Zoom PodTrak P8 Overview

Zoom PodTrak P8: Portable, Powerful Podcast Production

Without the need for a computer, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a fully portable podcast recorder that can record, edit, and produce multi-person podcasts. This device simplifies complex podcast production with support for up to six mics, echo-free remote call-ins, sound sampling, and individualized headphone feeds. Its large, full-color LCD touchscreen adds to the user-friendly experience, making it simple to manage all settings at your fingertips.

Key Features for Professional Podcast Production

Intuitive controls and powerful editing

The PodTrak P8 combines tactile controls with comprehensive audio processing features, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned podcasters. With support for both dynamic and condenser mics, customizable sound pads, and independent headphone outputs for each guest, this device offers everything needed to produce professional audio content. The large touchscreen ensures quick access to adjustments, while onboard tools let you record, stream, and export audio seamlessly.

Enhanced Audio Processing

Additional audio processing capabilities, including tone control, compression, de-essing, and noise reduction, enable pristine, studio-quality audio. These features, along with the PodTrak P8’s integrated mix-minus function to prevent echo during remote calls, make it a complete podcasting powerhouse. The device’s flexible power options (batteries, AC adapter, or USB) ensure you can record on the go.

PodTrak P8 vs. PodTrak P4: Expanded Features

The P8’s design caters to more complex podcasts and larger groups, in contrast to the PodTrak P4. It offers additional mic preamps, headphone outputs, sound pads, and other advanced audio processing tools. Plus, the P8’s 4.3-inch touchscreen enables in-depth, intuitive control over settings and editing functions—making it possible to create and export complete podcasts without a computer.

Advanced audio input and output options

Six high-gain mic inputs

Equipped with six mic inputs, the PodTrak P8 supports both dynamic and condenser microphones, including those with higher gain requirements like the Shure SM7B. Each input features balanced XLR jacks, +48V phantom power, and up to 70 dB of gain, ensuring excellent sound quality for various microphone types.

Customizable headphones mixes

The P8 provides six 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs, allowing individual level control for each participant. These color-coded outputs make it simple to manage audio for different users during a group podcast or interview. The device also features two 1/4″ speaker outputs, providing a convenient monitoring option for in-studio setups.

Echo-Free Remote Call-In Functionality

Options for physical connections via 3.5mm TRRS or USB simplify remote collaborations, enabling remote guests to connect easily. Zoom’s built-in mix-minus feature automatically prevents echo, ensuring clear, echo-free audio for remote participants. For wireless call-ins, the optional Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver lets you bring in audio directly from a smartphone.

Assignable Sound Pads and Instant Audio Control

The PodTrak P8 includes nine sound pads for adding jingles, music, sound effects, or pre-recorded audio clips. With 13 preset sounds and the ability to load up to 36 custom samples across four banks, the P8’s sound pads add creativity and versatility to podcast production. A dedicated fader allows for independent control of each pad’s volume.

Quick access to volume, mute, and on-air controls

Each channel features individual volume sliders, mute, and on-air buttons for quick adjustments without navigating through multiple menus. This enables you to effortlessly manage side conversations or off-air discussions with guests and control the broadcast of audio sources.

Flexible recording and editing

Record up to 13 tracks simultaneously.

With the ability to record up to 13 tracks at once (including six mic inputs, remote guest channels, sound pad inputs, and a stereo mix), the PodTrak P8 is ideal for complex podcast setups. The SD card stores recordings, simplifying the production of high-quality audio files.

Built-in editing and exporting

The PodTrak P8’s built-in editing features allow users to trim, split, combine, and fade audio clips directly on the device. You can finalize and export full podcast episodes without transferring files to a computer.

SD card storage and a USB audio interface

For portability, the PodTrak P8 supports SD cards up to 512GB. It can also function as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices (requires Apple Camera Connection Kit for iOS).

Audio Processing for Polished Sound

The PodTrak P8’s audio effects add professional polish to recordings with features like:

The limiter protects against distortion caused by audio spikes.

