The EXH-8 is an external input expansion capsule that adds an XLR input with a 4 system locking mechanism to the handy recorder H8. You can input signals from the microphone or mixer, and you can input up to 10 channels of audio in conjunction with 6 inputs on the H8 unit. Each input is equipped with a dedicated GAIN knob and -20dB PAD switch, and the +4dB line level used by professional equipment can be input without distortion. By connecting a DC 5V USB power source (sold separately) to the "EXH-8", you can also supply the phantom power needed to use a condenser microphone. The H8 built-in MUSIC APP allows for up to 10 tracks, and a recorder of 4 sound pads + 8 microphone inputs in the PODCAST app, as a field recorder for up to 12 tracks (10 tracks + L/R mix) recording, and for projects that require up to 10 channels.