TASCAM Model 16 16-Channel Multitrack Recorder With Analog Mixer & USB Interface

It'll take me some time to learn the capabilities of this machine, but already I can tell it is exactly what I had hoped for while shopping for this kind of unit.

This is a great mixer for analog use for live performances or if your studio is running all hardware, but if you're working in the box and want to use as an interface as well, this definitely is NOT the choice. It didn't make any sense to me that the Model 16 (or even the Model 24) did not have the same DAW Controller capabilities as the Model 12, being that these 2 products are the upgrade to the Model 12, so losing a great function was a pretty dumb choice if you ask me. Also, the term interface for this Model 16 is misleading because, even though you CAN plug it USB to get signals from gear plugged into the mixer, not only can you NOT use the faders, you can't even control the gain of the signal when recording, which seems like the second most important function you would need (besides getting the actual signal of course). I have to admit, I didn't purchase this mixer with DAW control in mind, but as soon as I pulled it out of the box and realized it was a possibility if I were to purchase the cheaper version, it definitely lost my interest at that point. I do most of my production/recording in Abelton so having that function would have made my life 1000 times easier. If DAW capabilities aren't your concern, then this is an incredible mixer for the price range and a pretty cool looking one at that.

Recorder works like the old 008, easy to use. Professional output sound when EQ applied. Can't apply multiple effects to separate channels is my only disappointment. I run 8 cables from my Behringer x1222 usb mixer, from the tape outs for effects pre recording, and extra custom effects.

If you like the analogue (non-DAW) side of recording, this is a great mixer recorder. Needs a larger user screen though (or better yet, an output to a PC monitor). I use the Bluetooth for the click-track app from my phone. Like all of TASCAM's gear - very well made and worth the price...

the Cat's meow. Yeah. Old fart here, did my first piano recital at 10, gigged on stage with a rock band at 15, now 67, and playin and recording ever since. Put together a recording studio 20+ years ago, tape - analog, all Tascam. Tascam is Pro, and they nailed it, again. Solidly built, sweet sounding, totally capable. I loved analog, M320 board into M38 8 channel R2R. This little board brings me all that, without the care and feeding of a tape deck, and with built in outboards. I've played with many portastudios over the years, both tape and hard drive, poor mic pre's, limited inputs, no phantom power, too many limitations - this does not share those problems. If you love playing with your computers, they are probably more powerful, but if you love playing music and being able to record your work, this is it. It is old school in layout, looks, and feel, but the mic pre's are good, the built in effects / compressor are decent; I have done some tracks totally within the box and dumped out to CD, and been satisfied, and without a killer learning curve or playing with a DAW. Read the comments under the M24 version as well, as they influenced me, and I agree after hands on time; and then choose based on your needed number of inputs, 24, 16, or 12.

Plan to use it mainly for the vocals.