Six different recording apps to choose from
MANUAL This is the main app for multi-track recording of up to six audio sources and a stereo mix (2-mix).
VOICE This recording app is ideal for capturing interviews, dictation and meetings.
PODCAST Use this for podcast creation with up to four people.
MUSIC Choose this app for capturing instrumental and vocal performances.
FIELD Ideal for recording nature sounds outdoors.
ASMR The screen visual effect changes in response to the input sound.
Set your levels with ease
The Portacapture X8 provides a preset level setting to achieve a wide dynamic range utilizing premium dual A/D converters and recording technology with 32-bit floating point resolution. The result is content with uncompromised audio quality even with low-level recordings. When editing the audio data later, you can increase the level without deteriorating the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Also, the internal normalize function can automatically align the level of the stereo 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 for your computer
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 eight tracks (six inputs plus stereo mix) through USB. By supporting the USB Type-C Power Delivery standard, the unit can simultaneously supply any external microphone with phantom power via the USB bus. For video or audio conferencing, use the Portacapture X8 as your USB stereo microphone and even record the audio simultaneously.

Premium large-format microphones
The Portacapture X8 comes with two high-quality condenser microphones, each with a diameter of 14.6 mm – the largest in our lineup. Employing a detachable mechanism, both L and R mics can be flexibly attached to and detached from the main unit to form A-B or X-Y mic patterns.

A-B Pattern: Ideal for creating a wide stereo field
X-Y pattern: Provides extra-clear reproduction with reduced phase displacement between both channels
Combined with the dual A/D converter, 32-bit floating point processing and sampling rates up to 192 kHz, these microphones capture everything from the quietest rustle to the loudest spectacle.

Wireless remote control (with optional Bluetooth adapter)
The Portacapture X8 can be remote-controlled via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets (iPad 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.

In this way, you can, for example, record nature sounds in the wild without affecting the result with your own direct presence or your own noises.

Multi-track recording with up to eight tracks
The Portacapture X8 can simultaneously record up to eight audio tracks in total (six individual tracks + stereo mix). Select which inputs are recorded on which tracks, apply noise-gate, compression, EQ and reverb like you would do on a mixing console.

The MANUAL app allows you to set levels and stereo positions for each of the six input tracks and create a stereo mix ready to be published as a podcast, vlog, song or other content.

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.

Four XLR/TRS jacks plus in and out for your camera and other equipment
With four professional, locking XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic- and line-level signals, the Portacapture X8 is prepared for most of your daily recording challenges. An additional mini-jack input and output each enable you to hook up your camera or other audio devices. When creating video footage, for example, you can record a guiding track with slate tones on your camera to simplify synchronisation during post-editing of the video material. The level of the camera output is adjustable and can thus be adapted to virtually any camera model.

Of course, there is also a headphones output, which is powerful enough to keep you in control even in noisy environments.

Flexible handling – wherever you feel creative
The Portacapture X8 weighs less than 500 grams including batteries and can be mounted directly on a DSLR or camera or combined with AV rigs thanks to its rear cold shoe adapter. You can also attach it to mic stands or wireless receivers.

Fastened this way, your Portacapture X8 is less susceptible to handling noise and your recordings turn out even better.

