Excellent, excellent video! You are one of the only people to show the X/Y mics removed and how those ports can be used for 3.5mm jacks. You mention it at the end but please show samples. It’s one of the most sought out functions. Love you channel, just subbed.
Is it possible to simultaneously record sound to an SD card in 32 bit quality on the tascam device and record the sound of the camera on the smartphone when it is connected via usb c, when the smartphone automatically recognizes it?
Great review, thank you! Question about the jack sockets: a/ do they provide plug in power, I suppose yes b/ do they record as two mono tracks or two stereo tracks? c/ can you adjust the gain of these ports separately?
The audio files are being written to the SD card on the X8, so for the app to play back audio files on your smartphone, Tascam would need to add hardware/software features on the X8. Unless of course, Tascam has the hardware capabilities in the X8 to make that possible and would only need to do a firmware update on the app, but that seems unlikely in a $499 audio recorder.
The 32-bit float raises the question for me as to whether it's possible to record ambisonic encoded audio? First order would be the limit given the channel count but useful nonetheless. One ambisonic mic would output 4 channels of encoded audio to the X8. Zoom has a couple of 'surround' or ambisonics products but their preamps and file bit depth specs make them a challenge for doing ambient soundscapes. Zoom's higher end F-series products can do ambisonics but is about $200 more expensive. Thanks for this very useful to know about the gain staging on the mics and the 32-bit float option.
Hello. Thanks for the tutorial you published. I have a question: The H8 zoom has a mixer with effects like Daily, Repeat and Reverb. Does the TASCAM Portacapture X8 have a mixer or not?
I have been trying to figure this out also. It doesn't appear that the X8 is able to record reverb to multiple channels or any channel except through the "Music App".
Can I record stereo track with minijack input? Let's say I record an interview with Rode Wireless Go II and have two speakers who speak into different channels each.
Yes, you could record that into the 3.5mm jack on the side. It records in stereo. The two 3.5mm jacks on the top (where the XY mics typically go) appear to be mono only.
Great video. Just wondering if the metronome works while tracking so you can keep a multitracking project in time to a BPM. No other video I've seen mentions this.
Did the mic plugged into the 3.5mm jack on the side also work fine? you didn't mention that one. (Or maybe i missed it) ....Referring to the camera in port on the left side
Good review thanks. Please, make an update about this device later after using it for some time. Reviews say the screen is very cheap and so low quality that after pretty short use it has burn-ins like recording time digits.
I'll be sure to cover that in my full review. So far I've had a few 1 hour recordings with no burn-in issues, but I'll test some longer recordings soon.
Great video and Thanks for the walkthrough. I am interested in whether the X8 can record 32-bit float in the podcast app, do you know if it does? if not, is there a possibility to record in 32 bit for podcasts in ther manual app by just setting up everything that way?
First time on your channel, and I appreciate your tests and thoughts on this. I especially appreciate the Rode Podmic. I just got the X8 and another Podmic (I LOVE this mic and have one already) to do a mobile interview/podcast that're hosted in small spaces, but also plan to offer it for collabs with videographers at weddings I work with. Looking forward to anymore vids you post on it, especially your comprehensive review!
Thanks! Let me know once you have your X8 in hand. I've noticed something odd with my channel 6 and I'm trying to find out if any others are having the same issue.
Your 32 bit float video introduced me to the Tascam X8. Originally I didn't want to spend "too much". But OMG! The X8 is a good solution for a lot of scenarios. Wow, having the capability to plug 4 mics in & record everything in 32 bit float is huge. Especially as a "one man band". What would be extra mind-blowing is if could function as an audio interface too. 🤯 Can you check that please, it would be nice to save $100 and not buy the Shure interface. Have fun testing. I hope you discover some useful features. I am also curious to see how you send reference wireless audio to your camera. Does the X8 or X8 app have sound syncing features. Thanks, I'm glad I found your CZcams channel.
thanks for the great eval of this X8. A few things I noticed, that might be huge opportunities lost if not present. esp relating to its bluetooth capability: can its BT output to a standard BT speaker? Also, can the app or BT be used to enter regular ID3v2.3 (MP3 tag) style song metadata? This is a new product so id expect that, as with having the on-boardBT support a BT keyboard for file naming etc. And I’m guessing the XY mics are not condensers,right? Otherwise, looking interesting even if a bit overpriced (due to questionable built in XY mics). I own a lot of Tascam gear so am hoping this will evolve too. Thanks again.
