Tascam Announces New 24-Track Recording Mixing Console and Audio Interface

Building upon the attributes found in Tascam's previous Model 12, Model 16, and Model 24 integrated mixer/recorders that were a Portastudio on steroids, Tascam now launched its Model 2400 Studio and Live Recorder and Mixing Console with Audio Interface. This new 22-channel mixer with integrated 24-track digital recorder, also offers a 24 input and 22 output USB audio interface, and great MIDI features. The target market is an all-in-one solution for home production but also for bands to rehearse and record their performances.
 
Given the current state of technology, an integrated 24-track digital recorder that can capture 24-bit/48kHz PCM and record multitrack BWF files to SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards without the need for a PC or being connected to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), is a straightforward proposition that makes sense in a lot of scenarios. The Tascam Model 2400 proposes a self-contained "workstation" that offers tremendous functionality in a compact form factor. Connect a larger external monitor and the system would be perfect for most jobs.

But no. Tascam doesn't offer an external monitor option, with the "workstation" operations depending on the monochromatic and frankly outdated display, with its awful "eighties workstation" workflow. Instead, the concept relies on its integrated USB audio interface, which assumes users will connect a laptop or Mac/PC at a certain point, including for monitoring the recording. The Tascam Model 2400 allows DAW transport control, and monitoring simply through the awkwardly named "Model Mixer Settings Panel" app (see image above), where users get a full digital meter bridge across all 24 channels. The connection uses the only available USB interface to a PC or Mac (old B-Type connector). With the app, it's possible to monitor all inputs and recording signal in full screen or a window. The "Model Mixer Settings Panel" app can be downloaded for free from the Tascam website. For those interested in integrating a DAW into the production environment, the Model 2400 offers DAW transport control and Record Ready functionality via HUI/MCU (Human User Interface / Mackie Control Universal) protocol emulation.

Otherwise, the Model 2400 is a decent mixer surface, with a bus configuration that provides the typical operation of an analog mixer, and a design that facilitates compatibility and expandability with other studio peripherals via its MIDI interface. Compared to the previous Model 24, the Model 2400 added connections on the rear panel, gaining space on the top mixing surface to expand its mixing channel with more knobs. Further, the Model 2400 offers expanded Insert capability for channels 1 – 12 and Main bus for the integration of dynamics processing, and there is Digital EQ and Compression on the Main buss that together, offer improved flexibility and creative options. In addition to the aforementioned features, the Model 2400 also offers 16 Tascam Ultra HDDA XLR mic preamplifiers, 12 channel inserts, 5 Aux sends, and 4 stereo sub groups. MIDI In /Out ports (old DIN type) include support for MIDI Time Code (MTC) and MIDI Clock/Song Position Pointer (SPP) Out, allowing to synchronize, for example, an entire MIDI keyboard/sampler setup as part of the overall mix components. There is also a Click Out jack with a TAP Tempo function.

Additional Model 2400 mixer features include a Master EQ/COMP with 4-band parametric EQ, a stereo bus compressor, plus transport and Record control capability for DAW control. Plus, users can easily playback and route audio from Bluetooth enabled devices to channels 21/22, mains, or off.

Overall, this is a great update from the functionality and design of the existing Model 12, Model 16, and Model 24 mixers, with numerous enhancements that will make sense for those who really appreciate this type of fully-integrated mixer/recorder concept and mixing environment. For $1,999 USD it will make sense for some, but not many, given what you can buy today with that money. And the way Tascam implemented the USB interfaces makes it a wasted opportunity. This could be a much better design with a dedicated an external monitor port (USB-C) and another USB-C port for connecting a DAW. And it wouldn't be that hard to do in 2024.
www.tascam.com