Testing Tascam X8's Preamplifiers in Bangkok

Discover the Sound Quality of the Tascam X8 in Bangkok: Our In-Depth Review and Comparison of Onboard Stereo Capsules, Preamps, and Hydrophones!
The equipment we're using in this video
TASCAM X8 - geni.us/ftustascamx8
Sennheiser MKH 8040 -geni.us/FTUSmkh8040
Ambient ASF2 MK2 - geni.us/FTUSAMBIENTASF2MKii
Lom Geofon - sold out as always :(
Peak Design Travel Tripod - geni.us/ftuspdtripod
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Field Recording Gear
Audio Recorder
Sony PCM D100 - geni.us/ftuspcm100
SD MixPre 6ii - geni.us/ftussd6ii
Tascam X8 - geni.us/ftusx8
Zoom F6 - geni.us/ftusf6
Zoom F3 - geni.us/ftusf3
Zoom H1n - geni.us/ftush1n
VR Ambisonic Microphones
Rode SoundField NT-SF1: geni.us/ftusrodentsf1
Schoeps DMS Kit
Schoeps CCM4: geni.us/schoepsccm4lg
Schoeps CCM8: geni.us/ftusschoepsccm8lg
Rycote Cyclone DMS Kit 1: geni.us/ftusrycotedmskit1
Rycote Cyclone Cover: geni.us/ftuscyclonewindcover
Sennheiser ORTF Kit
Sennheiser MKH 8040 2X: geni.us/FTUSmkh8040
Cinela Albert
DPA 5100 5.1 Surround Kit
DPA 5100: geni.us/ftusdpa5100
DPA Rain Cover: geni.us/futsdparcover
DPA Wind Cover: geni.us/dpa5100wcover
Binaural Microphones
DPA 4560 binaural in-ear set: geni.us/ftusdpa4560
DPA Micro Dot to XLRM Adapter: geni.us/ftusdad6001
Affordable Stereo Microphone Kit
Audio Technica 4025 (amazing mic): geni.us/at4025
Audio Technica 8022 (cheaper option): geni.us/ftusat8022
Rycote BBG 21 mm AT 4025/8022: geni.us/ftusbbg
Rycote BBG Windjammer AT 4025/8022: geni.us/ftuswindjammer
Hydrophones
Ambient ASF1 MK2: geni.us/ftusasf1mk2
Ambient ASF2 MK2: geni.us/ftusasf2mk2
Contact Microphones
Contact Mic XLR Adapter: geni.us/ftus3pin
Dilwe Contact Mic: geni.us/ftuscliponpickup
Flanger FA 01: geni.us/ftusflangerfa01
Korg CM 300: geni.us/ftuskorgcm300
AKG C411pp: geni.us/FTUSAKGC411pp
HEADPHONES
Audio Technica MX30: geni.us/ftusATHM30
Sony MDR 7506: geni.us/ftussonymdr
KZ ZS 10 Pro: geni.us/ftuskzs10prox
Power Supply
Anker Power Core 26K MixPre: geni.us/ftusanker26k
Watson 4400mAh for F6: geni.us/ftuswatson
Panasonic Eneloop AA for F6/X8: geni.us/ftuspanasonicaa
Panasonic Eneloop AAA Zoom H1n: geni.us/ftuspanasonicaaa
Nitecore Gen2 - geni.us/ftusnitecorepb
Camera Bags
Heimplanet Transit Line 34L: geni.us/ftusheimplanet34l
Heimplanet Sling Bag: geni.us/ftusheimplanetsling
Lowepro ProTactic BP 450: geni.us/FTUSLOWEPRO450
K-Tek Stingray MixPro Mix Pre6ii: geni.us/ftusktekmixpre
K-Tek Stingray Zoom F6: geni.us/FTUSKTEKF6BAG
Tripods and Stands
Manfrotto Carbon Nanopole: geni.us/ManfrottoNanoCarbon
Manfrotto Aluminum Nanopole: geni.us/ftusnanopole
Peak Design Travel Tripod: geni.us/ftuspdtripod
Wind Protection
Rycote for Zoom H1n: geni.us/ftusrycotezh1n
Rycote Cover & Foam Zoom H1n: geni.us/ftusrycoteh1n
Rycote Rain Cover: geni.us/ftusraincover
TASCAM X8 Gutman Wind Protection: geni.us/ftusgutmann
Zoom WSU Cover Zoom H1n: geni.us/zoomwssu
Cables and Adapters
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: geni.us/ftusmogamigold
Rycote Quick-Release: geni.us/RycotePCSBC
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Thanks,
Libby and Marcel

