Tascam Model 12 Secrets: Bouncing & Mixing Guitar Like a Pro!

This video, “Tascam Model 12 Secrets: Bouncing & Mixing Guitar Like a Pro!” by Robert Hamm, provides an in-depth tutorial for advanced recording and mixing techniques using the Tascam Model 12 hybrid mixer/recorder.

The core of the video demonstrates a professional workflow for bouncing two mono guitar tracks into a single stereo track, which effectively “prints” your mix and frees up channels for more recording.

Here are the key secrets and techniques covered:

Advanced Tracking and Signal Flow

• Recording a Dry Signal: The video begins by explaining the Tascam Model 12’s hybrid analog/digital architecture [01:23]. The crucial “secret” is to record a dry signal to the MTR (Multitrack Recorder) files. This is achieved by having the channel EQ, compressor, and effects not included on the original recording, allowing for non-destructive editing and previewing your sound without committing to the effects [02:00].
• The Setup: The recording involves miking a Fender Deluxe Reverb Tone Master (using the balanced XLR out) and an acoustic guitar with a Blue Ember microphone, routing them to two separate Model 12 tracks [00:44].

Bouncing and Mixing Techniques

• Pre-Mixdown Effect: Before performing the mixdown, the creator applies a Delay effect (specifically Ping Pong Delay 1) [08:09]. This effect is then printed to the main mix, leaving the Model 12’s second effect available for post-bouncing processing.
• The Mixdown (Creating the Stereo Print): This is the central technique where the two original guitar tracks are recorded to the Main mix bus in real-time [02:53]. During this process, the creator manually performs a live mix:
  • Adjusting the pan of the tracks to create a stereo image [09:49].
  • Performing dynamic level adjustments (or ‘fader rides’) to highlight different microphone sources, like flipping between the acoustic mic and the Deluxe Reverb for a “chorus section” [10:11].
• Importing the Stereo Track: The final Main mix is exported to the SD card, then imported onto a new stereo channel pair (Tracks 9 and 10 in the example), consuming only one track on the mixer display and freeing up the original channels [16:37].

Final Touches

• Applying a Second Effect: The newly bounced stereo track (with the Delay already printed) can now have a second effect applied, such as Hall Reverb [17:38], demonstrating how the bouncing process allows for layering effects that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
• Normalizing for Volume: The tutorial concludes with a crucial step for final loudness: normalizing the stereo track to -3dB to achieve the highest possible volume without clipping, using the channel gain as a subtle limiter [19:15].

The video is a must-watch for Tascam Model 12 users looking to utilize the full power of its hybrid design for professional-sounding, channel-efficient mixes.

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