Tascam Model 12 | Tom Quayle Review

Whether you use it for rehearsal, live shows, or studio production, the Tascam Model 12 is a great-sounding, multi-track recording solution. The Model 12 boasts a classic analogue mixer-style design that's both intuitive and immediate. Tom Quayle tells us more.
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[@simonwilliams7608]

Great review, thanks. The real question that the Model 12 raises is this: Why isn't everyone doing this? It just makes so much sense to combine a USB mixer/interface with a control surface. In fact, it seems silly to ever have them as separate. Now I just want someone to bring this out with motorised faders.

[@HousewerkRecords]

Fantastic review. Honestly I’m sold on this now. Thanks Tom

[@epiphonium]

First video that clearly explained why it's 12 that I've seen. I've had mine for a year and this vid is 2 years old. I started with the paper manual and now that I'm checking out these videos I'm making more progress

[@andrewkuhar1189]

Much appreciate how thorough and well-explained everything is. I've been eyeing one of these, and this basically answered all the questions I've had in my research. Also helps to hear positive feedback from someone who clearly works with a lot of different gear at a professional level.

[@paul_shuler]

Best Model 12 video on YT by far! Thank you!

[@earthspiritsong]

Great! This breakdown is the most thorough I have watched so far. I appreciate the time you took with all of the features of this device. SOLD!

[@JakeLDS]

Yep. Been waiting for this, not much else about this product on YT.

[@murphyjulian7393]

Just ordered a Model 12!!!🤟😎

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Tom great demo as usual just ordered my model 12 last night very excited..

[@Dataslaves]

Great review, very thorough. Answered most of my questions.

[@KeithTasker]

Outstanding review! I have a Model 12 on the way and can't wait to dig in!

[@bornshamir7792]

Great coverage of the unit. I have the 16 and it good to hear it mentioned in comparison . Will watch you Model 16 next! Peace

[@kyleminor3036]

This was the most useful video on the Tascam 12. Thanks for the concise explanation. I will be buying this thanks to this video.

[@Craiglyhead]

Always great, straight information. Thanks

[@peter-paulburns2551]

Thanks for this great video. Thanks to you my Tascam Model 12 arrived yesterday.

[@GuitarInteractive]

Glad we could help! Enjoy

[@eekamoose]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Great review. You convinced me that I need to purchase this console.

[@SecondhandKidMusic]

Fantastic information and very engaging presentation. Thank you. oh, and I want one.

[@jas_bataille]

Also, this is probably the best mixer for streaming podcasts because of everything you mentioned and the new firmware update which give us output-delay function, meaning that even if there is a delay between the visual and the audio, we can fix it at the output level and also run a PA with the main outputs which won't be affected by this.

[@davidstojakovich2463]

Tom, Thanks so much for this detailed review. I have been shopping for a small desk for both recording (Cubase) and live solo performance (When it’s safe to do so again). And I think you sold me in the model 12.

[@yolhanson]

Bought it. Loving it so far. I’ve always wanted a full-scale desk with digital FX. There is some learning to do, but the process of discovery is good. There are plenty of vids out there about recording songs and mixing them down. The Owner’s Manual is not very good at the end-game, so be sure to click around KZbin. Like most digital gear, there will be some excess capacity. For example, I’ll never use the Bluetooth function, or any external FX. I won’t use the DAW facility, despite it being one of the main functions. I just want a good recorder and I think this is it.

[@markalexander4641]

Hi, Tom, I'm a new subscriber, thanking you for such a well done tour of the Tascam Model 12. Your intelligence comes through with your spot-on, no nonsense delivery! I just ordered one of these and in advance of it's arrival, I downloaded the owner's manual. The manual provided no clarification as to whether or not the built-in effects are record-able directly without resorting to an additional patching/routing solution through the aux-outs and such. (A review I read questioned whether it was an option: He hadn't had his long enough to know. I'm mostly going to be doing my spoken-word material on this, nothing fancy. I just want to be able to have a finished mix without resorting to a DAW or outboard effects. I'd prefer to not have to commit to effects choices until mixdown. I'm an ancient analog guy and I suppose when it comes to routing, with an option-laden piece of gear such as the Model 12, it may just be a case of 'where there's will, there's a way.' Thanks again, stellar!

