TASCAM Portacapture X6: The X8's Smaller Relative!

Introducing the Portacapture X6, TASCAM’s more compact successor to the X8 for film and documentary makers, podcasters, voiceover artists, journalists, musicians, and ASMR creators! Gabriel tests out this handheld multitrack recorder, which features specs such as two built-in adjustable microphones, 32 Bit Float recording, color touchscreen, BlueTooth remote control and more.
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Order the TASCAM Portacapture X6 4-Input / 6-Track Handheld Adaptive Multitrack Recorder: bhpho.to/3D6glfV
Watch our quick look at the TASCAM Portacapture X8: • Tascam Portacapture X8...
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[@deepseadiver8191]

No combination XLR / 1/4 jack input :(. Really a shame.

[@orion2250]

Touch screen is next level! Great presentation!

[@Prince_Pig]

Great review.

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

These reviews are very helpful and vital to this commenter Thanks Gabe & Team B & H

[@TheOpusChristi]

Excelent!

[@truecuckoo]

Nice! I think it’s a missed opportunity to not include xlr/trs combo jacks for versatility though.

[@RESURRECT2]

It's accountants' design ;)

[@xray111xxx]

I agree. Also it looks like line input is unbalanced chinzy 3.5mm input only. Would love to have XLR or TRS line input. My DR-100 mk.3 can so that. I come straight out of my mixer into the DR-100mk.3 balanced. Comes out great. I like the X products interface but they dumbed down the line input and a lost opportunity for me. I would liked to use this to be used of my mixer's balanced output.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

Does this device allow you to record sounds from one XLR microphone to a memory card and at the same time send this sound via a usb c cable to a smartphone?

[@anthonydiiorio]

Looks interesting. I hope Tascam updates their other DR series with USB C and better EIN performance.

[@toneranger]

Great review Gabriel please give metric units aswell. Can the condensers be used simultaneously with the xlrs for recording say 2 sings musicians on the mics and a guitar and bass D.I for example in 3 & 4 ? On another note, I noticed the inputs are only XLR not combos jack/xlr Thanks

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Nice & Thanks :)

[@Landelutt]

Damn good skills with that brass instrument. =)

[@BandH]

Thanks!

[@solncekreeze]

Why is it that when an external microphone is connected to the xlr input, a small signal indication lights up on the other input (input is disabled)?

[@RodrigoZadroFilms]

no multi jack imput, only xlr :(

[@Robterdammer]

Why has Tascam and Zoom no 2x mini jack for interview with 2x lavalier microphone or 2x transmitter receiver?

[@rsmith02]

Nice size, how's the self-noise?

[@donlindell1994]

Very interested, but waiting for more information on using this as a computer interface

[@JonathanSeni]

Are the inbuilt microphones removable to use channel 1 and 2 as XLR /jack inputs?

[@Meskazy]

i hope so too. maybe the line mini jack is stereo

[@BandH]

The stereo condenser microphone pair can be adjusted for A/B or X/Y configurations, but are not removable. >Mark

[@nagchumpalot]

@@BandH Is the line in mini jack stereo?

[@RadekHerdzik]

Hi, do you know if there is some option like to add any reverb to rocord file or to change recorded reverb afterwards? Great review and sax playing!!!

[@BandH]

With the Portacapture X6, you can easily try out and choose a reverb preset prior to recording, but the reverb is “baked in” the sound during the recording process and cannot be switched or removed after. For that, we recommend you record your signal “dry” meaning with no effects or processing, and then try on different reverbs in your audio software.

[@jasonlau8944]

does the 3.5mm input seperate two different track left and right channel, as Im using a 2 to 1 wireless lav mic?

[@BandH]

The 3.5mm/ 1/8" input is L/R stereo. >Mark

[@user-xd1du9tn9k]

Does the X6 allow you to select a specific input to output through the line out? Or do all inputs automatically output through the line out?

[@BandH]

The X6 will allow selection of individual tracks for output to the LINE/AUX outputs. >Mark

[@saxmanstudios6380]

I play the saxophone. Do you recommend this for recording the sax ? Did you have it plugged directly into a camera when you recorded with a sound source going into the 3.5m in ?

