Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder with 4 XLR Mic Inputs, 4 Headphone Outputs, Phone & USB Input for Remote Interviews, Sound Pads, 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered

We have been Podcasting for a couple of years now. We started with some of the worst equipment and tried different setups over the years. Using a soundboard is the best way to record a Podcast. XLR microphones are almost a must for quality. I have been looking at the podtrak now for 6 months and I finally bit the bullet. I am pleased that I had. For one the ease of use as well as the portability leaves us with options. I use it strictly as a soundboard. The amazing quality of the sound stands out. The fact that you have 4 XLR inputs as well as 4 separate headphone outputs at this price range is truly earth-shattering. The ability to independently adjust the microphones as well as the headphone's volume is truly a godsend. Add in 4 programmable sound pads, I don't think you can do any better at this price. Now should we want to go on location or record outside our studio, this piece of equipment naturally is made for just that. It's portable and fits right in the palm of your hand comfortably. It's lightweight, this may or may not be an issue as far as durability but handle it with care. Provide an SD card and record away. The knobs are small however are still tactile and have a very precise feel to them so adjustments can be made on the fly with precision. Is this a top-tier device that costs a few grand and produces the greatest-sounding recordings? No, it's specific as to what it does, however, it does it perfectly and the features are truly worth a lot more. The only review I can not give is battery life. We have it connected to a computer at all times for power. If you are not getting long battery life, this is the 21st century. Get a power bank for like 15-20 dollars and I would guess depending on how big a power bank you have you can get over 8 hours or more. If you are using the batteries lower the contrast of the screen to absorb less power.

Been using this for a podcast and its awesome. Noticeably shorter setup time using this over my previous setup which was a combination of a 2 input mixer, and a usb mic. Now I plug all xlr into the PodTrak and everyone can have headphones to hear the sfx from the PodTrak and sounds from the computer as well. It's well worth the small cost and has probably everything you need to start your podcast and possibly you'd never need another mixer. There may be things a Rodecaster can do, but I can't think of anything I need more at the moment. I looked for a while for a 4 mic input mixer for a podcast and this is kind of the only thing I could find that was so cheap, simple, and full featured specifically for podcasts from a reputable brand. It has internal recording but I send the mix to OBS, but I believe I could internal record as a backup so that's awesome if I wanted that safety. It's very small too so takes up little space on the table. And it has a peaking prevention (whatever it's called) which is very useful since some of us on our podcast make lots of noise lol. I'm honestly not sure what they could do to improve it if they made a version 2... although I plan on having more people on my podcast so maybe 6 inputs? Usb C inputs for USB mics? Additional sfx buttons? That could be cool and maybe a larger screen so you could see what the buttons are programmed as easier. But really, the simplicity and basic functionality of it is great. Especially for the price.

I recently delved into podcasting and the Zoom PodTrak P4 has been my sidekick throughout this journey! Compact and incredibly user-friendly, it was the perfect match for my budding podcasting needs. The portability is unmatched - it's lightweight and operates on batteries when needed, making on-the-go recording a breeze. I was particularly drawn to its multiple mic inputs, each with a dedicated headphone output, which is a lifesaver for multi-person podcasts. The sound quality? Pristine. It genuinely surprised me how professional the recordings sound, considering the P4's compact size and price point. The pre-programmed sound pads for intro music, applause, and other effects add a fun, creative element to recording sessions. Plus, the easy interface meant I spent less time leafing through the manual and more time recording. For anyone looking to start or improve their podcasting setup without breaking the bank or getting bogged down in technicalities, the Zoom PodTrak P4 is a no-brainer. It’s versatility in a compact package - podcasting made simple, efficient, and fun!