[@steveg219]

Great review from a real musician point of view!!

[@backspin6698]

Great review. This looks good.

[@redvikinghobbies]

Dude. Great breakdown. Buying one 👍

[@kiickinballistics]

Genius review. Subbed. Cheers.

[@coryponzo1383]

When I was 16 I saved all summer to buy a Fostex VF160ex. 1300 buckaroos 2100 today. And it had 2 mic preamps. I wish I had this Tascam when I was a kid. My old recordings are weak as I ran my drum mics into the line input. I also used the line input as a DI. If I had this Tascam my recordings from those early years would rock.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Awesome thanks for the video.

[@budgetguitaristcom]

Great overview! I love this line. I didn't have the money for the Model 16 so I bought the Tascam US 16x08, which is killer for the money. I'd love to have a Model 12.

[@twiglet2214]

1010Bluebox or Model 12 - to buy,or not to buy - that is the question ? What a really comprehensive review - done in a single take methinks - and i think it's helped me to resolve some of the existential angst around purchasing what i need to have some fun making music ! When Shakespeare first started out he must have thought - what do i need to get cracking ? Some paper,ok.A quill pen,ok and some ink.End of.Perhaps if he had to spend hours online researching equipment,reading reviews,being sidetracked by perhaps a better quality quill,a negative review etc etc and then deciding how he was going to pay for it,doing an unboxing video,possibly developing GAS in the process,wondering if Mrs Shakespeare would approve - things might have turned out diferently. Asked to review the Model 12 he might have said " 'Though she be but little she is fierce' "........

[@dkpianist]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@fridmanator]

Great breakdown btw TRS is tip ring sleeve (not sends) thanks for the review

[@RickRijuanaPro]

I don't have one but the SWEEPABLE MID FREQUENCY is what caught my eye about it.

[@thrasherftw]

That is a really good feature to sculpt sound.

[@OmegaDreyo]

Really great review, thanks a mil! Just ordered this Tascam 12 as an upgrade from the Mackie Onxy 8, and excited for it to arrive! While the Onxy imo definitely had good sound quality and was conveniently compact, I felt it consolidated too much of its USB interface functionality for it to be user friendly and used extensibly enough. Also the Onxy is disappointingly only able to serve as a live multi-track mixer, rather than also a studio mixer--meaning no way to (at least ideally/individually) capture EQ’ing, FX etc on the way into the box or SD file, and no way to post mix outside of the box or off an SD file onto its physical channel strips--as the Onxy is only pre [strip] aux out, while this Tascam beautifully has a toggle to switch between btwn both pre and post aux out. Also love the vintage look of this Tascam and sure looks like its build solid too.👍👍

[@buscandolaverdad8686]

Great review

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

It’s not an analog mixer. It is different in this regard to the 16 and 24 track. That’s how they could make it a DAW controller.

[@beesting6135]

They are not analog at all and this one has less tracks and has blue tooth which the other two dont

[@churlishbeardo]

@@beesting6135the model 16 has a BT channel; I was just looking at one earlier this week.

[@michaeltrenier]

NICE review.

[@mrchill3007]

Awesome video 👍 👍 Thanks!

[@Paul-oe9sy]

I just got one of these. only 2 days in, but the sound quality passes the test for me (as Tom says) and also it has replaced my old analog mixer, interface, sd recorder, outboard reverb, metronome and computer. The features are ideal for me. Only thing missing would be a stereo fx return and a "tape input" like my old mackie so i don't have to tie up a recording channel with stereo sources. great piece of gear so far.

[@OmegaDreyo]

Pretty old thread I know, lol, but at least for others reading with same wish, maybe just use a Dual RCA Female to 3.5mm Stereo Male adapter?

[@a2roland]

Awesome! Thank You!!

[@philtanner2083]

I like you mention the drivers it's important and usually not addressed...

