Tascam takes the guesswork out of sound
Posted on Nov 12, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
The Portacapture X8 recorder brings the latest 32-bit float audio technology to indie filmmakers
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Perfecting your audio used to mean constant monitoring, fine-tuning and praying your talent didn’t suddenly scream or shout, but Tascam’s Portacapture X8 – a handheld, high-resolution, multi-track recorder –
is so advanced that manually setting audio levels has become almost optional.
The X8 is a pioneer of powerful 32-bit float recording, capturing distortion-free sound across an incredible dynamic range, in an all-in-one package that filmmakers have grown to trust. That’s why this revolutionary recorder has been honoured as Editor’s Choice within the audio recorder category of the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards.
It may sound like sci-fi, but it’s simple science. The X8’s 32-bit float system records up to 1528dB, which dwarfs both the human hearing range and the capability of traditional 24-bit systems. In practical terms, that means filmmakers can record everything from a whisper to an explosion without clipping or losing detail. There’s no need to be continually tweaking gain levels – just press record and trust the Tascam to handle it.
Freedom for filmmakers
For solo shooters and small crews, this is a revelation. There are no more ruined takes or frantic re-records when the Portacapture X8 captures everything first time. It offers up to six audio inputs, which stretches to eight tracks when using stereo pairs, and it records in pristine 32-bit float WAV files of up to 192kHz. Dual recording captures both 24- and 32-bit versions simultaneously, giving editors options in post.
The Portacapture X8 is more than just the 32-bit tech, as it’s a seriously capable recorder. Two detachable condenser mics reside on top, but are easily swapped for external sources via the 3.5mm inputs hidden underneath. There are four XLR/TRS combo jacks with phantom power for professional microphones, plus a dedicated 3.5mm EXT IN for flexibility.
The outputs are similarly versatile. A 3.5mm line out lets you feed audio to a camera directly or alternatively record to a micro SD card. A USB-C port supports power, data transfer or even lets you plug the unit into a computer to use as a USB mic. Add an optional Bluetooth dongle and it becomes wireless, with remote control via the Portacapture Control smartphone app or timecode sync via Atomos Connect and Ultrasync Blue systems.
Intelligent design for a smarter workflow
Tascam’s bright colour touchscreen keeps everything accessible. The launcher interface provides instant presets for uses like music, podcasting and ASMR, while professionals can opt for a manual mode which gives full control over routing and levels. A tactile dial at the base enables precise level tweaks.
Even smaller touches show off the device’s thoughtful design notes, such as its built-in low-cut filter for taming wind noise, headphone output for live monitoring and compact built-in speaker for quick playback. Power is achieved via USB or, more portably, AA batteries.
Award-winning innovation
It’s easy to see why the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards judges singled out the Portacapture X8. This affordable recorder doesn’t simply raise the bar for audio production but resets expectations.
And building on the incredible tech and user-friendly features of the Portacapture X8 is the brand new Tascam FR-AV4 Audio Field Recorder. It’s a powerful and compact four-channel field recorder and mixer which also features timecode generator and HDMI sync capabilities. With 32-bit float for flawless audio, it’s an all-in-one solution for on-location production.
For more information, visit audiologic.co.uk/brands/tascam
This article was first published in the November/December 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
