Tascam Portacapture X8: Portable 8-track audio recorder with 4 x XLR and 32bit float

[17:49 Mon,29.November 2021 by Thomas Richter]

Tascam has introduced the Portacapture X8, a portable 8-track (6+2) multi-audio recorder with two internal detachable microphones and four XLR/TRS inputs, targeting applications such as portable multi-track recording, podcasting, music recording, voice recording for interviews and vlogs, and field recording.

Tascam Portacapture X8

For the first time on Tascam, the Portacapture X8 also features 192kHz/32-bit floating-point recording capability. The Portacapture X8 comes with two high-quality condenser microphones, each with a diameter of 14.6 mm. Since they are detachable, both microphones can be attached to the unit in both AB and XY arrangements for different recording scenarios.

Tascam Portacapture X8

The Portacapture X8 is only operated via its 3.5" color touchscreen, which offers 6 different recording modes (aka apps) with optimized presets in each case (voice, podcast, music, field and ASMR) right after startup - however, the recording parameters can also be entered manually, here up to six audio sources and a stereo mix (2-mix) are available for multi-track recording. There are no rotary controls available for level control.

Tascam Portacapture X8 mics

Help with these settings is provided by a Recording Guide, which guides you through the necessary setting screens if desired. Using the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, the Portacapture X8 can also be controlled wirelessly using the Portacapture Control app (iOS/Android) on a smartphone or tablet.

USB audio interface

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The USB port also serves as an audio interface for a computer - up to eight tracks (six inputs plus stereo mix) can be streamed via USB. Thanks to its driverless plug-and-go functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms. Supporting the power delivery standard via USB Type-C, any external microphone can be simultaneously supplied with phantom power via the USB bus.

Multitrack recording with up to eight tracks

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Portacapture X8 can record up to eight audio tracks simultaneously (six single tracks + stereo mix). It is possible to select which inputs are recorded on which tracks and apply effects such as noise gate, compression, EQ and reverb. Using the integrated manual app, levels and stereo positions can be adjusted for each of the six input tracks and a stereo mix can be mixed.

Recording is done to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (up to 512 GB), but there is no option for parallel backup recording to internal memory or a second SD card. Power comes via the USB-C port - either from a PC or an AC adapter.

Tascam Portacapture X8 interfaces.

Four professional locking XLR/TRS combo inputs are provided for microphone and line signals. An additional mini-jack input and output can be used to connect cameras or other audio devices. The Portacapture X8 weighs less than 500 grams including batteries and can be mounted directly to a DSLR or camera, or used with AV rigs thanks to the cold shoe adapter on the rear. It can also be attached to microphone stands or wireless receivers.

Main features of Tascam Portacapture X8

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- New generation high-resolution PCM audio recorder
- 3.5-inch color touch screen for easy operation and perfect readability
- Unparalleled sound quality with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and 32-bit floating-point resolution - ideal for later lossless post-processing with DAW software
- Intuitive home screen with preset configurations for a variety of recording scenes such as simple multitrack recording, podcasts, music, speech (interviews, vlogs), field recording, ASMR, or manual settings
- Two detachable condenser microphones with 14.6 mm diaphragm (positioning in AB or true XY configuration)
- Built-in USB audio interface with eight inputs and two outputs
- Supplied microphones can serve as USB audio source
- Input signals received via USB can be recorded to SD card
- Four mic/line inputs via XLR/TRS combo jacks
- Phantom power (24 V / 48 V) can be switched separately for each microphone input
- Multitrack recording with up to eight tracks (six tracks + stereo mix)
- Recording in WAV (BWF) or MP3 format
- MS decoder, reverb effect (six rooms)
- Pre-recording memory allows to start recording even before pressing the record button
- Auto-recording (recording starts and stops when the input signal passes a certain threshold level)
- Dual recording allows to record each track in different file formats
- Flap signal function (automatic/manual) simplifies synchronization when dubbing video material
- Automatic setting of markers (in case of overload, certain level or after time)
- XRI function allows recording settings information to be saved along with BWF recordings
- Built-in mixer with audio processing, including EQ, depth filter, compressor, limiter, auto leveling, noise gate, and other functions
- Camera/line input for monitoring and recording audio from a camera or other device (3.5mm stereo jack)
- Camera/line output with selectable attenuation for routing the audio signal to a camera or other external device
- Listening optionally via headphone output or the built-in speaker
- Wireless remote control from a smartphone/tablet with optional Bluetooth dongle (Tascam AK-BT1) and a special remote control app (free download)
- Micro SD cards up to 512 GB can be used as recording media
- Powered by four AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium), USB or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)
- Automatic selection of power source to seamlessly continue working on batteries in the event of a power failure, for example

Tascam Portacapture X8

Connectors of the Tascam Portacapture X8

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- 4 combo mic/line inputs: XLR/jack
- 1 camera/line input: 3.5 mm jack
- 1 Camera/Line output: 3.5 mm jack
- 1 stereo headphone output with level control: 3.5mm jack
- USB Type-C
- Slot for optional Bluetooth adapter

The Tascam Portacapture X8 audio recorder is available for pre-order at a price of around 500 euros and will ship in 6-9 weeks. (Thanks to Cantsin)

more infos at bei www.tascam.eu

deutsche Version dieser Seite: Tascam Portacapture X8: Tragbarer 8-Spur Audiorecorder mit 4x XLR und 32Bit-Float