[@GuitarInteractive]

We like to make sure we cover all the important stuff ;-)

[@kxdi_waters]

I have one of these and they're an unbelievable bargain - you really can do so much so quality/controls it beats most audio interfaces in that price point. Mixers like this need to be the new normal imho.

[@chesleyrolleMusic]

great review my friend thank you.1love

[@GuitarInteractive]

You are so welcome!

[@mgalindo780]

I have only been able to use the compression and eq on channels 1&2 in a Logic Pro X session. All volume and pans work.

[@avantgardenovelist]

great videos, thanks! was wondering, how would you say the model 12 preamp compares to, say, the asp880 or similar preamp? i've already spent the bucks on the latter so i'm having a hard time justifying recording onto the sd card on the tascam rather than my computer daw via the asp880. what do you think??

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

I got interested in this because I’m setting up a small home studio and I’ve got Logic Pro x and all I’ve got for an interface is my line 6 HD500x or in the future when I upgrade to helix. But this model 12 is a live mixer, a daw control surface and audio interface. I haven’t found a better unit for the price. Similar units with these features run 2500 ish.

[@DiggyDon_33]

Great video ! thanks you Did you notice big differences between analog sound (Live) and Digital sound (Pc and Mtr) ?

[@foodstampz]

What im getting from the manual. It is A/D in then at final output Analog..for that warmth.

[@dirkpehrke9909]

i own much more expensive gear, but the model 12 is simply great for being so convenient. like many other reviewers you get something wrong: unlike the model 16 and 24, the model 12 is fully digital. so, as you claim in 1:52, mixing back through the analog mixer isn’t possible, cause there isn’t any analog mixer😎 and imo in this priceclass analog doesn’t make sense, besides the preamps. but still: for me the model 12 is a great piece of gear for recording and project studios. tascam really seem to have thought about making our lives easier.

[@Bungalow_Jonathan]

are the analogue channels able to go out via USB, or do the USB I/O have a separate digital gain? I'm returning a Soundcraft unit right now because you can't route the USB audio through the analogue on the first pass.

[@joeyesposito4894]

Can it behave as a master MIDI clock based on the BPM of the metronome? Would be pretty sweet to be able to make this the central hub of a live rig as the master clock.

[@RecordingStudio9]

This is a great unit for your money. Good presentation (got a like from me) Sorry, but looks like you haven't done much research on this unit before your review. CORRECTIONS: 1. Not an analog mixer, past the gain knob, it's already digital, Comp, EQ, etc. 2. TRRS input for mobile phones "mix minus" is for skype or zoom call feature to stop the other party hearing themselves with echo (latency), not about karaoke or backing track.

[@BryceHanson]

Thank you.

[@jas_bataille]

Just being the annoying audio engineer here : I love this product... but this is actually not an analogue desk. You can re-amp the tracks and therefore hard-bypass the channel strip, which means that the AD conversion happens before the signal hits the channel strip. Tascam clearly states it in their manual, despite marketing it profusely as an analogue desk. Does it matters? Honestly, no, not at this price point. You can still use it as a stand-alone mixer, and it looks and feels analogue. But the AD conversion happens before anything else, which means that this, actually, a *digital* mixer through and through.

[@user-be9ey4jb3c]

Thomman sale this as a digital mixer.

[@silvebackmgmt.8929]

True that the Model 12 is a digital mixer; being that most would be purchasing this for the SD recording capability being digital should not be an issue...I.E., If you're recording to the SD card, the AD conversion has to happen somewhere in the chain.

[@RecordingStudio9]

@@silvebackmgmt.8929 Digital Compression and EQ are not the same as analog, even if they both end up on an SD card in a digital form, the audio will not be the same. In an analog mixer, using discreet components means no two channels are the same. Just saying.

[@jeffkung5088]

Oh is that right? That is quite annoying. Is there latency when using the eq?

[@RecordingStudio9]

@@jeffkung5088 It would be auto-compensated.

[@gosampeinturemusique]

Hi , in Live Mode , it is possible to record a master track like a normal recorder ? How does it work ?

