Portable multi-track audio recorder Tascam Portacapture X8 — 6‑channel, 24/32‑bit, up to 96 kHz, 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs, SD card, USB‑C, battery or mains

Tascam Portacapture X8 is a portable multi-track audio recorder designed for field recording, interviews and small-session tracking. It provides six channels of simultaneous recording, built-in microphones and speaker, a touchscreen display and flexible power options including mains or four AA batteries. Recordings are saved to SD cards in 24-bit or 32-bit resolution at sample rates up to 96 kHz and can also be exported as MP3 files.

Advantages

The device offers six-channel recording with four XLR/TRS combo inputs and an additional 3.5 mm mic/line input, phantom power for condenser microphones, a responsive touchscreen for easy operation, USB-C connectivity for data transfer and compatibility with Windows and Mac systems. Built-in microphones, a speaker and long battery operation (up to 18 hours) increase portability and on-location usability.

Suitable for

• Field recording and soundscape capture
• Interviews and journalism
• Location music recording and small ensemble tracking
• Podcasts and voiceover recording
• Mobile production and on-site monitoring

Key specifications

• Channels: 6 simultaneous recording channels
• Inputs: 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs, 1 × 3.5 mm mic/line input
• Built-in microphones: Yes
• Built-in speaker: Single built-in speaker (0.4 W)
• Phantom power: Yes (for microphone inputs)
• Recording resolution: 24-bit / 32-bit
• Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
• Audio formats: MP3 (plus native high-resolution formats)
• Maximum recording time: Up to 18 hours (depending on media and settings)
• Storage: SD card (compatible)
• Display: Built-in touchscreen
• Interfaces: USB-C (USB 2.0 compatible)
• Power: Mains or 4 × AA batteries
• Output impedance (line/headphone): 200 Ω
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 206 × 83 × 42 mm
• Weight: 381 g

How to use

Power the Portacapture X8 from mains or insert four AA batteries. Insert a formatted SD card for recording storage. Connect microphones or line sources to the XLR/TRS combo inputs or use the built-in microphones for immediate capture. Enable phantom power when using condenser microphones. Use the touchscreen to set sample rate, bit depth and input levels, then arm tracks and press record. Monitor input levels through the built-in speaker or via headphones connected to the 3.5 mm output. Transfer files to a computer using the USB-C interface when needed.

Recommendations

For best audio quality, record at 24-bit or 32-bit with a sample rate of 48 kHz or 96 kHz depending on project needs; use a high-quality SD card and enable phantom power only when required by connected microphones. Keep spare AA batteries or use mains power for extended sessions.