Model 12
12-Track Digital Recording Mixer With DAW Controller & Audio Interface
The TASCAM Model 12 is a powerful production workstation and DAW control surface for music producers, content creators, live performers, and podcasters. At its core, Model 12 is a high-quality compact mixer, complete with premium Ultra HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) microphone preamps, compressor and 3-band EQ on each channel, 3-band mastering EQ, and console-like routing capabilities. Beyond your DAW, Model 12 is also a standalone recorder that's ready to capture studio-quality multitrack audio directly to SD card. Connect to your computer and Model 12 becomes a powerful audio interface with comprehensive DAW control capabilities, giving you a tactile, hands-on mixing experience while you leave your mouse aside. Live performers will appreciate Model 12's built-in effects and routing flexibility, while podcasters will find crucial functions like mix-minus and a dedicated smartphone input. Whether you use it as a USB audio interface, DAW controller, standalone recorder, or as a standard mixing board, the TASCAM Model 12 is equipped to support your creative process.
- Loaded with inputs to accommodate practically any workflow, including 8 XLR mic inputs with phantom power, 8 Hi-Z instrument inputs, a total of 10 line inputs, Bluetooth 5.0, and 3.5mm TRRS smartphone input
- Record up to 12 tracks simultaneously to SD card, with up to 10-track playback
- Ready to serve as a 12-in/10-out audio interface for your DAW software (USB Type-C connector)
- Ultra HDDA mic preamp technology captures rich, detailed audio with an ultra-low noise floor
- Offers simple hands-on DAW control via HUI/MCU protocol emulation
- Built-in effects section allows you to add studio-quality reverb, delay, chorus, and other effects
- 5-pin MIDI In/Out ports to synchronize with external MIDI-equipped devices like drum machines, sequencers, and effects modules
- Supported Media : SD (512MB to 2GB), SDHC (4GB to 32GB), SDXC (64GB to 512GB) Class 10 or higher required.
- Maximum Recordable ChannelNumber : 12ch (10ch + 2 stereo mix)
- USB Audio
Maximum INPUT : 12ch
Maximum OUTPUT : 10ch - Bluetooth®
Output Class : Class 2 (Transmission range: approx. 33 ft. / 10 m)
Version : 5 - Dimensions : 343(W) × 98.8(H) × 360(D)mm / 13.5(W) × 3.9(H) × 14.2(D)inch (sides panels, inc. knob height and protrusion)
- Weight : 4.3 kg / 9.48 lb
- Model 12 x1
- AC adapter (TASCAM PS-M1524) x1
- Power cord for AC adapter x1
- USB cable (1m) x1
- TRRS cable (1m) x1
- Owner's Manual (including warranty)
Studio-Quality 12-track Recording Direct to SD Card
The Model 12 is a compact multitrack recording studio, with the ability to record 12 tracks simultaneously at 24-bit/48kHz audio quality directly to SD card. With a built-in metronome, punch-in/out capability, and overdubbing functions, the Model 12 gives you the tools you need to produce a full band. You can also transfer your recordings directly to your computer via USB for further editing, processing, and mixing.
Model 12: The Ultimate DAW Controller
Model 12's comprehensive DAW control means you can ditch your mouse and mix your music like you would with a traditional mixing board. Navigating your session is easy with familiar transport controls, no need to remember key commands or grab your mouse when you need to move to a new song section. Hands-on control over your mix allows you to focus more on your music and less on menus, scrolling and clicking. If you want to make music in your DAW with the familiar feel of a mixing board, you'll be impressed with Model 12 as your DAW control surface.
12-in/10-out USB Audio Interface with DAW Control Integration
Equipped with an onboard USB Type-C connector, the Model 12 is ready to connect to your DAW software for multitrack recording and playback. For comprehensive control over your DAW, Model 12 uses HUI/MCU protocol emulation to give you hands-on control over faders, mutes, pans, solos, record arm, play, record, stop, FF/Rew, and jog functions.
