Tascam Portacapture X8 Recorder

Tascam announces the debut of the Portacapture X8 High Resolution Adaptive Multi-Recorder, featuring 192kHz/32-bit float point recording technology, a 3.5 inch colour touchscreen display for improved visibility, large format internal detachable mics to accommodate a variety of recording applications, six setup modes each with instant optimised settings and internal 8-track recording. The new Portacapture X8 is intended for portable multitrack recording, podcasts, music capture, voice capture for interviews and vlogs, and field recording to name a few applications.

The Portacapture X8 uses an app-like set of configurations that optimise the unit for various recording tasks, including multitrack recording, voice capture for interviews, podcasts, music recording, field recording, and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) for capturing those unusual/sensory related sounds. Combined with the recorder’s intuitive Launcher system and the incorporated 3.5-inch colour touch panel display, the Portacapture X8 provides users with more time to focus on the actual recording without having to struggle with complicated settings.

The Portacapture X8 comes with two large 14.6mm diameter built-in condenser microphones. With the TASCAM developed HDDA mic preamps, these microphones are well suited for high quality audio recording. For easy setting of the available A-B and X-Y microphone patterns, the Portacapture X8 offers a detachable mechanism for easy configuration. For various applications and convenience, there are AK-DR series optional accessories that include an adapter for DSLR camera attachment, audio routing cables, a power supply, and more.

The TASCAM Portacapture X8 provides a wealth of DSP capability, including Compressor, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter, Noise Gate, Reverb, Auto Gain Control, and more. Equally notable, wireless remote control is possible via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android). This is achieved by downloading the TASCAM Portacapture Control app from either the Apple store or Google play and using the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle with the Portacapture X8.

With its 2 built-in large format stereo mics, 4 XLR and 1/4” inputs with support for both mic and line-level, multi-function Aux-In, Line Out, and Camera In/Out terminals, the Portacapture X8 provides an abundance of I/O choices for multiple recording scenarios. It should also be noted that the 3.5mm Camera Ext/In connector also supports audio input of wireless microphones and more. Additionally, the Portacapture X8 CAMERA/LINE output includes an attenuation function that allows for sending audio to external devices such as cameras.

Together with its multitrack record capability of 8 tracks (6 tracks plus 2 mix) and its 8-in / 2-out USB Type-C audio interface with support for USB bus power, the Portacapture X8 is a full-featured powerful handheld recorder both on its own or with a computer. Audio monitoring is possible via either the unit’s headphone output or the built-in speaker and the recorder also provides both mark and slate tone functions. Supported recording media includes micro-SD, micro SDHC, and micro SDXC cards up to 512GB capacity.