[@nathanjgl]

Love the dogs barking, but when you changed the gain at 2:30 - listen to the bird's pitch 🙌. Great vid as always

[@matth8355]

I love you guys, you Inspired me to start audio recording when I first found your videos about a year ago. Looking forward to see you grow even more on KZbin. I'll be following you along the journey. Let's get to 100k subs! You got this. easy.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Matt!! Surely not easy but we're working on it all together! Thanks for being on this ride with us!

[@StarskyHomer]

Thank you for the video. The machine looks great and i love the idea of an recorder with a big display. For years we have been starring at these tiny displays.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

The big display is definitely great to have but a display can break so be always careful with it. :)

[@VOByRobbins]

Love the underwater hydrophone sounds, especially when you dropped it in behind the boat, awesome!!!!!!!! Great video as always you two, and then you didn't have an SD Card!!! woahhh now that's some drama worthy of the Korean soaps you like :) incredible content as always! thank you!!!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Michael! Underwater sounds are always great to record and in these canals you never know what you really capture. He he we keeping it real so we had to include that part too. :)

[@blacksheep7576]

When I go places I like to take a lot of pictures, but watching this made me realize the sound is a vital part of those memories that I don’t have.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That's an insightful point indeed. When we revisit photographs, we are instantly transported back to those moments, reliving the memories visually. However, the auditory aspect often gets overlooked. Sound is a powerful sensory stimulus and has the ability to evoke emotions and recall details that a photograph may miss. Even with a simple recording device you can record the ambience of a moment, the distinct sounds that characterize a place or time. When we pair these sounds with our photos, we create a richer, more immersive memory. Technology evolves, environmental sounds shift, even the hum of cars and the cadence of people's voices change. It's an ever changing and by recording these sounds, we're essentially preserving a slice of auditory history, adding another layer to our memory bank.

[@cryptotrader2779]

Thanks Libby / Marcel. Very enjoyable as always, and the X8 sounds nice. Take care and see you soon.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!! See you soon :)

[@kjvisual7]

Wow! I'm so glad KZbin presented your video. Not just because I'm interested in the Tascam X8, but it seems like you talk about a lot of topics I'm interested in.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Welcome aboard! :)

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Appreciate your updates on this recorder. Just grabbed it last week and it's been very promising.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Alex! I hope you have fun with the Tascam X8!

[@ambientshane]

Hey man, I've just bought myself that unit, will definitely put it to good use.. this video is very inspirational. I made most of my field recordings with just an iPhone, but don't sound too bad with a lot of processing..time to up my game 🤙

[@rouvenwildeggerbitz7759]

Awesome Video! Thank you for your passion. Great work! The x8 is quite good! The Sennheisers Are worth every penny! Phantastic clearence! For the price, the x8 is doing a really good job.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much Rouven! It was really fun for us to make this video and glad people enjoy it. We see you on Thursday! :)

[@AFGautonompunk]

im quite impressed by the wholesome video and ideas you shared with us, thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@pmishraofficial]

Such great examples of planning a recording, and tips on how to do it properly. This channel needs to go viral!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Prashant! :) Only with the help others is this possible so feel free to share the video. But no pressure :)

[@cedricblackcreative]

Thanks for the live content. Great video as always! The Geofon is awesome! (magnets are available on their site now)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Cedric! Yes the Geofon is really fun.

