Tascam Portacapture X8 vs Zoom H8 - A Comprehensive Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- Tascam Portacapture X8 vs Zoom H8 - A Comprehensive Comparison. Clickable Video Index in Description below.
To purchase on Amazon via my affiliate links (I make a small commission):
Zoom H8: amzn.to/3vsQcEJ
Tascam X8: amzn.to/37QDbf2
Or purchase at B&H, great financing and save the sales tax with B&H's own credit card:
Zoom H8: bhpho.to/3uON5pW
Tascam X8: bhpho.to/3P8PfsJ
For an even better price on Tascam (I’m an authorized
Tascam Reseller) go to www.PianoManChuck.com
Like this video? Click the 'Thanks' button!
** CLICKABLE VIDEO INDEX **
00:00 - Start
00:06 - Intro
00:48 - Price
01:32 - Number of Independent Recording Tracks
02:38 - Tascam X8 records less tracks than you think!
03:30 - Build Quality & Design
06:05 - Supplied Condenser Mic Build Quality & Design
07:20 - Supplied Condenser Mic Housing Quality & Design
07:52 - Zoom’s Mic EcoSystem
10:48 - Zoom’s Optional EXH-6 & EXH-8
12:15 - The Real Number of Recording Tracks
12:31 - Memory Cards
13:26 - USB Cables
14:04 - Tascam Supports 32-bit Float
14:18 - Why 32-bit Float is Important
15:06 - Brief Comparison against Pro Model Zoom F6
16:49 - User Manual Quality
17:08 - Color Touch Screen on each
17:35 - Recording Presets / Apps
18:04 - Field Recorder & Presets on each
18:53 - Home Key - different behavior on each
20:35 - Music Preset/App Flaw/Limitation on Zoom
21:48 - Field Recorder shows all tracks but…
22:22 - Podcast Preset/App on Zoom
22:57 - Podcast Preset/App on Tascam
23:44 - Presets/Apps on Zoom are what they are
24:05 - Presets/Apps on Tascam are redundant
25:48 - Gain, etc Settings - Tascam: Touch, Zoom: Physical
27:27 - Podcast & Manual Apps on Tascam
28:04 - Manual Mode on Tascam
29:33 - Punch In/Out & Overdub
30:23 - Recording Formats / Quality
31:09 - FX Limitations on Zoom Recording
32:00 - Bluetooth (Optional) + Presets/Apps
32:29 - Zoom is iOS Only!
32:43 - Tascam supports both iOS and Android
33:14 - Why the Android/iOS App is so important!
33:49 - Tascam’s iOS/Android App
34:53 - Use As an Audio Interface
35:30 - Conclusions / Closing Remakrs 
Видеоклипы
I purchased both the H8 the X8. I found that Zoom H8 to be buggy to use and I returned it. Several times I would push the record button twice and H8 would not start recording. Here are my observations on the two recorders, having used both of them.
1. Many high-end laptops have micro-SD slots. My HP laptop does. But if your computer does not have a micro-SD card reader, you can plug the Tascam X8 into your computer with a USB cable and easily transfer all of your music files to your computer. This is MUCH easier and faster than pulling out an SD or micro-SD card and plugging it into a card reader. Both the X8 and the H8 offer this function to act as a card reader.
2. Micro-SD cards are commonly available and they are cheap. I bought a 400 GB micro-SD card for $50.00 and it is very fast. It is a 160 MB/s SanDisk card with a lifetime warranty.
3. I have had difficulty getting the X8 to clip without using 32 bit recording. In my experience it was FAR superior to the Zoom H8. The sensitivity and range of the Tascam X8 make it FAR easier to use than the Zoom H8. Some of my songs have opera level high notes in them, and the X8 will rarely clip in lower recording bit levels. I have not needed to use the 32 bit function so far. In a noisy arena, that would probably be different. In my recording studio, I don't need 32 bit YET. I am a novice, so that may change.
4. The X8 has FAR better sensitivity than the Zoom H8. It is MUCH easier to set accurate record levels in the X8. The X8 also picks up sound from a farther distance than the H8.
5. You can set the Tascam X8 to manual and "field record" on every track. My guess is that with field recording (which I don't do) that rarely do you use more than two microphones. Every RUclips video of field recording I have seen has used one mic.
6. I use the music preset on the Tascam X8 to record my original songs on guitar. And for that purpose the music app on the X8 is spectacularly good. Far superior to the Zoom H8.
