Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Vs. Tascam Model 16: Head To Head Comparison - READ BEFORE YOU BUY!!

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: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB vs. Tascam Model 16.

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 Behringer Xenyx X1204USB and Tascam Model 16. 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.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB

I want to focus on the things the sales page doesn't tell you. And that's the good, bad, and the ugly.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Mixer with USB and Effects

I test and play around with mixer's all day, and the Xenyx is one of those ones you keep around. It's a good price for pretty much anybody to get their hands on, and if you're grabbing one second hand, you're all set.

So, I've know this mixer for seven years, and on some personal projects, I'm still using it almost 24/7. Some faders crackle, and a few buttons need a nudge now and then, but that's expected without regular maintenance.

Honestly, it's been a flawless experience for my needs, mainly as an XLR to USB interface.

The USB Interface

Good, But With Limitations

The USB input's a bit tricky; it lacks volume control and EQ adjustments. And if you're using the USB out, you're stuck with just 44.1K or 48K output, based on the main bus. This can be a bit limiting if you need to use both the main mix out and the USB output simultaneously.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB Review 1 — *Click to view*

Board Features: Hits and Misses

Quality Preamps with a Warm Touch ✅🔥

The preamps are surprisingly good, though they add a warm coloration to the audio. So that's either a positive or negative depending on your preference.

The built-in compressors and EQ are decent for the price.

The AUX channel's integration with the master mix, however, can be a bit limiting.

The FX channel, with its variety of sound effects, is a nice touch.

Behringer Xenyx X1204USB — *Click to view*

Final Verdict: Great Value, But Not Without Flaws

For its price, this board is a fantastic deal. No doubt about it!

It's not perfect, though – the USB interface could be more versatile, and the preamps, while good, have their quirks.

But considering the price, it's a solid choice for a range of audio needs, from small-scale live events to home studios.

Find The Best Deal On The X1204USB

View More Specs

Tascam Model 16

I picked up one of these used to review for a few hundred. Here's the lowdown:

Initial Impressions

Right out of the box, the Tascam Model 16 felt like a good deal. Even though I got it ‘Used-Acceptable', it appeared brand new and functioned perfectly, saving me a significant amount. It's a testament to Tascam's build quality that a used unit can still perform like a fresh piece.

Usability and Versatility

The Model 16 is incredibly user-friendly. Its intuitive design blends low-tech ease with high-tech versatility. For someone who finds computer software a flow-breaker while recording, this Tascam is a dream. It allows recording directly to an internal SD card and then mixing on a computer, offering the best of both worlds.

Quality of Sound and Inputs

The sound quality is fantastic, making it perfect for both recording and live sound. However, I was initially taken aback by the “virtual” tracks 15/16 and the designated Bluetooth channel, limiting its effective input channels. It's a minor issue but something that should be clearer in the product description.

Recording and Playback Experience

When it comes to recording, the Model 16 shines. The process is straightforward, and playback quality is impressive. I especially appreciated the analog summing and HDDA preamps, which add a warm, rich tone to the recordings. The unit’s simplicity in recording makes it ideal for capturing live performances.

Software and Connectivity

A drawback is the mixer's limited software side. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Model 12, the 16 lacks MIDI connectivity, making time syncing with external gear a bit of a hassle. Additionally, the absence of FX return means using external effects requires sacrificing tracks, which can be limiting.

Overall Performance

Overall, the Tascam Model 16 is a solid performer with great sound and build quality. Its drawbacks are mostly in the finer details of software and input/output flexibility. It's a great piece of gear for those looking to record live performances or who want an easy-to-use interface for home recording. Despite its limitations, the Model 16 offers enough features and quality to justify its price.

Head 2 Head: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB or Tascam Model 16

The Battle of the Mixers: Behringer Xenyx X1204USB vs. Tascam Model 16

Let's dive right into the ring, folks. In the red corner, we have the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB, a reliable workhorse with a rep for longevity. In the blue corner, we find the Tascam Model 16, an audio mixer that doubles as a digital recording console with an intuitive design.

Round One: The Lifespan Arena

Our pal Behringer here has proven itself to be quite a survivor. Seven years in and still kicking, it's a testament to the durability of this audio mixer. Sure, some faders may crackle and buttons need an occasional nudge, but hey, don't we all after seven years? Now, Tascam hasn't been around for quite that long in my possession, but its out-of-the-box condition was mint – even though I bought it used. Quality control at Tascam must be doing something right!

Round Two: The Driver Dilemma

While Behringer is a sturdy beast, its drivers are more like Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston – charming at first glance but problematic once you get to know them. Windows 7 users beware; installing these drivers can turn your PC into a blue screen festival faster than you can say “Xenyx”. On the other hand, Tascam gets along with computers like peanut butter and jelly – smooth and sweet.

Round Three: USB Interface Showdown

The USB interface on Behringer is good but comes with limitations such as lack of volume control and EQ adjustments for USB input. And if you're using USB output? Well, be ready to be locked to 44.1K or 48K output based on the main bus. Tascam, on the other hand, makes recording and mixing a breeze. It allows you to record directly to an SD card, then mix on a computer – best of both worlds, baby!

Round Four: Preamps and Sound Effects

Behringer's preamps might add a warm touch to your audio, but they're not without their quirks. The FX channel is a nice addition, though it does feel like a consolation prize for the AUX channel's integration with the master mix. Meanwhile, Tascam’s analog summing and HDDA preamps add a rich tone to the recordings that would make audiophiles drool.

Round Five: Software and Connectivity

Now we get down to the nitty-gritty. The Tascam Model 16 falls short in software and connectivity. Lack of MIDI connectivity? Check. No FX return? Yep. But let's not forget about Behringer's driver debacle mentioned earlier.

The Final Bell: And the Winner Is…

After going toe-to-toe in this audio mixer showdown, we've got ourselves a clear winner folks – Tascam Model 16. Sure, it has its drawbacks with software and connectivity but compared to Behringer's driver issues and limitations in USB interface versatility – it comes out ahead. The Tascam Model 16 strikes an excellent balance between low-tech ease and high-tech versatility making it ideal for capturing live performances or home recording sessions without breaking sweat or bank! So, whether you're an upcoming artist looking for your first recording console or an old hand at live sound mixing seeking a reliable digital mixer that offers fantastic sound quality – Tascam Model 16 is your go-to guy. Behringer Xenyx X1204USB, you put up a good fight but this round goes to Tascam.