Tascam Portacapture X8 8-Track High Resolution Adaptive Handheld Multi-Recorder

Product Description
Product Specifications
Product Videos

Tascam Portacapture X8 High Resolution Adaptive Handheld Multi-Recorder

Innovative, powerful, yet simple. The Launcher icon system allows specific application settings to be easily configured

The new Launcher system and 3.5-inch color touch panel allow smooth navigation to select the best audio settings that match the application. Taking advantage of these presets, users will have more time to focus on the actual recording without the need to struggle with complicated settings.

Also, USER SETTING on the launcher allows direct access to user-determined specific app settings with just one step. (From V1.30)

Configure Level Settings With Ease

The Portacapture X8 provides a preset level setting to achieve a wide dynamic range utilizing the premium dual AD converters and 32-bit float point recording technology. The result is content with uncompromised audio quality even with low level recordings.

The audio data can be edited and increased later without deteriorating the S/N (signal-to-noise ratio). Also the internal normalize function allows automatic level alignment of the 2-mix file after recording. Combining these features, there's no need to use valuable creative time finding the right audio level that matches the recording.

USB Audio Interface Function With No Driver Needed

Utilizing plug-and-go driverless functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms, and also offers direct recording of video narration and dialogue directly to DAW and editing software. The Portacapture X8 streams up to 8 tracks (6 inputs and 2mix) through USB.

By supporting the USB Type-C Power Delivery standard, Portacapture X8 can provide phantom power to each external mic at once with USB bus power. For video or audio conferencing, use the Portacapture X8 as your USB microphones and even record the audio simultaneously.Also, Portacapture X8 supports 32bit float USB transmission (from V1.30), enabling DAW recording with wider dynamic range, higher resolution and audio quality, and editing capability.

Premium Large Format Built-in Microphones

The Portacapture X8 comes with two 14.6mm diameter built-in microphones, the largest in our lineup. Employing a detachable mechanism, both L and R microphones can be flexibly attached/detached from the main unit to form A-B / True X-Y mic patterns.

Wireless Remote Control via Optional Bluetooth Adapter and Original App

Wireless remote control is possible via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets (iPad and Android devices) using the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle and the Portacapture Control app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store or Google Play.

Wireless Timecode Sync with Atomos AtomX SYNC/ UltraSync BLUE supported devices
(Added in V1.20)

Adding timecode sync greatly helps the post-editing process by aligning files on a time basis, especially for projects using multiple cameras or recorders.

Wireless timecode sync is available with Atomos AtomX SYNC, UltraSync BLUE and other compatible products such as ATOMOS CONNECT and SHOGUN CONNECT. The optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter for Portacapture X8 is required.

Multi-track Recording Up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)

The Portacapture X8 can simultaneously record up to 8 tracks in total (6 tracks + 2 mix). From monaural audio recording to multi-track music recording, the Portacapture X8 can be flexibly adapted for a wide range of applications.

For the XLR/TRS inputs, TASCAM know-how utilizing the in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps - enables high-quality audio recording.

4 XLR/TRS Combo Jacks With External MIC/LINE Connectivity and Camera in/out

With its 2 built-in stereo mics, 4 XLR inputs with support for both mic and line-level*, EXT-IN, LINE OUT, and CAMERA IN/OUT connections, the Portacapture X8 is a versatile portable recorder with an abundance of IN/OUT choices.

* Maximum input level : +24dBu

Flexible Configuration With Cold Shoe/ Tripod Screw Connectors

The unit's external mechanism provides flexible functionality. Portacapture X8 can be easily mounted on top of cameras and tripods, and be combined with AV rigs. The rear cold shoe mount also makes it possible to attach mic holders and/or wireless receivers.

