Tascam Portacapture X8 Multi-Track Recorder

Description

Multi-track recording for a variety of applications

Whether you’re starting a podcast, collecting found sounds for your next project or even capturing sound for videography; you need professional gear you can rely on. The Portacapture X8 is one of the most advanced yet user-friendly portable audio recorders on the market. With an innovative preset launcher system, intuitive touchscreen controls and built-in audio processing; you have everything you could possibly need!

32-bit floating point audio fidelity – lossless sound on the move

Dual premium-grade condenser microphones provide superior sound reproduction, capturing every subtle detail in high-resolution audio formats. Boasting resolutions ranging up to 32-bit/192kHz, the X8 ensures you get the highest quality audio possible. Utilising cutting-edge technology, the 32-bit floating point audio quality allows for lossless audio quality on the move, ensuring distortion-free results in post-production.

With multi-track recording, the X8 can process up to eight signals (six inputs and a stereo mix), making it highly versatile. For example, you can plug in four outboard condenser mics and start your own podcast! By supporting the USB Type-C power, the unit can supply any external microphone with phantom power via the USB bus. It is also great for live-streaming via OBS and other similar platforms. You can even use it to record narration for your next YouTube video – offering a direct recording of dialogue to DAW and editing software.

Six onboard recording apps

Recording made easy. The Portcapture X8 offers numerous ways to optimise and refine your audio recording experience including six onboard recording apps. The six different apps are suited to six different recording applications. The Voice setting is great for capturing interviews, dictation, meetings and audio for vlogs. The Podcast optimises the recorder for creating a podcast with up to four people. The Music settings is more suitable for instrument/vocal performances. Choosing the Field setting will optimise the recorder for capturing natural outdoor sounds. There is even an ASMR setting which will change the screen’s visual effect in response to the input sound.

Dual high-end condenser mics deliver superior sound

Quality sound and content is dependent on the gear you’re using. With the Portacapture X8 you’re safe in the knowledge that you are getting the best possible sound every single time. The built-in dual condenser mics provide high-end sound reproduction with immersive stereo imaging. And with the six recording apps to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re set for anything.

Utilising high-end A/D converters, the X8 provides you with a preset level setting so you can capture an ultra-wide dynamic range. With uncompromised audio fidelity, you can then go back in later and adjust low-level recordings without affecting the overall quality of take. There is also an onboard normalise feature so you can easily align the level of a stereo mix.

Four XLR/TRS jacks and camera connectivity

The X8 has a myriad of connections so you can use the recorder with all your other gear including condenser microphones and DSLR cameras. With four pro-grade XLR/TRS combo inputs, you can capture mic/line level signals with the utmost accuracy and high-end sound quality. It also features an input/output for a mini-jack so you can hook the X8 up to a camera or audio device. From here you can use slate tones to sync your camera and video material, ensuring everything aligns in post-production. The camera output level is adjustable also, so it can be used with virtually any camera.

Powered by AA batteries, USB or AC adapter

Ready for action. No matter where you are, the X8 is always ready to record. It comes complete with 4 x AA batteries which can power the unit for up to 11 hours. Alternatively, you can use other power sources for convenience including USB bus power or an AC adapter (not included). With USB bus power you can also utilise Phantom Power to incorporate external condenser microphones.

For the more demanding recording situations, you can use a Bluetooth dongle (not included) so you can wirelessly control the X8 via a smartphone or tablet device. It even has a handy feature that will automatically switch between power sources should your batteries run out – so you never miss a take again!

What’s Included

• Portacapture X8
• Included mics x 1 (left/right pair)
• AA alkaline batteries x 4
• Owner’s Manual(including warranty) x 1
• TASCAM ID registration guide x 1

Features

• 32-bit/192kHz high-resolution PCM audio recorder
• Navigate between settings, controls and apps using the 3.5-inch touchscreen display
• Instantly import presets for various recording applications
  • Multi-track recording
  • Podcasts
  • Music
  • Voice (interviews, vlogs)
  • Field recordings
  • ASMR
  • Manual
• Dual large-diaphragm condenser microphones (X/Y or A/B configurations)
• Integrated USB audio interface with eight inputs and two outputs
• Included microphones can be used as an USB audio source
• Included microphones are detachable
• Four mic/line inputs via XLR/TRS locking combo jacks
• Multi-track recording of up to eight tracks (six tracks + stereo mix)
• MP3/WAV audio recording
• Auto-recording function – will automatically start recording based on a certain input level
• Dual recording – record each track in a different file format
• Synchronise audio and video files with slate tones
• Built-in mixer with audio processing including EQ, low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate and more
• Lightweight design can be mounted to the body of a DSLR camera
• Monitor and record audio sent from camera or other device with 3.5mm stereo jack
• Compatible with micro SD cards up to 512GB
• Monitor your audio via headphone output
• Built-in loudspeaker
• Control the X8 wirelessly using the optional Tascam AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle (not included)
• Powered by 4 x AA batteries, USB bus power or AC adapter (not included)

Specifications

• Audio channels/tracks: 6 input channels, 8 recording tracks (6 + stereo mix)
• Microphone inputs:
  • 4 × XLR/TRS (24 V or 48 V phantom power can be selected individually)
  • 2 × Detachable large-diaphragm condenser mics (can be set to A-B or X-Y position)
• Line inputs: 4 × 6.3-mm TRS jacks (balanced)
• Additional stereo input: 1 × 3.5-mm mini-jack (CAMERA/EXT IN)
• Line output: 1 × stereo mini-jack (CAMERA/LINE OUT)
• Headphones output: 1 × stereo mini-jack, 45 mW + 45 mW, with level control
• Built-in speaker: 0.4 W (mono)
• USB audio interface mode: 8 inputs, 2 outputs
• Recording format:
• WAV: 4.1/48/96/192kHz, 16/24 bit or 32 bit floating point
• MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 128/192/256/320 kbit/s
• Frequency response (mic inputs 1–4):
  • Fs 48 kHz20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0/−0.3 dB (JEITA)
  • Fs 192 kHz, 20 Hz – 60 kHz, +0.5/–2.5 dB (JEITA)
• S/N ratio: up to 109 dB
• Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz): 0.005 percent (mic inputs 1–2), 0.006 (mic inputs 3–6)
• Bluetooth dongle slot: For optional Bluetooth adapter (AK-BT1)
• Power supply:
  • 4 × AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium-ion)
  • USB bus power from a computer
  • AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520U, sold separately)
• Power consumption: 7.5 W (maximum)
• Approx. battery operation time (Alkaline/Lithium): 11 hours / 18 hours (Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit)
• Dimensions (W × H × D, overall): 83 mm × 206 mm × 42 mm
• Weight:
  • 472 g (with batteries)
  • 381 g (without batteries)
• Product Code: PORTACAPTUREX8