If you're a podcaster who wants a recorder for location work, then this is your gadget. Just get it. The Zoom PodTrak P4 crams an incredible amount of functionality into a small, lightweight, and inexpensive device. I did some quick testing with several mics - an EV RE320, a Rode PodMic, and a Shure MVL lav mic. I tested the EV and Rode mics with (and without) a Cloudlifter to determine if there was a noticeable difference in noise. I've just given the files a quick listen, and my initial impression is that the files were just as noise-free without an activator. I'll examine the files more closely using RX8 and update here if I discover something different. Some people have commented about the build quality, and I'd have to agree with their concerns. The device is light and feels a bit fragile, so it will need to be babied. My H6, on the other hand, feels like it can take a beating. The H6 is quite a bit heavier and much more expensive, though. Out of the box, my PodTrak had firmware version v1.1 installed. This firmware appears to have a bug where output files are timestamped incorrectly. This seems to have been corrected with version v1.2. The PodTrak ships with 2 AA alkaline batteries. I burned through those in less than an hour or testing. I would recommend that you use a powerbank or wall outlet when using this device for anything important. You'll need to do some careful weighing of pros and cons if you're trying to decide between a Zoom H5 or H6 and the PodTrak P4. You can get by with an H6 as a podcasting device, as it handles the most critical task well: simultaneous recording from multiple XLR mics. They both can function as computer audio interfaces. Some of the advantages of an "H" series device are: * Available interchangeable high-quality mic capsules designed specifically for field recording with the "H" series (e.g., SSH-6 shotgun mic) * Ships with an excellent X/Y mic * More file format choices - 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16 or 24-bit * Tripod mount * More robust build * Better display (larger, higher resolution, color) * Doesn't create audio files for unused mic ports * 5 or 6 mic inputs available * Available remote control Some advantages of the PodTrak are: * Lots of preamp gain (apr 70dB); no need for Coudlifter or Fethead * Smartphone input with mix-minus (for recording phone interviews) * Four separate headphone outputs, each with a volume control * Phantom power selection via physical switches * 4-button soundpad with pre-loaded effects; output to a separate track * USB-C ports for file charging and file transfers * Automatically generates a stereo mix file * Lightweight

To begin, the Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder is a great tool for anybody wishing to make professional-quality podcasts. It's a wonderful purchase for anybody serious about podcasting, with features like the ability to record up to four people at once, built-in sound pads, and onboard editing tools. But, there are a few drawbacks to consider. For starters, the P4 might be costly for those on a limited budget. Moreover, some customers have noted that the volume meters on the gadget may be difficult to see, making it tough to monitor your levels in real time. Another possible disadvantage is that the editing capabilities of the P4 are fairly restricted. Although it has built-in EQ, compression, and noise reduction, some users may feel that these tools do not provide them as much flexibility as they would want. You may need to upload your audio to a computer and utilize specialized editing tools for more complex editing. Finally, the P4's compact size might be a double-edged sword. Although this makes the gadget very compact and simple to carry about, some users may find the little buttons and knobs difficult to operate, particularly if you have bigger hands. Despite these drawbacks, I feel the Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder is an excellent tool for anybody wishing to produce high-quality podcasts. Because of its flexibility and simplicity of use, it is an ideal purchase for podcasters of all skill levels.

I was honestly pleasantly surprised by this product. I spent a lot of time researching if I wanted an audio interface or a soundboard for my podcast. In the end I landed on this Zoom Podtrak. I know I made the right decision. This Podtrak has so many versatile ways of collecting audio, it’s kind of ridiculous. XML mic, USB mic, audio jack, and I bought the Bluetooth adapter just to seal the deal. I bough 4 mics to work with this and they all work great, plus I could still use my old mic if I needed to. I love the soundpad in this device. I had downloaded some sounds to use for this, but some of the sounds that it comes with were better than what I could find elsewhere. Plus the Podtrak let’s you edit how the sounds are played so I could tweak each one separately to play the way I wanted it to. Going back to versatility, I like that the Podtrak gives me the option to power it through usb wire or batteries. It’s incredibly mobile. The SD card storage means that I no longer have to record straight to my laptop. I can get all the audio and transfer it over later. But also I was able to have it feed right into my Adobe audition if I did feel like recording to the laptop. And the biggest reason I bought this Podtrak is because it records all the mics and sound pads on a different recording. Sure I love the quality of all the sound coming in together. But it gives me peace of mind that I can go to each track separately and tweak anyone’s recording independently if I need to. This is my baby now and I love my baby. Continually impressed by this device. It’s taking my podcast to the next level. Only negative I would add is get an extra USB-C cable for power so you don’t have to stress about battery levels.

