TASCAM Portacapture X6

Product overview

The TASCAM Portacapture X6 is a 6-track 32-bit float handheld recorder with a 2.4-inch colour touchscreen, built-in A-B / X-Y stereo mics, two locking XLR inputs and a USB audio interface.

Capture audio anywhere with the Portacapture X6. App-like operation on its colour touchscreen makes recording easy, and 96 kHz / 32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters means sound that is softer or louder than ideal is still captured cleanly, so you never miss the moment. The built-in stereo condenser mics rotate between A-B and true X-Y patterns for dialogue or spatial music recording, and two locking XLR inputs with TASCAM HDDA mic preamps and +24V / +48V phantom power take your own mics or line sources. Built with video production in mind, it adds camera input and output, slate tones and optional wireless timecode.

Key features

• Launcher system on a 2.4-inch colour touchscreen with recording apps for podcasts, music, interviews, field recording and multitrack
• Up to 96 kHz / 32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters
• Up to 6 tracks at once: 4 input tracks plus a stereo mix
• Built-in stereo mics switchable between A-B and true X-Y
• 2 locking XLR inputs with individual +24V / +48V phantom power
• MIC/EXT IN jack with plug-in power for lavalier mics, camera audio and line sources
• 6-in / 2-out USB audio interface, USB Audio Class 2.0, with simultaneous microSD recording
• Compressor, limiter, low cut, EQ, noise gate, auto gain and reverb
• Overdub and punch in/out in the MANUAL and POCKETSTUDIO apps, with metronome and tuner
• CAMERA/LINE output with attenuation, slate tone and mark functions
• Wireless remote control and timecode sync with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter
• Auto file save about every 20 seconds while recording

32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters

Dual A/D converters combined with 32-bit float recording give a much lower floor and a higher ceiling. A take that is louder or softer than ideal can be brought to the right level in editing without clipping and without lowering the S/N ratio, so you can concentrate on the performance or the shoot. Record WAV at 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit float, or MP3, and add a second file in MP3 or 32-bit float with dual recording.

App-like operation

Quickly reach your settings on the touchscreen. The Launcher offers MANUAL multitrack recording of up to four channels with a step-by-step Recording Guide, POCKETSTUDIO for overdubs with auto punch, metronome and tuner, PODCAST for two people, MUSIC, VOICE and FIELD for performances, interviews and outdoor sound, and ASMR. Save up to three user settings as one-tap Launcher icons.

Capture your way

The internal stereo mics change from A-B to true X-Y by turning them to a new angle. Have your own mics? Plug them into the two locking XLR inputs, built around TASCAM HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps for ultra-low noise and clean, transparent sound, or use the MIC/EXT IN jack with plug-in power for a lavalier mic.

Audio for video and wireless control

Connect LINE OUT to a camera and set the CAMERA output: the level drops 20 dB and can be trimmed to -30 dB. Automatic slate tones and marks speed up editing, and with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter the X6 can receive timecode wirelessly from supported devices and be controlled from the free Portacapture Control app on a smartphone or tablet.

USB audio interface

Over USB Type-C the X6 becomes a 6-in / 2-out class-compliant audio interface at up to 96 kHz: the stereo mix, the built-in mics (or MIC/EXT IN) and inputs 3-4 go to the computer, while the X6 can record to its microSD card as a backup. Use it as a USB mic, add computer sound to the mics for live streaming, and use USB mix-minus in the PODCAST app for remote guests. 32-bit float over USB is supported from firmware V1.10.

In the box

• TASCAM Portacapture X6 recorder
• AA alkaline batteries (x 4)
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)
• TASCAM ID registration guide

A microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card (Class 10 or higher, up to 512 GB) and a USB data cable are needed and sold separately.

TASCAM Portacapture X6: frequently asked questions

What does 32-bit float recording mean for me?

You do not have to set the recording level perfectly: a take recorded louder or softer than ideal can be adjusted in editing without clipping. The MIC/EXT IN jack does not use dual A/D, so set its gain carefully.

Can I connect external microphones?

Yes. Two locking XLR inputs take mics or line sources, with +24V or +48V phantom power for condenser mics, and the MIC/EXT IN mini jack supplies plug-in power for lavalier mics.

Can it work as an audio interface?

Yes. It is a 6-in / 2-out USB audio interface (USB Audio Class 2.0) for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and can record to the microSD card at the same time.

How long do the batteries last?

With the built-in mics, about 13.5 hours on alkaline, 11 hours on Ni-MH and 22 hours on lithium AA batteries. It can also run on USB bus power or the TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately).

Where can I buy the TASCAM Portacapture X6 in India?

The TASCAM Portacapture X6 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Interview with a handheld mic

Reporters and video makers recording clear dialogue on location.

Connections

Setup

1. Launch the VOICE app or the MANUAL app.
2. Set input 3 to MIC and adjust the gain while watching the meter.
3. Press REC and add marks at key moments with the MARK button.
4. Adjust the level of the 32-bit float file when editing.

Tip: Use the low-cut filter to reduce wind and handling noise.

Workflow 2: Audio for video on a camera

Shooters who want better sound than the camera's own mic.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect LINE OUT to the camera and set CAMERA SETTINGS > OUTPUT to CAMERA.
2. Adjust the attenuation (-20 to -30 dB) to suit the camera input.
3. Turn on AUTO TONE so slate tones are recorded on both devices.
4. Record, then line up audio and video in editing using the tones.

Tip: With the optional AK-BT1, the X6 can receive timecode from supported wireless timecode devices.

Workflow 3: Two-person podcast

Hosts recording a show with a guest, in the room or remotely.

Connections

Setup

1. Launch the PODCAST app.
2. Set inputs to MIC and turn on phantom power for condenser mics.
3. Turn on USB MIX MINUS if the guest joins over USB.
4. Record each voice and the stereo mix.

Tip: Save input settings as presets for every episode.

Workflow 4: Stereo music recording

Musicians capturing rehearsals, lessons and performances.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the mics to A-B for a wide image or X-Y for a focused one.
2. Launch the MUSIC app and choose a reverb if wanted.
3. Place the X6 in front of the performer and press REC.
4. Play back on the built-in speaker or headphones.

Tip: Pre-record catches the first notes before you press REC.

Workflow 5: Multitrack with overdubs

Songwriters building a demo part by part.

Connections

Setup

1. Launch the POCKETSTUDIO app and create a new project.
2. Record the first part with the metronome.
3. Overdub further parts, punching in to fix a phrase.
4. Mix down in real time to a stereo file.

Tip: Use the built-in tuner before each take.

Workflow 6: USB mic and live streaming

Creators streaming or calling with better sound.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the X6 to the computer; Mac needs no driver, Windows has an ASIO driver.
2. Select Portacapture X6 as the audio device.
3. Launch the MANUAL app and enable the input tracks.
4. Stream while the X6 records a backup to microSD.

Tip: Loopback mixes computer sound with the mics for live streams.