TASCAM Portacapture X6: An Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Little Problem

[@NetvoTV]

What do you think of Zoom M3? For some reason their popular F3 field recorder also have Bluetooth toggle, becuase of that I thought it's something to do with technology limitation that the signal can't go out or without it will make the mic won't catch the signal but then Sony recorder has Bluetooth build in I think, by the way I do like the mono backlight screen on F3 compare to the smartphone screen on the Tascam, the mono screen is more grounded and retro feel and they say it's clearer to look at on sunny day too! By the way, I need some advices, I want a stereo mix to put on top of a camcorder to shoot everyday and KZbin videos, also mics that can record mono and stereo to sample sounds for music and games, my original plan is to get Sennheiser MKE 440 stereo mic, MKE 600 shotgun mic, Line Audio CM4 pencil condenser mic and recorder will be either Deity HD-TX or Zoom F3, but I not sure the slight differences in quality matter and not just get a good enough convenient mic like Zoom M3 that has shotgun, stereo mic and a recorder in one plus I learnt that pencil condenser mic and shotgun mic are same thing and just without and with the sides vents, if that so I can just cover them up with a little on top exposed will make the shotgun become pencil condenser right? Should I get all that or just one M3, maybe get the F3 and CM4 pair as well? I see some people shoot directly with the recorder build in stereo mic, some KZbinr musician even just use Teenage Engineering device build in mic to sample, if these are good enough, should I just use a recorder too, how one know when it's good enough and when need to step up? By the way, I do like

[@MaxoticsTV]

I agree with you, a monochrome screen is all you need/want. I'm not a professional audio engineer so my advice on microphones should be taken lightly. In general, I find that picking the right type of microphone is 40%, positioning the microphone is 40% of the difference in audio quality, setting the analog gain 15% and the last 5% the quality of the microphone, these days. I have yet to buy a really nice microphone, try it out, and find myself blown away. Perhaps I have bad ears. You don't want to cover up the vents because the microphone is designed with them in mind. Of course, if it sounds good, screw that advice ;) Thanks for watching and I wish I could be more help!

[@elizeusantos93]

@@NetvoTV if you want ambient sound just pick something to put over your camera, like rodes vlogs mic or sennheiser! But if you’re wanting real clean audio, forget about placing microphone on the top of your camera, that is just for scratch audio! Choose a lav mic instead. Like; Tascam dr-10 pro, Zoom F2 or Tentacle Sync E! With all my disappointments I would still pick my Tascam X8 (Hate to love it) it gives me 6 inputs, being 4XLRs with independent phantom power, pretty clean preamps… despite the software joke stuff, I also can get high quality audio with the built in mics

[@Jiglo71]

I was looking at the X8 (for the combi sockets) and the R4. There aren't any videos of the X8 or X6 for recording a diverse range of instruments, even after maybe 2 years of release, so i've been sat on the fence for over a year waiting for one and and now the R4 has come along and it's half the price. The X8 looks to offer more features, but I think you've helped me to make up my mind that it isn't a Tascam X-.

[@RandumbTech]

32-bit float is a complete racket? Have you never clipped unrecoverable 24-bit? Review seems pretty harsh for the price point.

[@MaxoticsTV]

One can want 32-bit float to prevent clipping all they want that doesn't mean it will do it. I explain in detail here. If I've missed something please tell me. Thanks! maxrottersman.medium.com/the-three-types-of-microphone-clipping-explained-d23ad13a60f7?source=friends_link&sk=2741a5e36687099eb740aa92b80fa8c1

[@RandumbTech]

@@MaxoticsTVInteresting article. The biggest benefit of 32-bit float is there is no gain staging involved because there is so much dynamic range. As a solo content creator, it’s impossible for me to actively manage my audio levels while filming. I appreciate that some 24-bit recorders have limiters built in, but the vast majority of the handheld ones don’t. Instead they offer safety tracks which is a huge pain in post. Having used both 24 and 32-bit recorders in the real world, everything else being comparable, I’d choose the 32-bit one every time. It’s saved me more times than I care to mention. 😂

[@MaxoticsTV]

