Marcel here! Also just to make sure you understand me right. Bubblebee Industries is right now working on a brand new furry that is made for this recorder. Because of the A-B formation, the current largest size, won't fit right. Also thank you to Florian again for letting me know that you can use microphones (with battery supply) on the camera in. It works with a Sennheiser MKE 600.
I slipped on a rock. My bag hit the ground. Can confirm the plastic mic housing broke. They really need a more durable housing and mount. My DR-40 is still going strong after nearly 10 years of accidents, my X8 died in a bag that feel less than 3ft.
Hi Marcel, I think I found the cause of the high frequency noise!🤓 A couple of days ago I became a happy owner of Tascam Porta capture X8. Before checking the problem with the high frequencies noise, I updated the firmware to version 1.32. Recorded a couple of takes at home and saw the same noise you talk about in the video. The firmware didn't help... I thought this noise was electromagnetic so I went outside to test the recording, while recording I turned off my smartphone. When I came back home and checked the recordings in the Izotope RX I didn't see that noise in the high frequencies, the recordings are clean. I think this noise is due to the smartphone. Please check this hypothesis, maybe it will work in your case too.
i really like my x8. the hum issue is annoying, but i hope tascam is able to fix it. for the price and form factor is hard to find something comparable. the F6 or MixPre-3 are priced closely, but they do not have XLR/Jack-combi connectors and no inbuilt mics, so you're stuck with using XLR only. the new F3 will also have xlr only inputs.
Thanks for the mention Marcel, was a pleasure figuring this one out with you! I will probably also do a follow up video to my first impressions video and talk a little bit about workarounds for the things I'm missing and more issues that I have discovered in the meantime. Loving your coverage on this device! Happy I didn't do a review on the actual sound quality because I was sure someone more competent would - thanks for doing this so thoroughly! Cheers, Flo
Hello Florian! It was really fun working on this together. We hope to see a new video from again and maybe you have a solution for the battery problem. Talk soon again :)
Until that supersonic frequency issue is addressed, I can't consider this unit. My primary interest in a 32-bit float device is pitching down samples. Thank you for the review!
These lines are from the high frequency chopping required to generate 48 volt for the phantom from 6 or 9 volts. The 32 bit is so sensitive that it can be seen in a spectrogram. Its very quiet and you won't hear it.
Hi Marcel, I have only come across your channel, it's amazing by the way keep up the great work. I wanted to get some advice, I'm a wildlife photographer, and am just starting out in the realm of video and sound recording. It's infectious especially the sounds of nature. I have a basic set-up with the zoom H6. I'm a complete novice and just starting to learn. Would you say it's beneficial to get a record that can handle 32bit float over the 24bit of the H6. I'm also thinking about getting a parabolic dish set-up.. Anyways have a great day. Kind regards Adam
After reviewing your videos and libraries I finally decided to get an X8. Been out a few days recording with it and i'm really happy! Its a very impressive unit for being a handheld recorder.. the sound quality is so good and truly a nice upgrade from the H6 ...and 32Bit is total magic! I do a lot of pitching down and so far I have not heard any hums... I only pitch down 2-3 octaves max usually. Only problem now is the wind! My old H6 wind jammer works great for X/Y but unfortunately not A/B. Hopefully can figure out a solution for that soon.
CORRECTION: I hear the ring now :( Though I have an easy way to fix this via RX Batch process preset. As far as I can tell the rings are at 36578 and 73117. Luckily RX EQ goes that high so I've just setup a batch process preset to notch out those frequencies and voila!
It's interesting that you identify the interference tones at 20 and 50 kHz, Marcel. These sorts of artefacts are more common than you might realise, even with fairly high-end microphones (I think it derives from the mic picking up frequencies generated from its immediate powering and amplifying electronics, so it's a design thing rather than QC). The Rode NT5 picks up a tone at 88.5 kHz but Rode might reasonably argue: "who on earth is interested in frequencies that high from this microphone". The Neumann KM184 captures a tone at 68 kHz but again the designers might consider this beyond the usable frequency range for the mic. The Lewitt LCT540S, claimed to be the quietest mic in the world, captures a faint tone around 32.8 kHz. Perhaps this mic's lack of broadband noise is what allows this tone to be revealed. It seems wrong, though, that in the case of your Tascam, a device that can record at a sampling rate of 192 kHz, that it makes this feature somewhat void with the built-in mics on account of these artefacts. I wouldn't think this is fixable with firmware unless they were to implement a software notch filter. The Sony PCM D100 records extremely clean full range at 192 kHz so is probably still the best handheld for sound designers and field recordists; but it's out of production and doesn't have XLRs. Time for Sony to produce a replacement and actually make it available in Europe?