7. I could not hear any audible noise in the recordings on both the H8 and the X8. I don't use 192 KHtz recording on the X8 (for very high-end recordings where small noise fluctuations are detectable), so I am not concerned about noise that the human ear cannot hear.
9. Again, if you need to record more tracks on the X8 for podcasts, you can use the manual mode. If you need more than four mics for your podcasts, you probably should be looking at higher level recorders anyway.
10. I am a musician and I understand Tascam's approach. I don't need more than three mics max for what I am doing. If I want more mics (say I bring in another vocalist), I can fully record all six tracks PLUS the two stereo tracks in manual.
11. The X8 can add critical sound effects like reverb to music recordings. The H8 cannot. This is a HUGE advantage for music recording artists.
12. I agree that the H8 included X-Y mics have superior build quality. However, they X8 mics are as good in recording quality as the Zoom's.
13. As you mention, the recording options on the X8 are far superior to the H8. It is MUCH easier to select the recording quality on the X8.
14. The recording quality for the Tascam X8 for music, is slightly better in my opinion than the H8. Both do a great job.
15. In general, for me, as an amateur audio recording novice, the Tascam X8 is FAR easier to use and offers many more options than the Zoom H8 - there really is no comparison.
16. For the Tascam, if you are just recording music for RUclips or to distribute, CD or 48 Khtz quality is more than enough. If you are recording for "hi-end" websites like Tidal, then 92 Khtz levels can easily be done in manual mode or in the music app. Making these selections on the Zoom H8 is far more complicated. The Tascam is far better for music recording in my opinion.
17. As you mention, the large touch-screen interface on the Tascam X8 make it MUCH easier to use and understand. Everything is laid out logically.
18. You can power both units with a separate plug in power bank, like Anker. Both units have AC adapters and the Zoom H8 AC adapter will work for the Tascam X8 (they are both 1.5 amps).
19. The plug in headphone quality of both units is more or less equal. I could not hear a difference between the two.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the X8 (and H8) 😊👍
Very useful analogy.
grazie per la tua utile esperienza , anche io li ho entrambi , condivido tua idea migliore qualita' il tascam ma purtroppo trovo penalizzante potere registrare solo 2 tracce su preset MUSICA ecc... anche per chi suona da solo come me su delle basi questo lo trovo un limite ! ..
@@domygiobbi8746 Hello, thank you for your comment, but I don't speak Italian. I sort of get the gist of what you said but not the specifics.
@@domygiobbi8746 Hello, I translated your comment with Google Translate. If you are recording music and you need more than two tracks, I would suggest that you use the "Manual" mode. It will allow you to connect up to six mics and record up to eight tracks. I hope that helps you.
This is one of the best review videos I have seen on any subject. Your are a great communicator and you are not biased, which is rare on RUclips. Thanks for all the info.
Thanks! Glad this review helped you out.
I don't understand why companies only support iOS platforms. I can't tell you how many times I don't purchased a device because of the lack of mobile support for android. These companies need to get with the times and realize the revenue they are losing. Great video! I think I'll hold off for the gen since I already have a Zoom H6.
I like this- you break everything down. So important and you are right many companies sell you on a few features, and don't tell the whole truth. Good to have people like yourself who break everything down. I appreciate your reviews.
I’ve been watching demos on both these for about two weeks now, this is hands down the best coverage on these devices. Not only your comparison, but I already knew I was going to buy the Zoom H8 to live record/simply tracking the 3 bands I play guitar for (and run sound for). The H8 is definitely my go to but I still had a lot of questions about it, how the interface worked, and how I got signals in, which “app” I should use, could dump them to my computer to do whatever I wanted with, and how on earth 10 possible inputs gave me 12 tracks HAHAHA!
Your vid did the best job of explaining the real world applications and not so much the “cut and paste podcasters view”. Even Zoom’s own videos left a lot to be desired.
You gave some great answers. Thank you.
Thanks Mike, much appreciated!
Great video! I am learning a lot. Long, but determined to finish it, in order to make the right decision
EXCELLENT review! Thank you!
Wow! Thank you Chuck. What a thorough comparison of 2 devices I keep looking at. This is so helpful. I wasn't aware of the Tascam app. That's a big selling point for me. Thanks for all your work creating the video.
Thanks Martin!
Incredibly helpful in-depth comparison! Cheers!
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison. Very detailed. Thank you.
Thank you so much!!! Great video! Very informative!!!
