Mixcast 4 Firmware Update v1.30 - Talkback & Sound Pads Improvements

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Mixcast 4 Firmware Update v1.30 - Talkback & Sound Pads Improvements

Рет қаралды 2,707

2 жыл бұрын

Tascam released their #Mixcast4 firmware update v1.30. In this update they have included:
Sound pad functions have been added.
* Banks can now be changed and used during recording.
* Playback sound volume can now be adjusted separately for each sound pad.
* Sounds assigned to sound pads can now be normalized.
* The volume of the bleep sound can now be adjusted.
* Sounds that are playing will now continue playing even when banks are changed.
The TALKBACK sound is now also sent to USB, smartphone and Bluetooth connections.
Sound assignments made on the Pad Advanced page of the Sound Pad Screen are now retained properly.
Files that start with "._", which are made when using connected to a Mac computer or iOS/iPad OS device, are no longer shown in the playlist.
Operation stability has been improved in other ways.
One think I didn't like was that the Talkback feature doesn't remove the enabled remote channels from the recorded mix. The RODECaster Pro 2 removes all "back channel" discussion from the main mix.
What do you like about this update? What should be included in the next update?

Пікірлер: 77

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Subscribe to the channel: kzfaq.info

@jamescady723 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Hank! You're back! I just saw your last video just now...never got a notice. Hmmm.. Bell clicked and everything. Welp. Thanks for working through this update.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

I think KZfaq hates content makers. I can't even see half the comments people leave. They show in notifications but I can't reply to them. Ugh!

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting BTW. :)

@Hiraeth101 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Hank, really appreciate how quick you upload these reviews. I also installed v1.3 yesterday soon after release, played around with the settings then thought “ok let’s wait to see what Hank suggests” 👍🏻 Keep up the good work mate!

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the positive feedback. I am pretty happy with how Tascam keeps moving forward. Many companies would have seen the RODECaster Pro 2 and abandoned their current device in order to make a new device. They continue to say that they'll keep delivering updates (which is awesome)!

@speakupken Жыл бұрын

Follow-up comment, I got the Rodecaster Pro 2 and I absolutely love it. I still have the mixcast 4 (actually trying to sell it now). The preamps, the customization abilities, Wi-Fi and auto updating….I was able to get going with a podcast in no time and don’t have to worry about much processing or customization with the inputs because the presets & preamps work so well and I record in an untreated room in a subdivision, so for me it was well worth the purchase. It truly is a beautiful piece of equipment both in aesthetics and in functionality.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

That is fantastic! I am glad you really like the RCP2. It truly is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment. No doubt about it. The only issue I've had is the USB connections fighting my PC for connection. One time I'll turn it on and USB1 will be the default and then another time Chat will be the default. All this even though I have the defaults set up on my PC. Other than that the unit is outstanding. RODE is on a roll with their amazing product line.

@T3KDJ 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Thanks For All Your Info, I've Updated To Firmware 1.30 and It's Working Well even "The Normalized"Feature fot the sound buttons , My Sweepers Were at a Quite A Low Volume,so i Used The Normalized Feature ,and hey presto the volume increaded to sometimes above 0.0db so Only Then I Had to adjust each sweeper to the acceptable volume Keep Up The Great Work You Do Cheers Joe

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

That is great to hear about the normalize function. I figured out what my mistake was. I thought I was testing it on one of my effects but I accidentally overwrote my sound bank when attempting to put some effects on to play around with. Therefore the normalize didn't work on the preloaded effects from Tascam. I tried it again after filming with my own sound effects and presto! Thank you very much for the excellent comment and confirmation on the normalize feature. I can't thank you enough for the positivity.

@anonymissed3611 3 ай бұрын

Normalize is mainly to bring a low level recording up to a normal level. Not likely an issue with factory sounds.

@FreePodcastTools 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for commenting. I hope Tascam hasn't totally abandoned the device.

@chuckzilla8054 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you bro

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I am happy you find value in these videos. It makes me want to continue to make them. Thanks again.

