Topic: Looking for input on recorder choice

[Melanie]

We are considering purchasing a Tascam Portacapture X8 for recording with a board feed and microphone mix. We thought about a Sound Device Mixpre but out of our budget. The ability to remix levels of individual inputs after recording is a must as I don't want to be limited to levels set during recording. Any thoughts on ease of operation? We have 3 recorders now, a Tascam DR40, Dr 100mklll, and a Tascam HD P2. Our mics are Shoeps V4, DPA 4080, and Nakamichi 701. The price of $400 seems really good compared to $1200 for the mixpre. The floating 32 bit thing is new to me but everyone here seems to like that feature. A Sony A10 is in our future as  scans at the door are getting worse and the X8 would be for open recording situations. Bob

[rocksuitcase]

I looked at 2 reviews of this product each of which are in favor, price point vs features.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tascam-portacapture-x8

six channels of mics, only 4 XLR, but a good recorder imo having just read the reviews
it's a long review covering stuff we are interested in.

So, while there are inevitably some minor quibbles, I regard the Portacapture X8 as a fine piece of kit. It's also excellent value for money at the current asking price. Reader, I bought one. 

[Gutbucket]

Primarily..
How many channels do you need?
Do you plan to run more than one pair of your mics at a time?
Do you want to use the built-in preamps only or run an external pre?
Straight stereo SBD or more than two chs for that?

Secondarily..
How important is modern feature set stuff to you?
Remote monitoring/transport control by phone?
32-bit float recording?

[DavidPuddy]

If you only need 4 channels, I think a first gen Mixpre 3 is a great option. Recent sales on ebay are around $400 or so and there is an update you can buy on the SD website for $79 to expand to 5 ISO channels (3 XLR + stereo 3.5mm).

[kindms]

used dr-680 would get the job done.  maybe rocksuitcase or someone else will sell you one of theirs

[Melanie]

Thanks for all replies, probably going to get this unit. Bob

[Gutbucket]

Will be curious to hear your thoughts about it, if you do.

[Melanie]

Will be curious to hear your thoughts about it, if you do.

Will do.

[goodcooker]

First version 24 bit Mixpre 6 show up used often at the $500 price point. I love mine. Easy to power, sounds great, super flexible, small and light.

If you don't need 32 bit it can't be beat for the going used price.