@@RandumbTech "Gain staging" to me is just a fancy name for knowing what you're doing ;) That includes understanding how signal modifiers behave, which is everything between the microphone and the end recording (or production). However, knowing how something "behaves" isn't the same as knowing how it's working. If one uses 32-bit float in their workflow and it works better for them than 24-bit it isn't necessarily because 32-bit float is doing something better than 24-bit. I can happen because the person has learned how to get the behavior they want out of that particular equipment. That's why I also preface everything I say with "if it works for you i do not dispute it!" Most people don't want to understand how their equipment works, they just want it to produce the material they want. As it should be. What I'm saying is that I believe if you are seeing a benefit of 32-bit float which is more about your workflow than it is about 32-bit float. 32-bit float has the same precision as 24-bit so they are EQUAL. The benefit you see is not what you think it is. There's no way for me to prove that because, again 1) your goal is not to prove something scientifically and 2) why would you want to spend time breaking something to figure this out because I said it? ;) I'm glad you got something out of my essay. If you DO have a problem with 32-bit float in the future, some of it may come back and you'll understand why!

[@LoremIpsumProd]

Thanks for the review, I do agree with other comments here. Worked with the 70D for a while then moved to Zoom and Sound Devices. At this price range you just gotta put up with what's thrown at you, and the X6 is really not that bad, for context just look at the embarrassing attempts from Zoom new update.

[@MaxoticsTV]

Yes, it's a consumer device so one has to expect some frilly ;) The stock market is finally crashing and that's going to kill off one of these companies. If Tascam didn't have the money to finish the software on this device a couple of years ago what hope today? Zoom too, must be hurting for cash. This video was more out of frustration as a software developer. Fundamentally, the device records audio just fine. Thanks for comment!

[@shamuclone]

you bring up great points, I'm still going to buy this because I need a portable 32-bit recorder with built-in mics, but it's sad how I'm buying it only because Zoom made even more mistakes with their line of new H Essential recorders. upsetting that neither Zoom nor Tascam are still as great as they were last decade EDIT: appreciate the write-up you did in the description, I would still like the peace of mind of the bit depth but thank for you that nonetheless

[@MaxoticsTV]

The device works fine! But keep in mind 32-bit float is NO IDFFERENT in audio quality than 24-bit fixed. It's only different in adding 8-bits of expanded scale. I've compared the 24-bit and 32-bit float files in the recorder and they are IDENTICAL. Expected. The device creates 32-bit float by running 24-bit internal data from the ADC into the float algorithm. If your workflow in post is all around 32-bit float, then this is good for you. But don't expect better recording quality, sorry!

[@shamuclone]

@@MaxoticsTV Understood! I really want the 32-bit because it gives me added flexibility in post-production. My final export is always going to be 16 bits at most. I appreciate the warnings you tell everyone! It's a shame what marketing can let manufacturers get away with

[@MaxoticsTV]

@@shamuclone Thanks for the kind words! I want new equipment as much as the next guy, but there is a line that shouldn't be crossed haha!

[@vanalleswat2338]

thank you I was thinking between Tascam X8 or DR-70D (10 years old) I know enough thank you

[@scottseely1080]

I have a DR100MKII that I love for 2 channel XLR recording. I had to send it in to Tascam for repair and I bought the X6 for its XLR inputs. The X6 is overkill for me. I wish Tascam still made the MKII...

[@MaxoticsTV]

As I say in my video, I don't get it either! They could have upgraded that model with USB audio interface, bluetooth for phone control or visualization of audio data. The cheapo mics on the top of the x6 really ruin what could have been a good upgrade.

[@oli77sch]

Thanks for this video. Sadly with Tascam devices light and shadow are often so close. DR-05X: very good sound for a low price, but then a battery compartment which closes poorly. DR-40X: such great recording options, four tracks, overdubbing… but then these noisy preamps. Integrated mics with a nice sound but so high self noise. DR-100mk3: great preamps on XLR inputs but why so much hiss on internal mics and 3.5mm inputs? Why this bug with even more noise on the integrated mics when no headphones are plugged in? Internal battery, that’s so useful, but why is it charging so slow? Why these unprotected micro-USB ports? Why rattling buttons?

