Portacapture X8
8-channel 32-bit float Portable Audio Field Recorder
The TASCAM Portacapture X8 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 Portacapture 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.
*Note : Only use AK-BT1 adapter.
This product not compatible with AK-BT2 adapter.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
- Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display
- 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
- Record up to 8 tracks simultaneously (6 tracks + 2 mix)
- Wireless remote control via Portacapture Control app and optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter
- Recording media : microSD cards (64MB - 2GB), microSDHC cards (4GB - 32GB), microSDXC cards (48GB - 512GB)
- Input channels : 6 channels maximum
- Recording tracks : 8 tracks maximum (6 tracks, stereo mix)
- Power : 4 AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH or Lithium-ion), USB bus power from a computer,TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately)
- Dimensions : 83 (W) × 205.6 (H) × 41.5 (D) mm (including protrusions)
- Weight : 472g / 381g (including battery / not including batteries)
- 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
Always Capture the Best Takes, Thanks to 32-bit float Recording and Dual ADC
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 float 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, by using dual analog-to-digital technology recordings are captured with greater dynamic range and detail than they would otherwise— 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, multi-track recording or ASMR. You can also create your own custom presets for instant recall from the Launcher.
V2.00: A POCKETSTUDIO app has been added.
Additional Features
The internal Recording app icons and descriptions:
MANUAL | This is the basic app of the unit. Multitrack recording of up to six channels is possible. | |
VOICE | This recording app is good for capturing interviews, dictation and meetings. | |
PODCAST | This is good for recording podcasts with up to four people. | |
MUSIC | This recording app is good for easily capturing instrumental and vocal performances. | |
FIELD | This recording app is good for recording outdoors. | |
POCKETSTUDIO | This recording app is good for multi-track recording. | |
ASMR | The screen visual effect changes in response to the input sound. |
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 96kHz 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.
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/accessories/ultrasync-blueRecord 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.
Overdub and Punch In/Out for Music Creation
Derived from the TASCAM Portastudio series, Portacapture X8 allows multitrack Overdub recording as well as punch I/O. With its 6 flexible inputs, you can easily overdub a new track, other instruments, or a phrase to your main track. The Overdub function is available in the MANUAL and POCKETSTUDIO app.
Automatic File Save System
The TASCAM proprietary Auto File Save System avoids losing your important data during recording. Files are saved approximately every 20 seconds during recording, so data loss due to unexpected power supply interruptions are kept to a minimum.
Features at a Glance
- 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)
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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) |
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) |
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) |
Working impedance | 16ohms to 400ohms |
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 |
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 |
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) |
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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 |
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
Information
Latest version info | |
Firmware | V2.01 |
ASIO Driver for Windows | V1.00 |
- The following issues that occurred in the VOICE, PODCAST, MUSIC, FIELD, and ASMR apps have been fixed.
- When the size of a file exceeded 4 GB during recording, recording would end without a new file being automatically created.
- Recording would continue even after the time set for TIME FILE INCREMENT had elapsed.
- CAUTION
- When updating the firmware, be sure that only one update file is copied to UTILITY file.
* Please refer to the firmware update manual included in the firmware zip file for update procedures
Notices About Products
Documents
Manuals
Reference Manual V2.00 | 09-18-2024 |
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ASIO Driver Install Manual | 02-21-2023 |
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Owner's Manual | 12-20-2021 |
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Catalogs
Portacapture series comparison chart | 03-16-2023 |
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Firmware / Software
Instructions
Release Notes | 10-08-2024 |
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Firmware update procedures | 01-07-2022 |
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Firmware
Firmware V2.01 | 10-08-2024 |
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Firmware V2.00 | 09-18-2024 |
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Software
Portacapture Control for Android | 05-24-2023 |
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Portacapture Control for iOS / iPadOS | 05-24-2023 |
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ASIO Driver Installer V1.30 for Windows | 05-24-2023 |
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Compatibility
Compatible OS
Windows
Windows 11 2023 Update (Version 23H2) ,Windows 10 2022 Update (Version 22H2),Windows 11 2022 Update (Version 22H2) ,Windows 11 (Version 21H2) ,Windows 10 (November 2021 Update),Windows 10 (May 2021 Update),
Mac
macOS Sequoia (15),macOS Sonoma (14),macOS Ventura (13),macOS Monterey (12),macOS Big Sur (11),macOS Catalina (10.15),
iOS
iOS 17,iOS 16,iOS 15,iOS 14,iOS 13,
iPadOS
iPadOS 17,iPadOS 17,iPadOS 16,iPadOS 15,iPadOS 14,iPadOS 13,
FAQs
To mount the unit on top of a camera, you need to purchase the optional camera mount kit. Use the shoe mount adapter included in the AK-DR11CMK2 accessory kit.
Yes, both functions can be used simultaneously.
MIC Inputs 1-2 support plug-in power supply. No plug-in power ON/OFF setting is required.
*The included built-in microphone cannot be used in combination with other plug-in power-compatible microphones.
Make sure there is a formatted SD/microSD card in the unit and that you have a Standard USB 2.0 Type-A to Type-C DATA cable (not simply a charging cable) connected between the TASCAM unit and your computer. Occasionally a user will forget that a formatted microSD card must be in the unit. However, 1 times out of 10 when the card is not the issue, having the wrong cable type ends up being the culprit. This is because there is no easy way to differentiate between the two types. You must specify this to the vendor you are purchasing the cable from.