*Adapters and cables not included

Key Features

Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display
Recording applications such as basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlog), field recording, ASMR and more
4 XLR/TRS locking combo jack MIC/LINE inputs with individual phantom power supply (24V/48V) and in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
Supports up to 192kHz/ 32-bit float point recording
Detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics for both A-B position and X-Y position
Includes 8-in/2-out USB audio interface function
※Internal mics can be used as a USB audio source
※Internal recording to microSD card is available while the unit is functioning in USB audio interface mode
※Supports 32bit float USB transmission (from V1.30)
Internal multi-track recording up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)
TASCAM Portacapture Control app for wireless remote control via mobile devices (with optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter)
Wireless timecode sync with supported devices from Atomos (with optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, added in V1.20)

Other Features

Dual recording mode enables each track to be recorded in a different file format
Equipped with a variety of functions such as low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto-gain control, reverb, noise gate and normalize
Stores user settings on app and input presets (up to three for each) from V1.30
CAMERA/EXT input allows audio recorded on a camera to be monitored and also supports audio input of wireless microphones and more
CAMERA/LINE output with attenuation function allows for sending audio to external devices like cameras, etc.
Audio monitoring is possible with either headphone output or the built-in speaker
USB mix-minus on PODCAST app (from V1.30)
Supports micro SD/micro SDHC/micro SDXC (up to 512GB) recording media
Equipped with a Mark function and slate tone function
Powered by 4 AA batteries, USB bus power, or optional AC adapter (PS-P520U)
Support multi-language menu display (English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Russian)

Included Items

Portacapture X8 x 1
Included mics x 1(left/right pair)
AA alkaline batteries x 4
Owner's Manual (including warranty)
TASCAM ID registration guide

Specifications

Recorder specifications
Recording media	microSD cards (64MB - 2GB), microSDHC cards (4GB - 32GB), microSDXC cards (48GB - 512GB)
Recording / playback formats
WAV (BWF)	44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz, 16/24-bit, 32-bit float
MP3	44.1k/48kHz, 128k/192k/256k/320kbps
Number of channels
Input channels	6 channels maximum
Recording tracks	8 tracks maximum (6 tracks, stereo mix)
Analog audio input ratings
Mic inputs (unbalanced)
Input jacks 1-2(support plug-in power)
Connectors	3.5mm (1/8") Mini TRS jacks
Maximum input level	+1dBV
Minimum input level	-69.3dBV
Input impedance	85kΩ or higher
Mic inputs (balanced)
Input jacks 3-6(input set to "MIC")
Connectors	XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) 6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) Note: phantom power supported by XLR only
Maximum input level	+2dBu
Minimum input level	-75dBu
Input impedance	2.2kΩ or higher
Input jacks 3-6(Input set to "LINE")
Connectors	XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) 6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Nominal input level	+4dBu (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level	+24dBu
Minimum input level	-53dBu
Input impedance	9kΩ or higher
Line input (unbalanced)
EXT IN jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal input level	-10dBV (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level	+10dBV
Minimum input level	-48dBV
Input impedance	8.5kΩ or higher
Analog audio output
Line output (unbalanced)
LINE OUT jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal output level	-14dBV
Maximum output level	+6dBV
Output impedance	200Ω
Headphone output
Headphone jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Maximum output	45mW + 45mW (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32Ω)
Built-in speaker	0.4W (mono)
Control input/output ratings
USB port
Connectors	USB Type-C
Format	USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
Bluetooth® device connector	For Bluetooth® adapter (AK-BT1) only
Power	4 AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH or Lithium-ion) USB bus power from a computer TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately)
Power consumption	7.5W (maximum)
Dimensions	83 (W) × 205.6 (H) × 41.5 (D) mm ※including protrusions
Weight	472g / 381g (with/without batteries)
Operating temperature range	0 - 40°C
Included	Included mics × 1 (left / right pair) AA alkaline batteries × 4 Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1 TASCAM ID registration guide × 1

Note: 0dBV=1Vrms, 0dBu=0.775Vrms

Battery operation time (continuous operation)

batteries	Use conditions	Operation time
Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 11 hours
Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 5.5 hours
Using Ni-MH battery (eneloop)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 9.5 hours
Using Ni-MH battery (eneloop)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 5.5 hours
Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 18 hours
	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 10 hours

Note: When using phantom power, the operation time might be reduceddepending on the mic being used.

Audio performance

Frequency response
Input jacks 1–6and EXT IN jack to PCM data	20Hz - 20kHz at 48kHz: +0 / -0.3dB (JEITA) 20Hz - 60kHz at 192kHz: +0 / -2.5dB (JEITA)
S/N ratio
Input jacks 1–2 to PCM data (20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)	101dB (48kHz)
Input jacks 3–6, EXT IN jack to PCM data (20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)	102dB (48kHz)
Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N) (1kHz sine, -5 dBFS input,GAIN: min,20kHz SPCL LPF)
Input jacks 1–2 to PCM data	0.005%
Input jacks 3–6 (LINE IN) to PCM data	0.008%
Input jacks 3–6 (MIC IN) to PCM data	0.006%

Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150

Computer system requirements

Windows

Compatible computers: Windows computer with a USB 2.0 (or higher)

Mac

Compatible computers: Mac with a USB 2.0 (or higher)

Verified with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1 and M2) hardware

Supported OS'

Windows

Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2) New , Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) New , Windows 11 , Windows 10 (November 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2021 Update)

Mac

macOS Ventura New , macOS Monterey , macOS Big Sur , macOS Catalina

iOS

iPadOS 16 New , iOS 15 , iPadOS 15 , iPadOS 14 , iOS 14 , iPadOS 13 , iOS 13

Product Videos Hide Videos Show Videos

Product Description

Tascam Portacapture X8 High Resolution Adaptive Handheld Multi-Recorder

Innovative, powerful, yet simple. The Launcher icon system allows specific application settings to be easily configured

Also, USER SETTING on the launcher allows direct access to user-determined specific app settings with just one step. (From V1.30)

Configure Level Settings With Ease

USB Audio Interface Function With No Driver Needed

Premium Large Format Built-in Microphones

Wireless Remote Control via Optional Bluetooth Adapter and Original App

Wireless Timecode Sync with Atomos AtomX SYNC/ UltraSync BLUE supported devices
(Added in V1.20)

Adding timecode sync greatly helps the post-editing process by aligning files on a time basis, especially for projects using multiple cameras or recorders.

Multi-track Recording Up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)

For the XLR/TRS inputs, TASCAM know-how utilizing the in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps - enables high-quality audio recording.

4 XLR/TRS Combo Jacks With External MIC/LINE Connectivity and Camera in/out

* Maximum input level : +24dBu

Flexible Configuration With Cold Shoe/ Tripod Screw Connectors

*Adapters and cables not included

Key Features

Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display
Recording applications such as basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlog), field recording, ASMR and more
4 XLR/TRS locking combo jack MIC/LINE inputs with individual phantom power supply (24V/48V) and in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
Supports up to 192kHz/ 32-bit float point recording
Detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics for both A-B position and X-Y position
Includes 8-in/2-out USB audio interface function
※Internal mics can be used as a USB audio source
※Internal recording to microSD card is available while the unit is functioning in USB audio interface mode
※Supports 32bit float USB transmission (from V1.30)
Internal multi-track recording up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)
TASCAM Portacapture Control app for wireless remote control via mobile devices (with optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter)
Wireless timecode sync with supported devices from Atomos (with optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, added in V1.20)

Other Features

Dual recording mode enables each track to be recorded in a different file format
Equipped with a variety of functions such as low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto-gain control, reverb, noise gate and normalize
Stores user settings on app and input presets (up to three for each) from V1.30
CAMERA/EXT input allows audio recorded on a camera to be monitored and also supports audio input of wireless microphones and more
CAMERA/LINE output with attenuation function allows for sending audio to external devices like cameras, etc.
Audio monitoring is possible with either headphone output or the built-in speaker
USB mix-minus on PODCAST app (from V1.30)
Supports micro SD/micro SDHC/micro SDXC (up to 512GB) recording media
Equipped with a Mark function and slate tone function
Powered by 4 AA batteries, USB bus power, or optional AC adapter (PS-P520U)
Support multi-language menu display (English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Russian)

Included Items

Portacapture X8 x 1
Included mics x 1(left/right pair)
AA alkaline batteries x 4
Owner's Manual (including warranty)
TASCAM ID registration guide

Product Specifications

Specifications

Recorder specifications
Recording media	microSD cards (64MB - 2GB), microSDHC cards (4GB - 32GB), microSDXC cards (48GB - 512GB)
Recording / playback formats
WAV (BWF)	44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz, 16/24-bit, 32-bit float
MP3	44.1k/48kHz, 128k/192k/256k/320kbps
Number of channels
Input channels	6 channels maximum
Recording tracks	8 tracks maximum (6 tracks, stereo mix)
Analog audio input ratings
Mic inputs (unbalanced)
Input jacks 1-2(support plug-in power)
Connectors	3.5mm (1/8") Mini TRS jacks
Maximum input level	+1dBV
Minimum input level	-69.3dBV
Input impedance	85kΩ or higher
Mic inputs (balanced)
Input jacks 3-6(input set to "MIC")
Connectors	XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) 6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND) Note: phantom power supported by XLR only
Maximum input level	+2dBu
Minimum input level	-75dBu
Input impedance	2.2kΩ or higher
Input jacks 3-6(Input set to "LINE")
Connectors	XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) 6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Nominal input level	+4dBu (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level	+24dBu
Minimum input level	-53dBu
Input impedance	9kΩ or higher
Line input (unbalanced)
EXT IN jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal input level	-10dBV (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level	+10dBV
Minimum input level	-48dBV
Input impedance	8.5kΩ or higher
Analog audio output
Line output (unbalanced)
LINE OUT jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal output level	-14dBV
Maximum output level	+6dBV
Output impedance	200Ω
Headphone output
Headphone jack
Connectors	1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Maximum output	45mW + 45mW (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32Ω)
Built-in speaker	0.4W (mono)
Control input/output ratings
USB port
Connectors	USB Type-C
Format	USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
Bluetooth® device connector	For Bluetooth® adapter (AK-BT1) only
Power	4 AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH or Lithium-ion) USB bus power from a computer TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately)
Power consumption	7.5W (maximum)
Dimensions	83 (W) × 205.6 (H) × 41.5 (D) mm ※including protrusions
Weight	472g / 381g (with/without batteries)
Operating temperature range	0 - 40°C
Included	Included mics × 1 (left / right pair) AA alkaline batteries × 4 Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1 TASCAM ID registration guide × 1

Note: 0dBV=1Vrms, 0dBu=0.775Vrms

Battery operation time (continuous operation)

batteries	Use conditions	Operation time
Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 11 hours
Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 5.5 hours
Using Ni-MH battery (eneloop)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 9.5 hours
Using Ni-MH battery (eneloop)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 5.5 hours
Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium)	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) Phantom power unused STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 18 hours
	Input through input jacks 1/2 (included mics) and 5/6 Phantom power used (+48V, 3mA×2 load) STEREO WAV (BWF) / 44.1kHz 24-bit recording POWER SAVE MODE on	About 10 hours

Note: When using phantom power, the operation time might be reduceddepending on the mic being used.

Audio performance

Frequency response
Input jacks 1–6and EXT IN jack to PCM data	20Hz - 20kHz at 48kHz: +0 / -0.3dB (JEITA) 20Hz - 60kHz at 192kHz: +0 / -2.5dB (JEITA)
S/N ratio
Input jacks 1–2 to PCM data (20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)	101dB (48kHz)
Input jacks 3–6, EXT IN jack to PCM data (20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)	102dB (48kHz)
Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N) (1kHz sine, -5 dBFS input,GAIN: min,20kHz SPCL LPF)
Input jacks 1–2 to PCM data	0.005%
Input jacks 3–6 (LINE IN) to PCM data	0.008%
Input jacks 3–6 (MIC IN) to PCM data	0.006%

Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150

Computer system requirements

Windows

Compatible computers: Windows computer with a USB 2.0 (or higher)

Mac

Compatible computers: Mac with a USB 2.0 (or higher)

Verified with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1 and M2) hardware

Supported OS'

Windows

Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2) New , Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) New , Windows 11 , Windows 10 (November 2021 Update) , Windows 10 (May 2021 Update)

Mac