Hi Iain! ! Thank you for your comment which really goes into detail and I appreciates it very much. As you probably know I'm no expert but wanted to bring it up. I also would like to mention that I experience the hum in the same areas but on the other XLR inputs too. Even with the Lom Geofon and without phantom power. We're releasing our second video tomorrow and I'll bring it up and show it again. Another sound designer sent me some of his files with the same problem. We will see what happens but you are right about the Sony. I wish I could get my hands on one of the units. They will go up in price.
Another person who has received their x8 today, and I believe the backlight bleeding is a non-issue on my recorder! There is ever so slightly some bleeding when powered on but it quickly goes away (mostly) once the menu comes up. The high frequency tone is still an issue, unfortunately, from what I can see with RX. Bummer, honestly, but I’m hoping that Tascam does something with it soon.
Hello! Just a thought about the windnoisething: there is a Rycote for the Tascam DR40 wich is 90mm with A-B mic (Tascam spec on the website). Shouldn't this work for the x8 which is 77mm in XY (Tascam spec on the website)?
Let me check how wide the Tascam is in A-B but if you message Rycote support, they might help you with that request. They are fast in responding Rouven. Kind of fun having a conversation with you on IG and here at the same time :)
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?
Hi Jay, yes the problem is across the board. I got a second device and saw the same problem. Then I spoke to Florian (he made one of the first RU-vid videos about the Tascam X8) and other sound designers who are encountering the same problem. It could be a power issue. Also, he just ran into a problem with the battery slots. One is already worn out and he can no longer power on the device. Fingers crossed :)
@@jkingwhistler Thank you Jay! For us its important to address everything we encounter and don't want others to spend a lot of money as well and later being disappointed. See you tonight! :)
@@jkingwhistler Indeed I have trouble with using VARTA and Energizer rechargeable batteries after taking them out and putting them back in just 4 times. Normal non-rechargeable batteries work no problem. Ordered Eneloops after talking to the Tascam support for almost an hour yesterday but it's definitely the battery contacts that touch the positive pole on the batteries where the positive poles face downwards. Putting aluminium foil between the batteries and the contacts fixes it. So yeah let's see if the Eneloops fix it - they should arrive some time today. If that also doesn't solve it this one is going back to Tascam instead of Amazon so they can figure out what the problem is and hopefully it's not a design related issue...
Nicely set up video! I do wonder: if the pre-amps are as good as my MixPre 6II if you can plug in XLR cables instead of Tascam's Microphones, or does it become a 4-track when not using the Tascam mics?
Thanks, very interesting. Is there any reason you have found not to record in 32bit? The file size is not that much greater than 24bit and the advantage of not setting levels is amazing. I am using the Mixpre 6ii for recording live musicians, with 32bit I can set up quick and not have to worry if levels change during the performance,
Hello Marcel, thank you for this great video! One thing that I have been asking myself recently is what kind of applications would require an audio sampling frequency higher than 48kHz. There are several YT channels showing how they recorded ambient sounds in 32 bit float and 192kHz sampling frequency. If humans can only hear frequencies of up to about 20 kHz, than 48kHz should be ideal and more than enough (according to Shannon-Nyquist sampling theorem). Everything above is just overkill...The only application I could imagine is for recording ultrasonic sounds, like the echoes of bats. Those are outside of the range that humans can hear, but if a recorder like the Tascam X8 could capture it, one could later bring it down in post production into a frequency range that is audible. On the other hand, if bats have a frequency range of up to 150kHz wouldn't we need something like 320kHz sampling frequency? In other words, 196kHz recorders would not really be sufficient for such application. Any idea or experience where 192kHz does make real sense? Many thanks and keep up the good work 🙂
Hello Oliver! Great question and I see the example of bats coming up very frequently in different forums, but there is just so much more to talk about it. But before I start let me tell you that I'm not a sound engineer or expert and can only share the experience I made and have success with. There is a difference between an end-user buying the sound and the perspective of someone selling sounds. But there is also the hobbyist who likes to record just for themself. I could make a video alone just about that subject. So when it comes to high frequencies, there are so many more examples to capture them and not just bats. If you close a door really hard, you can record high frequencies, a train brake right next to you can get you anywhere near the 100kHz. With an EMF device like the Lom Priezor you can go far beyond 100kHz, go to a flowing river and use a hydrophone like the Ambient you can record up to 100kHz. You can record a grinding machine or try to record some impulse responses with a balloon but there are so many examples out there to record such frequencies. But the question is why? Let me get to this in a little bit. If you look at the specs of some microphones they will often show you up to 20kHz, but that's only on paper. In fact, many of them can record