Model 12/16/24 Tips & Tricks

This Sticky Thread is the place for Tips & Tricks for working with the Model 12/16/24.

This is a Community Effort.
Feel Free to Add Your Discoveries, Shortcuts, and Work-arounds.​

However
PLEASE POST SPECIFIC QUESTIONS & COMMENTS IN THE GENERAL FORUM
by either starting a new thread or searching the forum for a similar thread and posting there.

How to Start a New Thread
Click on the blue "Start a New Thread" button (screen top right)
[New Thread Title] Model 12: Owner Manual
[Post] How do I Find the Owner Manual on Tascam's web site?

How to Do a Forum Search
The Search Box is at the very top right of the screen in the header
Forum hits are viewed by clicking on the "Site Results" tab of the "Search Results" screen ​

If the moderators see something in your thread
that will add to the knowledge base,
they'll move the relevant post(s) into this thread.

INDEX​

General Subjects

• Post #1.......................... This Index
• Post #2. Model 12/16/24....GETTING UP TO SPEED
• Post #3. Model 12...............YOU HAVE MORE TRACKS THAN YOU MAY THINK
• Post #4, Model 12...............RECORD A DIFFERENT TRACK WITHOUT CHANGING INPUTS
• Post #7. Model 16/24.........HIGH CAPACITY SD CARD NOT RECOGNIZED
• Post #10. Model 12/16/24 MAIN Fader Only Affects Audio to the XLR Speaker Outputs
• Post #11. Model 12/16/24 - Use SIG Indicator & Display Meter Screen When Tracking
• Post #12. Model 12/16/24 - Performing a Manual Fade-In / Fade-Out
• Post #13. POST REC switch Model 16, Model 12
• Post #14. Using External Effects On Model 12
• Post #21: Model 24 Metering, AD/DA & Unity Gain

Interfacing With a Computer

• Post #5. Model 12/16/24....WORKING WITH A COMPUTER
• Post #6. Model 12/16/24....PROBLEMS WITH DAW CONNECTIVITY
• Post #8. The Model 16/24...USB AUDIO INTERFACE WITH A DAW
• Post #15 Track Swapping Workaround, Model 16/24

Known Issues

• Post #17. Menu unresponsive after plugging cable in AUX OUTPUT FX jack.

​

Model 12/16/24: GETTING UP TO SPEED.

1. This is professional level equipment.
2. Don't expect to take it out of the box and have it run on autopilot.
3. Download the Owner Manual before you buy. Learn as much as you can about the Model 12/16/24 so you can hit the ground running.
4. Familiarize yourself with everything in the Owner Manual before diving in, especially if you are a beginner. The bad news for Model 16/24 users is the Owner Manual (OM) is a challenge (to be polite). The good news for Model 12 users is TASCAM wised up and created an OM for you that's easier to understand and follow.
5. Much of the operational information available for the Model 16/24 is also applicable to the Model 12.
6. Watch Model 16/24 video tutorials for insights on operation of your Model 12.
7. The Model 12 seems to work better with 32 gig cards like the Transcend SDHC cards.
8. Use a TASCAM tested SD card and format it using only the Model 12/16/24.
9. Make sure you update the Model 12/16/24 to the latest firmware.

Model 12: YOU HAVE MORE TRACKS THAN YOU MAY THINK

1. The last two Tracks of the Model 12 are the stereo master mix tracks (11/12).
2. Keeping a Stereo Track Pair open, record instruments on Tracks 1~8.
3. Do a sub-mix of the 8 instrument tracks as a stereo master mix (recorded on the last two tracks of the unit).
4. Use the Swap Tracks tool to exchange instantaneously the stereo master mix recording on the last two tracks of the unit (11/12) with the open StereoTrack Pair (e.g., Stereo Tracks 9/10).
5. Erase the original instrument tracks to free them up for vocal overdubs.
6. Do a final stereo master mix (tracks 11/12) of the vocals tracks and the stereo instrument track.

Please see also, this thread in the DP-24/32/SD forum on submixing and importing back to the machine:
https://www.tascamforums.com/threads/dp-24-32-sd-production-tips.5747/#post-29234

The process is not just one way. You can do submixes and import them back into the machine for further mixing.

Model 12: RECORD TO A DIFFERENT TRACK WITHOUT CHANGING INPUTS.