[@runningintohistory]

Great channel I always return here for inspiration! Did you settle on a windscreen for the X8? I just purchased the recorder.

[@alan.macrae]

Great video with so much good information. I'm a photographer/videographer and have the X8. I recently discovered that it appears to have an RF shielding issue that cropped up when I was using a DJI wireless mic system with the receiver attached to the back of the recorder in the cold shoe. The DJI receiver creates a high pitched hum in the right channel of the X8's built in mics. I had the receiver connected to the recorder via the line in socket. On this particular event, losing one channel wasn't an issue and, I'm glad I was able to troubleshoot where the spurious noise was coming from. Following this I tested the T8 using my Sennheiser wireless system and had no issue so, it appears that the DJI receiver has an oscillator that throws some RF that the T8 picks up. Distancing the receiver from the T8, by just the length of the supplied cable, alleviated the problem. Anyway, sharing just in case someone runs into a similar issue. In just one video, you gave me a bunch of ideas for an upcoming visit to NYC. It will be my 'maiden' voyage capturing some city sounds for future use. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hello Alan, thank you so much for sharing your experience with this issue. It appears that RF is still an issue that should have already been resolved in new recording devices. :(

[@ive595]

Loving this content, have been following you for a year or so, getting a couple of videos a week is brilliant. I need to up my game with ambisonic recording on my Zoom F6, I still haven’t tried it properly yet.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

So glad you found our channel! Do you have the Rode VR too or the Sennheiser?

[@ive595]

@@FreeToUseSounds I have the Rode on back order, however I’ve been waiting 3 months now.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Wow, that is too long. Go with the Sennheiser if you can.

[@stayouthful]

Nice to meet you. After purchasing TASCAM x8, I am writing because I have a question while testing it. If you enter the field recording setting and use the rodentg4 plus xlr microphone 3 or 4 times, only the left or right side will be recorded, but the input terminals 3 and 4 will definitely be stereo setting, can't you change it to mono? Should I use a separate xlr stereo cable like the video you used?

[@Artkey_Creations]

Hi, thank you for creating the video. Can I know which is that cable you used to connect to the 3 & 4 channel

[@nordmende73]

Great review! Thank you!

[@PAZPERDEE]

I have just found your channel and subscribed, quick question if you don’t mind, do you use closed backed headphones when monitoring the audio live? Thanks

[@navigatingmadness180]

Seems like the WS 11 wasn't quite up to the job - is there a different windscreen you'd recommend? WS 86 perhaps?

[@MarkShawMedia]

Is the noise floor/self noise better on the f3 than on the x8 or x6 tascam??? I purchased an f3 because it specifically advertises "very low self noise", but if the tascam has same or very close noise floor i would rather return it for that. I do mostly quiet ambient recordings of nature.

[@MrVISIONALT]

Hi. What model of windscreen do you recommend for this recorder?

[@robbe4711]

2:50 - the sound quality is awesome!

[@razcarsey6635]

How well do the in-built mics capture ultrasonic frequencies?

[@JohnAldred]

Is the Tascam X8 supposed to be the (slightly more expensive) replacement for the DR100 line? The DR100 Mark III appears to have been discontinued shortly before the X8 was announced with no Mark IV replacement. So far, though, I've seen a lot of mixed reports on the X8 (lots of good and lots of bad). I do want at least one recorder with 32-bit float for certain situations (4 inputs isn't essential, so debating whether to replace my DR100 with one of these or just stick with my DR100 and add a Zoom F3. Aside from the lack of 32-bit float, I have zero complaints about my DR100, so I don't mind doing the latter (although the lack of XLR/TRS combo jacks on the F3 is annoying). But if there's a DR100 Mark IV on the way that doesn't have the screen burn-in issues that the X8 apparently suffers from, then I'd rather wait for that.

