I find myself coming back because you have great advice. I picked up a Tascam dr60 mk2 . Recording acoustic guitar stereo panned left/right, it sounds phenomenal great preamps. subscribed!
Hi Curtis, I tested Bluetooth on the X8 with my iPhone and it addresses 3 issues you noted in your overview video. It overcomes the "sluggishness" of the X8 touch screen, eliminates handling noise and provides a bright screen for use outdoors. The free Tascam Portacapture Control App with the X8 Bluetooth adapter mirrors the touchscreen interface exactly with all of its functions. I can control the X8 with the Bluetooth App consistently from up to 120 feet away outdoors, line of sight.🙂
I’m very much looking forward to your take on this device Curtis, thanks for covering it! I decided to keep my unit because I also only work in the audible range. But I still find it interesting to offer recording modes that are capable of capturing these high frequencies if they can’t capture them in the expected quality. The battery issues have not popped up again with the eneloop rechargeable batteries so far; so that’s a great relieve on my side!
i been looking forward to this...and I missed the stream lol Thank You sir, I truly appreciate your hard work, what a blessing to have you look after our audio needs and questions, thank You very much
have you ever tried replacing the pluggy mics with something like the audio technical AT9912? wondering if shock mounted pluggy mics might reduce handling noise
hi curtis just wondering what the ext in and line out are used for on the side. it says for external 3.5mm mics to use the capsule ports. cant find much on these ports. thank you
Missed on Sunday, watching early Monday morning. This new Tascam looks great for a portable recorder. Love the large touch screen, great idea for what looks like an advanced amateur market? I have two Tascam devices right now, the DR-10L pocket recorder, and the Tascam 102i usb interface. I've been very happy with both. I already have a Mix-Pre3 (not a II) but, if I pass it on to my nephew, I will be interested in this model (or a Mix-Pre3-II). Thanks for the informal review.
everyone seems to be missing talking about this feature but... in mixer mode you can solo each microphone by tapping its track at the top and cycle between listening to each microphone seperate.. just a fyi great feature no ones talking about or even knows about generally
Hi Curtis, if i want to record a 4 person podcast whats the best way to provide headphone monitoring for each person? I was thinking of running out the 3.5" out of the X8 into headphone amp splitter so each person can have their own personal control of the volume of their headphone
Hi, Curtis. I have the same recorder. Please tell me the reason why the phantom function for 48v powered microphones cannot be activated. Power Save Mode appears on the screen. Thank you.
great review! thx for your work. What about Timecode? If like the zoom there is no timecode. Do you know if it will work on different framerate or it will be out of sync?
The X8 doesn't have an in-built timecode generator if that's what you mean? You can connect an external timecode generator like a Tentacle Sync to one of its inputs and that should work.
@@curtisjudd Thxs for your answer my question is more general with all these kind of recorder without framerate like the zoom H series are to. I work for more than 15 years with sound devices products now and I really like these products, but I m looking for a light configuration and less expensive than mix pre for podcast and also for a spare machin for basic interview ( 1 shotgun mic and a lavalier mic with ) I want to know if these small recorders can be sync without external framerate generator like tentacle sync, in different framerate (23,98/24/25......) and if yes, I ve got another question why do we still have framerate, I remenber why when we were with tapes, but now I don t understand why we are still work with different speed framerate...
@@glad8426 There is no need for a frame rate setting on an audio recorder unless you are using a timecode generator. Just sync in post using the waveform or a clapper. The only issue comes with long takes and cheaper cameras or mobile phones used as cameras which have a tendency to drift or use variable framerate video codecs. As long as you film in 20 minute or shorter clips, sync isn't usually an issue.
Thank you (both) so much for creating this video which was very informative. I do like the idea of a preset for music with quick fire recording options for a piano/Acoustic guitar etc with suggested EQ/Compressors and limiters. The addition of various reverb settings for me is the icing on the cake. I do have a quick question please. If I were to record a track with reverb and afterwards realised I either added too much or even not enough, would I be stuck with what has been recorded, or could I adjust the reverb in mix down? - Peter.
Hi. Did you noticed an audio drift with the X8 ? This happen more than once. Though I do not use time code, my cameras in Multi cam projects ( Sony/Panasonic/Canon ) do not lose sync ( 25p ) for the entire 2 hours recording. The audio I get from the X8 have a drift in length of few video frames after 1 hour. ( Current project 48kHz /32bit . But happen in other settings also ) . I do not have many projects using it since usually I get the sound from the recording engineer on site. Thanks.
