Tascam Model 16 | Review

Built with Tascam's legendary high standards and boasting a classic analogue mixer-style design that's both intuitive and immediate, the Model 16 from Tascam is undoubtedly a great-sounding, easy-to-use multitrack recording solution. Here's Tom Quayle to tell us more.
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[@daveshepard9154]

Thank you! Very solid, comprehensive review. I just bought one of these (replacing my Presonus 16.0.2) and we're doing our first live show with it in two days. I really like how intuitive the thing is, familiar layout, easy access. Thanks again!

[@trashfuzzaudio]

You can bounce with this machine as well! For instance, record and mix drums with 8 channels, assign them to the sub, then patch the sub outs to one of the stereo channels and record it. Now you've got a full drum kit on one stereo channel, freeing up all right original channels.

[@trashfuzzaudio]

*eight, not right

[@mjklein]

You have to go out a D/A through a cable to the A/D and through analog circuitry. Not my idea of a good workflow.

[@Tonytotalify]

Yes, but you have to be absolutely sure, that the mix is correct. You dont have the option to adjust the individually drums afterwards. I hope Tascam will make a Model 32, and with 3 Subgrops instead of 1 in near future.

[@trashfuzzaudio]

@@mjklein for my workflow, I check that my mix is as good as I need it to be, then assign the tracks to sub, and patch my sub out to a stereo track that I choose and record. No need for d/a to a/d or anything like that.

[@Claidheambmor]

Love that classic Tascam multi track workflow!

[@Funkywallot]

Nowadays I am prepared to do anything to quit DAW:s , for many years i have felt more and more distracted from music-making to stare into a screen and work with a mouse and clicketyclick. Sooooo tired of it. Going to pull the trigger on the Mod.16 and maybe will regain a snese of `being there`with the flow of my instruments. Thanks for the presentation. It opened my shut eyes by quite a margin

[@bobcatt2294]

The downside of the Tascam, you would need a DAW to save your individual tracks, this can not be done on these Tascams. You would need a multi-track recorder in order to go DAW free.

[@Funkywallot]

@@bobcatt2294 How do you mean by saving individual tracks ? I have the Model 16 now, and tracks are saved on the SD-card recorder, one could also use the Mixdown function in the M16 to mix and Eq down to 2 tack stereo, without any DAW. The only real downside , I found, that editing the tracks inside the m16 is not possible (except for punch in/out) but that could easily be done by exporting all your tracks from the M16 to the DAW (Drag and drop after initializing usb mass storage in the m16 ) to set up the entire session with individual tracks in the DAW, mixing and mastering and print effects. All files are WAV and there is a limit for what you can do with non-midi tracks inside the daw, but if mastering and polishingis needed , it works just like with any file format.

[@Claidheambmor]

@@bobcatt2294 not true, the Model 12 saves all individual channels to the SD card. That's kinda the point.

[@sottilario7213]

@@Funkywallot Cool you eventually got it. I'm thinking of getting him too. These computers, mouse clicks and screen are killing my workflow. Are you satisfied?

[@mark-ze4en]

the obvious limitation is the SD card. Seems dependent on the card to send I/O channels onto the DAW on assigned channels. That's BS. What's with the use of a stupid SD card any way why not just an SSD?

[@3dogrecordingstudio628]

Best review I seen on the model units. Thank you!

[@ronsunsinger483]

Very nice demo. Covers alot of ground. Even though I watched a number of these demo videos in anticipation of buying mine, I found this video to impart much more concise information, well thought out, and very instructive.

[@thumbnailgreen9155]

agree - very good clear and concise

[@DonAlderOfficial]

Tom is such a great communicator

[@tactlacker]

He’s also a total smokeshow to boot!

[@arthurdduda63]

Very cool and informative, I want one now and I've never recorded anything in my life except on stereo cassettes.

[@AndySalinger33]

you should totally get one! or a Model 12. I recorded on tascam 4-track cassette for 20 years. the switch to this is a breeze because they use the very same "language", ie: same feel, same logic, same concepts, and most importantly, the same sweet, warm sound. join us, Arthur. make musical history. multi-track your subversive ideas. it's easy. I wish you well!

