Tascam Portacapture X8 Review

‪@TASCAMUSA‬
Check it out at Sweetwater (affiliate) - TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-bit 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder - sweetwater.sjv...

[@thisjaredrussell]

Great review, thanks 🙏

[@aaronshortmusic]

You’re welcome. I still love it!

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Hey, I've had this for a while and I want to give out some extra details for people watching this. The main reason I chose this over Zoom is the ability to record in dual rec mode which allows me to record in 24bit and 32bit float simultaneously. This makes it easy to just take the 24bit file if my levels are set correctly. One thing with 32bit float is that it won't fix you overloading a mic capsule, which happens when someone blows into it or runs it way too hot. I've had this happen (no pop filter on mic whilst recording) and you can't get that audio back no matter what. Positives: - Dual rec in 24bit and 32 bit at the same time - Good audio quality from the mics that come with it -- Big touchscreen with a ton of info - XLR/Line combo jacks - Low noise floor from the preamps - Usable as an audio interface for your DAW/computer/iPhone - USB-C connector allows you to power it with a powerbank - Supports massive SD cards - 1/4 screw mount + cold shoe mount - Ability to do timecode with the bluetooth dongle Negatives : - USB-C is only USB 2.0 speed which makes file transfers painfully slow - Audio interface functionality doesn't work on all computers and Tascam support is worthless, taking weeks to respond and not solving any issues - Ultrasonic hum isn't fixed as far as I'm aware, but I don't record in such high sampling frequencies - No included accessories , no wind protection, not even a USB cable - Touchscreen is kinda slow - UI layout is unintuitive and frustrating to navigate at times - Bluetooth dongle is not included and not secured in a nice way - Not waterproof/resistant - Poor build quality, I exchanged the previous one which had massive backlight bleeding and horizontal lines on the screen - Cheap feeling mic capsules without any protection and you definitely need a dead cat or some other wind protection for them. It's a MUST! - No audio out from the XLR/Line jacks, only USB-C and 3.5mm jack, it's only a 6 channel recorder, not really 8 as the name implies. It's a good recorder with no real competition except for Zoom, but Zoom doesn't offer the same capabilities as the Tascam does. The Tascam isn't great, but it's the best out there imho if you want to be versatile and not just do field recording. Btw, you can record your music with multiple microphones to create a more full/immersive sound. Have some mics set up in the room and then one directly on your guitar and blend it all together. Oh, and go on Aliexpress and get yourself a dead cat for $5 from bluemantis, otherwise you can't use the microphones anywhere except in a studio.

[@staleyexplores]

I am super glad you convinced me to buy my x8 Aaron, truly has changed things for me in terms of feeling confident about recording great sound for my guitars among other things!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Ah yeah I remember you bought one of these. I’m glad you like it. I knew you would!

[@patsysmith8030]

Thanks for your time making your Channel so interesting.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Great information. You provide a great service to all of us, thank you. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thank you!

[@nordmende73]

Thank you!

[@aaronshortmusic]

You’re welcome. This is a GREAT product!

[@BoomerBass523]

I was looking at the X6. I love to see a comparison review from an actual user before I buy. I also started with a Portastudio! Good luck

[@aaronshortmusic]

I see there is now an X6. That is also a good option. I’ll ask Tascam what the differences are.

[@jazzguitarwithandy]

Thanks for the review. I was looking at getting a decent mic for recording acoustic archtop for YT videos, but might get this instead as it would be so useful for rehearsals and gigs.

[@aaronshortmusic]

That is what I would do. The X8 is one of my favorite pieces of gear from the last few years!

[@jazzguitarwithandy]

That's good to hear! @@aaronshortmusic

[@tjf6346]

Is it possible to overdub on track? Like a looping funktion. Or means „overdub/punch in“ only overwriting an existing track record. Overdubbing on one track, maybe for background vocals would save tracks for other instruments

[@aaronshortmusic]

I’m not sure.

[@viniciusmoura9105]

Hey Aaron, was this specific video recorded with your iPhone or with a dedicated camera? The audio is excellent as expected. But I really like the quality of your video as well!

[@aaronshortmusic]

I use a Sony A7C. Links in the description.

[@fadel1254]

Hi my friend.. can I finished the music track.. no need to the Daw ... thank you . Eq . Cop . Rev

[@aaronshortmusic]

Sure. I just find it easier in a DAW.

[@fadel1254]

@@aaronshortmusic thank you.. I am thinking x6 ... thank you

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@fadel1254 That’s a good option to save some money.

[@fadel1254]

@@aaronshortmusic I play Alone so I won't only 2 track ... This for outside. I have mackie dlz creator in my house 😀😀😀

[@Olleetheowl]

You can’t clip the pre amps / recorder. But you can still clip the mic(s). In which case you are still “Toast”.

[@aaronshortmusic]

That would never happen in any normal use case.

[@Olleetheowl]

@@aaronshortmusic Formular 1, Air Show, Live gig, wedding when the D.J. Gives it the beans after you have set your levels… I could go on

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@Olleetheowl Have you taken this to one of those events and had it happen? If not then I don’t think it’s fair on companies to make such wild claims on the Internet.

[@Olleetheowl]

@@aaronshortmusic the mics that are used, are usually more robust than the basic recorders. But can’t tolerate the same full load as a 32bit float. The first time that I tried out my X8 was at a preserved steam rally, I had set my levels for the trains passing me and they were fine. But those that blew their whistles close to me, clipped the mics. The tracks were not recoverable,. I got around it by editing out the blown bits. And went back the following week , armed with better knowledge. Another time at a wedding, I was recording the first dance from the D.J. He was a bit of a dick. He wouldn’t let me plug into his desk. And so I set two off my mics up near the speakers. Abut a dozen bars in he rammed the volume up for about ten seconds , and gave me the “V-sign”. The track was unusable. So I had to download it off the internet. And spend nearly an hour blending it in to the edit. So. Yes, I act do know what I’m talking about. …. … do you?

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@Olleetheowl Great. Post the clips so we can see.

[@BielCT]

I received mine yesterday. When I press just a bit the grey plastic zone on the mics zone or the mics it rattles. Is it happening to you? I’m not sure it’s just mine. Nice review, it helped me decide for this one, coming from a H2n that I’ll keep for sure.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks for your comment. Mine does not rattle (the battery cover is very slightly loose).The mics are removable so it’s possible it’s normal. As long as the recordings are not affected in any way I would say it’s fine. I would get a replacement if it’s easy to do and then you can be sure.

[@BielCT]

@@aaronshortmusic I wrote tascam. I’ll decide then. May be I ask for a replacement. Did a couple of short recordings today. I really like it. Any noise so far. I’ll update. Ty!

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@BielCT I absolutely love mine.

[@thisisme4858]

Hello can you assign the built in mics left and right to separate tracks?

[@aaronshortmusic]

They are on separate tracks and can be enabled/disabled.

[@thisisme4858]

@@aaronshortmusic thats pretty cool. I want to use this device for many things. Sometimes i have these acoustic hams with my mate sk would be sick if one mic was pointing at me and the other at him and then edit afterwards either on a DAW or the x8 device

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@thisisme4858 I love mine. I use it all the time!

[@thisisme4858]

@@aaronshortmusic yea nice. Im gonna get one. Thanks for the video and replies

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Do you like Tascam better than the Zoom series?

[@aaronshortmusic]

I haven’t tried the Zoom version. They make great stuff but I’m so happy with the Tascam that I wouldn’t look anywhere else unless I knew it had all of the same features and more.