Absolutely amazing in-depth comparison. Exactly what I was looking for. All these details matter. You discussed many things that other reviews do not cover and have impacted my ultimate decision. Thank you.
Thanks - Glad it was helpful!
Excellent, detailed video. Thank you.
Wow! The best review I have seen. Thank You
Great review and break down ! I’ve made my decision base on your review of these two recorders! Thank you !
Amazing review! Thank you
Thank you so much for this comprehensive comparison.
My pleasure!
Great job! We do really appreciate the insight
Thanks!!
Thanks. Great info!
Thank you for this great review!
Glad it was helpful!
THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR, YOU HELP ME WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE.
The best review and comparaison I've seen.
Thanks Neiluj!
Very useful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
many thanks for perfect review.
This review is with all 37 mins of it, great review! Isn't it frustrating with the tascam presets and the zoom form factor, really can't have best of both worlds
Great review thanks
I realy feel that this is the best honest and great review video. Thank you so much
I appreciate that!
Thanks for your thoughts. Excellent review. I purchased the tascam and it is excellent. My only concern is the build quality of the mics, not the sound, and also the battery door. Other than that it’s solid, especially with the phone app.
Completely agree!
Thank you very much for your comparison review.
I'm currently in the market for a recorder and your review has made my decision much easier.
Tascam all day. And it's selling for $399.00 at the moment.
Thanks! Grab a Tascam X8 while you can, that price is temporary!
@@PianoManChuck Will do!
Thank you. Very informative 👏👏👏
This is one of the best review.
Great review mate had and F6 picked up the H8 too. God Bless
Thanks a lot for your video - appreciate your style!
I mean presentation style - love how you present your personal experience!
I knew what you meant.... and I appreciate your comment - thank you!
Thanks - best review !!
Glad you liked it!
Gracias Thank you for your time, your explanation was very helpful.
Glad to hear that!
Great comparison, thank you for making it! Do you know if there is a way to turn off the mixer recording in manual mode?
they all shuold be built around a really big screen where you could see everything very clearly. imagine a thick tablet with 2 microphones and big trs inputs. ill love that.
Is it possible to simultaneously record sound to an SD card in 32 bit quality on the tascam device and record the sound of the camera on the smartphone when it is connected via usb c, when the smartphone automatically recognizes it?
Top man!
Excellent review, just what I was looking for! I'm sold on the X8 and I'm going to purchase it right after I finish typing this! Thanks! Could you post some recorded material using the X8 if you have any? Thanks again!
See the recording quality comparison video we did a while back: ruclips.net/video/uU0gQLi58cc/видео.html
@PianoManChuck Thanks, What is the type of microphone capsules used in the zoom h4 Pro (The model of capsules)? And which one is giving best sound quality for recording education youtube videos: Zoom H4 pro or Zoom H8 and why ? Thanks
Tascam normally supports USB bus power, meaning you can bring a portable power bank for both your Tascam recorder and your other smart devices. This makes the USB Type-C connection an even better feature. USB bus powering is however not mentioned in Zoom H8's manual, so it's not clear whether it's a supported feature.
It does.
Excellent review. One thing I wanted to know was if you were running on batteries for the length of this review, how much power was left on each unit. My concern is that the larger screen is going to drain the batteries very quickly.
Both units were running on batteries throughout the video (as well as before and after).
Hello. Have a good time
I had a question about the Zoom H8
In the music mode, when we record the sound on the memory card, the effect is recorded, but the EQ is not applied
Is this part of the factory setting?
Please advise. Thanks a lot
Thank you very much if you explain more
Thank you. You did an excellent comparison review. It was very thorough and provided everything a person needs to make a careful decision. I was trying to make a decision on these two products but I think, after watching your video, you confirmed many of my concerns on the pros and cons. If it wasn't for the cheap construction on the attached mics on the Tascam, I probably would have gone with that, but that really bothers me. The pros and cons of each are so strong that it still is difficult to make a decision. I find myself wanting to wait for one of these companies to listen to an honest, fair, review like yours and make the necessary changes and offer a new product that checks every box. I would prefer to pay even $100 more for it than just "settle" on whatever choice is made. Thank you again. Great review.
Thanks Steve - - - I appreciate your feedback!!
