Portacapture X8 32 Bit Float 8 Channel Multitrack Field Recorder

Tascam Portacapture X8 Field Recorder

The Tascam Portacapture X8 is a handheld multitrack recorder built around two ideas: recording quality that removes the fear of clipping, and an interface that behaves like a modern app rather than a nested menu system. It records up to eight tracks at once (six input tracks plus a stereo mix) at sample rates up to 192 kHz with 32-bit float resolution, using dual A/D converters to capture an exceptionally wide dynamic range. In practice, 32-bit float means quiet passages can be raised and unexpectedly loud peaks pulled down in post-production without the distortion or noise penalty that a clipped or under-recorded 24-bit file would carry.

A 3.5-inch colour touch panel runs Tascam’s Launcher system, presenting purpose-built apps for multitrack recording, podcasting, music, voice work such as interviews and vlogging, field recording and ASMR. Each app opens with the settings that type of work actually needs, so the recorder is ready quickly even for users who record only occasionally.

Key features

• 32-bit float recording: WAV recording up to 192 kHz / 32-bit float with dual A/D converters for very wide dynamic range and clip-free headroom.
• Eight-track multitrack: Records up to 8 tracks simultaneously, from 6 input channels plus a stereo mix, for music, events and production sound.
• Detachable large-diaphragm mics: Included 14.6 mm condenser microphone pair can be set in A-B or true X-Y position and detached when not needed.
• Four HDDA mic preamps: Four XLR/TRS locking combo inputs with individual 24 V / 48 V phantom power and Tascam HDDA preamplifiers.
• Launcher touch interface: 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with app-based presets for podcast, music, voice, field and ASMR recording.
• USB audio interface: Functions as an 8-in / 2-out USB audio interface while still recording internally.
• microSDXC up to 512 GB: Records to microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 512 GB in WAV (BWF) and MP3 formats.
• Flexible power: Runs on four AA batteries, USB power or an optional AC adapter, with remote control via the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter.

Inputs and preamps

Beyond the built-in microphones, the Portacapture X8 provides four balanced mic and line inputs on locking XLR/TRS combo jacks, each with its own switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. The HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) preamps are Tascam’s in-house design, chosen for low noise with real-world microphones, and the XLR/TRS channels achieve a signal-to-noise ratio of 102 dB. Additional 3.5 mm inputs cover the built-in mic channels with plug-in power support and an external stereo line input, while a 3.5 mm line output and headphone output handle monitoring and camera feeds. A built-in 0.4 W mono speaker allows quick playback checks in the field.

Recording workflow and processing

Dual recording mode can write each track in a different file format at the same time, for example a high-resolution WAV master alongside an MP3 for quick sharing. Onboard tools include a low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, automatic gain control, reverb, noise gate and normalise function, covering the processing most podcasters, musicians and field recordists reach for. With the optional AK-BT1 adapter fitted (note: the X8 uses the AK-BT1 only), the free Portacapture Control app provides wireless remote control from a phone or tablet, and wireless timecode synchronisation with compatible Atomos and UltraSync systems helps align audio with multiple cameras in post.

Power, size and handling

The recorder measures 83 mm wide, 205.6 mm high and 41.5 mm deep, and weighs 472 g with batteries or 381 g without. Four AA cells give approximately 11 hours of two-channel recording on alkaline batteries with phantom power off, and maximum power consumption is 7.5 W. A threaded mount on the base suits tripods and camera rigs, keeping the X8 as comfortable on a video shoot as it is handheld on location.

For creators who need one device that can capture a four-microphone podcast, a live music performance, production dialogue and delicate field recordings without gain-riding anxiety, the Portacapture X8’s combination of 32-bit float headroom, serious preamps and an approachable touch interface is difficult to beat at this size.