TASCAM MODEL 12

Product overview

The TASCAM MODEL 12 is a compact production console that combines a 10-input mixer, a 12-track SD card recorder, a 12-in / 10-out USB audio interface and a hands-on DAW controller in one desktop unit.

Built for music producers, content creators, live performers and podcasters, the MODEL 12 gives you TASCAM Ultra HDDA mic preamps, a one-knob compressor and 3-band EQ on every channel, a 3-band master EQ and console-style routing with MAIN, SUB and two AUX buses. Record a full band straight to SD card with no computer, connect over USB-C to track and mix in your recording software, or use it as a straightforward mixer for a gig, a stream or a podcast. Bluetooth, a smartphone input with mix-minus, dual headphone outputs, 16 built-in effects, a gain boost of up to +12 dB, a click output with tap tempo and 5-pin MIDI complete the package.

Key features

• Ultra HDDA mic preamps (High Definition Discrete Architecture) with a very low noise floor and -128 dBu EIN
• 8 XLR mic inputs with +48V phantom power, 8 Hi-Z instrument inputs and a total of 10 line inputs
• 12-track recording to SD card at up to 24-bit / 48 kHz (10 channels plus the stereo main mix), with up to 10-track playback
• 12-in / 10-out USB audio interface over USB Type-C, USB Audio Class 2.0
• DAW control via HUI / MCU protocol emulation: faders, mute, pan, solo, record arm, transport and jog
• One-knob compressor and 3-band EQ with sweepable mid on every input channel, plus a 3-band master EQ
• 16 built-in effects including hall, room, plate, delay, ping-pong, chorus and flanger
• Smartphone input with mix-minus (3.5 mm TRRS) and Bluetooth 5.0 audio input
• Dual headphone outputs, each with its own level control
• Click output with tap tempo, footswitch input and 5-pin MIDI in/out
• Output delay of up to 2,000 ms in 1 ms steps for audio/video sync
• 60 mm faders, inserts on channels 1-2, punch in/out, VAMP loop playback and normalising
• Settings Panel application with an on-screen meter bridge for input, recorder and USB signals

A complete multitrack studio on SD card

Press record and the MODEL 12 captures up to 12 tracks at once to an SD card: the ten input channels plus the MAIN MIX L/R bus. A built-in metronome with count-in, manual, footswitch and automatic punch in/out, and VAMP loop playback give you everything needed to build a song track by track. Each channel's MODE switch selects LIVE, PC or MTR, so the recorder automatically switches the monitored sound between the input and playback as you record and overdub. When the tracks are done, mix down to a stereo file, normalise levels, or transfer the WAV files to a computer over USB.

USB audio interface and DAW controller

Connect the MODEL 12 to a Windows or Mac computer, or an iOS/iPadOS device, and it becomes a 12-in / 10-out USB audio interface at up to 24-bit / 48 kHz. All ten channels and the main mix go to the computer, and computer outputs can be returned to any channel. Switch to DAW control mode and the faders, mute, solo, pan, record and transport buttons operate your recording software through HUI / MCU emulation, so you can mix with real faders and leave the mouse aside. The free TASCAM Model Mixer Settings Panel app adds a full-screen meter bridge for input, recorder and USB signals.

Console-style mixing and effects

Each channel has a gain knob, low-cut filter, INST switch, one-knob compressor, 3-band EQ with a mid band sweepable from 100 Hz to 8 kHz, AUX 1 and AUX 2/FX sends, pan and a 60 mm fader. Channels 1 and 2 add insert points for outboard processors. Signals can be routed to the MAIN, SUB and AUX buses, with pre/post-fader send modes and solo-in-place, and a master EQ with a sweepable mid band adds the final polish. The effects section offers 16 TASCAM presets, and tap tempo syncs the delays to your music.

Built for podcasting and streaming

The MUSIC/TALK jack connects a smartphone with the supplied TRRS cable: the caller is heard on channels 9/10 and receives the main mix without their own voice, so there is no echo. Bluetooth 5.0 brings in background music wirelessly, two headphone outputs serve host and guest, and the USB audio mode can send the stereo main mix to streaming or communication software. Output delay keeps audio in sync with video, and can be applied to the USB stream while the main XLR outputs stay unaffected.

Ready for the stage

Balanced XLR main outputs feed the PA, balanced SUB and AUX outputs serve monitors or a second zone, and a dedicated click output keeps the drummer in time. A footswitch (TASCAM RC-1F recommended, two with a Y-cable) can control play/pause, effect mute, punch in/out or tap tempo, and 5-pin MIDI syncs drum machines, sequencers and effects with MIDI clock and timecode. An optional TASCAM CS-MODEL12 carrying bag is available.

