New version of the Tascam Porta Capture X8 voice recorder

Sound is essential to filmmaking. So if you need to capture high-quality audio, this portable All-In-One might come in handy. One such device is the new Tascam Porta Capture X8 recorder.

The Tascam Portacapture X8 audio recording device may not be an audio recorder and mixer. But with 4 XLR/TRS inputs, built-in stereo microphone and 3.5 mini jack, this recorder can record 8 tracks total (6 single tracks + stereo mix). The most important feature of it is the 32-bit floating point recording feature.

Tascam Portacapture X8 Voice Recorder

When we check out the Portacapture X8 audio recorder, we notice that there are no rotary controls to adjust the input level for each channel. The answer to this is:

• 1) It is controlled by a 3.5 inch touch screen, which serves as the central interface.
• 2) Since the Tascam Portacapture X8 audio recorder supports 192kHz/32-bit floating point recording, the unit provides enough headroom that heavy use mitigating is redundant. 24-bit and 16-bit modes are also available.

Personally, I'm not entirely sure I like this modern all-touch approach, because sometimes pressing a button or using a handle is more intuitive (and glove-compatible), but the Portacapture X8's UI/UX looks neat and tidy.

Design Specifications

The Portacapture X8 isn't particularly a pocket device, but it's still quite small given its feature set. It weighs 472g (with batteries) and measures 77mm x 40mm x 206mm (W x H x D). For power, you'll need 4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium-ion) or a USB-C cable - this also allows the Portacapture X8 to act as an external audio interface to connect to your DAW (digital audio) workstation - or just your laptop your). An optional AC adapter is also available.

When operating on battery power, you can expect a runtime of 10-18 hours (with 48V phantom power disconnected) and 5:30-10 hours with phantom power on (depending on the type of battery used).

The unit has two large (14.6 mm) detachable diaphragm microphones (which can be set for A-B or X-Y configuration).

full specifications

• Below is a list of specifications for the Tascam Portacapture X8 that is really comprehensive for such a "small" unit.
• Built-in USB audio interface with eight inputs and two outputs.
• The built-in microphones can be used as a USB audio source.
• Input signals received via USB can be recorded to the SD card.
• Four mic/line inputs via built-in locking XLR/TRS jacks.
• The phantom power (24V/48V) for each microphone input can be adjusted individually.
• Multitrack recording of up to eight tracks (six tracks + stereo mix).

• Recording in WAV (BWF) or MP3 format.
• MS decoder, reverb effect (six chambers).
• The pre-recording feature allows recording to be started before the recording key is pressed.
• Auto recording function to start recording automatically based on the input level.
• Marks can be set automatically (peak, level, time).
• The XRI function allows storing information about recording settings with a BWF file.
• Built-in mixer with audio processing including EQ, low cut filter, compressor, limiter, automatic gain control, noise gate and more.
• Camera/Line Input to monitor and record audio sent from a camera or other device (3.5mm stereo jack).
• Camera / line output with selectable attenuation to send audio to a camera or other external devices.
• Monitor audio through headphone output or built-in speaker.
• Wireless remote control from a smartphone/tablet using an optional Bluetooth dongle (Tascam AK-BT1) and a dedicated remote control app (free download).
• Micro SD cards up to 512GB can be used as recording media.
• Power supply with four AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium), USB power supply or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U).
• Select Auto power to continue using the batteries, for example, during a power outage.

Price and availability

The Tascam Portacapture X8 retails for around $499 and is available for pre-order now. Zoom's H8 retails for $100 less but also lacks 32-bit float support.

What is your opinion? Is this recorder worth the price and will you buy it in the future?