Features at a glance
New-generation high-resolution PCM audio recorder
3.5-inch colour touchscreen for easy operation and perfect readability
Uncompromised audio quality with sampling rates up to 192 kHz and 32-bit floating point resolution – ideal for later lossless post-editing with DAW software
Intuitive launcher system with pre-set configurations for a variety of recording scenes such as basic multi-track recording, podcasts, music, voice (interviews, vlogs), field recordings, ASMR or manual settings
Two detachable large-diaphragm (14.6 mm) condenser microphones (can be set for A-B or X-Y configuration)
Built-in USB audio interface with eight inputs and two outputs
Included microphones can be used as USB audio source
Input signals received via USB can be recorded to SD card
Four mic/line inputs via XLR/TRS locking combo jacks
Phantom power (24 V / 48 V) can be set for each mic input individually
Multi-track recording of up to eight tracks (six tracks + stereo mix)
Recording in either WAV (BWF) or MP3 format
MS decoder, reverb effect (six rooms)
Pre-recording feature allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed
Auto-recording function to automatically start recording based on input level
Dual recording allows to record each track in a different file format
Slate tones can be added automatically or manually to simplify synchronization of video files when editing
Marks can be set automatically (peak, level, time)
XRI function allows information on recording settings to be stored with a BWF file
Built-in mixer with audio processing including EQ, low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate and more
Camera/line input to monitor and record audio sent from a camera or other device (3.5-mm stereo jack)
Camera/line output with selectable attenuation to send audio to a camera or other external devices
Audio monitoring through headphones output or the built-in loudspeaker
Wireless remote control from a smartphone/tablet using an optional Bluetooth dongle (Tascam AK-BT1) and a dedicated remote control app (free download)
Micro SD cards up to 512 GB can be used as recording media
Power supply by four AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium), USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)
Automatic power select to continue on batteries, for example, during a power outage

Specifications
Recorder specifications
Recording media
microSD card (64 MB – 2 GB)
microSDHC card (4–32 GB)
microSDXC card (48–512 GB)
Recording/playback formats
WAV (BWF): 44.1/48/96/192kHz, 16/24 bit or 32 bit float
MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 128/192/256/320 kbit/s
Input channels
6 (maximum)
Recording tracks
8 (6 tracks + stereo mix)
Analogue audio inputs
Mic inputs 3–6 (balanced)
XLR-3-31 equivalent (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3-mm TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
(phantom power over XLR only)
Input impedance
≥2.2 kΩ
Maximum input level
+2 dBu
Minimum input level
−75 dBu
Line inputs 3–6
XLR-3-31 equivalent (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3-mm TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
Input impedance
≥9 kΩ
Maximum input level
+24 dBu
Minimum input level
−53 dBu
Mic inputs 1/2 (unbalanced)
3.5-mm mini jacks (support plug-in power)
Input impedance
≥85 kΩ
Maximum input level
+1 dBV
Minimum input level
−69 dBV
Line input (EXT IN, unbalanced)
3.5-mm stereo mini jack
Input impedance
≥8.5 kΩ
Maximum input level
+10 dBV
Minimum input level
−48 dBV
Analogue audio outputs
Line output (LINE OUT, unbalanced)
3.5-mm stereo mini jack
Output impedance
200 Ω
Nominal output level
−14 dBV
Maximum output level
+6 dBV
Headphones output
3.5-mm stereo mini jack
Maximum output
45 mW + 45 mW (THD+N: ≤0.1%, 32 Ω load)
Built-in speaker
0.4 W (mono)
Control inputs/outputs
USB port
USB Type-C connector
Format
USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage class
Bluetooth device connector
For Bluetooth adapter (AK-BT1) only
Audio performance
Frequency response
Fs 48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0/−0.3 dB (JEITA)
Fs 192 kHz, 20 Hz – 60 kHz, +0.5/–2.5 dB (JEITA)
S/N ratio (20 kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighted)

Inputs 1–2
48 kHz: 101 dB
Inputs 3–6, EXT IN
48 kHz: 102 dB
Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N, 1 kHz sine wave, –5 dBFS at input, GAIN at minimum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF)
Inputs 1–2
0.005 %
Inputs 3–6 (LINE IN)
0.008 %
Inputs 3–6 (MIC IN)
0.006 %
EXT IN
0.006 %
LINE OUT
0.007 %
Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150
Power supply and other specifications
Power supply
4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium-ion)
USB bus power from a computer
AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520U, sold separately)
Power consumption
7.5 W (maximum)
Display
3.5-inch full-colour LCD touchscreen
Dimensions (W × H × D)
77 mm × 40 mm × 206 mm (excluding protrusions)
Weight
472 g (with batteries)
381 g (without batteries)
Operating temperature range
0–40 °C
Approximate battery operation time (continuous operation in hours:minutes)
Using alkaline batteries (Evolta)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
11:00
Included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
5:30
Using NiMH batteries (eneloop)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
9:30
Included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
5:30
Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
18:00
Included mics plus inputs 5/6, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
10:00