[@CarolinaCowboys]

What do you do with all the sound recordings?

[@JacekPawlaczyk]

I have a question if he records 32bit / 192khz on all channels

[@hustlinc3540]

what is the noise floor on this tascam?tnx

[@craig4297]

Thank you for making this video on the X8! When will your XLR input Equivalent Input Noise comparison between the Tascam X8, Zoom F6 and Mix-Pre 6ii be available? This will be great to listen to! :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah yes we thought about doing this on our road trip across Thailand in two weeks. Bangkok is awesome but its time to record more sounds outside and around the countryside.

[@craig4297]

@@FreeToUseSounds Great! I look forward to it! Safe and fun travels! 🙂👍

[@nunodeazevedo]

Nice video as always

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much Nuno!

[@DanielStaff_]

Did the humming ever get fixed?

[@tedted2138]

Awesome video thanks again

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Always a please Ted! Thank you so much for stopping by.

[@robbe4711]

1:12 - I can truly see the joy in your eyes. 🙂

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you! :)

[@JuiceBlack]

Another great video! Is it possible you can test the X8 with a Tentacle Sync timecode device? I assume it would work, however with those lines you found in the recording the other day, I worry that such otherwise inaudible noise could cause problems with the audio timecode that the Tentacle Sync creates. Thanks for the video!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh this is a great point and I never used the Tentacle before so I can't give you an answer about that.

[@guidedvisionsmedia]

Tascam makes a Bluetooth module that should be able to jam timecode. I haven’t bought one yet to let you know how it works

[@erniecf]

Nice review - I’m a musician and field recorder and I am loving the tascam. Wish they had Bluetooth and some storage built in though. What is your opinion on the best wind cat for it right now? Thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ernie, the Tascam has a bluetooth option. You just need to purchase it extra. Well right now you should wait until Bublebees brings out a new version of the "Windkiller".. When capsules aren't in XA but in the spaced angle, the one right now is to tight on the outside.

[@NikCan66]

This channel is the Oracle of Sound

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ha Ha Ha :) Thank you so much!

[@NikCan66]

@@FreeToUseSounds Your welcome

[@yenra]

Such an inspiration to get out there and explore.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes Bangkok is amazing. It might be a little intimidating in the beginning but if you match the right frequency with the city, you will love it here.

[@yenra]

By “out there” I meant “out here” - still local - but one day!

[@willemschonken5120]

Thanks so much for these videos. I'm hoping you can help me make my final decision. The noise above 20khz when recording at 192: is this easy to fix with rx? I'm very intrigued by this recorder for sound design and want to upgrade from H6. Thanks!!

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

Please don’t tell me you want to cu the sound above 20khz when recording in 192khz. Or what do you wanna fix with RX?

[@MartinKuipers]

Great video! My unit is shipping at this moment. Can you tell me what brand/type of deadcat you are using? Could not find a official version in the shop here...

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah yes thats the D11 but its not as good. BB is working on a new one.

[@steph8782]

Can't wait to find out how you think this compares with the mixpre

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We will find out soon! :)

[@KevinHale]

Great video. How do you decide when to flip from A/B to X/Y configuration?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Kevin. When I recorded more distant ambiences. XY is fine too but for sound effects or close traffic pass by I also use XY.

[@linelevelmedia7357]

You've probably answered this before, but what you and Libby do when you want to both listen to a recording, share headphones or use a headphone splitter? Been looking at adding a splitter to my field recording kit, but not sure what it would be like to use in the real world (loss of volume overall due to the headphone amp trying to drive two pairs instead of one etc). Any experience with this?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes we use a simple splitter but not when we are out in about. Only at home when reviewing the videos on the Mac Book. A splitter is always a great idea to have.

[@cheeserun6502]

Hello, I'm from Korea. I enjoyed the video. I want to record the sounds of nature outside. I'm so worried about which one to buy between Zoom h6 and TASCAM X8. Please give me some advice.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Well, I don't give advice on what to buy but that is why we make these videos so you can make your own decision.

