Allen & Heath ZED 12FX Vs. Tascam Model 12: Compared And Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX vs. Tascam Model 12.

We're looking at things like:

Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Allen & Heath ZED 12FX and Tascam Model 12. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Allen & Heath ZED-12FX

After using the Allen & Heath ZED12FX for about six months, I think it's a solid piece of gear, especially for those transitioning from basic to more advanced mixing needs. The sound quality is notably clean and clear, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live environments. Working with it, I've found that the preamps deliver a crystal-clear sound, and there’s an impressive amount of gain available, which is a step up from some lower-priced mixers I've used in the past.

Learning Curve and Usability

Although the mixer is fairly user-friendly, I believe beginners might find it a bit challenging at first, mainly due to the underwhelming instruction manual. It's more about trial and error unless you're already familiar with mixers. However, once you get the hang of it, the layout and controls become intuitive. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, adding to the overall ease of use.

Effects and Features

The ZED12FX stands out for its effects. The range and quality are commendable for a mixer in this class. It adds significant value, especially if you're into experimenting with different sound textures. However, the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is a bit puzzling. It's an odd choice considering the rest of the board adheres to industry standards. This might limit some traditional uses, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Reliability Concerns

One of the downsides I've noticed is the question of long-term reliability. I've heard about issues like pre-amps failing just after the warranty period, which can be a major concern if you're planning to use this mixer heavily. While I haven't faced this issue personally, it's something to keep in mind.

Overall Experience

In terms of overall experience, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX has mostly been a positive journey. The sound quality, ease of use (once you get past the learning curve), and the additional effects make it a worthy investment for someone looking to upgrade from a basic setup. Just be wary of the potential long-term reliability issues and ensure you have a backup plan in place.

Tascam Model 12

Tascam Model 12 All-In-One Digital Multitrack Recorder

The Tascam Model 12 is going to require you read the manual a few times, for sure! But once you get past the initial learning curve, you'll find it's a versatile machine, capable of multi-track recording, interfacing with a DAW, and even Bluetooth connectivity.

Versatility:

It's a great choice for those who need an all-in-one device. The Model 12 acts as a smaller sibling to the 16 and 24 channel versions, offering a good balance of functionality and size. Its dual inputs (1 – 10) that accept both XLR and 1/4 inch TRS are particularly handy.

Tascam Model 12 Review — *Click To View*

Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity, USB hookups work best when connected directly to the motherboard USB 2.0 sockets, as recommended in the manual. Some users have reported issues when connecting to USB 3.0 ports, so it's something to be mindful of.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is a big plus for the Model 12, with users noting its clean output over headphones or monitors. The Midi In and Out are a great addition, expanding its utility for various setups.

Phantom Power

A slight downside is the global Phantom Power option, which could be more useful if managed by software for each channel. It's crucial to ensure the Phantom Power is off before powering a new unit to protect any connected mics that don't require it.

Software Integration

For those using DAWs, the Model 12 functions well as an interface, though it requires some initial setup. It leaves a lot of room for experimentation and finding a workflow that suits individual needs.

User Tips

Some user tips to consider: the Sub Button on each channel arms the Headphones bus, essential for monitoring. The effects only work if all the Solo buttons are disarmed. And remember, you don't need to press the Play button alongside the Record button when making a track, which is a departure from older tape-based systems.

Overall Impression

While the Tascam Model 12 might have a steep learning curve and some quirks, it's a solid piece of equipment offering great value. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to step away from complete reliance on a DAW, offering a more hands-on approach to recording and mixing. Just be ready to spend some time with the manual to unlock its full potential.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX or Tascam Model 12

Allen & Heath ZED12FX: A Music Production Gear Beast

The Allen & Heath ZED12FX is a real workhorse when it comes to advanced mixing, and it's perfect for those looking to upgrade their studio equipment. This audio interface is known for its crystal-clear sound quality, thanks to the preamps that pump out a crisp sound. So if you're on the hunt for a digital mixer that can deliver in both live sound mixer and recording console settings, this one's got your back. Now, you might need some time to tame this beast. The learning curve can be steep for beginners, partly due to an instruction manual that leaves much to be desired. But don't fret! Once you've tamed the beast, you'll find the layout extremely intuitive and the controls – faders and knobs – smooth and responsive. The ZED12FX stands out in terms of effects, with a commendable range that adds significant value. But here's where things get puzzling: the dedicated sends and returns are 1/8 jacks—an odd choice considering most of this soundboard adheres to industry standards. There have been murmurs about long-term reliability issues with this analog mixer, like pre-amps failing right after the warranty period ends. While I've been lucky not to face these issues personally, it's something worth considering if you plan on using this mixing console heavily.

Tascam Model 12: The Multi-talented Maven

The Tascam Model 12 is an all-in-one device that offers multi-track recording, connectivity with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), and even Bluetooth capabilities—making it an ideal piece of music production gear for those who aren't keen on relying solely on a DAW. Its dual inputs are especially handy if you're into flexibility. However, you might face some issues connecting to USB 3.0 ports, so it's best to stick to the recommended motherboard USB 2.0 sockets for connectivity. The sound quality of this audio interface is a big tick in the pro column. The Midi In and Out add to its utility, making it a versatile choice for various setups. The global Phantom Power option could do with some tweaking since it would be more beneficial if managed by software for each channel. And if you're integrating this digital mixer with your DAW, be prepared for some initial setup before you get the ball rolling. Like any piece of studio equipment, there are some quirks and tips that can help maximize its utility. Remember: the Sub Button arms the Headphones bus—a must-know for monitoring—and effects only work if all Solo buttons are disarmed.

Drumroll, Please…

After closely comparing both mixers and considering their strengths and quirks, I'm crowning the Allen & Heath ZED12FX as the clear winner here! While both mixers offer great value in their own right, what sets the ZED12FX apart is its superior audio quality and effects range. Its ease of use (once you master it) also makes it a more appealing choice. Sure, there are concerns about long-term reliability—but hey, nothing's perfect! So if you're looking to upgrade your music production gear or need a reliable live sound mixer or recording console—the Allen & Heath ZED12FX is your guy! Just remember: keep a backup plan ready…just in case!