New Gear Day: Tascam Model 16 mixer

[tothemax]

I've really been through the rounds researching what to replace my "live" mixer with. Without going through the whole meshuga, I had a Behringer X2442USB that I used for the few gigs I do sound for, and an X2222USB in my studio. The 2442 started having issues, so I started down the rabbit hole of what to replace it with. Go digital with Wifi? Upgrade to a better analog mixer with more channels, argh... I have to say the folks on the Live Sound forum are the best... big shout out. I was about to pull the trigger on the Behringer XR18 (with thoughts of adding an X touch board later on). When someone posted about replacing their XR18 with a Model 16... apparently the XR18 was damaged during transport and got glitchy and they were much happier with the lower tech going back to analog.

That got me thinking as I've been looking at the Model 16 for a while, what sold me was talking with my Sweetwater rep. We got into priorities, and mine is in the studio not for live sound. As we know it's a live sound is a necessary evil, but not a direction I want to expand my resources in. Particularly with the huge associated learning curve. So the plan is to replace the studio X2222USB with the Model 16, and use the X2222 for gigs.

Got to prep for gig tomorrow so won't be able to do more than open the box and look at the new arrival... Pretty jazzed and think it was a good choice. I guess the hard part is that once you make the decision to make the purchase and start researching, GAS kicks in and the features can be intoxicating.

Cheers

 

[tothemax]

Big smile I did see on the box that it say's "Made in China". I got a pretty good deal on it, so no extra tariff fees.

 

[tothemax]

Question for Windows Users:

Tomorrow I'm hoping to get the new mixer configured into the studio. Currently I'm using a Tascam US 16x08 as the USB interface and studio monitor (and Windows) output device. The 1/4" output channels 1 and 2 go to the studio monitors. The Tascam unit also sends output channels 1 & 2 to the headphones jack as well with a dedicated volume control. All of the output channels are configurable through the Tascam ASIO driver.

The Model 16 is it's own USB interface and I'm wondering if I'm going to have issues connecting to the 16x08 output channels from the mixer. I did reach out to Sweetwater support via email, it might not be a big deal but has me scratching my head. I would like to keep the 16x08 in my system so I can leave drum machines and studio gear connected when I use the new mixer for live work. Going to start researching a bit tonight.

If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate your input...

Cheers

 

[tothemax]

After a bit of research, it appears that it would be complicated to integrate the US 16x08 USB with the Model 16. In the short term it will be easier to keep the 16x08 powered off and configure the Model 16 as the primary ASIO device (using the Tascam driver). That configuration should support connecting the studio monitors to the control room outs on the Model 16 and use channels 13/14 for the PC audio out (and the main outs to the studio PA amp).

If that configuration works, then we are cooking with gas and can start moving forward learning the new board... One of the folks on the SOS forum mentioned that the 16x08 does work as a standalone preamp. No reason to make this any more difficult than necessary, and I don't really need any more XLR inputs (at this time).

Always a learning curve, but much less than going to an XR-18 digital system.

Cheers

 

[tothemax]

Finally got some time to play with the new Model 16... I had to pull my old Behringer mixer for a gig last weekend, and today it looks like we are back to square one again. The new board is now in place and ready for recording

Positives:

• Output has much more headroom than the old Behringer
• Headphone clarity is stellar

Discoveries:

• It's actually 14 channels (channels 1 & 2 are counted as dual because they have a Hi-Z option).
• For DAW / Computer playback via USB it requires channels 1 & 2 are allocated.
  • Still working out the details, it's a little quirky for output the PFL button has to be engaged. It seems to record OK while listening to the DAW output.
• Channels 13\14 do not have an XML input or EQ, it is designed for a Tape IN (RCA plugs), 1/8" stereo, or Bluetooth input.
  • Using that for computer output, leaving the computer set to the PC speakers.
  • The Bluetooth should be cool for quick access to phones, iPods, etc...
• Preamps:
  • Did a little recording with a dynamic mic (Shure AXS 3) and to get a good signal had to set the gain at about +30dB. Seems a little higher than the old Behringer, and a little higher than the Tascam 16x10. Recording sounded pretty decent...

That said, I don't think there is an ideal upgrade out there. They all seem to have a few hiccups along the way. But honestly, this was about the max learning curve I was up for (and haven't even looked at the internal SD recording feature).

It's all good, and the goal is for this old guy get better at recording and mixing... Cheers, enjoy the Preakness this afternoon!

 

[Krisfield]

I had a close look at this as a Summing Mixer/Recording Console. Looks very tempting. Thanks for the great review!

 

[tothemax]

Did a bit of recording today with the built in SD card, took a bit of dinking around and eventually watching a YouTube. The manual is really sparse, not much there... The recordings were excellent, did a two track recording (vocals and acoustic guitar). The Pre's are very clean with a bit of warmth, exactly what I was hoping for. Like so many of the Tascam Porta Studio's over the years, the controls are a little clunky (but I am new tot he unit). There is a footswitch input that starts and stops the transport. I haven't figured out to use it to start recording yet (there is a Punch In option, that might be it).

I'm thinking the SD feature will be nice to when you want grab quick recording of a concept or a practice. I can't see taking the time to mix using the onboard controls. I think it would be much easer to use the mixer as an interface and record to a DAW where you have manageable controls. While the old Behringer did the job for quite few years and was budget friendly, this seems to be quite a jump in quality.

I was using a Blackwing wireless unit with a Fishman Loudbox Mini using the built in DI, I was really surprised how clean the track was... It was nice having a day to play around with the new gear.

Cheers