QSC TouchMix 8 Vs. Tascam Model 24: 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 24.

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 24. 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 24

Classic Analog Feel with Modern Capabilities

The Tascam Model 24 really brings back that classic feel of a mixing desk, blending nostalgia with modern functionality. It's user-friendly, and the sound quality is top-notch. The integration with my Mac for DAW use was seamless, making the transfer of tracks a breeze. It's a great way to step back from a purely digital interface and enjoy the tactile experience of an analog mixer.

Old School Vibe Meets Modern Tech

The feeling of using this Tascam mixer is akin to the experience I had with my first 4-track cassette in the '80s, but with the added benefits of today's tech. It's an excellent blend of the past and present.

Sturdy and Reliable

In terms of build and reliability, I haven't encountered any issues during my use. It's a solid piece of equipment that feels like it can withstand regular use and the occasional rigors of transport.

Pros and Cons

On the upside, the mixer offers great sound quality and an easy learning curve. It's particularly appealing for those looking to combine the hands-on feel of traditional mixing with modern recording capabilities. The built-in audio interface, compressor, preamps, and equalizers are like getting multiple pieces of equipment in one.

However, there are a couple of limitations. It only has two monitor sends, and the instructions provided can be a bit lacking. Some users may find the need to rely on online resources or videos to fully grasp all its features.

Overall Impression

The Tascam Model 24 is a fantastic choice for musicians or engineers looking for an analog-style mixer with the conveniences of modern technology. It's particularly suitable for home studios or small live setups. While it may have a couple of shortcomings, they are outweighed by its overall functionality and performance. This mixer provides a unique and satisfying experience for those who appreciate the charm of analog with the benefits of digital technology.

Head 2 Head: QSC TouchMix 8 or Tascam Model 24

QSC TouchMix-8: The Compact Powerhouse

No messing around, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a little beast that packs a punch. It casually replaces entire racks of EQs, compressors, and gates like it's no big deal. And the best part? You won't need to carry a cheat sheet for navigating menus – this baby is as straightforward as they come. Plus, noise level? Almost non-existent, making it pure gold for gigs on-location or filming.

The Not-so-Pocket-Sized Pocket Rocket

In terms of portability and power, you're looking at a mini powerhouse. The AC adaptor is proprietary though – which means you'll need to rig up a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery with a mini sine wave inverter if you plan on going mobile. But hey, small price to pay for something that can lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen Tango: Sometimes You Lead, Sometimes It Leads

Now let's talk touch screen. It can be like dancing with an overly enthusiastic partner at times – the sensitivity can take some getting used to. And the graphics? A higher resolution would be nice, especially when you’re trying to pick out details on the RTA. An LED screen upgrade would really make this baby shine bright like a diamond in the rough.

A Few Hitches in the Ride

There have been some whispers about reliability issues with this mixer – aux sends playing hide and seek and the board freezing up like it just saw a ghost. And I've seen some lag when moving those virtual faders on the built-in touch screen. But hey, who said the road to audio nirvana was a smooth ride?

Sound Quality and Effects: Music to Your Ears

Sound quality? Think Chopin's Nocturnes. Elegant, refined, spot on. The effects are top-notch and definitely give other portable digital consoles a run for their money. The mic pres are good and the compressor lets you dial in like you're turning up at your favorite club. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics? They’re show-stopping.

Tascam Model 24: The Analog Darling with Digital Dreams

The Tascam Model 24 is like that dreamy blend of old school charm and modern sophistication. It's user-friendly, has sound quality that will make your heart sing and integrates with Mac for DAW use so seamlessly, it's like they were made for each other.

A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane with Modern Twists

Using this Tascam mixer feels like going back to your first 4-track cassette in the '80s but without all that rewinding nonsense. Instead, you get all the perks of today's tech wrapped up in a cozy analog package.

Built Like a Tank

When it comes to build and reliability, this baby is as sturdy as they come. It can take regular use and even some occasional rough handling without missing a beat.

A Few Stumbles Along the Way

Sure there are limitations – it only has two monitor sends and could do with better instructions; you might need to do some online digging or video hunting to fully utilize all it's got. But hey, nobody said the pursuit of perfect sound was easy.

A Charming Blend of Old and New

The Tascam Model 24 is a great choice for those who love the feel of a traditional mixer but also enjoy the convenience of modern recording capabilities. It's like getting multiple pieces of equipment in one compact, charming package that’s perfect for home studios or small live setups.

And The Winner Is…

Drumroll please… After some serious consideration, we've got to crown the QSC TouchMix-8 as the winner. Why? It's powerful, portable, and packs a punch with its excellent sound quality and high-end effects. Sure, it has a few quirks with its touch screen and aux sends, but they're minor speed bumps on an otherwise smooth ride to audio perfection. So whether you're laying down tracks at home or on-location, this compact powerhouse is ready to deliver big time.