I haven't seen anything official from Tascam, but so far I don't see any of the Bluetooth capabilities you mentioned. Perhaps they could add those things with a future firmware update. And the XY mics actually are condensers. They receive plug-in power through the 3.5mm jack.
I agree the app should play back your recordings on your phone. Need that. I don't think the bluetooth is as bad as you said. I'm not worried at all about it falling out.
Thanks for the testing! I'd be interested to see a test of a few issues I've seen in other reviews such as screen backlight bleed, issues with some rechargeable batteries not powering on the recorder and high frequency hum (above 20khz) on all recordings.
I think I saw the same video that mentioned those issues. I am getting the backlight bleed, but its minor. Honestly if it wasnt for that video I probably would have never looked for it or noticed it. I am getting the high frequency tone as well. I haven't had any issues with the batteries I've tried so far.
@@GearTestTVTech good to know. The backlight probably wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. They did seem to suggest it had some ghosting issues too when it was left on the same screen for a while. The high frequency tone is a problem though, I saw someone suggest it might be caused by the screen.
I’m also disappointed with the micro sd only slot but more disappointing is that it is limited to 512gb. Not like I’m going to keep hours of audio on that thing but with it be 2022 I would think there’s shouldn’t be a cap on storage
Hi Paul, great job with the review of the X8, thanks, I'm a musician and I would like to know if X8 could record live band performance and how can I listen to it while playing, do all the musicians needs to wear headphones to hear themselves ? please explain if you have the time, appreciate it...
As long as the X8 has enough inputs for your band, you can certainly record it and listen live via headphones plugged into the headphone jack. You would have to use some type of headphone splitter to connect multiple headphones if you want each band member hear the mix though.
That's a tough one to answer at the moment. My experience so far has felt a bit like testing a beta version. I haven't had any critical issues, but I have found several minor issues that I'm hoping Tascam will fix with a firmware update. Overall not the experience I was hoping to have from a $500 recorder. So it depends on what your use case is, but if you think the Zoom F3 would meet your needs, I would certainly recommend waiting it out.
@@GearTestTVTech Your reply means a lot. I was hoping to find something nice to capture audio from some of the jungle and interesting places here in Thailand. Also, to add ambiance to my CZcams videos. If it had a lithium battery or the ability to use a power bank to keep charged, it would be great. Do you have any other recommendations? Thank you so much!
@@TheThaiLife I think there are several options that could meet those needs. Are you specifically looking for a recorder with 32-bit capabilities? And are you looking for something with a built-in mic or do you want to use a separate mic?
@@GearTestTVTech Thank you so much for clarifying. To be honest, I believe I want built-in microphones (I have just never owned a recorder before so I’m not sure if the built-in quality is OK or not) and a field recorder set up if possible, but I am not sure if I need 32 bit audio. I have a feeling for CZcams videos I probably don’t even though it would be super cool. Thank you so much for your attention and help. To get a response like this as a magical surprise for me I really appreciate it.
@@TheThaiLife No problem! I'm happy to help. It sounds to me like the Zoom H1n would be a good fit for you. Check out the Free To Use Sounds channel on CZcams. They just posted a comparison video between the Tascam X8 and the Zoom H1n.
So if you remove the built in mics you have plug in power 3.5 jack ! It's a good news. Is your videomic go II get enough power from the tascam ? Thank you very much for this informative video.
Yes, the Go II is getting plenty or power from the Tascam. It was actually peaking when I tested it again this morning, but thankfully the 32-bit file made it recoverable.
Thank you for the nice video of this new multi-track recorder. For music recording side, is it possible to record tracks and then bounce them to one track to free up more tracks to record? I know the Zoom H4n has this feature but not the easiest to use.
@@GearTestTVTech would i get the same result if I were to do that with an H1N? im going to buy my first audio recorder to record field noise. but I will use the mic to record interviews in the streets as well and I prefer not carrying around too many accessories. I'm planning a 7-8 month-long trip across southeast Asia from Bangladesh, India, bhutan, nepal. I'm torn between buying the H1N and Tascam x8 (since it looks so beautiful and feels good in hand). what would you suggest I go for?