1. Track swapping is instantaneous, so it's easy to move the current Recorded Track to another empty Track.
2. Plug your mic into Channel 6.
3. Record your lead vocal on Track 6.
4. Swap Track 6 with empty Track 1.
5. Record your 1st harmony vocal on now empty Track 6.
6. Swap Track 6 with empty Track 2.

Model 12/16/24: WORKING WITH A COMPUTER

1. Make sure your computer is updated to the most current OS.
2. Make sure you're using the most current TASCAM audio driver.
3. Make sure you're using the most current TASCAM software.
4. Read and understand the relevant section(s) in the Owner Manual.
5. Use one of the TASCAM tested/listed D.A.W. programs.
6. The Model 12 used as a D.A.W. controller works perfectly as long as you use a compatible D.A.W. program.

Model 12/16/24: PROBLEMS WITH D.A.W. CONNECTIVITY
(e.g., only able to record small snippets with ASIO; unable to playback at all; completely frozen unit)

1. Use a shorter USB cable.
2. Use a shielded USB 3.1 rated cable from a reputable company.
3. Make sure your Model 12/16/24 is the only USB source connected to the computer.
4. Set the Buffer to at least 128.
5. If using a Windows computer, set the Model 12/16/24 to output the stereo mix tracks as the Windows Microphone (requires balancing the volume in Windows).
6. Channels 1 and 2 must be used to output D.A.W. audio through your monitors or headphone.
7. Model 12 Used As a Controller: In the Model 12 Menu, select D.A.W. control mode. Open your D.A.W. program and in the settings, select the Model 12 for in/out and save. Instructions for that are included in the D.A.W. Control Manual available for download on TASCAM's website.

NOTE
As TASCAM releases updates, some of these issues may be addressed.
Always refer to the TASCAM release notes and the information in
this Forum's VIDEOs Sticky for the most current information about D.A.W. connectivity.​

Model 16/24: HIGH CAPACITY SD CARD NOT RECOGNIZED

If you just bought your Model 16/24, are using the TASCAM tested Transcend UHS-I SD 300S 256GB SDXC, but get an “Invalid card / Change card” error message, the most likely cause is the Model 16/24 has out-of-date firmware.

1. Insert and format a 16gb or 32gb SD card made by a reliable manufacturer (such as the SanDisk SDSDUSC-016G).
2. Format the SD card in the Model 16/24.
3. After the format process has completed, download and update to the latest firmware using the installed 16/32gb SD card.

Once the firmware has been updated, the system should recognize the 256gb SD card. If not, a call or email to TASCAM support is in order.

The Model 16/24: USB AUDIO INTERFACE WITH A D.A.W.

The Model 16/24 is not a D.A.W. control surface. Only the Model 12 acts as a control surface.
The Model 16/24 has USB audio interface capability only.
​

Note that much of the information in this post is applicable also to the Model 12.

D.A.W. Sessions Can Be Mixed Down To The Model 16/24

1. When the session originates in the D.A.W. (combo of virtual instruments and real instruments); and
2. When the session has originated as an import from the SD card of a Model 24 session that first needs some editing or manipulation with D.A.W. plug-ins.

D.A.W. As A Playback Source

1. The D.A.W. can serve as the playback device for mixing tracks on the Model 16/24.
2. The D.A.W. must have the ability to assign each track in the D.A.W. to it's own output in order to send its tracks to their own individual Channels on the Model 16/24.
3. Make sure the MODE selector switch on the Model 24 is set to PC.
4. Make sure USB/Storage is not activated. When USB/Storage is activated, the USB interface is turned off. (USB/Storage is for the sole purpose of transferring files back and forth between the PC and Model 16/24.)
5. Make sure your D.A.W. settings are set for ASIO.

