I'm on the fence of buying this mixer after my Behringer proved to live up to its reputation of building mostly bad quality devices, the 18XR broke down after only five years in use. I bought the Behringer XR18 because it has multi-track recording eventhough I did not need 16 multichannel recording. Obvious I need a replacement. So after watching all your vids about this mixer I'm inclined to buy the Tascam model 12. But now I'm in doubt about the quality of the preamps especially the Line-in preamps since the balance is not correct on higher levels. I don't know yet whether the unbalance will be the dealbraker. I appreciate your honesty in your content about this mixer. I guess Tascam should appreciate this even more than I do, to the benefit of us all. It's funny how much time passes by until someone finally puts this mixer to the test and discover the unbalance. As far as I know you are the first one to notice it and make a video about it. It does say something about the quality of 'reviews' on YT in general.....but you hit the nail with this one as you do with the other vids. I like the 'story' you're telling publishing in vids your experience with this mixer. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment. I have had nothing but good results with all of my Behringer gear I purchased over the past 20 years or so, some still used in the studio, some in my storage and some sold (sadly) due to lack of space. To me they perform as advertised. As to TASCAM, I've had a few gear that performed well. My latest acquisition from TASCAM is the Model 12. Though I'm happy overall, some minor issues hinder me in my workflow that my other audio interfaces don't. Like the Windows Driver, unnecessary and useless features for a "live mixer", that resources could have been used for more practical and useful features. Would I recommend? It depends on the use and purpose.
@@RecordingStudio9 Thx for the reply. I'm not a professional user, so workflow is not very important. I fiddle about with my Roland TR8S, a DSI Prophet 12 and a Keystep pro. Recording in-, registered-, Reaper on a windowes 10 PC. The Behringer 18XR I loved it so much, it was a versatile and convenient tool to produce music. The dissapointment when it broke down after such a short period of time I find hard do deal with. Especially since more Behringer gear broke down within four years. Hence my shocked confidence in the quality of Behringer stuff. Despite the fact that my Behringer Q802 USB Mixer still runs flawlessly in the audio system of my daughter for seven years. So yeah, another acquirementg of a Behringer 18 XR is still very seductive, but I don't have the guts anymore to invest in Behringer. Which leaves me the Tascam model 12 as a very attractive alternative as to a Behringer 18XR, for the moment. Still contemplaiting....
If after watching all of my videos on Model 12 and knowing some of the drawbacks and minor workflow issues you feel it will do the job, go for it. Having said that, I know there are lot of people have some issues I never experienced in the past 2 years, I guess, this depends on the use and care of the unit.
100% agree on the Firmware Update Overdue with Features Like Track Normalizing Limiter with a Compressor On the Main Update the FX Please And thank you
@@sejrec56 Multi-track recording to my DAW with small bands. But more vocal recording projects, as well as voice-over jobs. In my workflow of switching from my DAW to Windows Media Player (listening to reference songs, and samples) without closing my DAW, the Model 12 fails me, while any of my other interfaces work just fine.
I was just recording from a drum machine yesterday and wouldn't you know I was using stereo track 7/8. I did notice the difference in the levels between left and right. In my case, I had to turn the gain all the way up to get a decent signal. The first thing I thought of was to go in the drum machine and try messing with the volumes and the panning but then I decided that was be a mess.
This is not a problem specific to the model 12. The reason the imbalance grows with the gain is due to the fact that the XLR input passes through two op-amps. TRS only has one to pass by......I might suggest trying to add more gain before the stereo inputs of the model 12 if they're needing to crank it past 12 sd card or daw.
Very interesting! However it is not so surprising as depending of the potentiometers model (and of course their price) the tolerance can go up to 20%. This can for sure be corrected via a firmware update.
Not sure how practical it would be to use software to fix hardware tolerance. The preamps could have provided enough gain so one would not need to set the gain past Unity level. I guarantee Unity position is incorrect with the measurements I have done.
They have added Normalization, Gain boost and USB return swapping. Though, not brick wall limiting or compression mastering - could use external effect unit to avoid computer?
The mixer is great as a mixer but utterly sucks as an audio interface, never have I experienced so many bugs it's horrendous. Also Right main out is always louder with pc audio going through 1/2 started doing this for no reason whatsover.
Hello there, I wonder if there's anyway to using the 7/8 channel as 2 mono channels? I tried to pan it but it won't work, is there anyway to put 7and 8 channel in the middle(mono)? Thank you so much!
