TASCAM Announces Portacapture X6 High-Resolution Multi-Recorder

Videographers, podcasters, and content creators looking for a powerful and portable audio-recording solution will find a lot to like in TASCAM’s Portacapture X6, a streamlined version of its popular X8 model, but scaled back for smaller productions requiring fewer inputs and tracks. The more compact size makes the X6 easier to position for dialog recording while still allowing you to record up to six simultaneous 32-bit-float tracks at rates up to 96 kHz. The X6 also keeps the easy-to-use Portacapture intuitive touchscreen interface with pre-perfected settings that take the guesswork out of getting great recordings.

Unlike the mics on the X8, the stereo mic array on the X6 is not detachable, but it is adjustable, so you can position the mics in a stereo A/B configuration or true-X/Y configuration, with the mics positioned on the same axis for phase-coherent recordings. Connect line sources or your own favorite microphones to the dual XLR inputs, with phantom power available at either 24 or 48V, depending on the requirements of the condenser mics you’re using. An additional 3.5mm input with plug-in power can accommodate stereo microphones and line sources.

With all these inputs, you’ll need some tracks to record on, and the X6 gives you a stereo recording track and 4 individual tracks with which to work. Meanwhile, the 32-bit float processing provides huge dynamic range with plenty of headroom so your dialog can go from mumbled misgivings to shouted denials, which the Portacapture handles easily without distorting. The X6 can accommodate microSDXC cards up to 512GB, enough for hundreds of hours of audio. The unit is powered by four AA batteries, and run times vary depending on usage, but you’ll get about 11 hours of operating time on Ni-MH batteries using inputs 1 and 2 without phantom power at a 24-bit / 44.1 kHz setting.

The X6 is packed with features to ensure you get excellent results, including a low-cut filter, noise gate, limiter, compressor, and 4-band EQ. The color touchscreen makes it easy to set parameters, but if you’re new to recording and a little worried about getting it right, no problem: the Portacapture X6 has you covered with a built-in manual and numerous presets you can call up for common recording scenarios. Listen to your audio through the 3.5mm headphone jack or connect the stereo line-level output to a mixer or set of monitors; there’s even a built-in mono speaker for a quick check in the field.

Conveniently, the X6 can also operate as an audio interface for your Mac or Windows machine without the need for additional drivers. Use the built-in mics or mix multiple microphones together on the unit’s mixer for stereo podcasting and streaming applications via the USB-C connector. Add the separately available AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter and you can control the X6 remotely from your phone or table via TASCAM’s Portacapture Control app for iOS and Android devices. In addition, Tascam is promising additional software updates with exciting new features that include a mix-minus setting for podcasting, one-tap User Recall settings on the home screen, wireless timecode synchronization capabilities, and more.

Content creators: thinking about how you’ll put TASCAM’s Portacapture X6 Multi-Recorder to work on your next video production, streaming session, or podcast? Let us know in the Comments section, below. If you have questions, please call us, chat with us online, or stop by the B&H New York SuperStore.