[@BandH]

The Portacapture X6 will make fabulous recordings of you on sax. You may connect the recorder directly to your camera if so desired. >Mark

[@saxmanstudios6380]

That's great. Great playing by the way 🎷. Did you plug this in to your camera for the video for utube ? Just want to know that I can get that quality for my recordings.

[@Kroess]

@@saxmanstudios6380 I would suppose that audio and video tracks were combined in post = the video editing software. You might still want to connect the Tascam via audio cable to your camera, because this way it is easier to align audio and video tracks for being in sync.

[@kebmo3108]

Hello, is the Datatransfer of single tracks possible with the IpadPro via USB-C ? Thanks

[@BandH]

Single tracks may be transferred. >Mark

[@kennethfingleton4794]

I bought this not for recording but to fashion a one-off, super quiet hearing aid. I read horror stories of musicians that bought hearing aids but lost the musical side of sound. The parametric EQ allows for at home, 4-band adjustment for my hearing losses. No trips back to the audiologist for your hearing test adjustments. It compensates for poor (untuned) commercial sound ceiling speakers during seminars. It cleans up the karaoke DJ's, that eat the mic, and produce the overwhelming bass proximity effect. The choices of low cut go from 40 to 240 to solve that problem. No more mumble. This video showed that the X6 IF IN WAV mode, allows for the 32 bit float menu to appear. I bought the $40 Bluetooth dongle and JVC Bluetooth headphones to complete the hearing aid. The TASCAM dongle does not transmit any audio as you would normally think. It is strictly for R/Control. Another audio Bluetooth device is needed to plug into the Line Out for full wireless hearing aid operation. . KF-83

[@pshimmons]

Say WHAT? A Hearing Aid? How is that going to work?

[@kennethfingleton4794]

@@pshimmons I used the term hearing aid too loosely. My only PortaCapture use is for running live sound with headphones. The PortaCapture compensates for my 4K 6K 8K hearing loss. I am able to hear feedback again like anyone else. As it was; other sound guys, had to come to the sound booth and tell me I had feedback. I'm 83 and did not want to be let go from the team I used to head up and teach for decades. My setup for FOH is: The 2 included mics pointing to the nearest ceiling speaker to - PEQ processing and out to - a non Tascam Bluetooth transmitter to - Bluetooth headphones. The special built upright holding cradle for the recorder sits on top of a USB portable charger. As far as hearing is concerned, I can't understand those who speak when eating, speak when laughing and speak over the speed limit. Radio and TV have professionals who avoid all these verbal mannerisms. KF - A Feedback hearing-aid.

[@pshimmons]

@@kennethfingleton4794 that’s awesome you are still doing what you love. Tech is amazing…. The things it helps us do!

[@a.tevetoglu3366]

one cant record 32bit float on the pc with the gadget, only 24bit. 32bit recordings are possible only internally.

[@marcelocarneiro5958]

What is the equivalent noise input for the built-in microphones?

[@BandH]

The only information provided about the microphones on the TASCAM Portacapture X6 Multitrack Recorder is that they are a built-in condenser-style stereo pair that can be set up for X/Y or A/B configuration. The noise floor/input level is not published. >Mark

[@CameraRay]

I'm thinking they only went to 96khz to get rid of ultrasonic issue like the X8. Bummer there is no 1/4 .

[@roxville]

Right?! Listed as an audio interface, it is really peculiar that the inputs are not XLR-1/4" combo jacks!🤨

[@JeremiahBostwick]

Battery type, battery life test? And although I'm sure we can look up bit-rates, it would've been nice to have a reference to know how long the recording times could be on say a 32GB microSD card. There also wasn't much information at all on the noise floor or the quality of A/D converters.

[@BandH]

The X6 can accommodate microSDXC cards up to 512GB, enough for hundreds of hours of audio. Dynamic Range: Mic/Line Inputs: 112 dB EIN Mic amp EIN (equivalent input noise): −125 dBu or less Recording times (in hours: minutes) File format (recording setting)32GB(microSDHC): 320kbps MP3 (stereo) 44.1kHz: 222:13 16-bit WAV (stereo) 44.1kHz: 50:23 24-bit WAV (stereo) 96kHz:15:25 32-bit float WAV (stereo) 96kHz: 11:34 The recording times shown above are estimates. They might differ depending on the microSD card in use. The recording times shown above are not continuous recording times, but rather they are the total possible recording times for the microSD card. If recorded in mono, maximum recording times will be about double those above. If using dual recording, maximum recording times will be shorter than those above. >Mark

[@JeremiahBostwick]

@@BandH thanks for the info

[@woojalitus]

When will it be a available to purchase?

