Tascam

Tascam Portacapture X8 High Resolution Portable Recorder

4.4 (395 reviews)
XLRphantom power48Vcondenser

Tascam Portacapture X8 offers 32-bit float recording, a color touchscreen, and six inputs for professional portable audio capture.

$399.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tascam Portacapture X8 is a high-resolution portable recorder engineered for audio professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand flexibility and uncompromising quality. At its heart is the ability to record up to 192kHz at 32-bit float, a format that captures an enormous dynamic range and virtually eliminates the possibility of digital clipping. This means that whether you're recording a quiet interview or a loud live performance, the audio is preserved cleanly and can be adjusted in post-production without degradation. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen provides an intuitive launcher interface with dedicated recording apps for podcasting, multi-track music, voice, field recording, and ASMR, allowing users to jump into the right mode quickly rather than navigating complex menu trees.

Connectivity is a standout feature. The X8 offers four XLR/TRS locking combo jack inputs, each with its own individually switchable phantom power at 24V or 48V, powered by Tascam's in-house HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps known for their low noise and transparent gain. The two built-in detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser microphones add further versatility—they can be positioned in A-B stereo for a wider soundstage or X-Y for tighter, more focused stereo imaging. With USB connectivity, up to 512 GB of SD card storage, and a rugged build at 9 x 7 x 3 inches, the Portacapture X8 is equally at home in a studio podcasting setup or out in the field capturing ambient soundscapes.

Key Features

Intuitive Launcher system using a 3.5-inch color touch panel display.

Recording applications such as basic multi-track recording, podcasting, music, voice (interviews, vlog), field recording, ASMR and more. Supports up to 192kHz/ 32-bit float point recording.

4 XLR/TRS locking combo jack MIC/LINE inputs with individual phantom power supply (24V/48V) and in-house-developed HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps.

Detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser mics for both A-B position and X-Y position.

*Note: Only use AK-BT1 adapter. This product is not compatible with the AK-BT2 adapter.

Specifications

Brand
Tascam
Model
Portacapture X8
Display
3.5-inch Color Touch Panel
Max Recording Resolution
192kHz / 32-bit Float
Recording Format
WAV
Inputs
4x XLR/TRS Locking Combo Jacks
Phantom Power
24V / 48V (individually switchable)
Mic Preamps
HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture)
Built-in Microphones
2x Detachable 14.6mm Large-Diaphragm Condensers (A-B / X-Y)
Hardware Interface
USB
Headphone Output
XLR
Max Storage
512 GB
Dimensions
9 x 7 x 3 inches
Weight
1.61 pounds
Screen Size
3.5 inches

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 32-bit float recording eliminates the risk of clipping and allows flexible post-production level adjustment
  • 3.5-inch color touchscreen with intuitive launcher system makes navigating recording modes fast and straightforward
  • Four XLR/TRS combo inputs with individually switchable 24V/48V phantom power accommodate a wide range of microphones
  • Detachable large-diaphragm condenser mics can be set in A-B or X-Y configurations for versatile stereo capture
  • Dedicated recording apps for podcasting, music, field recording, ASMR, and more streamline setup for common use cases

👎 Cons

  • At 1.61 pounds it is heavier than many competing portable recorders, which may matter for extended handheld use
  • 512 GB maximum SD card support may limit very long multi-track sessions at the highest sample rates
  • Only compatible with the AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter—the newer AK-BT2 is not supported
  • The touchscreen can be difficult to operate in bright sunlight or with gloves on

Frequently Asked Questions

32-bit float recording captures an extremely wide dynamic range, meaning your recordings won't clip even if levels spike unexpectedly. You can adjust levels after recording without losing audio quality.
The X8 can record up to six inputs simultaneously—four XLR/TRS combo jack inputs plus the two built-in detachable condenser microphones.
Yes, the detachable 14.6mm large-diaphragm condenser microphones can be configured in either an A-B (spaced) position or an X-Y (coincident) position depending on your stereo recording needs.
Yes, each of the four XLR/TRS combo inputs has individually switchable phantom power with both 24V and 48V options.
The X8 supports recording at up to 192kHz sample rate with 32-bit float bit depth in WAV format.