[@DrNoize]

Always interesting to see your video’s! Even that I already have a Sony PCM-D100 it’s great to follow the latest developments with handheld recorders. A bit off topic. What kind of tripod sleeve do you have for your Manfrotto Nanopole? Thanks so much!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah the PCM D100 is so nice. I thought about this one too. Ah yes the tripod sleeve for this one is actually an old one we had from a tripod that we don't use anymore.

[@maciekkk123]

Hi, Can you name recorded audio file after recording using touchscreen of this recorder ? I am waiting for a handheld recorder which can offer quick recording naming during or after recording and additionally would be nice to add some tags and categories, so it's easier going trough many gigabytes of recordings on drive of computer after the import.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ohh, let me check if you can do this after the recording but you can rename the file before.

[@koawoods1793]

Is it possible to connect a wireless headphone using the Tascam AK-BT1 Bluetooth Adapter with X8 if latency and compression is not an issue?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hmm I really don't know if you could use this adapter for headphones but I'm sure you can use any other headphone that has a wireless transmitter and attach it to the headphone out.

[@FlorianBodlee]

Always having an SD card in my wallet exactly for this case - happened to me once too often 😂 Can recommend!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That would help if Marcel would bring a wallet haha

[@FlorianBodlee]

@@FreeToUseSounds I see 😂

[@digimonk3542]

I heard lot of samples from X8 on KZbin. They all sound smooth, particularly the higher bands. Maybe too smooth like high freq denoising by itself. Interesting

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I also provided a sound sample library! So feel free to check it out!

[@kengoodwin459]

How do you like the Peak Design tripod? I have been using that instead of a nano pole in higher wind with my rycote blimp.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Its quiet heavy but really nice to be honest! :)

[@sambird7359]

What's that XLR stereo splitter you are using at 1:45 in the video? Is that part of the blimp or a separate cable you can buy? Seems handy.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Sam! Oh yes this it the XLR stereo splitter cables that I order together with the Cinela Albert. Philippe made that for me but he can do this for anyone.

[@totoroutes5389]

What're your thoughts about the X8 preamps noisefloor compared to the noisefloor of the mixPre and of the F6 ? How do you find its battery time when outdoors with an xlr phantom powered mic?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ken! Honestly I never thought about noise floor or how preamps perform because which whatever recorder I used I was happy with the results. At the end its all about how you use the recorder. The battery life is doing a good job so far but I haven't tested the full length yet.

[@Skypics68]

Fantastic ! Thank you. How do you think the Zoom H6 would have compared here? Cheers. Keep 'em coming

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Well I wish I had the Zoom H6 with me but soundwise the capsules are probably very similar. The XLR inputs are probably better here on the TASCAM

[@Skypics68]

@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you Marcel. Cheers

[@dag221]

I'm looking at getting a good handheld recorder to go with my Mix-Pre 3 and am stuck on this one or the Sony PCM-D10. I keep watching videos but only come away with more questions than answers. Seems like the Tascam is fancier but has some issues ( a recurring theme with Tascam?) while the Sony is the same price but with fewer bells and whistles but I get the feeling that all Sony products just work. Both just became available at B&H Photo here in the US but I'm still not sure what to do or not maybe just not get either one. Either way another good video, thanks for putting these together. Also I keep thinking that one day maybe, just maybe that warbly scratched jazz record sounding background music everyone uses will eventually be outlawed and not appear on half the videos on KZbin. But I guess maybe it's going to hang around and torment me until my last days.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ha Ha Ha :) We got a lot more warbly jazz coming your way.. Get ready :) Also about Sony recorders, you can't make anything wrong with them. They are high quality and I'm thinking about getting one too. We use only Sony cameras and they are great.