I assume you have 2 different mono instruments plugged into inputs 7 and 8. Since the channel is stereo, you only get balance. Both input 7 & 8 audio must exist in both channels for them to appear as mono, and the only way is to mix both into each other. There is no other way. You can also use the Menu Track Swap option to move 7/8 to available mono channels.
@@RecordingStudio9 i updated it and it doesn’t work all the audio is stronger on the left channel only on daw controller mode. Live mode is balanced and even
@@RecordingStudio9 it’s the tascam on daw controller mode. If I exit daw controller mode then the sound becomes even on both channels. They replied to me let’s see what they can come up with. Thanks.
Two years since the last firmware? Are they not planning to support the unit with further updates/fixes/enhancements? Has Tascam said anything? There does not appear to be a forum on their site or any official "community".
I have a feeling TASCAM has stopped spending time and money further developing the Model series. Technically it’s a hardware unit and one can’t expect “updates”. But it’s not just hardware is it? They did fix a few initial version issues and that was great, but they have stopped now. Other digital mixer manufacturers keep updating with fixes and new features. This not only brings new sales, but keeps loyal customers happy and recommending the brand. Would I recommend? It depends on the use. Live mixing and SD recording, 95%. Home studio, 60%. Live streaming, 40%. For the reasons I have mentioned in my videos. No, there is no official TASCAM forum other then a few facebook groups.
In v1.30 they fixed the headphones tied to Main fader issue. Prior to that, if you turned your Main fader down to mute the speakers, you couldn't hear anything on the headphones.
I love how you invest the time to understand your tools, and dont get caught up in the newest gear.
Yes please do the updates Tascam....
I thought I had something crazy going on in my routing before the mixer... now I know what the issue is. Thank you!
I'm on the fence of buying this mixer after my Behringer proved to live up to its reputation of building mostly bad quality devices, the 18XR broke down after only five years in use. I bought the Behringer XR18 because it has multi-track recording eventhough I did not need 16 multichannel recording. Obvious I need a replacement.
So after watching all your vids about this mixer I'm inclined to buy the Tascam model 12. But now I'm in doubt about the quality of the preamps especially the Line-in preamps since the balance is not correct on higher levels. I don't know yet whether the unbalance will be the dealbraker.
I appreciate your honesty in your content about this mixer. I guess Tascam should appreciate this even more than I do, to the benefit of us all. It's funny how much time passes by until someone finally puts this mixer to the test and discover the unbalance. As far as I know you are the first one to notice it and make a video about it. It does say something about the quality of 'reviews' on YT in general.....but you hit the nail with this one as you do with the other vids. I like the 'story' you're telling publishing in vids your experience with this mixer. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment. I have had nothing but good results with all of my Behringer gear I purchased over the past 20 years or so, some still used in the studio, some in my storage and some sold (sadly) due to lack of space. To me they perform as advertised.
As to TASCAM, I've had a few gear that performed well. My latest acquisition from TASCAM is the Model 12. Though I'm happy overall, some minor issues hinder me in my workflow that my other audio interfaces don't. Like the Windows Driver, unnecessary and useless features for a "live mixer", that resources could have been used for more practical and useful features.
Would I recommend? It depends on the use and purpose.
@@RecordingStudio9 Thx for the reply. I'm not a professional user, so workflow is not very important. I fiddle about with my Roland TR8S, a DSI Prophet 12 and a Keystep pro. Recording in-, registered-, Reaper on a windowes 10 PC.
The Behringer 18XR I loved it so much, it was a versatile and convenient tool to produce music. The dissapointment when it broke down after such a short period of time I find hard do deal with. Especially since more Behringer gear broke down within four years. Hence my shocked confidence in the quality of Behringer stuff. Despite the fact that my Behringer Q802 USB Mixer still runs flawlessly in the audio system of my daughter for seven years.
So yeah, another acquirementg of a Behringer 18 XR is still very seductive, but I don't have the guts anymore to invest in Behringer. Which leaves me the Tascam model 12 as a very attractive alternative as to a Behringer 18XR, for the moment. Still contemplaiting....
If after watching all of my videos on Model 12 and knowing some of the drawbacks and minor workflow issues you feel it will do the job, go for it.
Having said that, I know there are lot of people have some issues I never experienced in the past 2 years, I guess, this depends on the use and care of the unit.
100% agree on the Firmware Update Overdue with Features Like Track Normalizing Limiter with a Compressor On the Main Update the FX
Please And thank you
Let's hope @TASCAM is listening to their customers.
Thank you for your very clear explanations of a better design of an already good and affordable recording mixer.
What do you use the model 12 mostly for?