Printing D.A.W. Tracks To The Model 16/24 Master Tracks (15/16 or 23/24)

1. Edit or manipulate the D.A.W. tracks in the D.A.W. as needed.
2. Set the channel strips on the Model 16/24 to "PC".
3. Start record on the Model 16/24 by pressing the Transport Record button with no individual Model 16/24 tracks armed.
4. Play back the D.A.W. tracks to record to the Model 16/24 Master tracks (15/16 or 23/24)

Record Tracks From The D.A.W. To The Model 16/24's Individual Tracks

1. For each D.A.W. track to be sent to the Model 16/24, in the D.A.W. add a hardware send and assign the D.A.W. track to the desired channel input on the Model 16/24.
2. Create a new song in the Model 16/24.
3. On the Model 16/24, for each track in the D.A.W., set the corresponding Channel Mode on the Model 16/24 to "PC".
4. On the Model 16/24 Arm each track you wish to record on.
5. On the Model 16/24, adjust the channel strips' Low-pass Filter and Compressor to desired settings if needed.
6. Press the Transport Record button on the Model 16/24 and press “Play” on the D.A.W.
7. To listen back to what you transferred to the Model 16/24's individual MTR tracks, switch the Channel MODE for each track to MTR to audition the recorded tracks.

Other Important Tips

1. Use a template in the D.A.W. with 14 or 22 tracks respectively already created and configured to send each track to the corresponding Channel input on the Model 16/24.
2. When tracking, record levels on the Model 16/24 are set with the Gain Knobs for each channel strip, not the Channel Faders. Channel Faders are used only for monitoring, playback, and mix-down.
3. There are three ways to use the Channel's Low-pass Filter and Compressor:

• When tracking directly to the Model 16/24 and Channel MODE switch is set to "Live".
• When recording from a D.A.W. directly to individual Model 16/24 tracks, and Channel MODE switch is set to PC.
• When bouncing out and coming back in through a Channel input and Channel MODE switch is set to “Live”.

The Model 16/24 Low-pass Filter and Compressor can only print during tracking.​

They are not available for mix-down to the stereo master tracks ( 15/16 and 23/24).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Tips & Tricks sticky post is based on information obtained from various posts
by the following forum members who are Model 16/24 users:
Robin Courtenay
Matthew Fogal
Tyrine Haywood
Elliot Keys
Jon Wilson​

You can record to model24 and DAW at the same time with USB connected and mode switch set to live.

Model 12/16/24 MAIN Fader Only Affects Audio to the XLR Speaker Outputs

• Tascam Support confirms that the MAIN fader only effects the audio signal going to the XLR analog speaker outputs.

• The Control Room and Headphone circuits have their own separate stereo volume control knobs for the audio going to the Control Room.

• These signal flows are shown clearly in the Block Diagram.

Moving the MAIN fader has no impact on the mix-down of the signal on the Channels (1~10, 1~14, 1~22, respectively) regardless of whether the Channel strip MODE is set to "Live", PC, or MTR.

Therefore it is not possible on the Model 12/16/24 to print a fade-out at the end of a song directly to the 2-track stereo master MTR Tracks (11/12, 15/16, 23/24 respectively) because the MAIN fader is not part of that mix-down circuit.

Only the Channel faders can be used to adjust the signal going to the 2-track stereo master MTR Tracks (11/12, 15/16, 23/24, respectively).

Model 12/16/24 - Use the Sig Indicator & Display Channel Meter Screen When Tracking

When tracking, the incoming Channel signal levels should be evaluated using the Channel SIG indicators and the Channel level meters on the Display Meter Screen.

• The SIG indicator will light green when a signal is input (-56dB or higher). If a SIG indicator stays lit red continuously, lower the GAIN knob.
• The Meter Screen display shows the actual levels of the signals being input to the unit and recorded.

The MAIN MIX L/R stereo meters should not be used to evaluate an incoming signal, as the MAIN stereo meters are not in the signal path to any of the MODE options ("Live", MTR, PC).

The MAIN MIX L/R stereo meters are dependent on the MAIN fader level position. The stereo meters only reflect the signal level going post-MAIN-fader to the XLR speaker outputs (as indicted in the Block Diagram).

Model 12/16/24 - Performing a Manual Fade-In / Fade-Out

One of the shortcomings of the Model 12/16/24 as a stand-alone MTR console is the inability to perform an easy manual fade-in or fade-out when mixing a song because the MAIN stereo fader is not in the mix-down path.

However, there's a simple work-around:

• Examination of the Block diagram shows the Channel signal can be assigned to the stereo Sub-mix after all Channel strip tools, including the Channel fader.

• The Block Diagram also shows the stereo Sub-mix Bus looping back into the stereo MAIN L/R Bus (from which the bus signal goes to the 2-Track master recorder - tracks 11/12, 15/16, 23/24, respectively).

