TASCAM Model 12 12-channel Analog Recording Console Used

Name: TASCAM Model 12 12-channel Analog Recording Console
Brand: TASCAM
Rating: 4.5 (82 reviews)

12-channel/10-input Analog Console with 12-channel Multitrack Recorder, 12-in/10-out USB Audio Interface, 11 Faders, 8 Mic Preamps, Digital Effects, DAW Transport Control, and MIDI

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Item ID: Model12U2

TASCAM Model 12 12-channel Analog Recording Console

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Condition Notes:

Gear Exchange trade-in. Accessories: PSU. Condition: Good Received by: MIPO Additional Notes:

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Classic Design with Modern Capabilities

Whether you use it for rehearsal, live shows, or studio production, the TASCAM Model 12 is a great-sounding, easy-to-use multitrack recording solution. The Model 12 boasts a classic analog mixer-style design that's both intuitive and immediate. Achieve precise control with 60mm faders, while tweaking your tracks with familiar EQ and Aux controls. High-grade preamps ensure top-notch sound that's easily captured on an internal SD card at 24-bit/48kHz resolution. You also get a generous complement of I/O. Beyond that, DAW integration is a piece of cake, thanks to the Model 12's built-in 12-in/10-out audio interface. The Model 12 is lightweight yet rugged, and can be transported from studio to stage with confidence, thanks to TASCAM's legendary reliability.

Flexible routing and onboard effects

If you've ever used a small-format analog console or a classic Portastudio, you'll already be familiar with the Model 12. Take control of your mix with 60mm faders, then tweak your tracks to perfection with 3-band EQs. Shape your output with a 3-band master EQ. Achieve great sound right from the start, thanks to eight high-grade mic preamps with +48V phantom power. You also get a full complement of I/O for integrating your instruments and outboard gear. At Sweetwater, we appreciate the Model 12's old-school approach — no menu diving necessary!

Easy standalone multitrack recording

Recording with the TASCAM Model 12 is a breeze. Capture up to 12 simultaneous tracks (channels 1–10 plus stereo master) directly to SD card at 24-bit/48kHz resolution, with overdubbing functions. You also get flexible routing and onboard effects. The Model 12 offers easy standalone multitrack recording at its best.

The perfect analog front-end for your DAW

The Model 12 does way more than simply let you move recorded tracks to and from a DAW. Rather, it functions as a full-blown 12-in/10-out USB audio interface, complete with premium-quality preamps, onboard compression, and DAW and transport control. And when it's time to mix, you can either work in-the-box, or route tracks back through the Model 12 for 10 channels of hands-on control and genuine analog vibe.

TASCAM Model 12 Features:

Great-sounding, easy-to-use 12-track multitrack recording solution
Boasts a classic analog mixer-style design that's both intuitive and immediate
60mm faders provide precise control
Familiar EQ and Aux controls for tweaking your tracks
Generous complement of I/O including 8 high-grade mic preamps
Internal recording to SD card at 24-bit/48kHz resolution
Flexible routing and onboard effects
Built-in 12-in/10-out audio interface for easy DAW integration
DAW and transport control
Lightweight yet rugged design

What Is Used Gear?

Nearly all the used gear at Sweetwater has been previously purchased as new from Sweetwater. You can count on the fact that we only offer used items that are determined to be fully operational. Our award-winning, factory-authorized service department meticulously inspects all used gear before releasing it for sale. Of course, we stand behind every used item we sell with our exclusive 90-day Used Gear Guarantee. If any used item malfunctions or doesn't perform as expected, simply call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer, and we'll do what we can to make it right.

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Please note that this product is available in limited or single quantities. While we do our best to keep our online product information up to date, we cannot guarantee that this product will be in stock at the time your order is placed (for instance, another customer could be purchasing this product as you read this text). If you would like to verify that this product is in stock prior to making your purchase, please contact us or call toll-free at (800) 222-4700.

