Recommended for streaming beginners! The TASCAM Model 12 audio mixer is great for both streaming and recording, offering excellent value for money.

This time, I will be introducing the TASCAM Model 12 audio mixer.

After testing it in our community, I found it to be a cost-effective audio mixer that can be used for both event streaming and multitrack recording.

Compared to other products like the ZOOM L-8 or YAMAHA MG12XU, I believe this mixer is highly recommended for those new to live streaming.

I hope this article will help explain exactly what makes it so appealing.

Tested at a community meetup

This article is based on a live streaming community meetup that I organize.

It all started when a community member recommended the TASCAM Model 12 to me.

More specifically, while the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 is popular among streaming beginners, the topic came up that the Model 12 might actually be better suited for event streaming.

I would like to introduce what kind of mixer it is and how it surpasses the ZOOM L-8, based on what we learned at the meetup.

What is the TASCAM Model 12?

The product I am introducing today is the TASCAM Model 12 digital mixer.

Released in 2020, it has a market price of around 60,000 yen. I consider it to be in the relatively affordable category for an audio mixer.

The Model 12 can handle up to eight microphone inputs. It can create three main audio output systems and is equipped with features that make it useful for streaming real-world events.

Other features include USB input/output and, interestingly, a 4-pole TRRS terminal. By using the 4-pole terminal, you can easily manage audio from remote speakers, such as those joining via phone or web conferencing.

A notable feature is that it allows for individual recording per input. It can be used not only as a mixer but also as a multitrack recorder.

Because the unit has various knobs and buttons, it cannot be called small. However, the advantage of having physical controls on the unit is that you can immediately grasp the current settings.

Beginners who are not used to audio equipment might feel intimidated by the many knobs, but once you get used to them, you may find that having them actually provides a sense of security.

Who is this equipment recommended for?

What I learned through this meetup is that the Model 12 is a useful piece of equipment for both audio beginners and intermediate users and above.

For example, I think this mixer is perfect for the following types of people.

While the Model 12 is a piece of equipment that performs well in event streaming, once you actually get your hands on it, you realize it is equipment strongly focused on recording.

That is what leads to the depth of the Model 12, and it is the point that makes me feel it is an interesting piece of equipment for intermediate users and above.

I will explain what I mean by this based on the three recommended patterns I mentioned earlier.

1. Those currently using a Zoom L-8 who want a mixer better suited for event streaming

One popular product as a mixer for live streaming is the "ZOOM LiveTrak L-8".

It is inexpensive, compact, equipped with 8 input terminals, and capable of multitrack recording for each input. Because it has a relatively simple operation panel, I think it is easy for beginners to get started with.

However, when considering event streaming, there are points where the ZOOM L-8 falls short. And the Model 12 is equipped with features that fill those gaps.

For example, there is the post-fader AUX output. In live event streaming, it is necessary to create two types of audio: one for the venue and one for the stream. At that time, it is the post-fader that links the fader operation.

The ZOOM L-8 is a pre-fader, where fader operations are not linked. Therefore, it is necessary to operate the audio for the venue and the stream separately, which increases the effort of adjustment by comparison.

Also, the fact that it has a compressor knob is a point. This is a function that suppresses loud voices and boosts quiet ones, but it is a necessary function for creating audio with a consistent level.

2. Those who want to use it as both a mixer and a multitrack recorder

While equipped with the event streaming features mentioned above, the Model 12 is also equipped with the same multitrack recorder function as the ZOOM L-8.

Since individual recording is possible for each input, you can readjust the balance during post-editing. It also performs well in recording-only settings that are not for streaming.

If the mixer you are currently using does not have a recording function, I think it is reassuring to be able to use it for both.

For example, the "YAMAHA MG12XU" is a standard mixer for event streaming.

This mixer looks similar to the Model 12 and is equipped with the features required for the event streaming mentioned earlier. With a low price of around 40,000 yen, I imagine many people are using it.

However, a major difference is that the MG series does not have a recording function. To record, you need to use separate equipment. There was an MG12XU user at this meetup, and it was striking that they were considering replacing it.

3. For intermediate users who want a cost-effective and interesting sub-mixer

What I realized after handling the Model 12 this time is that it is a piece of equipment designed with recording functions in mind more than I had expected. This was evident not only in the multi-track recording function but also in various aspects of the product.

For example, there is the integration with audio recording and editing software. This time, I also tried using it as a controller to operate the audio editing software, the DAW.

In addition to DAWs, there is a wealth of integration options available for audio equipment.

Although I don't have a personal sense for it, the presence of insert terminals and MIDI terminals seems to spark a lot of imagination for those in the audio field.

On the day, a point that excited those in the audio field was the equalizer function.

The Model 12 allows you to set the equalizer not only at each input stage but also at the output stage. Since you can switch whether to apply it to the main or AUX, you can apply it only to the venue speakers without applying it to the stream.

When running real-world events, it seems there are scenes where you only want to apply effects to the venue audio. They mentioned cases where they want to prevent howling or make the sound clearer... and only want to improve the venue sound.

It was impressive to see how these features, which are useful in such situations, tickled the fancy of intermediate users. These are just a few examples, but the Model 12 seems to be a piece of equipment with that kind of depth.

Can I recommend it to absolute beginners?

That concludes the summary of the features of the Model 12 that I felt through the meetup.

The Model 12 is a piece of equipment that I can recommend to audio beginners. On the other hand, I feel that it might not necessarily be recommended as a mixer for an "absolute beginner" to learn from scratch.

This is because, while the multi-track recording function is convenient, it also gives the impression of being a factor that increases complexity.

The presence of detailed features that intermediate users appreciate ends up leading to difficulty for beginners who really don't know their left from their right. There are also more buttons on the unit whose functions are not immediately obvious at a glance.

For those who are new to audio equipment, I thought the YAMAHA MG12XU, which lacks recording functions, would be simpler and easier to understand. It is recommended as a first step into mixers.

On the other hand, for those who have some experience with mixer operation, the TASCAM Model 12 is highly recommended. It can be used for both events and recording, and I think it is a great value piece of equipment that allows for more adjustments than you might expect.

How to think about streaming mixers for beginners

To begin with, what kind of mixer is actually needed for live streaming?

In this live stream, I share know-how for beginners on that very theme.

I also ultimately recommend the TASCAM Model 12 here. Please take a look at that as well!

Recommendation for renting

Panda Studio, who provided the loan support for this review, offers rentals for 6,072 yen per day (as of April 2024). If you are interested, why not try renting it first?

If you rent through this link, it will count as my referral record, making it easier for me to receive support in the future. (*There is no affiliate commission.)

If you decide to use the service, I would be very happy if you could use this link!