During the mix-down process, for those times when it's desirable to perform a manual fade for a song:

Rather than assigning the Channels to the MAIN bus during mix down

• Assign the Channels to the stereo Sub-mix bus and assign the Sub-mix bus to the MAIN bus.

• Use the Sub-mix bus fader to control the manual fade as the song is recorded onto the 2-Track Master.

CAVEAT​

The FX circuit does not loop back into the Sub-mix circuit. Instead, the FX circuit loops back to the MAIN L/R circuit. So the FX return(s) cannot be controlled by the Sub-mix fader.

If you've used Channel FX Sends as part of the mix-down, you will also need to manually fade out the FX separately as the fade progresses by

• Turning down the Channel FX knob(s) or
• Turning down the FX "To MAIN L/R" knob in the Effect section.

From the most recent Model 12 & 16 OMs (October 20, 2020) on the Tascam web site:
POST REC switch
Select the send position of the signal recorded to the SD card.
When this switch is on, signals from after the MAIN fader are recorded to the SD card.

So TASCAM has fixed their mistake in the newest versions of the Model 12 & 16 mixers by changing the function of the upper button in the Master Fader section.

The picture and OM for the Model 24 do not show this change (still calling that button the "SD Main Mix Return"), but that could just be another typical TASCAM not-paying-attention-to-the-details on their web site and in their owner manuals.

Using External Effects On Model 12

THERE ARE NO DEDICATED EXTERNAL EFFECTS LOOPS ON THE MODEL 12.

OTHER THAN THE INSERT JACKS, ALL EFFECT RETURNS MUST COME INTO THE MODEL 12 ON AN OTHERWISE-EMPTY CHANNEL, WHETHER MONO OR STEREO.

There isn't much else to say on this front: Other than channel 1&2 inserts, don't waste your time looking for effects returns as they do not exist. Choose a send method (below) and return the effect to an empty channel, whether mono or stereo depending on your needs. Or use an insert jack.

USING THE INSERT JACKS (CH. 1 &2 ONLY) FOR EFFECTS:
Channels 1 & 2 have "insert" jacks. These require an "insert cable" a/k/a "Y cable". The cable has one 1/4" TRS end, which goes into the insert jack. The other end of the cable is a "Y" with two 1/4" TS ends, one for send and one for return. That single cable carries both the send and return signal (both are mono, unbalanced.)

Note: The signal from the insert jacks will go out of the insert cable on one side of the "Y," and return on the other side of the "Y". The return will substitute for the original "clean" signal; the clean signal will not be available for mixing/processing/recording.

You can also use an Insert jack as a send only; see below.

THE **FIVE SENDS, FROM BEST TO WORST**

AUX1 (selectable pre/after fader):
Mono channel with a single send on a per-channel basis. Individual controls per channel. See Manual, Page 46, for how you can select whether Aux1 will send pre-fader or after-fader. If you only need a single send and if you're OK with mono, this is by far the best bet. Trust me.

HALF-PLUGGED INSERT JACKS (pre-compressor, pre-fader; channels 1 & 2 only)
Mono sends, only available on ch. 1 and 2; no level adjustment. But they don't interfere w/ anything else, and they leave all your other ports open, so they get second place.
Plug a normal 1/4" TS instrument cable, into the Insert Jacks on Channels 1 or 2. Pull it out slowly ONE CLICK, which is about 1/4 inch out. (The end result is that it is NOT fully plugged in. This is not a typo.) That will provide a post-preamp, pre-compressor duplicate signal of whatever is coming in to that channel.

SUB BUS (after-fader): Sub bus is a stereo channel which is basically a duplicate of the MAIN bus, but not nearly as handy as AUX1.

SUB is stereo, which can theoretically be useful. But Sub bus is POST-FADER for individual channels, so harder to balance--though at least SUB also has its own master fader. You can send individual channels to SUB w/ the buttons near the faders. You can also send things like the internal effects return to the SUB bus, if you'd like. You can send about anything to SUB.

Note that if you send directly to the SUB bus and use multiple channels, your relative channel-to-channel volume is set by the channel fader. Therefore, unlike Aux 1 or Aux 2, you cannot normally play with the main signal without also affecting the send.

