Best Settings for the Tascam X8 Audio Recorder

[@whoismatt]

😁 Hope this helps you record that crispy 32 bit float audio! Oh, and this video was colored with my presets, get them here - whoismatt.com/luts

[@tylerjslattery]

Do you know if your can turn off the separate "mixed" file if you're not using it. I haven't tried yet, but it takes up a lot of space

[@Jaani071]

Wich AA BATTERY good Sir Rechargeable

[@devin_leary]

If anyone noticed, becuase I noticed after recording myself with these settings. Matt forgot to mention that he's only recording on the Left channel. You can change it to mono on the top of the mixer screen.

[@KierenLefevre]

Matt!! I absolutely love your videos. As a filmmaker myself it is so difficult to find unbiased content in this space right now. I love that I can trust your content to be raw, unbiased and field tested. Keep up the good work. 😁

[@whoismatt]

Thanks so much! 😁👍

[@xhefriguitars7946]

Hey Thanks! I watched a lot of videos on the X8 and this was what I was looking for - the basic set up for multi track recording with out a lot of information that was not needed.

[@diegopisante]

I watched this a year ago this video when you launched, in January I watched it again before purchasing the X8, and now watched it again just to make sure I will have the correct settings for the wedding tomorrow...I also bought the recommended cables on the affiliate links.

[@andrewsweeney7399]

Recording with the X8 this afternoon, this could not have come out at a perfect time!! Thank you, Matt!!

[@whoismatt]

Awesome!

[@RedeemedProductions]

Thanks for this! Shot a wedding last week with it and I had to spend countless time figuring all this stuff out 😂

[@wrealestate8778]

Great video. Thank you. I have no idea why to use a device like this, maybe in the future you be so kind and make a video on why and how you use it at work.

[@eggsrsweet]

Just got my Tascam X8 and ready to use it on a wedding this weekend! Can't wait!

[@lorawaloski]

Thank you so much for this video - I'm having to patch into a sound board for the first time this weekend, and the Tascam manual leaves much to be desired!

[@ruizj0hn]

Hey Matt, thank you for all your videos! I learn so much from your setups. I recently picked up the Tascam X8. Idk if you still use this but i am trying to see if you can help me with an issue. I went over this entire video for the setup to be identical. I noticed that i still get a MIXED file of on my Sd card even though i literally only have one input one for recording. I also turn off stereo link. Is there a way for me to turn off that feature to have a mixed file? It’s just eating up space in my SD card

[@GarCorStudio]

Just got my Tascam… Great tutorial Matt, thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@peterbear2929]

Nicely explained Matt. Easy to follow but plenty of necessary detail. Thanks.

[@GarrattPowers]

Thank you for that very informative lesson. You made it not so intimidating =) Looking forward to seeing more of your content.

[@tylerjslattery]

We got the X8 after your recommendation to replace our zoom h5 for this season. So excited. Also been using it recording interviews for our Documentary Film and... Wow.. it's amazing.

[@paulgero]

Very helpful, as always Matt....I think this recorder has my name on it!

[@themaker1000000]

Many thanks for the video Very helpful. Question: I saw that your upper microphone shows 2 separate channels, why are they connected on my recorder ??? Thanks

[@keith-knittel]

I've been loving the X8! Just picked one up for field recording and so excited for the buffer the 32-bit float gives me.Filming car videos and gain has always been a tough call, have a feeling this may save me a time or two! One thing I've noticed is that when I'm using an XLR mic, the X8 is only recording the right channel and I have to mix them in post. My H6 records the same mic & settings in stereo.. Going to dig into this a little later but have you ran into this before?

[@whoismatt]

Try turning in the stereo mix switch in the input settings and see if that fixes it

[@paulfrederick7323]

Actually on the mixer page, on top it says “master” . Touch that or the main meters to the right (not at my unit now) and it will give you the option for stereo and mono! That was a HUGE find on my part as it records mono to both left and right!

