Comparison
Reel vs Tascam Portacapture X8
Tascam's flagship 8-track 32-bit float handheld recorder with a touchscreen and four XLR inputs.
Visit the Tascam Portacapture X8 site ↗The short answer
The Portacapture X8 is Tascam's flagship and it shows. Four XLR combo inputs with HDDA preamps, onboard mics, a touchscreen and up to eight tracks of 32-bit float at sample rates as high as 192kHz. It is a proper location-recording machine. Reel does not chase those numbers. It records 32-bit float up to 96kHz, already more than most music needs and spends its effort on feel instead, turning your iPhone into a 4-track recorder with a spinning disc you scrub by hand, overdub, looping and USB input from interfaces and instruments. The X8 is the choice when the job demands pro inputs and the highest rates. Reel is the choice when the recorder should already be in your pocket.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Reel | Tascam Portacapture X8 |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous tracks | 4 (stereo, 8 ch) | 8 (6 in + stereo mix) |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float | 32-bit float |
| Max sample rate | 96kHz | 192kHz |
| Overdub | ||
| Punch-in recording | ||
| Looping | ||
| Variable-speed playback | ||
| Tactile transport (jog wheel or scrub) | ||
| Built-in microphones | iPhone mic | |
| XLR inputs with phantom power | ||
| Records from a USB audio interface | ||
| Works as a USB audio interface | ||
| Runs standalone, no phone or computer | ||
| Price | $14.99 one-time | ~$499 |
| Platform | iOS 18+ | Standalone device |
Every value is researched per product against manufacturer sources and may change over time. Verify current details with each maker.
Where Reel wins
- +Overdub and looping to build songs, not just capture takes
- +Jog-wheel scrubbing and tape transport
- +Records USB hardware instruments and grooveboxes like the SP-404 MK2
- +Uses the iPhone you already carry
Where Tascam Portacapture X8 wins
- +Four XLR/TRS combo inputs with HDDA preamps
- +Up to 8 tracks and sample rates up to 192kHz
- +Touchscreen with guided recording modes
- +Standalone device that can also serve as a USB interface
Frequently asked questions
Does Reel record at 192kHz like the Portacapture X8?
Reel records 32-bit float up to 96kHz. The Portacapture X8 can go up to 192kHz. For most music and field recording, 32-bit float at 96kHz already captures far more than needed.
Should I get a Portacapture X8 or use Reel?
Choose the Portacapture X8 for pro XLR inputs, high sample rates and a dedicated device. Choose Reel to turn your iPhone into a tape-style 4-track recorder with overdub and no extra hardware.
Try Reel on your iPhone
A portable 4-track recorder with 32-bit float audio and a hardware-inspired workflow.
Download on the App Store