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!
There’s nothing worse than people buying old gear, making a review video like it’s brand new and reviewing the gear before they really even understand what it is lol
ive thought of a mixer for so long but still not sure, all that about having gadgets connected all the time and it being both interface and standalone is great. Can it like redirect sound from one source to another? like a sort of patchbay functionality of some type? my case is not of many synths like many others, but "competing" audio sources, Mashine, MPC, Ipad, guitar, mic and PC, and to not have to all the time connect disconnect, and redirect sound from the MPC to the PC or sometimes from the PC to the MPC.
Thanks for the video. Well done. I too do not regret purchasing the Model 12. I sold my Focusrite 8 input once I got the Tascam. I use it live and in the studio. Excellent for recording a live performance and then taking it home and mixing it down. A musical Swiss Army Knife!
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.
@@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.
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.
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. ✌🏻
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
Model 12 is a brilliant mixer Audio interface. Took a wee while to get to using it properly with my DAW but it is just brilliant. Ohh and connecting your phone's Bluetooth to the model 12 is a nice touch. With this I had no need to buy an Apollo twin interface, so great!!!.
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.
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!
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.
I'm new to this whole new world of bedroom studio recording. So glad I saw this today. Question: when you're first starting out... Mac or PC? Do you have a video addressing this topic?
My experience is, it totally depends. I have GNU/Linux computers, only, and my recording is generally fine. There is nothing I can't do due to hardware or operating system restrictions. If you don't particularly value customization and "being in full control" (but also spending some time with configuration), then Windows or Mac is completely fine. If you're doing live stuff where stability is of utmost importance, I'd personally go look for a Mac based solution. A DJ friend once explained this pretty well: whenever he needs to rely on things to work ootb, then Mac is his best option. If not, you can use literally anything.
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
Seems solid & I almost bought one but the mixer & compression is not analog like the Model 24. Mackies offerings are actually Analog but the SD card is only stereo but i chose the Mackie because of the analog differences
Hi! Just a quick question here: Does it offer virtual playback devices or anything like that such that I can have multiple audio channels in my system that I can control via the Tascam Model 12? For example, route Discord, Spotify, or browsers through it in separate audio channels instead of just analogue inputs.
I would just buy a dedicated, motorised DAW controller. The only thing I don't use with my Model 12 is the DAW controller mode. It introduces some very annoying latency when recording, so it's unusable for me.
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?
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.
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 use a Fethead and it gives it a clean boost. Just using the preamp gain adds too much white noise or background noise. I use about 15-20db boost and then the Fethead.
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. 👍
“You have 10 mono channels, but two of those are actually stereo”. My gosh man, learn your audio engineering jargon before trying to make a video that recommends something. What you said makes no sense. There are not 10 mono channels and a mono channel cannot also be stereo. Perhaps you mean that the two stereo channels can be dual mono. Dual mono is not mono and you can tell immediately when you try to pan.
“The Model 12 has 10 analog input channels, including six mono and two stereo channels”. -Tascam.com This is a better clarification. The last two channels have two additional inputs to make them stereo if you so choose.
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.
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.
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!
There’s nothing worse than people buying old gear, making a review video like it’s brand new and reviewing the gear before they really even understand what it is lol
ive thought of a mixer for so long but still not sure, all that about having gadgets connected all the time and it being both interface and standalone is great. Can it like redirect sound from one source to another? like a sort of patchbay functionality of some type? my case is not of many synths like many others, but "competing" audio sources, Mashine, MPC, Ipad, guitar, mic and PC, and to not have to all the time connect disconnect, and redirect sound from the MPC to the PC or sometimes from the PC to the MPC.
Thanks for the video. Well done. I too do not regret purchasing the Model 12. I sold my Focusrite 8 input once I got the Tascam. I use it live and in the studio. Excellent for recording a live performance and then taking it home and mixing it down. A musical Swiss Army Knife!
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.
The Model 12 is excellent for live applications too, as a decent recorder + compact mixer. I’ve had mine for over a year, and it’s been solid.
👏👏👏Love to hear you’re enjoying yours too!
How would you rate it for vocals? Both live and studio recording?
@@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.
Can you make presets / scenes for levels and pans?
No, unfortunately. I would love it if it had motorized faders as well, but that would likely push its price way up.
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.
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.
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. ✌🏻
Great value for the money. Tascam never disappoints. Great tutorial.
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
Model 12 is a brilliant mixer Audio interface. Took a wee while to get to using it properly with my DAW but it is just brilliant. Ohh and connecting your phone's Bluetooth to the model 12 is a nice touch. With this I had no need to buy an Apollo twin interface, so great!!!.
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.
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
Yeah I appreciate the wood idea just wish it was real and you could mount the unit.
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!
Love this. Well done review 👌
Thanks Graham for the support! ✌️
I agree in you rpreference to faders as opposed to knobs
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.
After my wedding in a couple weeks I'm getting the model 12.Time to upgrade.📼🗽🎧
👏
I'm new to this whole new world of bedroom studio recording. So glad I saw this today. Question: when you're first starting out... Mac or PC? Do you have a video addressing this topic?
