Finalizing a song on Model 12

[GlennM]

Greetings,
With regard to finalizing a song on the Model 12, I've a few questions.

1. When rendering the song into a WAV file, can I still use the faders in order to control of individual tracks while recording, or is it the case that when I do the final recording that the faders have no effect and what their setting is on the console when the recording starts is what the Model 12 remembers? Put otherwise are the tracks adjustable in real time while doing the final mixdown?

2. Can I normalize the entire composition prior to the final mixdown? So far it appears I must do this a track at a time.

3. From your experiences, what would be the best practice for steps in doing the final mixdown . I am asking in general terms. It is understood that each individual track has been pre-recorded and a pleasing blend of sounds can be heard in the monitor or phones. I want that to be converted into the final WAV file ( the shareable song) I'm asking about the global settings in the menu like eq, compression/normalization etc. The goal is to have something with a more polished sound, undistorted and balanced on treble and bass. Please advise.

 

[Mark Richards]

@GlennM.

I don't use any of the Model series, but let me try to get you pointed in the right direction until a knowledgeable owner chimes in.

On the (unstated) assumption that you are using the Model 12 as a stand-a-lone mixer/recorder:

1. ...are the tracks adjustable in real time while doing the final mixdown?

Yes. When you create a stereo mixdown, the Faders control the audio level of the individual Tracks 1 through 10 going to the stereo mix being recorded on Tracks 11 & 12. When complete, that stereo mix on Tracks 11 & 12 can be converted by the firmware to a sharable interleaved stereo WAV file.

2. Can I normalize the entire composition prior to the final mixdown?

I'll leave that to a knowledgeable user of this mixer. Looking at the Block Diagram, it appears the answer is "No". Note that normalizing the final stereo mix is a function of the mastering process. I don't believe the Model series has a mastering capability.

However, some creative thinking might come up with a way to import the sharable interleaved stereo WAV file for further processing with the Model 12; and then create a new "processed" final product.

3. ...best practice for steps in doing the final mixdown...in general terms...I'm asking about the global settings in the menu like eq, compression/normalization etc...to have something with a more polished sound, undistorted and balanced on treble and bass.

Again, I'll leave the specifics to a knowledgeable owner. Keep in mind that the application of EQ, FX, and compression are all individual-song dependent. Let your ears be the judge.

If you're asking whether once complete the final mix can be further processed directly by the Model 12, the answer is probably "No". The Model series has no onboard mastering capability, as far as I know.

But again, some creative thinking might come up with a way to import the sharable interleaved stereo WAV file for further processing with the Model 12 and then create a new "processed" final product.

 

[Max Relic]

In theory, the Model 12 is designed as a FOH mixer and recorder with further post-processing tasks done on a pc. That's the main reason of the lack of dedicated editing and processing tools (i.e. compared to DP-24/32), not to mention mastering.

1. When you record a mix to tracks 11/12 all physical controls can be operated at will in real time, including the master EQ (if enabled) and Main Mix level adjustments (if Post-fader is enabled); the audible result of this stage is what actually goes in the Main Mix 2-tracks wave files on SD card.
When you are done, the Main Mix (aka tracks 11/12) can be exported as a stereo wave file to the MUSIC folder on SD.
Rendering usually refers to the off-line calculation of a complex processing that couldn't be done in real time, as in 3D solid modeling or the mixdown in a DAW of many tracks with heavy signal processing/effects/plugins.
When mixing down in the Model 12, what you hear is what you get.

2. Normalization is a per-track option recently introduced, mainly intended as a mean to place recorded material at an optimal level (i.e. to make advantage of the channel one-knob compressor). It is selectable in deciBels and can be applied as many times you want.

3. No general rules other than "use your ears". If you need some guidance to get started, I warmly suggest to watch some of the good video tutorials on Youtube (see the stickies on top of this forum for links and tips&tricks).

 

[Stripe]

Hi Max, can I just clarify that you are referring to the 'post-rec' button when you say "post fader enabled"? (quote below)
I am just discovering this and want to make sure I'm understanding it right.
Tx

"EQ (if enabled) and Main Mix level adjustments (if Post-fader is enabled)"

 

[Max Relic]

Hi @Stripe, correct! Actually I meant the "Post Rec" switch above the "MAIN" fader (n. 54 on page 16 of the manual); I was too lazy to go and check the exact labeling on my Model 12, apologies if I confused you

 

[Stripe]

Tx for the reply Max, I am trying it now.
Do you know if there's a way to monitor the main fader changes when the Post Rec switch is on? I'm not hearing the difference on my headphones, and none of the level meters seem to represent the main fader volume when it is moved.
I'll try a mixdown recording and see if using Post Rec really does change the recorded volume.
I just want to record the mix that I am hearing from the Tascam, including all the EQ

 

[Max Relic]

The Post Rec switch affects only SD Main Rec Data and USB Main Send Data.
The Main fader is always operational on the signal available at the Main Mix Output (XLR on the rear panel), the LED meter (Output level indicators) and the Phones unless you have either:
- at least one Solo button engaged (indicated by a red LED left of the LCD screen)
- set MIXER > PHONES MAIN SEL to PRE

Channels assigned to Main are always post-compressor and post-EQ; the Master Section EQ must be engaged in order to apply global equalization to the mix being recorded on tracks 11/12.

 

[Stripe]

Tx for your time Max, that's helped me a lot