Context:
H/W Version 1.00 (Build 010)
Service History: Warrenty serviced 3 times in 2023 for:
• Faulty XY microphones
• Loose 1/4” mount
• Microphone/input failures
The input/mic failure originated from a firmware update (factory to v1.33).
Workaround: Tascam rewired inputs 1–2 for two left mics instead of replacing parts. The modifications to inputs 3–6 remain unclear. A jury-rigged fix in hindsight.
Problem Resurfaced
Yesterday, I updated from (v1.33 to v2.01) via USB-C, following all instructions.
Setup:
• X8 connected directly to Surface Go
• No batteries, XLR cables, mics, line inputs, or external devices connected
Update Process:
• Firmware update completed normally
• Without altering the setup, I transferred my SOUND folder (16GB) to my PC in storage mode
• During transfer, the X8 shut down unexpectedly and emitted a burning odor
Post-Incident Symptoms
• No signal from inputs 1–2, 5–6, or EXT IN
• Distorted audio from built-in XY mics
• Inconsistent USB sound (hit-or-miss recording)
• Unreliable headphone monitoring with distorted playback
Technical
Looking at the block diagram, I suspected a latent failure in the ADC or DAC. However, I have no way to check continuity, but PCB appears clean
Key:
Square: OPA1678 – Preamps
Circle: 5704 ADC – Handles (Input 1–2 internally)
Triangle: PCM1754 DAC – Converts digital to analog
Zigzag circle: TPA4411 – Headphone amp
Input Mapping:
• Inputs 1–2 rely on the 5704’s built-in mic preamp, possibly explaining the missing 6th preamp
Visual Inspection:
• No visible burn marks
Reassembly & Post-Testing
After applying DeoxIT and reassembling, I observed the following:
Speaker/Headphone Outputs: Still distorted
Inputs 1–2: Detects taps and voice via XY mics but heavily distored
Inputs 3–4: Weak signal (requires loud line-level input) → Distorted capture, monitoring, and playback
Inputs 5–6: Distorted on both mic and line sources → Registers only peak-level input, and remains distorted in all stages
EXT IN: No signal detected
✔ USB Operation:
• Power Source: Runs on USB power
• Capture Path: Remains clean (recorded file transfered to PC)
• Monitor/Playback Path: Distorted audio
Is this device a 32-bit lemon or is there something I can do? I'm not a technician by any means, I just learned this.
any ideas?
H/W Version 1.00 (Build 010)
Service History: Warrenty serviced 3 times in 2023 for:
• Faulty XY microphones
• Loose 1/4” mount
• Microphone/input failures
The input/mic failure originated from a firmware update (factory to v1.33).
Workaround: Tascam rewired inputs 1–2 for two left mics instead of replacing parts. The modifications to inputs 3–6 remain unclear. A jury-rigged fix in hindsight.
Problem Resurfaced
Yesterday, I updated from (v1.33 to v2.01) via USB-C, following all instructions.
Setup:
• X8 connected directly to Surface Go
• No batteries, XLR cables, mics, line inputs, or external devices connected
Update Process:
• Firmware update completed normally
• Without altering the setup, I transferred my SOUND folder (16GB) to my PC in storage mode
• During transfer, the X8 shut down unexpectedly and emitted a burning odor
Post-Incident Symptoms
• No signal from inputs 1–2, 5–6, or EXT IN
• Distorted audio from built-in XY mics
• Inconsistent USB sound (hit-or-miss recording)
• Unreliable headphone monitoring with distorted playback
Technical
Looking at the block diagram, I suspected a latent failure in the ADC or DAC. However, I have no way to check continuity, but PCB appears clean
Key:
Square: OPA1678 – Preamps
Circle: 5704 ADC – Handles (Input 1–2 internally)
Triangle: PCM1754 DAC – Converts digital to analog
Zigzag circle: TPA4411 – Headphone amp
Input Mapping:
• Inputs 1–2 rely on the 5704’s built-in mic preamp, possibly explaining the missing 6th preamp
Visual Inspection:
• No visible burn marks
Reassembly & Post-Testing
After applying DeoxIT and reassembling, I observed the following:
Speaker/Headphone Outputs: Still distorted
Inputs 1–2: Detects taps and voice via XY mics but heavily distored
Inputs 3–4: Weak signal (requires loud line-level input) → Distorted capture, monitoring, and playback
Inputs 5–6: Distorted on both mic and line sources → Registers only peak-level input, and remains distorted in all stages
EXT IN: No signal detected
✔ USB Operation:
• Power Source: Runs on USB power
• Capture Path: Remains clean (recorded file transfered to PC)
• Monitor/Playback Path: Distorted audio
Is this device a 32-bit lemon or is there something I can do? I'm not a technician by any means, I just learned this.
any ideas?
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