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May 9, 2024

How to Make Great Live Recordings on a Budget

Jul 31, 2023

Buying Your First Mixer

Mar 16, 2022

: TASCAM Model 12 Digital Mixer/Recorder at Winter NAMM 2020

Jan 21, 2020

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Tech Specs

Type: Digital Mixer with USB Interface/Recorder
Channels: 10 input channels, 12-track
Computer Connectivity: USB (12 x 10)
A/D Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
Faders: 11 x 60mm Faders
Inputs - Mic Preamps: 8 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z)
Phantom Power: 8 channels
Inputs - Line: 1 x 1/8" TRRS (stereo), 2 x 1/4" (L/R)
Outputs - Main: 2 x XLR (main)
Outputs - Other: 2 x 1/4" (L/R Subgroup)
Aux Sends: 1 x Aux1, 1 x Aux2/FX
Send/Return I/O: 2 x 1/4" (aux 1/2 send)
Busses/Groups: 1 x Subgroup
Inserts: 2 x 1/4" (channel)
Headphones: 2 x 1/4"
USB: 1 x USB-C
Bluetooth: v5.0
MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
Other I/O: 1 x 1/4" (footswitch), 1 x 1/4" (metronome click)
EQ Bands: 3-band EQ with Sweepable Mid Frequency, 100Hz Low-cut, 3-band Master EQ
Signal Processing: 8 x Channel Compressor
Effects: Reverbs, Delay, Chorus, Flanger
Storage: SDHC (4GB-32GB), SDXC (64GB-512GB)
Software: Basic DAW Control (HUI, MCU, major DAWs)
OS Requirements - Mac: Dual Core 2GHz Processor or higher, macOS 10.12 or later
OS Requirements - PC: Dual Core 2GHz Processor or higher, Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 1803 update or later
Power Source: 15V DC power supply (included)
Height: 3.96"
Width: 13.5"
Depth: 14.2"
Weight: 9.5 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: Model 12

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After I catching a few videos of people using this with the MPC I decided to give it a go. It's quite intuitive and easy to setup and opens up a world of possibilities. I've been producing my own stuff on the MPC but wanted to be able to record my band and needed more inputs. Having a physical board to mix on is great. The other bonus is using it to live mix projects I have setup in the MPC and have more control than just track mutes. Haven't spent a ton of time yet but comparing to a friends multitrack, this is definitely the way to go IMO.

Quick background, I am a former Recording Engineer and Studio Owner from 1972 until 1988. I've either owned or worked with Recording Consoles from Tascam (Original Model 10), API, Neve, Trident, SSL, Tangent, Ramsa, Allen Heath and more. So I think I know my way around a Mixer. A little over a year ago I decided to build a small Music Production Studio in my Home Music Room. I already had my new Gretsch Catalina ClubKit, my Fender Telecaster and Jazz Bass and two acoustics. So I started to put together a new Work Station with a bunch of Synths, Keyboard Controller, Drum Machines, etc. Based upon what I was putting together My Sales Engineer, Jared recommend the Tascam Model 12 Mixer/Recorder to complete the setup. I am glad he did!

I wanted to wait a year or so before giving it my review so I could put this Mixer to real use.

Now understand, I purchased it for my very specific needs, to be used in a Small Recording and Sound Production Studio. No Podcasts, Social Media us or Video Streaming, and not really interested in interfacing it with my DAW (for me the purpose of a "real" mixer is to get away from the computer). I'm also connecting quite a bit of gear to it (15 Synths/Modules, 2 Drum Machines - 1 at a time, Guitar or Bass Direct Connection when needed, occasional microphone, a turntable is direct connected to Inputs 9/10 and other occasional use gear like 2 Pocket Operators) so in conjunction to the Model 12 I am using a Behringer RX1602 V2 to handle the additional Inputs I need. So my review reflects this.

Ok the Pros:
Size is great for my small studio needs
Combined with the Behringer RX1602 more than enough inputs
Hi-Z Inputs for direct connection of Guitars/Bass etc. are very good
Mic preamps are great, super low noise floor for any Microphone I could possibly use
Bluetooth
Compressor on every Channel- 1 knob only but it does a very good job
3 Band EQ on every Channel with a very useful range
Master EQ with Sweepable Mid Bands is a great feature
Firmware Update V1.30 fixed the Main Mix/Headphone Volume Control Issue
The 12 Built Effects are pretty decent and convenient. I use quite a few of them regularly
Build Quality is Solid
The 60mm Throw Faders give it a Big Console feel
Dual Headphone Outputs supporting 2 discrete mixes
USB Interface is well done
Dual Foot-switch to controls several options, transport control, effects, and others
Built in Metronome can come in handy, I only used it a few times
Menu System is Clear and well organized
Generally the recording Process is fairly easy
Overdubbing, actually Track Swapping is easy ONCE YOU FIGURE IT OUT, Same with doing a Final Mix down
The overall Sound Quality, Low Noise is exceptional
Accurate Channel Signal Metering on each Input, the Screen and Master LED Meter
And yes even though I will probably will not use it much if at all, it is a very easy Interface with my DAW, Ableton Live 11 and appears to work very well. Some have complained that you have to dedicate two input channels (1&2) but for me it's not an issue.

