QSC TouchMix 8 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: QSC TouchMix 8 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 QSC TouchMix 8 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.

QSC TouchMix-8

I Got My Hands on the QSC TouchMix-8: Still Impressed

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I got my hands on the QSC TouchMix-8 when it first came out, and man, it's still a game-changer. This little beast replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. The best part? Everything's super easy to access. You don't need a cheat sheet for menus because there's no annoying digging through sub-menus. Plus, the noise level? Ridiculously low, perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

Power and Portability

If you're thinking of going mobile with this mixer, keep in mind the AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying several different voltages. While you won't need a gas generator, rigging an outboard battery means getting a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. Trust me, this board's powerful enough to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk touch screen. The sensitivity can be a bit frustrating at times, and the graphics could use a higher resolution, especially for the RTA. An LED screen update would be nice, particularly for outdoor gigs.

Reliability Issues

One thing to note – there have been a few issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. I've also noticed some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen, which can be pretty annoying. But remember, no mixer is perfect.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality? Spot on. The effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics are stellar.

Overall Verdict

Despite its few quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a fantastic, powerful mixer in a compact package. It's got big power and a small footprint, making it a solid choice for those needing a robust feature set in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends.

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: QSC TouchMix 8 or Tascam DP 32SD

QSC TouchMix-8: A Powerhouse in a Small Package
The QSC TouchMix-8 is a beast of a mixer, packing impressive power and features into a compact design. With this beauty, you can say adios to those pesky racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. This mixer's easy access to all its features is the equivalent of finding a $20 bill in your old pair of jeans – unexpected and oh so satisfying.

Power and Portability

Ever dreamed of taking your music on the road? With the right setup (think 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and mini sine wave inverter), this bad boy can be mobile. The AC adaptor is proprietary though, supplying several different voltages. But don't fret; you won't need to lug around a gas generator for this all-star.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Okay, time for some tough love. The touch screen could use some work. The sensitivity can sometimes be as frustrating as trying to put together IKEA furniture without the manual. And let's not forget about the graphics – they could benefit from a higher resolution (especially for the RTA). An LED screen update would be nice too.

Reliability Issues

Like that one friend who always shows up late to brunch, this mixer has its quirks too. There have been reports of issues with the aux sends and occasional freezing ups that could dampen your creative flow.

Sound Quality and Effects

But hey, no one's perfect right? And when it comes to sound quality and effects, this mixer is pretty darn close. It delivers top-notch audio quality that easily rivals other portable digital consoles in its range. The mic pres are solid and the compressor allows you to dial in with precision.
Tascam DP-32SD: A Reliable All-Rounder
Next up is the Tascam DP-32SD. This one's like that reliable friend who always has your back. No hard drive noise here folks, this bad boy runs on an SDHC card.

Recording Quality

The Tascam DP-32SD doesn't just talk the talk; it walks the walk too. The recording quality on this machine is something to write home about. Whether you're a solo act or part of a multi-musician setup, this machine got you covered.

Usability and Workflow

If your workflow involves recording up to 8 tracks simultaneously without a PC or MAC and don’t need MIDI sync, then this machine might just be your new best friend.

Learning Curve

Sure, there's a learning curve if you're transitioning from a simpler recorder or different brand. But with resources like YouTube tutorials available, you'll be mastering it faster than you can say “playback”.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Tascam DP-32SD is impressive – it feels like it's built to last. Some knobs might feel a bit flimsy, but that does not detract from its overall sturdy construction.

Integration with DAW

For those looking to blend analog recording with digital editing, the ease of transferring files to a DAW for further editing and mixing is definitely a plus point for the Tascam DP-32SD.
The Verdict: QSC TouchMix-8 Takes the Crown
After careful consideration, I declare the QSC TouchMix-8 as the winner. Why, you ask? It's simple. The QSC TouchMix-8 delivers big power in a small package, and that's a combo hard to beat. With top-notch sound quality and effects, it’s a stellar choice for those needing robust features in a portable design. Sure, it has its quirks (like that touch screen), but hey, doesn't everyone? So if you're ready to take your music to new heights (and maybe even on the road), give the QSC TouchMix-8 a try. You won't regret it.