I'm so glad I came across your new video, Darrell! I hadn't heard about the Zoom PodTrak P4 yet, but like you, I'm also a big fan of their products (you introduced me to the Zoom H1 I still use today as a backup recorder that has saved my butt more times than I can count). This sounds like a great product for the price, and I could probably swap out my old Behringer mixer that I have been using (limping along with) for about a year after my Mackie mixer died. Using it both as a recorder AND as an interface is AMAZING!!! Some of the limitations, like not being able to play anything that's not 44/16 and the very slow conversion to 44/16 are a pain, but I would get around with my iPad as a soundboard. The screen on the PodTrak P4 seems a little small but that's a minor thing. I figure the 44/16 limitation would probably come in a firmware update. One question I have: Is it a standard SD card slot or a micro SD? I look forward to your upcoming reviews!
Best Buy has them in stock now. Sold my zoom l8 and bought 2 of these. They are perfect for podcasting. The things you see as negatives are very minute. When worrying about efx and other settings on a mixer this machine is way more simpler and way more fun. It’s a must buy. I’m becoming a zoom fanboy.
Great review, thank you. I'm thinking of buying it for live streams as a more portable L8. One feature I think is missing (and I really don't understand why, Zoom) is a Clip indicator. Yes, it has a limiter but you might not want to activate it if not necessary; a simple red LED would have been great to easily monitor the channels.
Have a Steinburg 2 Channel Audio Interface that's been sitting in my cart and I've been itching to hit purchase on...glad I didn't. Thanks for the review!
I like the size too. When I think about the footprint of this vs my setup from years ago when I used a Soundcraft EPM 6 mixer with a dbx compressor/limiter/gate, I'm astonished. Of course, the P4 doesn't have a compressor or gate, but I'm no longer of the opinion that those need to be part of your chain. I'd much rather deal with those (if necessary) in post, and just focus on having a good, clean recording. More on that topic in the upcoming video comparing the P4 to the Rodecaster.
Thanks for your video, 2 thumbs up! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who finds adding audio clips to the PodTrak P4 to be a hit or miss. Sometimes the converter works, other times not. Today, I literally spent over an hour trying to figure out why I couldn't add simple MP3 music files to the SD card and have the P4 recognize them for adding to the sound pads when I was able to do so before. I tried everything I could think of including removing the SD card and inserting into the computer directly, also tried USB cable transfer, and also used Audacity app to make sure the files were converted to 44.1 kHz 16 bit but NOTHING worked. I even read the full 57 page manual from the Zoom Corp website, but that wasn't useful. I got so frustrated that I ended up using an XLR mic attached to the P4 and having my Audio Technica headphone ear cups encompassing the mic capsule to record the MP3 music files from my computer via a Logitech speaker system. Sounds retarded I know, but you know what? It worked! I was only trying to make short 15 second jingle clips for sound pad choices, so it was wasn't critical for audio quality. Actually my make-shift MacGyver method worked pretty well, LOL!
you answered a few very important questions (to me at least) , thank you! being a L8 owner (am a fanboy, too: had the H4, H5, R24 before) and was looking for a "even more portable" solution. unfortunately 44.1 khz only is pretty mutch a deal braker for me as i'd use the audio for video, too. i'm fine with 16 bit but i really don't want to convert them to 48khz and i'd really wish one could mix the individual headphone channels or at least mute/unmute the inputs per output guess i have to wait for the P4n and hope for a few more livetrak-features :) thanks again
I've been questioning it due to the 44.1 khz too, but I have no audio experience. Is it that much of a deal breaker to convert 44.1 to 48, in terms of audio quality?
@@Soyajin it's not that i could hear the difference. it's just the fact that the "Audio for Video standart" (as far is my work is concerned) is 48khz und it causes trouble on a regular basis...if you don't convert it - and that is just a step more in the workflow - i'd rather reduce steps... but i don't see any real issue for podcasts and such. the bulit in preamps would play a bigger role quality wise
I don't see why it can't be used with Spreaker. When you connect it to your computer via USB, your computer will see it as a both a sound input and output device. So just select it as your input source, and that should be it. It looks like Best Buy may already have it in stock. B&H Photo has it slated to come out mid-October. The bluetooth adapter is $50, and I don't know when it's coming out. B&H says it's coming soon. I would guess it will be sometime next month.