[@AtypicalPaul]

Great breakdown! Sold me on it lol

[@MightyFineGuitarsLafayette]

Fantastic! Very clear and comprehensive, which makes me think I missed the answer to my question, which is this: My band would like to use a mixer like this both for live sound and to record multitrack simultaneously. We'd want to actually mix, EQ, compress and EFX the audio later to sync with video shot at the gig. Can we send completely dry multitrack signals to the SD card at the same time that we have compressed / EQ'd / EFX'd signals going out to the house? Or do the channel strip controls affect both outputs at the same time? Thanks, all.

[@joedabron4846]

Thanks for asking exactly my question Mighty Fine! Did you end up finding out if you could do that, mix live with FX but record just the dry signal?

[@ManCalledMif]

Great review. I appreciate the extra details you explained. I've owned a Model 12 for about 9 months. My first 'analogue' mixer; overall, i would highly recommend it. There is a learning curve (and I must admit to struggling a bit as I'm used to Garageband and Logic Pro X), but it is very reliable and the sound quality is great. The Bluetooth iPhone connection works really well on track 9/10. Multi track recording to SD card works really well. I'm sure there are many features I've not mastered yet. Didn't really understand what 'inserts' were and still haven't got round to actually making it work; I guess it means two-way communication on one cable; maybe I can hook up my Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X to insert 1 and my eventide reverb to insert 2. Could use another one or two Model 12s lol

[@michaelmattson3515]

Inserts are a FX loop per say. Use a TRS tipped Y cable. Put the TRS into channel 1 insert, put the Right/red part of the Y cable into FX ( delay pedal etc) input .Put the Left/black part of the Y cable into the output of the delay pedal. Now you add delay to channel 1.

[@ManCalledMif]

@@michaelmattson3515 thank you 🙌🏼

[@michaelmattson3515]

@@ManCalledMif Did that stereo Y cable method work for you on your Tascam 12?

[@ericchng6102]

Appreciate advise how to get headphones audio from model 12. Thanks.

[@goldcoco]

Hi Tom....Thnx for the video.... I am thinking about buying the Tascam 12, but I have some questions.....Maybe you can help me with that before I decide. 1. If you are playing live, How many monitors can you use for the musicians? I see there are 2 aux. So If you use 2 monitors then you can't use the effects anymore? 2. Can I connect the Tascam to my Mac and record the multitracks directly in my DAW(Cubase)? 3.When I choose an effect 4 example reverb, That's the only one I can send to every channel? Or can I send 2 or more different kind of effect? Well I hope you can help me out😊✌🏽

[@hakonsoreide]

In the video, you call it an analogue mixer, but it is, in fact, a digital mixer that just looks analogue. Once the audio has passed through the preamps, it goes to a ADC, and the rest of it is digital. Except for the analogue outputs, of course. Being a digital mixer unlike its siblings, isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course, as this is what allows its knobs and sliders to be used as a MIDI and DAW controller, but it is something one should be aware of.

[@luptonontv]

Thanks for the review and I'm a little late to the party, but certainly will be purchasing one soon. My question if that's ok is, what stand are you using because this set up would suit my limited space in my tiny project studio. Any one with any ideas? Looks like a sturdy music stand? Thanks

[@peoplerpeople9136]

I use a folding tray table, the wood kind.

[@axume100]

Hello how are you doing I just buy tascam model 12 ,the problem is that I’m always record it using irig2 with this one I can’t make it works if you know can you please help me out where I can coneted or make it work.

[@Psztyk236]

Stop making me buy stuff, Tom. I’ve alteady bought Tascam 208i because of you and I love it

[@bryanartiaga56]

How to adjust the settings so the OBS reads the sum mix instead of the individual 1-2 channels? Thank you! And great information!!

[@RecordingStudio9]

You are able to select this in the onboard menu setup option for master mix.