XRI = eXtended Recording Information. XRI ON turns on extra meta data recorded with each file. This data can be viewed in the recorder's System Info XRI screen. This is info from my DR-100 M3 unit manual which I assume is similar to the X8.
Currently using a Zoom h4 pro . In a band and want to use for live recordings from mixer and xy mic. I have a few questions I don't see anyone talking about, can anyone answer ? Does the x8 work for a band setting? I only see acoustic clips recordings Can you plug instruments in guitar or bass ? Would it except the signal distort or to low and not work ? Is this only intended for vocal mics ? Can you plug into this unit from a mixer to any input? And attenuate signal levels ? Are the inputs controllable levels like a mixer viz the app ? Auto record by signal detect? Auto level adjustable per channel ? How many users can use the app at a time? Is this not a good fit for a band?
Hi Harvey, yes, it should work, though it depends on the sound pressure levels you all play at. I don't believe the inputs accept instruments directly. This can accept any XLR based microphone or line level signals (e.g, from mixing board or some electronic instruments like keyboards). Yes, you can control the inputs via app. I haven't tested it yet, but yes, I believe there is an auto record feature. There is an auto gain feature, but I wouldn't suggest using that for best results (that's generally the case with ANY device with auto gain). One app connection at a time. It could be a good fit for a band, but I think for most bands, they'll want a proper mixing board and then record a feed from that. Or you could look at something like a ZOOM LiveTrak.
I returned the x8. It was very nice had a ton of bells and whistles. It's the Cadillac of field recorders. I have a Zoom hn4 pro which operates similarly . So it worked out.
Thank you for this overview and the previous video two. I’ve had a DR-40 (not the 40X) for almost 10 years. It’s served me well. I just bought the X8 and have yet to use it for anything but I noticed the materials seem to create more handing noise than my DR-40 - I wanted the presets and the extra inputs, plus Tascam has served me so well. I’m probably not going to record more than 96/24 bit. Handling noise question is just based on anecdotal experience from picking one up and then the other (was in a quiet room at the time). I’m not sure if the textured body of the DR-40 makes a difference or if it’s just because it’s well used. Would love to know what your impressions might be. There is no texture on the body of the X8 like on the DR-40.
Hi Sarah, yes, handling noise can be an issue with the X8. But whether it is a practical issue that affects the types of recordings you do depends on how you use it. In my tests, the handling noise is an issue for the included stereo microphones when using any of the controls WHILE recording. I think the main use case TASCAM had in mind is for use on a stand, such as when recording instruments, or field recording where you may not need to adjust settings DURING the recording (though in many cases one may still need to make changes.) I don't know if you saw my full review over here but we did include a handling noise sample if you are interested: ruclips.net/video/_jDtZoBPCus/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Noted w thanks. Is F3 good enough for say short film dialogues? Need to rewatch ur review again on F3. I thought you disliked it cos of its small buttons 🤔
@@curtisjudd i think the F6 suits me better, with timecode, more inputs, power options and all. Thank you for your great vids, keep em coming. U and ur vids re my number 1 source for audio reviews/tutorial. Appreciate you 🙏
The owners manual that comes with the X8 is useless, you have to download the reference manual to see how things like XRI operate. Check out the files when you get a microSD chip that works with it, when you run at 192 kHz 32 bit you get hum at ~25 kHz, 50 kHz and 75 kHz, even on XLR channels with no mics or phantom power enabled. Stronger on the even channels than the odd. Tascam suggested I upgrade to firmware V1.03, I did: this replaced these hum lines with ones at ~36.5 kHz and 73 kHz. Also iZotope Rx began telling me that the timecode (???) on the files was too large and was being reset to zero. Not sure where any timecode indicators were being enabled! Really want to know if the preamps/AD in the audible range are worth the headaches. I have not experienced any of the audible sound glitches some have reported, but I have not used it in the field yet.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the X8. Seems they're struggling to deliver something that people with high expectations will appreciate (e.g., hums at frequencies higher than 20kHz which consumers are unlikely to notice)
@@curtisjudd Yes but 1) I worry that something else is going on as well, and 2) why bother with 192 kHz or even 96 kHz if nothing up there matters at all? It is being sold as a 192 kHz capable machine, that's their marketing pitch after all.
@@jeffreyfriedman887 I agree, I'm not offering any excuses for Tascam, that's for sure! However, I don't usually record at 192kHz as I haven't heard an advantage, at least for the projects I work with.