[@keith-knittel]

@@paulfrederick7323 Awesome, I will try this when I get back to my recorder! I was looking for a setting like that but didnt see it in the main menu (Or I glossed right over it, just got the unit - very possible!) Thanks for the help @matt WhoisMatt Johnson and @Paul Frederick !

[@paulfrederick7323]

@@keith-knittel I just checked, you have to hit the "MASTER" square and then it pops up with Stereo or Mono. It doesnt record to both channels but instead, records just a MONO output file. Still helpful as it doesnt record to the left or right only of a stereo channel.

[@ricr.4669]

remember always go to your "master" when it comes to audio recording!

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

Is it possible to simultaneously record sound to an SD card in 32 bit quality on the tascam device and record the sound of the camera on the smartphone when it is connected via usb c, when the smartphone automatically recognizes it?

[@Kroess]

This works for me with an iPad and USB-C connection. I tried with the RØDE reporter app. In this case, I had to select a sample rate of 44,1 kHz on the X8 though. Otherwise the recorder says "USB FS Mismatch".

[@tomharmon7516]

You posted this question sometime ago. I’m wondering if you ever figured it out. I’m wanting to do the same thing I think. That is, I want to use the X8 to record audio of my band playing and have it attached to my iPhone 13 to film video, hopefully that is synchronized with the audio without Post. Were you able to do that? I don’t see that Matt answers any of these so anybody is welcome to answer if you can help me.

[@tomharmon7516]

I’m adding a little further explanation here: I use the USB-C port to plug in my power bank so I don’t have to worry about using batteries. The X8 Owners manual doesn’t give much of an explanation about how to connect the X8 to a smart phone. I presume you use the line out 1/8 inch jack that then goes to my iPhone 13 (lightning connector). I was not able to find this cable. I admit I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for since the 1/8 inch plug can have one, two, or three rings. And I don’t know which one to use. Plus they’re not many male 1/8 inch to male lightning cables that I could find on the Internet. Plus, the owners manual indicates that it has to be a cable that is good for Communication or data transmission, not for charging. I’m wondering if I’m missing something here.

[@jordanbey870]

Hi Matt..I like to transfer the rcorded audio in the Tascam to my Samsung S23 phone..

[@ianpreece6391]

great video thanks! I've just bought the X8 and have a shoot coming up where they plan to use Tentacle Sync and send me audio timecode to sync up later in post. How do I mute the timecode monitor channel so I don't have it coming through the headphones??

[@film-manufaktur]

The Soundquality with my Rode NTG5 is on a very high level. But the 2 plastic Capsules on the Top of the Tascam are very cheap built. I broke mine the first time, when I removed theme. The 3,5 mm metall Stick remains into the input.

[@whoismatt]

😱 might try emailing Tascam about it

[@HIPHOPSINCE1987TV]

Anybody use this as an audio interface for music with vocal tracks?

[@tomharmon7516]

Yes , I do!

[@mpark1206]

Helpful as always. Thanks for posting

[@llvideos6268]

you helped me A LOT!!! thank you soooo much Mr. Beard!!! :)

[@fazmanicg]

great Vid. Line level when you are getting a signal from a mixing console

[@EPPhotography502]

Hey Matt! Do you have a similar video or setting up your H4n or H5?

[@jayarmstrong7621]

Do you have to do all this just to record. Let's say you already pre-selected everything you need the next time you turn it on do you have to redo all that again or is it in the memory redy2go ?

[@fernandobonenfantphotography]

How do you deal with the audio track after ite been recorded ?!? I'd like to reduce the volume as sound guy had the audio at -3 and the audio is bad 😢 .

[@compadresfilmco]

So no need to dual record? I’m nervous lol

[@MagargeeFilms]

What does the mix down feature do? And the punch I/O?

[@AngieMeadKing]

That was helpful!

[@al4video]

Wouldn’t your input be line if you are coming out of a sound board?

[@haroldhoeffelman1939]

I see in your manual app 8 bars. 7 and 8 have dashes. Which ports are these. In my Manual v1.32 these ports are not mentioned. Having the last firmware 1.33. So it is weird.