CONS (Not too many)
The Owners Manual is USELESS and just very poorly written. It spends more time detailing how to connect things to it than how to actually use it. It does not cover some very basic uses. Simple things like doing Overdubs is covered vaguely in a Section called Swapping Tracks but is not very clear, there is zero mention of the procedure for doing a final Master Mixdown only another vague explanation of doing a Stereo Mix Export which can only be done after you have a Final Mixdown, duh.

Some functions are not very intuitive like having to arm each track you want to record, The Aux 1 and 2 Bus functions, the Pre/Post Fader Level Options but you do get use to it once you figure it out.
Oh, there was an real stupid issue with not being able to do a master fade out of and entire mix using the Main Master Fader as the Main Master Fader is not really part of the Mixdown path but feeds the Main Outputs of the mixer to the Speakers/Monitors. The workaround was to use the Sub Mix section and perform the fade with the Sub Mix Main Fader. It appears that Tascam has fixed this issue, maybe with the latest firmware but this is what I found on a Tascam Forum:
"From the most recent Model 12 & 16 Owners Manuals (October 20, 2020) on the Tascam web site:
POST REC switch
Select the send position of the signal recorded to the SD card.
When this switch is on, signals from after the MAIN fader are recorded to the SD card.

So TASCAM has fixed their mistake in the newest versions of the Model 12 & 16 mixers by changing the function of the upper button in the Master Fader section."
So they must have changed the purpose of the POST REC switch via Firmware without noting it in the Update.

Not a Con/Negative from me but there have been some complaints from some owners that they have had problems with either the Power Switch, Power Supply or Powering up the Unit in General. I have not experienced one single issue with powering it up or down. I keep the Model 12's Power Switch On all the time and Power On and Off my entire setup from my 2 Furman Outlet Power Conditions, (Remember I've got a lot of Gear that requires power).

Lastly, if you are new to Recording and Mixing Consoles this mixer could be a bit of a steep learning curve, however there are some great Tutorials and Demos on YouTube and even Tascam's are ok (not great) so I do recommend that you take the time to research them and watch them quite a few times, most of then are very helpful, some more than others.

I have included a few photos of my setup up including a pic of my Original Tacam Model 10 from 1973 just for fun.

Bottom Line, I am very pleased with my Model 12, it performs perfectly in every way. You can't get a better Mixer/Recorder at this price!

My review after 4-weeks with the Model 12 in one word: INCREDIBLE. Wait, that's two words. Anyway, this incredible board blew us away the moment we first tried it at rehearsal. Our initial needs were to find a board that allowed us to rehearse silently, without disturbing the neighborhood, which had politely told us to "please, shut up." 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! I am not a highly knowledgeable, tech-guy. But I do have a good DAW setup at home that I am familiar with. And, by the way, I still own the vintage TASCAM Portastudio One that got me interested in home studio recording way back when. So, the Model 12 immediately looked and felt comfortable. I can't recite a bunch of tech data about The Model 12, but as a weekend musician-warrior, I can tell you this board offers a quick, easy path to tracking and recording. I watched a few video tutorials about the TASCAM's features and the recommended steps to follow. After that, my band was recording songs right away onto the SD card in the Model 12. The onboard reverb/delay feature is killer, I love dialing that in. 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. I am still learning all the things that this board can do, but I can't recommend it highly enough. Joe James at Sweetwater has been an awesome rep for me thru the years and if he lived in L.A., he'd be in the band right now.

Crazy solid, super high utility for me for my Faraday cube outbuilding for home studio, home office and family A/V & music play, pandemic style... classy classic design, timeless, it's pretty too. A high value purchase for certain sure.

Compression plus standby power makes this a fabulously easy and safe bit of equipment for almost anyone to operate in limited fashion when your studio space has other functions.

Simple integration into the overall architecture, feels overbuilt. I love that.

If you make beats, produce hip hop, this is the one you want. This unit has Midi in and out. Very important to sync your tracks with multiple equipment. I wish they had midi on the 16/24, would of loved the more tracks.

But I am happy with my purchase.
Out of all the multi track recorders out right now,
This is your best bet for the every day beat producer.