[@RecordingStudio9]

Great review

[@terrileslie1777]

Very informative, Thank you!!

[@360milliondollars]

A bit much for what I need to use it for but I saw it and WOW that's pretty and it also did more than what I have now ..... My current setup has outputs to power passive speakers, pre-amp for active speakers, DSP, and a great Headphone output. Records, mix, and work with PC.

[@adddibrux]

Fantastic video, thank you

[@bennettshapiro2965]

The reason they call it the Model 16 is because you can record the 14 channels from the channel strips, plus the L/R, making 16 total.

[@jamesfuria]

just got one. awesome

[@Johngaltsghost]

Thanks, well done

[@fredmanteghian5913]

The two inserts are not the reason it is a 16 channel mixer. If that were the case then the Mackie 1620i which has insert points on each of its 16 channels would be a 32 channel mixer by that reckoning. Channels 15 and 16 are the channels where the stereo mix is recorded. I would call it a 14 input channel mixer and the Model 24 a 22 input channel mixer. Thanks for the review.

[@mmhcreates]

Hi, thanks for this. Is it correct that the Eq's do not get printed onto the individual tracks, and only get recorded to the stereo main outputs/mixdown? Also, is it possible to playback a mix from the SD card and then record a re-mix at the same time? E.g. playback a mix and live record new EQ adjustments, panning etc onto a new track within the mixer?

[@MariaGomez-yq7fr]

Amigo, esta consola cuando graba a la tarjeta SD, graba cada canal que use en un track independiente??? para poder editar cada uno por separador en el pc.

[@Rich-lu2uh]

Thank you so much!

[@matthewgiannasca6496]

Great!!! Please do a deep dive into the Model 24 tutorial if you can🙏

[@maduroholdings]

I’ve always loved tascam I’ve never liked daws now I use daws and my channels bog down after 13 tracks and plug-ins so this solves a lot of issues for mixing mastering bouncing etc

[@Hamfantasy56]

Standalone multitrack recorder means you can record a track a time (as in a DAW or old tape multitrack recorder) or only a "one shot" multitrack recording as useful in live situations and as only possible in similar products?

[@bipolatelly9806]

I WOULD "tell all of my friends" but they mostly wouldn't have a clue what I was talking about.

[@serg3123]

Buy different friends now, Daaaaw

[@mrfeenix1]

So is the audio recorded post fader (Comp ,EQ & Send inc)? :)

[@northwoodzhiphop]

Probably going with this one. Luckily I'm well niched in recording. I'll be able to use it str8 out of the box.

[@michaelolgaalgar5729]

Nice vid, cheers, does the mixer have click track when using the SD card?

[@MrDonc78]

Add an mpc and you have 5 fx per channel plus inserts and busses. Not to mention the instruments, drums, and synths. Obviously pcs and Macs can do more but working out of the box in nice sometimes.

[@budgetguitaristcom]

GREAT review! Thank you so much for doing this. I had looked at the 24 when it came out, and it's total overkill for me. The 16 is a lot closer to something I'd look at. Right now, I have several decent 2 channel interfaces, but there've been times I've wanted 4. However, it's not impossible for me to envision a scenario where I record a whole band, say, at a gig, so I'm not sure I want to buy a 4 or even 8 channel board. The neat thing about the 16 is that you could (I assume) record internally AND record to a computer at the same time, so if the computer crashed you'd still have the internal card. The 16 is still beyond my budget right now, but that might change.

[@parisoncourt]

Model 12 is now available

[@warrenmcallister2341]

I bought the mixer and it's great, but It's taking up a bunch of my desk current. What stand are you using? Looking for a good stand for it.

[@denisdubochevalier2829]

It's called model 16 since it records 16 tracks (14 + main) though ;)

[@xaosm_os]

No aux returns sux... need to burn channels to get effects back on the board. Also only 2 inserts on the first 2channels. Otherwise it kinda looks like the perfect mixer.

