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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: Melanie on December 06, 2024, 10:44:37 AM
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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
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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.
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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?
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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).
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used dr-680 would get the job done. maybe rocksuitcase or someone else will sell you one of theirs
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Thanks for all replies, probably going to get this unit. Bob
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Will be curious to hear your thoughts about it, if you do.
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Will be curious to hear your thoughts about it, if you do.
Will do.
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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.