DAW control operation has been confirmed with the following DAW software:
- Avid Pro Tools
- Apple Logic Pro
- MOTU Digital Performer
- Steinberg Cubase
- Ableton Live
- Cakewalk by BandLab
- Presonus Studio One (Added in V1.30)
- Cockos REAPER (Added in V1.30)
- Steinberg Cubasis 3.3 (Added in V1.30)
Dedicated Click Output with Tap Tempo for Tight Performance
Whether you're recording or performing live, Model 12's dedicated click output helps you to stay in time. The Tap Tempo feature makes it easy to set your ideal tempo, and also allows you to sync Model 12's built-in delay effects to the tempo of your music. And for hands-free control over Tap Tempo, simply connect a non-latching footswitch (sold separately) to Model 12's footswitch input.
Loop Song Sections on the Fly with the VAMP Playback Function (Added in V1.11)
Model 12 makes it easy to create a seamless playback loop between two points in a song, with its VAMP Playback function. Loop your full arrangement for an extended solo or group jam, or loop the playback of only a selected track for creative emphasis. From practice and band rehearsal to live performance, VAMP Playback gives you a ton of freedom to extend your song's arrangement.
Additional Features
Ready to Integrate with Your MIDI Gear
Model 12 is equipped with 5-pin MIDI In and Out ports to integrate your synthesizers and drum machines. You can also use MIDI to synchronize external effects processors with the tempo of your music, or allow your DAW software to operate in time with the Model 12.
Podcast and Stream Your Music Directly to Your Fans
The Model 12 is fully-equipped for podcasting and internet streaming. Podcasters will appreciate mix-minus functionality, as well as the dedicated smartphone input for external audio capture. You have plenty of microphone inputs for guests and additional performers, with dual headphone outputs available for monitoring. And with onboard Bluetooth, you can stream audio wirelessly to the Model 12. As a live streaming solution, Model 12 offers everything you need to sound your best.
* Operation confirmed with the following streaming and telecommunications software:- Skype
- Discord
- OBS (Added in V1.11)
Output Delay for Synchronized Audio/Video Streaming (Added in V1.20)
When you're recording or streaming, it's crucial that your audio and video are in sync. Model 12's output delay function makes it easy to ensure stable sync between streamed audio and video. Output delay can be adjusted up to 2,000ms in 1ms increments, allowing you to sync with practically any camera or video mixer. And when you're streaming a live performance, you can apply the output delay to the USB audio stream while leaving the main XLR outputs unaffected.
Your All in One Production Console, from Recording to Mastering
With its studio-console-style design and workflow, Model 12 encourages hands-on creativity throughout your entire production process. Each channel offers a simple one-knob compressor for dynamics control, and 3-band EQ for tone shaping. The built-in effects section offers must- have effects like reverb, delay, chorus, and more, while pan controls and 60mm faders allow you to shape your mix fast. Once your mix is dialed in, use the Master Section EQ with sweepable mid band is ready to put the final polish on your stereo mix.
Ultra HDDA Preamps for Pristine Audio Quality
TASCAM's Ultra HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps boast an amazingly low noise floor and exceptional fidelity, making it easy to capture pro-level sound quality with practically any microphone. What's more, all of Model 12's channels are equipped with Hi-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars, basses, and other instruments. All inputs support line- level sources like keyboards and drum machines as well, giving you the flexibility you need to record practically any combination of sound sources. The gain boost function uses DSP processing to amplify signals input through the mic/line input jacks. Even input sources with low volume can be adjusted easily regardless of the level. (Added from V1.40)
Compact, Rugged, and Loaded with Inputs
Despite its compact size, Model 12 is packed with input options. On the rear panel you'll find eight XLR/TRS combo inputs (with +48V phantom power), with additional line inputs on channels 9 and 10 to accommodate stereo sound sources. The first two channels also offer insert points for integrating external sound processors into your workflow. There's a dedicated smartphone input (3.5mm TRRS) for playback from your portable devices, as well as onboard Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio streaming — perfect for playing some background music between live performances. In other words, Model 12 is well-equipped for practically any small-format recording or live production application.
