Roland VR 1HD AV 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: Roland VR 1HD AV 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 Roland VR 1HD AV 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.

Roland VR-1HD AV Streaming Mixer

I tested the Roland Video Switcher with audio capabilities for about a month, and here's my verdict: it's a compact powerhouse perfect for those tight on space but needing a robust video and audio solution.

Set-Up and Input Flexibility

Setting it up was a bit of a learning curve, but once I got the hang of it, the switcher's functionality was impressive. I connected a DSLR, a camcorder, and my laptop as input devices, alongside a 32GB storage device for still images and wave files. The lack of internal storage is a minor drawback, as all images and audio are stored on the external drive. Another minor hiccup is the need for images to be in Windows Bitmap File (.bmp) format, which requires a bit of extra work in conversion.

File Compatibility and Storage Tips

I encountered issues with a 128GB stick, but resizing BMP files to smaller than the maximum 1920 x 1200 pixels helped. Also, converting MP3 or MP4 files to wave format using Audacity or iTunes was necessary – a bit outdated, but manageable. It's a bit odd to still be using wave files in today's digital age, but overall, it didn't hamper the experience too much.

Streaming Capabilities and Support

A notable downside is that Roland doesn't include the USB A to B 3.0 cable needed for streaming, so be prepared to buy one separately. The setup is excellent for enhancing Zoom meetings or similar applications. However, don't expect to master it immediately – it requires some practice before using it for critical projects.

Reliability in Various Settings

The switcher has proven itself in different environments. From church services to educational settings, it's been reliable and easy to use. The build quality is solid, and the ease of streaming video and sound is commendable. However, there have been some issues post-software update, with the mixer crashing during live streams, which is something to watch out for.

Customer Support and Overall Satisfaction

When I faced connectivity issues with my iMac, product support was helpful in resolving them. Despite a few initial hurdles, I'm enjoying the switcher a lot. The ability to upload custom sound files and music adds a personal touch to the output.
Conclusion

Overall, this Roland Video Switcher is a great tool for anyone needing a compact, yet feature-rich, video and audio mixing solution. It's versatile, though it comes with a few quirks that require some workaround. But once you're past the learning curve, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

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: Roland VR 1HD AV or Tascam Model 24

Putting the Roland VR 1HD AV to the Test

When it comes to audiovisual mixers, the Roland VR 1HD AV doesn't shy away from flexing its muscles. This compact powerhouse saves on space while delivering a robust video and audio solution. However, setting up this digital mixer can be like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded at first. But once you get a grip on it, you're in for an impressive ride. Equipped with input flexibility, I managed to connect my DSLR, camcorder, laptop and even a 32GB storage device for still images and wave files. It's no hoarder though – all images and audio are stored externally, so don't expect any internal storage space. And while we're talking about quirks, this mixer has an odd affinity for Windows Bitmap File (.bmp) format – so be ready to convert your files.
File Compatibility and Storage Tips

Don't expect love at first sight if you're introducing your 128GB stick to the Roland VR 1HD AV – they didn't get along well in my case until I resized BMP files smaller than the maximum 1920 x 1200 pixels. The same goes for MP3 or MP4 files that needed conversion into wave format through Audacity or iTunes – feels like stepping back into the early Internet era.

Live Streaming with the Roland VR 1HD AV

While this video switcher is phenomenal at enhancing Zoom meetings or similar applications, it plays hard-to-get initially. You'll need some practice before using it for critical projects because let's face it – nobody wants a “live stream fail” video going viral. Unfortunately, Roland doesn’t include the USB A to B 3.0 cable needed for streaming – feels like buying a brand-new car and realizing it doesn't come with any wheels. So, be prepared to buy one separately.
Reliability in Various Settings

From church services to educational settings, this little powerhouse proved itself reliable and easy to use. The build quality is solid, reminiscent of a tank, and the ease of streaming video and sound is commendable. However, post-software update, the mixer had a few instances of crashing during live streams – not exactly what you want when you're in the middle of an important broadcast.

The Verdict on Roland VR 1HD AV

Despite some connectivity issues with my iMac (which the product support promptly resolved), I've been enjoying this switcher quite a lot. Being able to upload custom sound files and music adds a personal touch that's really appealing. While it does have its quirks, once you've climbed over that learning curve mountain, you'll find yourself in a beautiful valley filled with creative possibilities.

The Tascam Model 24: The Retro Digital Mixer

If you're into nostalgia trips combined with modern functionality, then the Tascam Model 24 might just tickle your fancy. This recording console offers an analog feel with top-notch sound quality that makes it feel like a classic ride with all the modern features.
Old School Vibe Meets Modern Tech

Using this Tascam mixer feels like stepping into a time machine back to my first tryst with a 4-track cassette in the '80s – but now equipped with all the benefits of today's tech. It truly is an excellent blend of past and present.

Tascam Model 24: Built Like A Tank

In terms of build and reliability, I haven't encountered any issues during my use. It's as sturdy as a rhino and feels like it can withstand the test of time.
Pros and Cons

The Tascam Model 24 soundboard offers great sound quality and an easy learning curve – it's like a friendly teacher that makes learning fun. Its built-in audio interface, compressor, preamps, and equalizers feel like multiple pieces of equipment in one – a swiss army knife of recording consoles. But it does have a couple of shortcomings – it only has two monitor sends, and the instructions provided felt like they were written by someone who assumes you already know everything. You might need to take a deep dive into online resources or videos to fully grasp all its features.

So What's the Verdict on Tascam Model 24?

The Tascam Model 24 is an excellent choice for musicians or engineers looking for an analog-style mixer with modern conveniences. While it does have a couple of limitations, they're outweighed by its overall functionality and performance. After comparing these two fantastic products, I'd say the clear winner here is the Tascam Model 24. While the Roland VR 1HD AV is impressive in its own right, the user-friendly nature, nostalgic feel combined with modern capabilities, and overall performance of the Tascam Model 24 just tilt the scale in its favor. Whether you're setting up a home studio or managing small live setups, this mixer offers an unparalleled blending of charm and technology.