18:11 now that's a quote I'm running out of things to say and that's hard for an introvert I wish I could remember that next time I'm testing zoom for somebody or doing my check and I'm sitting there going................ I should be saying something but I can't think of anything because now I have to think of something.
can you please help me understand why my tracks 3-6 is not working? I’ve tried plugging in a RODE NTG mic into tracks 3-6 using phantom power and I get no sound into the tascam. am I missing something ? Thanks in advance
un grande limite e' la disponibilita' degli ingressi nelle app! per esempio app MUSICA hai solo 2 tracce compresi microfoni sopra , devi ecluderli per avere solo 2 ingressi ma non hai piu' lo stereo e questo e' un grande limite , anche app manuale hai 6 tracce ma ingressi ext in e ingressi 5/6 non possono essere usati contemporaneamente ! questo ne limita l uso , peccato perche' x8 ha buone capacita' di registrazione , lo possiedo e go anche zoom H8 che non pone questi limiti , preferisco tascam x8 come qualita' finale di registrazione in quanto lo trovo un po' migliore ma queste cose lo penalizzano ! grazie Curtis per tuoi interessanti commenti che seguo !
Always the ONLY place to come for all things sound & tools. Brilliant as always Mr Judd. This channel 10/10 🇮🇹🎬🎥🖋👍🏻
🙏
I find myself coming back because you have great advice. I picked up a Tascam dr60 mk2 .
Recording acoustic guitar stereo panned left/right, it sounds phenomenal great preamps. subscribed!
Glad to hear it is working well for you! Happy recording!
Hi Curtis, I tested Bluetooth on the X8 with my iPhone and it addresses 3 issues you noted in your overview video. It overcomes the "sluggishness" of the X8 touch screen, eliminates handling noise and provides a bright screen for use outdoors. The free Tascam Portacapture Control App with the X8 Bluetooth adapter mirrors the touchscreen interface exactly with all of its functions. I can control the X8 with the Bluetooth App consistently from up to 120 feet away outdoors, line of sight.🙂
I didn't expect to care much about the bluetooth dongle and the app, but it is a really nice feature and addresses the issues you mention very nicely.
Thanks for sharing, Craig!
I’m very much looking forward to your take on this device Curtis, thanks for covering it! I decided to keep my unit because I also only work in the audible range. But I still find it interesting to offer recording modes that are capable of capturing these high frequencies if they can’t capture them in the expected quality. The battery issues have not popped up again with the eneloop rechargeable batteries so far; so that’s a great relieve on my side!
Thanks Florian. Happy recording!
Always educational information and advice delivered 👌
Thanks!
Thank you for doing this early overview of the Tascam X8, Chris! I look forward to your full review in a few weeks🙂👍
Thanks Craig.
i been looking forward to this...and I missed the stream lol
Thank You sir, I truly appreciate your hard work, what a blessing to have you look after our audio needs and questions, thank You very much
Thanks!
Many thx Curtis for this review. Clear as always. Love your videos.
Thanks, Laurent.
have you ever tried replacing the pluggy mics with something like the audio technical AT9912? wondering if shock mounted pluggy mics might reduce handling noise
Great review - nice job
Thanks Michael.
Hello. Which one is better compared to Tescom X8? Zoom or Tescom? Thankful
hi curtis just wondering what the ext in and line out are used for on the side. it says for external 3.5mm mics to use the capsule ports. cant find much on these ports. thank you
Missed on Sunday, watching early Monday morning. This new Tascam looks great for a portable recorder. Love the large touch screen, great idea for what looks like an advanced amateur market? I have two Tascam devices right now, the DR-10L pocket recorder, and the Tascam 102i usb interface. I've been very happy with both. I already have a Mix-Pre3 (not a II) but, if I pass it on to my nephew, I will be interested in this model (or a Mix-Pre3-II). Thanks for the informal review.
You're most welcome.
everyone seems to be missing talking about this feature but... in mixer mode you can solo each microphone by tapping its track at the top and cycle between listening to each microphone seperate.. just a fyi great feature no ones talking about or even knows about generally
Thanks for highlighting the solo/PFL feature
Hi Curtis, if i want to record a 4 person podcast whats the best way to provide headphone monitoring for each person? I was thinking of running out the 3.5" out of the X8 into headphone amp splitter so each person can have their own personal control of the volume of their headphone
Yes, that's what I do with my ATEM Mini Extreme and that seems to work nicely.
Thanks for the review
👍
Hi, Curtis. I have the same recorder. Please tell me the reason why the phantom function for 48v powered microphones cannot be activated. Power Save Mode appears on the screen. Thank you.
