Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 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: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 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 Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 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.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

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Everything The Product Sales Page Doesn't Tell You About The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT…

I tested the Soundcraft Signature 22MKT for a couple of weeks. I know, not that long, but it's been a revelation every day.

I work with a local piece band and they've been able to lay down live recordings in one take, capturing everything onto separate tracks in the DAW.

The ability to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously has been a game-changer in this respect.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 2
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Sound Quality and Support

Warm, Analog Sound ✅

The sound quality is exactly what we were looking for. The mixer provides a broad, balanced frequency range, delivering that warm, analog sound.

Plus, the onboard effects buses allow for creative mixing. Not to mention, the support from Soundcraft has been exceptional, both before and after purchase.

Who Is The 22MKT For? Not Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK
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Difficult Setup and Poor Documentation ❌

I always have to give the good, bad and the ugly… so here it is:

It's not all smooth sailing. Setting up the mixer with Windows was a nightmare, with no useful online resources.

The manual was no help either. It's a great board for those who know what they're doing and know their way around boards, but I can definitely see how for a beginner, it would be a steep and frustrating learning curve.

Early Impressions ✅

Impressive Functionality

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK 3
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In the early days of testing out the 22MTK, I was impressed with its routing capabilities, especially to outboard gear.

The onboard Lexicon effects are a bonus, and the ability to use DAW plugins during live play is a huge plus. However, the lack of an on/off switch and inserts is a bit puzzling.

Channel Issues and Sturdiness

Some Quality Concerns

Unfortunately, I soon ran into issues with channel one having low gain and a hum. This was unexpected, especially considering the mixer hadn't seen much use.

While the mixer is generally sturdy, these issues do raise some concerns about its long-term reliability.

Perfect for Specific Needs

Ideal for Unique Applications

This mixer was perfect for running a mic through guitar pedals. Its small footprint and built-in effects make it versatile for creating unique sounds. It's a solid choice for those needing a compact mixer with good functionality.

Soundcraft 12MTK: A Better Choice For Beginners

Soundcraft Signature 22MKT record up to 22 tracks simultaneously
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I know I have kind of shifted between the 12 and the 22 and thats because they are pretty much the same thing, you either need the extra channels (22MTK) or oyu don't (12MTK).

But the like its big bro, the Soundcraft 12MTK offers good sound quality and is fairly lightweight. The preamps are notable, as is the mid-range EQ. However, there are significant design flaws, like the problematic gain ratio and the lack of an on/off switch, which can be frustrating. It's a good mixer overall but be prepared for some quirks.

Check Out The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT
View The 12MTK

Tascam Model 12

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
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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: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK or Tascam Model 12

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Symphony of Creativity

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK, a beast in the audio production equipment world, sings a song of limitless possibilities. Believe me when I say, this recording console is not for the faint-hearted. If you're in a band and want to unleash your creativity by recording up to 22 tracks simultaneously – this is your golden ticket.

Just imagine the magic you can conjure with your bandmates, laying down live recordings in one take! This analog mixer has indeed been sweeping musicians off their feet since it hit the market.

Soundcraft Vs. Tascam: The Sound Quality War

Now, let's talk about the soul of any audio interface – its sound quality. The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK boasts a warm, analog sound that will tickle your eardrums with its broad, balanced frequency range. It takes you back to those good old days when everything was… well, analog.

And what's more? You get exceptional support from Soundcraft both before and after purchase. But don't be fooled by its charm; this live mixing console can be quite the diva when it comes to setup.

The Learning Curve of the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

If you're fresh on the studio gear scene, brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride with this one. Configuring it with Windows might have you pulling your hair out (I'm not kidding) and scouring for online resources that aren't always there to save the day.

However, if you manage to tame this beast, it rewards you with impressive routing capabilities and access to DAW plugins during live play. Sadly though, an on/off switch and inserts are conspicuously missing, making you wonder what Soundcraft was thinking.

Tascam Model 12: The All-in-One Wonder

Switching gears to the Tascam Model 12, this digital mixer is more like a Swiss Army knife in the world of audio production equipment. It might give you a hard time initially with its complex setup, but once you get past that, it's a dream come true.

What sets it apart? Its amazing versatility. This recording console can do multi-track recording, interface with a DAW, and even connect via Bluetooth. Quite the show-off, isn't it?

Connectivity and Quality of the Tascam Model 12

The Tascam Model 12 is quite picky when it comes to USB hookups. It insists on being connected directly to your motherboard's USB 2.0 sockets for best results. So keep this in mind before you get started.

And let's not forget about sound quality – this audio interface delivers clean output whether over headphones or monitors. However, the global Phantom Power option could use some fine-tuning for individual channel management.

Unwrapping the Tascam Model 12

This studio gear might have some quirks (remember the Sub Button and Solo buttons?), but if you're looking to step away from complete reliance on a DAW, it's an excellent choice.

So who wins in this Soundcraft vs Tascam faceoff? Drumroll please…The Tascam Model 12!. It takes the crown owing to its impressive versatility, sound quality, and all-in-one convenience. This digital mixer is indeed a step forward in the world of audio production equipment.

However, for the more experienced and adventurous souls out there who fancy a robust analog mixer with warm sound and don't mind a bit of a challenge, the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK could be your perfect match. Either way, it's clear that both these live mixing consoles are the real deal when it comes to stepping up your audio game.