High Resolution Adaptive Multi-Recorder
New generation high-res Multi-track Handheld Recorder.
Simple user-friendly app-like operation.
Utilizes cutting-edge functionality for creating quality content.
Innovative, powerful, yet simple. The Launcher icon system allows specific application settings to be easily configured.
The new Launcher system and 3.5-inch color touch panel allow smooth navigation to select the best audio settings that match the application. Taking advantage of these presets, users will have more time to focus on the actual recording without the need to struggle with complicated settings.
Configure Level Settings With Ease
The Portacapture X8 provides a preset level setting to achieve a wide dynamic range utilizing the premium dual AD converters and 32-bit float point recording technology. The result is content with uncompromised audio quality even with low level recordings. The audio data can be edited and increased later without deteriorating the S/N (signal-to-noise ratio). Also the internal normalize function allows automatic level alignment of the 2-mix file after recording.
Combining these features, there’s no need to use valuable creative time finding the right audio level that matches the recording.
USB Audio Interface Function With No Driver Needed
Utilizing plug-and-go driverless functionality, the Portacapture X8 can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS or similar platforms, and also offers direct recording of video narration and dialogue directly to DAW and editing software. The Portacapture X8 streams up to 8 tracks (6 inputs and 2mix) through USB. By supporting the USB Type-C Power Delivery standard, Portacapture X8 can provide phantom power to each external mic at once with USB bus power. For video or audio conferencing, use the Portacapture X8 as your USB microphones and even record the audio simultaneously.
Premium Large Format Built-in Microphones
The Portacapture X8 comes with two 14.6mm diameter built-in microphones, the largest in our lineup. Employing a detachable mechanism, both L and R microphones can be flexibly attached/detached from the main unit to form A-B / True X-Y mic patterns.
Wireless Remote Control via Optional Bluetooth Adapter and Original App
Wireless remote control is possible via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android devices) using the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter and the Portacapture Control app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple store or Google Play.
Multi-track Recording Up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)
The Portacapture X8 can simultaneously record up to 8 tracks in total (6 tracks + 2 mix). From monaural audio recording to multi-track music recording, the Portacapture X8 can be flexibly adapted for a wide range of applications. For the XLR/TRS inputs, TASCAM know-how utilizing the in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps - enables high-quality audio recording.
4 XLR/TRS Combo Jacks With External MIC/LINE Connectivity and Camera in/out
With its 2 built-in stereo mics, 4 XLR inputs with support for both mic and ¼’ line-level*, AUX-IN, LINE OUT, and CAMERA IN/OUT connections, the Portacapture X8 is a versatile portable recorder with an abundance of IN/OUT choices.
* Maximum input level : +24dBu
Flexible Configuration With Cold Shoe/ Tripod Screw Connectors
The unit’s external mechanism provides flexible functionality. Portacapture X8 can be easily mounted on top of cameras and tripods, and be combined with AV rigs. The rear cold shoe mount also makes it possible to attach mic holders and/or wireless receivers.
*Adapters and cables not included
Features at a Glance:
- Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display
- Recording applications such as basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlog), field recording, ASMR and more
- 4 XLR/TRS locking combo jack MIC/LINE inputs with individual phantom power supply (24V/48V) and in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
- Supports up to 192kHz/ 32-bit float point recording
- Detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics for both A-B position and X-Y position
- Includes 8-in/2-out USB audio interface function
- Internal mics can be used as a USB audio source
- Internal recording to SD card is available while the unit is functioning in USB audio interface mode
- Internal multi-track recording up to 8 tracks (6 tracks + 2 mix)
- TASCAM Portacapture Control app for wireless remote control via mobile devices (with optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter)
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- Supports multi-language menu display (English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Russian)
Included Items
Portacapture X8 × 1
Internal mic pair × 1 (left/right)
AA alkaline batteries × 4
Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1
TASCAM ID registration guide × 1
Optional Items
Accessory Kit: AK-DR11G MKIII and AK-DR11C MKII
Bluetooth Adapter : AK-BT1
AC Adapter Kit: PS-P520U
Specifications:
Recorder specifications
Recording media
microSD cards (64MB –2GB)
microSDHC cards (4GB - 32GB)
microSDXC cards (48 GB –512 GB)
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”) TRS mini jacks
Input impedance: 85kΩ or higher
Maximum input level: +1 dBV
Minimum input level: -69.3 dBV
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 jacks Input
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Note: phantom power supported by XLR only
Input impedance: 2.2kΩ or higher
Maximum input level: +2 dBu
Minimum input level: -75dBu
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 jacks Input
(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Impedance: 9kΩ or higher
Nominal input level:+4 dBu (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level:+24 dBu
Minimum input level: -53dBu
Line input (unbalanced): EXT IN jack
Connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Inputimpedance: 8.5kΩ or higher
Nominal input level: -10dBV (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level: +10 dBV
Minimum input level: -48 dBV
Analog audio output
Line output (unbalanced): LINE OUT jack
Connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Output impedance: 200Ω
Nominal output level: -14dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV
Note: 0dBV=1Vrms, 0dBu=0.775Vrms
Headphone output: headphone jack
Connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Maximum output: 45 mW + 45 mW (THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32 Ω load)
Built-in speaker: 0.4 W (mono)
Control input/output ratings
USB port
Connector: USB Type-C
Format:
USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
Bluetooth device connector
For Bluetooth adapter (AK-BT1) only
Audio performance
Frequency response
Input jacks 1–6and EXT IN jack
20Hz –20kHz at 48kHz: +0/-0.3dB (JEITA)
20 Hz –60 kHz at 192 kHz: +0/-2.5 dB (JEITA)
S/N ratio
Input jacks 1–2
(20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)
101dB (48kHz)
104dB (192kHz)
Input jacks 3–6, EXT IN jack
(20kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighting)
102dB (48kHz)
105dB (192 kHz)
Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N)
(1kHz sine, -5 dBFS input, GAIN: min,20kHz SPCL LPF)
Input jacks 1–2: 0.005%
Input jacks 3–6 (LINE IN): 0.008%
Input jacks 3–6 (MIC IN): 0.006%
Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150
Computer system requirements
Check the TEAC Global Site (https://teac-global.com/) for the latest information about supported operating systems.
Note: Operation with each OS was confirmed with standard system setups that met the following conditions. Operation is not guaranteed, however, with all systems that meet the following conditions.
Windows
Supported operating systems
Windows 11 64-bit
Windows 10 64-bit
Computer hardware requirements
Windows computer with a USB 2.0 (or higher)
Note: Operation is not guaranteed using the TASCAM driver with ARM64 CPUs.
Mac
Supported operating systems
macOS Big Sur (11)
macOS Catalina (10.15)
Computer hardware requirements
Mac with a USB 2.0 (or higher) port
iOS device
iOS 14 / iPadOS 14, iOS 13 / iPadOS 13
Note) iOS 15 / iPadOS 15 are currently being tested.
Android device
Android 10, Android 11
Note: Compatibility has been confirmed, but this does not guarantee operation with all devices.
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: 7.5 W (maximum)
Dimensions: 83 x 205.6 x 41.5mm (W× H× D, including protrusions)
Weight: 472g/381g (with/without batteries)
Operating temperature range: 0–40ºC
Battery operation time (continuous operation)
Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA): 5.5 - 11 hours
Using Ni-MH battery (eneloop): 5.5 - 9.5 hours
Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium): 10 - 18 hours
Note: When using phantom power, the operation time might be reduced depending on the mic being used.