Tascam Portacapture X6 32-bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam Portacapture X6 32-bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

The Tascam Portacapture X6 is a portable multitrack recorder built around 96 kHz, 32-bit float recording, a format that captures a very wide dynamic range so quiet details and sudden loud peaks are both held in the file. That makes it a practical choice for video shoots, music sessions, podcasts, interviews and field recording where you cannot always predict levels in advance and a second take may not be possible. Instead of the dense menus found on older handheld recorders, the X6 uses a 2.4-inch colour touchscreen with app-style launcher screens, so selecting a recording preset and starting work feels closer to using a phone than programming a piece of studio hardware.

Key features

• Recording at up to 96 kHz in 32-bit float for wide dynamic range and level flexibility in post-production
• Six-track simultaneous recording, made up of four individual tracks and a stereo mix
• Dual built-in condenser microphones with switchable A-B and true X-Y configurations
• Two XLR inputs with selectable 24 V or 48 V phantom power for external microphones
• 2.4-inch colour touchscreen with app-like operation and dedicated recording presets
• USB-C audio interface operation with six inputs and two outputs for computer recording
• microSD card recording with support for cards up to 512 GB

32-bit float recording, explained

In a conventional recorder, setting the input gain too low leaves a noisy recording and setting it too high clips the waveform, and neither problem can be fully repaired afterwards. With 32-bit float, the converter captures such a wide range that a passage recorded too quietly can be raised in level in your editing software, and a peak that appeared to overload can be brought back down, provided the microphone itself did not overload. This does not remove the need for sensible microphone placement, but it removes much of the anxiety from one-take situations such as weddings, live performances, interviews and location sound, where the action will not repeat itself for the sake of a level check.

Microphones and inputs for different jobs

The built-in microphone pair can be set in an A-B arrangement for a wide stereo image of a room, ensemble or environment, or in a true X-Y arrangement for a tighter, more focused image with strong centre definition, which suits a single speaker or instrument. When the built-in pair is not the right tool, the two XLR inputs accept external microphones and provide phantom power for condenser models, while a 3.5 mm auxiliary input with plug-in power covers smaller stereo microphones and other sources. A 3.5 mm line output and headphone output let you feed a camera and monitor what is being captured while you work.

Presets, interface mode and remote control

Recording presets for music, podcast, interview, field recording and multitrack work set the recorder up in a sensible configuration for each job, which speeds up setup and reduces errors on location. Connected over USB, the X6 also works as a six-in, two-out audio interface for recording directly to a computer, so the same unit covers standalone and desk-based work. Wireless control is available with the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, which allows remote operation from a phone; Tascam notes that this recorder is not compatible with the AK-BT2 adapter, so the correct adapter matters when planning a remote-control setup.

Power, mounting and media

The recorder runs on four AA batteries or over USB bus power, which gives flexibility between location work away from mains power and longer sessions at a desk. A mounting point allows it to be attached to a camera or stand, placing the microphones where the picture is being made and keeping the whole rig compact for video production. Recordings are stored to microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC cards, with WAV in the Broadcast Wave Format for production work and MP3 available where smaller files are more convenient.

For creators who record sound in situations that cannot be repeated, the Portacapture X6 combines forgiving 32-bit float capture, a stereo microphone pair, two proper XLR inputs and touchscreen operation in one compact recorder. It suits video producers, podcasters, musicians and field recordists who want multitrack files they can shape properly in post-production, from a unit that is quick to set up and simple to carry.