@@shadinrish I currently record with the h1n on all of the recent videos on my channel using a lapel mic. But I'm thinking about picking up the X8 for multiple mic interviews.
i like the mini tutorial , the interface looks like android in a good way. it'll make thins super easy. low key i can tell that you are overusing the vibrato of your voice ha ha ha ha, it sounds like sand paper. we all discover that part of our voice in our late 20s . Now that's cool but don't *scratch* too much because vocal irritation is real.
What’s that thing you’re doing with your voice? There’s an odd growl half the time. It’s rather tiring to listen to. Maybe your abdomen isn’t supplying enough air pressure, or something? I just had to quit half way through your otherwise very good video. You should work on your voice technique.
Excellent, excellent video! You are one of the only people to show the X/Y mics removed and how those ports can be used for 3.5mm jacks. You mention it at the end but please show samples. It’s one of the most sought out functions. Love you channel, just subbed.
Curious if you could extend the x/y mics with 3.5mm cables to use at some distance from the recorder?
Super thorough, thumbs up
Is it possible to simultaneously record sound to an SD card in 32 bit quality on the tascam device and record the sound of the camera on the smartphone when it is connected via usb c, when the smartphone automatically recognizes it?
Great review, thank you! Question about the jack sockets: a/ do they provide plug in power, I suppose yes b/ do they record as two mono tracks or two stereo tracks? c/ can you adjust the gain of these ports separately?
The audio files are being written to the SD card on the X8, so for the app to play back audio files on your smartphone, Tascam would need to add hardware/software features on the X8.
Unless of course, Tascam has the hardware capabilities in the X8 to make that possible and would only need to do a firmware update on the app, but that seems unlikely in a $499 audio recorder.
The 32-bit float raises the question for me as to whether it's possible to record ambisonic encoded audio? First order would be the limit given the channel count but useful nonetheless. One ambisonic mic would output 4 channels of encoded audio to the X8. Zoom has a couple of 'surround' or ambisonics products but their preamps and file bit depth specs make them a challenge for doing ambient soundscapes. Zoom's higher end F-series products can do ambisonics but is about $200 more expensive. Thanks for this very useful to know about the gain staging on the mics and the 32-bit float option.
Good morning. the Bluetooth connector does not fully enter and is not sure of it !!!!???
Hello. Thanks for the tutorial you published. I have a question:
The H8 zoom has a mixer with effects like Daily, Repeat and Reverb. Does the TASCAM Portacapture X8 have a mixer or not?
I have been trying to figure this out also. It doesn't appear that the X8 is able to record reverb to multiple channels or any channel except through the "Music App".
Will this recorder work with UHS-II micro sdxc?
Can I record stereo track with minijack input? Let's say I record an interview with Rode Wireless Go II and have two speakers who speak into different channels each.
Yes, you could record that into the 3.5mm jack on the side. It records in stereo. The two 3.5mm jacks on the top (where the XY mics typically go) appear to be mono only.
Thank you for your presentation. When you update your device, please advise on the steps you followed. Thank you.
Great video. Just wondering if the metronome works while tracking so you can keep a multitracking project in time to a BPM. No other video I've seen mentions this.
What DB level were you at when using the xy mic on the x8? I noticed a lot of peaking when testing VO's...I must be doing something wrong
Did the mic plugged into the 3.5mm jack on the side also work fine? you didn't mention that one. (Or maybe i missed it) ....Referring to the camera in port on the left side
Good review thanks. Please, make an update about this device later after using it for some time. Reviews say the screen is very cheap and so low quality that after pretty short use it has burn-ins like recording time digits.
I'll be sure to cover that in my full review. So far I've had a few 1 hour recordings with no burn-in issues, but I'll test some longer recordings soon.
Did you mention updating firmware prior to us8ng bt-1 Bluetooth Adapter or is that a g8ven for all new devices. "
Great video and Thanks for the walkthrough. I am interested in whether the X8 can record 32-bit float in the podcast app, do you know if it does? if not, is there a possibility to record in 32 bit for podcasts in ther manual app by just setting up everything that way?
Yes it can!
What happened to your follow up review?
Can you use the metronome through the headphone out while recording in the music or manual mode?
