In this week’s episode, we have a look at and listen to the Tascam Portacapture X8 32-bit float audio recorder. This hand-held sound recorder includes a set of stereo microphones (X/Y and A/B) plus 4 XLR microphone/line inputs. With its 32-bit float capabilities, it can record wide dynamic range audio and when you’re recording spoken word or singing vocals, even if the levels exceed 0dB, you can recover the audio in post production. We have a closer look at the features and performance in this extensive review.

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. Https://school.learnlightandsound.com

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Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- Tascam Portacapture X8 audio recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/BE098
- Tascam WS-86 fur windshield - B&H https://geni.us/1yN9qA
- RODE NT1 microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/Uz0w
- AA Lithium rechargeable batteries — Amazon https://geni.us/gKjQ6G
- Stand - Sound Devices Pix-base stand — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/Y6WXndU
- Aputure 600X LED light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/EreRQa
- Impact Luxbank ENORMOUS softbox - B&H https://geni.us/pJEgP
- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/A3HByXB
- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon https://geni.us/kfAj
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H https://geni.us/GWKt
- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/InspOl
- Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/6cvOQ
- Canon C70 Camera — B&H https://geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/qwsEs

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Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

#TASCAM #Portacapture #X8

Index:
00:00 Start
00:12 Summary
00:22 Recorded with X8 and RODE NT1
01:21 4 XLR/TRS inputs
01:45 32-bit float HDR recording
02:33 Sample rates 44.1 to 192kHz
02:48 +24 or +48V phantom power
02:58 Practical noise sample
04:22 microSD cards
04:48 Included stereo microphones
05:43 3.5mm input and output
05:53 Headphone jack
06:10 In-build speaker
06:23 Bluetooth app control Android/iOS
06:51 Handling noise
07:13 Power options and performance
07:51 USB-C audio interface for computer or mobile
08:12 Pre-record
08:47 Color touch screen
09:06 Easy modes
09:39 Podcast sound pads
09:53 Effects — Low cut, limiter, compressor, EQ
10:22 Mounting options
10:36 Warranty
10:48 Plastic build
11:34 Limited dynamic range relative to other 32-bit float recorders
12:38 Recover clipped audio sample
13:59 USB Audio Interface 24-bit max
14:14 Handling noise
15:12 No redundant recording media
15:44 Reflective screen
15:56 Arm then record?
16:45 192kHz sample rate hum above 20kHz
17:23 Need windshield for outdoor recording
17:52 Price
18:05 My recommendation
20:23 ZOOM H6, H8, or Portacapture X8
24:11 Please buy my courses