Tascam Portacapture X6 High-Resolution Multi-Track Handheld Recorder

 

Capture High-Quality Audio Content Wherever you goNever Miss The Moment

 

Advanced recording technology, yet simple to use!
Capturing high-resolution audio is easy with the Portacapture X6. The intuitive app-like operation on its large color touchscreen makes it easy to record or sweeten up your audio in post-processing. Record using the two built-in microphones or plug in your own mics to its two XLR inputs. The recording quality on the Portacapture X6 will be your secret advantage. Its 96-kHz/32-bit floating-point recording technology means that you can capture audio softer or louder than ideal, assuring that you will never miss that moment.

 

Six different recording apps to choose from

MANUAL
This is the main app for multi-track recording of up to six audio sources and a stereo mix (2-mix).

VOICE
This recording app is ideal for capturing interviews, dictation and meetings.

PODCAST
Use this for podcast creation with up to four people.

MUSIC
Choose this app for capturing instrumental and vocal performances.

FIELD
Ideal for recording nature sounds outdoors.

ASMR
The screen visual effect changes in response to the input sound.

App-like operation
Quickly access your settings and adjustments on the Portacapture X6’s large (2.4-inch) colour touchscreen. With the easy-to-navigate interface and helpful tools, you are just a few taps from the perfect setting for your needs. Use the Launcher to select from podcast, music, interviews, field recording and real 6-track recording. Start fast, start right and get exactly what you need.

Click on the icons to switch between the app screens

 

Audio for video production
When shooting a video, you want to be able to focus on your video production and not worry about your audio. The Portacapture X6 was built with video production in mind. The workflow, presets and user settings save you countless steps. The X6 has your back with its 96 kHz/32-bit float recording technology. Not only does this mean you will have the highest quality audio, but you will have a dynamic range that allows you to overcome those less-than-ideal realities that can often occur on a shoot.
The X6 even gives you a timecode sync option* via Bluetooth (with optional AK-BT1) allowing you to align your audio with your video, even when you have no audio on your camera. Upgrade your audio and reduce your worries with your own Portacapture X6.
*With future firmware update

Record your way
The Portacapture X6 is ready to record with a few quick taps. The internal high-quality stereo microphones can instantly be rotated from A-B to a true X-Y mic pattern to allow for dialogue or spatial music recording. Have your own mics? Use those thanks to the two included XLR inputs which can also handle line level sources.
The mic preamplifiers are Tascam HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) – providing ultra-low noise and clean transparent audio based on more than 50 years of Tascam know-how.
Record six tracks (four individual track plus stereo mix) simultaneously and even use the X6 as your 6-in/2-out USB audio interface to connect to your computer.

 

Capture every bit
It would be great if every time you need to capture audio, everything is perfect. Not too loud, not too soft. Of course that is not the reality for most of us. Sometimes a voice or sound will be really soft and in other cases it is blasting. Even in these extremes, you are expected to capture the sound and deliver well-finished audio.
The 32-bit floating point recording technology in the Portacapture X6 gives you a much lower floor and higher ceiling for sound material. The result is that your recording can capture everything from the quietest rustle to the loudest spectacle.
 

Control the recorder from your phone (with optional Bluetooth adapter)
In those cases where you want to put your audio recorder in one place and operate it from another, the X6 has you covered. With the AK‑BT1 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately) and the free Portacapture Control app, it’s easy to remote control your X6 wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
Imagine the possibilities!

 

Ready-to-publish audio anywhere
With the Portacapture X6, your audio is ready to share. Built-in signal processing, including a compressor, limiter, high-pass filter, EQ and reverb, adds that studio polish.
Whether you need to tame the wind when recording outside or want to add the ambiance of reverb to your vocals, the X6 has you covered. From smoothing out your input to preventing extreme peaks or eliminating plosives in dialogue, you can count on the Portacapture X6.

Comparison of model features

Model
Portacapture X6
Portacapture X8

Number of input channels
4 (built-in stereo mic (1-2), IN 3-4)IN 3-4: XLR
6 (built-in stereo mic (1-2), IN 3-6)IN 3-6: XLR/TRS Combo

Max. sampling rate / resolution
96 kHz / 32-bit float
192 kHz / 32-bit float

Built-in microphones
A-B / true X-YBuilt-in (non detachable), rotatable10-mm diameter diaphragm
A-B / true X-YDetachable14.6-mm diameter diaphragm

Lavalier mic connection
Support plug-in power (EXT IN, mono/stereo)
Support plug-in power (IN 1-2)EXT IN does not support plug-in power

Display
2.4-inch (6-cm) full-colour touchscreen LCDLauncher app system
3.5-inch (8.9-cm) full-color touchscreen LCDLauncher app system

Maximum simultaneous recording tracks
6 (4 tracks plus stereo mix)
8 (6 tracks plus stereo mix)

Audio interface
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz24-bit, 32-bit float (from v1.10)6-in / 2-outUSB audio I/F mode + internal recording
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz24-bit, 32-bit float8-in / 2-outUSB audio I/F mode + internal recording

Dimensions (W × D × H)
75 mm × 37 mm × 174 mm
83 mm × 42 mm × 206 mm

Weight (with/without batteries)
365/265 g
472/381 g

 

Promotional Video

 

Features at a glance

New-generation high-resolution PCM audio recorder
2.4-inch colour touchscreen for easy operation and perfect readability
Uncompromised audio quality with sampling rates up to 96 kHz and 32-bit floating point resolution – ideal for later lossless post-editing with DAW software
Intuitive launcher system with pre-set configurations for a variety of recording scenes such as basic multi-track recording, podcasts, music, voice (interviews, vlogs), field recordings, ASMR or manual settings
Two adjustable condenser microphones (can be set for A-B or X-Y configuration)
Built-in USB audio interface with six inputs and two outputs

