Tascam announces debut of the Portacapture X6 32-bit Float Portable Audio Recorder. Featuring 96 kHz/32-bit float recording technology, a 2.4-inch high-visibility color touch screen, 2 XLR inputs and dual built-in microphones with switchable AB / true XY microphone patterns, plus an intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface), the new Portacapture X6 is a tool designed for videographers, podcast/YouTube creators, sound designers, and musicians in search of high-quality stereo mix recordings for smaller scale production projects.
As the Portacapture X6 can be used for numerous audio production tasks, it features a GUI tailored to the launcher screen that offers multiple recording modes for different scenarios. These recording modes include Field recording, Voice, Music, Podcast and ASMR in addition to Manual, which allows access to all set-up parameters manually. The compact size of the unit is good for dialog recording and interviews with or without a camera and high-quality stereo music recording. As a multi-track recorder, the unit provides for 6 simultaneous tracks (4 tracks plus 2 mix) of recording with support for upwards of 96 kHz, 32-bit float recording resolution.
“For such a compact unit, the Portacapture X6 is remarkably versatile,” the Tascam announcement states. “This next generation handheld recorder is equipped with 2 XLR input terminals with support for both mic and line-level* (maximum input level: +24dBu), Aux-in/Camera In and Line Out/Camera Out connections. Additionally, the two XLR inputs are compatible with phantom power (24V/48V) to support recordings with multiple mic/line inputs. Equally notable, the recorder provides dual built-in microphones with switchable AB / true XY microphone patterns that offer tremendous recording flexibility on location.”
The new Portacapture X6 also features onboard processing for efficient postproduction tasks. The onboard processing functions include Low cut and Noise gate for reducing background noise and frequencies, a Limiter and Compressor for signal level management, plus 4-band EQ for defining the character and tone of the recording. This 4-band EQ also offers presets for several common scenarios in addition to full manual setup with an intuitive GUI. To eliminate wind noise and plosives even more, Tascam is announcing the new WS-86 Wind Screen, which is a custom form fit design made for the Portacapture X6, Portacapture X8, DR-40X and other large-format portable audio recorders.
The Portacapture X6 also has a USB interface function without the need for any additional drivers. As a result, the unit can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or similar platforms. It also offers direct recording of narration and dialogue directly to DAW and editing software. The system can stream the total mix via the USB Type-C connector.
For remote control functionality, the Portacapture X6 adds the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, users can gain this functionality by using Tascam’s Portacapture Control app on their phone or tablet, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app can be downloaded free of charge via the Apple store or Google Play.
Throughout the company’s history, Tascam has long provided updates to products that increase its functionality. The Portacapture X6 is no exception. Shortly after its initial introduction, Tascam will release the Version 1.10 update for the Portacapture X6. This update will include support for 32-bit float point USB transmission that will enable DAW recording with wider dynamic range, higher resolution and audio quality, plus editing capability. A USB Mix Minus function for use with the Podcast app will also be added, and Input Settings for the low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate, and other effect functions will be able to be saved to 3 preset locations and loaded for each recording app. Additionally, Unit settings and recording app settings will be able to be saved to 3 user settings and recalled with a single tap from the Launcher screen. And for those requiring the ability to synchronize audio to video, wireless timecode sync using supported devices from Atomos UltraSync Blue with Tascam’s optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter will become available.
The Tascam Portacapture X6 32-bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is slated to become available in Q1, 2023. For additional information, visit the product page at Portacapture X6.
For more information, visit www.tascam.com.
