TASCAM announces Portacapture X6 audio recorder

TASCAM has announced details of its new TASCAM Portacapture X6 multi-track audio recorder. One of the headline features of the X6 is its 96 kHz/32-bit float recording technology.

What is 32-bit float recording?

TASCAM Portacapture X6
Image courtesy: TASCAM

32-bit float recording has a huge dynamic range, much greater than 24-bit recording. It’s capable of recording data +770 dB above 0 dBFS and -758 dB below, which means that it is impossible for your audio recordings to clip. You can recover distorted audio above 0 dBFS by simply lowering the levels in post-production. In addition, no matter where you set your levels during recording, you can raise or reduce the volume without introducing noise.

App-like operation

The Portacapture X6 has a 2.4-inch color touchscreen and a simple GUI so that you can switch between the built-in recording apps. These recording modes include Voice, Podcast, Music, Field and ASMR. TASCAM also says that each setting has been carefully tuned by its audio engineers for the defined use case. In addition, there is a manual option if you want to set the parameters yourself. 

Multi-track

TASCAM’s Portacapture X6 is a multi-track recorder that can record up to 6 tracks simultaneously (four individual tracks plus a stereo mix). The recorder has 2 XLR inputs compatible with phantom power (24 V/48 V), which support both mic and line-level signals. There are also stereo 3.5 mm sockets for aux-in/camera-in and line-out/camera-out. In addition, the Portacapture X6 has dual built-in microphones, which you can switch between A-B and true X-Y configurations. The Portacapture X6 records to microSD, SDHC and SDXC cards up to a maximum of 512 GB.

Onboard processing

The Portacapture X6 has onboard processing features for your post-production tasks. These features include Low cut and Noise gate for reducing background noise and frequencies. There is also 4-band EQ for defining the character and tone of the recording. The EQ function has presets for several common scenarios as well as full manual options.

Other features

TASCAM’s Portacapture X6 has a USB interface function that doesn’t need any additional drivers. This means you can use the device as a six-in/two-out USB audio interface for your computer. There is also an optional Bluetooth adaptor so that you can control the recorder via TASCAM’s free Portacapture Control app for iOS or Android. In addition, the Bluetooth adaptor allows you to use wireless timecode sync with supported devices from Atomos UltraSync BLUE.

What we think

TASCAM Portacapture X6 recording a drummer
Image courtesy: TASCAM

The Portacapture X6 is a high-quality audio recorder with a great set of specifications. It is ideal for videographers as well as podcast creators, sound designers and musicians. In addition, for solo shooters, the addition of 32-bit float recording means that you don’t have to worry about loud sounds distorting your audio. If you are looking to buy your first audio recorder, or upgrade your current kit, then the Portacapture X6 could be just what you are looking for.

Pricing and availability

TASCAM says that the Portacapture X6 32-bit float portable audio recorder will be available in Q1 2023. Online retailer B&H has the X6 listed as shipping from March 1st and priced at $369.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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