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

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

Innovative, powerful, yet simple

Right after start-up, the large color touch screen of the Portacapture X8 shows the Launcher which lets you easily select the best audio settings that match your application. Taking advantage of these presets, you have more time to focus on the actual recording without having to struggle with complicated settings.

Should you, however, prefer to set everything yourself, the MANUAL app offers you all the possibilities to do so – including a Recording Guide that leads you through the required settings screens, if you like.

Set your levels with ease

The Portacapture X8 provides a preset level setting to achieve a wide dynamic range utilizing premium dual A/D converters and recording technology with 32-bit floating point resolution. The result is content with uncompromised audio quality even with low-level recordings. When editing the audio data later, you can increase the level without deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Also, the internal normalize function can automatically align the level of the stereo mix file after recording.

Combining these features, there’s no need to use the valuable creative time to find the right audio level that matches the recording.

USB audio interface for your computer

Utilizing plug-and-go driverless functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms, and also offers direct recording of video narration and dialogue directly to DAW and editing software.

The Portacapture X8 streams up to eight tracks (six inputs plus stereo mix) through USB. By supporting the USB Type-C Power Delivery standard, the unit can simultaneously supply any external microphone with phantom power via the USB bus. For video or audio conferencing, use the Portacapture X8 as your USB stereo microphone and even record the audio simultaneously.

Premium large-format microphones

The Portacapture X8 comes with two high-quality condenser microphones, each with a diameter of 14.6 mm – the largest in our lineup. Employing a detachable mechanism, both L and R mics can be flexibly attached to and detached from the main unit to form A-B or X-Y mic patterns.

• A-B Pattern: Ideal for creating a wide stereo field
• X-Y pattern: Provides extra-clear reproduction with reduced phase displacement between both channels

Combined with the dual A/D converter, 32-bit floating point processing, and sampling rates up to 192 kHz, these microphones capture everything from the quietest rustle to the loudest spectacle.

Wireless remote control (with optional Bluetooth adapter)

The Portacapture X8 can be remote-controlled via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets using the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter and the Portacapture Control app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple Store or Google Play.

In this way, you can, for example, record nature sounds in the wild without affecting the result with your own direct presence or your own noises.

Wireless Timecode Sync with Atomos And Other Devices

Timecode synchronization (added in firmware v1.20) makes the post-production process much easier, as files can be aligned using a time basis. This is especially helpful with projects using multiple cameras or recorders. Wireless timecode sync is available with Atomos AtomX Sync, UltraSync Blue, and other compatible products* such as Atomos Connect and Shogun Connect.

The optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter for Portacapture X8 is required.

Specifications 

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 Maximum Sampling Rate 192 kHz / 32-Bit (PCM) Microphone Interchangeable Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, A/B or X/Y Configurations Number of Microphone Preamps 6 Preamps Built-In Speaker Yes, 0.4 W Mono Display 3.5" / 8.9 cm Color LCD Touchscreen Memory Card Support microSD (64 MB to 2 GB)
microSDHC (2 GB to 32 GB)
SDXC (48 GB to 512 GB) Internal Storage None 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) Included Software None

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 Digital I/O None Phantom Power +24 / 48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs) Plug-In Power Yes Host Connection 1 x USB-C (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)

Packaging Info

Package Weight 1.58 lb Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 9.2 x 6.9 x 2.9"