up to 50kHz and beyond. The Sennheiser MKH 8040 (specs: up to 50 kHz) for example can record up to 80kHz depending on the source and how close I can get. You are absolutely right about the recording device. In order to record beyond 100kHz, you would need a recorder that can record up to 384kHz. Sound Devices has one of them but there is also another US company that creates small recording devices that you can hide in the forest that can do this and higher. I forgot the name but will look into it. Now, why is recording high-frequency's for me not overkill? Well, because I'm a sound library owner and over the last years I understood that it's better to provide the higher frequency sound samples that people from all over the world buy every single day. It's easy to downsample with just one click but what is gone is gone. Who needs sounds that are beyond 48kHz? You are right, the hobbyist who records for themself and just listens to it, don't need anything beyond but who knows? Maybe one day, they become sound designers, musicians, sound artists or like to use new technology plugins with a brand new DAW they just bought and can start creating. But now they found out that all the sounds they recorded over the last years don't have the higher frequencies. There are some amazing people out there who can create Kontakt Sound Libraries by slicing out different layers of frequencies putting them back together and creating something completely new. There are so many more examples to talk about but I don't want to make this comment too long :) Other people might see it differently but they might don't run a business related to sound and I wouldn't risk not having these higher sample recordings because we all know that feeling "Why didn't I"?? But of course, if you record sounds and you see they stop out somewhere in the 20kHz area, there is no need to keep them at a sample rate of 192kHz.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you very much for your answer, Marcel. Your explanation makes perfect sense. In fact, recording ultrasonic frequencies could open the door into another world. Never thought about it before...One just has to know that those sounds have to be mixed down into a lower frequency range for hearing. Higher than 48kHz sampling might not be necessary for sports events or standard voice over etc. But in your case it makes a lot of sense. Another interesting aspect is that theoretically, the good old vinyl recordings should sound better than any digital one. The reason is that digital audio has to be band limited. Those old analog records on the other hand have (in theory) an infinite frequency range. Maybe that's why some people probably prefer the richer sound of analog music...?! On a side note, the Tascam manual says that the range you can capture with 192kHz sampling is 60kHz. But as you say, the practical range will probably be higher, but with increasing attenuation?! My own X8 has just arrived as I write this, can't wait to test it out :-)
@@olliwaa.aviation I'm glad to hear that. Let me know how the recordings look like. Ah yes I saw that with the 60kHz but that really depends on the mic you are using. The underwater recordings I just did are way beyond that. :)
@@FreeToUseSounds yes absolutely. It is just the encoding but physics comes first. Same with the amplifier. If you input a too hot signal you will still clip.
Your library is so cheap to buy, Im really wonder is it any point to become field recordist? Do you earn at least 2000 euro per month? Is it worth to spend so much time for recording? Or this is just your hobby and you have money from other source?
@@FreeToUseSounds I would also like the confirm if you were able to get your binaural microphone working with the EXT IN jack on the X8. I just got my X8 today and can't seem to get it working with my Roland CS-10EM binaural mic.
@@Wesleyd8 Hi Wesley. There is no plugin power on the EXT IN so I don't know what OP means but maybe he uses an adapter and has them attached to the top. Other wise it would be a dual mono or only on one channel. I have to check tomorrow.
Please keep in mind that not everybody has Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Tiktok. I have none of them, only use RU-vid because of lack of time and others, so I'll follow you here on RU-vid and your website, regards!
I have the Tascam x8 myself and have an issue with podcasting. I am unable to hear other people remotely when using it as an audio interface unfortunately. I have to either listen to myself or plug into my laptop. But that is a very specific issue.
Hi :) yes it's because of how the Tascam maps the audio outputs of your computer. I went in depth on that in my first impressions video and proposed a solution to Tascam. They're working on a fix. In the meantime, you can use a workaround with a virtual audio device such as Existential Audio's Blackhole to re-route the audio to work as expected. See the comments on my video for details 👌 Let me know if you have questions and I'll help however I can!
Make sure you watch Florian's videos! He truly goes in depth into such issues and I'm grateful that I could connect with him. I hope you makes many more videos!
Schönes Review:) Mein Tascam ging gestern zurück. Selbst mit der Einstellung 32bit float und 192khz hatte ich jedes Mal Glitches in der Aufnahme. So, als würde die Aufnahme stottern. Erst dachte ich, das würde nur an der Wiedergabe im Gerät liegen, aber als ich die Aufnahmen in Cubase getestet habe, waren die Glitches oder „Plops“ auch in der DAW vorhanden. So leider unbrauchbar:(
Thanks for your opinion. I am looking for a 32-bit float field recorder and was looking at these or the Sound Devices mixpre-3. Leaning towards the latter now.