@theot3625 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Hank - My problem with the MC4 is the slow update releases. Rode seems to update twice as fast and have more/better updates. This update from Tascam is MEH as far as i'm concerned. I sold my RCP 1 for the MC4 but i'm seriously considering going back to Rode for the RCP 2.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

I can definitely understand your disappointment with Tascam's firmware release schedule and what they prioritize as most important. Curious, which features are you most interested in the MC4 adding via firmware? I've had my MC4 inline ever since I did that video while my RCP2 is sitting. I'll have to switch back this week but for my podcasting needs the MC4 does the job. Live streaming is where I think the RCP2 can really shine. Great comment though. I'll be curious to hear your wish list items.

@CaptainKirk007 Жыл бұрын

Liked and subscribed. Well done.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Greatly appreciated.

@itscarlosreally 2 жыл бұрын

Very tempting, Hank. Hahahaha!

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

There he is! LOL! We're getting closer to another "happy" Mixcast 4 owner... 😁

@BretGashDJBFG Жыл бұрын

I would like to see MP3 capabilities when recording to include record podcasts as 1 complete file.

@orelanic4178 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video will try it as soon as I get my mixer, was going to be today but delayed until next Tuesday /Wednesday. I have no patience so time to act like a two-year-old until then :)

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

I am happy you enjoyed the video. You've seen me when I couldn't get the RODECaster Pro 2 in a timely manner so I get it. I think it'll be worth the wait. Thank you for watching and commenting.

@jwilGRNB Жыл бұрын

Maybe you talked about it before but I would like to have a PFL on for taking calls.. for example talk to caller on USB or Bluetooth with out it being recorded broadcasted live.. like radio. Hope this male sense. I know the Rhode has it.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

The Talkback feature needs to work just like you mentioned. Currently, the host can talk but the guest is heard. Hopefully they'll circle back around on this feature. Thanks for the comment.

@CoachNation 2 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking more about what Tascam could do to be more solidly competitive with the Rodecaster Pro 2 and, in the process, make the device more capable overall. Here's a short list that may be within the possibility of a firmware update: For EACH COMBO JACK, ADD: • Software switch to provide a true line in that bypasses the mic pre for that channel • Software adjustment capability for line level input ranging from consumer level -10dBV to professional AES level +4 dBu. This might be usefully done for other inputs too, such as the two 1.4” line inputs • Software switch for these above-mentioned line inputs to select between line levels and instrument (e.g., guitars) and that properly adjusts the impedance as well in the process. This would extend the usefulness of the Mixcast 4 for general music recordings as well Other (miscellaneous).... ADD: • Software routing of hardware I/O via software • Allow for the front TRRS jack to become an additional input channel controlled by a software fader. Or, it could alternately serve as a submix bus • Look into what might be done to further tweak/boost gain for the preamps without adding noise • A feature to save settings as scenes, or as adjustments for a given mic or a given channel • Increase the usability of the 'sound' pads - such that they can control other functions on the MC4, or more like the functionality of the Rodecaster Pro 2 or an Elgato Stream Deck • Better/more EQ capabilities • Fix for the polywave recording approach - have a software setting that the user can set as to how many and which channels are included as saved output • For the master output... add mastering capabilities, e.g., compression, EQ (various kinds), normalizing, low & high pass filters

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

This is a fantastic list! If Tascam could pull this off they wouldn't need new hardware anytime soon. Wow! I am very impressed by your well thought out post. Sorry for the late response. I've had some dental issues that have sidelined me.

@CoachNation 2 жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools Thanks for the kind words, Hank! My sense is that company reps are viewing your videos and reading the related posts - you're a top tier shining light! There's probably a lot that Tascam can do for the MixCast 4 via firmware updates to up their competitiveness game and not let Rode (which is also a fine company, by the way) bask alone in the sunlight of tech PR. Tascam needs to boldly reset the bar for rapidity of firmware updating, including possibly having an ongoing beta public version pipeline. I'm talking about establishing a meaningful firmware update *every month* and maybe reorg their technology and business teaming to support this. Waiting for months in between is just giving away market share, in my opinion. Dripping out improvements every great now and then is not the way to go. On balance there's more benefit to being transparent with customers as opposed to generating blind spots of their own creation about what they're doing (from the POV of customers). If they get too siloed and don't improve, Rode will eat their lunch and their dessert and will then have an eye on their snacks. I would love to see more rapid competitiveness in this market segment - it will help the customers perform to a new level.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

