The TASCAM PortaCapture X8 8ch Portable Digital Recorder allows you to record wherever your inspiration takes you. From field
recording for sound design, to audio for video production, or
multi-track and one take songwriting. The Porta Capture X8 combines
high-resolution sound quality with intuitive app-like control. 32-bit
float point recording means you can capture the most dynamic sound
sources without worrying about clipping, or indistinct audio from quiet
sources.
Flexible
powering methods—batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter—make the
PortacaptureX8 well suited to on-the-go recording, all-day video
shoots, and computer-based audio production. Need to patch in external
mics or an outboard mixer? The Portacapture X8's four balanced combo
XLR-1/4" inputs accommodate mic- or line-level signals and can supply
phantom power if needed. Whether you use the built-in mics or an
external source, selectable modes such as dual recording, low-cut
filtering, limiting, gating, and auto level give you options for
achieving a clean, undistorted recording. Separate line and headphone
outputs are provided for real-time monitoring while recording to a
camera.
Rather
than requiring manual configuration to accommodate different scenarios,
the Portacapture X8 offers presets that optimize the recorder for
common applications such as basic multitrack recording, podcasts, music,
voice (interviews, vlog, etc.), field recordings, ASMR, and more. The
"Launcher" system makes these readily accessible via the large 3.5"
color touchscreen.
The
Portacapture X8's detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser
microphones empower you with crisp stereo capture, even without external
mics. Both mics can be detached/attached to form A-B or X/Y mic
configurations. Use the A-B position (capsules facing outward) to
produce a wide stereo image, or switch to the X-Y position (capsules
facing inward) if you need a tighter stereo field with a strong center
presence and fewer phase differences.
When the mics are not
connected, input jacks 1 and 2 can be used to bring in lavalier mics
with 3.5mm TRS plugs, even if they need plug-in power.
Four
Neutrik XLR-1/4" TRS combo jacks support mic- and line-level sources,
allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a
mixer or FOH console. With switchable 24 or 48V phantom power, the HDDA
(High-Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps can serve a variety
of microphones such as dynamic or condenser types. Using the onboard
microphones, you can capture the ambient sound of an audience while
recording direct from an external console, which is ideal for live
performances. Additionally, there is a 3.5mm mic input that can supply
plug-in power for lavalier mics or compact shotgun mics, and a 3.5mm
camera input for monitoring the return from a DSLR.
The
Portacapture X8 can record in BWF-compliant WAV format at up to 192 kHz
/ 32-bit float resolution, and it supports multitrack recording up to
eight tracks (six inputs plus a stereo mix). Also, dual recording mode
enables each track to be recorded in a different file format.
With
premium dual A/D converters and 32-bit floating point recording
technology, the X8 achieves a wide dynamic range, avoids clipping, and
allows the audio level to be increased or decreased later without
deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio.
To
maximize compactness and portability, the Portacapture X8 records
directly to media cards (available separately). microSD, microSDHC, and
microSDXC cards (up to 512GB capacity) are supported for long recording
times, even at high audio resolutions.
When
you want to record to your camera and the Portacapture X8, just connect
the 3.5mm camera/line output from the Portacapture X8 into your
camera's input. A separate 3.5mm output is provided to allow critical
listening through headphones without disconnecting the camera feed.
Quick monitor checks can be done through the Portacapture X8's built-in
mono speaker.
Equipped
with a USB Type-C port, the Portacapture X8 can be connected to your
computer for real-time bidirectional audio routing and streaming.
Utilizing plug-and-go driverless functionality, the Portacapture X8 can
be used as a USB microphone or as an 8-in/2-out audio interface for your
favorite audio software. For convenient file transfers, the
Portacapture X8 can function as a card reader when connected via USB.
Using
the four included AA alkaline batteries, you can power the Portacapture
X8 no matter where you are. For long-duration sessions that require
extended recording time, the Portacapture X8 may be powered via a USB
connection to a computer or mobile battery, or through the Tascam
PS-P520U AC adapter (available separately).
Designed
for optimal portability, the Portacapture X8 is both compact and light.
The streamlined body lends itself to comfortable use when held in the
hand. Utilize the 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the underside of the
Portacapture X8 to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable,
stationary positioning. Or attach the X8 directly to your camera via its
integrated cold shoe mount.
Enhance
the sonic impact of your audio with the Portacapture X8's built-in
level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to
increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too
quiet or loud, and switch on the compressor and limiter to compress the
signal before it reaches the point of distortion.
Mitigate wind
noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, and cut
background noise between performances with the noise gate. Reverb is
also available for situations that call for some extra ambience.
An
internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on
the Portacapture X8 and your camera. When the Portacapture X8 is
connected to a camera, use the slate tone function to send an audible
tone to the camera and the Portacapture X8. The resulting tones can be
used as guides when synchronizing your files in video editing software.
Wireless
control from a smartphone or tablet can be done using the separately
available AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle. Using the AK-BT1, timecode sync is
also possible.