question about tascam m312b mixer

[puttinitonwax]

Whats up analog guys! I have a question I figure Id post in here about an analog mixer. I have always been a dj, and when I got into messin around making beats I just did so in the computer realm, so I have no experience with older mixers and such.
My question is this, I just came across a the opportunity to get a Tascam m312b mixer from my neighbor (never once knew he had the thing), its really cheap, (basically free). He said its in great shape, and he took great care of it. My question is, does this mixer match up well in conjuction with a computer? I have an EMU 1820m soundcard, and cubase sx. Also is this a good mixer? even comparable to say a newer mackie? it looks old as hell, but its built like a tank! It has no manual so I'd have to figure it out from scratch.
Thanks in advance.

[Dr ZEE]

Originally Posted by puttinitonwax

....its really cheap, (basically free). .

then don't think long - grab it.
Bring it home start checking out... if you'll get specific questions while playing with it - come back here ...there couple experts here on these boards .... hiding somewhere at the moment, I guess.
I personally don't know much about this mixer, except that it's pretty cool and many people would argue that it "sounds" great, better than mackie and many other modern affortable boards...., well, subjective stuff
the board is like 12chnl/4subs ???, I think it has phantom power for mic ins (not sure).... very capable board for many tasks. Of course as all vintage gear may need some care... depends

[Herm]

The 312 is a great mixer and I would put it up against any mackie. (ANY) mackie. And i can say that cause I have the m312b now and have had Mackie 8 buss mixers and 1604 vlz.
If the mixer is m312b it has phantom power but if there is no b than there is no phantom. Nice eq very flexible board. And very cool!
Never turn down a free piece of gear.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by Herm

Never turn down a free piece of gear.

....especially a 312B!

[The Ghost of FM]

If you're a DJ, the M312B is not really suited to your needs in that there are no phono pre-amps to plug in your SL1200MkII's and there is no cross fader to scratch mix with.

Best bet is just to grab it off your neighbor and send it to me or, if you live close by, I could come and take it off your hands and get it out of your way as it's pretty big and bulky and takes up way too much space that you could use for other stuff.

Cheers!

[puttinitonwax]

Thanks alot guys, I took the advice and grabbed it up when I got off work a few hours ago! This thing is huge, and weighs more than my car! I'll try and figure it out withou the manual, and see what I can do.
Ghost of FM, its alright, I have a rane mixer for scratching I'll give it a try and if I don't like it I'll send it your way how bout that,
but seriously, great boards here, thanks for all the help!

[Muckelroy]

I have an M-308. That whole series is AWESOME! I really dig the big ass VU meters, too.

[cjacek]

I once won a 308B for about 100 bucks, on eBay and when it arrived damaged I almost cried .. and it's not the only piece I received is such condition... Since then I've been too traumatized to go through that ordeal once again so I refrain from eBay as much as I can, for the bulkier purchases at least and if I cannot resist, I grille the seller about packing correctly. If still in doubt, I don't bid.

Poor packing, imho, is eBay's little dirty secret that has gone under-appreciated and overlooked by not only sellers but many bidders. I'd not be surprised if at least 50% of the heavier items arrive damaged in one way or another ...

...But yeah, the entire 300 series is AWESOME!

[puttinitonwax]

Muckelroy, I love the VU meteres also! These things are huge! theres a couple burnt out though (just the light), are these easy to replace/find?

cjacek, I think you hit the nail on the head with ebay! I bought an older Ensoniq ASR-10 keyboard sampler a while back, and when the thing showed up, it was litterally falling apart! The Keys were broken and hanging out of it and everything!
I've only dealt with ebay for very small thigns since then.

[snipeguy]

Originally Posted by puttinitonwax

Thanks alot guys, I took the advice and grabbed it up when I got off work a few hours ago! This thing is huge, and weighs more than my car! I'll try and figure it out withou the manual, and see what I can do.
Ghost of FM, its alright, I have a rane mixer for scratching I'll give it a try and if I don't like it I'll send it your way how bout that,
but seriously, great boards here, thanks for all the help!

Ghost already has way too much gear. Send it to me instead. I'll give a good home and give it the love it deserves.

Seriously, it's a great board. Good scoop.

[SteveMac]

Originally Posted by Muckelroy

I have an M-308. That whole series is AWESOME! I really dig the big ass VU meters, too.

Muckelroy, are you using the Tascam 38 as well?

I'm using an M308 It's a great board but I still miss my old M35 a little. Not as many features but those have the best eq on them. One just went on ebay had an expansion board with it. M35 I don't know if I'd buy a mixer off ebay though for the reasons stated above.

[Muckelroy]

I don't have a Tascam 38. Thought about it, but I have an Otari MX-5050 MKIII. I still have yet to connect the dots with cables and whatnot. It's one of those gradual projects.

I have used my M-308 with other stuff, mostly for mixing down from 4-trackers, and basic 2-track mixing. But not yet for my Otari.

Someday, it'll come alive. Just waiting for the green to come in.

[puttinitonwax]

Man, this thing is pretty cool! Just soo many buttons to push, does any one know where I can get a copy of the manual? I tried ebay, etc, But nothing comes up. Just curious, seeing as this thing might take me a long time to figure out. Thanks

[SteveMac]

You should be able to buy a photocopy of it from Tascam. Just call their parts dept.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by puttinitonwax

does any one know where I can get a copy of the manual?

Call TASCAM USA Parts Department (323) 727-4840

[puttinitonwax]

Thanks guys!