[@magicdave93]

Brilliant video! I’ve got the x8 and I love it but can you please tell me what wind killer your using on your x8.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Im using the D11 but its not a good solution. Message Bubblebees Industry and ask them for the new X8 model.

[@magicdave93]

Thanks, they say we’re still working on it so hopefully they will bring out one soon. 🤞

[@rajeshk5601]

Thanks for your video, 👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for being here!

[@jaesjm]

Dear Marcel, Please make some video about setting Tascam X8 for ambisonic recording using Rode NT-SF1

[@FreeToUseSounds]

There is no such function for the Tascam X8

[@richardcarr9377]

Thanks for the video, and keep us updated on the response from Tascam re the frequency issues.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes we will Richard

[@oferwebman]

What’s your thoughts about The microphones build and handling (attach and detach). in my unit I found that It’s hard to take these out, or put them back in, and the mics feels so fragile that you may break it during the attach detach process or if the unit may drop. I also found that I can alway hear my hands movement on the device, any small hand rub or finger movement even on the display could be captured by the microphone. Even the encoder may introduce noise. Is that your experience as well? Thank you for these great videos!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ofer! Yes the capsules are indeed something that could break easily but I can't say the same about the handling noise. I used it in the bus and other areas and don't record my handling. I also keep the gain on "low" not on "high" So maybe thats a factor too.

[@oferwebman]

@@FreeToUseSounds thanks, the gain settings is a good tip, I’ll double check my settings

[@Azaleh]

Do you happen to know if these frequency issues at the XLR ports are fixed now? I would like to get a field recorder that supports 192khz SR and 32bit so I can use it with my Sanken CUX100k. But these issues render the Tascam X8 completely useless for recording ultrasound.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

WOW! You got the Sanken? We're in Japan and it's impossible to get right now. I don't know if it's fixed with newer units but I still have that issue.

[@Azaleh]

​@@FreeToUseSounds Oh I would have imagined that it'd be easier to get them in Japan! Seems like I got super lucky then, there were only three available here in Germany when I bought them. Thank you very much for your response, I'm going to do some more research and see which recorder will do the trick! Btw - I bought the ALLINONE bundle the other day and I really enjoy the recordings. Thanks a lot for sharing these, very cool soundscapes to use for production :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for your support! New sounds from Japan are coming by the end of the month. :) The Sanken and all others have a back order of 5 months. Also because of the yen this mic would cost $1700 right now! That's like $800 cheaper then in the US.

[@mavic6155]

As a new visitor, why would you record all those sounds? Do people order the recordings?

[@tony-tronmusic3177]

Awesome video what’s the name of the windscreen you’re using? Please I would love to know

[@FreeToUseSounds]

One comment is enough :)! Its the W11 but not a serious wind protection.

[@tony-tronmusic3177]

Sorry for spamming

[@longshotasmr]

Incredible video and your quality is exceptional! I'm a bit newer and have a noob question. But I was wondering if it is normal to be picking up a lot of white noise? If I turn the gain all the way to "zero" it's gone. I know every situation or environment should need the gain levels adjusted for but I was shocked to have to turn it all the way to "zero" to remove the sound I know how to use adobe and add filters/ compress/ eq and stuff to remove it but just wanted to see what everyone else's experience has been out of the box? The white noise is there at stock settings and stock gain levels (+18 dB for asmr mode default) So far I love the unit though, enough that I would only want to exchange it for the same recorder. My gripe could be lack of knowledge on my part! Thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Oh yes when you turn the gain down to zero, you actually tell the recorder to record nothing. So don't do that :) Also don't focus on the presets and do everything manually. Listen with your ears, use the headphone and adjust to level to exact same level like what you hear with your ears. If you "boost" the audio, you create noise. Keep it natural :)

[@longshotasmr]

@@FreeToUseSounds great, thank you for the tips! I just got to get it dialed in and play with it then. Looking forward to your next vids! 🎧

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@longshotasmr coming out tonight! :)

[@AllenCavedo]

How do you decide when to use the Geofon or the AKG contact mic?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Allen, these both are very different recording devices. With the AKG you can record way more frequencies in the higher range and the Geofon can only record very low frequencies. Our video about the LOM Geofon gives you an example when using the AKG at the same time. Using both together is even better :)

[@JasonAdank]

What made you decide to purchase the Tascam? What advantages does it bring you over the ZoomF6?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Jason. Because of the in built microphones mainly. I don't have the H6 and H8 with me but also for creating content on KZbin.

