Zoom ZL20 LiveTrak L-20 20-Input Digital Mixer Recorder

The Zoom LiveTrak L-20 is a 20-input digital mixer, multitrack recorder, and USB audio interface designed for bands, engineers, rehearsal spaces, and small live-production setups. It combines hands-on mixing with direct SD-card recording, helping users capture complete performances without requiring a computer. Six customizable monitor outputs help performers hear mixes tailored to their needs.

Its 16 mono mic/line channels and two stereo line channels provide room for a full band, multiple vocal microphones, playback sources, and instruments. The recorder can capture 20 discrete input channels plus the stereo master mix simultaneously, for up to 22 tracks total. Files are recorded as WAV audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution.

The L-20 uses low-noise microphone preamps rated at -128 dBu EIN with up to +60 dB of input gain. Channels 1 and 2 support Hi-Z sources, while channels 3 through 16 include 26 dB pads for handling higher-level signals. Each mono channel also has compressor control, low-cut filtering, phase control, and 3-band EQ processing.

For monitoring, the mixer provides six MONITOR OUT paths that can feed balanced stage monitors or headphones, plus a dedicated PHONES output for the engineer. Each monitor mix can be customized independently, making the L-20 useful when several musicians need separate cue mixes. Two send-effect buses and 20 onboard effect types add chorus, delay, and reverb options without external processors.

In addition to standalone recording, the LiveTrak L-20 operates as a 22-input/4-output USB audio interface at 44.1 or 48 kHz. It can send inputs to DAW or streaming software while recording to an SD card, and it supports class-compliant operation for compatible iOS connections. Optional wireless control through the L-20 Control iPad app requires a Zoom Bluetooth adapter such as the BTA-1.

Key Features

• 20-Input Mixer: Handles 16 mono mic/line channels and two stereo line channels.
• 22-Track SD Recording: Records 20 inputs plus a stereo master mix simultaneously.
• Six Monitor Mixes: Gives musicians individualized headphone or stage-monitor mixes.
• Low-Noise Preamps: Provides -128 dBu EIN and up to +60 dB gain.
• USB Audio Interface: Delivers 22 inputs and four outputs at 44.1/48 kHz.
• Built-In Effects: Includes 20 selectable chorus, delay, and reverb effect types.

Design & Installation

The L-20 is a tabletop digital console with a physical channel-strip layout, 12-segment level meters, a backlit 128 x 64 LCD, and dedicated controls for mixing, recording, and monitor routing. It measures 445 mm wide by 388.4 mm deep by 82.6 mm high and weighs 3.71 kg without accessories. Its input and output layout includes balanced XLR master outputs, balanced TRS monitor outputs, XLR/TRS combo inputs, and unbalanced stereo line inputs.

Connect microphones and line-level sources to the 16 mono inputs, with Hi-Z instruments supported on channels 1 and 2. Connect powered stage monitors to the balanced MONITOR OUT A-F jacks or connect headphones to those outputs and the dedicated PHONES jack. Use a supported SD, SDHC, or SDXC card for recording, the included AD-19 power adapter for operation, and USB 2.0 for computer audio-interface or card-reader functions; optional RKL-12 hardware is available for rack mounting.