Clarification on the Tascam Model 12 having an analog mixer: The Tascam Model 12 has analog-style controls like faders and EQ, but it isn’t purely analog because the audio is converted to digital after the preamps using DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters). This means it functions more as a digital device, with analog signal paths up until the point where it’s digitized for recording and processing. So, while it offers an analog workflow, the audio path is ultimately digital after a certain stage. Hope this clears it up for everyone!
I have the 16 and I love it. One of the best purchases ever. Sounds great and the multi-track recorder is so useful. They really thought of everything. Very well-made, too. ✌🏻
@@timmyj2366 - We use it as a master mixer for a bunch of synths and drum machines, for our @madmachines project. I haven’t really used it for tracking vocals or mixing them live, but I imagine this mixer would be solid for that application.
I've had mine for 3 years or so now, and anything I've recorded that wasn't on my handheld was done with it. Love it, sounds good, no problems, would probably replace it with a 16 if it died or was stolen.
The Model 12 input signal path is immediately converted to digital directly after the preamps, like all modern digital mixers. There is no part of the signal path after that conversion that is analog. The faders and potentiometers are linear throw digital controllers, much like the GUI controllers on a plugin. The model 16 and 24 units however, are a different story and do incorporate an analog signal path along with the digital recorder section of the mixer. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it’s digital design allows the Model 12 to be updated via firmware that could significantly change or add to the mixers feature set. Add to that the high quality of preamps used and you effectively have the best of both worlds for a low noise recording/interface/mix surface.
Several years ago I bought a Presonus AR12 analog/digital mixer and was really disappointed. Your Tascam mixer seems much better designed than the AR12. For just $599, this seems like a good deal.
Mine is for returning to using my ears to record as opposed to my eyes staring at a screen..when it’s mix time I transfer to DAW..it’s a very versatile tactile mixer
We got one of these at work like two years ago, as we were looking for an audio interace with EQ capabilities for voice over recordings, the ability to route a talkback mic into the voice over booth and hocking up several headphones and monitors. The Model 12 fit everything we needed into one box. It's really sturdy (it was on the road a lot so far) and never failed. Only downside really is the ugly fake wood on the side :D
I still work with the Roland VS2480. It is a perfect mix between user dedicated hardware and additional computer style screen and mouse controls. It’s only real disadvantage is that the audio is compressed if one uses it in its 24 track mode. Shocker: It’s from 2005 but as far as I am concerned it has never been bettered because laptop DAW’s took over, although the model 12 more or less seems to come close. In theory the latest DaaW’s are better ( I use Bitwig Studio because of it’s modular The Grid synthesizer) but this old thing is totally stable, does not have any latency issues and offers total recall mixing automation and near perfect ergonomics. So why change? Newer isn’t always better!
Soundcarft also does this with their mtk22 .. and u can record almost 18 channels simultaneously . It's quiet mixer. The preamp are low noise and subtle. They don't push a lot but they r clean. Definitely worth checking too. For anyone needing more inputs for recording. Picked it up 4 yrs back just under 800 dollars.
It would be so dope if it had like a recall preset for the eq’s and whatnot. Almost like the older ssl boards where you could recall a session and eq presets for drums or bass.
Hey thanks for your comment! The Model 12 has analog inputs and controls for its mixer section (such as faders and EQ). It operates digitally in terms of recording, processing, and interfacing with DAWs.
I was really confused when I was looking at these. Was going to buy the Model 16, but Model 12 has some benefits because it's digital, like you can change routing a bit. Also, I think Model 12 is the only one in the series that hase the DAW controller feature.
I've always been very curious about the Model 12. Im trying to find a video that demo's the FX with synths and drum machines. I'm not looking for the greatest FX in the world or anything, but some decent supplemental FX would be great in my use case. Also, aesthetics really matter to me and the Model 12's classic 70's vibe is fantastic!
@@Lo-fi_Hi-brow The effects are OK, and totally usable, but that's about as far as I'd go toward endorsing them. I have a large collection of pedals, all of the plugins that come with Ardour, and about half my synths have on-board effects I'd much rather use.
I got a used Yamaha mixing board that also works as an interface, and i think it records as well, but it might just loop. It was mounted in a touring rack. My studio is a bit warm, so i haven't gotten to play with yet. Plus i got a nice sitar for my 50th birthday last month so I'm more than a little preoccupied
thanks for the rundown - a few questions for anyone/future videos 1) How reliable is the midi sync? Thinking of this as a replacement for multi-tracking in a DAW where I'm constantly battling midi and audio latency. 2) Is the sub out full band stereo - i.e. usable as a monitor or for a live quadraphonic mixing setup?
Hey, thanks for commenting! Let me clarify about the analog part. The Tascam Model 12 has analog-style controls like faders and EQ, but it isn’t purely analog because the audio is converted to digital after the preamps using DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters). This means it functions more as a digital device, with analog signal paths up until the point where it’s digitized for recording and processing. So, while it offers an analog workflow, the audio path is ultimately digital after a certain stage. So I do agree with you in the main sense of recording. 👍
thats a lot of you talking an not a lot of you showing me the unit. I don't want to hear you talk about how it sounds. I wanna hear how it sounds. In fact, am I wrong - but did you even put any kind of audio thru it it at any time in the review? I can't find it if you did.
I said this whole video is me talking through it. I even showed my settings for my microphone. For an upcoming video id like to demo the EQ, compressor. Built in fx. There’s just so much to cover on this unit I had to break it up.
I totally get that. I didn’t get mine for a few years after it’s release. I had purchased mine used for $500. Brand new they are $600 USD. I sold a few things to get mine after saving up a bit.