Mono/stereo kludge of Sub Bus: If you are just outputting mono, and don't care about stereo placement, you can create relative channel-to-channel levels using the PAN controls and a single SUB channel. You can similarly treat the Sub bus (which is stereo) as two independent channels, again w/ PAN control.

AUX2 (after-fader, direct send): This is a mono channel similar to Aux1 but much less useful due to two major issues: First, Aux2 is used for internal effects--plugging anything at all into the Aux2 jack will DISABLE internal effects. Second, Aux2 is after-fader and (unlike Aux1) the PFL/AFL is not selectable. If you really need an additional PFL send, you can kludge this by using solo (see below) and routing SOLO output to the AUX2 jack, though I believe you will then lose any per-channel level control.

SOLO bus (selectable pre / post fader): A stereo channel, similar to SUB but much less useful. There is no real reason to mess w/ the SOLO bus for sends, unless you're pretty desperate. It lacks any of its own per-channel volume controls. Also, there IS NOT any separate output for the SOLO bus, other than the headphone jacks (which go through the headphone amp.) At least it is PFL / AFL selectable, unlike SUB, but that's about all you can say for it.

You can send the SOLO bus output to AUX1 or AUX2 jacks, but why bother? You wouldn't be this far down the list unless those were used up already.

Track Swapping Workaround, Model 16/24

Once connected to a computer one can get around the limitation of not having track swap feature on Model 16/24 pretty easily by using ‘Storage Mode’ and File Manger to edit the MTR folder’s track file names. As long as you work carefully, it works great and it’s fast. No DAW required.

The trick is to ONLY adjust the *number* in the track file name, and keep only 1 of each track number, leaving all else in the file name exactly as is. Model recognizes and loads the tracks according to the number in the file name. Via this approach one can exchange track files, make backups or store alternative/virtual takes, move or swap tracks as needed and *without firing up the DAW*

Just be sure to work carefully.

I find it helpful to keep a back up for every song folder so on hard drive with additional sub folders for original tracks, new tracks and notes so you don’t get lost. I make sure the SD card has on the the current clean “best of” tracks that respect the Model’s file naming system.

It’s possible via this approach to have many takes of track similar to “virtual tracks” feature. You just need to come up with your own file management system for your songs that works for you. As you would/will anyway if working with a DAW someday so this workflow is perfect for hybrid working “in the mixer” and “in the box” as you wish.

Tips for using Model 12 with iPad Pro (Garageband)

I have not found information on the net when I initially failed connecting iPad Garageband to the Model 12. Hence this post to help the community. I am using Model 12 to mix two stereo keyboard instruments, and a microphone live when just playing, and to record into iPad Garageband via USB (while also monitoring or playing back from iPad). Here's what I found.

0.) you will not be able to map the mixer channels 1:1 with Garageband tracks. You can select Ch1-6 or Ch1+2,...Ch11+12 as input channels of Garageband, but there is only the main stereo mix coming back to the mixer, as you will see in the followings.

1.) Set USB mode to multichannel on the mixer (default)

2.) iPad stereo output comes in to Model 12 on channel 1 (left) and channel 2 (right). I didn't find a way to change this, so iPad output will not come to one of the 2 stereo inputs of the mixer (7/8 or 9/10).
So I panned channel 1 and 2 to left and right and let both signals go to the main mix, where it can be monitored by headphones or recorded in stereo and swapped with a stereo channel if needed.
So set ch1 and ch2 into USB mode with the physical switch set in the middle position and use the faders in sync to set input level.

3.) You will not be able to transfer sound via USB if the bit rate and depth are not equal on the iPad and on Model 12. If this is the case, you will see an error message on the display: "USB Fs mismatch". Set the rate in the mixer menu to 44.1 kHz/24 bit to match the iPad rate.

4.) The fact that Ch1 and 2 will be the iPad playback channels will take out 2 channels from the 12 available to send signal to Garageband, but the channel numbers will not shift, so you can select ch3-ch6 or ch3+4... 11+12 to send signal to Garageband.
Set the gain on the respective channels + the volume of your instruments to achieve the right signal level that you can monitor on the Meter display. The hardware switch should be in the middle position (USB) again.

