TASCAM Portacapture X8

Product overview

The TASCAM Portacapture X8 is an 8-track 32-bit float handheld recorder with a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen, detachable stereo condenser mics, four XLR/TRS combo inputs and a driverless USB audio interface.

Record wherever inspiration takes you: field recording for sound design, audio for video production, podcasts, or multitrack and one-take songwriting. The Portacapture X8 combines high-resolution sound with app-like touch control. 32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters captures the loudest sources without clipping and quiet sources with detail, so a take is never lost to a wrong level. The detachable 14.6 mm condenser mics, the largest in TASCAM's lineup, form A-B or true X-Y patterns, and four locking XLR/TRS inputs with TASCAM HDDA mic preamps and individual phantom power take external mics and line sources.

Key features

• Launcher system on a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with recording apps for every situation
• 32-bit float recording up to 192 kHz with dual A/D converters: no level setting worries
• Up to 8 tracks at once: 6 input tracks plus a stereo mix
• 4 locking XLR/TRS combo inputs with individual +24V / +48V phantom power
• Detachable large-diaphragm condenser mics for A-B and X-Y stereo
• Driverless 8-in / 2-out USB audio interface, 32-bit float capable, with simultaneous microSD recording
• Overdub and punch in/out in the MANUAL and POCKETSTUDIO apps
• Low cut, noise gate, limiter, compressor, EQ, auto gain and reverb on the inputs
• CAMERA/EXT input and CAMERA/LINE output with attenuation, slate tone and mark functions
• Wireless remote control and timecode sync with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter
• Dual recording in a second format, pre-record and auto file save about every 20 seconds
• Powered by 4 AA batteries, USB bus power or the optional TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter

32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters

At lower bit depths a loud source can clip digitally, and that cannot be repaired in editing. A 32-bit float recording can simply be lowered to the right level afterwards with no trace of clipping or limiting, and the dual A/D converters capture greater dynamic range and detail, so a mumbled phrase can be raised without a distracting change in tone. Record WAV at 44.1, 48, 96 or 192 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.

Recording apps for every situation

The Launcher puts optimised settings at your fingertips. MANUAL records up to six channels with a Recording Guide that leads you through input levels, the mix and recording; POCKETSTUDIO adds auto punch, a metronome and a tuner for multitrack music; PODCAST serves up to four people; MUSIC, VOICE and FIELD capture performances, interviews and outdoor sound; ASMR turns the screen into a visual effect that responds to sound. Up to three user settings can be saved as one-tap Launcher icons.

Detachable stereo mics and four XLR/TRS inputs

The included mics attach in an X-Y pattern for a clear stereo image with reduced phase difference, or an A-B pattern for a wide stereo field. Input jacks 1/2 also accept lavalier and other mics that use plug-in power. Inputs 3-6 are locking XLR/TRS combo jacks with TASCAM HDDA mic preamps, a MIC or LINE setting and phantom power per input, and INPUT SELECT assigns any pair of inputs to any pair of tracks.

USB audio interface with no driver needed

Connect a computer or smartphone over USB Type-C and the X8 becomes an 8-in / 2-out audio interface: the stereo mix and every input pair go to the computer, and you can still record to the microSD card as a backup. Use the built-in mics as a USB mic for calls and streaming, mix computer sound with the mics for live streaming (loopback), and use USB mix-minus in the PODCAST app for echo-free remote guests. 32-bit float over USB is supported up to 96 kHz.

Built for video production

The CAMERA/EXT input monitors camera audio or takes a wireless mic receiver, and the CAMERA/LINE output sends sound to a camera with an attenuation of -20 to -30 dB. Automatic slate tones and marks speed up editing, and with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter the X8 can receive timecode wirelessly from supported devices and be controlled from the free Portacapture Control app on iOS or Android. A cold shoe and a 1/4-inch tripod thread make mounting easy.

In the box

• TASCAM Portacapture X8 recorder
• Included mics (left / right pair)
• 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 X8: frequently asked questions

Do I need to set recording levels with 32-bit float?

32-bit float recording with dual A/D converters means you do not have to set levels perfectly before recording; a take recorded too loud or too quiet can be adjusted later in editing without clipping. The EXT IN jack does not use dual A/D, so set its gain carefully.

Can I use it as an audio interface and record at the same time?

Yes. It works as a driverless 8-in / 2-out USB audio interface with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and it can record to the microSD card at the same time.

Can I connect lavalier microphones?

Yes. Input jacks 1/2 support plug-in power and accept lavalier mics with standard 3.5 mm TRS plugs. The included mics cannot be used together with other plug-in power mics on those inputs.

How is it powered?

By four AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium), USB bus power from a computer, or the TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately). With the included mics and alkaline batteries it runs for about 11 hours.

Where can I buy the TASCAM Portacapture X8 in India?

The TASCAM Portacapture X8 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Field and sound design recording

Capture nature, city ambience or sound effects with no clipping worries.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the mics in A-B for a wide image or X-Y for a focused one, and lock the rings.
2. Launch the FIELD app on the LAUNCHER.
3. Set the low-cut filter against wind and turn on pre-record.
4. Record in 32-bit float and adjust the level later when editing.

Tip: Pre-record captures up to two seconds before you press REC, so sudden sounds are not missed.

Workflow 2: Audio for video on a camera

Record clean dialogue while feeding the camera a guide track.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the X8 and connect LINE OUT to the camera.
2. Set CAMERA SETTINGS > OUTPUT to CAMERA and adjust the attenuation (-20 to -30 dB).
3. Turn on AUTO TONE so slate tones are recorded on both devices.
4. Record, then use the slate tones or marks to line up audio and video in editing.

Tip: With the optional AK-BT1, the X8 can receive timecode from supported wireless timecode devices.

Workflow 3: Podcast for up to four people

Record a multi-person podcast with each voice on its own track.

Connections

Setup

1. Launch the PODCAST app.
2. Set each input to MIC, turn on phantom power for condenser mics and set the gain.
3. Turn on USB MIX MINUS if a remote guest joins over USB.
4. Record: each voice and the stereo mix are saved as files.

Tip: Save your input settings as presets and recall them for the next episode.

Workflow 4: Multitrack music with overdubs

Build a song track by track on the go.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: The built-in tuner keeps instruments in tune before each take.

Workflow 5: USB audio interface and live streaming

Use the X8 as a mic and mixer for streaming, calls and recording software.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the X8 by USB; no driver is needed on Mac (an ASIO driver is available for Windows).
2. Select Portacapture X8 as the audio device on the computer.
3. Launch the MANUAL app and enable the input tracks you need.
4. Stream or record on the computer while the X8 also records to microSD as a backup.

Tip: Loopback mixes sound playing on the computer with the X8's mics for live streams.

Workflow 6: Interviews and meetings

Simple, reliable voice recording for journalists, students and businesses.

Connections

Setup

1. Launch the VOICE app.
2. Turn on AUTO GAIN so levels follow the speakers.
3. Press REC and add marks at important moments.
4. Play back on the built-in speaker or copy the files over USB.

Tip: Dual recording can save an MP3 alongside the WAV for quick sharing.