Portacapture X6
High-Resolution Multi-Track Handheld Recorder
Capture High-Quality Audio Content Wherever you go
Never 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
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MANUAL | This is the main app for multi-track recording of up to six audio sources and a stereo mix (2-mix). |
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VOICE | This recording app is ideal for capturing interviews, dictation and meetings. |
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PODCAST | Use this for podcast creation with up to four people. |
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MUSIC | Choose this app for capturing instrumental and vocal performances. |
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POCKET STUDIO | This app allows you to make short multitrack recordings with auto-punch and more. |
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FIELD | Ideal for recording nature sounds outdoors. |
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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.
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-Y Built-in (non detachable), rotatable 10-mm diameter diaphragm |
A-B / true X-Y Detachable 14.6-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 LCD Launcher app system |
3.5-inch (8.9-cm) full-color touchscreen LCD Launcher app system |
| Maximum simultaneous recording tracks | 6 (4 tracks plus stereo mix) | 8 (6 tracks plus stereo mix) |
| Audio interface | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz 24-bit, 32-bit float (from v1.10) 6-in / 2-out USB audio I/F mode + internal recording |
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz 24-bit, 32-bit float 8-in / 2-out USB 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 |
Videos
In Session #1 – Recording Drums
Promotional
Setting up
How to set the X6 up for recording.
X8 versus X6
Learn to know the differences between Portacapture X8 and X6.
Tutorial videos
Getting started with apps NEW
Using the Voice app NEW
Using the Manual app NEW
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 (with firmware v1.10 and higher)
- USB audio transmission in 32-bit float resolution (with firmware v1.10 and higher)
- 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 (with firmware v1.10 and higher)
- Unit settings and recording app settings can be saved in up to three presets and recalled with a single tap from the Launcher (with firmware v1.10 and higher)
- 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 (with firmware v1.10 and higher)
- 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
New features with firmware v1.10
- The audio interface now supports the 32-bit float format
- Wireless timecode synchronisation with Atomos devices (using optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter)
- In the PODCAST app, Mix-Minus can now be used with a device connected via USB
- Input settings can now be saved in up to three presets and shared by all recording apps
- Unit settings and recording app settings can now be saved in up to three presets and recalled with a single tap from the Launcher
New features with firmware v2.0
- The new POCKET STUDIO app allows short multitrack recordings (up to 15 minutes) to be made and also has auto-punch, a metronome and a tuner under the hood.
- The new real-time mixdown feature can create a stereo mix file while adjusting level and panning settings of existing tracks during playback.
- The metronome tempo can now be set by tapping on a button. A bar display option and several signature settings from 1/1 to 12/8 have also been added as well as the possibility to set an accent.
- The recording of a stereo main mix file can now be disabled for the MANUAL, PODCAST and POCKET STUDIO apps (WAV format only).
- The FIELD app now offers the possibility to permanently record up to eight seconds in the background and save these last eight seconds to a file when you press the recording button. This makes it easier to capture sudden sounds such as bird calls, for example.
Supported Operating Systems
Windows
- Windows 11 (version 23H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H2)
- Windows 11 (version 22H1)
- Windows 10 (November 2021, version 21H2)
- Windows 10 (May 2021, version 21H1)
Mac
- macOS Sequoia (15)
- macOS Sonoma (14.0)
- macOS Ventura (13.0)
- macOS Monterey (12.0)
- macOS Big Sur (11.0)
iOS
- iOS 18 / iPadOS 18
- iOS 17 / iPadOS 17
- 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 float MP3: 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) |
| Working impedance | 16–400 Ω |
| 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 computer AC 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.
Page last modified: 2024-11-13 13:05:29 UTC