[@PizzlesTechTime]

Does anyone use the stereo mics even if you are in a quiet environment like a home office? Adding an audio recorder has made audio quality better but also introduces so many more problems. I feel like I'm having more and more issues with audio

[@nilsdresemann2517]

Hey! Do you know if it's possible to record different channels to one file with multiple tracks. Whenever I record i get every track as an individual file, which makes sorting everything a pain.

[@MotoHead]

Have you managed to make this recorder work by plugging in a lav mic or the output from a wireless receiver with the standard 3.5mm jack instead of XLR? I can't make it work and nobody seems to be mentioning this at all in any of the reviews!

[@Kroess]

I connect the RØDE Wireless GO II via 3.5 mm to the "EXT IN" and have it on tracks 5 & 6 for example. Lav mics like the RØDE Lavalier GO work directly on the ports 1 & 2 instead of the capsules and get plug-in power from there.

[@njweddingstudio]

Great video, as always! Matt, would you be open to providing a RAW audio file in a 32-bit float? I would like to play with the file on my computer before I commit to buying this audio recorder.

[@ric2play]

can inputs 1 and 2 be used for other audio than the mics?

[@joelmartinez6476]

Hey Matt. Love the video. It's super helpful. I'm loving it too. I'm wondering if you know how to turn off the mixed track? I can't find this anywhere. I just want to record my one track to save space. Also, if i'm only recording one track. I don't need a mixed one taking up more data. If you could help, that would be amazing!

[@nickrolledup]

Hey Joel, I'm trying to do the same thing. Did you ever figure this out?

[@joelmartinez6476]

@@nickrolledup I emailed Tascam support and they said “The mix tracks feature cannot be disabled. We will forward your comments to our engineering department for consideration as part of a possible future firmware update.” That was as of September 2022. Maybe if enough people email they will include this in a firmware update. Seems like they can do this.

[@bille77]

Does the device keep up with a professional recording periphery? I wonder if it's capable of recording a drumkit using all 8 mics/tracks at once. Thanks from Germany! 😊

[@27kyle27]

Are you able to record with an external XLR with the built in stereo mics?

[@АлександрБирюков-н2л]

Thank's man! This is a very helpful video

[@ads3453]

Are the pre-amps as good as the zoom f3 ?

[@AndreCorreaNow]

Can we remove the capsules on channels 1 and 2 and use a wireless mic like the Rode Wireless Go with a 3.5 plug? Thanks in advance, for any info you can provide, and congrats on another great video.

[@Kroess]

You would rather connect the Wireless GO to the 3.5 mm "EXT IN" and assign it to your preferred tracks.

[@JTIZZO]

I have questions, if you are willing to help? First, why did you choose 48 for the sample rate? If you aren't using dual record or MP3 format, why not use 192? Or 1 step down from 192 (due to rumors of a hum above the range of human hearing with 192). Why is 48 a better choice than any other option? Second, why do you record 1 channel per input? For example, in your video you appear to be recording left channel through input 3. Would it be better to set 3 and 4 to both be mono? Or would you change your opinion to make it stereo linked? For me I am recording left and right from a sound board. 3: I don't understand using mic instead of line from a sound board. If I assume you are correct on this, I suppose it doesn't matter which input you use, but is it relevant that 5-6 have higher input levels at line than 3-4 do?

[@Kroess]

3: I would also try "LINE" (and typically "INPUT GAIN: LOW") first when recording from anything which is not a mic.

[@TaraHarpPhotography]

I need help setting it with camera output

[@levonlooper5812]

sorry can you help me? if I put the reverb in mixdown in the manual app and record the song I hear it in the headphones. When I listen to the song again I hear it without the effect, why? Thank you

[@JesusPursuit]

Just got x6, I can’t get volume even close to normal. Using phantom power but I have to boost gain all the up and still barely at -12 if I’m lucky. What am I doing wrong ?

[@anakifilms]

Are you sure the output is MIC level for a DJ soundboard? DJ outputs are line level, which is much stronger, so you should go with line level.

