GearCast - Review: TASCAM Model 24

TASCAM’s multi-faceted Model 24 is really three products in one: a 22-channelDefinition:
1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication. 2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls. 3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths. analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals., a 24-trackDefinition:
A multitrack analog audio tape recording format using 2" tape. recorder (suitable for recording a live performance, or in the studio), and a Mac/Windows-compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software. USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. 2.0Definition:
Stereo Sound with 2 speakers and no subwoofer. See subwoofer. interface—all for under $1,000. Before taking a closer look at each of these features, let’s first find out if you’re in the target audience for a product like this.

• Small-to-medium live performance venues. Clubs, restaurants, coffeehouses, auditoriums, playhouses—all those places where you see someone running a basic mixer—fit the Model 24’s job description. You can mix the band, while recording the band.
• Houses of worship. The Model 24 will mix a typical church band and sermon while recording the entire service. Here, the Model 24’s unobtrusiveness is a virtue—it’s compact, without being cramped. What’s more, in this and other performance situations, you can play back pre-recorded tracks with the Model 24 while adding live tracks on top. It’s a helpful way to augment an arrangement, or double vocals and instrumental parts.
• Corporate presentations. The days of one person running a mic and a CDDefinition:
  CD (Compact Disc): An optical-based, disc-shaped digital recording and playback medium. player through a powered speaker are over. There will often be several participants (e.g., panel discussions), wireless mics in the audience for Q&A, and multiple sound sources (like a soundtrack from a video, audio outputs from one or more laptops, a streamingDefinition:
  A method of sending a continuous flow of digital content over IP (Internet Protocol) networks, and often, tailors itself to the user's receiving capability. internet station for pre-conference background music, and the like). Being able to record the presentation is a bonus.
• Band rehearsals. You don’t want to play IT professional when rehearsing, but instead, have a set-and-forget way to record your rehearsals for review. The Model 24 is portable (about 22 pounds, although you’ll want some kind of case if you’re going to move it around), so you can also shuttle it between your rehearsal hall and the gig.
• Home studioDefinition:
  A recording studio located in a residence that may be dedicated to a hobby, or to commercial projects. See Project Studio.. Computers bring a huge amount of power to home studios, but they also bring some degree of complexity. I can see songwriters gravitating toward the Model 24 because the built-in recorder’s workflow is so easy, and setup so fast, you can prioritize inspiration. But if you later want to move over to a full-blown, digital-audio-based album production, the Model 24 is an audio interfaceDefinition:
  A device to convert audio signals into digital code suitable for use by a computer; typically communication occurs through a port such as USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, etc. that can record directly into a computer. And if you recorded some tracks while writing that are “keepers” for a more involved production, pop the SD card into your computer’s card reader, and transfer the tracks to take advantage of plug-ins like pitchDefinition:
  For a given range of audio frequencies, pitch represents where a single sound falls within that range. correction.
• Studio B. Even though I work mostly solo, I have a main studio where I do most of my work, and a Studio B that’s set up more for fast operation, product testing, and songwriting. For some, the Model 24 would be an ideal Studio B.
• It’s hard to imagine a better way to teach recording. Even if someone plans to deal exclusively with computers once they get out of school, almost all computer-based recording is still based on the traditional recording studio paradigm. It’s easier to use a virtual studio when you know what a physical one is like.
• Music cruises. Cruises based around specific genres or styles of music are becoming very popular. Space is at a premium, and so is cost—cruises can be rough on gear, so you don’t want your $15,000 consoleDefinition:
  A control surface for audio, video, or lighting control positioned like a desk. Also called, Mixer, Controller, Board, or (British) Desk. trashed. And, being able to record gigs means that (assuming legal/rights issues don’t get in the way), you can generate a cool souvenir for the people who came on the cruise.

SO WHAT’S THE CATCH?

There are a few limitations that may rule out certain more advanced applications. These are:

