TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-Bit Float 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder

The TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-Bit Float 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder is a high-resolution, handheld multitrack recorder designed for videographers, documentary filmmakers, sound designers, podcasters, and musicians who need professional portable audio capture across a wide range of recording scenarios, including basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlogs), field recording, and ASMR.

The recorder captures BWF-compliant WAV audio at resolutions up to 192 kHz / 32-bit float, along with MP3 recording options, and supports multitrack recording up to eight tracks simultaneously (6 inputs plus a stereo mix). The 32-bit float recording engine eliminates the need to carefully set input levels before recording, since audio captured too loud or too quiet can be corrected in post-production without quality loss or clipping artifacts, making it particularly well suited to unpredictable live recording environments. A Dual Recording mode allows each track to be captured in a different file format simultaneously, and TASCAM’s Auto File Save System saves data approximately every 20 seconds during recording to help minimize loss from unexpected power interruptions.

Two detachable, large-diaphragm (14.6mm) condenser microphones can be configured in either A-B or X-Y stereo positions to suit different recording situations, complemented by four combo XLR/1/4″ mic/line inputs, each with individually selectable phantom power (+24/48V) and TASCAM’s in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps. Additional connectivity includes a CAMERA/EXT input for monitoring audio recorded on a camera and supporting wireless microphone input, along with a CAMERA/LINE output with attenuation for sending audio to external devices, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a built-in 0.4W mono speaker. A driverless 8-in/2-out USB-C audio interface mode lets the recorder function directly with a computer, with onboard mics usable as a USB audio source and internal recording to card still available simultaneously.

Onboard DSP includes auto-gain control, a limiter, low-cut filter, compressor, noise gate, reverb, and normalize functions, along with intuitive Launcher-system presets tailored to specific recording applications, accessible via a large 3.5-inch color LCD touchscreen. The TASCAM Portacapture Control app (Android and iOS) allows wireless remote control of the recorder, with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity available through the optional AK-BT1 adapter.

Build quality supports recording to microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards up to 512GB, with power supplied via 4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium), USB bus power, or an optional AC adapter. The recorder operates in temperatures from 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C).

Key Features
– 8-channel, 8-track handheld multitrack field recorder
– Records BWF-compliant WAV up to 192 kHz / 32-bit float; MP3 support
– 8 simultaneous tracks (6 inputs + stereo mix)
– 32-bit float recording (no input level setting required; post-production level correction without quality loss)
– Dual Recording mode (different file formats per track)
– Auto File Save System (approximately every 20 seconds)
– Two detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics (A-B/X-Y configurable)
– Four XLR/1/4″ combo mic/line inputs with individual phantom power and HDDA preamps
– CAMERA/EXT input and CAMERA/LINE output (with attenuation)
– 3.5mm headphone output; built-in 0.4W mono speaker
– Driverless 8-in/2-out USB-C audio interface mode
– Onboard DSP: auto-gain, limiter, low-cut filter, compressor, gate, reverb, normalize
– Application-specific Launcher presets (multi-track, podcast, music, voice, field, ASMR)
– 3.5″ color LCD touchscreen
– Wireless remote control via Portacapture Control app (Bluetooth 5.0 via optional AK-BT1 adapter)
– microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card support (up to 512GB)
– Powered by 4 AA batteries, USB bus power, or optional AC adapter
– Operating range of 32-104°F (0-40°C)