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Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
Product Code: T841039T
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The Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder offers 8-track audio recording for music, video and fieldwork, with 32-bit float audio up to 192kHz with detachable mics and XLR inputs for creators and pros.
Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder Summary
The Portacapture X8 is a high-resolution portable audio recorder with detachable stereo microphones, four XLR/TRS inputs and touchscreen operation. It records up to eight tracks at the same time, including six individual input tracks plus a stereo mix, and stores files to microSD media up to 512GB.
It sits above the Portacapture X6 in Tascam’s handheld recorder range, adding more input channels, higher maximum sampling rates and larger detachable microphones. Recording is available in WAV or MP3, with WAV support up to 192kHz and 32-bit float for post-production workflows where levels may need adjusting after capture.
The combination of a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen, launcher-based operation, built-in mixer and dedicated recording apps makes it suitable for video production, podcasting, music recording, field capture and multi-source audio work. With 8-in/2-out USB audio interface support, optional wireless control and optional Bluetooth timecode sync, it also fits more advanced production workflows than a basic handheld recorder.
Tascam Portacapture X8 Recorder Key Features
- 8-track recording with six inputs plus stereo mix
- 32-bit float recording up to 192kHz
- 3.5-inch full-colour touchscreen with launcher system
- Detachable 14.6mm condenser microphones in AB or XY layouts
- Four XLR/TRS combo inputs with individual phantom power
- 8-in/2-out USB-C audio interface with internal recording
- Seven recording apps for different capture scenarios
- Optional Bluetooth remote control and wireless timecode sync
Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Recorder In More Detail
Launcher system
The Portacapture X8 opens to a launcher screen that provides direct access to dedicated recording apps and saved presets. This reduces setup time for common tasks and allows the recorder to move quickly between music, spoken word and location recording workflows.
Recording apps
The recorder includes a set of dedicated apps, each with a specific recording purpose.
- MANUAL. This is the main app for multi-track recording of up to six audio sources and a stereo mix.
- VOICE. This app is intended for interviews, dictation and meetings.
- PODCAST. This app supports podcast creation with up to four people.
- MUSIC. This app is used for vocal and instrumental performance recording.
- POCKET STUDIO. This app supports short multitrack recordings up to 15 minutes, with auto-punch, metronome and tuner functions.
- FIELD. This app is intended for outdoor and environmental sound recording, and can keep up to eight seconds buffered in the background before the record button is pressed.
- ASMR. This app changes its screen visual effect in response to the input sound.
32-bit float recording
The recorder uses dual A/D conversion and 32-bit float processing to capture a wide dynamic range without clipping. This is useful when recording voices, live performances and fast-changing sound sources where input levels are difficult to predict in advance. WAV recording is available at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit float.
Large-diaphragm microphones
The supplied left and right microphones use 14.6mm condenser capsules, the largest in the Portacapture range. They can be attached in AB formation for a wider stereo field or in XY formation for tighter imaging and lower phase difference. Because they are detachable, the recorder can be configured more flexibly than fixed-mic handheld designs.
Inputs and track count
The Portacapture X8 supports six input channels in total. The built-in microphones occupy channels 1 and 2, while channels 3 to 6 are available through four locking XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones and line-level sources. It can record six discrete source tracks and a stereo mix at the same time, giving eight recorded tracks in total.
Mic preamps and phantom power
The XLR inputs use Tascam HDDA mic preamps for low-noise recording. Phantom power at 24V or 48V can be switched individually for each microphone input. This allows the unit to work with condenser microphones, shotgun microphones and other professional external mics without an additional mixer.
Additional camera connections
A 3.5mm camera or line input allows incoming audio from cameras and other devices to be monitored or recorded. A 3.5mm line output with selectable attenuation can send audio to a camera or external recorder, which is useful for scratch tracks, direct in-camera recording and simpler edit syncing. Slate tones can also be added automatically or manually for video workflows.
Built-in processing
The recorder includes a built-in mixer and signal processing tools including EQ, low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate and reverb. Reverb includes six room types. MS decoding is also supported. Marks can be added automatically based on peak, level or time, and XRI information can be stored with BWF files to retain recording settings.
USB audio interface
The Portacapture X8 can operate as an 8-in/2-out USB-C audio interface and can stream up to eight tracks over USB. The included microphones can be used as a USB audio source, and input signals received via USB can also be recorded to the SD card. Since firmware v1.30, the audio interface supports 32-bit float, and the PODCAST app supports mix-minus with a device connected via USB.