[@MaxoticsTV]

A couple of weeks ago I bought a TASCAM DR-10X. There's nothing similar. I looked forward to doing a positive video about TASCAM. Then I noticed that it wouldn't save the data/time. After some research I discovered there is an internal battery for that which isn't user serviceable (even though yes, I could have figured out how to replace it). So I sent it back. Also, since this review I've tried to use the X6 some more. Makes me feel I held back too much in this video ;) I'm close to putting my electronics hat back on and see what I can do with some homegrown stuff.

[@oli77sch]

@@MaxoticsTV to be fair: there is a video on YT in which someone compares the X6 to the X8 using the internal mics as well as a pair of sE8. In my opinion both the recorders deliver nice results and I even prefer the X6 about the more expensive X8.

[@MaxoticsTV]

@@oli77sch Of course, I've never said it doesn't do the basics! I only bought it to test the 32-bit float implementation. I was actually surprised at how poorly the software was implemented. As you wrote in your original post, TASCAM's attention to details is, um, lacking. My video is not to stop being from buying it. It's a WTF to TASCAM ;)

[@NetvoTV]

What do you use these devices for and do audience really notice the differences, sometime it got me wonder if we over spend and over care

[@forwarder-m7n]

Do you know if you can use this a multirack recorder adding 1 track at a time using the mics for every track? It looks like it should be possible with overdub in the manual mode. Has anyone tried it?

[@MaxoticsTV]

It looks like it has that capability. I checked and I still have the latest firmware. Anyway, my guess is that it works but is kludgy. Best to look for KZbin videos where others use it. I'm not much use here.

[@calverozara]

HI. Sorry to the English I use an automatic translator. I am Italian. I think you saved me an expensive expense. What do you think of the Zoom H5 as an alternative. They say they are inferior to Tascams, true, but, at the same time, they seem to be much more honest in their products. Thanks again for the intelligent discussion you brought up. Something more unique than rare. Before closing, I'll ask you one last question: which lavalier, under 100 Euros, do you consider to be among the best? Thanks again and good work

[@MaxoticsTV]

Yes, I believe Zoom is more "realistic" in its products. I don't know why Tascam lost its way. I find it difficult to tell the difference between lavs. I bought a couple of Chinese ones for $9 each and they blew me away. I'm also a big fan of the $30 Sony stereo lavs. Depends on what you're plugging it into.

[@calverozara]

@@MaxoticsTV Thanks for the quick reply. Very nice. I would connect the Lavalier to the Zoom H5

[@MaxoticsTV]

@@calverozara I don't do this professionally so I'd hate to give advice. Unless you're going to be knocking the mic and recorder around a lot I'd just get a 3.5mm lav and put it into a 1/4 inch adapter. You can do that very cheap. Anything XLR is going to be expensive. though you could do a MOVO. In the lavs I've tested I can hear very very small differences, but non so great anyone else would. Where and how you attach it is 99% in my opinion. That's the art of it.

[@calverozara]

@@MaxoticsTV Don't worry too much about giving advice. Just be intellectually honest and everyone will have the head to process the information they have obtained. Here there is a saying that goes like this: "I don't want to be blessed or cursed". Well, let's say I understand what you mean. Good work 😉

[@Olleetheowl]

I’ve had my X8 for about 6 months now. And personally I am very happy with it. You CAN have everything on one machine. But it will be bigger , and cost more. For MY usage it is brilliant…… so do your research before you buy, and buy one that you like. I have seen many reviews of the X8 and yours is the only bad one. Maybe surely not EVERYONE can be wrong. All I know is that it works very well for me and my personal requirements

[@MaxoticsTV]

Glad to hear a positive review. My problem isn't that it doesn't work. My problem is that it's half-ass software and they're petty about bluetooth. What other equipment do you see bad reviews for? Most people don't want to hear negative reviews. They want to feel positive about pursuing their dreams. I get it. Do you feel my assessment was wrong? That the software doesn't have the flaws I mentioned? Again, I'm not saying it doesn't function as intended. Thanks for comment!

[@vytautaszelnys6147]

When DJI decide to make a field recorder, it will have everything you missing on Tascam and more, trust me. And it will just work. I've bought x6 and it's a flimsy device, Bluetooth dongle is a complete scam, also can't get usb-c to work as a card reader on Windows. Sound is fine

[@MaxoticsTV]

Yeah, I'm a big fan of DJI too. I had trouble with the usb-c to windows too. I think I got it working but don't remember how. It was some unintuitive obscure setting. The sound was fine for me too. I need to sell mine. Just collecting dust.

