Tascam MO8 12-channel Mini Mixer

Tascam are known for the quality and reliability of their larger consoles: now they've turned their hands to a super‑mini mixer, which will have to slug it out with similar models already on the market. Paul White assesses its chances. I must admit that I did a double take when I first saw this mixer — it's compact, it's mains powered, and it features four mono mic/line channels, plus four more stereo line channels, all with rotary knob rather than fader control. It also has square corners and it's grey! In fact, the only real surprise was that it didn't have 'Mackie 1202' written in the top right‑hand corner. Instead, there's a tastefully embossed Tascam M08 logo. I've always had a great respect for Tascam mixers — indeed, I use one in my own studio — but I can't help wondering why the guys in Japan decided to build a competitor to the Mackie 1202 when that model has been superseded by the more sophisticated 1202VLZ. Not that this in any way detracts from the usefulness of this little mixer, or its exceptional value at under £300, but still... Design Closer inspection reveals some differences of approach between the M08 and its obvious source of inspiration, but the basic concept is very similar. The four mic/line channels have balanced XLR and jack inputs, globally switched phantom power, and insert points, while the stereo channels have dual inputs on unbalanced jacks. All channels are equipped with a gain Trim control, two‑band shelving EQ (operating at 12kHz and 80Hz), two Aux Sends, a Pan control, and a Level pot. On the stereo channels, the pan control functions as a balance control and is labelled accordingly, but one area in which Tascam have dropped a couple of points is in the aux send system: Aux 1 is dedicated pre‑fade and Aux 2 is dedicated post‑fade. There's no global pre/post switching for Aux 1, something which is now becoming a regular feature on other small mixers, though there is a useful overload LED which lights a few dB before clipping. If you want to use the stereo channels as mono channels, you can plug into the left input only; all channels are fitted with Mute and PFL buttons. Unlike some small mixers, the M08 provides aux send master level controls as well as two dedicated, stereo aux returns on unbalanced jacks, and these, too, have level controls in the Master section. Provision is made for using a 2‑track tape machine, which, as with the Mackie, may be used either for mastering, or may be routed into the stereo mix to add taped effects to a live performance. A monitor level control regulates the headphone output level, and the stereo master level is controlled by a single, stereo Master fader rather than by a knob. A high‑resolution stereo bargraph meter with a delayed peak hold feature gives the master section a very professional look, while a red PFL LED lets you know if any channels have their PFL buttons down. When a channel PFL is pressed, the channel level is brought up on the main meters to facilitate accurate Trim setting. Stereo outputs are on both phonos and balanced jacks, while further phono inputs provide a way into the aux busses and the stereo buss, as well as accommodating the 2‑track returns.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Brand

Tascam