You’re awesome
Usually these are used by solo artists- like, for me , I intend to use all the 6 tracks on the Tascam / I go with the pioneers TASCAM all day long/ anyway i’m only going to be hooking up my guitar at one time and seeing scratch vocals usually that’s what I use this for. It’s just for ideas and then I’ll layer witother little ideas before I record it so all those tracks at one time won’t let me a Cearley used in most cases. Ordering that baby now!!! Yeah Zoom is okay - but now 389 Tascam on sale .
Hi, and congratulations for the precision of your work. It is so complete and sourced!!! Amazing work !!! I'd od 2 questions:
1: did you compare preamps and mics with the Sony PCM-D100. I used to use the Sony and realy liked the quality and simplicity of use. Sony stoped manufacturing the D100 so I want to find something not too bad. takling about preamps & mics, witch one do you prefer between X8 and H8 ?
2: Phantom power; on both devides, can you separatly setup phantom power track by trach, or is it a "on/off" setting for all tracks, witch is not cool when you use some Dynamics Mics or Keyboards line.
Again a big thank for the quality of your presentation, Mary christmas by the way !!!
If you're familiar with, and have used the Sony PCM-D100 then you should know neither of these recorders are what you should be looking for. Look more at the Mix-Pre and Zoom F series. And yes, phantom power is on a per-channel basis on both of these. As for what I prefer, refer to: ruclips.net/user/PianoManChuckabout
I will need to plugin 3 guitars , two mics will the tascam work?
Thank you! Your video is really helpful, if you want to compare the 2 devices. However, the most important question, if you consider to by such an audio recorder is: how does it sound and wich microphones are best to use. That was my reason for sticking to your video till the end, So, I am a bit disapppointed, you didn´t tell us that.
To tell you what's "best" would be my personal opinion - that's something I will NOT do (as that's been a long-term policy here). What mics sound the best, and what recorder sounds the best is very much a subjective view which varies from person to person. My goal is to provide you with the info you need to make an informed decision - but nothing takes the place of actually hearing it for yourself before making that decision. See my strict policy on this at ruclips.net/user/PianoManChuckabout
If you want to hear what it sounds like, check out my sound comparison video of these two recorders at ruclips.net/video/uU0gQLi58cc/видео.html
@@PianoManChuck thank you! Great! I didnt know that! I will wach it!
Hi. Great video! Which one, or others similar, would you think to be preferable for recording a handpan instrument at a budget no higher than $400 USD? Thank you.
what about the ultrasonic noise for 96/192 khz?
I am Android guy to ... thanks u 😊
Excellent review. Thank you!
Do you know if the bluetooth adapters are compatible. Can I use the Xoom bluetooth adapter on the X8?
Thanks!
The Android bluetooth compatability just made the decision to go with Tascam for me. What I need to figure out is if I'm going to go with the X6 or the X8.
On the tascam, if you record a track, can you export the file straight to your phone via the Bluetooth function?
Cool witch one is better
This is the most comprehensive comparison video I have ever seen. I really appreciate it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Can I use the portacapture with the insta 360?
@PianoManChuck: Tascam has indeed 8 input channnels: there is a stereo small jack input as well.
Both Tascam & Zoom have that, but both still go to tracks 1 & 2 on both models, just like the detachable mics. Amount of recording tracks doesn't change.
oh, I see.
so for example if I'd use the two detachable mic's TRS inputs for a bass guitar and a keyboard coming from a mixer plus the small jack stereo input for an extra instrument (along with 4 XLR mics hooked up), the bass and the keyboard would end up as L-R on the same two tracks as the extra (stereo small jack) instrument? sorry for the rather complicated question...
for a mobile device, mostly used in a cam rig, for interviews, Docu, etc., you never need more than 6 tracks. Even 6 is more than enough!
For the usages you just described, yes. But these recorders are extremely popular among musicians
who use these recorders for their bands, and while 6 might be manageable, more is always better as it gives you much more precise control of the individual recording tracks for instruments and vocalists.
@PianoManChuck IMO, 6 or more inputs is getting into full interface and DAW territory.
Grazie , avendo gia' lo zoomm h8 ho deciso di fare pazzia e ho preso anche il tascam x8 , dopo una veloce prova la mia impressione che a livello di registrazione il Tascam sia un po migliore e abbia buoni processori , pero' quando ho scoperto che puoi registrare solo 2 tracce su quasi tutti i preset sopratutto MUSICA che userei molto per comodita' ci sono rimasto male e lo ho trovato molto limitante questa decisione di Tascam , spero che facciano qualche aggiornamento per migliore questa cosa !! .... grazie !
