Tascam Portacapture x8 portable field sound recorder

🎛 Key Features & Advantages of the Tascam x8

• Professional 32-Bit Float / 192 kHz Recording
  Captures a wide dynamic range without worrying about setting perfect levels or clipping. Ideal for unpredictable sound environments.
• 8-Track Multitrack Recording (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix)
  Record six isolated audio sources plus a stereo mix simultaneously — perfect for interviews, field sound design, podcasts, or ensemble music.
• Large Detachable Stereo Microphones
  Includes two interchangeable 14.6 mm condenser capsules that can be arranged in A-B or X-Y configuration for flexible stereo recording.
• Intuitive 3.5″ Touchscreen Interface
  Scene-based “Launcher” system offers presets for music, interviews, podcasts, ASMR, and more — quick setup without diving into deep menus.
• High-Quality Preamps with XLR/TRS Combo Inputs
  Four locking combo jacks with phantom power support both microphones and line-level sources like mixers, instruments, or wireless systems.
• USB Audio Interface Capability
  Functions as an 8-in / 2-out USB interface for DAWs, with optional simultaneous SD card recording as backup.
• Built-In Effects and Processing
  Features compressors, limiters, high-pass filters, auto gain, reverb, normalization, and noise gates — all adjustable per channel.
• Remote Control Option
  Compatible with optional Bluetooth module (AK-BT1) and Tascam’s mobile app for wireless control in remote setups or boom operation.
• Versatile Power Supply Options
  Runs on 4 AA batteries, USB power bank, or optional AC adapter — suited for mobile or extended field sessions.
• Multiple Mounting Options
  Standard 1/4″-20 thread and cold shoe mount make it easy to attach to cameras, rigs, or tripods.
• Supports Large microSD Storage
  Records directly to microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 512 GB in WAV (BWF) or MP3 formats.
• Auto-Save and File Backup
  Includes file recovery and backup features that minimize data loss if the power is interrupted.

🔍 Notable Considerations

• Ultrasonic Noise at High Sample Rates
  A few users report faint high-frequency hums when recording at 96 kHz or higher, mostly noticeable only in extreme pitch-shift editing. However how many people are really going to want to pitch shift to extremes and the frequency range is well out of the range of Humans hearing ability.
• Occasional UI Freezes
  Some users experienced interface lags or freezes during long sessions, though recordings continued in the background. The chances are though, this has likely been ironed out now with the new firmware upgrades.
• Microphone Compatibility
  Isolated issues reported with certain phantom-powered mics not functioning as expected — worth testing your mic setup beforehand however I can’t help suspect human error with this. There are two power settings you can choose in the settings for phantom power, 48V and 24V.

✅ Ideal For:

• Field recordists needing high-fidelity, multi-track audio
• Documentary filmmakers or journalists capturing live interviews
• Musicians and sound designers recording ambient, instrumental, or layered soundscapes
• Podcasters using external mics and requiring isolated channel tracks
• ASMR creators or YouTubers wanting clean stereo with simple setup
• General content creators who don’t want to be tethered to a computer for quality sound recordings

🧾 Summary Table