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TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-bit 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder

32-bit/192kHz, 8-track Portable Recorder and USB Audio Interface with 2 Detachable Condenser Microphones, 4 XLR/TRS Combo Inputs, Phantom Power, Onboard DSP, and 3.5" Full-color Touch Display
$389.99

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TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-bit 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder
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Next-level Portable Recorder

The Portacapture X8 takes the legendary TASCAM recording experience to the next level. This portable recorder offers 8-track simultaneous recording and innovative features that help it excel in any recording application. It flaunts four combo XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power and two built-in XY/AB condenser microphones, and your audio can be captured in stunning 32-bit/192kHz resolution. The remarkable thing about this recorder is its full-color 3.5-inch touch display and Launcher interface. The Launcher’s innovative app-style operation lets you select from handy configurations to match the type of recording you want to capture. How you store the audio is up to you! You can use a microSD card up to 512GB or plug the Portacapture X8 directly into your computer and use it as an audio interface for your DAW! Podcasters, ASMR artists, musicians, and sound designers at Sweetwater love the TASCAM Portacapture X8's high-fidelity audio and easy operation.

All-new Launcher system

Portacapture X8’s 3.5-inch touchscreen and Launcher system make it easier than ever to configure application-specific settings. Instead of trying to remember your podcast settings, just tap the podcasting icon, and the unit will automatically recall your podcast settings. The Launcher system isn’t just limited to podcasts, either. You’ll find apps for multitrack recording, podcasts, interviews, ASMR, music recording, and field recording. With its accessible app-like operation, the Portacapture X8 drastically reduces setup time so you can focus on what matters: capturing pristine audio.

Abundant connectivity options

Connectivity is the name of the game when it comes to portable recording. Luckily, the TASCAM Portacapture X8 has more than enough I/O options for any type of project you can imagine. Aside from the two built-in mics, the Portacapture X8 has four locking XLR/TRS inputs complete with TASCAM-designed HDDA mic pres. You also get a camera audio input that offers wireless control via the TASCAM Portacapture Control app and AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately). Beyond the analog inputs, the Portacapture X8 also functions as a USB audio interface so you can record directly into your DAW. The abundant connectivity allows the Portacapture X8 to record eight tracks simultaneously (6 tracks and stereo mix). Whether you’re recording a ska horn section, on-location audio, or your breakthrough podcast episode, the Portacapture X8 will capture it with ease.

Fits into any workflow

Portacapture X8 easily handles recording situations of all kinds, whether you’re recording at home or on-location with a film crew. The portable recorder has a cold shoe mount, so you can mount it directly to a camera or tripod for easy level monitoring. What’s more, the cold shoe mount allows you to attach all manner of handy attachments from pistol grips to wireless receivers and more. Whatever your workflow looks like, Portacapture X8 will fit right in.

Onboard DSP for polished recordings

TASCAM knows how important your sound is. That’s why the company’s design team loaded a selection of powerful DSP tools directly inside the Portacapture X8. The auto gain feature takes the guesswork out of setting your levels and rides the fader to keep clipping to a minimum. You can take advantage of the compressor and limiter to tighten up the performance and keep peaks under control. The low-cut filter helps you avoid low-end rumble that can scrap a take. Other useful DSP controls include a noise gate and normalize control. When you’re finished recording, add a splash of reverb, and you’re ready to go!

TASCAM Portacapture X8 8-track Portable Recorder Features:

  • 8-track portable recorder for all occasions
  • 4 XLR/TRS inputs accommodate both mic and line-level sources
  • HDDA mic preamps provide low-noise amplification and +24V/+48V phantom power
  • Dual built-in condenser microphones offer XY and AB stereo configurations
  • Records at 32-bit/192kHz resolution
  • Launcher system provides a starting point for any application
  • Full-color LCD touchscreen makes navigation easy
  • USB connectivity allows you to use the recorder as an audio interface for your DAW
  • Built-in DSP processing makes your recordings sound their best
  • Dual recording mode for recording in multiple formats
  • Locking connectors prevent unwanted disconnections
  • Cold shoe mount offers flexible mounting options
  • Built-in speaker allows you to monitor without headphones
  • Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC up to 512GB
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries, USB bus power, or AC adapter (sold separately)

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Tech Specs

  • Audio Interface: 8 x 2 USB Multi-recorder
  • A/D Resolution: 32-bit/192kHz
  • Simultaneous Rec Tracks: 8 (6 tracks + 2 mix)
  • Simultaneous Play Tracks: 6
  • Built-in Mic(s): Dual Condenser Mics, Stereo AB / Stereo XY
  • Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/8" (line out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8"
  • Built-in Speaker: Yes
  • Memory (removable): micro SD (2GB max), micro SDHC (32GB max), micro SDXC (512GB max)
  • File Format: WAV, MP3
  • EQ: 4-band parametric EQ
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Bluetooth: Yes, with AK-BT1 adapter (sold separately)
  • Additional Features: 24V/48V Phantom Power
  • Power Supply: 4 x AA batteries (included), USB bus power, AC adapter (sold separately)
  • Battery Life: Up to 11 hours (alkaline), Up to 9.5 hours (Ni-MH), Up to 18 hours (lithium-ion)
  • Stand Mountable: 1/4" Thread Tripod Mount
  • Height: 8.09"
  • Width: 3.26"
  • Depth: 1.63"
  • Weight: 1.04 lbs. (including batteries)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: Portacapture X8

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Great portable mixer

I bought this because of the weddings I do. I needed 4-wireless inputs to my camera that only takes 2-inputs. Works perfectly!
Music background: Wedding Videographer
Rated 5/5