Dual Headphone Monitoring, No Splitter Required
Model 12 is equipped with dual headphone outputs, eliminating the need to split a headphone output for two people. Each headphone output can output its own discrete mix, allowing the engineer and performer to hear exactly what they need.
USB Return Channel Function
By using the USB return channel function, audio sent from computer USB channels 1-2 can be reassigned to any other channels. When using with an application that supports two-channel audio devices (such as OBS Studio), it is also possible to use with mics connected to mixer channels 1-2 of the Model 12. (Added from V1.41)
Normalizing Function
By using the normalization function, the maximum levels of tracks recorded by the MTR can be readjusted within a range of 0 to -20dB. Adjusting level differences between tracks makes mix down easier. Imported tracks and MAIN MIX L/R bus recording files can also be normalized. (Added from V1.41)
Features at a Glance
- Loaded with inputs to accommodate practically any workflow, including 8 XLR mic inputs with phantom power, 8 Hi-Z instrument inputs, a total of 10 line inputs, Bluetooth 5.0, and 3.5mm TRRS smartphone input
- Record up to 12 tracks simultaneously to SD card, with up to 10-track playback
- Ready to serve as a 12-in/10-out audio interface for your DAW software (USB Type-C connector)
- Ultra HDDA mic preamp technology captures rich, detailed audio with an ultra-low noise floor
- Offers simple hands-on DAW control via HUI/MCU protocol emulation
- Built-in effects section allows you to add studio-quality reverb, delay, chorus, and other effects
- 5-pin MIDI In/Out ports to synchronize with external MIDI-equipped devices like drum machines, sequencers, and effects modules
Other Features
- Dual headphone outputs support two discrete mixes
- 1-knob compressor and 3-band EQ on all input channels
- Flexible routing capability with MAIN L-R and SUB L-R mix buses and dual Aux sends
- Easily sync to video with adjustable output delay (0-2,000ms)
- Selectable pre/post-fader modes and solo-in-place
- Dual footswitch (TRS connector) support for hands-free control over transport, effects, and other functions
- Convenient built-in metronome, with dedicated click output and Tap Tempo support
- Optional carrying bag is available for ease of transport
Optional Items
Dedicated carrying bag- CS-Model 12
- TH-02
- TH-05
- TH-06
- TH-07
- TM-280
- TM-180
- TM-80
- TM-70
- TM-82
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Spec Description
Recording section | |
Supported Media | SD (512MB to 2GB), SDHC (4GB to 32GB), SDXC (64GB to 512GB) Class 10 or higher required. |
File System | SD card: FAT16, SDHC card: FAT32, SDXC card: exFAT |
Recording File Format | WAV(BWF) |
Playback Format | WAV, BWF |
Sampling Frequency | 44.1k / 48k Hz |
Bit Depth | 16 / 24 bit |
Maximum Recordable ChannelNumber | 12ch (10ch + 2 stereo mix) |
Audio Inputs | |
MIC IN | CH1 to 6, 7/8, 9/10 |
Connector | XLR 3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD, Balanced) |
Maximum Input Level | +10dBu |
Nominal Input Level | -8dBu |
Minimum Input Level | -58dBu |
Gain Adjustable Range | 0 to 50dB |
Input Impedance | 1.8k ohm |
Phantom Power supply | +48V |
LINE IN | CH1 to 10 |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS Phone jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND, Balanced) |
Maximum Input Level | +22dBu |
Nominal Input Level | +4dBu |
Gain Adjustable Range | -10 to +40 dB: CH 1 to 6, -20 to +30 dB: CH 7/8 and 9/10 |
Input Impedance | 22k ohm |
INST IN | CH1 to 6, 7, 9 |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS Phone jack (T: HOT, R: GND, S: GND, Unbalanced) |
Maximum Input Level | +13.8dBV |
Nominal Input Level | -4.2dBV |
Gain Adjustable Range | -10 to +40 dB (CH 1 to 6), -20 to +30 dB (CH 7 and 9) |
Input Impedance | 1M ohm |
