Tascam Model 12 Analog Audio Mixer Board Review

The Tascam Model 12 is much more than just a mixer. Included is a combination of the traditional mixer, a USB interface (specifically 12 in/ 10 out), a DAW controller (with HUI/MCU protocol), as well as onboard FX and a multi-track recorder that supports 12 tracks (via SDHC, SD, or SDXC).

All this technology allows for a wide array of different features.

At its core the device is still an analogue mixer, but to access the range of other features, there’s an LCD screen with a detailed menu interface.

Via these menus you’ll find multi-track options, SD card options, metronome options, DAW preset options, as well as many different mixer settings like global solo mode and channel phase invert. 

Some of these features won’t jump out at you right away, so be sure to have a good look through the menu interface so you know you’re making the most of your device. 

This incredible board blew us away the moment we first tried it at rehearsal. Our initial needs were to find a mixer that allowed us to rehearse silently, without disturbing the neighborhood.

We are: 2-guitars, bass, drums (electric full-kit) and 4 vocals. We all go direct into the TASCAM. We got us a multi-channel headphone amp and we were quickly and silently rehearsing away with the full band volume in our ears that first day! As a weekend musician-warrior, I can tell you this board offers a quick, easy path to tracking and recording. The onboard reverb/delay feature is killer. The EQ on each channel is setup well to help dial in each band member's instrument and vocal. Including compression! The Bluetooth feature is really cool. We can connect any of our cellphones to the Model 12 and play music we have on our phones right into every headphone.

Tascam Model 12 is a compact all-in-one integrated mixing and recording suite designed for music and multimedia creators, songwriters and performers. It consists of a 10-input mixer, a 12-track version of the highly acclaimed Tascam multi-track audio recorder, USB audio interface, MIDI connectivity, DAW control functions, and unique podcasting capability including mix-minus and smartphone input.

Tascam Analog Board Model 12

Combining the feel of an analogue user interface with the efficient workflow and pristine quality associated with digital recording and production, the compact and affordable Model 12 supports your creative process from start to finish.

The Model 12 incorporates several features for podcasting and internet streaming like mix-minus, smartphone input, multiple mic-ready channels, Bluetooth pairing, dual headphone monitoring, and internal multi-track recording. Use the Model 12 as a versatile live production recorder, USB audio interface and live streaming tool.

Tascam 12 provides a flexible recording tool that allows you record up to 10 tracks simultaneously and then mix, master and export a final product. As the unit saves files to .WAV files it is easy to copy your raw files to other computer- based DAW platforms such as ProTools or Logic for editing. It is also easy to import loops, beats and other audio content for songwriting. The first 10 of the 12 available tracks are assignable to one of three modes––Live, PC or Multitrack Recording–– while tracks 11 And 12 are the Master outs.

Tascam Model 12 allows you to record onto SD and SDHC cards as well as SDXC cards up to 512 GB. Model 12 is a great tool for capturing band practices, performances, live recording and tracking sessions. You can use the Model 12 as a Playback engine or simply as a live mixer for mixing and capturing live performances. It also has a storage mode that makes it easy to transfer files to your computer desktop for file storage or importing into other software programs.

Tascam Analog Audio Mixer Model 12

Tascam can record at 44.1k / 48k Hz. The Model 12 features Tascam's Ultra HDDA Mic Preamps. The preamps have a maximum of +22DB of headroom. Its mixing surface features sweepable equalizer on all 12 channels. Each channel features Low Cut, Hi Shelving Mid Peaking and Low Shelving. The unit features a Master EQ section with High Shelving, Mid Peaking and Low Shelving controls. Each channel also has available Compression. The Aux sends can be used to route signal to the FX engine, or to the Aux 1 & 2 outputs on the Tascam Model 12. Next to the faders are buttons for routing signal to either Main or Sub outputs, or both simultaneously. There are Inserts on channels one and two.