• 16/24-bit, 44.1/48 kHzDefinition:
  kHz (Kilohertz): 1,000 Hertz, or one thousand cycles per second. operation only. Those who want to record at 96 kHz or higher sample rates need to look elsewhere. Then again, most people consider 24/48 kHz as more than good enough; and restricting the sample rateDefinition:
  The number of times per second that an analog signal is sampled prior to conversion into digital via an analog-to-digital converter. See Nyquist Frequency. See Analog to Digital Converter. allows using all channels as a USB 2.0 interface, which makes operation with computers easier than using USB 3.0 or ThunderboltDefinition:
  A computer interface port or cable that multiplexes PCIe and DisplayPort data lines into two serial signals (along with DC power), which is then demultiplexed into separate PCIe and DisplayPort ports by the Thunderbolt controllers at receiving devices. ports.
• Only inputs 1 and 2 have insert jacks. If you depend on rack-mount processors, you need to patch them between your signal source and the Model 24. With mics, this also means you need a mic preamp before the processorDefinition:
  A device that modifies signals. In audio, this typically affect dynamics, frequency response, harmonics, or time. In video, processors typically affect color, intensity, and special effects.. A mitigating factor is the onboard compressionDefinition:
  1. Reducing the dynamic range of an audio or video signal for consistency, to keep it from exceeding the available headroom, or providing a special effect. 2. With data, using a process to reduce the amount of data. Compression can be lossless, where decompressing replicates the original signal, or lossy, where compression occurs by judging some data as unnecessary, and can therefore be discarded from the file. and equalization, particularly because the EQ’s midrange is sweepable (although you can’t adjust QDefinition:
  1. Short for Quality factor. The bandwidth of a filter, which often correlates to resonance. 2. The opposite of damping in a speaker, i.e., the magnification of resonance. With speakers, a high Q relates to low damping, and a low Q relates to high damping. See Damping. ).
• Only basic editing. The Model 24 isn’t Pro Tools—it’s designed to capture audio quickly and efficiently. While you can auto-punch with pre-roll, have one level of undo, and can clear tracks, there aren’t cut/copy/paste-type functions (although you can bounce tracks by feeding the submixDefinition:
  Similar to Subgroup. A mix created by a group of channels. Also another name for Subgroup. bus, and bringing that audio back into an input—another reason why 24 tracks are useful). This can even allow for compingDefinition:
  The process of creating multiple takes of a vocal or instrument track, from which the best sections can be "composited" together into a final, perfected track.; record on multiple tracks, and bounce selected parts to a different track. Although you need to send and return through analog electronics, the sonic results are fine. Another workaround is popping the SD card with a recorded track into a computer, moving it to a different track, and then bringing it back into the Model 24.
• No digitalDefinition:
  A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. mixer control. Because the mixer is analog and not digitally controlled, as expected it doesn’t have moving faders, and you can’t use it to control DAWDefinition:
  DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): A computer program or stand-alone device that provides digital audio recording, editing, and mixing. parameters, save presets, generate MIDIDefinition:
  (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) A hardware/software standard for communication of musical data digitally among electronic instruments, effects, and computers. However it is also used for to control lighting, pyrotechnics, theatrical displays, and mechanical devices. For example, the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is controlled by MIDI. Also called MIDI 1.0. control signals, and the like.

A DEEPER LOOK

If you’re in the target audience, and the limitations aren’t relevant to your needs, you’ve probably already stopped reading this review and are checking out the specs. Don’t worry, I’m not offended. But if you’re still here...hi! Here’s some more info about the unit, starting with the mixer.

The 22-channel analog mixer is very capable, especially at this price point. There’s phantom powerDefinition:
A source of power for a microphone (usually condenser) that travels to the microphone over the microphone's cable. There are different voltage standards and requirements for different microphones, but the most common standard is 48 Volts. It derives its name because there is no visible power cable. for the 16 mic pres (note that either they all have phantom power, or none of them has phantom power). The mic pres are also worthy of note. They’re the same ones used in the US-20x20 interface, which is an integral part of my studio as a mic preamp expanderDefinition:
The inverse of a compressor in that it increases dynamic range. It can be used as effect, or in tandem with a compressor to reduce noise in a medium. See Compressor. for another interface...so I’m very familiar with what these mics pres can do.

All the input jacks are on the top panel, not the rear; which you like is a matter of preference, but for live use I tend to like jacks on the front panel, because then it’s easy to see which cables (hopefully, they’re labeled!) go to which inputs. There are 12 monoDefinition:
Short for Monophonic. An audio program, recording, or hardware device/software routine that produces or processes a signal with only one channel. channels and 4 stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. channels.

Most “channel strips” are the same, with high/sweepable mid/low EQ, one-knob compressorDefinition:
A device that reduces dynamic range by a certain ratio, and used primarily for audio signals. (on the 12 mono channels), activity/clip bi-color LEDDefinition:
LED (Light-Emitting Diode): A semiconductor light generator used in displays, television, pointers and for general illumination. It is a low-power replacement for incandescent lamps., 100 HzDefinition:
See Hertz. low-cut filter, three auxes (two monitor mixes and FXDefinition:
FX (Effects): Abbreviation for "effects," e.g., "special FX" or "FX chain." mix), muteDefinition:
1. To silence or squelch an audio signal. 2. A switch that silences a signal. and record-enable buttons, submix bus send button, and (thank you!) long-throwDefinition:
The distance between a lighting or sound source and its object. faders. Inputs 1 and 2 are different in that they have insert jacks and can handle mic, line, and instrument inputs. The other 10 mono inputs are mic/line. Four more channels are mono mic or stereo line. Inputs 21 and 22 have left and right RCA jacks for gear like CD players, and a 1/8” stereo jack for an analog smartphone output or equivalent (Fig. 1).