Yes, I experienced a similar issue. I conducted a test using both the F6 and the X8 with the Sennheiser. I recorded a train passing by with the gain set to full max on both devices. The gain setting shouldn't affect the recordings. In post-production, I normalized the gain levels. The recordings from the F6 were as expected, but the X8 recordings were completely cut off. This suggests there might be an internal issue with the X8 unit. How did you first notice this problem? It's also worth noting that if the SPL of your microphone is too low or the recordings are just too loud, clipping can occur at that stage, leading to recorded distortion.
Hi Marcel, as a beginner in field recording I am wondering which file format I should use. (I mean like 44.1khz, 48khz, ... ) and in terms of quality: is it easy to change the khz of a file in post? Right now I am using 44.1khz for Audiojungle but I dont know if I will also provide the files on other platforms in the future with other file standards.
Hi Andre! It's easy to go from lets say 192kHz or 96kHz to 48kHz, but not the other way around. With a recording at 48kHz, you cut out everything above. For example, if you record a loud bang, bats, electromagnetic fields or even underwater sounds, which can have frequencies up to 100kHz, once you set the recorder to 48kHz or even 96kHz, these are already lost. Remember that the format you choose on the device will only record half of it. So a 192kHz recorder gives you 96kHz in the recorded frequency.
Hey I hope you guys can get you hands on the new Tascam X6 for testing pre-amps and such as it looks like a nice slightly more compact version of the X8. It has to be better then those last disappointing Karaoke style Zoom Releases LOL.
@@FreeToUseSounds Ah got ya, its amazing everyone but Sony has or is Releasing New Recorders and ya the D100 is great but sadly Sony does not make it anymore and never introduced a MKII of that deck.
Danke euch - wieder ein tolles Video. Jetzt kommt es sehr darauf an, ob Tascam die Störung oberhalb von 20kHz durch ein Softwareupdate beseitigen kann. Wenn ja, dann kommt der Recorder für mich als erstes 32bit-Gerät in Frage. Zumal die Verlinkung von vier Kanälen durch ein Firmware-Update leicht möglich sein sollte, evtl. auch die Implementation der Ambisonics-Formate(?). Dennoch hat der F6 das bessere Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis. Gerade wenn man eh mikro-USIs oder DPAs verwenden will. Ich bin gespannt, wie Tascam reagieren wird. Bis bald und weiterhin viel Erfolg. P.S. Eure Videos sind sehr motivierend und ich hoffe, dass es mir mit meinem knappen Budget doch noch gelingt, ins zumindest semiprofessionelle Fieldrecording einzusteigen. Die ersten etwa 1.000 Aufnahmen mit meinen H1n/H2n und Tascam DR-05MkII haben meinen Wunsch nach "Mehr" nur noch weiter verstärkt.
Servus! Wenn man externe Mikrofone hat, ist der F6 bzw. F3 wahrscheinlich die professionelle Wahl. Als „Soundguy“ kann ich dir sagen, dass die Störfrequenzen des x8 normalerweise nicht Hörbar sind. Die aller, aller meisten Boxen und Kopfhörer sind bei 20K raus und das menschliche Gehör auch. Ärgerlich ist es trotzdem.
I follow you with great interest. Please, I'm trying to figure out what might be the best recorder for my needs. Which microphone and recorder should I buy to capture the noise of construction tools hitting surfaces? the environments are internal, often empty without furniture. I would like to capture the sound the sandpaper makes, or the paintbrush on the wall. which microphone is suitable for high fidelity? I was definitely thinking about Geofone and Organic audio for high and low frequencies. Which recorder do you recommend? F6 or Tascam x8? which Shotgun? microphone? Thanks, keep it up!
I have a Tascam DR-100 Mk2. No plan to buy an new one until this one quits working. I do want to get a Tascam DR-10L Pro, I need another pocket recorder and it makes sense to choose that model.
The fact that TASCAM did not notice those tones @~25 and ~50 kHz during development themselves, makes me wonder how much TASCAM value quality. I saw another video in which the internal part of the XLR connectors were pressing into some cables, this is not how it should be! The same goes for the plastic mic holders. This audio problem is likely only to be solved by EMC shielding a certain internal oscillator or something. Otherwise software has to do solve it by applying some filtering, which would be very much a sin solution. Edit: Might have something to do with the new display (controller hardware).