I hope it gets a case too. If not, I've purchased Casematix cases for my Zoom H6 and F8. The same case they advertise for the H6, H5, F8, etc would work great for the P4.
Hey I just got a hard shell case from harbor freight. It’s the Apache 1800. It’s the small case that I saw online for $12.99. I went to the actual store and got it cheaper. I’m thinking I may go back to get the next size up so I can transport my units and mics. Harbor Freight is cheaper than getting some cases from the music stores. Plus it has foam that I can customize to the Podtrak 4.
Great review... was going for the Zoom L8 but this seems better for the price... I am also torn between this and the Centrance Portcaster coming soon... what to do? EDIT: what about outputs for streaming... at the moment I use a Zoom H2 and a line out to an iPad 7th gen
To me, this is the better option over the Centrance PortCaster because the P4 has 4 XLR inputs vs 2 and 4 headphone outputs vs 1. I also prefer full SD vs microSD. I haven't had a chance to see the PortCaster in person, so my opinion is based purely on reading their website. The benefits I see to the PortCaster is its aluminum build vs the P4's plastic case, and the built-in rechargeable battery. The P4 can be powered from a power bank, so I don't see that as a significant difference. The P4 can connect to your computer via USB, and it sends a stereo mix to your computer that you can use for streaming or recording to software if you'd like.
Pro Podcast Solutions thanks for the reply. I’ve had mixed feelings about the USB through the camera adapter to the iPad... I am using switcher studio to live stream multiple iOS devices plus prerecorded video and jingles (albeit with a workaround) I just need a second mic but the possibility of 4 mics and 4 jingles is tempting.
Just sold my l8. It is geared more towards music and live shows. This is straight forward and simple to use. I found I don’t use many of the mixer option on the l8. lol and I tried to have a podcast with six guest that turned into a cluster.
Thanks for the great review! Question please. Are you able to have on 2 remote guests at the same time? For example, first guest is connected via smartphone cellular phone call and second guest is on via Zoom/Skype app? Can both remote guests be on at the same time - or only just one?
Is there an MP3 128kps option in recording format. Would be helpful too if a demo of transferring say a 3min wav recording wired vs Bluetooth to a phone. Thanks
Will there be noticeable difference between the Podtrak P4 and Zoom F6 (since f6 has better preamps) when using it as an interface for 3-4 shure Sm7Bs? The price difference between F6 and P4 is huge and is it worth the price difference?
The P4 does not have a line out. However, if you're not using all the headphone ports, you could use one of those to connect to the audio input jack of your camera.
Okay, last question :-) I recently got the Rode Rodecaster Pro which I think is an amazing and easy to use all-in-one podcasting solution. I'm considering also getting the Zoom PodTrak even though I already have the Rode Rodecaster. Why? Cuz the PodTrak is so much smaller that can be used for travelling, whereas the Rodecaster's larger size means it will probably just stay at home. Do you have any opinions on having both the PodTrak and Rodecaster at the same time? Or is it wasteful excess?
Casey Cheung if you’re going to use both then it doesn’t seem excessive. The P4 is definitely much more portable. I have a video coming out next week that compares the P4 and Rodecaster. That’s one of the benefits I point out in that video. If you travel, the P4 is the better fit IMO.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia By coincidence, I just literally today went to my local Best Buy store to pick up a new Zoom PodTrak P4! It's positively way smaller than the Rode Rodecaster Pro, it's more the size of a Zoom H6 recorder only wider at the top. I made an unedited unboxing video of the PodTrak and gave my first impressions of this device. My early unscientific vocal test recordings would put the PodTrak preamp quality at about the same as the Zoom H6 recorder. The preamp might be better on the PodTrak versus the H6, but I wouldn't say very noticeably so but I could be wrong. I say that because when I set the gain dial higher than 6 on the PodTrak, I hear noticeable hiss and/or humming noise in the background. Exactly the same thing happens on the Zoom H6 recorder, anything past about 6 on the gain dial, I hear noticeable electronic background noise. However, with a Triton Fethead amplifier attached to my Shure SM58 mic (and with phantom power enabled on the PodTrak), I'm able to bring down the gain dial to 3 (instead of 6) for cleaner gain. So far I'm liking the very portable lightweight form factor of the PodTrak, although the build quality feels and looks like cheap plastic that won't survive an accidental drop onto concrete. The small black and white dot matrix non-touch screen is very meh, nothing to write home about, certainly nothing like the beautiful large color touch screen found on the Rode Rodecaster. But I am able to use my Anker 20,000 mAh external battery bank to power the PodTrak via the 5 volt USB-C port on the side of the device, so that's very useful. Overall, I like the PodTrak despite its limitations compared to the Rodecaster, but the portable design makes it great for using it outside on-location and for travelling. Here's a link to my unedited unboxing video: ruclips.net/video/5pkSvgbVcCM/видео.html
It was kinda surprising to hear about the PodTrak only being able to record in a single format and .wav files are notorious in regards of space used. How many GBs does a one hour interview use?
