Zoom PodTrak P4 Overview

Zoom PodTrak P4: Portable, Multi-Person Podcast Production

Designed to produce polished, multi-person podcasts anywhere, the Zoom PodTrak P4 is a purpose-built, portable multitrack recorder. This cost-effective device enables you to record up to four microphones, manage two echo-free remote call-ins simultaneously, trigger sound samples, and provide separate headphone feeds for each guest—all with remarkable simplicity.

Effortless controls and powerful features

With intuitive, tactile controls, long battery life, and advanced audio processing, the PodTrak P4 is an ideal solution for recording or streaming clear, professional-quality audio. It supports both dynamic and condenser microphones, customizable sound pads, call-ins through smartphones or computers, and independent headphone outputs for each participant.

Additional features, such as built-in limiters and low-cut filters, enhance your tracks, while an integrated mix-minus function prevents echo and feedback for remote guests. Multiple power options make the PodTrak P4 a truly versatile, all-in-one podcasting station.

Four high-gain mic inputs

Whether using announcer-style dynamic microphones like the Zoom ZDM-1 (sold separately) or bright condenser mics, the PodTrak P4’s four preamps deliver professional-grade sound. Each input has a balanced XLR jack, selectable +48V phantom power, and up to 70 dB of gain—enough to ensure high-quality recording levels even with demanding mics like the Shure SM7B.

Independent Headphone Mixes for Every Guest

Equipped with four 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs, the PodTrak P4 provides each guest with an independent headphone mix and individual level control. Whether in an intimate interview or a lively panel, every participant will hear the conversation clearly.

Echo-free remote call-ins for seamless integration

Remote collaboration is a key aspect of modern podcasting. To accommodate call-ins, the PodTrak P4 offers two connection methods: connect your smartphone directly through the 3.5mm TRRS port or link a computer via USB. This dual-option setup allows for two remote guests at once, and the mix-minus feature eliminates echo, ensuring that remote participants don’t hear their own voice on delay.

It supports Bluetooth for wireless calls.

For wire-free call-ins, the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver (sold separately) connects to the PodTrak P4, allowing you to transmit call audio from your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Assignable Sound Pads with Preset Sounds

Located next to the LCD screen, the PodTrak P4’s four sound pads can play jingles, music, ads, sound effects, or pre-recorded clips with a simple button push. Choose from 11 preset sounds or load your own samples for added flexibility, with an adjustable volume knob for simple control of the sound pad output.

Easy Access to Gain and Mute Controls for Each Input

Each microphone input includes a dedicated gain knob, marked from 0 to 10, for instant adjustments. Additionally, each input has a mute button, allowing you to manage audio in real time without navigating through menus.

Record up to 10 tracks simultaneously.

The PodTrak P4 can record up to 10 tracks simultaneously to an SD card—four tracks for the mic inputs, four for the sound pads, and two for the stereo mix. This allows you to capture every element of your podcast for simple editing and mixing.

SD card recording and audio interface modes

For ultimate portability, record directly to an SDHC card (up to 32GB) or an SDXC card (up to 512GB). A 4GB card offers over three hours of four-channel recording at 16-bit/44.1 kHz using the BWF-compliant WAV format for high-quality, industry-standard audio. Larger cards may take longer to start up.

Alternatively, use the PodTrak P4 as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android (iOS use requires an Apple Camera Connection Kit, sold separately).

Versatile Powering Options

Power the PodTrak P4 with two AA batteries, an AD-17 AC adapter (sold separately), or an external USB battery pack. Alkaline batteries last up to four hours of continuous recording, and USB bus power is available when using the P4 in USB audio interface mode.

Onboard Effects for Sonic Enhancement

The PodTrak P4 includes built-in effects to polish your audio without postproduction. Limiters adjust input level fluctuations, and low-cut filters eliminate wind noise and other low-frequency rumble, ensuring your recordings sound clear and professional.

The Zoom PodTrak P4 combines powerful features and user-friendly design in a portable package, making it an ideal choice for podcasters seeking high-quality, on-the-go audio production.

FAQs for Zoom PodTrak P4

1. What is the Zoom PodTrak P4?

The Zoom PodTrak P4 is a portable multitrack recorder specifically designed for podcasters. It allows users to record up to four microphones, add sound effects, handle remote call-ins, and manage independent headphone feeds for each participant.

2. How many microphones can I connect to the PodTrak P4?

The PodTrak P4 has four XLR mic inputs, each with its own gain control and mute button. It can support up to four microphones simultaneously, making it ideal for multi-person podcasts.

3. Can I use both dynamic and condenser microphones with the PodTrak P4?

Yes, the PodTrak P4 is compatible with both dynamic and condenser microphones. It also offers +48V phantom power, which is required for condenser mics.

4. How can I handle remote guests on my podcast with PodTrak P4?

The PodTrak P4 supports two ways to bring in remote guests:

TRRS Port: Connect a smartphone directly via the 3.5mm TRRS phone port.

USB Port: Connect a computer to bring in audio from conferencing software (e.g., Zoom or Skype).

For wireless call-ins, the PodTrak P4 is compatible with the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver (sold separately), allowing you to use Bluetooth for remote audio input.

5. What is the mix-minus feature?

The mix-minus function automatically prevents echo and feedback for remote guests, so they don’t hear their own voice echoed back, ensuring a smoother conversation flow.

6. Can I add sound effects or music to my podcast with the PodTrak P4?

Yes, the PodTrak P4 has four assignable sound pads, which you can use to trigger sound effects, music, ads, or pre-recorded interviews. It includes 11 preset sounds, and you can also load your own samples.

7. How do I power the podTrak P4?

The PodTrak P4 offers three power options:

AA Batteries: Two AA batteries provide up to four hours of continuous recording.

AC Adapter: Plug it into a wall outlet using the AD-17 AC adapter (sold separately).

USB Power: Connect an external USB battery or power it via USB when used in audio interface mode.

8. Can I record directly onto an SD card?

Yes, the PodTrak P4 supports recording to an SDHC card (up to 32GB) or an SDXC card (up to 512GB), with recording quality up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz in BWF-compliant WAV format.

9. Does the PodTrak P4 work as an audio interface?

Yes, you can use the PodTrak P4 as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface with a Mac, Windows computer, or iOS/Android device (an Apple Camera Connection Kit is required for iOS compatibility).

10. What audio effects does the PodTrak P4 offer?

The PodTrak P4 features built-in limiters to balance fluctuating input levels and low-cut filters to eliminate low-frequency noise, helping enhance the quality of your recordings.

11. How many tracks can I record simultaneously?

The PodTrak P4 allows you to record up to 10 tracks at once: four mic tracks, four sound pad tracks, and two tracks for the stereo mix.

12. Is the Zoom PodTrak P4 compatible with video conferencing platforms?

Yes, when connected via USB, the PodTrak P4 can work with popular video conferencing software, allowing you to use it for both podcast recording and virtual meetings.

13. Can I adjust the volume levels for each guest independently?

Yes, each headphone output has its own level control, ensuring that each guest can adjust their headphone volume to their preference.

14. What kind of recording quality does the PodTrak P4 offer?

The PodTrak P4 records in uncompressed 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV format, which is an industry standard that provides high-quality audio.