My experience is, it totally depends. I have GNU/Linux computers, only, and my recording is generally fine. There is nothing I can't do due to hardware or operating system restrictions.
If you don't particularly value customization and "being in full control" (but also spending some time with configuration), then Windows or Mac is completely fine. If you're doing live stuff where stability is of utmost importance, I'd personally go look for a Mac based solution. A DJ friend once explained this pretty well: whenever he needs to rely on things to work ootb, then Mac is his best option. If not, you can use literally anything.
I prefer Mac for the user friendliness
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
That’s so cool about it mountable and multi purpose too. Congrats on the sitar purchase. I’d love to get one eventually.
I can't play it to save my life (my wife thinks I'm doing a decent job) but I am trying to track down someone to take lessons from
@@id.unknown1283 good luck! UA-cam videos is also a good source for training videos but I’m preaching to the choir
Seems solid & I almost bought one but the mixer & compression is not analog like the Model 24. Mackies offerings are actually Analog but the SD card is only stereo but i chose the Mackie because of the analog differences
Hi!
Just a quick question here:
Does it offer virtual playback devices or anything like that such that I can have multiple audio channels in my system that I can control via the Tascam Model 12?
For example, route Discord, Spotify, or browsers through it in separate audio channels instead of just analogue inputs.
Are the mic pres bypassed when connecting an external preamp to the channels line level input?
When you say you used better pre amps before, how did they sound compared to the tascam? What difference did you feel that made them better?
Cleaner boost without white noise
Is the DAW controller setting compatible with FL Studio? I am having a hard time finding the answer to this anywhere.
No. Majority of Professionals don’t use FL.
can you use the 12 as just a daw controller and have a different interface connected ?
yes (I’m using a MacBook)
I would just buy a dedicated, motorised DAW controller. The only thing I don't use with my Model 12 is the DAW controller mode. It introduces some very annoying latency when recording, so it's unusable for me.
Thanks!
Thanks for checking it out!
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?
I use it as midi clock and sub out also is very useful, especially when xlr cables are out 😉
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.
Does it have also inserts for external effects connection, which would also negate the need for a patchbay ?
Yes it has 2! Sorry I threw that part in text at one brief point in the video.
@@Tiger.Arcade Thank you, that's great.
The Model 12 is a digital mixer, Model 16 and 24 are analog mixers.
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.
So would the 16 and 24 be harder to record drums?
👍
With the daw when im recording multiple instruments separately on my own can i leave guitar, bass, edrums, and mic plugged in the whole time?
Yeah, totally!
I think its actually geared more towards Live....
what number of tracks can be recorded at the same time?
10. All inputs.
@@Tiger.Arcade well that's a switch for years it's only been 8 unless you had an akia or a fostex 16 . so thanks for the update
Well... the preamp and extra 27db from that FetHead.
Yes, boosts cleaner. That’s why I say the preamps are just okay.
can it take eurorack signals?
Yes! I’ve ran my eurorack synths into it!
@@Tiger.Arcade thanks!
Will it work on fl studio?
Yes!
@@Tiger.Arcadethanks & i just subbed great info🏆
50 db of gain? So you need a cloudlifter with that SMB7?
I use a Fethead and it gives it a clean boost. Just using the preamp gain adds too much white noise or background noise. I use about 15-20db boost and then the Fethead.
@@Tiger.Arcade Pre Amps any good? Compared something like the Motu M2? or SSL 2+
@@nwilt7114 I wish I could say. I’ve not tested. The behringer preamps I’ve tested on their audio interfaces give a cleaner boost though.
Describe, why Preamp's, are not superb.
the 12 is digital including the mixer!!!
1:56 its called a linear potentiometer *nerd glasses emoji*
🤓
I thought the elephant in the room is that you changed your hair! 😅
😂😂😂 Every few months I cut some hair!
The mixer is digital
The model 12 isn't analog. DAC right after the preamps
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. 👍
@@Tiger.Arcade Since the preamp is before the DAC, will high volume breakup sound closer to a preamp being driven vs a noisy digital mess?
@@GreenShark4 I find when boosting the preamp too much it does become very noisy.
“You have 10 mono channels, but two of those are actually stereo”.
My gosh man, learn your audio engineering jargon before trying to make a video that recommends something. What you said makes no sense. There are not 10 mono channels and a mono channel cannot also be stereo. Perhaps you mean that the two stereo channels can be dual mono. Dual mono is not mono and you can tell immediately when you try to pan.
“The Model 12 has 10 analog input channels, including six mono and two stereo channels”. -Tascam.com
This is a better clarification. The last two channels have two additional inputs to make them stereo if you so choose.
It's just too damn expensive... i'd rather have 3 modules for 100$ than one for 700$
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.
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.
What a smoke show 🥵
😅
The model 12 is so old it could probably have a bar mitzvah and bros over here doing a review like it’s brand new or something…. Lame lol
Who said it has to be brand new? It’s still extremely useful.
False! Its a digital mixer!
Please see my pinned comment, thanks!
no midi ins and outs? for use with daw?
Yes there is midi in and out and usb c for use with a DAW