Tascam Model 12 Reviewed: Newest Features And More

The Tascam Model 12 released in 2020 comes with a suite of features at an unbelievably good price. This all-in-one compact mixer is an integrated model that offers great value for money. It comes with several new features both in hardware and software that make it a more versatile mixer than the Model 24. 

If you didn’t like Tascam’s previous models, you would be glad to know that most of your criticism has been addressed in Tascam Model 12, and this model will cater to a larger customer base. 

Here’s a detailed review of the Tascam Model 12 for musicians and music lovers!

What’s New in Tascam Model 12

The Model 12 comes with a retro-inspired appearance and is a standalone mixer that comes with:

• Compressors
• EQ
• Inputs for mic, line, and instruments
• A number of aux sends for each channel
• Digital effects processor
• Master-section EQ

The Model 12 also serves as a digital multitrack recorder with solo track arming and recording to SD/SDHC cards and SXDC cards. What’s more, this mixer is also a multitrack audio interface with support for Mac and Windows computers. The Model 12 can do a lot more than its previous models.  

There have also been some improvements in the hardware. For instance, all the physical output and input outlets are placed on the back panel, except for the two headphone outlets. This seamless design makes your mixer look much tidier and less cluttered. Moreover, it will put less pressure on the cables. There also won’t be a lot of dust falling into the hollow spaces. So it’s very easy to maintain. 

What’s more, you can now input mic, line, and instruments into every analogue input channel using the XLR and jacks. Use XLR for mics and jack for instruments and line inputs. There are a total of 8 input channels and two for mono and stereo tracks.

It also comes with a Bluetooth input that you can set to channel 9/10 or the main mix. This makes the total number of inputs 12. Impressive, right? Moreover, a TRRS input also allows for a dual connection directly with your smartphones. So you can now easily record your audio auditions on your smartphones and use them for rehearsals.

Preamps

All the eight main input channels come with a mic preamp with a dB range of zero to fifty, decent enough for home and small studio uses. The preamps are very decent and not noisy at all. You won’t feel any noise or weird sounds when recording your voice. 

Multiple Takes

The Model 12 does not allow virtual takes on every single track. But you should know that the Model 12 can be used with the DAW software for audio. Moreover, there are major improvements in this model as compared to Model 24, especially in terms of overdubbing. 

For instance, you can record multiple takes for different tracks. There’s also a metronome facility now allowing you to maintain a uniform time for all takes. So you can basically play repeatedly and edit it in the software. 

Additionally, since Model 12 comes with instrument inputs, you can use all the channels for guitars and basses more conveniently.

Vamp Playback

The Model 12 also comes with a Vamp Playback feature. This feature allows looping playback for a maximum of 10 parts of a project, or ‘Song’. Any podcast, music, or recording that you are working on is called ‘Song’. 

The markers for loop time can be determined from the function buttons during playback or when offline. You can either use the Vamp feature automatically or manually. The automatic mode plays the track normally until the Vamp loop comes. The system will loop the playback for that part until you press F4. The playback continues until the next Vamp section comes. 

Whereas in the manual vamp playback, you have to turn on the Vamp looping on your own before and during a Vamp loop. The time is displayed in milliseconds, seconds, and minutes. But if you want, you can change the time display formats.

Metronome/Click-Track Feature

The metronome feature is a new addition that allows the click to be set to any of the outputs. You can set it up in the menu or by using an external footswitch. You can control the click level for all outfits and even specify sounds, accents, time signatures and tempos from 20 bpm to a whopping 250 bpm. You can also switch the click in or out during recording or playback. 

The Tascam Model 12 also outputs TimeCode and Clock for both playbacks and while recording. 

Integration with DAW

The best part about Tascam’s Model 12 is its seamless integration with the DAW software. The mixer is specially made to in an improved way with your PC. With 12 input channels, the MIDI, and more features, you can enjoy a user-friendly experience.

The Verdict

Tascam apparently listened to their users’ requests when making their Tascam Model 12. It seems to have all the features that users requested and more. It is a wonderful three-in-one solution for podcasters, bands, studio owners, and streamers.