Tascam Portacapture X8 6-Input / 8-Track Handheld Adaptive Multitrack Recorder

Tascam Portacapture X8 6-Input / 8-Track Handheld Adaptive Multitrack Recorder

With its large touchscreen, 32-bit float resolution to avoid clipping, and tailored modes for music, field, podcast, and voice recording applications, the Tascam Portacapture X8 portable handheld multitrack recorder makes it incredibly easy to capture up to six individual tracks (plus a stereo mix) of detailed, high-resolution audio for common production scenarios. Its detachable condenser mics can be set for a wide or tight stereo image and may be used simultaneously with the mic/line combo inputs. Equally adept as a handheld device or when used in the stand- or camera-mounted setups, the Portacapture X8 can handle anything from sampling sessions and interviews to podcasts, live concerts, and multi-mic setups.

Flexible powering methods—batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter—make the Portacapture X8 well suited to on-the-go recording, all-day video shoots, and computer-based audio production. Need to patch in external mics or an outboard mixer? The Portacapture X8's four balanced combos XLR-1/4" inputs accommodate mic- or line-level signals and can supply phantom power if needed. Whether you use the built-in mics or an external source, selectable modes such as dual recording, low-cut filtering, limiting, gating, and auto level give you options for achieving a clean, undistorted recording. Separate line and headphone outputs are provided for real-time monitoring while recording to a camera.

Rather than requiring manual configuration to accommodate different scenarios, the Portacapture X8 offers preset that optimize the recorder for common applications such as basic multitrack recording, podcasts, music, voice (interviews, vlog, etc.), field recordings, ASMR, and more. The "Launcher" system makes these readily accessible via the large 3.5" colour touchscreen.

The Portacapture X8's detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser microphones empower you with crisp stereo capture, even without external mics. Both mics can be detached/attached to form A-B or X/Y mic configurations. Use the A-B position (capsules facing outward) to produce a wide stereo image, or switch to the X-Y position (capsules facing inward) if you need a tighter stereo field with a strong centre presence and fewer phase differences.

When the mics are not connected, input jacks 1 and 2 can be used to bring in lavalier mics with 3.5mm TRS plugs, even if they need plug-in power.

Four Neutrik XLR-1/4" TRS combo jacks support mic- and line-level sources, allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a mixer or FOH console. With switchable 24 or 48V phantom power, the HDDA (High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic or condenser types. Using the onboard microphones, you can capture the ambient sound of an audience while recording direct from an external console, which is ideal for live performances. Additionally, there is a 3.5mm mic input that can supply plug-in power for lavalier mics or compact shotgun mics and a 3.5mm camera input for monitoring the return from a DSLR.

The Portacapture X8 can record in BWF-compliant WAV format at up to 192 kHz / 32-bit float resolution, and it supports multitrack recording up to eight tracks (six inputs plus a stereo mix). Also, dual recording mode enables each track to be recorded in a different file format.

With premium dual A/D converters and 32-bit floating-point recording technology, the X8 achieves a wide dynamic range, avoids clipping, and allows the audio level to be increased or decreased later without deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio.

To maximize compactness and portability, the Portacapture X8 records directly to media cards (available separately). microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards (up to 512GB capacity) are supported for long recording times, even at high audio resolutions.

When you want to record to your camera and the Portacapture X8, just connect the 3.5mm camera/line output from the Portacapture X8 into your camera's input. A separate 3.5mm output is provided to allow critical listening through headphones without disconnecting the camera feed. Quick monitor checks can be done through the Portacapture X8's built-in mono speaker.

Equipped with a USB Type-C port, the Portacapture X8 can be connected to your computer for real-time bidirectional audio routing and streaming. Utilizing plug-and-go driverless functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be used as a USB microphone or as an 8-in/2-out audio interface for your favourite audio software. For convenient file transfers, the Portacapture X8 can function as a card reader when connected via USB.

Using the four included AA alkaline batteries, you can power the Portacapture X8 no matter where you are. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the Portacapture X8 may be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery, or through the Tascam PS-P520U AC adapter (available separately).

