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TASCAM Model 12 Mixer / Interface / Recorder / Controller

12-channel Multitrack Recorder/10-channel Digital Mixer with 12-in/10-out USB Audio Interface and Built-in Effects
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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.

Related Videos: Model 12 Mixer / Interface / Recorder / Controller

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

Additional Media

Live Mixer Buying Guide
Digital Workstation Buying Guide

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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: SD Card Slot, 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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Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5

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Overll a Great Mixer/Recorder for the Money

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!
by Floyd O'Neil from GREENVILLE, SC on
Music background: Drummer. Former Recording Engineer & Studio owner for over 20 years, Synth player and programmer since 1972.

Incredible

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.
by Bobby Cox from LA, CA on
Music background: Guitarist/songwriter. Playing in bands is a passion and addiction!

elegantly combined ruggedness, elegance...

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.
by tommy from virginia city NV on
Music background: twanger

BEAT PRODUCERS CHAMPION!

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.
by AMBISHN BEATS on
Music background: Hip Hip Producer

Works well mixing multiple sources for gaming

I am using my Model 12 to mix together 2 microphones (xlr x2), System/Gaming, Discord (USB with ASIO Link Pro Tool), headphone out from my work pc (dual 1/4) and still have the ability to hook up my phone with the trrs (9/10). I am using the SUB OUT to my main pc, which allows me to send just the mic, while being able to listen to myself and everything else on my headphones using main, or SOLO if I want.

A couple tips if you want to do this:
System USB on 1/2 - Every time I would restart, the pc default would go back to 1/2 in ASIO Link Pro Tool. I ended up setting my pc default to 1/2 so it works each time I restart.
Discord on seperate channel - I set discord audio out to a different channel. Discord appears to be mono, so you only need one of your channels for this.
Microphone - I have a ATR2100-USB, which has USB and XLR and outputs to both at the same time. This mic needs a lot of gain, like 95% up. I am currently using the usb to go to my work pc, but am tempted to try using aux 1 out. The only negative is the sliders and mute don't work for aux1, so I would not have a quick mute button.
FX - Most of the FX are some sort of delay. This can be cool to send to your friends when gaming, but I probably won't use this much. There is software you can use to change your voice as well, but I have not messed with those as it usually distracts from the fun that is happening.
The only big negative is if you switch the input to MTR to be able to record or play back, the ASIO Link Pro via USB gets disconnected. I am unable to use the track playback while gaming.

I added a photo of how I currently have ASIO setup as an FYI. It adds a bunch of inputs and outputs via usb, which gives you a lot more flexibility.

I was trying to decide between this and a GoXLR. I didn't like that the GoXLR only has 1 xlr input, and 1 1/4 input, and it depends on the software to be running correctly. I could have gotten away with something cheaper to get my setup working, but I wanted options for the future, so I didn't have to buy a second mixer.

Overall, I am happy with my purchase. I would have liked to be able to use the MTR while having USB work correctly, but everything else I have tried has worked. You have quite a bit of flexibility overall, since there are quite a few inputs and outputs. I wanted something I could grow into if I decided to start streaming or recording podcasts. This does all of that easily.
by Travis from Indiana on
Music background: PC gamer
See also: Mixers Digital, TASCAM, TASCAM Digital Mixers, TASCAM Digital Multitrack Recorders
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