[@christianwagnerfilms]

Great video guide as always! Which SD card size can you recommend? Is 32GB enough if you are recording 32bit float audio files?

[@cadamente]

Whats the best wind killer for the Tascam x8?

[@BarefootMediaTV]

can i run multiple rode link lavalieres into this? I guess with a 3.5mm to xlr adapter for each one?

[@Kroess]

You can directly connect those mics to the ports 1 & 2 instead of the capsules. An active adapter like the RØDE VXLR+ or VXLR Pro work on ports 3 to 6 with phantom power enabled.

[@BarefootMediaTV]

@@Kroess yes i got those exact adapters and it has worked great! love this recorder.

[@Kroess]

@@BarefootMediaTV Me too. Coming from an old ZOOM recorder, the touchscreen alone makes it so much more of a joy to use in my opinion.

[@babybrown4289]

Cheers for this mate - quick question… Being as there is a big-a$$ touch screen, does the X8 allow you to name your files before or after recording? Would be an organizational game changer when doing field recordings on a guerilla-type shoot. Thanks again for your content!

[@ChestiiPrinAmerica]

Came from another tutorial where it showed you can pre rename files for better organization.

[@jimmieroberts4430]

Can you bounce multi tracks down to one?

[@shawntkinney13]

Can anyone help me!? I have a lav mic plugged straight into 1st channel and then I have rode wireless go 2 plugged into audio in which is two different mics and when I pull up audio on computer it’s all on one track. I’d like to have all three different voices on completely separate tracks?

[@logangardner3310]

Does anybody know how to use the metronome while recording? It doesn’t make sense to me, but the metronome app doesn’t persist, shutting down once back is selected. It doesn’t come back once a recoding is started either

[@choose2behappy699]

Hi Matt, I hope u are doing well! Thank you for ur awesome and helpful videos! Although my question is not due to ur today's topic I am sure that u can help me out: What steps do I have to go, what do I have to do in order to get my first client? What I do? I offer the production of high quality videos in vertical format. I offer also writing copy text. I am based in Germany, Munich. Thank a lot! Choose 2 be happy and stay blessed!

[@vicosuave4real]

Hey Matt, if im connecting 1/4 cable with 1/4 split ends from the mixer to the x8, do i link the 3-4 imputs? Or should i just leave them unlinked? I recently had a situation where the DJ connected to the audio mixer 1/4 headphone jack to my x8 recorder with 1/4 split ends on my side and i linked the 3-4 inputs and my audio came out with so much static, theres no recovering that 🥲. Where did i mess up?

[@Kroess]

The mixer's headphone out is less than ideal, obviously. You could at least try to connect such an output (with volume turned down!) to the 3.5 mm "EXT IN". Did you get static like white noise or something like a 50/60 Hz hum?

[@MJ101]

Really helpful thank you!

[@m0nztam0nk]

Thanks for the short guide…but…why are we setting gain levels again? Wasnt the entire point of 32bit float to be „safe“ and basically eliminating the need to set the gain levels? Am i just missing something here? Grateful for anyone that could explain it to me…

[@gshah921]

it's like shooting a flat profile on your camera, yeah you have more flexibility in the post to fix colors but it's always better to dial it in as close as possible while recording so you don't have to tweak much later.

[@nteeuwen]

If the gain is set to high and the recorder shows it peaking, will I still be able to recover the sound using 32-bit float or will the audio be clipped? When recording a theater performance its not always clear how loud the applause will end up being, which is often the loudest part of the performance. If setting the gain too high will still cause clipping in 32 bit float, then this is not desirable.

[@supjay3945]

Was the audio in this video from the x8?

[@edimarfsatumbo5675]

Thanks a lotttt ❤❤❤❤

[@Jaani071]

Lots Off Respect 🙏💯💯❤️❤️

[@squidskunk]

what external power supply can be used with the X8..?