Hi Urs! Just checked and the lines are still there. That's an hardware issue I would say. Maybe newer machines don't have that issue anymore..Fingers crossed :)
Maybe I'm not understanding what you were trying to set up with the binaural recording, but I thought the built-in mics could be replaced with 3.5mm mics. If you plug 2 separate mics into those jacks, it seems like it should work for what you were trying to do. In a future video, I'd like to hear your impressions of the built-in mics and how they compare with other mics, such as the built-in mics with other handheld units, or in comparison with dedicated mics. I know these won't be anywhere near as good as mics costing $200 and up, but how close do they get? Also, do you have to switch them to change from X/Y to A/B, or could you turn them around in the same connection? In other words, is it physically possible to get both mics pointing in more-or-less the same direction? (Not that you'd want to, except in very rare circumstances.) Another question would be any self-noise from the mics or pre-amps? Let's hope that they fix the constant buzz in the higher frequencies. My guess is that it's a problem with an electrical trace on a PCB inside and proximity with the power circuits. If so, it seems they would have found and fixed the problem before releasing the product.
Hi Alan! Thank you so much for the feedback and you are correct. But this won't work with the Roland because the connectors are different. I mentioned a solution and I hope it works. On Sunday we have a real world test video coming out. Correct, you have to switch them. No turning around or moving around. They microphone capsules are fixed. About self noise, this depends on the environment and I have several examples coming up. About the humming issue. Yes it could be the power supply and I'm not sure what power source they used to test it but I guess we all using different batteries or power banks?
The onboard mics can be detached and flipped around for both X/Y and A/B setups. However, you do have to detach them each time you'd like to switch from one setup to the other. (I'll be attempting to replace mine with mini pluggy em272s, which can at least be moved 90 degrees without having to detach)
@@FreeToUseSounds Powerbanks can be rather noisey. Use your coil mike to listen to the ones you have or Mr. Carlson's probe would help. But I noticed that you had what looked like Nimh/Nicad batteries in it. If noise is being generated with those in then it must indicate a problem with the internal circuitry (which is difficult to believe). You could try a powerbank on a long cable with the PB shielded if possible. Also, try quality Zinc batteries. These have a higher voltage than rechargables and it may be that the recorder is boosting the power from the lower voltage batteries to get it to work. You would need a good engineer to review the circuitry to be sure. It could be interesting if you made those comparisons. Thanks for the review!
My mini pluggy should be here in a week or so, so if you'd find it helpful I'll let you know what I think. I have an XLR Clippy & Pluggy and they're both great, so I'm expecting good things.
I have a MixPre II but don’t carry it around to record ambient sounds. The built in mics on DR-40 and now X8. Plus the extra battery life and the relative weight make them super portable and easy. Love my MixPre II a lot but not far wandering around capturing sound.
Great job on your video btw. I have the DR100 MK3 and its been pretty good. I have just ordered an X8 and will see how that compares soon too. For me its much as you mentioned, portability/size with respect to quality.
Hi there beautiful people… I want to record bird sounds deep in the Peruvian Amazon… what would be the proper equipment for that adventure. I am a birder. Thank you very much !
I was eyeing this unit since I was going to take back my new Zoom h6 because something like this is unit is truly remarkable. Finally, a field recorder with 32-bit audio and in a small package!!!! However, I heard that there's some build issues and this thing is surprisingly hard to get since most of them are backordered. I assume it's the chip shortage. Because of this, I might hold onto the H6 or return it, and get a Zoom H4n or a Tascam Dr-40 to hold me over until this thing improves.
How are the name changing capabilities? If the touchscreen allows you to do quick filenaming with a typeboard, I can imange that this would be a good reason to upgrade. This is always a pain with other recorders, because you have to change every character one at a time.
We are waiting ... I also ordered a recorder ... I don’t even know whether to watch your video or not, because the recorder will arrive only in 2-3 weeks XD
I appreciate all of your coverage of this device thus far. Looking for a field recorder to have as a super portable interface for live streaming, podcasting/interviedws, and also get into field recording for sound design. So your info is really really appreciated. Through your use of several microphones I saw on your IG, what's the noise like using the preamps on this recorder? While what you used didn't seem like gain hungry mics, I'm curious how this would handle mics that require a lot of gain.
Hi! On Sunday I have a new video coming up where we record sounds with different microphones. Also we do a comparison video soon. To really talk about the difference, I need to do that first but haven't had the time yet. It is true that the DPA's require more gain like the Usi's so this a good question for sure.