[@locutusmdv]

Thanks for the review. I bought a Model 12 a few months ago and I disagree that this desk is "intuitive". I still have much to learn and the included documentário is very succint. You'll sweat to learn to use it. I am a musicians, and I had a DP24 Tascam recorder for years, but the Model 12 does not replace the recorder. Yes, it will record your music, but it won't master it and you have much less functionality for recording than you do with the DP24 or DP32. It is a great machine, but it is not easy to use and it will not replace your DP Tascam machines

[@foodstampz]

Would never want to master in a little tascam machine. But i see what you're saying. I thinknits better to .MTR and load the mixed file into wavelab or audobe audition

[@DerperyPooslinger]

Would not recommend mastering with recording equipment, and definitely would not recommend mastering in a recording studio. Find a mastering engineer you can trust to maximize your music's potential. There's a reason why mastering studios are purpose built, same with their equipment.

[@DEVAULT.]

Thanks Mario.

[@slumdogjay]

Is it compatible with GarageBand on an IPad? I was wondering because I use gl just now but can’t get a decent guitar sound electric or acoustic but I do like some of the drum and keyboard sounds. This looks like a great piece of equipment that gives you a quality sound recording.

[@kosmos1448]

In PC mode is EQ and compression after the fact or can you record into your settings?

[@KenjiStarwolf]

Hey is it pre or post EQ when using it as a audio interface(multirecording)?

[@riskromer9773]

is this compatible with Propellerhead's Reason (11)?

[@Prophetpauldegni]

Hello I have the model 24 they is some who can show where to find reverb?

[@gopolarisstudio]

So if one mixes within a software suite within a DAW, like I mix in Izotope Neutron within Reaper - this thing is not very useful to me with that set up, eh? Like I can't control the bands on Neutron's EQ for instance, right?>

[@QuantizStudioRecords]

Great! How is the quality of the soundcard....it have good ASIO driver for VST Instruments?

[@arenalife]

Mix minus is nothing to do with vocal removal, it's a setup where you send the full mix back to the phone call 'minus' the input of the phone itself, so the caller doesn't get a delayed copy coming back at them. In this case you plug your phone in with a TRRS mini jack, then you can take a call and hear the caller, and they hear you, but not themselves again. It's not high tech, you'd usually do it on a conventional mixer by sending all channels to the phone via an Aux, just minus the incoming call channel

[@andrebrown4677]

Really In-depth review ThankYou! Am i right in saying you cant record any EQ'ing/Comp/ or FX, But can once audio is recorded onto Model12. Im a little Lost lol. Thanks!

[@DerperyPooslinger]

If you have your own preamp, compressor, and EQ, you can plug them into any channel with a trs cable. Channels 1 and 2 also have a trs insert for outboard eq and compression.

[@levonlooper5812]

Hi ,one question: can i use the aux1 output for a stage monitor? Thanks

[@robhasenwinkle]

Is he using a generic sheet music stand for this demo? I am interested in using a similar stand for my Tascam Model 12 Mixer, preferably one I can adjust the angle on, but I don't think a generic music stand could support the weight of this mixer.

[@BigChieff93]

Thank you for the video! Would this be a good solution to mic a drumset into a DAW to record? 7 piece kit (x1) Snare - Top Mic (x1) Snare - Bottom Mic (x1) Rack Tom 1 Mic (x1) Rack Tom 2 Mic (x1) Floor Tom 1 Mic (x1) Floor Tom 2 Mic (x1) Kick Drum Mic (x1) Overhead Mic 1 (x1) Overhead Mic 2 (x1) Additional Mic for Hi-Hats/Ride Cymbal if needed Or should I be using the analog Model 14? Thanks again!!! 🤘

[@volitic]

Will this work as a controller with studio one 4.5?

[@getstew]

This is for podcast... if I set the mode switch to PC because I wanted to play audio from my computer (a Mac) how would I set stereo playback? Would I have to assign on channel as left and another as right? If so, that's kind of a pain in the ass, as I play audio during our show and mix on the fly. Dealing with 2 faders would be kind of a pain. We're often talking over stuff. Also, if I record multitrack into a DAW, can it be set as post-fader? Thanks! Great work!

[@arijitduttaofficial]

How many tracks can be recorded simultaneously on PC DAW? Are they pre compressor pre EQ only or can be recorded post compressor post EQ?

[@altheo45]

Can the AUX 2 (FX) be set to pre fader?

[@MrFlokos]

Might ne a dumb question, but what are the pros and cons of owning Tascam Model 12 with another audio interface, Scarlett 2i2 let's say.

