I’ve been using it (Model 24) since it came out. I really like it.
1 Like
The Model 12 is digital through and through, which makes it super flexible (you can put EQ before or after comp, etc.), whereas I think the bigger Models like the 16 and 24 are fully analog mixers with digital multitrack recorders strapped to them. That means you can’t swap around the internal routing, but you’re also not going back and forth from digital to analog and back again whenever you do outboard routing, like you are on the M12.
I like my Model 12 a lot. It’s convenient and sounds very clean (if a little weak), BUT I do a lot of outboard FX & “creative” routing, and the latency & conversions can add up after a while.
…to be fair, their fieldrecorders are cheap as f…but surprisingly ok in their recording quality…anything beyond those handheld quick and dirty devices, all their products always has been and always will be what the are…cheap as f…
really first choice for first entrance and try out’s…but once u feel, ok this is where i wanna go, of course, u gotto level up…and if that only takes u to next level tascam solutions, ur still working quite a chunk underneath hi end quality…
the oldest rule in the game remains always the same…if u always buy cheap first, u’ll spent way more money end of the day…
if u really want something but can’t afford it right now, it’s a wise move, to hold ur horses for a few weeks or month until u can afford it and then enjoy the fact, that u’ll never have to look back and spent the next money for the same task twice…
2 Likes
the A&H secondhand route is solid advice. the Qu-Pac in particular is worth looking at if you want something compact - it punches well above its size and the preamps are genuinely good, not “acceptable for the price” good.
on the original question of hybrid vs. separate mixer + multitrack - i’d lean toward keeping them separate unless portability is a real priority. the “hybrid” devices tend to make compromises in both directions and you end up with a mixer that’s not quite as nice as a dedicated mixer and a recorder that’s not quite as flexible as a dedicated interface. getting a solid analog mixer and recording the outputs into a DAW via a decent audio interface is still the most future-proof setup if you’re primarily working in one place.
the fear about digital mixers sounding thin is mostly unfounded at the A&H level though. that’s more of a concern with budget digital gear.