Tascam board Model 12 features a built-in Metronome, two headphone outputs with individual volume controls. The TASCAM Model 12 has a dedicated TAP Tempo function allowing you to monitor and adjust the recording tempo in live and recording situations. It also has Bluetooth capability that provides for a variety of playback options. The TASCAM Model 12 connects to your computer via a USB Type C Connector. While the TASCAM Model 12 has the basic capability to control many basic recording functions (including fader, Pan, Solo, and Record), it does not have the more advanced MIDI Machine Control functionality required to control more advanced features on your DAW.

Tascam recently released a firmware update for the Model 12, which adds VAMP looping functions, auto-calculates tempo sets in and out points. This VAMP feature allows you to easily set a start and endpoint and loop playback selected audio content on the TASCAM Model 12.

Tascam Model 12 Recording Mixer: Rear

You can, for example, rehearse a selected track before you record the part. The Tascam Model 12 is compatible with the Tascam RF 1 Footswitch for controlling VAMP looping and punching in and out. Tascam has invested a significant amount of resources in the podcasting market. The Tascam Model 12 features mix-minus and smartphone inputs. The basic concept of a mix-minus is to input multiple sources of audio into an audio mixer (your microphone, phone messages, Skype, etc.) then send that audio back out to Skype, minus (without) the Skype caller's voice.

The Tascam Model 12 shines as a standalone recorder that brings a lot of the original Portastudio functionality dialed in for the 21st century. It is easy to use and is a fun, refreshing change from “all in the box” computer-based recording while retaining tight computer integration and the ability to control the basic functions of your DAW if you want it to. It’s a portable, flexible and cost-effective recording tool adaptable for a wide variety of home and professional recording environments.

A Podcasting Studio DIY Set-up

A Podcasting Studio DIY Set-up

A good DIY studio doesn’t have to burn up all of your cash! Especially for beginners, it’s all about getting a good deal and if necessary: upgrade later!  I will provide you with Tips & Tricks to building the perfect studio to fit your budget. Remember: You’re not defined by your equipment, it’s the show you can produce with what you have. Alright let’s do this! This will all be equipment that I own and use for my podcast studio.

1. MICROPHONES

I found that starting out you do not need to spend more than $100 bucks on your mic. With a good mixer and editing software you can really make a decent mic sound much more 'expensive' than it is! I would recommend trying to find a mic within the $60-$80 range but if you must tip it off at 100 bucks.
Dynamic Mics – Take your pick!
Dynamic mics are great to have in your studio. They are much cheaper (usually under 50 bucks) and you can get them to sound great. In this price range, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between brands. I suggest doing what you can get on sale or even in a bundle. Some of these mics come in 3-packs! They are great to have around the studio for when you might have some extra guests.

2. MIXING CONSOLE

Behringer XENYX X1832 USB Mixer

I believe this is the most important piece of equipment in your studio. Your mixer powers and controls every source of audio you want to incorporate on your show. Having a good mixer will take a lot of the stress out of producing your podcast. Also the more elements you can run through your mixer, the less time you have to spend in post-production.
This mixer does everything I need it to do! It can handle up to 6 XLR mics plus a variety of different audio inputs. It let’s me run audio from my laptop into the mixer and still gives me room to add other audio sources. This model offers a compression knob that allows me to get the sound I want. Also with this model, I can run everything LIVE during recording and not have to go back and do any real post production. The mixer does all the work!

 

3. SOFTWARE

Audactiy – That’s all you really need! It’s a free sound editing software that’s available for PC and Mac. You just load it up and hit record. Then you can go back and do your editing all within this software. There are a good amount of helpful tools to clean up all of your recordings and then export it as an Mp3.
Soundbyte – This software allows you to play sound clips during your show. You can load up a page on this software with all of your saved sounds and all you have to do is click and play. The good thing about this software is that it allows you to color each individual button so you can form groups that are easy to navigate. There are also some helpful settings that you can configure to fit how you need clips to fit your show. (PC and Mac)

4. ACCESSORIES

This is the area where you can definitely score some deals! These things won’t affect the quality of your audio so you can be a little more lenient and take the better deal!
Headphones – There are so many different kinds of headphones! Some look cooler than others but really they all do the same thing! Just go with a pair that fit right and you feel comfortable with wearing! You DEFINITELY DO NOT need to get some fancy designer headphones. They won’t in any way effect the sound of your podcast! They’re just there so you can monitor your audio during your show and also when you edit in post production.