Awesome recorder for an unskilled rookie "sound engineer"--

I've watched some multi-track recording but never got hands on, felt intimidated by the process. When I needed a quality portabe recorder, I thought this Tascom just made sense, even if I couldn't master the capabilities of the machine. This recorder is so easy to understand and use, I am well pleased. I've already got more backing tracks for practice than I though possible. I have done 1st and 2nd rhythm, first and second lead tracks with bass and keyboards, so I can practice whatever part I need. We're looking forward to recording live performances. There are a lot of good tutorials out there, so don't feel like this is more more than you need, I learned long ago you're better having more than you think you need. I just started loading rhythm tracks on my Tascom Gutiar and Bass trainer, so practicing newly written material is going very well. Glad I bought it. Thanks to Joey for his service as my sales engineer.
Music background: Guitars, bass, mandolin, keyboards small time performer for the sheer joy of music
Rated 5/5

Tascam Quality and Innovation

Just received my X8 recorder yesterday. Aaron got it shipped in time to attend a weekend festival starting this evening.
I've had 24 hours to read the manual, do some sample recordings, find some personal preferences in the setup, and generally get some confidence in the gear and my ability to use it.
The presets for field, voice, instruments, and podcast are simple enough that I'll probably use them rather than the manual mode for most clips.
The learning curve for the manual controls isn't too steep if you've run a mixer or recorder already.
Beginners will find a lot of built in convenience and help.
I'll be using the built-in mics, some Blue Encore 200 mics, and probably my favorite XML 990s large diaphragm condenser.
All six inputs have 24/48V phantom power. That, considering ALL of my favorite mics require power, was a huge factor in picking the X8.
My Encore 200 mics are dynamic capsules with a built in pre-amp with amazing sensitivity and sound.The XML is your typical large condenser with added gain and rolloff switches.
I'm planning on a stereo pair and the XY mics to catch most of the action.
Expect updates next week after I recover from a weekend spent on stage performing, running sound, and finishing the evenings around a campfire.
Music background: Intermediate guitar player, sound guy, electronic tech for the last 50 years
Rated 4/5

A Great Recorder Despite Some Reservations

I'm a long time ZOOM user and have 5 of their digital recorders that I've gotten over the years. I kept waiting for them to release an updated H6 type unit with a touch screen, but all we got are the M series devices, which just don't do it for me. So I switched to a TASCAM X8 because it's the type of unit I've wanted. I've had it for a while and have to say that I like it.

Things I like:

• The touch screen. It's easy to use and it's just like using your phone, so there's that sort of familiarity.
• The touchscreen is large, bright, and easy to navigate with.
• The pre-amps seem really good. I've liked the sound of the recordings I've made so far with both built in mics and external mics.
• The built in mics sound really good.
• The physical layout/size is good and similar to the H6.
• The Manual setting is easy to use once you learn how it works. In general, once you learn the TASCAM way of doing things it's easy to navigate things like the menu layers.
• 4-AAA batteries gets about 3-4ish hours with the built in mics and 2-phantom powered external mics, which is pretty good.
• The best thing is using a power bank through the USBC to power this forever. I had one not fully charged power bank last for 5 or 6 gigs plus recording here at my studio.
• 32-bit float recording is interesting. I've yet to distort my inputs so I don't know how well that works bringing the volume down, but raising very quiet parts to a higher volume is sweet, as there's no added noise.
• So far all I've used Is manual mode because, well, what else do I need? And 32-bit I think only works in manual mode.
• Bluetooth adapter option enabling controlling it from my iPhone.

Cons:

• The overall build feel is lightweight plastic. It doesn't seem as robust/heavy as my 7-year old H6 (which still works as well as when I got it). I kind of worry about dropping this, while I never did worry with the H6 (and it survived the drops that did happen).
• Those built in mics seem like really cheap plastic, not like the H6s stereo capsule. Again, I worry about them breaking off if I ever drop this.
• The mics can be set as XY or AB which is fine. They use what looks to be a standard ⅛" plug, but you can't plug anything else, like a lavalier mic, into their input jacks. This is a missed opportunity for TASCAM.
• The software: too many options of types of settings that I'll probably never use. Not a big problem, as I'm sure others will like the 'field recording' or 'music' options. I just think 'manual' will work for everything, but they are keeping it simple for others.
• THE HANDLING NOISE!!! Yikes! I wouldn't want to use this handheld, like for field recordings or on location video, as you can hear every little touch on the recorder body. I even tried one of those ZOOM mic clip adaptors (MA-2) screwed into the bottom and it was still noisy through the clip adaptor. My H6 is not at all like that. I imagine the rubber coating dampens things.

I thought of getting the X6, which is a year newer and presumably more updated, but the X8 on sale was only $30 more ($399 vs $369), and you get 2 more mic inputs and a much larger touchscreen. The first thing I did was update the firmware (easy) which apparently takes care of some of the things people complained about in the early versions. I held off on getting the Bluetooth adapter, in case I returned it. But despite the cons, I really like it, like how it works, and like the quality of the recordings. So I'm keeping it and will get the BT adapter soon.
Music background: Musician/composer/producer
Rated 4/5

TASCAM Portacapture X8

I've used the TSCAM a couple of time since I purchased it and I'm using as a tool to let my choir members hear what they sound like from the middle of the Church. I'm 73 years old and not a tech person. My issue is with the written instructions not being complete enough. That's been my only complaint. I have still been able to navigate the X8. The two condenser mic's are really good in my opinion and I can see where there are a lot of good options with mixing, using additional mic's etc.
Music background: Music Director at St. Patrick Church
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