m
Overall great
Pro: Works great stand alone, when recording capabilities do not exceed the available 12 tracks
Con: Not as analog as it looks (like de model 16/24), but not as flexible as it's digital relative (DP24/32); be sure to check how it fits your use-case. (Edit 2021): class compliant for the 12 tracks, not for DAW control, but I don't use this anyway, I use it on Linux.
MTR capabilities are limited to the physical tracks and once you have recorded the track you can only bounce it to a free track, there are no extra tracks like in the DP24. For live use this is no issue, but when trying to layer some parts you could quickly run out of tracks in a stand-alone mode, so be aware of these limits and how they possibly affect your workflow.
It's hard to tell if I would buy it again, I would probably for this price try other options, for now I have not really had an issue I couldn't work around by going outboard, even went as far as adding a mixer/router on the subs and sacrificing two inputs (stereo) for the returns.
My use case for now was aimed at playing and recording music, in future I'd like to test the broadcasting capabilities with e.g. OBS.
Con: Not as analog as it looks (like de model 16/24), but not as flexible as it's digital relative (DP24/32); be sure to check how it fits your use-case. (Edit 2021): class compliant for the 12 tracks, not for DAW control, but I don't use this anyway, I use it on Linux.
MTR capabilities are limited to the physical tracks and once you have recorded the track you can only bounce it to a free track, there are no extra tracks like in the DP24. For live use this is no issue, but when trying to layer some parts you could quickly run out of tracks in a stand-alone mode, so be aware of these limits and how they possibly affect your workflow.
It's hard to tell if I would buy it again, I would probably for this price try other options, for now I have not really had an issue I couldn't work around by going outboard, even went as far as adding a mixer/router on the subs and sacrificing two inputs (stereo) for the returns.
My use case for now was aimed at playing and recording music, in future I'd like to test the broadcasting capabilities with e.g. OBS.
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SL
Excellent Recording Equipment
I use this equipment for recording onboard only so I cannot comment on other features such as DAW and live mixing. However, for recording I like the simplicity and the hands on interface. Everything is top quality and very straightforward. I only had to look up a few things in the manual. But as everything, nothing is perfect, so here are a few things I would like improved:
1) The way headphones works for this system is a bit weird, for example, you cannot really use headphones and speakers at the same time.
2) The phantom power is global rather than for individual for each track, so all your recording mics must either support phantom power or not.
3) I find the tempo click works a bit weird.
4) Editing tools is very limited and could be improved a lot.
5) Such a shame volume, pan, Eq etc. each channel isn't saved with the tracls. I know it would be impossible as this mixer use physical knobs and sliders but annoying when you have a many songs recorded.
6) The effect channel is global, so only one effect is available for entire song, would be nice if different effects could be added.
If you can live with the above limitations then this equipment will serve you well. One thing I love is that you can quickly get stuff recorded and if you want it edited you always have the option to transfer it to a computer or simply set it up as a DAW.
1) The way headphones works for this system is a bit weird, for example, you cannot really use headphones and speakers at the same time.
2) The phantom power is global rather than for individual for each track, so all your recording mics must either support phantom power or not.
3) I find the tempo click works a bit weird.
4) Editing tools is very limited and could be improved a lot.
5) Such a shame volume, pan, Eq etc. each channel isn't saved with the tracls. I know it would be impossible as this mixer use physical knobs and sliders but annoying when you have a many songs recorded.
6) The effect channel is global, so only one effect is available for entire song, would be nice if different effects could be added.
If you can live with the above limitations then this equipment will serve you well. One thing I love is that you can quickly get stuff recorded and if you want it edited you always have the option to transfer it to a computer or simply set it up as a DAW.
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Ma
Musically inspiring and good, but with mediocre sound and quality control
The look of this unit is amazing! The wood is clearly fake, but still looks good. The screen reminds me of a Tamagotchi - white or black pixels - somewhat cheap.
I actually don't want a good (LED or OLED) screen on a mixer that feels analog. The mixer feels just right and just makes you happy when you use it, like with old equipment. It's disconnected from the internet and doesn't feel digital - even though it is.
It has really made me feel musically inspired again!
It doesn't block your creativity like a laptop with a DAW does - and this is hugely important!!!!
