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

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 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: Soundcraft Signature 22MTK or Tascam Model 24

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Symphony in a Box

Stellar Multitrack Capabilities

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK is like having your own personal orchestra pit. Lay down track after track with your band, all while capturing the magic on separate tracks in your digital recording software. With the capacity to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously, this audio mixer transforms your jam sessions into full-blown concerts.

The Sweet Sound of Success

Analog Sound That Hits All the Right Notes

The sound quality of this studio equipment is on par with a top-tier concert hall. The mixing board delivers a balanced frequency range that serenades your ears with warm, analog sound. It's like listening to vinyl in an era dominated by streaming services. The onboard effects buses let you mix things up and keep the sound fresh, and Soundcraft's customer support has been an absolute rockstar.

A Steep Learning Curve Worth Climbing

Beginner Beware: Setup Can Be Tricky

Setting up this audio interface with Windows was akin to solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded – challenging, to say the least. Online resources were about as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane, and the manual was equally baffling. While it might be an intimidating recording console for beginners, seasoned pros will find it more of a stimulating puzzle than a frustration.

The Early Bird Gets the Tracks

Dazzling Routing Capabilities and Effects

The early days with this digital mixer were like discovering hidden treasure every day – from its impressive routing capabilities to outboard gear to the onboard Lexicon effects. The ability to use DAW plugins during live play was a delightful surprise. However, the lack of an on/off switch and inserts did make me raise an eyebrow.

The Devil in the Details

Quality Issues and Durability Concerns

The first channel of this mixing board developed a low gain and hum quicker than a rockstar trashing a hotel room. Considering it hadn't seen much use, this was both surprising and concerning. Despite this hiccup, the mixer is generally sturdy, but these issues do cast some doubt on its long-term reliability.

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Niche Champion

A Compact Mixer with Big Potential

This analog mixer is perfect for niche needs like running a mic through guitar pedals. Its compact size and built-in effects make it as versatile as a Swiss Army knife for creating unique sounds. It's ideal for those needing a compact mixer with robust functionality.

Tascam Model 24: Analog Charm with Digital Convenience

The Tascam Model 24 is like taking a classic car out for a spin but with all the modern amenities. This live sound mixing equipment combines old school charm with contemporary tech in an intuitive package that meshes seamlessly with Mac for DAW use.

Built to Last

Durability That Doesn't Miss A Beat

In terms of sturdiness, Tascam's audio mixer stands up to the test of time (and transport). It's solid enough to handle the rigors of regular use without missing a beat.

The Good, The Bad, And The Tascam

Pros and Cons of the Model 24

The Tascam Model 24 is like a supergroup of studio equipment – it has great sound quality, an easy learning curve, and combines the hands-on feel of traditional mixing with modern recording capabilities. However, like any supergroup, it has its tensions – namely only two monitor sends and somewhat vague instructions.

Tascam Model 24: The Past Meets The Present

This analog-style mixer is a time machine for musicians or engineers yearning for the tactile experience of old-school mixing with all the conveniences of modern technology. It's ideal for home studios or small live setups that want the best of both worlds.

After jamming out with both these mixers, I've got to give my encore to the Tascam Model 24. It hits all the right notes – combining analog charm with modern capabilities in a user-friendly package. While both mixers have their strengths, for me, it's Tascam that takes center stage. However, if you're a pro looking for a challenging setup and unique applications, you might find the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK music to your ears.