INSERT | CH 1 and 2 |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS Phone jack (T: Send, R: Return, S: GND) |
Return (Ring) | |
Maximum Input Level | +18dBu |
Nominal Input Level | 0dBu |
Input Impedance | 5k ohm |
Send (Tip) | |
Maximum Output Level | +18dBu |
Nominal Output Level | 0dBu |
Output Impedance | 100 ohm |
MUSIC/TALK | CH 9/10 |
Connector | 1/8" (3.5mm) TRRS jack (for Smartphone, Unbalanced) |
Maximum Input Level | +8dBV |
Nominal Input Level | -10dBV |
Input Impedance | 10k ohm |
Outouts | |
MAIN OUTPUT | |
Connector | XLR 3-32 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD, Balanced) |
Maximum Output Level | +22dBu |
Nominal Output Level | +4dBu |
Output Impedance | 200 ohm |
SUB OUT, AUX OUT | |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS Phone jack (T: HOT, R: COLD, S: GND, Balanced) |
Maximum Output Level | +16dBu |
Nominal Output Level | -2dBu |
Output Impedance | 200 ohm |
PHONES OUT | PHONES 1 and 2 |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) Stereo Phone jack |
Maximum Output Level | 45mW + 45mW (32 ohm loaded) |
Working impedance | 16 to 250 ohm |
Control input / output | |
USB | |
Connector | USB Type-C |
Transfer Format | USB2.0 High-Speed |
Format | Mass-storage class/USB Audio Class 2.0 (USB class-compliant) |
CLICK | Metronome click |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TS Phone jack, metronome click output |
FOOTSWITCH | Compatible with TASCAM RC-1F Foot Switch |
Connector | 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS Phone jack |
MIDI OUT | |
Connector | 5-pin DIN |
Format | standard MIDI |
MIDI IN | |
Connector | 5-pin DIN |
Format | standard MIDI |
USB Audio | |
Sampling Rate | 44.1k / 48k Hz |
Bit Depth | 16 / 24 bit |
Maximum INPUT | 12ch |
Maximum OUTPUT | 10ch |
Bluetooth® | to MAIN or CH 9/10 |
Version | 5.0 |
Output Class | Class 2 (Transmission range: approx. 33 ft. / 10 m) * Transmission range may vary, depending on surroundings. |
Supported Profile | A2DP |
Supported A2DP Codecs | SBC, AAC |
A2DP Content Protection | SCMS-T |
Channel EQ | |
Low-Cut | 100Hz, -18dB / Octave |
Hi-Shelving | +15dB / -15dB, Cut off frequency = 10kHz |
Mid-Peaking | +15dB / -15dB, 100Hz to 8kHz Variable, MID Band Q Fix, 0.5 |
Low-Shelving | +15dB / -15dB, Cut off frequency = 80Hz |
Master section EQ | |
Hi-Shelving | +15dB / -15dB, Cut off frequency = 10kHz |
MID-Peaking | +15dB / -15dB, 100Hz to 8kHz Variable, Q: 0.5/5 |
Low-Shelving | +15dB / -15dB, Cut off frequency = 60Hz |
Internal Effects | |
Type |
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Power | AC 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz |
Power Consumption | 16W |
Dimensions | 343(W) × 98.8(H) × 360(D)mm 13.5(W) × 3.9(H) × 14.2(D)inch (sides panels, inc. knob height and protrusion) |
Weight | 4.3 kg / 9.48 lb |
Operating Temperature | 5 to 35 °C / 41 to 95 °F |
Include Items | AC adapter(TASCAM PS-M1524), Cord for AC adapter(JAPAN USA/EUROPE/AUSTRALIA), USB cable(1m), TRRS cable(1m), Owner's manual (with warranty), TASCAM ID registration guide |
NOTE: 0dBV = 1Vrms, 0dBu = 0.775Vrms
Audio Performance
Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz (+0.3/-0.7 dB, MIC IN to MAIN OUT) |
S/N ratio | 103dB (MAIN OUT, MAIN fader: nominal position) |
Equivalent Input Noise | -128dBu (Mono Input Channel, Rs: 150Ω, GAIN knob: Max) |
Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.003% (MIC IN to MAIN OUT, nominal input level, +2dBu, 1kHz, GAIN min.) |
Crosstalk | -95dB, channels / input and output (1kHz, PAN fully counter clockwise / fully clockwise) |
Maximum Gain | 74dB (MIC to MAIN OUT) 54dB (MIC to INSERT OUT) 74dB (MIC to SUB OUT) 75dB (MIC to AUX 1/2 OUT) 24dB (USB/SD to MAIN OUT) (EQ flatten, PAN fully counter clockwise / fully clockwise) |
NOTE: 0dBu = 0.775Vrms
Supported PC
Windows
Compatible Computers | Windows-compatible computer with a USB2.0 port |
