverb

Effect that combines delay with
mono output reverb

Effect that combines delay suitable
for ballads with plate reverb

Effect that combines delay suitable
for rock with room reverb

TIME FEEDBACK

TIME DECAY

TIME DECAY

TIME DECAY

TIME DECAY

95

L

L

L

L

R

R

R

R

R

Mixer block diagram

MASTER OUT L

MASTER OUT R

MONITOR OUT A L

MONITOR OUT A R

VOLUME

REC DATA MASTER L to SD CARD

REC DATA MASTER R to SD CARD

D/A

D/A

LEVEL METER

MONITOR OUT

MUTE

FADER

MASTER_R
MASTER_L
EFX
MONITOR OUT E_
MONITOR OUT E_L
MONITOR OUT D_
MONITOR OUT D_
MONITOR OUT C_
MONITOR OUT C_
MONITOR OUT B_
MONITOR OUT B_
MONITOR OUT A_
MONITOR OUT A_

SLATE

PLAY

MASTER

PAN

LEVEL METER

FADER

PLAY DATA MASTER L from SD CARD

PLAY DATA MASTER R from SD CARD

MASTER

FADER MODE

MUTE

EQ

CUT

LOW

USB SEND DATA 1-8 to PC

MASTER

SEND EFX

A

B

LOW
MID

FREQ
HIGH

E

C

D

MONITOR OUT E PHONES

MONITOR OUT B PHONES

MONITOR OUT C PHONES

MONITOR OUT D PHONES

MONITOR OUT A PHONES

OUTPUT

D/A

D/A

D/A

D/A

VOLUME

A - E

MASTER

LEVEL METER

BALANCE

FADER

A

BCD

MASTER

FADER MODE

MUTE

LOW

MID

FREQ

EQ

HIGH

CUT

LOW

USB SEND DATA 9/11 to PC

USB SEND DATA 10/12 to PC

LEVEL METER

FADER

EFX RETURN

MUTE

EFX

SEND EFX

E

EFX RETURN

LEVEL

REC DATA 9/11 to SD CARD

INPUT 1-8

REC DATA 10/12 to SD CARD

REC/PLAY

SLATE

USB

SIG

DC CUT

A/D

INPUT

USB RETURN DATA 1/3 from PC

USB RETURN DATA 2/4 from PC

PLAY DATA 9/11 from SD CARD

PLAY DATA 10/12 from SD CARD

GAINA/D

9/10‒11/12

Metronome

Built-in Mic

REC DATA 1-8 to SD CARD

REC/PLAY

SLATE

SLATE

COMP

SIG

DC CUT

GAIN A/D

PAD

-26dB

(INPUT 3-8)

Hi-Z

(INPUT 1,2)

PLAY DATA 1-8 from SD CARD

+48V

96

ZOOM CORPORATION

4-4-3 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan

http://www.zoom.co.jp

Z2I-3047-01