Yay, no annoying background music. Nice to hear your commentary.

Thanks for explaining your journey of when and why you got these. It helps put them into perspective for someone getting into synths and a whole jam audio setup.

LMAO as I was just saying "ahhhh 8 tracks will be fine" 😂

One thing to note about mixers that allow for onboard recording, is that they (at least usually) also allow bouncing recorded tracks to other channels, which is obviously useless for a live scenario, but for building music track by track allows to somewhat circumvent the channel limitations.

For example on my Zoom LiveTrak L-8 you can technically get as many tracks as you want (or can fit on the SD) to a single project, by doing the following:
1. Record what you want to to channels 1-8.
2. Record the result to master.
3. Create a new project.
4. Bounce the master of that previous project to channel 8 of the new project and put it in "play"-mode.
5. Now you have 7 new channels to record on top the previous 8 tracks, and when those are done, you can repeat the process as many times as needed/you have space on the SD.

Then at the end you have the raw audio files for each separate track (under different project folders on the LiveTrak), that you can import to single DAW project and fiddle with independently.

I considered a Model 12 (and 16) but ended with a digital mixer that had 8 outputs that I could send to the ADAT of my Babyface. But in the end, I found myself never touching that mixer and just adjusting the master level of each synth instead, so I sold the mixer (to fund another synth 😂) and now I’m not using a mixer at all, just straight into the ADAT. Works great, and because it’s an RME interface I only have like 3ms of latency when I use VSTs. So Option 4 - just use your interface and skip the mixer completely 😄

I started with the Mix8 as well and wound up on the Onyx24. Along with what you mentioned with poly synths, some are even multi layered so now one synth is taking up to four tracks! Awesome video!

I went 1402 vlz4. I'd like more inputs and stuff but it works.

Very cool to hear someone elses take on this. Since I play live with multiple different dawless rigs, each of those rigs use either a BlueBox or Zoom L6 to multitrack to SD, then my room mixer is the model 16, which takes all those submixes for monitoring and gives extra channels for other odds and ends. For folks where budget is a constraint def recommend the L6 and where space is tight if you dont need mic pres the BlueBox is the goat imo - it's master comp is excellent.

You're late to the party, mate!
I needed this vid 3 years ago! 😂🤣
Finally settled for the Behringer X18, which is splitting each synth and let me choose between just a master out, or each channel seperate.

whats so funny is I clicked on this video bc the thumbnail had an A&H ZedFX next to a Model 12, which I went from a ZedFX to a Model 12 because I couldnt get every individual track outputted while recording for my band, just for you to talk about the exact same issue LOL

I will say though in defense of the Model 12's MTR, its been helpful for me to record on the Model 12 and upload stems to my DAW to mix to avoid latency and processing issues on my PC. For folks who dont have the fastest PC specs, it can be a slightly tedious but helpful feature

It all depends on what you want to do with it. I initially bought a Tascam Model 12 to eliminate my Icon Platform m+ controller. The Tascam is a Swiss Army knife with many possible settings. Since I only record keyboards, I returned to a separate controller (Faderport 8) and a Mackie Onyx 12.
The Onyx 12 is very easy to get the hang of, and the quality is simply brilliant—little to no noise, etc.
In short, I am happy with my combination without all those switches on the Tascam, which also had excellent sound quality.
It is always different for everyone. If you really wanted to do track-by-track recordings, then the Tascam is certainly the right choice.

I can tell which one is best of them just by watching what you are using recording this :D
Just bought a Model 12 and its amazing!

brilliant description plus advice 👍👏👏

Super helpful video 🙏

Patch bay is a good solution! Thanks for the video

Thank you, my situation is different but you gave me things to think about.

The 2 "extra" tracks on the Mix8 are the Send Returns which also go onto the Main mix with the other 6 inputs. You CAN use Send Returns as inputs, but obviously you have less control over the Gain, EQ and Pan on those 2 inputs (you have to do it back at the instrument).

Yeah, this makes more sense, now.
I will be bashing my head against an inevitable wall, if I don't go with something that gives me DAW control, I will learn about another disappointing shortsight.

Thank you for directing me here.

I recently bought a Mackie  ProFx10v3, it's perfect for my needs.. I use it for broadcasting my radio show as well as recording my music
.I do think the fx  is a little weak but this is a versatile  mixer

This video makes me want the tascam more.