@@CoachNation Thank you for yet another outstanding comment! I do think they are in the comments reading. If so, I hope they see the post you made because it is fully of excellent nuggets! An open beta would be HUGE!!!!! That's is a fabulous idea! I agree that 3-4 updates per year won't cut it. They have to get rocking and addressing the top concerns people have. They've been sticking at that $499 price range for a while now which I think is very helpful. I wonder what sales look like though. One still has to wonder if new hardware is in the works. There's been too much smoke around that topic for there to be nothing. Thanks again for the great ideas! Tascam has to hear your thoughts!

@speakupken 2 жыл бұрын

Have you heard of anyone having issues with updating. I have the Mixcast and was very happy with it because I don’t need too many bells and whistles, however updates are becoming a pain. I spent an hour trying to update the firmware last night with no success. That inconvenience alone makes the Rodecaster Pro 2 more appealing and worth the upgrade just so I don’t have the headache of worrying a out firmware updates since it will automatically do it and I don’t have to transfer a memory card to do it.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Ken you make an excellent point. I've tried to politely tell Tascam that they need to figure out another way to do firmware updates. While they step by step process isn't too bad, it's bad enough to where I get the PDF manual out every time I have to do it. It is too techy for sure. I have fielded messages from about 3-4 frustrated people who have had issues with the various firmware updates. If the power goes out while updated, even for a split-second, or there's a glitch of any sort, your device could be in big trouble and require a factory reset. RODE does have more polish when it comes to software because they've been there and done that. I wouldn't fault you if you took the plunge. BUT, if you don't have the need for that functionality I would linger on an older Mixcast 4 firmware and stick with it. Reach out to Tascam's support and see if they can give you an easy solution. Sometimes it's a simple as the type of SD card used. Please let me know when it gets resolved.

@thisisthegpodcast 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! This is the update I've been waiting for since I made the Mixcast 4 investment. My journey is (almost) complete! A question (possibly to all) - Is there a way to select an alternate drive to download the Tascam Podcast Editor Software? The only option seems to be the C: drive.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I greatly appreciate the kind words. No. Not that I could make happen. I just tried a couple of different times to move the file from one drive to another and it defaulted to the C drive. I even tried to move it after installation but it doesn't even show me the "Move" option when I follow these steps on my Windows 10 PC: Go to start menu > Settings > System > Apps & features, then you will see a list programs. Step 2. Select an app and hit the Move option under the specified app, and then select a location on another drive. Hopefully someone else has another idea.

@CoachNation 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting your excellent review of the 1.30 firmware - it’s the first one I’ve come across. Have you considered doing a comparison video between the RCP2 and the Mixcast 4?

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Even when I'm able to get the firmware early, I have to wait to release the videos until after the firmware is officially available to everyone. I have thought about doing a comparison. I have an idea that I think I'm going to do that will compare them in a way. I actually might get started on that video and see if the way I deliver it resonates with you, and others, the way I think it will. Thank you for the positive feedback! It really motivates me!

@CoachNation 2 жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools I'm wondering how close Tascam can get the MC4 to what the RCP2 does. A key distinguishing feature of the RCP2 might be the mic preamps and gain. On the other hand, I prefer having more faders and, for the most part, more input/output options as on the MC4. If Tascam lowered the price of their MC4 to $399 - $429 or so, they'd likely eat way into RCP2 sales. On the MC4 I'd like to see Tascam have updates to creatively add more line-level control from various inputs and/or to be able to patch external preamps/effects devices into mic-oriented channels. I have lots of audio gear that could be put to use thusly. I'd also like to see more options about the type of multi-track files the MC4 creates, and to be more friendly with other DAW brands. Overall, a good part of what Tascam needs to do more of is gain market share and excitement for capabilities at a given price point. They could innovate on price. Plus Tascam will ultimately need to out innovate other companies as to hardware/software/work flows - in this part of the market I think a large percentage of folks would see Rode as currently setting the product pace. At $499 for the MC4, I suspect many people might think for a bit and then go ahead and make the financial leap to the RCP2; if I didn't already have the MC4, that's what I'd do. Assuming the MC4 keeps up with frequent/useful updates, I'll stay with that unit. For updating fever to get a hold of me, I'd need to see a new product (from whomever) that is more streaming-centric (e.g., for use w/Zoom workshop presentations & multi-cameras & Black Magic ATEM Mini Pro connectivity).