This little jewel works exactly as described. The sound quality is phenominal before post production edit. Zoom really nailed down the the ease of use with this device also. It's virtually plug-and-play. The built-in phantom power puts power where you need it with the flip of a switch. We use this unit with supplied power (5V USB-C) instead of batteries, so I can't say how long the battery life is. One fun feature this unit has is a 4 button sound pad that allows you to drop in pre-recorded audio with the touch of a button. Also, the on-board headphone control allows you to have four headsets connected with individual volume control. There are four high quality XLR micrphone inputs with individule mute buttons for those unexpected coughs or that sneeze that needs to be removed post-production. Need to take callers? The P4 Podtrak allows you to connect a phone or computer to an empty channel making long-distance recording a breeze. Overall, the PodTrak packs a lot of feature in a small package at a price point that can't be beat.

I was more impressed with this recorder than I thought I would be at first. I actually was trying to talk myself out of liking it and turned out loving it! One of the key attributes of this recorder is its versatility, but as a part of that, you need to recognize the accessories that need to be purchased (separately) in order to achieve the full versatility that is available. But, this little device is that base station that gives that possibility. I was not impressed with how this device was packaged. It was literally put in an Amazon plastic "envelope" with absolutely NO packaging and no bubble pack or anything! It was shipped by Amazon, but I purchased it used, so I don't want to blame the vendor for that, as it is not their fault. So, we tested all of the knobs and everything to ensure that there was no damage in the shipment. (I recommend that, anyway, when you receive your device.) My guess is the driver noticed it was a device of some sort (you could "feel it" through the packaging!) and treated it well, so kudos to the driver but not whomever packaged (or didn't package it!)! The other thing to take note of is WHAT you connect to the device. For example, sometimes people expect more from this device or less. For example, we connected our Pro-level Neumann mic, and it was too much so all we heard was noise, but that was not the fault of the PodTrak. It simply could not handle that level of mic. Ensure you are using the right accessories, and this little device performs very well! And it isn't just an entry-level device. It can handle entry-level to mid-level very well. We put ours through its paces and it passed with flying colors :)

Una muy buena opción para transmitir en vivo, para grabar videovlog o podcast, precio muy razonable, pero su practicidad es lo mejor! Ideal si estas iniciando y tu presupuesto no es mucho! Ha sido una gran inversión!

Me surpreendi com a qualidade do produto, excelente, poderia ser de metal, traria mais durabilidade, mas creio que afetaria o preço, então está perfeito como está. Menu simples e direto, conexões seguras e um uso quase intuitivo, mas com pouca pesquisa vc tira todas as dúvidas.

There are quite a few recorders that can also work as a USB interface, but you are usually have to pay quite a bit to find a unit that will do both at once. Most will record OR work as a USB interface, but not both. The Zoom P4 is an exception. Not only can it simultaneously record and interface, but it will handle up to four microphones simultaneously, recording each source to a separate track on its SD card (not included). It can also handle inputs from an iPhone (useful for phone interviews) or iPad (useful for adding external sound effects). It is generous with its physical controls, too. There are dials to adjust input on each of the four channels, and also separate dials for the four headphone jacks. It will run for a few hours on batteries, meaning you can use this for street interviews or other location recordings. Of course, at this price, there are some limitations. The big one is that it only goes up to 16-bit recording. If you want 24-bit or 32-bit, you'll have to look elsewhere. However, that's still CD-quality, and the sound recorded is very clean, with no obvious hiss. The device also includes digital limiters, meaning you turn the gain up a bit without worrying that the audio will clip. The P4 has LEDs on its buttons. These are really bright and annoying. If a sound effect is added to one of the four programmable "pad" buttons, that light shines with a light bright enough to read by. I ended up covering all the buttons with black electrical tape, which brings the brightness into an acceptable range. But this is a minor quibble. At present, there is no other device in this price range that comes close to the features and quality the P4 offers.

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Good piece of gear. Best part is the mobility. Fairly easy to use and set up. Would recommend you research it as I did to ensure it suits. It may not be the right decision for everyone, but for me it works really well.