I’m not sure - best to contact Tascam
Support. Best wishes!
great review! thx for your work. What about Timecode? If like the zoom there is no timecode. Do you know if it will work on different framerate or it will be out of sync?
The X8 doesn't have an in-built timecode generator if that's what you mean? You can connect an external timecode generator like a Tentacle Sync to one of its inputs and that should work.
@@curtisjudd Thxs for your answer my question is more general with all these kind of recorder without framerate like the zoom H series are to. I work for more than 15 years with sound devices products now and I really like these products, but I m looking for a light configuration and less expensive than mix pre for podcast and also for a spare machin for basic interview ( 1 shotgun mic and a lavalier mic with ) I want to know if these small recorders can be sync without external framerate generator like tentacle sync, in different framerate (23,98/24/25......) and if yes, I ve got another question why do we still have framerate, I remenber why when we were with tapes, but now I don t understand why we are still work with different speed framerate...
@@glad8426 There is no need for a frame rate setting on an audio recorder unless you are using a timecode generator. Just sync in post using the waveform or a clapper. The only issue comes with long takes and cheaper cameras or mobile phones used as cameras which have a tendency to drift or use variable framerate video codecs. As long as you film in 20 minute or shorter clips, sync isn't usually an issue.
Thank you (both) so much for creating this video which was very informative. I do like the idea of a preset for music with quick fire recording options for a piano/Acoustic guitar etc with suggested EQ/Compressors and limiters. The addition of various reverb settings for me is the icing on the cake. I do have a quick question please. If I were to record a track with reverb and afterwards realised I either added too much or even not enough, would I be stuck with what has been recorded, or could I adjust the reverb in mix down? - Peter.
I'll check, but I believe it "bakes it in" so you cannot change in post, but I'll double check that.
@@curtisjudd Thank you Curtis.
Hi. Did you noticed an audio drift with the X8 ? This happen more than once. Though I do not use time code, my cameras in Multi cam projects ( Sony/Panasonic/Canon ) do not lose sync ( 25p ) for the entire 2 hours recording. The audio I get from the X8 have a drift in length of few video frames after 1 hour. ( Current project 48kHz /32bit . But happen in other settings also ) . I do not have many projects using it since usually I get the sound from the recording engineer on site.
Thanks.
Hi Shali, I record shorter clips so I didn't run into that. When I recorder longer-form video, I usually feed the audio to camera to avoid this issue.
XRI = eXtended Recording Information. XRI ON turns on extra meta data recorded with each file. This data can be viewed in the recorder's System Info XRI screen. This is info from my DR-100 M3 unit manual which I assume is similar to the X8.
Thanks!
Currently using a Zoom h4 pro . In a band and want to use for live recordings from mixer and xy mic. I have a few questions I don't see anyone talking about, can anyone answer ?
Does the x8 work for a band setting? I only see acoustic clips recordings
Can you plug instruments in guitar or bass ? Would it except the signal distort or to low and not work ?
Is this only intended for vocal mics ?
Can you plug into this unit from a mixer to any input? And attenuate signal levels ?
Are the inputs controllable levels like a mixer viz the app ?
Auto record by signal detect?
Auto level adjustable per channel ?
How many users can use the app at a time?
Is this not a good fit for a band?
Hi Harvey, yes, it should work, though it depends on the sound pressure levels you all play at. I don't believe the inputs accept instruments directly. This can accept any XLR based microphone or line level signals (e.g, from mixing board or some electronic instruments like keyboards). Yes, you can control the inputs via app. I haven't tested it yet, but yes, I believe there is an auto record feature. There is an auto gain feature, but I wouldn't suggest using that for best results (that's generally the case with ANY device with auto gain). One app connection at a time. It could be a good fit for a band, but I think for most bands, they'll want a proper mixing board and then record a feed from that. Or you could look at something like a ZOOM LiveTrak.
I returned the x8. It was very nice had a ton of bells and whistles. It's the Cadillac of field recorders. I have a Zoom hn4 pro which operates similarly . So it worked out.
Thank you for this overview and the previous video two. I’ve had a DR-40 (not the 40X) for almost 10 years. It’s served me well. I just bought the X8 and have yet to use it for anything but I noticed the materials seem to create more handing noise than my DR-40 - I wanted the presets and the extra inputs, plus Tascam has served me so well. I’m probably not going to record more than 96/24 bit. Handling noise question is just based on anecdotal experience from picking one up and then the other (was in a quiet room at the time). I’m not sure if the textured body of the DR-40 makes a difference or if it’s just because it’s well used. Would love to know what your impressions might be. There is no texture on the body of the X8 like on the DR-40.
