Tascam Portacapture X6 First Look & Comparison to X8

[@adlerweb]

For those searching along @ 09:09 - You can choose between internal mic, external mic, EXT IN and USB with the limitation of not being able to use internal mic and EXT IN at the same time. EXT IN is always considered a linked stereo input. Most settings can be applied per input.

[@JamesWilliam70]

I completely agree, I love the smaller form factor of the X6 but why oh why get rid of the XLR combo jacks. Looks like I'm going to get the X8 just for more versatile jacks as I mainly use TRS 1/4 on my instruments.

[@RobertHamm]

Yeah, I don't know why they did it. They couldn't have saved a lot of money, so it was probably to position home recordists at the X8.

[@mrdavidplumb]

Great video thanks Robert - I hadn't noticed the X6 mics were not removable so you've saved me a pain having to return!

[@RobertHamm]

Yeah, they are not removable. That's a strange omission on Tascam's part. It just seems like an odd cost cutting measure. I often use the X8 without the mics attached.cheers.

[@mrdavidplumb]

@@RobertHamm also the limitation of sample rate seems odd - I don’t think they would use different A/D convertors as it wouldn’t make sense cost wise… I think that must be a software limitation to ensure the ‘top spec’ of the X8 - I think you’re absolutely right currently with the price difference between the two and the relative size being similar (especially with no ability to remove the mics) it’s a slightly pointless downgrade… the fact that it’s 6 channels instead of 8 should be enough of a limitation without unnecessarily introducing others that seem to be purely selfish business decisions rather than end user….

[@RobertHamm]

Exactly, and it's not 6 input tracks, it's 4 input tracks and two stereo recordings of the 4 input tracks. Those inputs are limited because you can't remove the L and R inputs. So, in practice, a used will only be able to connect two XLR mics to the X6. Since the jacks aren't combo jacks, you can't even use it to record your guitar unless it's with the onboard mics. The X8 is similar with the 8 tracks, two are stereo mix down tracks in addition to the 6 usable interchangable inputs. As for the sample rates, beats me. It seems like a big downgrade to me. Maybe they are trying to compete with the Zoom H4n Pro. Cheers.

[@MarkKhaz]

Hey! Just got the X8 and stumbled onto this video - you have great insight! Can you please share the link for the foam mic covers you have on the X8? (And do you think those will be a better option for at-home music/vocal recording than the "dead cat" (?) that you can get to reduce wind noise?) Also, I know the mics come off on the X8, but I haven't really had much luck finding alternative mic options - any you've found that you'd recommend? Thanks so much!!

[@apostolicbible1]

For someone who is only doing podcasting the X6 fill all of my needs for $110.00 less than the X8. I also have the ZOOM F3 which I hate because of its convoluted menu and eight buttons to push with various variations.

[@razcarsey6635]

7:40 I think you sort of confused sample rate and and bitrate here. The 128k/192k/256k on the chart refers to bitrate. When it comes to sample rate, MP3s don't ever go above a 48kHz.

[@RobertHamm]

I did, But I figured people would still understand what I talk about. None of my videos are scripted and sometimes that happens. Cheers.

[@Jloudr]

For the X8 or the X6, i see lot's of pros with the X8 than the X6 honestly, but on the otherhand most of my time I might hold the recorder with the hot shoe on camera, would like to know if the X8 too heavy and too bulky if on top of camera.

[@RobertHamm]

It's bulky, but not too heavy for a camera.

[@nictheartist]

Would the X6 be ok on top of a GH5?

[@hypocriticalreject9746]

Are you sure the mic capsules don't come off on the X6? I did come across a site that were saying that they were removable.

[@RobertHamm]

They are not removable. Page 17 in the manual. Turn and swivel to switch from AB to XY. Unlike the Tascam X8, unlock, remove and switch to change stereo patterns.

[@navpreetsingh8156]

How can you comment on the x6 when you don't have one?

[@RobertHamm]

Do you have an opinion about something you don't own? I think these kind of questions are stupid. The information I presented is based on my extensive use of the X8 (the design from which the X6 is conceived), a specification compariaon between the devices, and my experience with audio field recording in general. That's how I can compare the two devices.

[@petrub27]

sure, but you name d the video first look

[@RobertHamm]

Yeah, it's my First look at the producet.. that's why it's not a review. They announced it, I looked at it.

[@mikewyatt7075]

Great review - thanks

[@RobertHamm]

Very welcome

[@JakeSlaughterr]

Good video! ❤

[@timelessamor]

Would you get the tascam dr70d over the x8?

[@RobertHamm]

No. Absolutely not.

[@romi2910001]

Is it posible to make the xlr imputs into outputs? Thanks

[@RobertHamm]

No. They are individual inputs, not outputs.

[@jinhanja8185]

i believe the unit has an output that uses standard TRS so you can use to listen to the audio as it's being recorded or output directly to camera if you wish

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

@@jinhanja8185what’s a TRS?

[@jinhanja8185]

@@MyVideos-fm7ug headphone jack

[@BertFlanders]

Choosing the X6 over the X8 saves you 100 $/Euro and gives a lifetime of regret you didn't buy the X8.

[@bernios3446]

And why is that regret? What does the X6 miss?

[@gabrieldragan2929]

hello master, I need some advice, which recorder do you recommend to record live music directly from the mixer on which the band plays via rca cable?

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks, but I'm not a master. The recorder really doesn't matter as long as you are familiar with how to use it. You will want to record in a minimum of 24Bit 48Khz if you don't plan to master the recording. Keep an eye on your levels and use multi track safety recording just in case. If you want to master the recording you should bump the sample rates up to 96Khz or more. If you have 32bit float and can record at 192Khz, then do that. Zoom F3, H6, F8n, and Tascam Portacapture X6 or X8 come to mind as good medium prove around 200-400 bucks. That rca cable has me worried, though. Generally, RCA cables are for short runs straight of the board and are unbalanced. That's not something you want, especially if the cable is 10 feet or longer. It'll grab noise. A lot of it the longer the cable is. The board should have an XLR out. That's what your going to need for a balanced signal. If you only have RCA output, then get a short cable. That will be less noisy overall. If you can pay more for a balanced RCA cable- they exist- do it. Otherwise buy some mics and mic the whole band. Get a 6 input recorder, some dynamic mics for the drums and amp cabinets and a couple of sondenser mics for the vocals and you will be good to go. Go cheap the first time around. Mic placement is more important than expensive mic. Make sure to get a good recorder, though.

[@mcentertain]

You are not willing to carry another cable and that makes the x6 a bad device? This is ridiculous. Very bad video review thumbs down.

[@craigmhamm]

Do you do professional field recording? Having to add yet another cable/adapter that you need to remember is a pain. This is absolutely a valid criticism.

[@evabalko7885]

You used the word 'stupid' about a question. I am sad to see that. May be you should start the critic with yourself. You made a 22 min. video with 10-15 min. info. Coming at you just a moment' ? Why don't you just start a video after the 'moment' ? :) Don't you notice that you keep repeating yourself? You work with audio and your mic. level was gone down for a while. You did not pay attention? This is really the best you can do?

[@RobertHamm]

Your channel doesn't have any videos. Go out and make something. Post it here. I'll watch it and give you feedback. I'm waiting..

[@evabalko7885]

I am glad you take the critic relatively well :) I do not need your feedback. I know much more qualified people. You make far to many basic mistakes for being a good critic. I do not take back anything, but I add that your video was useful for me although very unefficient. If you would be doctor many of your patients .... I think what ever you do you should try to be the vest you can be. I do not think you ... (That is a complement :) (I do not know what others published)