TASCAM has announced the debut of the Portacapture X6 portable audio recorder offering 96 kHz/32-bit float recording technology, a 2.4-inch high-visibility color touch screen, two XLR inputs and dual built-in microphones with switchable AB / true XY patterns.
The handheld unit’s GUI is tailored to the launcher screen that offers multiple recording modes for different scenarios, including 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 makes it particularly suited 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 six simultaneous tracks (four tracks plus two mix) of recording with support for upwards of 96 kHz, 32-bit float resolution.
Portacapture X6 is equipped with two XLR input terminals with support for both mic and line-level (maximum input level: +24 dBu), Aux In/Camera In and Line Out/Camera Out connections. Additionally, the two XLR inputs are compatible with phantom power (24/48-volt) to support recordings with multiple mic/line inputs.
It also is equipped with onboard processing that includes Low Cut and Noise Gate for reducing background noise and frequencies, Limiter and Compressor for signal level management plus a four-band EQ for defining the character and tone of the recording. The EQ also offers presets for several common scenarios in addition to full manual setup with a GUI. To help eliminate wind noise and plosives, TASCAM is also announcing the new WS-86 wind screen, which has a custom form fit design made for the Portacapture X6, Portacapture X8, DR-40X and other large-format portable audio recorders.
The unit offers 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 those seeking remote control functionality, an optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter can be added, gaining this functionality via the Portacapture Control app on a 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.
Shortly after its initial introduction, TASCAM will release the Version 1.10 update for the Portacapture X6, which 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 three preset locations and loaded for each recording app.
Additionally, unit settings and recording app settings will be able to be saved to three 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 new Portacapture X6 is slated to become available in Q1, 2023. Go here for further details.