Also, I was lucky to get one. B&H was out but some music stores seemed to have stock.
Hi Sarah, yes, handling noise can be an issue with the X8. But whether it is a practical issue that affects the types of recordings you do depends on how you use it. In my tests, the handling noise is an issue for the included stereo microphones when using any of the controls WHILE recording. I think the main use case TASCAM had in mind is for use on a stand, such as when recording instruments, or field recording where you may not need to adjust settings DURING the recording (though in many cases one may still need to make changes.) I don't know if you saw my full review over here but we did include a handling noise sample if you are interested: ruclips.net/video/_jDtZoBPCus/видео.html
14:38 Wow that noise gate REALLY do the job! I find that background noise verry anoiing. But for a handheld device, I suppose that is the norm…
👍
This X8 or Zoom F6? Torn between these two great tools
I can’t speak for others, but the F3 suits my workflows better. I don’t generally use built-in stereo mics.
@@curtisjudd Noted w thanks. Is F3 good enough for say short film dialogues? Need to rewatch ur review again on F3. I thought you disliked it cos of its small buttons 🤔
@@curtisjudd i think the F6 suits me better, with timecode, more inputs, power options and all. Thank you for your great vids, keep em coming. U and ur vids re my number 1 source for audio reviews/tutorial. Appreciate you 🙏
The owners manual that comes with the X8 is useless, you have to download the reference manual to see how things like XRI operate. Check out the files when you get a microSD chip that works with it, when you run at 192 kHz 32 bit you get hum at ~25 kHz, 50 kHz and 75 kHz, even on XLR channels with no mics or phantom power enabled. Stronger on the even channels than the odd. Tascam suggested I upgrade to firmware V1.03, I did: this replaced these hum lines with ones at ~36.5 kHz and 73 kHz. Also iZotope Rx began telling me that the timecode (???) on the files was too large and was being reset to zero. Not sure where any timecode indicators were being enabled! Really want to know if the preamps/AD in the audible range are worth the headaches. I have not experienced any of the audible sound glitches some have reported, but I have not used it in the field yet.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the X8. Seems they're struggling to deliver something that people with high expectations will appreciate (e.g., hums at frequencies higher than 20kHz which consumers are unlikely to notice)
@@curtisjudd Yes but 1) I worry that something else is going on as well, and 2) why bother with 192 kHz or even 96 kHz if nothing up there matters at all? It is being sold as a 192 kHz capable machine, that's their marketing pitch after all.
@@jeffreyfriedman887 I agree, I'm not offering any excuses for Tascam, that's for sure! However, I don't usually record at 192kHz as I haven't heard an advantage, at least for the projects I work with.
No one has recorded a live gig using the X8 yet, well on RUclips any way. Can you do one please? Thanks.
I don’t have the X8 any longer, I borrowed it for a few weeks to make this. I recorded the fiddle piece, that’s the closest I got.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions :)
18:11 now that's a quote I'm running out of things to say and that's hard for an introvert I wish I could remember that next time I'm testing zoom for somebody or doing my check and I'm sitting there going................ I should be saying something but I can't think of anything because now I have to think of something.
🙃
can you please help me understand why my tracks 3-6 is not working? I’ve tried plugging in a RODE NTG mic into tracks 3-6 using phantom power and I get no sound into the tascam. am I missing something ? Thanks in advance
Should work. You might be best off contacting tech support. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd apparently I missed a step. I had to toggle on phantom power. I thought that was automatic when I toggled from +24/+48.
@@anhion Ah, yes, that'd do it. Happy recording!
Good job, Warren!!
lol
un grande limite e' la disponibilita' degli ingressi nelle app! per esempio app MUSICA hai solo 2 tracce compresi microfoni sopra , devi ecluderli per avere solo 2 ingressi ma non hai piu' lo stereo e questo e' un grande limite , anche app manuale hai 6 tracce ma ingressi ext in e ingressi 5/6 non possono essere usati contemporaneamente ! questo ne limita l uso , peccato perche' x8 ha buone capacita' di registrazione , lo possiedo e go anche zoom H8 che non pone questi limiti , preferisco tascam x8 come qualita' finale di registrazione in quanto lo trovo un po' migliore ma queste cose lo penalizzano ! grazie Curtis per tuoi interessanti commenti che seguo !
The high-frequency issue is still there. Tascam does not seem to care about it.