[@ChR_is]

Great video! thanks for reviewing the X8. are you keeping yours? :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much! Well, I won't record much with the recorder in the future as long as the issues aren't resolved but I keep it still.

[@ChR_is]

@@FreeToUseSounds hopefully they'll be able to fix the software issues with updates. the hardware issues will remain though. it's a gamble whether you get a working unit or need to try again. not a good look for tascam.

[@darryllogatoc7981]

I have a question what's better for listening on the the Tascam Portacapture the best reference headphones vs the best IEMs ?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Darryl. I assume you mean in ear headphones? Well this depends on your taste and which one you get.

[@darryllogatoc7981]

@@FreeToUseSounds Yes something like the 64 Audio In Ear Monitor A18t vs Audio-Techinca ATH-M70x

[@tacodrijfhout1]

Thanks for your review video's on this handheld recorder! Are you planning on keeping this recorder in your travel setup from now on? It's just important to note that the build-in microphones on the recorder don't make an actual AB stereo setup, as an AB stereo setup consists of two omnidirectional microphones. I see that Tascam is also using this description on their website, so I get why you call it that, but it's not an AB setup.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Taco! Thank you so much for watching and I'm keeping the recorder but don't use it often because of the humming issue until this is solved. Also thank you for the clarification, I did not know that you can only call it an A-B when using omnis.

[@AllenCavedo]

AB mic placement does not require omnidirectional mics although that is most common. Cardioid mics are also used particularly when mics are separated farther apart than 20 inches. The key element of AB is not mic pattern but rather the spacing between the mics which produces time difference stereo. This arrival time difference creates strong stereo imaging as compared to XY where left and right arrival times are the same and only amplitude differences cue the stereo effect.

[@tacodrijfhout1]

@@AllenCavedo Dear Allen, thanks for your reply! I have been taught that A-B was only made by a pair of omnidirectional microphones. So what are then the characteristics of an A-B stereo setup? Is it just that there is a time difference involved? That would make any non coïncident stereo microphone setup an A-B pair, is that correct?

[@tacodrijfhout1]

​@@AllenCavedo You're right, I took out my "stereo and multichannel sound recording" book from Michael Williams and this is how he describes A/B stereo: "A/B is usually two omnidirectional microphones spaced at 50 cm - a SRA of about 50º and angular distortion of almost 9º". The "usually" is key here. However, a setup of two directional microphones about 8 cm from each other facing outwards still really doesn't seem like an A/B setup to me. But thank you for your precise reply, I've learned something again today :)

[@AllenCavedo]

@@tacodrijfhout1 I think when we only have A-B, X-Y, and M-S to describe all handheld recorder mic placements, when the mics are separated, they will get different arrival times, then A-B is the only term that works for that. There may not be much physical mic separation in A-B mode on a hand held, but human hearing and brain response can differentiate microsecond differences, some researchers think even into nanoseconds difference.

[@joshhernandez232]

So Much fun 👌👌

[@pacoesni]

Waiting for it…I’ve just ordered mine

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for being here! Make sure you watch the video from Florian Bodlee. He talks more about new issues on the Tascam X8.

[@pacoesni]

@@FreeToUseSounds I did. I think most of the issues can be solved by firmware update, so no big deal If think what’s X8 is offering. The Battery thing well, yes it does a pain in A, but nothing I can’t deal with.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@pacoesni Fingers crossed!

