5 Reasons Why the Tascam Model 12 is Better Than an Analogue Mixer

The battle and arguments between analogue and digital mixers have raged since the inception of time itself! Although seriously, there are certainly advantages to analogue desks however in this day and age digital desks are capable of things that analogue desks can only dream of. From the array of small format digital desks available today, the Tascam Model 12 is in my opinion, one of the best around. So here are 5 reasons why I think the Model 12 is better than an analogue desk (of the same size).

1. Looks Great

The Model 12’s aesthetic is a welcome departure from the usual sterile look shared by many of today’s analogue (and digital) mixers. The colour-coded pots for each section on the channel strips are both retro and useful, making it easy to identify what pot does what. The faux wood side panels are also a great touch and complete that retro vibe the Model 12 delivers.

2. DAW Controller

Having physical control of the faders, pan and solo/mute controls of your DAW can make mixing a much more enjoyable and immersive experience. The Model 12 can be placed into ‘DAW Control’ mode and offers control across different DAWs such as Ableton Live, Protools and Logic via MIDI.

3. Audio Interface

Not only is the Model 12 a great mixer, but it’s also a multitrack audio interface. Up to 6 mono and 2 stereo channels can be recorded straight into your computer/software. No need to purchase an interface to sit between your mixer and computer, the Model 12 has a built-in audio interface, nice!

4. Compression and EQ while using it as an interface

Use the onboard one-knob compressor and multiband EQ on the Model 12 while using it as an audio interface. Shape your sound before it hits your computer, something seldom seen on dedicated audio interfaces let alone mixers.

5. Standalone multitrack recorder

The Model 12 can record all its channels separately to an SD card, making it an all-in-one recording workstation without needing a computer to record. You can choose to mixdown and export your project from the Model 12 or connect it to your computer and drag the multitrack files into your DAW for further mixing and production.