Headphone Amp – This is VERY IMPORTANT to have if you have multiple people on your show! Your mixer will only have ONE headphone output. If everyone needs to hear you’re going to need a way to split that signal while boosting it at the same time. This does exactly that! It also allows each person to adjust their volume to the way they like it.
Cables:

For Microphones – Shure PG27 USB. It’s OK to save some money here. I went with the cheapest option for all of my cables. These cables don’t really move around much so there’s no wear and tear on them.
For input and output – Hosa Stereo Y-Cable Mini Male – 2 1/4″ Mono Males
You use these to run audio from your mixer into your computer. Also any sound you want to run from your laptop through your mixer (music, clips, etc.) will be sent through this cable. Get at least 2!
Headphones and Additional Inputs – Hosa 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Stereo Interconnect Cable 3 Foot

This are cables you’ll need to run audio from your mixer into your headphone amp. They’re also just good to have around the studio as needed. They can be used to input sound from a laptop/iPod or to patch together an audio source between devices. Have a couple handy at all times!
Headphone and Cable Adapter – Hosa Stereo Mini Female-Stereo 1/4'' Male Adapter
These will always come in handy! They can be the difference between a connection working and failing. They’re cheap and can save you a headache so there just good to have around. What’s you get to setting everything up, you’ll see why!

PRO TIP: Use PROMO codes and take advantage of any sale you might find online or at a music/electronics store near you! Many online retailers offer free shipping  on almost all of these items. They usually have some kind of promotion you can take them up on to save some cash. I did not pay full price on anything that went into my studio.

An Internet connection that has an upload bandwidth of at least 64kbps is sufficient, 256kbps is preferred if you wish to stream higher quality audio.
The Behringer Podcast Studio Bundle, which includes a microphone, headphones, and mixer unit.
Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/10.

The Broadwave Audio Streaming Software

For recording podcasts: The WavePad Audio Editor Software and MixPad Audio Mixer Software.
1.Using the supplied instructions, setup the Podcast Studio Bundle, connect all the equipment together, and connect the USB Audio Capture Device to the computer. Connect an RCA cable from the CD/Tape output on the mixer to the Line In on the Audio Capture Device.

2.Download and install the Broadwave Audio Streaming Software. The software will automatically open after installation.

3.Talking Live: After the software has run through the initial network setup process, click on the 'Streams' button in the main screen, and in the window that appears, select the listed stream 'Broadwave Live 1', and click on 'Edit Stream' to edit it.

4.Ensure that the correct sound device is listed in the 'Stream Input Settings' window that appears - note that the USB Audio Capture Device appears as its own sound device.

5.Once this is completed, go back to the main screen and click on 'Connect'. This will take you to a webpage where you can find the http links to your live stream. Once you publish these on the Internet (either publish this page directly or copy the information somewhere else), then users will be able to listen to your live audio stream.
Recording a Podcast: After you have connected the equipment, and connected the USB Audio Capture Device to the computer, download and install the MixPad Audio Mixer Software.

6.Go into the Options (Preferences on Mac), and in the 'General' tab, ensure the correction audio device is selected - note that the USB Audio Capture Device appears as its own sound device. You may need to restart the software after changing the device.

7.In the 'General' tab, select which output device you wish to use for playing back your recordings.

8.Back in the main MixPad screen, click on the 'A' button for the first track, and select the appropriate recording channel in the window that opens. Now you can commence your recordings.

9.If you need to mix in other audio files or recordings in to your podcast, simply add more tracks into MixPad.

10.Once you have completed your recording, click on the 'Audio Files' button in the main screen of Broadwave. Once you locate your file it will be added into Broadcam. Clicking on the 'Connect' button will take you to a webpage where you can find the http links to your podcast.