Each track is recorded to a separate file. Microphone inputs are recorded as mono and a 1 hour recording would be around 325 MB in size per track. USB and smartphone tracks are recorded in stereo so they would be double that size.
Another question please? Does the Zoom PodTrak have a "Line Out" port, similar to what the Zoom H6 recorder has? With the Zoom H6, I was able to attach a 3.5mm to 3.5mm AUX cable from the bottom Line Out port and the other end of the cable to my Canon camera mic-in port so I can have real time audio feed going from the Zoom H6 to the camera. Can the Zoom PodTrak do the same thing with a port and cable connection to feed audio directly to my camera's mic-in port for real time audio transfer?
question on the output of sound, my H5 has an 8th in jack for audio out I use to send signals to my P.A. system, can I use an output on this device to do the same
The P4 does not have a dedicated Line Out port like the H5 has. However, if you're not using all of the headphone ports, you could use one of those as you are using the Line Out on the H5.
I have this on preorder, but I’m now starting to see quiet a few comments on various sites saying that this isn’t a good option for podcasts that will also be video recorded due to sound limitations. Any thoughts on this?
I think it really depends on what kind of video you're doing. Also bear in mind that I'm not a video expert at all. But if you're doing high-end professional video, my understanding is that 44.1/16 is not high enough quality. However, if you're doing RUclips videos, which is going to compress the audio anyway, I believe 44.1/16 is totally fine. Let your ears be the judge. This video was recorded entirely on the P4. I have a mic shootout video coming out later today that was also recorded entirely on the P4.
Pro Podcast Solutions thanks for responding. I was hoping you were using the P4 (didn’t catch if you were) because your sound was clear and crisp. This helps a lot, as I was concerned about RUclips uploads. Thanks again!
44.1/16 is plenty for video podcasting. The content matters the most. It’s preamps are clean and even when paired with 4K video it’s perfectly fine. Now if you’re going to be having guest sing on your show I still think it’s fine. CD quality is 44.1/16bit. Honestly most people listen on their phones or tablet. I think this is a perfect machine for any podcast.
It's a few things, mostly generic amazon stuff. The camp holding it is a totally generic cell phone squeeze clamp. Screwed into that is Zoom's tripod to mic stand adapter called the MA-2. Then that is mated to a generic mic clip like the one used with a Shure SM58. The mic clip is screwed into a generic short tabletop mic stand. A cleaner setup would be a small tabletop mic stand with a ball mount attached, and then a cell phone clamp attached to the ball mount.
With a 100% 48kHz setup (all interfaces, all recording, all editing) it feels quite outdated that the P4 only does 44.1kHz. Yes, 44.1 is fine for voice in general, but when all your setup is on 48kHz, then using the P4 as an audio interface is not a good idea. Also, especially during Covid, a lot of podcasters are adding video into their mix, and 48kHz audio is standard in the video world. I hope Zoom will update the device to support what has become a de-facto standard by now.
This is not a device for video IMO. Zoom has several other devices, including most of the other Zoom recorders mentioned in the review, that will work for video. The P4 doesn't even have a line out port. I'd still argue that 44.1 is fine for the average video person. Obviously not for professional video, just as it's not ideal for music. But this is a device targeted for audio podcasting IMO, and 44.1 is totally fine for that.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia That's not what I meant. Of course 44.1 kHz is plenty good for voice and the P4 isn't a video device. But many podcasters are now doing/adding video in general and thus they are in the process of switching their entire setup over to 48kHz. I see it every day. So incorporating an audio interface that only does 44.1 feels a bit ancient. I'm involved in a large podcaster community, many of them won't even look at the P4 unless it can do 48kHz. Also the Opus codec, which is used everywhere for remote audio these days is mandatory 48kHz, so there's unnecessary conversions and potential issues. Zoom not giving the P4 48kHz is a mistake.