You can also feed a (mutable) BluetoothDefinition:
A short distance (less than 33 feet) wireless data transfer standard. signal into these inputs, so you can stream in audio from a smartphone or tablet. This is handy when you want to hear what the sound system sounds like in a room. All channels have a mode switch for choosing among live, USB, and multitrackDefinition:
A recorder that can record more than one individual track at a time, or individual tracks in sequence for subsequent mixing. recorder.

For the master section, there’s a decent selection of effects (halls, delays, chorus, flanger, as well as four multi-effect options with delay or chorus plus a small or large hall—see Fig. 2), a stereo graphic EQ to accommodate different rooms, and a basic control room section.

THE RECORDER AND USB INTERFACE

The 24-track recorder records to a removable SD card, although you’ll want a fairly modern/fast one for best results. It almost makes me cry to think of what a 2" reelDefinition:
1. (recording) A roll of tape with hub and flanges. 2. (cables) A device for storing and dispensing cable. 3. (slang) An actor's resume, consisting of video and/or audio examples of their work. of tape used to cost to record 24 tracks, compared to an SD card today—and that I can go to Target to buy my recording media instead of ordering from a high-end audio supplier. We’ve come so far in just a few years.

Note that when recording, the recorder picks up the input signal post-preamp and compressor, so what you record is not necessarily what you hear—you won’t record EQ or faderDefinition:
An audio control, rotary or linear, to control volume level. movements (the USB interface works the same way). This is the preferred option, because when recording a live performance, you can later tweakDefinition:
1. To make minor adjustments. 2. A person who is a perfectionist. the raw tracks as desired instead of just accepting the live mix. If it’s crucial to record all the moves in a live performance, you can split the output and send one split to the house, and the other to two unused tracks into which you record the mix. Of course when playing back a mix, the mixer functions as if you were mixing live.

When using the Model 24 as a USB interface, you can still record to the SD card. At first, this seemed of little practical value—a recording is a recording, right? However, the redundancy aspect is valuable. After recording a gig, one person can take the computer home, while another can take the SD card. This is like having an automatic backupDefinition:
1. (verb) To create a copy of existing software to insure against loss of the original. 2. (noun) The copy of the original software., and as we all know, “digital dataDefinition:
Information used by a computer in order to arrive at a decision. Although this is a plural term, it's often treated in the singular. isn’t real until it exists in more than one place.”

As a strictly USB interface, the Model 24 is functionally like any other interface. But if you haven’t followed TASCAM for a while, their latest interfaces hit a high standard.

THE USER INTERFACE

Navigation is simple. The display may be small, but it does the job and the operations are obvious (Fig. 3).

The documentation is excellent—when an operating system makes sense, then documenting that operating system makes sense almost by defaultDefinition:
A value assumed initially by a device, particularly a computer-based device, until changed. . However, it’s still worth reading the documentation because there are some additional functions that aren’t obvious—like simultaneous ASIODefinition:
ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output): A computer driver developed by German software company Steinberg to link hardware inputs and outputs with audio-based recording and playback programs. Used primarily with Windows operating systems. and WDM playback from Windows, which isn’t particularly common with audio interfaces, and info on how to set up the play/record/punch footswitch to select different functions, and accommodate footswitches with different polarities.

CONCLUSIONS

We’ve covered the highlights, but there are additional details (rehearsing punches, importing files, info and system screens, etc.). DownloadDefinition:
To receive data at one computer from another source (computer, electronic mail service, the cloud, etc.) the manual from the Model 24 download page to check out the various features in depth.

In some ways, the Model 24 is a throwback to the days of the all-in-one portable multitrack studio, a category TASCAM invented with the Model 144 cassette-based Portastudio. When you consider that was almost 40 years ago, the amount of change in that time is breathtaking (Fig. 4).

First of all, the 144 listed for $899—which in today’s dollars would be $3,100. For one-third that price, the Model 24 combines live performance mixing, a method to capture that live performance, 24-track recording for the home studio, and a USB interface for computer-based recording. It provides a familiar, tactile, mixer control surfaceDefinition:
A device that provides mechanical controls, such as switches, rotary controls, and faders to provide hands-on control of software parameters. A typical application is creating a box with faders to control the levels in a software mixer. with the one-function, one-control paradigm that makes mixing a real-time experience.

Computers have brought us a new world of capabilities, but it’s a world with tradeoffs—from operating system updates that break drivers, to a lack of hands-on control, to hunting through menus to find the parameters you want. For live performance, a computer’s lack of mixing immediacy—and opportunity for gig-breaking problems, like crashes—means that multi-channel mixers remain the gear of choice. Yet clearly, the Model 24 is a lot more than just a mixer.

Who knows where I’d be now if I could have bought a Model 24 back in 1979 instead of a Model 144 Portastudio...but a new generationDefinition:
The number of times a recording has been copied. of musicians won’t have to wonder what happens when this kind of power is at your fingertips, and even recording veterans might find the Model 24 fits their needs. Well-conceived, well-executed, and priced reasonably, the Model 24 is ideal for many applications.