I was using a Yamaha MG12UX analog mixer before I bought the Model 12, and was only able to do multitrack recording in Garageband. The main problem with this setup was that I needed 2 stereo buses to avoid feedback during the recording. Unfortunately, it was not easy to achieve the right signal levels in any direction. The signal going from the Yamaha mixer to Garageband was not strong enough (or was distorted), while the incoming signal had to be heavily attenuated to avoid overdrive.

I am happy that I changed my workflow with this digital mixer. While it only has 2 stereo inputs instead of 4 on the Yamaha, and there is no way to listen to the second stereo bus (SUB) via the headphone output - so it's almost useless to me - the feedback problem is easily eliminated without using the second stereo bus, because of the multichannel USB connection. And, of course, multitrack recordings can be made right on the board as well, not just in Garageband (they can be done in parallel even).

I hope it helps some of you playing keys and preferring the simplicity of Garageband on iPad to a full-blown DAW.

Known Issue Model 16: When Inserting TRS Cable into FX Jack, Unit Freezes

Hi, new owner having a great time getting to know this machine. Had plenty of face palm moments but hard to believe I'm the first to mention this issue if it's expected behavior:

When inserting a TRS cable into the FX output, the menu controls become unresponsive. Display continues to show levels, signal is passed properly to outboard device or headphones, but buttons and wheel do nothing until the cable is removed from the output. Menu controls are responsive when connecting Mon1 and 2 outputs.

Can anyone reproduce? Latest firmware. Thanks very much.

[EDIT: 4/20/2021 SOLUTION: Power cycle with cable connected. Power cycle lol, the 1st thing you mock them for suggesting.]

[Moderator Edit]: As of April 20, 2021, TASCAM engineering department is working on a permanent solution. In the meantime, they suggest connecting the cable prior to powering the unit on (preferred) or to cycle the mixer's power if the cable was plugged in while the unit was already on. (Thanks to @silksow for bringing this to the attention of TASCAM.)

Model 12/16/24 "No Sound" Solutions

For those stumped by a "no sound" issue, the following snippets from the Model 24 Owner Manual may help point you in the right direction.

Italics indicate the language found in the Model 24 Owner Manual (#042862302) as of November 2019.

Please check the TASCAM web site for the most current version of the owner manual for your specific mixer. (Model 12) (Model 16) (Model 24)

Post Questions/Comments in the General Forum.​

====================================

Turn the 1-12, 13/14-19/20, 21/22 MAIN switches on (pushed in) to send channel signals to the MAIN MIX L/R bus.
(OM page 21: MAIN switches)

Turn the 1-12, 13/14-19/20, 21/22 PFL switches on (pushed in) to send channel signals to the PFL/AFL L/R bus.
(OM page 21: PFL switches)

Comments
The Block Diagram on page 160 of the OM indicates both the (stereo) Main Mix L/R Bus and the (mono) PFL/AFL L/R Bus go to the Control Room Monitor and are mutually exclusive. The Block Diagram shows the MAIN/PFL signal switching between the two is accomplished internally by the PFL and AFL buttons.

The Channel PFL button is really a pre-fader mono "solo" button for the Channel. It sends the Channel signal to the Control Room Monitor Bus and mutes the MAIN signal going to the Control Room Monitor bus.​

====================================

REC buttons (1-12, 13/14-19/20, 21/22) select the channels to record to the SD card
(OM page 37: Recording; and the Block Diagram on Page 160)

Comments
When a Channel is set to "Live", PC, or MTR MODE and the Channel REC button is activated, and when the Transport REC button is pressed, a stereo mix of up to 22 channels will be recorded on the MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24. As described below, if the MTR MODE is selected, the Channel input source also will be recorded to the associated MTR track. The Block Diagram suggests it's necessary to engage the Channel MAIN switch to get the signal to the MAIN MIX L/R bus and thence to the SD card.​

When a MODE switch is set to “MTR” [Channels 1~22], the signal from the input jack on that channel will be recorded
(OM page 37: Recording; and the Block Diagram on Page 160)

Comment
The recording goes to the associated MTR Track if the channel REC button is activated and the Transport REC button is activated. As described above, a stereo mix up to 22 channels will be recorded simultaneously on the MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24. The Block Diagram suggests it's necessary to engage the Channel MAIN switch to get the signal to the MAIN MIX L/R bus and thence to the SD card.​