Low-Cut Filter: Reduces low-frequency noise.

Tone Control: This feature adjusts the brightness and warmth of the audio.

The Compressor/De-Esser enhances vocal presence and reduces sibilance.

Noise Reduction: Lowers background noise in silent mic channels.

Each of these processing tools is easily accessible through the touchscreen, making it simple to improve audio quality.

Additional enhancements for smooth operation

Ideal for international users, the PodTrak P8’s touchscreen supports six languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese). With color-coded inputs, outputs, and controls, users can make quick, on-the-fly adjustments, keeping their attention focused on the podcast content. Users can also export finished audio files to a computer for further mixing in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Designed for versatility and portability, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is an all-in-one podcast production tool. With powerful features that cover every step from recording to final export, it’s an excellent choice for podcasters seeking an intuitive, mobile solution.

FAQs for Zoom PodTrak P8

1. What is the Zoom PodTrak P8?

You can record, edit, and produce podcasts on the go with the Zoom PodTrak P8, a portable, multi-track podcast recorder. It offers support for up to six mics, remote call-ins, customizable sound pads, and individual headphone mixes, all without needing a computer.

2. How is the PodTrak P8 different from the PodTrak P4?

The PodTrak P8 has more mic inputs, headphone outputs, sound pads, and advanced audio processing options than the PodTrak P4. Additionally, it includes a larger, full-color touchscreen and built-in editing capabilities, making it more suited for larger, complex podcast setups.

3. Can the PodTrak P8 record multiple guests at once?

Yes, the PodTrak P8 can record up to six in-person guests with separate mics. It also allows for two simultaneous remote call-ins, either through a 3.5mm TRRS connection, USB, or Bluetooth (using the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver).

4. Does the PodTrak P8 have an echo-cancellation feature for remote guests?

Yes, the PodTrak P8 has a built-in mix-minus function that automatically prevents echo and feedback, ensuring clear audio for remote participants.

5. How many sound pads are available on the PodTrak P8?

The PodTrak P8 includes nine assignable sound pads next to the touchscreen. It comes with 13 preset sounds and can hold up to 36 custom samples, organized in four banks.

6. Can I edit my podcast directly on the PodTrak P8?

Yes, the PodTrak P8 has built-in editing features that allow you to trim, split, combine, and fade audio clips directly on the device, making it possible to produce a complete podcast without needing a computer.

7. What types of microphones are compatible with the PodTrak P8?

The PodTrak P8 is compatible with both dynamic and condenser microphones. Each mic input provides up to 70 dB of gain, along with +48V phantom power for condenser mics, ensuring support for high-quality microphones like the Shure SM7B.

8. What storage options are available for recording?

The PodTrak P8 records directly onto SDHC (up to 32GB) or SDXC (up to 512GB) cards. Larger cards provide more recording space but may take slightly longer to start up.

9. Can the PodTrak P8 connect to a computer as an audio interface?

Yes, the PodTrak P8 can function as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices (iOS devices require the Apple Camera Connection Kit).

10. What are the power options for the PodTrak P8?

Four AA batteries (allowing for up to two hours of continuous recording), the included AC adapter, or an external USB power source can power the PodTrak P8.

11. Does the PodTrak P8 have noise reduction and other audio effects?

Yes, the PodTrak P8 offers a range of built-in effects, including a limiter, low-cut filter, tone adjustment, compression/de-essing, and noise reduction for a polished, professional sound.

12. Is it possible to use the PodTrak P8 in multiple languages?

You can set the PodTrak P8’s touchscreen interface to one of six languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.

13. What is the maximum recording quality of the PodTrak P8?

The PodTrak P8 records audio at a quality of 16-bit/44.1 kHz, providing high-quality, uncompressed WAV files that are compatible with industry-standard audio software.

14. How do I transfer files from the PodTrak P8 to my computer?

You can transfer recorded files directly from the SD card or connect the PodTrak P8 to your computer via USB to transfer and work on your audio files in a DAW.