The L-20 offers 20 built-in effects with adjustable parameters. Choose from delay and reverb effects, then apply them to any channel using two dedicated EFX busses. To put the L-20 through its paces, I set up a mini recording sesh in my living room with a few friends: two keyboards, two vocals and an acoustic guitar. I used insert cables to connect the keyboards to the two stereo input channels (17/18 and 19/20) from the headphone outputs into the two TS line inputs on the L-20. These channels accept dual RCA inputs as well.

Create Six Custom Monitor Mixes With six independent monitor outputs for musicians, each output can have its own custom mix, complete with effects, that can easily be switched from a powerful headphone output, to a balanced line output for stage monitors. It’s surprising how much bigger the Model 24 is compared to the Tascam given they have very similar I/O credentials. There’s no question it’s a more solid build than the Zoom, evidenced by the nearly 7kg weight premium. Long throw faders make a difference too, and they feel pro. Unlike the Zoom there’s no need for the fader-latching business as the Model 24 has its own rows of Aux knobs for both monitor mixes and the effect send.Inputs for Bigger Sound The LiveTrak L-20 is designed to mix bigger. It features 20 inputs (16 mono mic/line inputs and two stereo inputs), all with independent 3-band mid-parametric EQ. The 16 mono inputs offer stand-alone compressor control. I bought this to use in a rehearsal room with a band. We are a four piece but use drums, 2 guitars, bass, 3 synths (stereo),laptop and 3 vocals so needed lots of inputs.

Most of the effects are the same as on the L‑12, but they are divided between two independent engines rather than one, each with its own stereo return. EFX1 presents more generic reverb treatments, while EFX2 offers additional hall, room and vocal algorithms plus several delay and chorus effects. When I reviewed the L‑12, the effects were audible only on the main outputs, but Zoom have since issued a firmware update that allows them to be heard at the monitor outs too, and this is also the case on the L‑20. Now Hear This (And This… And This…) The LiveTrak™ L-20 is the new digital console offering everything creators need to mix, monitor, and record complex productions. With 20 discrete audio channels and six individual custom monitor mixes, it’s built for bigger, bolderarrangements. FEATURES The “Fader Mode” buttons allow you to design custom mixes for both the master and monitor outs. For each output, easily switch between a powerful headphone output and a balanced line output for stage monitors. The L-20 has six monitor outputs, and each output can have its own unique, custom mix with effects. These can be switched from a powerful headphone output, to a balanced line output for stage monitors. Con: Sure, it's a bit plasticy and the knobs aren't pro quality but sitting in a bandroom with the occasional trip into the outside world it is easily robust enough to last a long time.Worth noting is that the Model 24’s high-pass filter is switched on and off whereas the Zoom’s filter has a cutoff range from 40 – 600Hz. Sound quality is great, loads of headroom on preamps, channel tweaking is easy. Greatest of all though is the ability to have 6 individual headphone/monitor mixes. The Zoom LiveTrak L-20 allows total control by using a 3-band EQ, fader and compressor dial for all mono inputs, and solo and mute buttons. There are also 20 built-in chorus, delay and reverb effects to get the right sound. These can be applied to any channel using two EFX busses.