The MAIN MIX L/R bus does not have a REC button...it is always in recording standby. The signals of the MAIN MIX L/R bus will always be recorded [on MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24] when the Transport REC button is pressed.
(OM page 37: Recording; and the Block Diagram on Page 160)

Comments
Whether "Live", PC, or MTR, the Block Diagram suggests it's necessary to engage the Channel MAIN switch to get the signal to the MAIN MIX L/R bus and thence to the SD card.​

For one song, [proprietary] WAV files are saved for 22 [MTR] tracks and a stereo master file [MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24 ]...Songs [and the related proprietary WAV files] are created/saved in the MTR folder on the SD card.
(OM page 32: Managing Songs)
====================================

When the SD MAIN MIX RETURN switch is on (pushed in), playback of the [proprietary] stereo master file recorded on the SD card [i.e., recorded onto MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24 in the MTR folder] is output from the MAIN OUTPUT and AUX OUTPUT MON 1/2 jacks.

When the the SD MAIN MIX RETURN switch is on (pushed in), the sound of the MAIN MIX L/R bus ( i.e., the Channel signals) is not output.
OM page 24: SD MAIN MIX RETURN switch

Comments
See also Post #10 and Post #13 in this sticky thread.​

====================================

MAIN MIX L/R bus files [proprietary MAIN MIX L/R bus MTR Tracks 23/24] can be converted to a single stereo [WAV] file. Converted stereo [WAV] files are saved in the MUSIC folder.
OM page 44 Stereo Mix Export

WAV files [placed] in the MUSIC folder on an SD card can be played back...Playback signal is sent from channels 21 and 22 [the Bluetooth interface channels].
(OM page 48: Playing [previously recorded] WAV files (SD PLAY mode)
====================================

OM Page 58: Troubleshooting - No sound is output.

• Are the input sources and MODE switches set properly?
• Are the channel faders raised to suitable levels?
• Is the MAIN fader raised to a suitable level?
• Is a monitoring system correctly connected to the PHONES jack or CONTROL ROOM L/R jacks?
• Is the monitoring system set up correctly?
• Is the PHONES knob or CONTROL ROOM knob placed to a suitable level?
• Is the SD MAIN MIX RETURN switch on (pushed in, during playback of anything other than a stereo master file)

Comments (See also Post #10 and Post #13)
When the SD MAIN MIX RETURN button is pushed IN it's ON, and the Control Room Bus plays back of stereo master that's been mixed/recorded to the SD card on Track 23 (Main Mix Left)and Track 24 (Main Mix Right).

When the SD MAIN MIX RETURN button is OUT it's OFF, and the Control Room Bus plays a 2-channel (L/R) stereo signal from the "Live", PC, or MTR playback of Tracks 1~22, IF the Channel MAIN button is ON for Tracks 1~22.

or​

On the Control Room Bus you will hear a 2-channel (L/R) mono signal from the "Live", PC, or MTR Tracks 1~22, IF the Channel PFL Button is ON for Tracks 1~22.

The PFL/AFL Master Knob, The Control Room Knob, and the Headphone Knob control the respective signal level heard over the Control Room Monitor Bus.​

====================================

Channel Monitor 1 & 2 Bus, Submix Bus, and FX Bus Signal Paths
The signal paths are shown clearly in the Block Diagram, OM page 160.
====================================

Post Questions/Comments in the General Forum.​

View attachment 2219 Switching between H:M:S and Bars:Beats on Home Screen - Model 12

My display was showing bars/beats; I don't even know how I did it or if it was like this out-of-box. The manual wasn't too helpful until I finally found the answer...under the Click menu:

1. When the recorder is stopped, select CLICK on the MENU Screen, and open the CLICK Screen. (see “Menu operation procedures” on page 29)
2. Select METRONOME on the CLICK Screen, and open the METRONOME Screen
3. Turn the MULTI JOG dial to select a metronome setting item. Then, press the MULTI JOG dial. The corresponding setting item screen will open
   
   
   BAR DISP
   

   This sets the display of the time counter on the Home Screen.
   Options: OFF (default), ON
   When ON, the time counter on the Home Screen switches to bars and beats, showing the tempo and time signature in the B area.​

Owner Manuals can be downloaded in Acrobat (.pdf) format for easy keyword searching. The TASCAM web site has the most current version of the owner manual for each mixer:
Model 12
Model 16
Model 24