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 Tascam Portacapture X8 is a high-end handheld. It has four XLR/TRS combo inputs with HDDA preamps, onboard mics and a touchscreen and it records up to eight tracks of 32-bit float at sample rates as high as 192kHz. Reel records 32-bit float too, up to 96kHz and turns your iPhone into a 4-track recorder with overdub, looping and a jog wheel. Choose the X8 when you need pro mic inputs and the very highest sample rates on a dedicated box. Choose Reel when you want tape-style layering in your pocket with nothing extra to carry, plus support for USB instruments and grooveboxes.
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