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

@@CoachNation fantastic comment! I would love to see the Mixcast 4 get to that $429 or less price. Will they do it? I'm sure eventually they will. As far as the preamps, the RCP2 is lights out but the Mixcast 4 is no slouch in that category either. I haven't found a mic it can't drive "cleanly" yet. My gut instinct tells me that Tascam is hard at work on new hardware. I would bet money on it. They have said the opposite so that's just my wild speculation. It just makes sense that they would get a new device out in the next 6-18 months. As the hype for the RCP2 dies down, they could strike and get the industry buzzing again. Plus they can really look over the RCP2 and mimic a lot of the feature set and maybe do a few innovative things as well. I've got to think over what else I need from the Mixcast 4. I've had it in use since the 2nd USB hack video I made and don't feel like I'm stepping down in quality. Thanks again.

@TioYesi 2 жыл бұрын

THANKS. !!!!

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting.

@adonhd7 Жыл бұрын

I got it used from B&H I like it tho look professional

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

It's one of the best value propositions you can get in gear. I still love mine and use it quite often.

@lordseppenstein2559 2 жыл бұрын

still an eq and i do Not know if this is even possible but like the rodecaster pro smartpads to controlle things like the streamdeck.

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

EQ would be fantastic! I was wondering the same thing about the pads. Tascam is very guarded about the limitations of the device. I wonder how much horsepower is under the hood for such functionality? I guess we'll have to wait and see if the pads have any MIDI type functionality. Thanks for the great comment.

@RoninATX Жыл бұрын

Pardon my ignorance but isn't that kind of how Talkback is supposed to work? I thought it was originally invented so an off-camera producer or engineer could "chime in silently" to let all the active participants in on a piece of information like... "lets cut to commercial soon" or "we're at the 1 hour mark". Basically, things where you wouldn't expect other people to actually reply audibly?

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

Yes. You are definitely correct when it comes to broadcast. But in podcasting less than a fraction of a percentage of people have someone off camera doing production. That's why a private conversation, that doesn't go out live, would be greatly appreciated (at least by me). It's hard for people, even when coached, to not verbally respond. I've told people prior to recording not to respond and 10 minutes later they're giving me verbal responses that I have to go back and edit out later. It's not a deal breaker. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

@RoninATX Жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools Gotcha, thanks! Yeah I can see that especially since the alternative is what.... rifling on all the Mute buttons across the board on the deck. Would be cool if they just had a simple setting toggle under Talkback like "Default" (one way) or "All Mute".

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

@@RoninATX I love that idea. Tascam has gone silent so they are either a) working on something new, or b) bowing out of the dedicated podcast devices. I really hope they are working on something new. We could have benefited from one or two more firmware updates but that seems very unlikely given how long it's been since their last update. Thank you for the great comments.

@orelanic4178 2 жыл бұрын

I am a bit ignorant when it comes down to audio and ASIO. Is it possible to record direct to a DAW from the Mixcast 4 via AISO to separate tracks on the PC? so, let's say the phone trrs channel and the Bluetooth at the same time sent to separate channels in a DAW. If not, could routing be added in a firmware update?

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

Currently the Mixcast 4 is a 2 out audio interface which is a fancy way of saying "stereo out". So no, it can't currently do multitrack out. Many of us are hopeful that it will allow for separate tracks out in the future. That's a good question. I hope Tascam will listen.

@orelanic4178 2 жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastToolsTools Thank you for sharing it is appreciated, that makes sense to me now.

