Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 4, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
What was good comes around again: using analogue technology in a fresh design, Tascam presents a new series of mixing consoles with 16 input channels. Their range of connections, compact dimensions and low weight make them suitable as keyboard or submixers on stage, for home recording, or as the centre of a small mobile or permanently installed sound system.
Alongside the basic M-164 model, the range includes the M-164FX with an integrated effects processor and the M-164UF with the same effects processor plus a USB audio interface. The USB connection provides a computer with 16 audio inputs and two audio outputs. The M-164UF is therefore suitable for multitrack recording in a home studio or on the road.
All three mixing consoles contain six microphone/line channel strips with XLR and jack connections, phantom power and three-band equalisation, as well as five stereo channel strips capable of accepting virtually every conceivable audio source. A mini-jack socket on the top provides a quick way to connect an MP3 player. There is also a phono input for turntables. A stereo subgroup and two auxiliary sends are included as well.