Yes. You can use the P4 as an audio interface. You'd simply plug in your XLR devices and connect the P4 to your computer via USB. Then on the RUclips live settings, choose the Zoom P4 as your microphone.
7:38 you say that it is a true multi track recorder does that mean that it only records multi track on the SD card or can it also via USB type C record straight into your DAW as a multi track as well?
It only does multi-track to the SD card. It's sends the streo mix Left and Right signals out via USB. I've encouraged Zoom to add full multi-track to USB via a future firmware update. Hopefully they will do that.
@@brookelinbrooke4632 the Livetrak L8 does that and the mentioned R16 (and R24) do as well. but if you do not need internal recording and want a cheap multi-track via audio interface to your daw there are thousands... i would take a look at the Behringer UMC404HD for a good value entry
@@brookelinbrooke4632 I believe the L-8 from Zoom will do full multi-track via USB interface. I've not had a chance to review one of those in person, so I can't really speak from first hand experience. The Rodecaster Pro definitely does full multi-track via USB interface while simultaneously recording full multi-track to SD card.
Absolutely. It will work simultaneously as an audio interface that you can use to record with your favorite software, while also recording to the SD card in the P4.
Yes, but not as intuitively. You can connect the headphone jack of your phone into the line-in jack of the H6 and record the call just fine. The issue comes with having the person on the phone hear you. There are some cables and adapters that you can get, and, along with the panning feature of the H6, you can work it so that the person can hear you and not hear themselves at the same time. It's complicated, sometimes buggy, and a pain. I've done it, others have done it. The P4 makes that process a single cable easy process. Or it can be a zero cable easy process if you purchase the bluetooth adapter for the P4.
@@jon.wijaya If you're just doing podcasting, I'd go with the P4. If you need something that can also handle recording music, then the H6 is the better choice.
It's a few things, mostly generic amazon stuff. The camp holding it is a totally generic cell phone squeeze clamp. Screwed into that is Zoom's tripod to mic stand adapter called the MA-2. Then that is mated to a generic mic clip like the one used with a Shure SM58. The mic clip is screwed into a generic short tabletop mic stand. A cleaner setup would be a small tabletop mic stand with a ball mount attached, and then a cell phone clamp attached to the ball mount.
The audio from this entire video was recorded on the P4. I also have a mic shootout video that was recorded on the P4 and that video tests the preamps on some of the most popular mics used in podcasting.
Do you mean livestream using your mobile device while using the P4 as your mic source? Or do you mean livestream using your computer while bringing in a caller from your mobile device?
@@alamaguitars5693 As far as I can tell, no. I've tried all I know to do, and my iPhone will not see it as a mic source. I've tried connecting via USB, TRS>TRS, TRRS>TRRS, and TRRS>TRS. No luck.
@@alamaguitars5693 Okay I found a solution! I used a TRRS splitter. So here's the chain. iPhone>Lightning headphone adapter>TRRS Splitter>TRS cable>P4 headphone port. So a normal 3.5mm cable plugs into one of the headphone ports on the P4. Then the other end of that cable plugs into the Mic port on a TRRS splitter. Then the TRRS splitter plugs into the lightning headphone adapter, and then that adapter plugs into the phone. I ASSUME you could simply use a Lightning port splitter, but I don't have one of those handy to try.
I am so glad I watched your video, I had this item in my cart ready to press buy, but now I think I better wait. I have the H5, the DR-60D mk II, and r16, I use them for livestream and wanted to purchase this for livestream, but I don't think its going to work for me livestream, and I use EcammLive.com to live stream
@@RodneyJonesTeachings I don't think so. The P4 doesn't have plugin power so if your lav is using plugin power on the H5, then it won't work on the P4. If your lav is self-powered or can run off of phantom power, then it would probably work with the P4. I haven't used a lot of lav mics, but most of the ones I've used run off of plugin power.