@DJBooks1 Жыл бұрын

The ASIO driver for Windows has been available for download since September 1st 2021. Am I missing something?

@DidiAnts Жыл бұрын

I need multiple effects like Reverb and delay both at the same time. Or both pitch and reverb .. is that possible

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

No. Not yet that I've seen.

@T3KDJ Жыл бұрын

Ok, i have a question for you, any news on an update Past 1:30 ,its now march 2023 and have heard nothing? Or is there a new model coming out insted ,your thoughts, again thank you for your hard word you do.cheers

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

I reached out to my contact at Tascam back in December, but I have sent another email after reading your comment. If anything new is coming (and my contact can speak on it) I will reach back out to you on this thread. Otherwise you'll know that either nothing is coming or the person is stonewalling me. :) I'm curious, what specific update would you like to see next? Thank you for the comment.

@T3KDJ Жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools i'd like to see alot more spaces on screen for sweepers i dont mind scrolling to get more, also a choice for recording in different formats as well as wav.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

@@T3KDJ I agree with both of your wish list items. Those are great ideas that they could easily implement. If they respond to me I'll send those ideas to them. Haven't heard anything from them in a while.

@MyMindisFreed 2 жыл бұрын

Next update needs routing 😭😭

@FreePodcastTools 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if they can even do that. I guess only time will tell. If they keep to their update pace we should see another firmware in the fall.

@MyMindisFreed 2 жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools I feel like it can be down with software. I know the Rodecaster 2 was able to put it in, unless it's a hardware limitation. It should be able to create the routing.

@mattcero1 Жыл бұрын

My auto power off does NOT work. Anyone else having this problem? I woke up this morning and it was still on, with the auto power off being turned on.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

I'm testing now. I will report back to you once I've reached the stated time threshold they have set in the manual. UPDATE: Mine is not working either. Reach out to their support and submit this issue. If enough people submit it, I'm sure they'll get it fixed. The parameters state 30 minutes without a signal of -60dB or above. I muted every channel so a signal should have been impossible. Good catch.

@mattcero1 Жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools Thanks for validating and wilco on the trouble ticket.

@mattcero1 Жыл бұрын

I received a reply back from Tascam/Teac and it reads as follows: Hello Matt, Our engineering department has sent the following information... The Mixcast 4 senses the presence of signal before the fader. Even if the fader is lowered, AUTO POWER OFF will not work if there is an input signal detected. Try removing any audio sources and check the function again. Thank you for your interest in TASCAM products.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

@@mattcero1 if that's the case, that seems like a useless feature to me. Thank you for sharing this.

@mattcero1 Жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools Update: I unplugged all inputs i.e. mics, USB and TRRS in the rear and it shut off after 30 minutes. I tried to then turn it back on and it hung on the "Tascam Mixcast 4" splash screen. I could not power it down with the button but had to unscrew the power connector and disconnect. It then powered back on after a reconnect. I now have it on with only the USB connected for an input and it's counting down. Will report back boss!

@arriagatwo777 Жыл бұрын

0 to 8 sounds are 9 in total thus 9x8=72

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

Can you edit bank 0? If you can't edit bank 0 then I wouldn't count it.

@Adon77 Жыл бұрын

when are we gonna get a new mixcast 4 ?

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

I'm so sad that they haven't responded to any of my inquiries. My gut feeling is that they are working on something, but I don't have ANY proof whatsoever. Let's all hope they deliver something this year that's exceptional. I still enjoy my Mixcast 4.

@adonhd7 Жыл бұрын

@@FreePodcastTools man I’m trying to get it I think is a really good product but I’m afraid I purchase this one and then they come up with a new version.

@FreePodcastTools Жыл бұрын

@@adonhd7 I agree with you on the concern of the next product coming out. Just as we all settle in on our purchase, BAM, the next thing comes out. It's pretty frustrating. Maybe they are not up to anything new, but I am sure suspicious that they are working on something. It's been a couple of years since the last drop so it seems like we would hear something by fall or winter IF they are working on something new.