Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
OP Offline
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: 1,111
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,111
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: 27,408
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,408
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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
OP Offline
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 Offline
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 Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Originally Posted By: bobcflatpicker
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: 22,425
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,425
'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: 27,408
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,408
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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
OP Offline
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: 8,772
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,772
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 Offline
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 Offline
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: 8,772
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,772
Originally Posted By: bobcflatpicker
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


I 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.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,581
Posts793,590
Members39,919
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
laurrenscott, FREDERRY, Smithin, Gjsmal, JacksGuitar
39,918 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 164
DC Ron 106
Noel96 86
jpettit 85
rsdean 71
dcuny 64
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5