[@Windpuppy123]

What are you using instead?

[@xaosm_os]

@@Windpuppy123 I am using an old Yamaha N12 at home studio... but also thinking of changing. Also have a Xone 464 plugged to an old echo Audiofire 12. tbh havent found anything perfect yet... But i don't use all the channels, i record only one or 2 tracks at a time. In fact i should go smaller.

[@paulcuccia1851]

How can you save all your settings as scenes on this unit? Is that possible? Thanks everyone!

[@charliequebec6061]

Is it possible to record multitracks using dynamic and condensator mics together in the same time ?

[@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.

[@khalilroukoz]

How is rhe sound quality if comparing with ssl six or bigsix, not sure if you might know?, Tascam 16 looks good.

[@jjwhittle8873]

Can you route multitrack from the unit back to a DAW? I have not figured out how to do it

[@davidjmoore9972]

Hi Tom, Great overview of the Model 16! I have one in my home studio and have a question about what Outputs to use for my near field Monitors. At first I was using the main outs. However , A friend who has a lot of experience as a Studio owner had me use the Control room outs for my playback monitors. They both work but, am I missing anything because of the Model 16's design and features by doing that? I know you did this Video a while back and welcome any comments (from anyone) on the Model 16 usage for studio recording. Thanks!

[@birdbone]

David, I'm only going to guess that your friend just thinks that is "best practices." All the tracks appear assignable to both. So best practice would be nearfield monitors on a CR mix routing, room monitors on the Master. So you can hear what you want to hear, and the Room gets what you want them to hear. If the electronics are the same on both routings, it won't matter to sound quality.

[@davidjmoore9972]

@@birdbone Yes, That's how I have it setup. Thanks for your Input.

[@simonpatrickgabriel]

Hello! I'll be buying this mixer this month and I'm on the hunt for a nice stand, as I wont be putting it on a desk. What you have here looks very suitable. What stand is this? (And thanks for the lovely review!)

[@kenboi169]

I am interested in a stand designed for a mixer also. At one point he did mention this was on a music stand. I would be hesitant though making that its permanent location. Music stands, to me at least, don't seem like the most stable location for a mixer.

[@davidjmoore9972]

The 16 has rack ears available from Tascam. The Model 24 is too wide to Rack mount.

[@S1ph3r]

Hey man, thanks fro the video. Something that wasn't quite clear even after reading the manual. Can I explode tracks out from another device and save them in the music folder (of the tascam), create a song in the tascam, and then load each individual exploded track onto the tracks of the tascam all in analog mode (not using it as a interface)?

[@S1ph3r]

basically stemming out all my tracks and bringing them over to mix and master/sum up as an exported final master.

[@Paintopia_VR]

@@S1ph3r Yes

[@Ophidicus]

I have a Model 12 and it controls my DAW Nicely, all my faders and pans etc. control the DAW software in real time, but the Model 16/24 do not have this feature? I want to upgrade to a Model 16 or 24 to have more tracks but if it's unable to control my DAW it's a dealbreaker.

[@Claidheambmor]

The Model 12 came out after the 16/24. It's an upgrade.

[@fallenshallrise]

That's a different thing. The 12 is a DAW controller with a bunch of knobs but everything is happing digitally in the DAW. One is an analog mixer with a 14in 16out interface built in. It's like complaining that a computer mouse isn't a pencil.

[@Yavor_B]

What is the stand you are using for the mixer? I have a model 24 and am looking for a studio-ergonomic stand to place it upon while working. Ideas?

[@Yavor_B]

Also, the model 12 is also a DAW controller. Do you know whether this functionality will be coming to 16 and 24 with a future firmware update?

[@roy_funk]

also want to know about the stand used in this video

[@johnlackner1193]

Bluetooth question: When the phone is paired, Can the person on the phone hear you talk on the mic? Can you hear the caller through the speakers? Can you record the two-way conversation?

[@ivanravello5687]

//// greeting my friend from Perú /// I have a peavey XR-AT 8 channel powered mixer , can i use it like a sub mixer for my drum ????? i need to get more xrl microphono inputs for live gigs that way i would save some money buying the model 16 instead of the model 24 ///// regards , nice review of the model 16 ////////

[@gabrieldelamora3701]

great video! i dont see a MIDI in or out, does the model 16 have Midi conections?

[@parisoncourt]

MIDI was incorporated in Model 12 recently launched.

[@Broyale26]

What, exactly, is Tascam's issue with MIDI?

[@davidjmoore9972]

@@Broyale26 I have a Model 16 and I got it after sending the Model 12 back as I wanted a higher track count for Live Drums. With midi I'm using a iconnect midi2+ which allows me to use my Roland Sound modules and Also the IOS Ipad for the great Garageband Keyboard sounds at the same time.

[@groovy56]

Can I still get a great quality mixed & mastered recording from this, without having to deal with a DAW?

[@derkhedemann5606]

if i don't want to use the compressor and the eq in studio recording in pc mode, can i turn off the compressor and eq?

[@Claidheambmor]

That's what the controls are for, so yes

[@zerosandones7559]

It won't sync with regards to timing with your daw. The manual states it can sync with a daw, but this is not the case. You can record all the tracks, but not to your grid timing. I wish i had known this.

[@johnnybenitez2963]

What stand are you using??

[@plantpoweredmuscle]

Does the analog summing work with Logic Pro?

[@parisoncourt]

Rackmount kits are available

[@nebula0697]

As part of the process I was kind of hoping to be able to send any track to an external looper then record the return into the SD card track. Is there a way to do this?

[@reneotten7376]

It is a looper itself.

[@nebula0697]

@@reneotten7376 wow that makes it even more interesting.

[@nebula0697]

@@reneotten7376 Are you sure? I tried to double-check on the manual and found no mention of an incorporated looper. It would be cool to know for sure either way.

[@keithsmith7614]

The Model 16 is also an interface! This makes it choice for computer integration as the Dp.s are not an interface tool! Sub mixing is time and easy

[@nobbystyles4807]

this isnt a daw controller . i bought one for ableton and some live performance work but basically theres zero software integration although they imply it! the model 12 does do some basic abelton stuff like move your faders but the model 16 and 24 dont. tascam have fucked us for buying in at the higher price. i dont know why theyve done that.

[@jessica_video_projects]

I want to buy this.

[@dmomcilovic9185]

jessica Garcia , do it, dont say it

[@jessica_video_projects]

@@dmomcilovic9185 ok

[@stefanschwarz1232]

Heyo, can u record - let´s say guitar and microphone - in two seperate tracks into your DAW in ONE RECORDING SETTGING with the mixer? I´m not talking about the sum (guitar and mic in only one track), I really mean seperately? Thank you so much. Love from Germany

[@madebypete]

yes

[@wildgoose-media]

How did you mount this??

[@scruffy2365]

Phantom power on all mics? Well I guess there goes the live mixing out the window.

[@MrSchiermacher]

Are you planning on using ribbon mics live or?

[@911elijah]

A cloud lifter would allow you to use a ribbon mic I think.

[@bubinga_basher]

It's a hybrid device that doesn't really do anything real well. It's not a DAW controller, as I know that's a question many will have. I've always heard great things about Tascsm, but the wording is tricky. The 24 got me for a G. Took a 400 hit, and feel duped

[@Windpuppy123]

What are you now using instead?

[@bubinga_basher]

@@Windpuppy123 I'm using Focusrite 18i20 3rd gen. I haven't put up any videos with the audio, as I've been crazy busy, but soon. I also switched to a MacBook, and although not necessary, I find it more user friendly

[@LondonSteveLee]

Hi, does it record to your PC post fader EQ etc?

[@cheetahlion79]

Been trying to figure that out too. Based on reading the user manual, it appears all multitrack recording is pre-fader.

[@LondonSteveLee]

@@cheetahlion79 Yes, faders only affect playback - what a shame!