In the box

• TASCAM MODEL 12 recording console
• AC adapter (TASCAM PS-M1524)
• Power cords for the AC adapter (x 3)
• USB cable (1 m)
• TRRS cable (1 m)
• TASCAM ID registration guide
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)

Supports SD, SDHC and SDXC cards of Class 10 or higher (card sold separately).

TASCAM MODEL 12: frequently asked questions

Can the MODEL 12 record without a computer?

Yes. It records up to 12 tracks at once (10 channels plus the stereo main mix) directly to an SD card as 16 or 24-bit WAV files at 44.1 or 48 kHz, and plays back up to 10 tracks.

Can I use it as an audio interface and DAW controller?

Yes. Over USB-C it works as a 12-in / 10-out audio interface with Windows, Mac and iOS/iPadOS, and its DAW control mode uses HUI / MCU emulation for faders, mute, pan, solo, record arm and transport.

Is it suitable for podcasting?

Yes. It has eight mic inputs, two headphone outputs, a smartphone input with mix-minus, Bluetooth audio input and a USB mode that sends the stereo main mix to streaming or communication software.

Does it supply phantom power?

Yes. A PHANTOM +48V switch supplies phantom power to all eight XLR mic inputs for condenser microphones.

Where can I buy the TASCAM MODEL 12 in India?

The TASCAM MODEL 12 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Recording a band to SD card

Capture a rehearsal or a full band session as separate tracks, with no computer needed.

Connections

Setup

1. Insert an SD card, power on and create a new song.
2. Set each channel's GAIN while watching the SIG indicators and level meters.
3. Press the REC button on every channel you want to record; the main mix is always recorded too.
4. Press record to capture up to 12 tracks at once, then stop and play back to check the takes.

Tip: Use the AUX 1 sends and the two headphone outputs to give players their own monitor mix while recording.

Workflow 2: Overdubbing and punch-in

Build a song part by part, or fix a single phrase without re-recording the whole take.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the MODE switches to MTR so you hear playback of recorded tracks, and the new channel's input while recording.
2. Set the tempo with tap tempo and turn on the metronome or count-in.
3. Arm the track to replace, then punch in and out with the record button, the footswitch or the automatic punch in/out points.
4. Use the rehearsal function and pre-roll to practise the punch before recording it.

Tip: VAMP playback loops a section of the song, ideal for working out a solo before you record it.

Workflow 3: Mixdown to a stereo master

Turn your recorded tracks into a finished stereo mix with real faders, EQ and effects.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the MODE switches of the recorded tracks to MTR and turn on their MAIN switches.
2. Balance the tracks with faders, PAN, EQ, compressor and the built-in effects; normalise tracks if needed.
3. With all channel REC buttons off, press record to capture the mix on the MAIN MIX L/R bus.
4. Export the stereo mix file, then copy it to a computer using the STORAGE function over USB.

Tip: Add final polish with the master EQ and its sweepable mid band before you record the mix.

Workflow 4: USB audio interface and DAW control

Track into your recording software and mix it hands-on with real faders and transport buttons.

Connections

Setup

1. On Windows, install the TASCAM Model Mixer Settings Panel, which includes the driver; on Mac the MODEL 12 is class compliant.
2. Select the MODEL 12 in your recording software: 12 channels go to the computer and 10 return.
3. Set channel MODE switches to PC to hear computer playback on the mixer channels.
4. Open DAW CONTROLLER in the menu and choose HUI or MCU emulation to control faders, mute, solo, pan and transport.

Tip: Open the Settings Panel's meter bridge on a computer screen to watch input, recorder and USB levels at a glance.

Workflow 5: Podcast with a phone guest and live streaming

Host a multi-mic podcast or stream with a remote caller, music and two people monitoring.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the phone with the TRRS cable: the caller arrives on channels 9/10 and hears the main mix without their own voice.
2. Set the ASSIGN switch to MAIN; with the PAIRING indicator blinking (press PAIRING if it is unlit), select Model 12 on the music player.
3. Under SYSTEM > USB AUDIO, set the audio to the computer to STEREO MIX so the main mix reaches your streaming software.
4. Set mic levels, add a touch of compression and EQ, and let each person adjust their own headphone level.

Tip: Use OUTPUT DELAY (up to 2,000 ms) on the USB stream to line the audio up with your video.

Workflow 6: Live mixing with simultaneous multitrack recording

Run the sound for a gig or event and record every channel for a later mix.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the MODE switches to LIVE and set gain, EQ and compression for each channel.
2. Build the monitor mix with the AUX 1 knobs and the main mix with the faders.
3. Add reverb or delay from the effects section and tap the tempo to sync the delays.
4. Arm the channels and press record to capture all inputs and the main mix to SD card during the show.

Tip: Bluetooth can play background music to the PA between sets.