[@cocacolafeliz]

Is it build it for in ear monitoring?

[@earthspiritsong]

Question: Is the Tascam Model 12 USB class compliant (for use in iOS)? I have a PC at the moment for my DAW, but also lean heavily on the iPad for so many things, from midi drums, to synth, and some DAW work such as Auria and GarageBand. That said, I would LOVE it if the Model 12 was flexible enough to offer this kind of marriage between these two worlds for studio work - on the fly. If the midid clock can be synced with iPad and my Windows DAW and I can also link my various iPad apps that use AbletonLink I would be a happy camper.

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

The Tascam Mod 12 is a class compliant device for Apple

[@Al-vt9hg]

Am now subscribed because of how simple you broke down this gear! I use my Apollo Solo Interface to connect to the 'LUNA' DAW from Universal Audio, so do you know if the Model 12 will be compatible as a controller? Tascam has videos for setting up all the other major DAW's, but there's no mention of compatibility with 'LUNA'. Please help!

[@schulze007ify]

In

[@Fezzler61]

Does anyone here have an opinion on one of these vs the Tascam DP-24/32 series?

[@francescocucchi5686]

I just bought it, sounds very good, my cubase is reading it but two annoying things: 1) I can’t connect my pedal on the aux, it has only aux out, no returns? 2) the return of my laptop is going only on channels 1 and 2 which is a waste, I can’t use those two channels for my other instruments when im producing If anyone has any tricks and tips for those two issues will be very much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@Zazquatch1]

I wonder why they wouldn't put a 48 phantom option on every channel for individual use. 0..o

[@justsomeguy1074]

Cost?

[@everybodyhasoul5438]

What do people think about the preamps on this?

[@clemdog76]

so please answer me this... it has global phantom... so the 1/4" jacks could be used for dynamic mics right... it says the 1/4" is balanced... so you should be fine using any mic when phantom... just use an adapter ... from xlr to 1/4" balanced.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Question, say a person bought the model 12. Then down the road wanted the ability to record more live. Can a person buy a second model 12 or even the model 16 or the bigger one what is that 22 or 24. Can they be synced and the outputs be merged or can all 28 tracks be merged on stereo or 5.1 tracks on logic or even the machine. Sorry if I’m confusing. Basically you have one but want to add another can they be synced.

[@81rockstar1]

Is Tom gonna get his SIgnature Model like he got with IBANEZ?

[@dalecastor8821]

Are there any more mixers (maybe smaller, less channels preferably) that have bluetooth assignable channels? I’ve looked and can’t find any.

[@theycallmefilip]

Zoom LiveTrak L-8. Its my recommended choice.

[@lumberpilot]

Mixcraft is not listed in the DAW list. What DAW pre-set should I use? Also, where do I find the "Orcs"?

[@Claidheambmor]

Plenty of orcs in Moria.

[@Alfernav]

How do you know if one of the instruments is clipping?

[@hal2098]

good video. just to clarify, this is a digital mixer and not analog like the model 16 and 24. and the only one, of the three, that operates as a control surface for your DAW.

[@forever3797]

Has anyone encountered the stereo tracks being imbalanced more to one side - I'm interested in buying one but have seen some owners say this is a common problem.

[@christaylor839]

Thanks for a great review Tom. I already have the model 12 (and am a big fan-I'm pretty much "no computer recording" guy) but I like going back and looking at reviews-I always seem to pick up something I wasn't aware of. (anything to keep from RTFM, right?!)

[@mrlotto32]

How many effects can be used simultaneously?

[@AnilDhumne]

Tom, great review. I would like to position my Model 12 vertically like yours. Which stand do you use to do so? I am looking for a strong sturdy stand to mount my model 12. Thanks.

[@tomlong1415]

I am looking to stand mine vertically too! Have you found a solution?!

[@musicman4christjesus]

Looks like a heavy duty music stand

[@dereosroads]

Would you say the Tascam Model 12 preamps are better than what's found on a typical Behringer mixer?

[@smokeab]

Will it work with the Mac m1chip ?