Pricing and availability

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Description

The Tascam M312 is a classic analog mixer designed to bring warm, vintage sound to your studio recordings. This versatile mixer is revered for its 12-channel input capability, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized recording setups. Each channel features a full EQ section, allowing for precise tonal shaping, and the mixer includes a built-in effects send and return, providing flexibility for integrating external effects processors. The intuitive control layout makes it easy to operate, even for those new to mixing.

A key aspect of the Tascam M312 is its durable build, designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments. Its comprehensive connectivity options include multiple input and output configurations, making it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment. The mixer includes VU meters for accurate signal monitoring, ensuring optimal audio levels during mixing sessions.

Whether you're crafting a complex mix or simply need a reliable mixer for live performances, the Tascam M312 delivers consistent and high-quality results. It's a testament to Tascam's long-standing reputation for producing reliable audio gear that meets the demands of musicians and audio engineers alike.

Key Features:

  • 12-channel input capability
  • Full EQ section for each channel
  • Built-in effects send and return
  • Multiple input and output configurations
  • Durable build suitable for studio and live use
  • VU meters for accurate signal monitoring

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tascam m312.

Mods and upgrades

  • The CAPI EA2623 transformers are recommended for balancing the unbalanced Direct Outs, enhancing the M312's output quality.

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  • Owners have modded the M300 series mixers to have output transformers for balancing direct outs, enhancing the sound quality.

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Features and functionality

  • The M312 is known for its thick, "chocolate" sound, which can add a vintage vibe to recordings.

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  • The EQ on the M-520 is described as super punchy, with multiple op-amp gain stages contributing to a pleasing total harmonic distortion and natural compression.

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Setup and maintenance

  • These mixers often require cleaning and deoxit to function optimally, especially if stored in poor conditions.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite its cosmetic flaws, a working M312 is considered a steal at $50, given its potential resale value of $800+ for non-"B" models.

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  • Tascam gear, once affordable, has seen a price surge as interest in its "vintage" and "authentic" sound grows, despite some considering their sound as merely "functional."

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User experience

  • Owners with experience on high-end consoles like Neve and SSL still appreciate the unique sound character of the Tascam M312.

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  • The M300 series, including the M308, M312, and M320, are praised for their ability to saturate and overdrive in a pleasing way when gain is increased and fader adjusted.

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Comparisons

  • The Tascam M-520 is noted for having deeper preamps compared to the Tascam Model 24 and Soundcraft GB2, adding depth and natural compression through multiple op-amp gain stages.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users find the M300 series mixers forgiving for those learning gain staging, offering a cool sound when pushing the VU meter to the red clip light.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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mattsterbenz

M-312B treats me well.

I have the balanced edition of this mixer, the M-312B, which adds a few extra features to the mixer besides the up to 48v XLR phantom power. Aside from some noise present in the master output, it's an extremely solid mixer, especially for the prices you can find them going for at estate sales and eBay auctions.

jimmarchi1

I had an unbalanced teac model 15, very similar to the m312 unbalanced.... you are lucky to have gotten a rare balanced version.... I never had an noise or grounding issues with my teac, but all those RCAs were a annoying, especially in a mid format console like that

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