|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Keith,
I never did see where you posted anything about the Tascam Model 12. I just wanted to check with you to see what you thought about it.
I still can't afford one but I'd still like to have one.
Your thoughts please.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
Hey, Bob. Sorry that I’ve been slow in posting anything about the Model 12. Between some of my own Health Issues and Shepherding my wife through surgery, chemo, and radiation for a return of her breast cancer (now stage 3) I’ve kept putting off things that I meant to do.
I’ve not been real excited about the Model 12 so far, but its not been a total bomb for me either. Having used some of the old TASCAM Portastudios and the USB 428 I feel like they somewhat merged the two functions into a single machine. The Model 12 works pretty well with Cakewalk but it was more than a little cranky to get set up. To be fair, they made some recommendations on the setup that I didn’t take to be absolutes that turned out to be the reason I was having some malfunctions. I’ve never gotten the 12 to act as a sound card and have had to have the 12 and my Focusrite active at the same time to hear anything. I’ve also been bummed about the lack of motorized faders because you have to “catch” the setting in your DAW in order to be sure your fader position and the setting in the DAW match. I’m used to that from the portastudios and the usb-428 but the TASCAM FW spoiled me.
The Model 12 has an SD card that you can record to, so you can pick the whole thing up and record away from the computer. In fact, in my opinion, it performs better as a Portastudio than as a DAW controller, although it does pretty well at the latter.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513 |
Some of what you post reminds me of the Tascam FW-1884 that I abandoned after Tascam abandoned me (by not making the Windows 10 driver available that we know they had). I was never able to make that work as a sound card, either.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Keith,
I wish you and your wife the best during what is no doubt an extremely tough time. I hope I didn't bother you by asking for a run down on the Tascam.
You both will be in my thoughts and wishes for a full recovery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Matt,
Since I'm no where near as well versed as most of you others on the forum about home recording, DAW's, sound cards, etc., I'm going to ask a question that will no doubt be a stupid question to most of the folks who are much more experienced than I am.
What exactly does it mean to have the Tascam Model 12 or any other control surface to act as a sound card?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Matt,
Since I'm no where near as well versed as most of you others on the forum about home recording, DAW's, sound cards, etc., I'm going to ask a question that will no doubt be a stupid question to most of the folks who are much more experienced than I am.
What exactly does it mean to have the Tascam Model 12 or any other control surface to act as a sound card?
I posed that question to Matt but anyone else who wishes to comment on it should feel free. I assume Matt hasn't seen it because he's always very good about responding. So here is a "bump" for the weekend folks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,554
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,554 |
'Soundcard' means you select that device as the Driver in BiaB/RB/PT
So your computer plays back to (& records from) it.
So you would record your new tracks into the mixer (soundcard) physical connection and it would be sent via USB to the software as a digital signal from that device. And playback would be able to be routed to it also.
Sounds like Keith may have an issue with the playback still needing to be routed to his Focusrite, but that may be because his speakers are connected the Focusrite, or some other such setup/routing issue. Hard to say with the limited clues. Or maybe the 12 simply doesn't play nice in both directions.
A Control surface is a little different in that the sliders on the mixer are supposed to control the sliders in the DAW, as well as other stuff.
At least that's how I understand the basic definitions, if that helps.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513 |
Bob has it. The Tascam FW-1884 was one unit that functioned as a control surface and a soundcard. I didn't ever get the sound card part working because of drivers and firewire, but I had other choices and just the control surface was great. I then moved to a Behringer X-Touch control surface, and now on to a Presonus Faderport 8.
A nice combo unit would be a mixer, both with home your computer and standalone for live concerts, a sound card, both with your home computer and with a laptop in live concerts, and also be a MIDI control surface for your DAW. Transport control, too. I recall the Tascam 12 (but NOT the 16) had all this.
Bob, if that's still confusing, ask away.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
rharv and Matt,
I appreciate the responses. They definitely helped. I'll take some time to digest that info and go from there.
I really regret not taking the time to get comfortable with DAW's years ago. I embraced PC's but was so busy with work and traveling for business and being a dad when I was home a few days a week that I didn't mess with it.
Thanks again guys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,850 |
Bob, if your primary interest is home recording rather than live performance, you should research the Tascam DP-32sd stand alone recorder. I'm sure you will find it does a more efficient job than the Model 12 in the home based recording studio. The DP-32 (and the DP-24) are designed and engineered for small non-commercial home studios and can work as a stand alone recording unit or provide audio tracks for any DAW. The Model 12 is a hybrid that's better suited as a mixer than as a stand alone recorder and it's designed to act as an interface to a DAW. Transferring tracks from either the DP-32 or Model 12 function nearly identically. The Model 12 costs $100 more than the DP-32 and you will be paying more for features you may not need or use if you don't plan to utilize the unit for stage performances and you will also be paying more for less because the Model 12 doesn't have features that are focused toward home recording scenario's that the DP-32 does have.
The DP-32 will have all of the DAW features necessary to complete a project from start to finish without smothering you with so many DAW features, techniques, procedures and decisions. You aren't swamped with thousands of plug-ins to choose from but the included plug-ins are very good and more than sufficient to do the job. The bonus is also, you'll have complete and unfettered access to any DAW or plug-in if you want or need more processing than the unit provides.
What you won't have is any of the multitude of issues that comes with every software DAW. There will be no latency, no asio driver issues, no additional cost for an audio interface, no issues between PC or Mac systems compatibility or soundcard issues.
The biggest shortcoming of a DP-32sd is the lack of MIDI input/output which may not be an issue for you.
These units are very robust, rugged and versatile and have nice preamps, physical controls and are quite easy to learn.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Charlie,
I do believe you're right. The thing that always frustrated me about dealing with DAW's was that there were so many things on it that I didn't want, would never use and they complicated even the simple process of laying down a guitar track. As you said, there were latency issues, ASIO issues, other driver issues. syncing issues, etc. I couldn't spend any time recording because I was spending all of my time just trying to make things work together.
The only way I'll ever get any songs recorded is to go with this. I used to record a lot with the old Tascam 424 PortaStudio and I don't think I ever took more than a passing glance at the owners manual.
Hopefully I can get one of these by this fall. My next major purchase is going to have to be a septic system for my cabin. After that I've got to build some steps that consist of more than 12 or 16 cinderblocks stacked up. A half dozen falls on those things is more than enough. This old fat body doesn't bounce as well as it used to.
I appreciate you steering me back on to the Tascam PortaStudio.
Thanks Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Here is a link to a song I wrote years ago and recorded on the old Tascam 424. Eddie Curry is playing lead guitar, I'm playing two rhythm guitars, (one open and one with a capo), I'm also playing bass, singing lead and harmony. Mac did some remastering on it. There was a fair bit of track bouncing since it was only 4 track. https://soundcloud.com/bob-c-831697492
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,850 |
Here is a link to a song I wrote years ago and recorded on the old Tascam 424. Eddie Curry is playing lead guitar, I'm playing two rhythm guitars, (one open and one with a capo), I'm also playing bass, singing lead and harmony. Mac did some remastering on it. There was a fair bit of track bouncing since it was only 4 track. https://soundcloud.com/bob-c-831697492I just took a listen to your song. Sounds great. Good write, arrangement and performance. Your vocals are really nice. Having some experience with the Portastudio you'll hit the ground running with a DP-24 or 32 and though with that many tracks, if you ever need to bounce, it has that feature as well as 192 virtual tracks.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,085
Posts799,949
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean