Tascam Portacapture X8

• Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display
• Optimized presets for multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice, field recording, and ASMR
• 4 mic/line inputs with individual phantom power accommodate practically any combination of sound sources, from microphones and line-level devices to instruments
• 32-bit floating point recording means you don't need to set input levels before recording, and you won't have to scrap audio that was recorded too loudly or quietly
• Detachable large-diaphragm condenser mics can be configured for A-B and X-Y stereo recording
• Driverless 8-in/2-out USB audio interface
  - Onboard mics can be used as a USB audio source
  - Internal recording to microSD card is still available when using in USB audio interface mode
  - Supports 32-bit float recording via USB (from V1.30)
• Record up to 8 tracks simultaneously (6 tracks + 2 mix)
• Wireless remote control via Portacapture Control app and optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter
• Supports wireless timecode sync with supported devices from Atomos with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter (from V1.20)

• 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

Spec description:

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
	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
	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 reduced, depending on the mic being used.

 

Audio performance:

Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise)
Input jacks 3–6 (MIC IN)	-126dBu or less
Frequency response
Input jacks 3–6 to PCM data	20Hz - 20kHz at 48kHz: +0 / -0.3dB (JEITA) 20Hz - 40kHz at 96kHz: +0 / -0.4dB (JEITA) 20Hz - 60kHz at 192kHz: +0 / -2.5dB (JEITA)
Dynamic Range
Input jacks 3–6 jack to PCM data (20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting, FILED App)	113dB or higher at 48kHz/96kHz/192kHz
Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N) (1kHz sine, -5 dBFS input,GAIN: min,20kHz SPCL LPF)
Input jacks 3–6 (LINE IN) to PCM data	0.008% or less
Input jacks 3–6 (MIC IN) to PCM data	0.006% or less

 

More Features:

I Never Lose a Take to Bad Audio Levels, Thanks to 32-bit float Recording

Whether you're recording from the onboard stereo microphones, external microphones, instruments, or line-level sources, the Portacapture X8's 32-bit float recording capability means you'll never have to scrap a recording due to incorrect audio levels. When recording at lower bit depths, loud sound sources can cause digital clipping that cannot be fixed during editing. With a 32-bit floating point recording, you can reduce the file's level in your DAW or NLE software to an appropriate level with no trace of digital clipping or limiting. Likewise, low-level 32-bit float audio recordings are captured with greater dynamic range and detail than they would at lower bit depths — you can increase the level of a mumbled phrase without creating a distracting change in tone or dynamics.

The Launcher Icon System Puts Application-specific Configurations at Your Fingertips

The Portacapture X8's Launcher system makes it easy to start recording fast. Use the touch screen to select optimized settings for podcasting, field recording, vocal recording, musical instruments, or ASMR. You can also create your own custom presets for instant recall from the Launcher.

USB Audio Interface Function With No Driver Needed

With its driverless plug-in-and-go functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be the ideal audio interface for content creators. The Portacapture X8 can serve as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms. It also offers direct recording via USB, allowing you to capture 32-bit floating point audio at resolutions up to 192kHz directly to your DAW or NLE software. And for video or audio conferencing, you can use the Portacapture X8 as your USB microphone and even record the audio simultaneously.

Capture Lifelike Audio with Stereo Condenser Microphones

For clear, detailed audio capture in a range of settings the Portacapture X8 is equipped with a pair of 14.6mm-diameter condenser microphones, the largest in TASCAM's lineup. These mics can be easily detached and re-attached to form A-B and True X-Y mic patterns, depending on the width of stereo field you require. Designed to pair perfectly with the Portacapture X8's 32-bit float recording capability, you'll appreciate how these microphones handle loud sound sources without distorting while also capturing quiet sources with exceptional detail.

Wireless Remote Control via Optional Bluetooth Adapter and Original App

You can operate your Portacapture X8 directly from your iOS or Android device for complete control anywhere within Bluetooth range. Connect the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter to your Portacapture X8, download the free Portacapture control app, and enjoy wireless remote control over all functionality.

『Portacapture Control』

  

Videographer Optimized with Wireless Timecode Sync

The Portacapture X8 is a smart solution for videography. A CAMERA/EXT input allows you to monitor camera audio, wireless microphones and so on, while the CAMERA/LINE output allows you to send audio to external devices like cameras. The Portacapture X8 also offers both a Mark function and Slate Tone function for editing convenience. You can wirelessly synchronize timecode with supported devices from Atomos, with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter. And with cold shoe and tripod connectors, the Portacapture X8 can easily be mounted atop cameras and tripods. The rear cold shoe mount also accommodates microphone holders and/or wireless receivers. Step up your audio for video game with the Portacapture X8.

*Please check here for compatible Atomos products: https://www.atomos.com/product-atomos-cloud-studio

Record Up to Eight Tracks Simultaneously

With the ability to record up to eight tracks (6 input tracks plus a stereo mix), the Portacapture X8 is a versatile recording solution for all types of content creators. The XLR/TRS combo inputs are based around TASCAM's HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps for outstanding audio quality.

Manuals:

Reference Manual     02-08-2023
Owner's Manual     12-20-2021