Tascam Mixer
T
he Model 12 is the
latest addition to
Tascam’s compact
analogue mixer range
and follows in the
footsteps of last
year’s Model 20 and
Model 16. Designed as a standalone
mixer that also works in tandem with
your DAW, it combines a mixer, USB
interface (12in/10out), DAW
controller (HUI/MCU protocol),
onboard FX and even 12 track
multitrack recorder (using SD, SDHC,
SDXC). It’s crammed with features
and will appeal to a broad user base.
Although Model 12 behaves
primarily like an analogue mixer, the
small LCD screen accesses a
comprehensive menu section where
you’ll fi nd onboard multitrack
functions, SD card setup, onboard
metronome settings, DAW controller
presets, and even various mixer
settings such as channel phase invert
and global solo mode (pfl , solo in
place). Essentially there are plenty of
extra features that aren’t immediately
obvious. Next up, despite its multiple
functions, the mixer is laid out very
much like a traditional analogue
mixer, with input gain, compressor,
three-band EQ, two auxiliaries, pan
pot, mute, solo and fader on each
channel. These are accompanied by
controls such as the input source
selectors (analogue input, USB return
from computer or playback from SD
card) and record enable. In the
master section you’ll fi nd three-band
EQ (switchable to either main mix or
auxiliaries), two main faders (main
mix and sub mix), two independent
headphone feeds and the onboard FX
processor that’s hard wired to
auxiliary 2. Also, here you can pair a
Bluetooth device and route it to
either main output or channels 9/10.
The channel confi guration is
simple but effective with six mono
and two stereo channels. However,
the stereo channels both accept
mono inputs (including mics), and all
channel inputs accept instrument
level inputs – both handy and
fl exible. Also handy is the single knob
compressor with auto gain make up.
The three-band channel EQ (high
and low shelves and swept mid band)
sounds good but could benefi t from a
Q option like the one on the master
EQ. That said, there is a 100Hz low
cut fi lter at the preamp stage, which
is welcome. Also welcome are the
physical inserts on channels 1 and 2.
For a compact analogue mixer the
Model 12’s feature set is very good.
Throw in the USB interface, recorder
and DAW controller and it not only
delivers very broad appeal but also
amazing value for money.
Desk signal routing is limited to
the two stereo buses (main and sub)
and two auxiliaries. However, if you’re
using Model 12 as a USB interface
you can specify on a channel basis
where the USB signal is sourced from
(pre comp, post comp, post EQ).
Model 12 also includes a Music/Talk
TRRS mini jack on channels 9/10
providing either basic stereo input or
for supported smartphones two-way
audio. What’s more this mode is
mix-minus (sending the desk master
mix without the phone input) making
it ideal for broadcast and podcasting.
Model 12 uses Mackie Control or
HUI for DAW control and in this state
some of the audio functionality of the
desk is stopped. However, alongside
the fader and record arm buttons, the
rather regular looking channel mute
and solo can also control your DAW.
THE PROS & CONS
+
Up to eight mic or
instrument inputs
Two independent
headphone outputs
Proper multichannel
USB interfacing with
choice of signal
tap points
Compressor on
every channel
Mix-minus smart
device integration
-
Channel EQ could be
more comprehensive
FM VERDICT
9.1
It looks like a regular
compact mixer, but Model
12 is packed with features
and is one of the best units
we’ve seen at this price
T
and follows in the
footsteps of last
year’s Model 20 and
Model 16. Designed as a standalone
mixer that also works in tandem with
your DAW, it combines a mixer, USB
interface (12in/10out), DAW
controller (HUI/MCU protocol),
onboard FX and even 12 track
multitrack recorder (using SD, SDHC,
SDXC). It’s crammed with features
and will appeal to a broad user base.
Although Model 12 behaves
primarily like an analogue mixer, the
primarily like an analogue mixer, the
small LCD screen accesses a
comprehensive menu section where
you’ll fi nd onboard multitrack
functions, SD card setup, onboard
metronome settings, DAW controller
presets, and even various mixer
settings such as channel phase invert
and global solo mode (pfl , solo in
place). Essentially there are plenty of
extra features that aren’t immediately
obvious. Next up, despite its multiple
functions, the mixer is laid out very
much like a traditional analogue
mixer, with input gain, compressor,
three-band EQ, two auxiliaries, pan
pot, mute, solo and fader on each
+
Up to eight mic or
instrument inputs
Two independent
headphone outputs
Proper multichannel
USB interfacing with
choice of signal
tap points
Compressor on
every channel
Mix-minus smart
device integration
-
Channel EQ could be
more comprehensive
he Model 12 is the
latest addition to
Tascam’s compact
analogue mixer range
and follows in the
and follows in the
footsteps of last
year’s Model 20 and
Model 16. Designed as a standalone
mixer that also works in tandem with
your DAW, it combines a mixer, USB
interface (12in/10out), DAW
controller (HUI/MCU protocol),
onboard FX and even 12 track
multitrack recorder (using SD, SDHC,
It has plenty of extra features
not immediately obvious
Tascam Model 12 | Reviews
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FMU365.rev_tascam.indd 79 30/11/2020 13:31