Wireless control and timecode
With the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, the recorder can be controlled wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet using the Portacapture Control app. Firmware updates also added wireless timecode synchronisation with Atomos and compatible UltraSync products, which helps align audio and video more quickly in multi-camera or multi-recorder productions.
Firmware features
Firmware updates add workflow tools rather than changing the core hardware. Version 1.10 introduced analogue overload display, solo monitoring from the input settings and mixer screens, a separate lock function for the remote control app and a shortcut back to the launcher. Version 1.20 added wireless timecode sync. Version 1.30 added 32-bit float support for the audio interface, USB mix-minus in the PODCAST app, shared input presets and launcher recall for saved settings. Version 2.0 added the POCKET STUDIO app, real-time mixdown, expanded metronome functions, the option to disable stereo main mix recording in selected apps and an eight-second rolling background capture function in the FIELD app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tracks can it record at once?
It can record up to eight tracks at the same time, consisting of six input tracks plus a stereo mix.
Does it support 32-bit float recording?
Yes. It supports 32-bit float WAV recording up to 192kHz, and since firmware v1.30 the USB audio interface also supports 32-bit float.
Can it be used as a USB audio interface?
Yes. It works as an 8-in/2-out USB-C audio interface and can send up to eight tracks over USB while also supporting internal recording to SD card.
What microphones can be connected?
It includes detachable stereo condenser microphones and also provides four XLR/TRS combo inputs for external microphones or line-level sources. Individual phantom power is available on the XLR inputs.
Is it suitable for video production?
Yes. Camera input and output connections, slate tones, optional wireless timecode sync and multi-track recording make it suitable for video workflows.
Portacapture X6 vs Portacapture X8?
The X8 adds two more external input channels, a higher maximum sampling rate of 192kHz, larger detachable 14.6mm microphones, a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen and eight-track recording instead of six-track recording. The X6 is smaller and lighter, while the X8 is the more capable option for multi-source recording and more advanced production work.
Can it be controlled remotely?
Yes. With the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, it can be controlled wirelessly using the Portacapture Control app.
Does it support podcast recording?
Yes. The PODCAST app supports up to four people, and mix-minus over USB is available with later firmware.
Comparison of X6 and X8 model features
|
Model |
Portacapture X6 |
Portacapture X8 |
|
Number of input channels |
4 (built-in stereo mic (1-2), IN 3-4) IN 3-4: XLR |
6 (built-in stereo mic (1-2), IN 3-6) IN 3-6: XLR/TRS Combo |
|
Max. sampling rate / resolution |
96 kHz / 32-bit float |
192 kHz / 32-bit float |
|
Built-in microphones |
A-B / true X-Y Built-in (non detachable), rotatable 10-mm diameter diaphragm |
A-B / true X-Y Detachable 14.6-mm diameter diaphragm |
|
Lavalier mic connection |
Support plug-in power (EXT IN, mono/stereo) |
Support plug-in power (IN 1-2) EXT IN does not support plug-in power |
|
Display |
2.4-inch (6-cm) full-colour touchscreen LCD Launcher app system |
3.5-inch (8.9-cm) full-colour touchscreen LCD Launcher app system |
|
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks |
6 (4 tracks plus stereo mix) |
8 (6 tracks plus stereo mix) |
|
Audio interface |
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz 24-bit, 32-bit float (from v1.10) 6-in / 2-out USB audio I/F mode + internal recording |
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz 24-bit, 32-bit float 8-in / 2-out USB audio I/F mode + internal recording |
|
Dimensions (W × D × H) |
75 mm × 37 mm × 174 mm |
83 mm × 42 mm × 206 mm |
|
Weight (with/without batteries) |
365/265 g |
472/381 g |
Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder Specifications
|
Recording media |
microSD card (64 MB to 2 GB) microSDHC card (4 to 32 GB) microSDXC card (48 to 512 GB) |
|
Recording/playback formats |
WAV (BWF) 44.1/48/96/192kHz 16-bit 24-bit 32-bit float MP3 44.1/48kHz 128/192/256/320 kbit/s |
|
Input channels |
6 (maximum) |
|
Recording tracks |
8 (6 tracks + stereo mix) |
|
Mic inputs 3-6 |
XLR-3-31 equivalent and 6.3mm TRS combo jacks, balanced |
|
Mic input impedance |
≥2.2 kΩ |
|
Mic maximum input level |
+2 dBu |
|
Mic minimum input level |
−75 dBu |
|
Line inputs 3-6 |
XLR-3-31 equivalent and 6.3mm TRS combo jacks, balanced |
|
