TASCAM Portacapture X6
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.
Product Gallery
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.