I'm so glad I came across your new video, Darrell! I hadn't heard about the Zoom PodTrak P4 yet, but like you, I'm also a big fan of their products (you introduced me to the Zoom H1 I still use today as a backup recorder that has saved my butt more times than I can count). This sounds like a great product for the price, and I could probably swap out my old Behringer mixer that I have been using (limping along with) for about a year after my Mackie mixer died. Using it both as a recorder AND as an interface is AMAZING!!! Some of the limitations, like not being able to play anything that's not 44/16 and the very slow conversion to 44/16 are a pain, but I would get around with my iPad as a soundboard. The screen on the PodTrak P4 seems a little small but that's a minor thing. I figure the 44/16 limitation would probably come in a firmware update. One question I have: Is it a standard SD card slot or a micro SD? I look forward to your upcoming reviews!
Brian Meloche hey Brian! The P4 uses a standard size SD, not a micro SD.
Best instructive review on the P4, and I've watched a bunch.
Love your reviews. They cover everything I'm interested in. Please hurry up and get the P8 review out! That's the one I'm waiting for.
Coming soon!
@@GoldenSpiralMedia how bout, coming now! 🙂
@@mikeg6069 :D
Best Buy has them in stock now. Sold my zoom l8 and bought 2 of these. They are perfect for podcasting. The things you see as negatives are very minute. When worrying about efx and other settings on a mixer this machine is way more simpler and way more fun. It’s a must buy. I’m becoming a zoom fanboy.
I had to send my review unit back to Zoom today and it made me sad. I know you're gonna love it!
Great review, thank you.
I'm thinking of buying it for live streams as a more portable L8.
One feature I think is missing (and I really don't understand why, Zoom) is a Clip indicator. Yes, it has a limiter but you might not want to activate it if not necessary; a simple red LED would have been great to easily monitor the channels.
Have a Steinburg 2 Channel Audio Interface that's been sitting in my cart and I've been itching to hit purchase on...glad I didn't. Thanks for the review!
I like the compact size of the P4. If I ever have to replace my mixer setup I would highly consider moving to this.
I like the size too. When I think about the footprint of this vs my setup from years ago when I used a Soundcraft EPM 6 mixer with a dbx compressor/limiter/gate, I'm astonished. Of course, the P4 doesn't have a compressor or gate, but I'm no longer of the opinion that those need to be part of your chain. I'd much rather deal with those (if necessary) in post, and just focus on having a good, clean recording. More on that topic in the upcoming video comparing the P4 to the Rodecaster.
by far the best review of the Podtrak P4
Thanks for your video, 2 thumbs up! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who finds adding audio clips to the PodTrak P4 to be a hit or miss. Sometimes the converter works, other times not. Today, I literally spent over an hour trying to figure out why I couldn't add simple MP3 music files to the SD card and have the P4 recognize them for adding to the sound pads when I was able to do so before. I tried everything I could think of including removing the SD card and inserting into the computer directly, also tried USB cable transfer, and also used Audacity app to make sure the files were converted to 44.1 kHz 16 bit but NOTHING worked. I even read the full 57 page manual from the Zoom Corp website, but that wasn't useful. I got so frustrated that I ended up using an XLR mic attached to the P4 and having my Audio Technica headphone ear cups encompassing the mic capsule to record the MP3 music files from my computer via a Logitech speaker system. Sounds retarded I know, but you know what? It worked! I was only trying to make short 15 second jingle clips for sound pad choices, so it was wasn't critical for audio quality. Actually my make-shift MacGyver method worked pretty well, LOL!
Really great overview, looking forward to the mic comparison!
The mic comparison video is now up!
you answered a few very important questions (to me at least) , thank you!
being a L8 owner (am a fanboy, too: had the H4, H5, R24 before) and was looking for a "even more portable" solution.
unfortunately 44.1 khz only is pretty mutch a deal braker for me as i'd use the audio for video, too. i'm fine with 16 bit but i really don't want to convert them to 48khz
and i'd really wish one could mix the individual headphone channels or at least mute/unmute the inputs per output
guess i have to wait for the P4n and hope for a few more livetrak-features :)
thanks again
I've been questioning it due to the 44.1 khz too, but I have no audio experience. Is it that much of a deal breaker to convert 44.1 to 48, in terms of audio quality?
@@Soyajin it's not that i could hear the difference. it's just the fact that the "Audio for Video standart" (as far is my work is concerned) is 48khz und it causes trouble on a regular basis...if you don't convert it - and that is just a step more in the workflow - i'd rather reduce steps... but i don't see any real issue for podcasts and such. the bulit in preamps would play a bigger role quality wise
Thank you for such a clean and thorough review! Super helpful for this newbie!