First time on your channel, and I appreciate your tests and thoughts on this. I especially appreciate the Rode Podmic. I just got the X8 and another Podmic (I LOVE this mic and have one already) to do a mobile interview/podcast that're hosted in small spaces, but also plan to offer it for collabs with videographers at weddings I work with. Looking forward to anymore vids you post on it, especially your comprehensive review!
Thanks! Let me know once you have your X8 in hand. I've noticed something odd with my channel 6 and I'm trying to find out if any others are having the same issue.
Your 32 bit float video introduced me to the Tascam X8. Originally I didn't want to spend "too much". But OMG! The X8 is a good solution for a lot of scenarios. Wow, having the capability to plug 4 mics in & record everything in 32 bit float is huge. Especially as a "one man band". What would be extra mind-blowing is if could function as an audio interface too. 🤯 Can you check that please, it would be nice to save $100 and not buy the Shure interface.
Have fun testing. I hope you discover some useful features.
I am also curious to see how you send reference wireless audio to your camera. Does the X8 or X8 app have sound syncing features.
Thanks, I'm glad I found your CZcams channel.
Yes, it does work as an audio interface and you can even record to the internal SD card while you are recording on your computer.
No one has recorded a live gig using the X8 yet, well on CZcams any way. Can you do one please? Thanks.
thanks for the great eval of this X8. A few things I noticed, that might be huge opportunities lost if not present. esp relating to its bluetooth capability: can its BT output to a standard BT speaker? Also, can the app or BT be used to enter regular ID3v2.3 (MP3 tag) style song metadata? This is a new product so id expect that, as with having the on-boardBT support a BT keyboard for file naming etc. And I’m guessing the XY mics are not condensers,right? Otherwise, looking interesting even if a bit overpriced (due to questionable built in XY mics). I own a lot of Tascam gear so am hoping this will evolve too. Thanks again.
I haven't seen anything official from Tascam, but so far I don't see any of the Bluetooth capabilities you mentioned. Perhaps they could add those things with a future firmware update. And the XY mics actually are condensers. They receive plug-in power through the 3.5mm jack.
@@GearTestTVTech thanks much for the response, and clearing up the XY mic as condensers!
I’d like to know if you can rename files using the on screen keyboard. That’d certainly solidify the X8 as being unique
I agree the app should play back your recordings on your phone. Need that. I don't think the bluetooth is as bad as you said. I'm not worried at all about it falling out.
Yeah I decided to go without taping it first to see if I actually had any issues with it, but no issues so far.
Thanks for the testing! I'd be interested to see a test of a few issues I've seen in other reviews such as screen backlight bleed, issues with some rechargeable batteries not powering on the recorder and high frequency hum (above 20khz) on all recordings.
I think I saw the same video that mentioned those issues. I am getting the backlight bleed, but its minor. Honestly if it wasnt for that video I probably would have never looked for it or noticed it. I am getting the high frequency tone as well. I haven't had any issues with the batteries I've tried so far.
@@GearTestTVTech good to know. The backlight probably wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. They did seem to suggest it had some ghosting issues too when it was left on the same screen for a while. The high frequency tone is a problem though, I saw someone suggest it might be caused by the screen.
Hi, Did you buy the Tascam AK-BT-1 Bluetooth Adapter, or did it come with it?
the x8 is now 100$ would you pick the x8 over the f3 at the new price?
I've just ordered one today, but on seeing some more videos the device seems like an EMF magnet
Great review!!
Is it possible to use it as an audio interface connected to a Mac over usb?
I’m also disappointed with the micro sd only slot but more disappointing is that it is limited to 512gb. Not like I’m going to keep hours of audio on that thing but with it be 2022 I would think there’s shouldn’t be a cap on storage
Hi Paul, great job with the review of the X8, thanks, I'm a musician and I would like to know if X8 could record live band performance and how can I listen to it while playing, do all the musicians needs to wear headphones to hear themselves ? please explain if you have the time, appreciate it...
As long as the X8 has enough inputs for your band, you can certainly record it and listen live via headphones plugged into the headphone jack. You would have to use some type of headphone splitter to connect multiple headphones if you want each band member hear the mix though.
Would you buy this again or go another direction? I am really on the fense about purchasing the Tascam. Thank you for a great video!
