Why I Love the Tascam Model 12 MTR Soundboard

Guys, today I’m going to be talking about why I, and so many other live music and content producers, absolutely love the Tascam Model 12! This thing is an industry favorite and a no-fuss, no-nonsense multitrack recorder.

I recently had a great experience with a new band that perfectly illustrates why the Model 12 is indispensable. They needed a sound recording for a live acoustic gig, but they were running into computer and driver issues. That’s when I pulled out the Model 12, and it immediately solved their problem.

Here’s what makes this board so powerful, especially for on-location work:

• Self-Contained Recording: I love that the Model 12 records directly to an SD card [03:16]. I don’t need a computer, drivers, or complex software running—I just hit record and I’ve got the tracks!
• Hybrid Versatility: The Model 12 is a powerful analog/digital hybrid [05:55]. This means that in addition to being a mixer and recorder, it can also function as a DAW controller (like for Reaper), giving me surface control over the software [06:01].
• Simultaneous Wet/Dry Recording: A really cool feature is that you can record a dry (unaffected) signal of your tracks to the SD card, even while you are simultaneously outputting a wet (with effects) signal to the PA [06:59]. This is fantastic for post-production flexibility.

While the Model 12 has 10 inputs (12 total channels), which is perfect for acoustic sets, I’ll also discuss how it compares to the larger Model 16 and Model 24, and why the Model 12 is the most versatile option for my needs.

Stick around to see why this piece of gear is a “right equipment at the right time” solution that professionals rely on!