TASCAM Portacapture X6

By Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM Portacapture X6 is a compact professional handheld multitrack recorder designed for field recording, music, filmmaking, interviews, podcasting, sound design, and content creation. Its built-in adjustable stereo condenser microphones provide a convenient self-contained recording system, while two professional XLR inputs make it easy to expand the recorder with external microphones or line-level sources.

Supporting 32-bit float WAV/BWF recording at up to 96kHz, the Portacapture X6 combines high-quality audio capture with an intuitive 2.4-inch color touchscreen and application-style recording interface. Up to four input channels can be captured along with a stereo master mix for a total of six recording tracks. USB audio interface functionality, optional Bluetooth remote control, microSDXC media support, and flexible battery or USB power make the X6 equally useful as a grab-and-go handheld recorder or the center of a compact production setup.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • 32-Bit Float Recording: Capture WAV/BWF audio using 32-bit float technology for extensive dynamic-range flexibility when recording sources with unpredictable levels.
  • Up to 96kHz Recording: Supports professional WAV/BWF recording at 44.1, 48, and 96kHz in 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit float resolution.
  • Built-In Stereo Condenser Microphones: Integrated 10mm condenser microphones provide a convenient self-contained stereo recording system without requiring external microphones.
  • A-B or True X-Y Stereo Recording: Rotatable microphones can be configured for A-B or true X-Y stereo pickup to suit different sources and recording environments.
  • Two Professional XLR Inputs: Inputs 3 and 4 accept balanced microphone or line-level signals for connecting professional microphones, mixers, and other audio equipment.
  • Phantom Power: XLR inputs provide phantom power for compatible professional condenser microphones.
  • Four Input Channels: Record with the built-in stereo microphone pair and two external XLR sources simultaneously.
  • Up to Six Recording Tracks: Capture four individual input tracks plus a 2-channel stereo master mix for greater flexibility during editing and post-production.
  • 2.4-Inch Color Touchscreen: Full-color touchscreen provides intuitive access to recording applications, mixer functions, meters, and recorder settings.
  • Application-Style Interface: TASCAM’s Launcher system provides purpose-built recording apps that simplify configuration for common recording scenarios.
  • Manual Recording Mode: Experienced users can take direct control over recording and input settings when a customized setup is required.
  • Music Recording: Suitable for rehearsals, songwriting, acoustic performances, concerts, and other mobile music-recording applications.
  • Field Recording and Sound Design: Compact dimensions, adjustable stereo microphones, and 32-bit float recording make the X6 well suited to ambience, effects, nature, and location sound.
  • Podcast and Interview Recording: External XLR inputs can accommodate dedicated microphones while individual tracks provide flexibility during editing and mixing.
  • Video Production: Compact multitrack recording makes the Portacapture X6 useful as an independent audio system for filmmaking, interviews, documentaries, and content production.
  • 3.5mm External Input: An additional unbalanced stereo input supports compatible external audio sources and microphones.
  • Plug-In Power Support: The 3.5mm MIC/EXT input can supply plug-in power for compatible lavalier and compact microphones.
  • 6-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface: USB connectivity allows the Portacapture X6 to function as a multichannel audio interface with compatible computers and devices.
  • 32-Bit Float USB Audio: Current firmware supports 32-bit float operation through the USB audio interface in addition to 24-bit operation.
  • Simultaneous USB and Internal Recording: USB audio interface operation can be combined with recording to the recorder’s internal media for flexible production and backup workflows.
  • USB Type-C Connectivity: USB-C supports file transfer, USB audio interface operation, bus power, and connection to compatible devices.
  • Optional Bluetooth Remote Control: The optional TASCAM AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter enables supported wireless control from a smartphone or tablet.
  • TASCAM Portacapture Control: Compatible mobile software provides supported remote operation when the optional Bluetooth adapter is installed.
  • microSDXC Recording: Supports microSDXC media up to 512GB for long recording sessions.
  • WAV/BWF and MP3 Support: Provides high-resolution WAV/BWF recording along with MP3 recording and playback for applications where smaller files are preferred.
  • Dedicated Headphone Monitoring: Built-in headphone output provides direct monitoring during setup, recording, and playback.
  • Built-In Speaker: Integrated mono speaker provides convenient playback without requiring headphones or external monitoring equipment.
  • Flexible Power Options: Operates from four AA batteries, USB bus power, or the optional TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type Professional high-resolution handheld multitrack recorder
Recording Media microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC
microSD Capacity 64MB–2GB
microSDHC Capacity 4GB–32GB
microSDXC Capacity 48GB–512GB
Minimum Media Requirement Class 10
WAV Format WAV / BWF
WAV Sampling Rates 44.1 / 48 / 96kHz
WAV Resolution 16-bit / 24-bit / 32-bit float
MP3 Sampling Rates 44.1 / 48kHz
MP3 Bit Rates 128 / 192 / 256 / 320kbps
Maximum Input Channels 4
Maximum Recording Tracks 6 (4 input tracks + stereo mix)
Built-In Microphones Stereo condenser microphones
Microphone Diaphragm Diameter 10mm
Stereo Mic Configurations A-B / True X-Y
External Inputs 3–4 2 × balanced XLR
External Input Modes Microphone / Line
Phantom Power Supported on XLR inputs in microphone mode
Mic Input Impedance 2.2kΩ or greater
Mic Maximum Input Level +2dBu
Mic Minimum Input Level -75dBu
Line Input Impedance 9kΩ or greater
Line Nominal Input Level +4dBu
Line Maximum Input Level +24dBu
Line Minimum Input Level -53dBu
MIC / EXT Input 3.5mm stereo mini jack
MIC / EXT Maximum Input Level 0dBV
MIC / EXT Nominal Input Level -20dBV
MIC / EXT Minimum Input Level -67dBV
MIC / EXT Plug-In Power Supported
Line Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Line Nominal Output Level -14dBV
Line Maximum Output Level +6dBV
Headphone Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Maximum Headphone Output 45mW + 45mW into 32Ω
Built-In Speaker 0.4W mono
Display 2.4-inch full-color touchscreen LCD
USB Connection USB Type-C
USB Standard USB 2.0 High Speed
USB Device Classes Mass Storage / USB Audio Class 2.0
USB Audio Sampling Rates 44.1 / 48 / 96kHz
USB Audio Resolution 24-bit / 32-bit float with current firmware
USB Audio Channels 6-in / 2-out
Bluetooth Optional TASCAM AK-BT1 adapter
Power 4 × AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries; USB bus power; optional PS-P520U AC adapter
Maximum Power Consumption 7.5W
Dimensions (W × D × H) 75 × 37.2 × 174.3mm (2.95 × 1.46 × 6.86 in)
Weight With Batteries 365g (12.9 oz)
Weight Without Batteries 265g (9.3 oz)
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Complete operating instructions covering recording applications, 32-bit float recording, microphone configuration, multitrack operation, USB audio, system settings, and technical specifications.
  • Portacapture X6 / X8 Comparison Chart - TASCAM comparison of the Portacapture X6 and Portacapture X8, including inputs, microphones, touchscreen, recording tracks, USB audio, dimensions, and weight.
  • TASCAM Portacapture X6 Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, firmware, software, manuals, compatibility information, and support resources.