Zoom Podtrak P4 Review

 

This is an amazing device.

A multi track recorder designed for podcasting, even for beginners, just connect mics and head phones.

It is a multi-track recorder, mixer, and a 2 channel audio interface to a PC (Mac or Windows).

 

Main features of the P4:

 

Use your favorite mics.

Multi track recording supports for channels recorded at the same time, producing a combined file, and individual channel files.

Levels of all 4 mics can be individually altered.

4 Head phone outputs allows everyone to monitor voice levels.

Power can be via UsBC computer, USBC power or two AA battery’s (UsBC power could also be a power brick).

Remote recording of participants: channel 3 for smart phone, and channel for for PC: a Mix Minus function stops remote participants from hearing back an echo.

Instant playback of jingles via the 4 button sound pad.

The UsBC PC port can be used to use the P4 as an audio device to a PC: Mac or Windows.

P4 records at 44.1 kilohertz , 16 bit in Wav format.

Best of all, all main functions are controlled by knobs, buttons, and slide switch’s.

Use the Play, Stop and Record buttons to start/pause recordings. Menu via the Menu button is not accessible, but once options set, no need to access.

 

NB - when you first get the P4, install the AA battery’s, and get sighted assistance to set time/date via the menu, as well as turning on Mix Minus.

Zoom recommends that you format the SD card within the device itself (SD card not included).

What is cool from my point of view as well, is that whilst I am using the P4 as an audio device to my Mac, I can still use the record function on the P4 to also make a recording: i.e. Amadeus Pro on my Mac recording the podcast, and the P4 also making an audio recording.

Finally, some folks still like people to make local recordings which has the best quality sound, and then give those files to the podcast host who then brings them all together as a multi-track recording: which is why it is so neat that the P4 does a master file recording of all channels, but then individual file channels of each mic input/person speaking locally or remotely.

 

Further down the page I have listed what is now in my portable podcasting kit. At the very least you will need:

The P4 itself,

Sd card,

2 XLR mics if you are going to record yourself and another  person,

2 mic stands for the mics,

2 3.5mm head phones to monitor sound (including from the sound pad) for yourself and the other person,

Power bank to supply power or just use the AA battery’s,, UsBC charger, or UsBC to UsB A cable to power P4 from a PC (Mac or Windows),,

TRRS cable to plug in an iPhone for remote recording of Facetime or other calls,

Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter for iPhone to support the TRRS cable,

And if you are not going to leave it on a desk, some type of carrying case for the P4.

 

Physical layout:

 

Back panel - 4 female XLR mic input ports.

 

Front panel - 4 output 3.5mm head phone ports.

 

Left panel front to back - UsBC PC/power, UsBC power, Sd card slot.

 

Right panel front to back - , TRRS 3.5mm audio iPhone port, Bluetooth Zoom adapter port to connect via BT to smart phones, and recessed power on/off.

 

Bottom of unit - back edge 2 rubber feet on either side, and front edge long rubber strip (stops P4 from moving on desk). Above rubber strip, is the battery door for the AA battery’s).

 

Top face of unit where all the cool knobs, button’s,slide switch’s, and the screen is located (screen takes up part of the right hand face of the P4).

 

Going from the back top edge towards the front:

 

4 gain knobs for each of the XLR mic ports from left to right, channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 and channel 4.

 

Next row, 4 slider switch’s  for each of the mic input ports, again left to right, channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, and channel 4.

Channel 1, and channel 2 slide switch’s have two settings, left Dynamic mic, and right Condenser )phantum power) mic.

Switch channel 3, and switch channel 4 have a 3rd setti