Looking to upgrade sound for small single op run & gun production. Will fully take on audio or even hire out. Torn between mix pre 3/6 zoom f6. Also interested in tascam 8 and unfortunately was in zoom h4 but reviews for are all thumbs down. What direction would you advise going in, price not being an issue. Just seeking best sound and convenience.
Since I already filmed the video after I discovered the problem, we re-edited the video and included the part. So I let everyone know. Also in one of the previous comment I mentioned another issue with the battery slot.
Ok, so what I want to know is, outside of the 32-bit recording, which is not really an issue for me as I always record at very low levels anyway, what does this unit do that the Zoom H8 does not do? I am currently using the Zoom H8 which is serviceable, and after much tweaking, I have managed to eliminate the noisy preamps in the Zoom H8 (I set the microphone gain to 3 on the hardware dial) and the result is actually surprisingly good considering I am using the thing as a portable mixer (I use the inbuilt microphones for recording spoken dialog and singing from vocalists, and I use the xlr inputs to wirelessly transmit the audio to a video camera. Just wondering how this performs differently than the Zoom H8 and why this was your device of choice outside of the the 32-bit recordings, which I am not entirely sold on.
Hello Joshua! Great question, and as you probably already know, I only do field recordings and create sound libraries. So nothing else. One of the great advantages of the recorder is the 192 kHz option. The Zoom H8 is a 96kHz recorder. So using my hydrophones, the Sennheiser MKH 8040 or any of the EMF devices, I can pick up sounds close to 100kHz (Sennheiser up to 80kHz). A 96kHz recorder actually stops out at 48kHz and a 192kHz recorder can record up to 96kHz. When using an H8, for example, I miss all the frequencies in between. However, this is only interesting when it comes to sound design and for the people who provide sounds for that market.
Are the onboard capsules an upgrade to the h8 capsules? Also considering the new hi fidelity capsule that was just released? I might sell my zoom h8 for this if there’s a benefit to the capsule.
I think the Compressor, limiter, noise gate and low cut filter might come in handy if sending output directly to the camera audio input to avoid clipping in-camera. Then if by any means we still have 32 bit recorded file.
Hi. If your recordings are clipped on camera then you record the clipped footage on to the recorder. So it still cut off and clipped at 0. Is that what you meant to say?
@@FreeToUseSounds No The 32 bit audio will not be clipped in the recorder. The output of the recorder can be controlled with limiter and use of compressor to avoid clipping in the Video Camera footage. The audio features effects provided by the Tascam x8. Good for on the go footage mobile posting without clipped audio. Then professional editing of 32 bit original audio if needed.
On page 20 of the Tascam Portacapture X8 owners manual it says that close proximity to a cell phone can cause noise in the audio recording. What’s the chance that everyone testing the X8 and experiencing the hum issue has had a cell phone turned on in their pocket?
Hi Craig, the chance is close to 0 because I recorded sounds all over Bangkok and have the issue now on all XLR inputs as well. I used the Geofon and also the hydrophone. When using the Zoom F6 in the same location, I don't have the humming. Now other sound designers and RU-vidrs that I'm in contact with, have the same problem. Today, Tascam brought out a new firmware update but this fix wasn't part of it. They are still investigating.
If the sound comes from a cellphone it would be in a different frequency and it would pulsate. The sound issue is at a specific exact frequency and continuously. I think for users that don't want to "manipulate" the recordings or to say it clear: don't pitch the recordings down, it doesn't matter because you will not hear it. It's above 20k. The most speakers or headphones can't play it and the human ear can't hear it. Buuuuuut: as I said before. If I am a professional sound recordist and I KNOW there is an issue in may recording that I sell to other professionals when I don't know what they were doing with the sound I just won't use it. It's like selling a car, when you know there is something that could cause a problem.
I am so disappointed with these recorders! The first handheld recorder I bought was a Marantz and I NEVER get the noise from hand held recording that this one and several other.
The 3.5mm capsule inputs (inputs 1 & 2) both provide plug-in power. The provided capsule modules are actually just Primo EM200 electrets and a 220 Ohm resistor wired to a 3.5mm plug, so you can plug any normal 3.5mm microphone into inputs 1 and 2. I don't think the EXT IN jack provides PIP, but I haven't tested it.
Hi! Replacing won't fix it because I also have the second unit. I just did more recordings and now experience the same problem on XLR input 5 and 6. Recorded with PP or without still creates the humming.