Designed for optimal portability, the Portacapture X8 is both compact and light. The streamlined body lends itself to comfortable use when held in the hand. Utilize the 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the underside of the Portacapture X8 to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable, stationary positioning. Or attach the X8 directly to your camera via its integrated cold shoe mount.

Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the Portacapture X8's built-in level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or loud, and switch on the compressor and limiter to compress the signal before it reaches the point of distortion.

Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, and cutting background noise between performances with the noise gate. Reverb is also available for situations that call for some extra ambience.

An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the Portacapture X8 and your camera. When the Portacapture X8 is connected to a camera, use the slate tone function to send an audible tone to the camera and the Portacapture X8. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronising your files in video editing software.

Wireless control from a smartphone or tablet can be done using the separately available AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle. Using the AK-BT1, timecode sync is also possible.

Portable Recorder

Form Factor

Handheld Recorder

Primary Use Applications

Audio-for-Video, Music Recording, Podcasting

Number of Tracks

8 (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix)

Number of Input Channels

6

Max Sample Rate/Resolution

192 kHz / 32-Bit (PCM)

Microphone

Interchangeable Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, A/B or X/Y Configurations

Number of Mic Preamps

6

Built-In Speaker

Yes, 0.4 W Mono

Display

3.5" / 8.9 cm Colour LCD Touchscreen

Memory Card Support

microSD (64 MB to 2 GB)
microSDHC (2 GB to 32 GB)
SDXC (48 GB to 512 GB)

Special Features

Metronome, Remote Control Capable, Tuner

Recording

Audio File Formats

Recording:
BWF, MP3

Sample Rates

WAV:
44 / 48 / 96 / 192 kHz
MP3:
44 / 48 kHz

Bit Depth

16 / 24 / 32-Bit

Bit Rates

128 to 320 kb/s

Signal Processing & FX

Auto Gain, Compressor, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter, Reverb

Timecode Support

Yes

Recording Time

MP3 320 kb/s:
6 Hrs 56 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 44.1 kHz/16-Bit:
1 Hr 34 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 96 kHz/24-Bit:
28 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 192 kHz/24-Bit:
14 Mins per GB (Stereo)

Connectivity

Analog I/O

2 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Mic Input
4 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Female Balanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera Input
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera/Line Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output

Phantom Power

+24 / 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)

Plug-In Power

Yes

Host Connection

1 x USB Type-C (USB 2.0)

Audio Interface Capability

Multi-Track

Bluetooth

Bluetooth 5.0 (Remote)

Performance

Frequency Response

Mic/Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.3 dB (at 48 kHz)
20 Hz to 60 kHz +0/-2.5 dB (at 192 kHz)

Max Input Level

1/8" / 3.5 mm Mic Inputs:
+1 dBV
1/8" / 3.5 mm Line Inputs:
+10 dBV
Mic Inputs:
+2 dBu
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu

Max Output Level

Line Outputs:
+6 dBV

Headphone Output Power

45 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms

Impedance

1/8" / 3.5 mm Inputs:
≥85 Kilohms (Mic Level)
≥8.5 Kilohms (Line Level)
Mic Inputs:
≥2.2 Kilohms (Balanced)
Line Inputs:
≥9 Kilohms (Balanced)
Line Outputs:
200 Ohms

SNR

1/8" / 3.5 mm Mic Inputs:
101 dBA
Mic/Line Inputs:
102 dBA

THD+N

Mic Inputs:
0.005%
Mic/Line Inputs:
0.006%
0.008%

Power

Power Options

Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter

Battery Type

4 x AA (Included)

Approximate Battery Life

11 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Phantom Off, Recording)
9.5 Hours (AA NiMH, 2 Channels, Phantom Off, Recording)
18 Hours (AA Lithium-Ion, 2 Channels, Phantom Off, Recording)

AC/DC Power Adapter

VDC Not Included

Physical

Included Accessories

Batteries, Microphone

Mounting Options

1/4"-20 Female, Shoe Mount (Bottom)

Operating Temperature

32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

Dimensions

3.3 x 8.1 x 1.6" / 83 x 205.6 x 41.5 mm

Weight

13.4 oz / 381 g (without Batteries)
16.6 oz / 472 g (with Batteries)