Line input impedance |
≥9 kΩ |
|
Line maximum input level |
+24 dBu |
|
Line minimum input level |
−53 dBu |
|
Mic inputs 1/2 |
3.5mm mini jacks, unbalanced, supports plug-in power |
|
Mic inputs 1/2 impedance |
≥85 kΩ |
|
Mic inputs 1/2 maximum input level |
+1 dBV |
|
Mic inputs 1/2 minimum input level |
−69 dBV |
|
EXT IN |
3.5mm stereo mini jack, unbalanced |
|
EXT IN impedance |
≥8.5 kΩ |
|
EXT IN maximum input level |
+10 dBV |
|
EXT IN minimum input level |
−48 dBV |
|
Line output |
3.5mm stereo mini jack, unbalanced |
|
Line output impedance |
200 Ω |
|
Line output nominal level |
−14 dBV |
|
Line output maximum level |
+6 dBV |
|
Headphones output |
3.5mm stereo mini jack |
|
Headphones maximum output |
45 mW + 45 mW (THD+N ≤0.1%, 32 Ω load) |
|
Headphones working impedance |
16 to 400 Ω |
|
Built-in speaker |
0.4 W mono |
|
USB port |
USB Type-C, USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage class |
|
Bluetooth device connector |
For AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter only |
|
Equivalent input noise (EIN, mic inputs 3-6) |
≤−126 dBu |
|
Frequency response |
48kHz 20Hz to 20kHz +0/−0.3 dB, 96kHz 20Hz to 20kHz +0/−0.4 dB, 192kHz 20Hz to 60kHz +0.5/−2.5 dB |
|
Dynamic range |
≥113 dB |
|
THD+N |
Inputs 3-6 line in 0.008%, inputs 3-6 mic in 0.006% |
|
Power supply |
4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium-ion) USB bus power optional Tascam PS-P520U AC adapter |
|
Power consumption |
7.5 W maximum |
|
Display |
3.5-inch full-colour LCD touchscreen |
|
Dimensions |
77 x 40 x 206 mm |
|
Weight |
472 g with batteries, 381 g without batteries |
|
Operating temperature |
0 to 40°C |
|
Battery life alkaline |
11:00 included mics, phantom off, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit; 5:30 included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom on, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit |
|
Battery life NiMH |
9:30 included mics, phantom off, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit; 5:30 included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom on, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit |
|
Battery life lithium |
18:00 included mics, phantom off, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit; 10:00 included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom on, stereo WAV 44.1kHz/24-bit |
What’s in the Box
- Tascam Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
- Safety guide
- Tascam ID registration guide
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Condition guide
Our used products are subject to wear and tear in comparison to brand new products. This also applies to accessories that are supplied with the camera including batteries which may have a lower optimum performance level/life expectancy.
- Like New – The equipment is in a condition as if you have just bought it from the manufacturer. The item is still considered to be ‘Like New’ even without the original packaging and accessories. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect working order. Lenses are optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Excellent – The equipment should be close to being ‘Like New’ but there may be some small cosmetic blemishes that lower its grade. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect excellent order.
- Cameras – Should have no marks on the LCD screen
- Lenses – Should have no marks on the elements and optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
- Very Good – The equipment may have some slight cosmetic wear to the paintwork and cosmetic blemishes with only light signs of use and the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – The LCD screen may have small signs of wear that does not affect its display
- Lenses – The mount of the lens will start to show signs of wear
- Good – The equipment is showing more obvious signs of cosmetic wear and blemishes, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen may have scratches or wear that is starting to affect the display.
- Lenses – May have slight dust inside that does not affect images. The mount shows signs of use.
- Well Used – The equipment will show significant signs of wear. The paintwork will be coming away in large areas exposing the metal work, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
- Cameras – LCD screen is heavily worn either by de-lamination or has scratches to it. Rubber grips are starting to come away from the body.
- Lenses – The lens has dust inside that may affect images. The rubber zoom/focus ring is coming away from the barrel of the lens.
*All of our used items are listed with the accessories that are included. If they are not listed, then they will not be supplied at the point of purchase.
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