Thanks so much Libby and Marcel. Great as usual. I actually listened to your first 6 podcasts last night and I enjoyed them a lot. It was funny to listen to, because I also spent years on various internet businesses like affiliate marketing, SEO, digital agencies, that never went anywhere. Also loved hearing about the van life, which I would also love to do. I really enjoyed the podcasts and I will listen to them again for sure. As for the X8, the early reviews are not what I would hope for. I think I am probably more interested in the H6 or F3 now. You need to be so careful with lots of things on this unit, like the delicate capsules, and if you drop the unit and damage that big screen it's also unusable. I was hoping this would be a no-brainer purchase, but now I'm not so sure. Can't wait for the real world test on Sunday to help decide.
Hello Nicolas! Oh yes, in the podcast series we talk in more detail about our lives before Free To Use Sounds and what we went through to get to where we are now. It was a rollercoaster :) We hope you enjoy listening.
The cool thing about all of these experiences is that you've become the perfect generalist. It may seem like it won't get you anywhere, but it all adds up to a winning formula. The H6 is the recorder that kickstarted Free To Use Sounds. It was my second field recorder after the H1. It doesn't matter what your first recorder is. What matters is that you enjoy what you do and just get started.
When peeking by hitting the 0db, mine is playing back a kind of white noise at roughly -30db, definitely audible, for almost a second after the peek. That is also on the recording and almost impossible to restore. Anyone else noticing that effect with your device? Peeking is no good of course but getting punished by that follow-up noise is not ok in my ears 😕
I'm not sure if you already own this device but at a tech demo, the tascam representative told me that it can also record a safety track or a second file at a lower sensitivity. That would help in these situations.
@@ChristopherCabello Yes, I got the X8. Pre-ordered months ago and received it in January. The safe track is an option but I'm still wondering if anyone else has noticed that effect too.
@@drp111 so after watching other reviews on the recorder I'm learning that any input will cause that white noise and it seems to be some kind of fault on the first batch of units. I'm hoping tascam will fix this soon and then the 2nd batch of devices will not have the issue.
Update: I forgot to mention that this happened only when recording using the two condenser mics on channel 1/2. With external mics, there was no hiss after peaking. Today, I loaded the new firmware V1.03 from the European Tascam website. Now I cannot reproduce the issue anymore, even with the built-in mics. Happy now. Hopefully, that's good news to other users, too.
Great video! Gave a few things to think about for sure. I am pondering a purchase, so I have a question for you. Q: I have the budget for the Tascam X8 right now. However, I could wait, save, and buy the Sound Devices MixPre-6 II. Since I wish to do street interviews AND sound design work with the purchase that hum issue you mention does concern me. What would you recommend I do?
Hello Joe! Thank you for your comment and here is my honest opinion. This recorder is brand new and who knows how it will react when left on for hours. The Sound Devices are tanks and I just don't want to imagine you having interviews and the recorder being shot down. With a Sound Devicse, that doesn't happen 99.9 percent of the time.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you for your pov. I tend to agree with you. The Tascam is nice, but as of yet, unproven. The Sound Devices MixPre 6 II is proven tech from an industry standard company. It would have been nice to save some money, lol, but I agree with you. Waiting and saving for the Sound Devices MixPre is a better option. I for sure don't want that hum on my field recordings! Thanks again.
@@FreeToUseSounds Well I do now! HAHAHAHHAHA! I'm new. xD Btw, I went your website. I checked out your library of sounds and your End User Lic. This part, "RU-vid productions (No original sounds to create “relaxing” rain or waterfall videos)" Would it be a violation to use your sounds, in this manner but WITH a piano track or some other musical intruments overlayed? It would be transformative, and not just the raw file. I would like to use various types of music in this manner, with your sounds.
Hallo, I bought the tascam two weeks ago and had to send it back, because it was turning off after using it about an hour or so. They send me a new one and it turns off again. In the secon device I didn´t use any batteries. I had it powerd with my USB . I am little tired by now. What could be the issue?
That really sucks :(... Did Tascam answer your question about that issue? I experienced when i shake the recorder it oftentimes turns off too. Did you check the user manual? 15-8 Using the automatic power saving function This can be set using the GENERAL SETTINGS screen > POWER/DISPLAY page > AUTO POWER item. When on, the unit automatically turns off after 30 minutes have elapsed since the last activity or operation. Could you check if that was the case? Also when using the online user manual. just open it up, use control +f and type in "turn off", Maybe you find another solution.
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you soooooo much! Wow, if that is written there, that must be the issue I had! I will check it. I am from germany. So I am not sure, how it is called in german. I am now a little bit in a hurry. But I will check everything later today. And I will come back! I have hope now! Thank you so much!
