Tascam’s Model 16 is a mixer that looks to retain a lot of the power of the company’s flagship Model 24 while at the same time lowering the cost.
One of the most notable about the Model 16 mixer is its size. While still offering some of the Model 24’s features, it keeps a small format. At the same time, it can combine analog with a digital workflow. “The Model 16 is the perfect mixing solution for small format live performance, recording and production environments,” claims Tascam.
How so? It features a multi-track recorder, USB audio interface, effects, comprehensive mixing and routing capabilities and support for Bluetooth wireless.
14 inputs give the Model 16 more flexibility
The Model 16 offers 14 “easy-to-access” top panel inputs, according to Tascam. This should allow for more flexibility and open up more options for microphones or instrument connections. That includes 10 Mic/14 Line/2 Inst, allowing access for connecting microphones and other audio sources for live recording and mixing.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 enabled Stereo Input Source Channel also provides stereo RCA and 1/8″ Stereo jacks for streaming audio device level control.
Model 16’s channel strip control features
There’s a Gain knob for each channel that should allow for “precise” tweaking of input levels. Also, there’s a push-button Lo-Cut filter, and the three-position Input Selector will lead to “quick and precise” control of input source signals, according to TASCAM. A 1-knob inline Compressor is available on inputs 1-8 as is a mid-range sweepable 3-band EQ.
Audio routing possibilities and monitoring
3 Aux bus (MON1, MON2[pre/post], FX) and PFL Listen are the Model 16’s signal path routing options. There’s a Sub bus that provides an additional stereo lineout source to the master SEND section.
3 AUX Outs let you route the audio signal for stage monitoring, or to external gear such as outboard effects, signal processors or headphone mixes. The Model 16’s MTR section offers an internal 16-Track Multi-track recorder. That captures 14 Inputs and 2 Main Mix simultaneous tracks of audio to an internal SD card in 24-bit/48 kHz quality.
“Record anything from live performance to rehearsals, worship events, spoken word and meetings, as well as perform overdubs and punch-in/out quickly and easily,” says Tascam. “Recorded tracks can be immediately mixed, mastered or exported to a computer for further editing, formatting and publishing.”
Internal audio interface
The Model 16 captures audio at a 24-bit/48 kHz sampling rate. Also, the Tascam USB driver offers the “minimum size” of the audio buffer which can be set to 4 samples. That should keep latency low when recording audio.
Input capability
The system’s channel Mode switch can select the input source for each channel. Tascam says this will lead to more flexible input configuration to be selected where some inputs can be live. Other inputs can play tracks from the internal MTR while other inputs can play tracks from a computer through USB.
- 16-track multi-track recorder to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards
- Punch in/out capability (up to 8 tracks simultaneously)
- Built-in USB Audio Interface to send/receive (16-in/14-out) audio data to/from DAW
- 14 inputs (10 Monaural XLR/TRS balanced and 2 Stereo-paired TRS balanced)
- 10 mic Pre-amps
- Pre-amp Gain Controller with Signal/Over-load Indicator
- Input Mode switch (LIVE/USB/MTR) per input channel
- 1-knob compressor
- 3-band EQ with a sweep-able mid-range frequency
- 100Hz Low-cut Filter
- Phantom Power (+48V) for all XLR inputs
- 3 AUX Outputs
- Mute, MAIN/SUB, PLF switches per input channel
- Model 16 features Bluetooth 5.0 input, supporting both AAC and SBC codecs
- LINE Inputs via RCA Pin and 1/8″ Stereo Mini jacks
- Hi/Lo shelf, wide and narrow-Q semi-parametric EQs
- 16 TASCAM Effects
- MAIN Output via XLR balanced and SUB Output via TRS balanced connectors
- 12-segment LED Output Level Meters
- 1 Stereo Output for Control Room
- 1/4″ Stereo Headphone Output
- REMOTE connector for a Foot Switch
- 19-inch rack mountable
Pricing and availability
The Tascam Model 16 is out for $799. You can learn more at Tascam’s website.