[@4gave1]

Too late skready bought it...hoping it goes well...question how do the recordings sound

[@MaxoticsTV]

I'm pretty sure it will record just fine! My problem with it is the horrendous software and other design choices. I find it difficult to operate quickly and efficiently. I'll be curious to hear your experience and thoughts!

[@4gave1]

@MaxoticsTV thx...and thx for the video and feedback...don't have a lot of experience with field recorders or Tascam...I will respond and let you know how it goes after spending some time with it.

[@Olleetheowl]

I did my research BEFORE I paid £400 for a recorder. So I knew it would suit me BEFORE I bought it. I’ve had mine about 6 months now and it has never missed a beat. The sound quality is excellent. And it is very simple to use. I really don’t know what this guy has found so much fault with. Maybe he should have kept his money in his wallet until he found his “Holy Grail” . For me and the thousands of others who use it daily, it is a great little recorder. I have used it with the built in mics which are quite good, definitely good enough for ambient noise recording,. With the Shure SM7B (Phenomenal) the Sennheiser MKE440 very good. And the Lewitt 040 matched pair( very crisp, excellent fidelity). We are all entitled to our own opinions. But I completely disagree with what he said. I think he is being far too “pernickety” .

[@mattcero1]

Mention they put combo jacks on the X8 but did NOT on this one. WHY THE HELL NOT!!!??? And I heard you can remove those XY mics and have a 3.5mm stereo jack exposed. Can you? And the TP-7 is $1,650 after tax so leave that out of the video please. I'm still hanging on to my H6N just for the shotgun mic alone!

[@elizeusantos93]

For me the worse thing about this Portacapture series is that they said it is a interface as well: Which is true, on my Tascam X8 I have 8 tracks on my daw, but I can monitoring the daw output on the Tascam X8, the USB send the 8 tracks to record on computer but it doesn’t send audio back so we can monitoring the whole mixing it only has direct monitor, for me to monitoring what is being output from computer I had to Change a pair of XLR inputs on tascam, changing it to USB input! It makes no sense at all

[@MaxoticsTV]

I'm not surprised. The software interface screams incompetence. Like someone did a PowerPoint presentation of what they wanted on the display screen, sent it off somewhere, and haven't touched it since.

[@elizeusantos93]

@@MaxoticsTV Absolutely! I’m so disappointed with the interface software it’s a joke, It was 2022 they came up with an USB-C 2.0, the touch screen is a disaster, I had this on my fist mobile back in 2007, no joke, it is really bad! I just remember that was on my first Chinese mobile phone! Can’t even think why I thought I could use it as an interface

[@ankethea]

Looking for such a device, do you think Zoom H5 or H6 is a better choice? Better mics?

[@MaxoticsTV]

Again, I hate to say bad things about TASCAM, but yes, I can't see how the Zoom would be worse. I haven't heard anyone complain about the Zoom H6. I have one Zoom thing, seems good to me.

[@Drrezzin]

@@MaxoticsTV The Zoom H6 is a very good recorder, except for the absence of 32 Bit Float. I'm waiting now to receive my new Tascam X8, so I'm hoping that's better than this X6.

[@everydaypony]

спасибо, чуть не купил себе этот мусор

[@MaxoticsTV]

Thanks! Just to be clear, the device works fine recording audio. So if you see one cheap it's worth considering. It just feels hall-ass.

[@_doitright]

I agree, I sold it right away. Thanks for being brave enough, I sadly wasn't brave enough to call it for what it is, its complete trash, it's even made of some stinky plastic that releases fumes, it fills the room with the smell, unbearable, thanks for the video.

[@MaxoticsTV]

Yes, every time I use it I realize something more I don't like about it. I need to sell mine.

[@cameratool]

Tascam DR-701D AA battery life is a joke. They could have easily used Canon LP-E6 or the ubiquitous Sony NPF. Instead everyone has to use a USB powerbank and frail USB cable.

[@MaxoticsTV]

Yeah, I always used plug in power.

[@apostolicbible1]

Of course they should charge for the Bluetooth accessory...the cable is an accessory and we purchase it. The mic is an accessory as is the wind screen, as is the case, etc.

[@deepseadiver8191]

Nonsense.