@@sejrec56 Multi-track recording to my DAW with small bands. But more vocal recording projects, as well as voice-over jobs.
In my workflow of switching from my DAW to Windows Media Player (listening to reference songs, and samples) without closing my DAW, the Model 12 fails me, while any of my other interfaces work just fine.
I was just recording from a drum machine yesterday and wouldn't you know I was using stereo track 7/8. I did notice the difference in the levels between left and right. In my case, I had to turn the gain all the way up to get a decent signal. The first thing I thought of was to go in the drum machine and try messing with the volumes and the panning but then I decided that was be a mess.
As I mentioned, the stereo inputs have lower input gain, obvious sign of a guitarist who designed it LOL!
Tascam please update ! Unacceptable !
very good and helpful thank you !!
This is not a problem specific to the model 12. The reason the imbalance grows with the gain is due to the fact that the XLR input passes through two op-amps. TRS only has one to pass by......I might suggest trying to add more gain before the stereo inputs of the model 12 if they're needing to crank it past 12 sd card or daw.
TASCAM has updated the M12 firmware (1.41) to overcome this problem, following this video.
Very interesting! However it is not so surprising as depending of the potentiometers model (and of course their price) the tolerance can go up to 20%. This can for sure be corrected via a firmware update.
Not sure how practical it would be to use software to fix hardware tolerance. The preamps could have provided enough gain so one would not need to set the gain past Unity level.
I guarantee Unity position is incorrect with the measurements I have done.
They have added Normalization, Gain boost and USB return swapping. Though, not brick wall limiting or compression mastering - could use external effect unit to avoid computer?
The mixer is great as a mixer but utterly sucks as an audio interface, never have I experienced so many bugs it's horrendous. Also Right main out is always louder with pc audio going through 1/2 started doing this for no reason whatsover.
Hello there, I wonder if there's anyway to using the 7/8 channel as 2 mono channels? I tried to pan it but it won't work, is there anyway to put 7and 8 channel in the middle(mono)? Thank you so much!
I assume you have 2 different mono instruments plugged into inputs 7 and 8.
Since the channel is stereo, you only get balance.
Both input 7 & 8 audio must exist in both channels for them to appear as mono, and the only way is to mix both into each other. There is no other way.
You can also use the Menu Track Swap option to move 7/8 to available mono channels.
I have the same issue but on all channels on pc or live
This has been somewhat resolved in the new firmware 1.41 by adding digital gain to all channels.
@@RecordingStudio9 i updated it and it doesn’t work all the audio is stronger on the left channel only on daw controller mode. Live mode is balanced and even
@@RecordingStudio9 this machine sucks I wish I have returned it when I could
@Dandelunar this means audio is not balanced in your daw.
How about when you listen to TH-cam or music?
@@RecordingStudio9 it’s the tascam on daw controller mode. If I exit daw controller mode then the sound becomes even on both channels. They replied to me let’s see what they can come up with. Thanks.
Two years since the last firmware? Are they not planning to support the unit with further updates/fixes/enhancements? Has Tascam said anything? There does not appear to be a forum on their site or any official "community".
I have a feeling TASCAM has stopped spending time and money further developing the Model series.
Technically it’s a hardware unit and one can’t expect “updates”. But it’s not just hardware is it? They did fix a few initial version issues and that was great, but they have stopped now.
Other digital mixer manufacturers keep updating with fixes and new features. This not only brings new sales, but keeps loyal customers happy and recommending the brand.
Would I recommend? It depends on the use. Live mixing and SD recording, 95%. Home studio, 60%. Live streaming, 40%. For the reasons I have mentioned in my videos.
No, there is no official TASCAM forum other then a few facebook groups.
I had read that in 2021 they did a firmware update 1.30 is your model 12 older than That it is it a brand new one.
In v1.30 they fixed the headphones tied to Main fader issue. Prior to that, if you turned your Main fader down to mute the speakers, you couldn't hear anything on the headphones.
I think they've ditched on the model 12
PLEASE WRITE AN EMAIL TO TASCAM DIRECTLY!! THEY MIGHT NEVER SEE THIS, THOUGH IT WOULD BE GOLD FOR ALL USERS AND THE COMPANY! Sorry for screaming...
I have sent them an email. Over 2 weeks and no response.
@@RecordingStudio9 you are awesome, sad that they don't respond(yet?), in my opinion they should pay you as a consultant for their engineers =D
Hello, is it possible to fix the issue with panning?
Yes and no. You can fix in DAW, but one shouldn't have to
just after "unity" it starts to drift rite?
Correct. Unity level, according to the printed decal, is at 11:00 position.