[@effebidi9677]

Are you telling that is possible to use TAscam Model as a remote MIXER controller for anny DAW ? Can we EQ daw tracks from Tascam really ? I have heard that is not possible

[@dallasphill]

I think he was referring to using it as a summing mixer!

[@olafkliemt1145]

96kHz would give you more headroom.

[@Reedith]

hiii omg i haven't been able to comment on this channel until now yt is weird

[@DJROGER1000]

Can you multitrack print eq to the computer? Sd? You can do this in the model 12 but what about the 16 and the 24?

[@mmhcreates]

The Model 12 prints EQ to all tracks individually? and save's to SD card and or DAW? I'm trying to find this out, presumably if the 12 does the other two do as well?

[@DJROGER1000]

@@mmhcreates yes if I recall. The model 12 is different from the other model 16 and 24. If that's your deciding reason I recommend picking it up and experimenting yourself. Keep the receipt if you need to return if it doesn't suite your needs tho

[@DJROGER1000]

Specifically there is a post eq setting in the screen menu on the board. I think the options are either post gain, post compressor, and post eq in that order of what hits the AD to the computer.

[@mmhcreates]

@@DJROGER1000 thank you

[@rasheedbey8328]

I enjoyed your presentation I am piano player with the experience of 15 years. I would like to mix different sounds from five professional high quality expensive keyboards. Do I assume one keyboard takes two. Channel. Left and right on the mixer I am not sure on the application on the mixer of. 16 channel or 12 channel mixer by Techcan. I have two. Drum kits with an up right bass . My question is how do. I connect all this equipment and possibly record my. Performance . Is more tracks necessary or can I easily use. 12 channel. Mixer to make a recording , the Low. Funds call for a 12 channel. Mixer . I am so confused on this application I need help on the proper selection of mixer . I am worried the mixer you talked about may be too complex for me to understand. I should stay in my lane and continue to struggle to learn more music to perform . Sometimes I think out side the box. The music I play is classical and jazz with a R B deist . Thank. For allowing me to express my self , next time show an U tube what to plug in to the. Mixer and take your time , I am slow a visual. Learner. When I get it it is mind. Effortless. Ly Thank. You

[@Born2WinBIg77]

Great set up, Quick Question: 1. When using the Model 12/16 as an audio interface, can I utilize the model 12/16 EQs and effects on incoming audio that is going into my daw thru it’s interface live? For Instance, if I’m playing my Guitar through a track channel, can I add reverb and use the Eq knobs to that track while in interface mode as my audio passes thru the mixer in my daw? This is my primary need right noe and if you say yes, ill be ordering mines today. Any feedback would be highly appreciated! thank you!

[@msyracuse]

Excellent review GI Mag! ... This is a key question about the routing. Most hybrid mixers have direct to USB. If the Tascam has the routing through the effects and EQ, I'm buying it right now. So far, I haven't found a hybrid mixer capable of this. Please, can anyone answer this?

[@frankstetka7206]

Hi, msyracuse, I think you need to make a general reply on this thread. Great questions and this product is exciting for us Teac corporation fans🙃

[@slumdogjay]

Can you set marks and trim the dead ends off of the finished track or do you have to trim them on your computer?

[@Claidheambmor]

It has a trim feature, check out the manual.

[@slumdogjay]

@@Claidheambmor Cheers. Have one on order but won’t be with me til October. Problems with shipping. 😑

[@qqqlive1835]

I sold mine and got a A&H MixWizard 4th gen... so much happy now lol... cheap plastic by tascam here! Really BAD multitrack recording exprience and the cheap built in menu, etc....

[@Claidheambmor]

Does the Mix Wizard send all channels to a DAW via USB? Does it record/mix/bounce without a computer? Sounds like comparing apples and oranges to be honest, or a pink lady apple to a jazz apple. Both great products.

[@qqqlive1835]

@@Claidheambmor a&h quality works best for me lol... goodluck w tascam

[@fallenshallrise]

Well that was a waste of time. Why would you recommend a mixer? How are you getting tracks out of the DAW into the MixWizard and then back into the DAW? Yeah you aren't.