[@whoismatt]

Any usb c power brick

[@rosyaugust7095]

32 bit is crispy and great for weeding recording

[@MSBelov1]

DJ soundboard is LINE level

[@ScarmackProductions]

My X8 always seems to be way too loud when I plug into the receptions speakers. I usually turn it manually ALL the way down and it still peaks. I've even asked the DJ if they had a line control adjustment to turn it down and he said he couldn't as it would mess with his output levels. I never seemed to have had issues with my Zoom H5, but this X8 is soo loud. I've tried input Line and mic, both loud. Input gain low, everything else off, and still loud. Crazy

[@Kroess]

And does the recording actually clip and distort when you use 32 bit resolution?

[@ScarmackProductions]

@@Kroess It does

[@Kroess]

@@ScarmackProductions What kind of output jacks do the reception speakers have?

[@ScarmackProductions]

@@Kroess XLR usually

[@Kroess]

@@ScarmackProductions So "LINE" with "INPUT GAIN: LOW" should definitely be the correct setting for the inputs. Which software do you use to listen to the recordings?

[@jordanbrookins9504]

Hey man, still think the tascam x8 is a better buy then the zoom f3 since its $150 less?

[@whoismatt]

Hoping to get an f3 soon to test and compare

[@pierrevaldema3041]

Do you need an attenuator to connect it to the DJ board?

[@mirrorlessmemory]

No you can use an XLR to 1/4 cable

[@whoismatt]

Nope

[@EverWhereFilms]

Dude, just watched to to double check I didn't do anything wrong. I just used this for two back to back weddings and there are no files. If I hit record button (with the correct input red) the record light flashes. When I hit stop and check the browse app there is nothing there. Nothing if I put the SD directly on the computer. I used it to record forest sounds a couple weeks ago... I'm glad I always have backups on backups. Just venting, I don't need help troubleshooting.

[@EverWhereFilms]

Just figured it out. A flashing red light doesn't mean it's recording. The tutorial disrupted my recording, it wouldn't move me forward in the process so every time I hit record nothing would happen except it reminding me to set my gain levels. That's an annoying quirk. That's going to cost me some time.

[@EriStand4ever]

Wow... Thank you!

[@davidzevharris]

Thank you!

[@howlingatthemic737]

THANK YOU!!!

[@martyjames6204]

many thanks

[@zariamultimedia]

What are the exact specifications on the micro sd cards that the Tascam X8 will accept? Out of three micro sd cards that I just tried to use in my brand new X8, it is not accepting two of them but they work fine in my drone and my DR-10L. Anybody know what the magic combination of specs is or what cards are you using? 1. Sandisk 32GB A1 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10 = This works 2. Sandisk 128GB A1 / UHS-I / V10 / U1 / Class 10 = This will not work 3. Sandisk 256GB A2 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10 = This will not work

[@babybrown4289]

You should check but… it may have a 32GB limit - hence only the 32GB card working…

[@michaelmourek3879]

Thanks

[@nogoodnecktie12]

this is only 399 now do you still recommend this ?

[@babybrown4289]

Just bought for $299

[@michaelmourek3879]

Continuous Play - all recordings HOW ? Good question ? HOW?

[@Bcwilderness]

seems overkill for a wedding and more attention needed for bands as that is when you need to be carefull with phamtom power for mics dynamic ribbon being 2, the mixer is there for band situations and the x8 with less inputs maybe for film guys i would say

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Hi, are you a gamer and have the X8? Use it as a user interface for Discord :)

[@haroldhoeffelman1939]

Oh no, my fault. I see ports 1 and 2 are not selected. Sorry forget my stupid question-:)

[@noveltycrusade]

Hey comment section, is this thing any good??

[@robertsaca3512]

You really should be explaining functions (especially compressor) instead of advising 'trust me keep them turned off". Those functions can be handy for some people in some situations. Also you're confusing gain and trim.

[@petrub27]

Actualy the manual mode is complicated. Much easier with the other mods

[@truboston]

Glory to Ukraine🇺🇦

[@wenbv]

Very helpful, thanks!