Field Recorders / Versus

Marantz PMD

vsTascam Portacapture X8

Two top-rated field recorders — built for different needs. Pick your priorities and we'll score them in real time.

What matters most to you?
Primary recording use case?
Many simultaneous recording?
Top pick
Marantz PMD
Match score100%
Beginner – I want simple,…Interviews / Journalism /…2 channels– enough for most…
Check price on Amazon →
vs
Tascam Portacapture X8
Match score50%
Beginner – I want simple,…Nature / Ambient / Soundscape…6+ channels – multi-source or…
Check price on Amazon →
Marantz PMDFeatureTascam Portacapture X8
2 channels (stereo) – enough for most…
Many simultaneous recording
6+ channels – multi-source or…
Advanced / Professional – I need full…
Experience level with field
Advanced / Professional – I need full…
Interviews / Journalism / Podcasting
Primary recording use case
Multi-track / Multi-source recording…
Premium – $250 to $400
Budget
Premium – $250 to $400
AA or AAA batteries – replaceable…
Power source
AA or AAA batteries – replaceable…

Still deciding?

These are just 2 of 25+ products we evaluate in Field Recorders. Take our 60-second quiz to get a personalized recommendation across all of them.

Take the full quiz

Key differences: Marantz PMD vs Tascam Portacapture X8

Choosing between the Marantz PMD-661 and the Tascam Portacapture X8 comes down to what matters most to you in a field recorders. A journalist needs a different recorder than a nature sound designer or a live music recorder.

The Marantz PMD-661 leans toward interviews / journalism / podcasting, while the Tascam Portacapture X8 offers multi-track / multi-source recording. More channels mean more flexibility but also higher cost and larger form factor.

The Marantz PMD-661 leans toward 2 channels– enough for most situations, while the Tascam Portacapture X8 offers 6+ channels – multi-source or broadcast production.

The Marantz PMD-661 stands out for users who value beginner – i want simple,… and interviews / journalism /… and 2 channels– enough for most….

Meanwhile, the Tascam Portacapture X8 is the stronger pick if beginner – i want simple,… and nature / ambient / soundscape… and 6+ channels – multi-source or… are your top priorities.

Rather than declaring an absolute winner, we recommend using the interactive comparison above — your priorities determine which product scores higher.

Also compare

Marantz PMD vs Sound DevicesMarantz PMD vs Tascam Portacapture X6Marantz PMD vs Zoom F3 ProfessionalMarantz PMD vs Zoom H8 8