Tascam Portacapture X8 Handheld Recorder

Innovative, Powerful, Yet Simple

Right after startup, the large color touchscreen of the Portacapture X8 displays the launcher, allowing you to easily select the best audio settings for your application. Thanks to these presets, you have more time to focus on the actual recording without struggling with complicated settings.

If you prefer to set everything manually, the MANUAL app offers you full control—including a recording guide that can walk you through the necessary setup screens if desired.

Six Different Recording Apps to Choose From

• MANUAL: The main app for multitrack recording with up to six audio sources and a stereo mix (2-mix).
• VOICE: Ideal for recording interviews, dictations, and meetings.
• PODCAST: Use this app to create podcasts with up to four people.
• MUSIC: Choose this app for recording instrumental and vocal pieces.
• FIELD: Perfect for capturing natural outdoor sounds.
• ASMR: This recording app generates a visual effect on the display in response to the input signal.

Easy Level Adjustment

The Portacapture X8 offers a preset level setting that achieves a wide dynamic range. It uses high-quality dual A/D converters and 32-bit floating-point recording technology. The result is top sound quality, even at low recording levels. During later audio editing, you can raise the level without degrading the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Additionally, the internal normalization function can automatically adjust the stereo mix level after recording.

By combining these features, you no longer need to spend valuable creative time finding the right audio level for your recording.

USB Audio Interface for Your Computer

Thanks to its driverless plug-and-go functionality, the Portacapture X8 serves as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms, and also enables direct recording of video commentary and dialogues into DAW and editing software.

The Portacapture X8 streams up to eight tracks (six inputs plus stereo mix) via USB. Supporting the Power Delivery standard over USB Type-C, the device can simultaneously supply phantom power to any external microphone via the USB bus. For video or audio conferences, you can use the Portacapture X8 as a USB stereo microphone and record sound at the same time.

Premium Large-Diaphragm Microphones

The Portacapture X8 comes with two high-quality condenser microphones, each with a 14.6 mm diaphragm—the largest microphones in our product range. Since they are detachable, both microphones can be mounted on the device in either AB or XY configuration.

• AB configuration: Ideal for achieving a wide stereo field
• XY configuration: Provides especially clear reproduction with reduced phase shift between channels

Combined with the dual A/D converter, 32-bit floating-point processing, and sample rates up to 192 kHz, these microphones capture everything—from the faintest rustle to the loudest spectacle.

Wireless Remote Control (with Optional Bluetooth Adapter)

With the optional Bluetooth adapter AK-BT1 and the Portacapture Control app, available for free in the Apple Store or Google Play, the Portacapture X8 can be remotely controlled via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets (iPad and Android devices).

This way, you can, for example, record natural sounds in the wild without affecting the results with your own direct presence or noises.

Multitrack Recording with Up to Eight Tracks

The Portacapture X8 can record up to eight audio tracks simultaneously (six individual tracks + stereo mix). Choose which inputs are recorded on which tracks and apply noise gate, compression, EQ, and reverb just like on a mixing console.

With the MANUAL app, you can adjust levels and stereo positions for each of the six input tracks and create a stereo mix that you can publish as a podcast, vlog, song, or other material.

The XLR/TRS inputs feature Tascam’s proprietary HDDA microphone preamps (High Definition Discrete Architecture), enabling high-quality audio recordings.

Four XLR/TRS Jacks Plus Inputs and Outputs for Your Camera and Other Equipment

With four professional, locking XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphone and line signals, the Portacapture X8 is equipped for most of your daily recording needs. An additional mini-jack input and output allow you to connect your camera or other audio devices. When creating video material, you can, for example, record a slate track with clapper signals on your camera to simplify synchronization during post-production. The camera output level is adjustable to suit nearly any camera model.

Of course, there is also a headphone output powerful enough to maintain control even in noisy environments.

Flexible Handling—Wherever Creativity Strikes

The Portacapture X8 weighs less than 500 grams including batteries and can be mounted directly on a DSLR or camera or used with AV rigs thanks to the rear cold shoe adapter. It can also be attached to microphone stands or wireless receivers.

Mounted this way, your Portacapture X8 is less prone to interference noise, and your recordings will be even better.