QSC TouchMix 8 Vs. Tascam Model 12: 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 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 QSC TouchMix 8 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.

QSC TouchMix-8

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

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 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: QSC TouchMix 8 or Tascam Model 12

Let's dive right in and size up these two contenders in the world of mixers: the QSC TouchMix-8 and the Tascam Model 12.

QSC TouchMix-8: The Powerhouse

The QSC TouchMix-8, affectionately referred to as a mini beast, is a handy gadget for those who love to keep everything in one place. This little monster replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates like it's swatting flies. The accessibility is a breath of fresh air – no need for cheat sheets or painful navigation through sub-menus that feel like you're stuck in a maze. Noise level? As quiet as a mouse tiptoeing on cotton.

Mobility with Might

If you're thinking about taking this mixer on tour, remember to pack its proprietary AC adaptor, which supplies several voltages. No gas generator needed here, folks! But if you're planning to go off-grid, make sure you have your 12-volt AGM battery and mini sine wave inverter ready.

Touch Screen Troubles?

Now let's talk about the touch screen – it seems to have a stubborn streak at times with its sensitivity. And let's be honest, the graphics could use a bit of an upgrade from the pixel fairy. An LED screen update would be quite welcome, especially when you're out doing your thing under the sun.

Reliability Roulette

There have been whisperings about some issues with the aux sends and occasional freezing up episodes. And let's not forget that laggy feeling when moving those virtual faders on the touch screen – it can really cramp your style. But hey, no mixer is perfect!

Sound Quality & Effects: A Symphony

The sound quality is music to your ears. The effects compete with the best in its range, and the mic pres and compressor allow you to dial in with precision. It might be a bit bright for some, but the dynamics are nothing short of spectacular.

Tascam Model 12: A Versatile Virtuoso

The Tascam Model 12 requires a bit of elbow grease to master, but once you do, it's like having a Swiss Army knife at your disposal. It's got multi-track recording, DAW interfacing, Bluetooth connectivity – pretty much everything but the kitchen sink.

Connectivity: The Good & The Bad

USB connections are smooth as butter when plugged directly into motherboard USB 2.0 sockets. However, be mindful when connecting to USB 3.0 ports – some users have reported hiccups.

Sound Quality: Baby, You're A Song

The sound quality is a love song for your ears – clean outputs over headphones or monitors that'll make you swoon. Plus, the Midi In and Out expand its usability for various setups.

Global Phantom Power: Handle with Care

One small hiccup: the global Phantom Power option could use an upgrade to software management for each channel. And remember kids, always turn off Phantom Power before powering a new unit – gotta protect those mics that don't need it!

Software Integration: Knuckle Down

The Model 12 works well as an interface with DAWs after some initial setup. It's like an open canvas for experimentation and finding your groove.

User Tips & Tricks

A few tips from Tascam veterans – the Sub Button on each channel arms the Headphones bus (essential for monitoring). Effects only work if all Solo buttons are disarmed (no lone wolves here!). And no need to press Play alongside Record when laying down a track – it's not as clingy as older tape-based systems!

And the winner is…

It's a close call, but the mixer that edges past the finish line is the QSC TouchMix-8. While both offer great value, the QSC TouchMix-8 takes it home with its robust set of features packed into a compact design. Despite its touch screen quirks and occasional reliability issues, it offers top-notch sound quality and effects that can't be ignored. It's perfect for those wanting big power in a small footprint. The Tascam Model 12 offers great value too, but its steep learning curve might make it more suited for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to recording and mixing.