Tascam Announce New-Generation High-Resolution Multitrack Handheld Recorder

Tascam has announced the Portacapture X8, its latest generation portable eight-track audio recorder. The handy device enables recordings with 32-bit floating point resolution and sampling rates up to 192 kHz and is operated via a 3.5-inch (8.9 cm) touchscreen. Thanks to the intuitive Launcher feature, the user can easily select from a range of recoding apps that offer the best audio settings based on the recording scenario, enabling them to get started quickly without having to wade through complicated menus. At time of launch, the device offers six configurations for a wide variety of recording uses, including multitrack recording, interview, podcast, music recording and field recording. Tascam has also included ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), which is popular in certain communities for recording unusual, sensual sounds.

The Portacapture X8 comes with two detachable microphones with 14.6-mm diaphragms that can be mounted in either AB or XY orientation. Together with Tascam’s proprietary HDDA preamplifiers, they are said to provide the best conditions for excellent recordings. In addition, there are four XLR/TRS combo jacks for microphone and line level signals as well as Aux In and Line Out, which can optionally serve as audio input and output for a camera. The level of the camera output can be adjusted to the requirements of the respective model, whilst functions for marks and slate tones are also available.

The DSP functions of the Portacapture X8 include compressor, limiter, low-cut filter, noise gate, reverb, automatic level adjustment and more. Settings can be made via simplified or advanced pages within the user interface. Tascam has also made provision for a remote control: if the user connects the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter into the device and installs the free Portacapture Control app, they can control their recordings from practically any Android or iOS device.

The combination of an 8-channel recorder (6 tracks + stereo mix) and a USB interface with eight inputs and two outputs makes the new Tascam Portacapture X8 a fully equipped handheld recorder that offers a wealth of possibilities, both independently and in combination with a computer. For monitoring, a built-in loudspeaker is available in addition to the headphones output. The Portacapture X8 can be used with microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards with up to 512 GBytes.

www.tascam.co.uk

 

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