Topic: Tascam Portacapture X8

[gaijin]

https://tascam.jp/us/product/portacapture_x8/feature

This looks interesting...

$500

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Recorder specifications   
Recording media   microSD cards (64MB - 2GB), microSDHC cards (4GB - 32GB), microSDXC cards (48GB - 512GB)
Recording / playback formats   
WAV (BWF)   44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz, 16/24-bit, 32-bit float
MP3   44.1k/48kHz, 128k/192k/256k/320kbps
Number of channels   
Input channels   6 channels maximum
Recording tracks   8 tracks maximum (6 tracks, stereo mix)
Analog audio input ratings   
Mic inputs (unbalanced)   
Input jacks 1-2(support plug-in power [2.5v confirmed by Tascam rep])   
Connectors   3.5mm (1/8") Mini TRS jacks
Maximum input level   +1dBV
Minimum input level   -69.3dBV
Input impedance   85kΩ or higher
Mic inputs (balanced)   
Input jacks 3-6(input set to "MIC")   
Connectors   
XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

Note: phantom power supported by XLR only
Maximum input level   +2dBu
Minimum input level   -75dBu
Input impedance   2.2kΩ or higher
Input jacks 3-6(Input set to "LINE")   
Connectors   
XLR-3-31 equivalent(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3mm(1/4") standard TRS jacksInput(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

Nominal input level   +4dBu (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level   +24dBu
Minimum input level   -53dBu
Input impedance   9kΩ or higher
Line input (unbalanced)   
EXT IN jack   
Connectors   1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal input level   -10dBV (GAIN:min)
Maximum input level   +10dBV
Minimum input level   -48dBV
Input impedance   8.5kΩ or higher
Analog audio output   
Line output (unbalanced)   
LINE OUT jack   
Connectors   1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Nominal output level   -14dBV
Maximum output level   +6dBV
Output impedance   200Ω
Headphone output   
Headphone jack   
Connectors   1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Mini jack
Maximum output   45mW + 45mW
(THD+N 0.1% or less, into 32Ω)
Built-in speaker   0.4W (mono)
Control input/output ratings   
USB port   
Connectors   USB Type-C
Format   USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
Bluetooth® device connector   For Bluetooth® adapter (AK-BT1) only
Power   4 AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH or Lithium-ion)
USB bus power from a computer
TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately)
Power consumption   7.5W (maximum)
Dimensions   83 (W) × 205.6 (H) × 41.5 (D) mm
※including protrusions
Weight   472g / 381g (with/without batteries)

[DavidPuddy]

Looks pretty cool actually. I don't love the idea of doing everything on a screen but they should sell a lot of these if the price is right.

[gaijin]

Looks pretty cool actually. I don't love the idea of doing everything on a screen but they should sell a lot of these if the price is right.

Agree.  On the flip side it looks like you get access to a near complete set of controls on the phone app, which is fantastic for 

I would imagine they would use at least DR100MKIII or greater quality preamp circuitry - if that's true, that's a great thing, as that is a very highly reviewed preamp.

[gaijin]

It looks like the mics are removable - been waiting for this on the Sonys since the D1.

[gaijin]

Love that they got rid of the internal Li-on approach from the DR100MKIII as well.  4 AA and that's it.

[gaijin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL7NLcJZjcE&ab_channel=RobertDudzic

[heva]

Interesting device, though perhaps more geared as video/dslr add-on
DR100mkiii has short batterylife on 2AA's with ext.mics on p48 - I like the internal battery
X8 has no HD audio freqs (88.2/176.4) and no digital i/o

[gaijin]

Interesting device, though perhaps more geared as video/dslr add-on
DR100mkiii has short batterylife on 2AA's with ext.mics on p48 - I like the internal battery
X8 has no HD audio freqs (88.2/176.4) and no digital i/o

Interesting take on the video / dslr thing - are those people actually using 6 or 8 channels?!?

Agreed the life on 2AA is too short on MKIII - 4 here is a different story though.  Also this has USB bus power option (and will charge simultaneously via battery pack with Eneloops instead of alkaline AAs for example).  Even without that, it may be a hassle for festival guys but for me (most maybe?) 4+ hour contiguous recording sessions are unlikely.

Fair point about audio frequency options, though this won't be an issue for me (most concert tapers, maybe?)

Agreed on digital IO - if you're looking for a bitbucket, there are definitely better, smaller devices for this task.

[hoserama]

Looks very promising. Functionally similar to the Zoom H6, but improvements on size, cell phone connectivity, 32-bit, etc. Thinking it might finally replace the Tascam 2D as a small multitrack recorder, although it is a bit bigger (not huge though).

Being able to disconnect the mics is really nice. Zoom H6 could remove the mics, but you needed a module on there if you wanted the 5/6 input. This one at least has a built-in 1/8" stereo input that can be used for the 5/6.

[BonoBeats]

Seems solid, though personally, 32 bit is most beneficial for stealth, when I'm trying to not constantly monitor levels; this is a bit too large. I really just want 32 bit in a R07/A10 type unit.

[DavidPuddy]

Seems solid, though personally, 32 bit seems most beneficial for stealth, when I'm trying to not constantly monitor levels; this seems a bit too large. I really just want 32 bit in a R07/A10 type unit.

Yeah, that's what I'm waiting for as well

[voltronic]

Marking. Looks very interesting. Those of you who record loud shows and/or have very sensitive mics with a hot output will want to invest in some inline pads, as max input level is +2 dBu with the combo inputs set to MIC. When set to LINE it's +24 dBu, but it's unclear if you can run phantom power in line mode. You can do that on the Zoom F6 which is a really neat and somewhat rare feature.

No EIN specified, but the other specs look quite good.
https://tascam.jp/us/product/portacapture_x8/spec

[fireonshakedwnstreet]

Looks very nice.

[udovdh]

Less 'aerodynamic' than an M10.
Bulk of mics should be gone.
192 Khz?
32 bit is cool though.

[WiFiJeff]

Plug-in power is only 2.5V (Tascam rep's answer to my question).