[@pacoesni]

@@FreeToUseSounds Very disappointed. I’ve done podcast tests with a SM7B and found a terrible noise floor compared to the Zoom H8.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@pacoesni Ah that sucks. I guess its just not as expected :(

[@maxlin0000]

Is there a timecode input/output?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Max, yes you can sync time code with this device.

[@sergeykozhemyakin996]

Спасибо! Интересный обзор!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!

[@dota2signature]

how about review of zoom f3 thanks

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Waiting for it :)

[@ABCsangatsure]

Zoom F3 is also great. Are you planning to get it?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Of course :) More gear please.

[@Flex2212]

What are the differences with the Zoom F6 in terms of sound quality?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That is for another upcoming video.

[@Flex2212]

@@FreeToUseSounds Great! Thanks

[@BorisHeberer]

I don’t know why, but there is no sound field mode

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Sound Field mode?

[@gua_s]

are you doing any type of cleaning is post, or is this straight from the recorder??

[@FreeToUseSounds]

No cleaning at all.

[@gua_s]

@@FreeToUseSounds just to have a clear idea of the post, you have a marker and you sync video and audio no filters nor edits on the audio file from the recorder. in other words the tascam was not plug into the camera with recording the video footage, right?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@gua_s That is correct.

[@gua_s]

@@FreeToUseSounds I want a X8 :D

[@aclarkedesign]

If your looking for great pre amps in a digital recorder get a Sound Devices unit.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We have two...

[@michaelbragg1656]

Thanks for the reviews and walk throughs (and all your wonderful libraries) Picked up the x8 as I was excited for 32 bit float. Been using the Ceentrance R4 since it is rugged, compact and has a really low noise floor. I am having trouble using it as a USB interface with the iPad. Can't figure out how to monitor the audio from the iPad through the x8. Plugged into AUM with the x8 selected as the input. AUM hears everything fine. set up USB on 5 and 6. can see it gets the signal back form AUM but with the internal mics I am getting a feedback loop. Can seem to figure out how to disable monitoring of the mics and just get the processed signal form AUM. Any ideas.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Michael! Oh yes you need to watch the video from Florian Bodlee. He just released another video where he showcased this problem too.

[@michaelbragg1656]

Thanks so much. Yes, Florian just replied on his channel. At least I am now able to process channels 3 + 4 through the the iPad with the mixer. Looks like the included mics are a no go though. Thanks for the reply!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@michaelbragg1656 So glad to hear that he respond so quickly and it was helpful!

[@dalemettee1147]

I see you're using headphones. Which ones are they? Also, people don't realize that when recording, the recorder picks up EVERYTHING. Sounds that you want and sounds that you might not want. That's the job of post. I've use Tascam digital recorders for quite sometime. Many years ago, I had to haul RTR recorders that weighed in @ 70#'s.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah yes I'm using the Audio Technica ATH 30x.

[@dalemettee1147]

@@FreeToUseSounds Good choice. I use Sony MDL 7506's

[@brianwyse5810]

So, better than the Zoom../?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Which one?

[@nosecondlost]

Great video. But to be honest - all of these recordings you could have done without 32bit! This new feature is nice but it makes the people lazy with working properly with their inputs. I like 32 bit but it is not the holy grail.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You are correct, however let me give you one example that occurred just before the beginning of the video. One of the cable connection boxes exploded a few meters down the street while we were setting up the gear. That was a massive bang, and it came as a complete surprise.

[@nosecondlost]

@@FreeToUseSounds Agree. It is a great invention and I'm sure we will find this in mostly all new recorders in the future. For me it is perfect especially for low signals.

[@bearspawrecords]

The truth is in the pudding!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

He He He :)

[@nevtonx]

i buy this beacus have 32 bit... my old sony 100d and olyumpus ls 100 dont have this opition... tascam x8 is ok but .... harm ....

[@crostofor]

cool stuff 🎙🎚