That's a tough one to answer at the moment. My experience so far has felt a bit like testing a beta version. I haven't had any critical issues, but I have found several minor issues that I'm hoping Tascam will fix with a firmware update. Overall not the experience I was hoping to have from a $500 recorder. So it depends on what your use case is, but if you think the Zoom F3 would meet your needs, I would certainly recommend waiting it out.
@@GearTestTVTech Your reply means a lot. I was hoping to find something nice to capture audio from some of the jungle and interesting places here in Thailand. Also, to add ambiance to my CZcams videos. If it had a lithium battery or the ability to use a power bank to keep charged, it would be great. Do you have any other recommendations? Thank you so much!
@@TheThaiLife I think there are several options that could meet those needs. Are you specifically looking for a recorder with 32-bit capabilities? And are you looking for something with a built-in mic or do you want to use a separate mic?
@@GearTestTVTech Thank you so much for clarifying. To be honest, I believe I want built-in microphones (I have just never owned a recorder before so I’m not sure if the built-in quality is OK or not) and a field recorder set up if possible, but I am not sure if I need 32 bit audio. I have a feeling for CZcams videos I probably don’t even though it would be super cool. Thank you so much for your attention and help. To get a response like this as a magical surprise for me I really appreciate it.
@@TheThaiLife No problem! I'm happy to help. It sounds to me like the Zoom H1n would be a good fit for you. Check out the Free To Use Sounds channel on CZcams. They just posted a comparison video between the Tascam X8 and the Zoom H1n.
which Is best H1 Vd Tascam Portacapture X8
Zoom H6 vs Tascam X8 which to choose 🤔
So if you remove the built in mics you have plug in power 3.5 jack ! It's a good news.
Is your videomic go II get enough power from the tascam ?
Thank you very much for this informative video.
Yes, the Go II is getting plenty or power from the Tascam. It was actually peaking when I tested it again this morning, but thankfully the 32-bit file made it recoverable.
Thank you for the nice video of this new multi-track recorder. For music recording side, is it possible to record tracks and then bounce them to one track to free up more tracks to record? I know the Zoom H4n has this feature but not the easiest to use.
Interesting. I just did some searching, and maybe I'm missing it, but I can't seem to find any way of playing back a file while recording a new one.
@@GearTestTVTech it’s the functionality that they called Punch in/out, function like the overdub mode in the H6
This feature (what I would call a "portastudio feature") is not currently available, but they are working on it for a future firmware update.
Good review
do you think i can use the xy microphone to record an outdoor podcast?
Yeah for sure. Just get a deadcat wind cover for the mics and you should be good to go.
@@GearTestTVTech would i get the same result if I were to do that with an H1N? im going to buy my first audio recorder to record field noise. but I will use the mic to record interviews in the streets as well and I prefer not carrying around too many accessories. I'm planning a 7-8 month-long trip across southeast Asia from Bangladesh, India, bhutan, nepal. I'm torn between buying the H1N and Tascam x8 (since it looks so beautiful and feels good in hand). what would you suggest I go for?
@@shadinrish I currently record with the h1n on all of the recent videos on my channel using a lapel mic. But I'm thinking about picking up the X8 for multiple mic interviews.
What is the range of the phone app to the recorder ?
Probably no more than any standard spec'ed Bluetooth device. So ~33ft
I will be sure to test that for my full review, but I expect that Eric's answer is correct.
i like the mini tutorial , the interface looks like android in a good way. it'll make thins super easy. low key i can tell that you are overusing the vibrato of your voice ha ha ha ha, it sounds like sand paper. we all discover that part of our voice in our late 20s . Now that's cool but don't *scratch* too much because vocal irritation is real.
Were these tests recorded in 32 bit float?
Yes, all audio in this video was recorded in 32-bit.
fun fact bet you didnt know in input mode... tap on any of the top track buttons and you can solo any microphone... just figure it out my self
Good to know!
What’s that thing you’re doing with your voice? There’s an odd growl half the time. It’s rather tiring to listen to. Maybe your abdomen isn’t supplying enough air pressure, or something? I just had to quit half way through your otherwise very good video. You should work on your voice technique.
Haha, that's probably just the sound of exhaustion from trying to keep up with my 1 year old. Thanks for the feedback though.
What the heck are you talking about. I can think of a lot of things you need to work on! Such a stupid comment
no one asked you or cares what you think lolll. don't you have anything better to do than critique people online? sheesh