@@FreeToUseSounds Thank you! I think, that was the issue!! I have another question. It would be extremely kind if you would have an answer to this one! I love to use the inbuild reverb, when using the two mics that belong to the tascam. Now I am using an external mic (Neumann TLM 102). But when I am using the Neumann mic it seems not to be possible to have the reverb put on also. Do you know how to fix this problem?
I have one question I didnt find any answer for - is possible to play the metronome clicks into the earphones without having its sound in any recorded tracks? To be more specific - I would like to record an acoustic guitar with inbuild microphones an some additional maybe, monitor the recorded sound in earphones while having metronom audible in the earphones in the same time. Many thanks for an answer in advance.
Yes the metronome clicks are in the headphone but I didn't see the possibly to record at the same time with it. if I have the metronome running, I can't exit the menu without stopping the clicks.
@@FreeToUseSounds Oooh... such a pitty. I find this function quite essential for recording any acoustic instrument with microphones. Especially, as the the device seems to be obviously (also) designed for musicians and has lot of features for them. Like this I would have to use another external metronome and a mixing device to get everything into the headphones. That makes me really sorry... Anyway - many thanks for your answer, I appreciate it a lot! ;-)
I generally like it so far, but I'm definitely going to try swapping out the stock capsules for mini pluggy em272s. Also, was a bummer to pay extra for the Bluetooth adapter only to realize A) it doesn't sit flush into the bottom of the recorder B) lights up a pretty obnoxious blue light once paired and most of all C) it doesn't connect to the portacapture app on my Android phone for some reason 🤣 I will say, the XLRs sound great so far in my experience. *RESOLVED BELOW*
Quick update: I'm getting the same ~20khz issue on inputs 1/2 and have informed Tascam support in the hopes they'll address it. Their telephone support is responsive and a great resource to report feedback/issues. For the Bluetooth issue, in case anyone else experiences this - it has been resolved by turning on my "location" prior to using the app, then it connects straightaway. This is not noted anywhere in the manual. (FWIW I'm on a Fold 3 running Android 12)
I thought about using gorilla pod arms and use my DPA's on both sides. That way I can also avoid using the capsule inputs. I may do some DIY. Glad to hear you figured that out. I didn't buy the Bluetooth since I would probably loose it in a heartbeat! :)
@@FreeToUseSounds I'll be interested to see how that goes :) I'll try to follow up on how the mini pluggys work out. Thanks for reviewing this device. A lot of interest, but very few unbiased reviews out there as of yet!
@@jarord Thank you Jarod! This is very important to us because we don't want that others spend a lot of money and time on a recorder, just to find out later that something is wrong with it. We always keeping it real.
You cannot really compare the F6 and the x8. The x8 is a handheld with mics on board! For the F6 you have to buy mics to be able to record. And you better buy good ones or you won't need the F6. Just my oppinion.
Hi Will! It's not important what I think. It's important what you want. Do you want 32 bit float and a handheld recording device with a sample rate of 192kHz or do you think 96kHz 24 bit is enough? Do you want to use it mainly indoor or go out and record sounds using different microphones. What are your requirements and if we can narrow that down, then we can make a better decision. Price is right now the same.
@@FreeToUseSounds got 4 shure sm58's and a rode podmic. I RAP AND ALSO DO VIDEO WORK I WILL ALSO BE STARTING A PODCAST SOON. MY QUESTION I REALLY NEED ANSWERD IS CAN YOU DO 32BIT FLOAT ON ALL CHANNELS ON MANUAL MODE AND CAN YOU PUNCH IN PUNCH OUT
@@c-willharris3782 Yes with the Tascam X8 you can record 32 bit on all four channels. I'm not sure what you mean with punch in and out. Do you mean auto stop record and start?
@@c-willharris3782 I just opened up the X8 user manual, searched for "punch" and found something about that. Type in Google Tascam X8 User Manual. It will bring you to the page.
@@koenignero Looks like it's possible. In Podcast mode, you get to choose if each one of your inputs get mixed to the output. It will still be recorded. So if you use the line or headphone out to loop back the audio it should work. I hope I understood correctly what you're trying to achieve :) let me know!
@@FlorianBodlee I would like to connect a phone and send the signal of two Mics to the caller. But of course I would need Mix Minus to avoid the caller get his/her own signal back
@@FreeToUseSounds Interestingly, George Vlad also said on Reddit that he's been contacting Tascam support a lot over a few issues with the X8. He also seems to be waiting for resolution of several issues.
@@petrub27 I'd expect many things can be fixed with software updates, but Marcels comment about the battery door in the chat is not great. Also heard about a guy who said one of his capsules didn't work straight out the box, which is also very poor from Tascam.