Great review. By 8 tracks, do you mean they record 8 separate tracks so you can export them ?
Zoom H8 will record up to 8 independent tracks that you can export. Tascam X8 will only record 6.
@@PianoManChuck Thank you.😎
Thanks - really comprehensive reviews, and you're the only person so far who's taken us right in to the actual device interfaces properly, including the pros and cons, all explained properly. Very grateful to you. Some reviewers have mentioned concerns about the possibility of the screen on the Tascam breaking in a fall say, and then you're up a creek with an expensive bit of kit that can't be used. Whereas the Zoom isn't so dependent on a screen. Any thoughts you had would be very welcome. Thanks again.
Is there a metronome on the manual section of the tascam? i wanted to record some guitar first and add stuff later so the guitar needs to be in sync. Doesnt seem to have one. Except a practice metronome which is another app altogether.
Can I record keyboards and vocals with the x8? Wanna record simply without all the high tech stuff.
Absolutely!
do thes recorders (both) have rythym tracks and guitar amps built into the recording fnction or do you have to ues externeal rytghym and drum sourcs when working with a guitar/keys etc.? Anyone aswer the voices etc that ay be buit into these recorders ? As for instance the Zoom R4 has 80 rythym/drum patterns built in for recording.
As of current date, the only reason for getting the Tascam is the 32bit float on a portable recorder. That is it’s selling point. Everything else outside of the touch screen can be done by other and better portable recorders. Even the touchscreen is a deterrent to use in the field if using gloves or in direct sun light. That said, I’d still go with the Tascam because there are no other portable, one hand, all in field recorders.
Yes there is - the Zoom F6 is a pro-level portable field recorder that not only does 32-bit but has dual A/D converters for each channel with much better preamps than the H8 or X8. You can wear the F6 on your belt, and its screen is built for sunlight. Timing code, routing options and other pro options not available on the H8 or X8 can all be found on the F6. But between the X8 and H8, I'd go with the X8 myself for the reasons you mentioned and the casing is much more durable than the H8.
And a daw?
02:12 Ok, so what is the EXT IN input on the left side of X8 for?
In the older model, DR-680, there is also the ability to record up to 8 tracks, and there are ... 6 classic inputs and the recorder records 6 tracks from inputs + MIX. But ... this model uses a trick that allows you to provide 2 additional signals, but after S/PDIF (digital) and making a small switch in the menu, we can save 8 independent traces: 6 analog inputs + 2 digital.
Isn't a similar solution used in the X8? Can't you switch and save from EXT IN instead of MAIN MIX?
You need to read page 26 of the X8 user manual before making comments like this. 3 input pairs (ONLY) can be selected: 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, EXT-IN. Only 3 of those 4 choices can be active at any time.
👍
the downside of X8 having micro SD... i find most people just connect via USB C and dont touch the card at all.. :)
Why do they make these so complex to use. I want a recorder to do live events, so switch on plug and play. As time is critical, but these have all these quirks that make them a compromise, depending on what you want to do, and they are expense. Sometimes i think the base recorders are better, you can buy more and put them in different positions in the room or dedicate to each input. And they are simple to use 🤔
Damn, i just bought the tascam….i wanted to record without the hum using laptop
Thanks for this fantastic review. Can you PLEASE clarify ; can I overdub on the tascam ? I had read that it wasn’t possible - can I record guitar on one track and the. Record voice separately while listening to the guitar ? Many thanks
I think Zoom is better value for money here.... Tascam has a better design and a display but features wise the Zoom is a clear winner here for me
The Tascam is expensive junk, the H8 is a much better device, in fact I would pick almost any other handheld over the X8 or X6.Break that screen, even just a little, and you will lose all functionality from the Z8 and X6. Im really surprised that Tascam released something this bad, because the gear I buy is all Tascam. I prefer my DR 100 to the X8 or X6. And yes, I do have experience with both of the Tascam X models.
That Zoom Recorder looks ugly, and i've seen it before on B&H website. Wouldn't spend one red dime on it.
You are so cool Chuck!!
…that zoom thinghy looks absolutely horrifying…never seen such baad design…imagine buy looking at it to grip it!!!…got an tascam dr-100 mk2 and will never replace it and just put it in my coffin when the deals go down…
Zoom looks like a spider.
Zoom H8 looks like a LOBSTER 👎👎👎
ZOOM'S designs look so good.... but not this time. You can prank someone with that thing... it is ugly and scary looking.