[@bennettshapiro2965]

And 4 samples is WAAAAAAY LESS than 1ms of latency. Not 1 or 2. 1ms at 48k is 48 samples. So at 48k, 4 samples is 1/12 of a millisecond.

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

First instrument always a guitar 🎸what not something else

[@quantumeseboy]

It's probably worth spending a little more on a mackie(onyx) because for me personally preamp quality is a deal breaker, they also put more stereo channels even on their 12 channel mixers.

[@ineedstuff8286]

Rhank you for video...however, would have been VERY helpful to have some zoomed in content as well... I wonder if anyone wanted a closer look

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

It’s not hybrid 😂it’s just a good mixer sir

[@jonniegibbins]

It looks good in all aspects save one. The fact that you cannot use phantom power on individual channels means it is totally useless to me. I understand the need to keep cost down but that's taking away a vital function. It's as if a car manufacturer decided to keep costs down by not putting headlight on the car - you could still use it but not at night. Oh well, good video anyway, thanks Tom.

[@curtiswindover4564]

how is that an issue?

[@mmhcreates]

@@curtiswindover4564 Only Condenser Microphones need Phantom power to work. Non-Condenser Microphones, such as Dynamic Mics and Ribbon Mics Do not need Phantom power and Phantom power can actually damage the Diaphragms of the Non-Condenser Diagram Mics. So if you want to use a condenser and dynamic mic at the same time you run risk of breaking your Dynamic mic with the Phantom Power 48volt surge that is required to make the Condenser microphones work.

[@curtiswindover4564]

@@mmhcreates For Ribbon mics this is true. For Dynamic Mics it's not. You basically won't damage anything besides a ribbon mic. Just don't use ribbon mics with the Tascam.

[@mmhcreates]

@@curtiswindover4564 thank you for the correction. I was unsure. It has been awhile since I read up on these differences. Ney excuse, I should have checked first. I think it was first explained to me that the intial 48v P.P surge could also damage Dynamic Mics. I need to relearn and new-learn many things. All the best

[@curtiswindover4564]

@@mmhcreates Alll good. I only learned this recently and it's good news!

[@mipueblo7042]

Can you add subtitles please? Spanish.

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

Why is it hybrid sir 😂

[@dmomcilovic9185]

32 channel and sign me up

[@risingphoenix1484]

You lost me at phantom power globally for every channel and you can’t pick and choose which channel…..why bother…?

[@ebsenraptzski9522]

very very complicated

[@terrileslie1777]

Some of us buy these used, thinking just hookup (drums, guitars, keyboards, etc.) and go. Well, not so fast. These are not the most user friendly outfits out there. At least not without a degree in engineering. I know some of you are saying, come on, it's not that difficult. I wouldn't be sitting here typing this if it wasn't. I've contacted Tascam, and they treat you like you are some king of idiot. I just want to record my drums and so forth without pulling my hair out. Not much for educational vids out there either. The manual is written for those degree earners as well. Probably why I bought it from another party in the first place, "not a degree earner as well"!! Makes a guy not want to go any further in the recording department.

[@nobbystyles4807]

dont buy this if youre expecting the same DAW control youve seen in the model 12 videos. this hasnt got it! nor has the model 24! tascam have robbed us!

[@arthurreckelberg6578]

I'm looking a bunch of reviews and I JUST FOUND 1 who says that the model 12 its the only full featured... i don't understand why... i'm from brazil and i'm looking on tascam's website, feels like they want to sell the model12 only and the other ones are only to show that the model 12 it's good deal for the price...

[@kaybhee6]

tascam has no money.. to put in phantom,,, on/off per mic,,, hence,,, no sale,,, bot zoom r24

[@ineedstuff8286]

Yeah.. wow.. I cant even watch this... he is going through the functions and parameters, and not ONCE is zooming in to the knob or switch he is commenting on... i know that's picky but, it's driving me crazy

[@aztecwarrior8230]

This wasn’t a review. This was an overview. Obvious bias.