[@BandH]

it is available for preorder, but at this time we do not have a shipping ETA

[@Pissarrio]

still no XLR out

[@robertsaca3512]

Only 2 xlr inputs :(

[@Docfly62]

On B&H, It list for just 20 bucks cheaper than the X8!!!

[@MightyShakaZulu]

Which makes no sense to me. You might as well go for the better X8.

[@gcvrsa]

The lack of combo jacks makes this not a good choice for many musicians, sadly, leaving us no options between the DR-40X and the Portacapture X8 for twice the money, twice the size, and twice the weight. The X8 might be worth it, but the X6 should have had combo jacks. Hopefully, there will someday be an X4 with combo jacks, and a revised X6.

[@joseibarra4616]

Tascam Dr60D markII could be the option between

[@pshimmons]

How is the range of the bluetooth remote control though?!?!?!!?

[@BandH]

It has a maximum Bluetooth range of 32.8 feet, depending on conditions. Please not the AK-BT1 Bluetooth Adapter is sold separately.

[@pshimmons]

@@BandH any other handheld recorders that have remote control ability but uses WiFi? I had a tascam from a few years ago but it is not reliable AND the sd card slot is no longer working! :(

[@Dolle_Man]

No XLR/TRS combo dealbreaker

[@jwate]

Looks good, buttttt at 369$ why not just get the x8 for 389$? If you needed a compact version I suppose, but I was expecting it to be much less.

[@madedigital]

xlr input not dual ie 1/4 inch Jack

[@danielISTPhoto]

Im the first one yeii!, nice new divice super pro

[@ww1www]

Very weird choice to make the mics non-removable. Trying to come out with a more compact recorder and keeping the mics on permanently to add bulk... It could have nicely conpeted with the Zoom F3 as well. Now it only competes with the Zoom H4n and Tascam's own handy recorders. I completely lost the plot, not sure why Tascam came out with this recorder.

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

Timecode?

[@BandH]

Yes, the recorder does have timecode.

[@johnclay7644]

informative 8mins.

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

Very dishonest reviews of this unit. Just got mine, and here are the lies TASCAM and the reviewers are telling you. 1) Misinformation and/or lie no 1. This is NOT a 6 track recorder. This is a two track recorder at 32 bit, and the other inputs can't be used. You are paying $350 for two tracks, and you won't be able to use your Rode stereo mic. The phantom power is too weak (not real phantom power) to power your Rode stereo mic, or your AKG 414 microphone? Sorry, not phantom power. So what are you forced to do? Buy a cheaper microphone and record it at 32 bit? Are you incompetent TASCAM, seriously? 2) The other deceptive business practice is that the unit only has two XLR inputs. How many microphones can you have max, if you only have two XLR inputs? 4! not 6, 4! But they misrepresent by calling it a Portacapture 6. Pay attention to how they never show your both sides, and how you assume if it can record 6 tracks, you must at least have 4 XLR inputs? Nope, only two! The other EXTREMELY UNETHICAL practice is that none of these reviewers explain this, and I don't have any respect for someone who helps cover up the miss information.

[@studioonetutorials]

Good overview but it's not a review.

[@Rambalac]

The only stupid thing is AA batteries.

[@l52reednir]

.Fraid brubg out

[@shtrudel-pu1cm]

369 usd ? haha big joke. the x8 coast 390 usd....

[@RESURRECT2]

X8 500...

[@shtrudel-pu1cm]

@@RESURRECT2 now the x8 399 usd, not 500. I wrote the message 5 months ago...

[@JLBA14]

Is there a case or mount for this. If we were booming whats the best way to carry this around?

[@BandH]

There isn't a set case for the TASCAM Portacapture X6. But you can get a small hard case with pick and pluck foam to make a shape of the TASCAM. Like this one: bhpho.to/3xzo6vf