MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS Input/output: Eight channels, six inputs plus stereo mix. 2x3.5mm TRS, 4x combo XLR, 3.5mm camera input, camera/line output, headphone, USB-C Bit rates: 128-320Kbps Signal processing: Auto gain, compressor, limiter, low-cut filter, reverb Mics: Interchangeable cardioid condenser pair, A/B or X/Y configuration Mic preamps: Six Built-in speaker: 0.4W mono Display: 8.9cm/3.5in colour LCD touchscreen Memory card: microSD to 512GB Features: Metronome, remote control via Bluetooth, tuner Power: 4x AA batteries or USB-C Dimensions (wxhxd): 77x40x206mm/3x1.6x8.1in Weight: 427g/0.94lb with batteries However, it works nicely, turning your smartphone into a fully featured remote with an interface that mirrors the X8 itself. It doesn’t offer remote monitoring, though. But for the price, these are no huge niggles. The Tascam Portacapture X8 still offers amazing value for such a high-spec bit of kit. It will not only improve the quality of your audio, but make it far easier to capture – and save those moments when loud noises could ruin a standard recording. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 A full-spec, multichannel, 32-bit float recorder at a low cost
SCREEN TIME The touchscreen allows you to select the mode, change recording settings, then mix and monitor audio levels
“For filmmaking, it’s best to select manual and take full control. You can change all the technical settings and decide which audio inputs go to which tracks”
change all the technical settings and decide which audio inputs go to which tracks – and change levels, too. Do this with the touchscreen or the big red dial at the bottom, offering a more precise feel. And mix different levels on different inputs – more important if you are not recording in 32-bit float. Everything is simple and works well. Dual condenser mics on the top don’t feel that well-made, but operate fine. But they don’t articulate, so to change from X/Y to A/B pattern, you have to take them off and turn around. Remove them, and 3.5mm line inputs provide power to other mics. The only issues we had were plugging in lav mics and wireless receivers via 3.5mm jacks. Some worked on the top inputs or the 3.5mm EXT IN input. A Sony UWP system and its lav mic only functioned with its XLR adapter, but a Joby lav mic worked perfectly. Tascam says any mono lav mic works in the top mini-jacks as they will provide power, and any wireless receiver that can output line level may be connected to EXT IN. But if it’s a stereo input, you need an adapter plug. Just be sure to test your own kit before venturing out on a job. Some small disappointments were that the X8 doesn’t come with a case, wind shield, memory card or Bluetooth module. They’re all extra, with the plug-in Bluetooth AK-BT1 costing £27/$39. This goes into a socket at the bottom, but sticks out a bit and doesn’t lock in that well.
When the Tascam Portacapture X8 was launched a couple of months ago, it was the cheapest 32-bit float recorder on the market. But it was soon undercut by the more compact Zoom F3. As this is a two-channel, two-track recorder, and the Tascam offers eight channels and six separate inputs, it isn’t quite the same thing. The X8 captures up to six audio inputs, with two stereo. It comes with two detachable, and removable, condenser mics on the top. Each side has a pair of XLR inputs that support phantom power, with 1/4in input jacks in the centre, so you can input a signal that way, too. There is also a separate 3.5mm EXT IN input. A 3.5mm camera output means the mixed signal can be sent out to record in your camera, plus there’s a headphone socket for monitoring and a built-in small speaker. A USB-C socket allows you to power it that way, or plug the unit into a computer as a USB mic – ideal for vloggers and podcasters. The 32-bit float function is only available in WAV at up to 192kHz, but the recorder can also be set as a standard 16- or 24-bit recorder in WAV or MP3 formats. It’s possible to record a WAV 24-bit file and 32-bit float file simultaneously with the dual recording function. The X8 has a colour touchscreen that’s easy to read. The launcher has quick settings for recording music, podcasts and even ASMR for very quiet sources. But for filmmaking, it’s best to select manual and take full control. From there, you can
REMOTE READY The
Bluetooth unit is an optional extra and plugs into the base of the recorder
Pros: The new wave of WAV Cons: Bluetooth, case and memory card cost extra
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