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Tascam Model 16 Mixer / Interface / Recorder?

astoni9

astoni9

May 9, 2020
29
16
Bellingham, WA
#1
Well, I just spent a half hour searching TalkBass.com's Forums for info on the 12, 16 and 24 channel versions of Tascam's relatively new mixer/interface/recorder units with USB, Bluetooth and SD card, e.g...

Tascam Model 16 Mixer / Interface / Recorder

I had no luck, so I'm posing the question in this thread -- has anyone used them? Are they recommended? I am currently using a Yamaha MG16XU mixer, which I love except for one thing -- it has 16 inputs but only 1 stereo output. I want multiple outs so that each input track can be kept separate in the mix.

What sayest thou? Really appreciate your thoughts!
 
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#2
I'm curious esp. about the new Model 12. One thing you have to consider: the model 12 isn't the same mixer as the 16 or 24, just with less channels. The other mixers are analog, the 12 is a digital mixer! So the 12 is a comparable design with the Zoom Livetrak mixers/recorders.
One advantage of the 12: it can be used as a daw controler, too. And it has midi.
Although I like Yamaha gear in general, I'm not a fan of the MG mixers. I own and still use a Yamaha N8 in the rehearsal space of one of my bands. It is much better. I expect better preamps in the Tascam mixers. But this is still only guessing on my side. The 12 isn't in stock in Germany.
 
#3
The 16 and 24 are a good choice if you want an analog mixer for live PA use that also can be used for multitracking. You can track to the SD card and then import the tracks into a computer for mixing...you don't have to record direct to the computer, although you can. The recording path bypasses the mixer channels...it's before the EQ and volume fader. You can also record the stereo mix, so it's useful for recording gigs and rehearsals.

I haven't heard one in the flesh, so I can't comment on the sound quality myself.
 
#4
DirkP said:
One thing you have to consider: the model 12 isn't the same mixer as the 16 or 24, just with less channels. The other mixers are analog, the 12 is a digital mixer!
Click to expand...

Hey DirkP. Thanks for your input! I don't want to send this thread spiraling off in a different direction, but I'm very curious which you prefer -- digital or analog mixers? In other words, would you buy a Tascam Model 16 just to get the analog form of the product? Or vice versa?
 
#5
brianrost said:
You can track to the SD card and then import the tracks into a computer for mixing...you don't have to record direct to the computer, although you can. The recording path bypasses the mixer channels...it's before the EQ and volume fader.
Click to expand...

Hey Brianrost. Thanks for your thoughts. I hope this doesn't sound hopelessly dense, but I really want to make sure I understand. You're saying that the recording path is different for the SD card and the DAW, with the recording path for SD card bypassing the mixer channels? It's just naked input?
 
#6
astoni9 said:
Hey DirkP. Thanks for your input! I don't want to send this thread spiraling off in a different direction, but I'm very curious which you prefer -- digital or analog mixers? In other words, would you buy a Tascam Model 16 just to get the analog form of the product? Or vice versa?
Click to expand...
I take whatever sounds good. I have a SSL SiX as an analog mixer and some outboard gear. I'm just looking for a small mixer with recording capabilities for my band in Berlin and I'm only interested in the 12, 'cause it has enough channels, is small and has midi.
Let Brian answer, but if I'm correct, the DAW and the SD card records the input signals, independant from the settings of the EQS and compressors of the individual channels.

I'm not sure if the 12 offers both possibilities, 'cause the EQ and the compressors are digital, too.
Even some dealers and some early reviewers get the model 12 wrong and think it is just a smaller version of the Model series from Tascam.
 
#8
astoni9 said:
You're saying that the recording path is different for the SD card and the DAW, with the recording path for SD card bypassing the mixer channels? It's just naked input?
Click to expand...

All track recording, both DAW and SD, bypasses the channel strips. Think of it like a pre-EQ DI on an amp. Only the stereo mix recording is affected the mixer channels. I'd suggest reading some online reviews and the user manual for details.

What you can do is record 16 tracks "dry" to the DAW, then run the DAW output back into the mixer, mix in analog and record the stereo output back to the DAW or to an SD card. Of course, you are limited in any FX processing you want to do compared to in the DAW.
 

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