The sound quality is 30-40% worse than my Motu M4. I believe it has to do with worse preamps and the limit of 48 kHz, compared to 192 kHz on the Motu M4. My motu has cleaner and more nuanced high end frequencies and more true to life sound.
You hear that this mixer exaggerates room tone and unwanted sounds. The MOTU M4 plays the same sounds, but the bad tones don't ring out for as long - making it easier to edit in post.
The high end on Tascam 12 feels less characterful. The audio feels more "compressed" or one-dimensional and less dynamic l - even without compression. It doesn't feel as true to life as the MOTU M4. That being said - I think the intention of the Tascam Model 12 is to be mid priced and inspiring to use - and it surely is!!
My unit have wiggly and loose Gain buttons. I will return my unit and (maybe) order another one. Will also try the Zoom Livetrack L12Next.
I still believe the Tascam 12 is the perfect tool for a DAW-less setup.
A pristine recording of a lackluster or distracted perfomance won't beat a mediocre recording of a stellar performance.
The Tascam 12 is inspiring to use - and maybe that is all you need.
I just wish they made a 300-500 euros more expensive version with 92 kHz or 192 kHz preamps, and more headphone outputs and higher quality knobs!
It is an amazing unit - and I would GLADLY pay up to 500 more for a truly studio worthy version!!!
I actually don't want a good (LED or OLED) screen on a mixer that feels analog. The mixer feels just right and just makes you happy when you use it, like with old equipment. It's disconnected from the internet and doesn't feel digital - even though it is.
It has really made me feel musically inspired again!
It doesn't block your creativity like a laptop with a DAW does - and this is hugely important!!!!
The sound quality is 30-40% worse than my Motu M4. I believe it has to do with worse preamps and the limit of 48 kHz, compared to 192 kHz on the Motu M4. My motu has cleaner and more nuanced high end frequencies and more true to life sound.
You hear that this mixer exaggerates room tone and unwanted sounds. The MOTU M4 plays the same sounds, but the bad tones don't ring out for as long - making it easier to edit in post.
The high end on Tascam 12 feels less characterful. The audio feels more "compressed" or one-dimensional and less dynamic l - even without compression. It doesn't feel as true to life as the MOTU M4. That being said - I think the intention of the Tascam Model 12 is to be mid priced and inspiring to use - and it surely is!!
My unit have wiggly and loose Gain buttons. I will return my unit and (maybe) order another one. Will also try the Zoom Livetrack L12Next.
I still believe the Tascam 12 is the perfect tool for a DAW-less setup.
A pristine recording of a lackluster or distracted perfomance won't beat a mediocre recording of a stellar performance.
The Tascam 12 is inspiring to use - and maybe that is all you need.
I just wish they made a 300-500 euros more expensive version with 92 kHz or 192 kHz preamps, and more headphone outputs and higher quality knobs!
It is an amazing unit - and I would GLADLY pay up to 500 more for a truly studio worthy version!!!
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S
Good sound for a reasonable price
Good sound for a reasonable price. The only downpoint I could find is that the USB function does not allow you to send all the channels to your DAW.
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A
Absolutely Brilliant
I am writing this review after a fair amount of time with the desk. It was the key component my home studio was missing, I have record in the box on to SD, I have recorded through it into Ableton and I have used it as a Controller when volume balancing some live mixes I've worked. It is constantly a helpful tool that has now streamlined my creative producing life.
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e
good but...
Great product overall. Features are top notch: you basically have 3 devices in 1. A live mixer, a sound interface for the computer and a digital recorder. There's a bit of a learning curve, but there's plenty of tutorials on Youtube, as the unit has been in the market for a few years now.
Be aware: the power switch if oten faulty, so budget in a replacement at some point. I had to replace mine after 4 years of owning the unit and Tascam didn't make any recalls on faulty units. There are tutorials on Youtube on how to replace the power switch and it's not complicated not expensive.
Be aware: the power switch if oten faulty, so budget in a replacement at some point. I had to replace mine after 4 years of owning the unit and Tascam didn't make any recalls on faulty units. There are tutorials on Youtube on how to replace the power switch and it's not complicated not expensive.
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