Midas MR18 Vs. Tascam DP 32SD : Reviewed & Compared

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: Midas MR18 vs. Tascam DP 32SD.

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 Midas MR18 and Tascam DP 32SD. 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.

Midas MR18

After thoroughly testing the Midas MR18 for a few months, I'm ready to spill all the details – the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty. This mixer is a powerhouse in a compact package, perfect for both live sound and recording. Here's the full breakdown for anyone eyeing this mixer.

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Sound Quality and Performance

Right off the bat, the sound quality is top-notch. The MR18 delivers a pristine audio experience with impressively low latency. Whether you're mixing live or laying down tracks in a studio, the clarity and warmth of the sound are remarkable. Plus, the variety of outputs offers immense flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various audio setups.

Build and Connectivity

The mixer is built tough with Neutrik connectors, ensuring robust and reliable connections. This is a big plus for anyone who's had to deal with flimsy ports in the past. The MR18's ease of configuration is another high point. It offers numerous signal routing options, catering to both planned and spontaneous audio needs. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, putting it ahead of competitors like the X-Air 18, especially with its superior Midas converters.

User Interface and Software

The software is intuitive and musician-friendly, not overly complicated like some gear designed with tech whizzes in mind. There's a wealth of online resources and user communities, which is a godsend for troubleshooting and getting creative with your setup. As an audio interface, it boasts 18 inputs and outputs, offering ample connectivity for most studio and live situations.

Challenges and Considerations

However, it's not all smooth sailing. While the MR18 is user-friendly, there's still a learning curve, especially if you're not used to digital mixers. It might take a bit of time to fully grasp all the features and make the most out of this mixer.

Also, while it works great as an audio interface, those who are looking for more integrated DAW control might find its capabilities a bit limited. It's more suited for live mixing and straightforward recording setups rather than complex studio productions.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Midas MR18 is a solid investment. It's especially great for live sound applications and straightforward recording needs. The sound quality is exceptional, and the flexibility in routing and connectivity is a major win. Just be ready to spend some time getting to know this mixer inside out. For its price point, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. Just remember, while it excels in many areas, it might not be the perfect fit for those needing advanced studio integration.

Tascam DP-32SD Digital Portastudio

Now the Tascam DP-32SD, let me draw some comparisons to its cousin, the DP-24SD, and delve into what makes it stand out. The DP-32SD steps up the game with its enhanced preamps and 32-track recording capability, minus the hard drive noise, since it runs on an SDHC card.

Key Features:

First off, think of the DP-32SD as a 20-track recorder with 8 mono tracks and 12 additional stereo or mono tracks. The absence of MIDI and S/PDIF inputs (found in its predecessor, the Tascam 2488Neo) might limit some, but it's not a deal-breaker for those focused on analog inputs. Its punch-in and out functions are tight, and the layout of the menu and LED buttons has been thoughtfully improved from the Neo model.

Tascam DP 32SD Review

Recording Quality

The recording quality is a massive win for the DP-32SD. Users rave about the stellar job it does, especially in multi-musician setups. With its ability to record at 24bit 48kHz without clicks, pops, or stutters, it’s a reliable choice for those seeking to avoid the complexities of a DAW.

Usability and Workflow

In terms of workflow, this machine is a powerhouse. For those who prefer to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously without a PC or MAC and don’t need MIDI sync, the DP-32SD is your go-to. It’s great for live band recordings too, being easily portable and capable of handling numerous simultaneous inputs.

Learning Curve

There’s a learning curve, especially if you're transitioning from a simpler recorder or a different brand. However, with resources like YouTube tutorials, you can get up to speed relatively quickly.

Build Quality

The build quality of the DP-32SD is impressive. It feels heavy and sturdy, indicative of a machine built to last. Though some knobs might feel a bit flimsy, this doesn’t detract from the overall solid construction of the unit.

Integration with DAW

While it's primarily a standalone recorder, the ease of transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing is a major plus. It's an excellent solution for those looking to blend analog recording with digital editing.

Head 2 Head: Midas MR18 or Tascam DP 32SD

Midas MR18: The Audio Powerhouse

So, folks, you've been eyeing the Midas MR18, eh? Well, let me tell you, this mixer is a compact beast. It's like stuffing an orchestra into a jukebox. Whether you're running a live gig or laying down some sweet tracks in the studio, the MR18 is your ticket to audio nirvana. Sound Quality and Performance

Oh boy, the sound quality on this baby! It's like biting into a ripe peach – sweet, juicy and oh-so-satisfying. The MR18 delivers crystal clear audio with impressively low latency. Plus, it's got more outputs than a Swiss army knife has tools. Whether you're jamming out at home or rocking an open-air concert, this mixer has got you covered.

Build and Connectivity

The MR18 is built like a tank with Neutrik connectors providing solid connections that'll stand up to any roadie's rough handling. And configuration? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. This mixer offers as many signal routing options as there are genres of music.

User Interface and Software

Now don't worry if you're not exactly a tech whiz kid. The software interface on the MR18 is more musician-friendly than a backstage pass at Glastonbury Festival. With ample online resources and user communities at your disposal for troubleshooting and setup tricks, it's easier than ever to get creative with your rig.

Challenges and Considerations

But hey – no mixer is perfect right? There's a learning curve with the MR18 that might feel steeper than climbing Everest if you're unfamiliar with digital mixers. And while it shines as an audio interface, it's not the best choice for those seeking advanced DAW control. It's more Bruce Springsteen (live performance) than Hans Zimmer (complex studio production).

Tascam DP-32SD: The Analog Power Player

Alright, moving on to the Tascam DP-32SD. This standalone recorder is like a Swiss watch – compact, precise, and oh-so-reliable.

Key Features:

Think of the DP-32SD as a 20-track recorder with 12 extra stereo tracks up its sleeve for good measure. The lack of MIDI and S/PDIF inputs might be a drawback for some, but if you're all about those analog inputs, then this isn't a deal-breaker.

Recording Quality

The recording quality on this baby is like getting your ears cleaned by angels – pure bliss! Users rave about how well it performs in multi-musician setups, recording at 24bit 48kHz without any unwanted noise.

Usability and Workflow

In terms of workflow, the DP-32SD is your reliable workhorse. It's perfect for those who want to record multiple tracks simultaneously without needing to drag along their computer. Plus, it's great for live band recordings thanks to its portability and ability to handle numerous simultaneous inputs.

Learning Curve

Transitioning from another brand or simpler recorder? Brace yourself for a bit of a learning curve with the DP-32SD. But hey – no pain, no gain right? And trust me – once you get up to speed with this machine – it's all gain.

Build Quality

The DP-32SD is built like a brick house. It's solid, sturdy and heavy – in a good way. Although some of the knobs might feel a bit lightweight, it doesn't detract from the overall robustness of the unit.

Integration with DAW

Even though it's designed as a standalone recorder, transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing is as easy as pie. It's an ideal solution for those who want to blend analog recording with digital editing.

And the Winner Is…

After painstakingly examining both mixers/recorders, it’s clear that each has its strengths. However, there can be only one winner and that is the [Midas MR18](https://amzn.to/3SzCewb). Its superior sound quality, flexibility in routing and connectivity options, coupled with its robust build quality makes it an unbeatable choice. While the Tascam DP-32SD is an excellent standalone recorder for those who prefer analog recording and digital editing, the MR18 simply offers more versatility – making it perfect for both live performances and straightforward recording setups. So go ahead and add this audio powerhouse to your gear list! You won’t regret it.