Included microphones can be used as USB audio source
Input signals received via USB can be recorded to SD card
USB mix-minus on PODCAST app (planned for a future update)
USB audio transmission in 32-bit float resolution (planned for a future update)

Two mic/line inputs via XLR locking connectors
Phantom power (24 V / 48 V) can be set for each microphone input individually
Additional mic/line input to monitor and record audio sent from a wireless microphone, camera or other device (3.5-mm stereo jack, supports plug-in power)
Multi-track recording of up to six tracks (four tracks + stereo mix)
Recording in either WAV (BWF) or MP3 format
MS decoder, reverb effect (six rooms, can be used with sampling rates of 44.1/48 kHz)

Pre-recording feature allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed
Auto-recording function to automatically start recording based on input level
Dual recording allows to record each track in a different file format
Slate tones can be added automatically or manually to simplify synchronisation of video files when editing
Marks can be set automatically (peak, level, time)
XRI function allows information on recording settings to be stored with a BWF file
Built-in mixer with audio processing including EQ, low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate and more
Input settings can be saved in up to three presets and shared by all recording apps (planned for a future update)
Unit settings and recording app settings can be saved in up to three presets and recalled with a single tap from the LAUNCHER (planned for a future update)
Camera/line output with selectable attenuation to send audio to a camera or other external devices
Audio monitoring through headphones output or the built-in loudspeaker
Wireless remote control from a smartphone/tablet using an optional Bluetooth dongle (Tascam AK-BT1) and the dedicated Portacapture Control app (free download)
Wireless timecode synchronisation with Atomos devices and UltraSync Blue (planned for a future update)
Micro SD cards up to 512 GB can be used as recording media
Power supply by four AA batteries (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium), USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)
Automatic power select to continue on batteries, for example, during a power outage

Supported Operating Systems

Windows

Windows 11 (version 22H2)
 
Windows 11 (version 22H1)
 
Windows 10 (November 2021, version 21H2)
 
Windows 10 (May 2021, version 21H1)

Mac

macOS Ventura (13.0)
 
macOS Monterey (12.0)
 
macOS Big Sur (11.0)

iOS

iOS 16 / iPadOS 16

Specifications

Recorder specifications

Recording media
microSD card (64 MB – 2 GB)microSDHC card (4–32 GB)microSDXC card (48–512 GB)

Recording/playback formats
WAV (BWF): 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24 bit or 32 bit floatMP3: 44.1/48kHz, 128/192/256/320 kbit/s

Input channels
4 (maximum)

Recording tracks
6 (4 tracks + stereo mix)

Analogue audio inputs

Mic inputs 3–4 (balanced)
XLR-3-31 equivalent (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)6.3-mm TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)(phantom power over XLR only)

  Input impedance
≥2.2 kΩ

  Maximum input level
+2 dBu

  Minimum input level
−75 dBu

Line inputs 3–4
XLR-3-31 equivalent (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)6.3-mm TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

  Input impedance
≥9 kΩ

  Maximum input level
+24 dBu

  Minimum input level
−53 dBu

MIC/EXT IN (unbalanced)
3.5-mm mini jack (supports plug-in power)

  Input impedance
10 kΩ (plug-in power off)1.8 kΩ (plug-in power on)

  Maximum input level
0 dBV

  Minimum input level
−67 dBV

Analogue audio outputs

Line output (LINE OUT, unbalanced)
3.5-mm stereo mini jack

  Output impedance
200 Ω

  Nominal output level
−14 dBV

  Maximum output level
+6 dBV

Headphones output
3.5-mm stereo mini jack

  Maximum output
45 mW + 45 mW (THD+N: ≤0.1%, 32 Ω load)

Built-in speaker
0.4 W (mono)

Control inputs/outputs

USB port
USB Type-C connector

  Format
USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage class

Bluetooth device connector
For Bluetooth adapter (AK-BT1) only

Audio performance

Equivalent input noise (EIN, mic inputs 3–4)
≤−125 dBu

Frequency response (inputs 3–4 to PCM data)
Fs 48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0/−0.3 dB (JEITA)Fs 96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0/−0.7 dB (JEITA)

Dynamic range (20 kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighted, Field app)

Inputs 3–4 to PCM data
≥112 dB (48/96 kHz)

S/N ratio (20 kHz SPCL LPF, A-weighted)

  Inputs 3–4
112 dB (48/96 kHz)

  MIC/EXT IN
103 dB (48 kHz)105 dB (96 kHz)

Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N, 1 kHz sine wave, –5 dBFS at input, GAIN at minimum, 20 kHz SPCL LPF)

Inputs 3–4 (LINE IN) to PCM data
0.008 %

Inputs 3–4 (MIC IN) to PCM data
0.006 %

Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150

Power supply and other specifications

Power supply
4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-MH or lithium-ion)USB bus power from a computerAC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520U, sold separately)

Power consumption
7.5 W (maximum)

Display
2.4-inch full-colour LCD touchscreen

Dimensions (W × H × D)
75 mm × 37 mm × 174 mm (excluding protrusions)

Weight
365 g (with batteries)265 g (without batteries)

Operating temperature range
0–40 °C

Approximate battery operation time (continuous operation in hours:minutes)

Using alkaline batteries (Evolta)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
13:30

Included mics plus inputs 3-4, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
5:30

Using NiMH batteries (eneloop)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
11:00

Included mics plus inputs 3-4, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
5:30

Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium)

Included mics, phantom power off, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
22:00

Included mics plus inputs 3-4, phantom power on, stereo WAV recording at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit
11:30

Note: When using phantom power, the operation time depends on the mics being used.

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.