CPU | Dual core / 2GHz or faster |
Memory | 2GB or more |
Driver | USB Audio Class 2.0, ASIO2.0, WDM (MME) |
Screen Resolution | 1280 × 800 Dots or more |
Mac
Compatible Computers | Apple Mac computer with a USB2.0 port |
CPU | Dual core / 2GHz or faster |
Memory | 2GB or more |
Driver | Core Audio |
Screen Resolution | 1280 × 800 Dots or more |
* Verified with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1 and M2) hardware
iOS/iPadOS
Driver | Core Audio |
Information
Latest version info | |
Firmware | V1.42 |
TASCAM Model Mixer settings panel (Windows) | V1.20 |
TASCAM Model Mixer settings panel (macOS) | V1.20 |
- Operation stability has been improved.
Notices About Products
Documents
Manuals
Owner's Manual | 11-10-2023 |
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Owner's Manual Addendum V1.40 | 08-24-2023 |
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List of controls that can be used with the following DAW's | 02-18-2022 |
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Setting procedures for use with OBS Studio and other streaming applications | 05-07-2020 |
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Spec
Specifications | 10-01-2021 |
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CAD outline (DXF/PDF) | 12-03-2020 |
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CAD outline (PDF) | 02-05-2019 |
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Catalogs
TASCAM System Design Guide for Audio Installation, 2024 | 01-18-2024 |
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Firmware / Software
Instructions
Release Notes | 06-05-2024 |
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Firmware update procedures | 05-07-2020 |
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Firmware
Firmware V1.42 | 06-05-2024 |
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Firmware V1.41 | 09-13-2023 |
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Software
TASCAM Model Mixer settings panel V1.20 for Windows (Includes driver) | 03-10-2020 |
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TASCAM Model Mixer settings panel V1.20 for Mac | 03-10-2020 |
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Compatibility
Information on the connectivity of TASCAM products with iPhone/iPad USB-C port | 06-18-2024 |
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Supported Media | 04-26-2024 |
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Compatible OS
Windows
Windows 11 2023 Update (Version 23H2) ,Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2),Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) ,Windows 11 (Version 21H2) ,Windows 10 (November 2021 Update),Windows 10 (May 2021 Update),Windows 10 (November 2019 Update),Windows 8.1,Windows 7,
Mac
macOS Sequoia (15),macOS Sonoma (14),macOS Ventura (13),macOS Monterey (12),macOS Big Sur (11),macOS Catalina (10.15),macOS Mojave (10.14),macOS High Sierra (10.13),
iOS
iOS 17,iOS 16,iOS 15,iOS 14,iOS 13,iOS 12,iOS 11,
iPadOS
iPadOS 17,iPadOS 17,iPadOS 16,iPadOS 15,iPadOS 14,iPadOS 13,
FAQs
Yes. Model 12 operation has been verified and confirmed with the latest version, Windows 7 Professional version 6.1 (build 7601: Service Pack 1)
Only notarized applications can now be installed on Mac OS Catalina.
Please download again the application installer from the download tab on the respective product page and try installing it again.
Your device's playback application/software, and playback file frequencies (sampling frequency) may not be matching. Set the frequencies of the playback file and each configuration to be the same, or unify the frequencies of the playback file.
The Model 12 is the only unit that has the DAW Control function. This is because the unit is built around a DIGITAL mixer. The earlier Model 24 and Model 16 are built around ANALOG mixers so they cannot have this function.