Great review can this be connected to Spreaker? Also when does it hit stores and what about the Bluetooth attachment?
I don't see why it can't be used with Spreaker. When you connect it to your computer via USB, your computer will see it as a both a sound input and output device. So just select it as your input source, and that should be it.
It looks like Best Buy may already have it in stock. B&H Photo has it slated to come out mid-October. The bluetooth adapter is $50, and I don't know when it's coming out. B&H says it's coming soon. I would guess it will be sometime next month.
Hopefully they’ll get a case? I’d like to see how the Bluetooth attachment works with the unit that they sell separately.
I hope it gets a case too. If not, I've purchased Casematix cases for my Zoom H6 and F8. The same case they advertise for the H6, H5, F8, etc would work great for the P4.
Hey I just got a hard shell case from harbor freight. It’s the Apache 1800. It’s the small case that I saw online for $12.99. I went to the actual store and got it cheaper. I’m thinking I may go back to get the next size up so I can transport my units and mics. Harbor Freight is cheaper than getting some cases from the music stores. Plus it has foam that I can customize to the Podtrak 4.
@@BrotherLeon302 I never thought to look at HF! Great tip!
Pro Podcast Solutions Hey I looked at the Gator hard shell case on Sweet Water, they’re asking $89.00.
Thanks very much for this review and also the one vs Rodecaster Pro
Great review... was going for the Zoom L8 but this seems better for the price... I am also torn between this and the Centrance Portcaster coming soon... what to do? EDIT: what about outputs for streaming... at the moment I use a Zoom H2 and a line out to an iPad 7th gen
To me, this is the better option over the Centrance PortCaster because the P4 has 4 XLR inputs vs 2 and 4 headphone outputs vs 1. I also prefer full SD vs microSD. I haven't had a chance to see the PortCaster in person, so my opinion is based purely on reading their website.
The benefits I see to the PortCaster is its aluminum build vs the P4's plastic case, and the built-in rechargeable battery. The P4 can be powered from a power bank, so I don't see that as a significant difference.
The P4 can connect to your computer via USB, and it sends a stereo mix to your computer that you can use for streaming or recording to software if you'd like.
Pro Podcast Solutions thanks for the reply. I’ve had mixed feelings about the USB through the camera adapter to the iPad... I am using switcher studio to live stream multiple iOS devices plus prerecorded video and jingles (albeit with a workaround) I just need a second mic but the possibility of 4 mics and 4 jingles is tempting.
Just sold my l8. It is geared more towards music and live shows. This is straight forward and simple to use. I found I don’t use many of the mixer option on the l8. lol and I tried to have a podcast with six guest that turned into a cluster.
Where did you get that microphone-like handle that you have attached to a cell phone holder and inserted into a microphone clip? Thanks for the video!
It's an adapter that Zoom makes called the MA-2. You can get it at Amazon, B&H, and other gear websites.
Thanks for the great review! Question please. Are you able to have on 2 remote guests at the same time? For example, first guest is connected via smartphone cellular phone call and second guest is on via Zoom/Skype app? Can both remote guests be on at the same time - or only just one?
Casey Cheung you can have a smartphone connection and computer usb connection at the same time.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia Thank you for the reply!
Is there an MP3 128kps option in recording format. Would be helpful too if a demo of transferring say a 3min wav recording wired vs Bluetooth to a phone. Thanks
Excellent video. Much appreciated
Will there be noticeable difference between the Podtrak P4 and Zoom F6 (since f6 has better preamps) when using it as an interface for 3-4 shure Sm7Bs? The price difference between F6 and P4 is huge and is it worth the price difference?
Hello
great video, I just ordered mine from Best Buy . One quick question is there a way to connect this to a camera or camcorder for direct audio?
The P4 does not have a line out. However, if you're not using all the headphone ports, you could use one of those to connect to the audio input jack of your camera.
Okay, last question :-) I recently got the Rode Rodecaster Pro which I think is an amazing and easy to use all-in-one podcasting solution. I'm considering also getting the Zoom PodTrak even though I already have the Rode Rodecaster. Why? Cuz the PodTrak is so much smaller that can be used for travelling, whereas the Rodecaster's larger size means it will probably just stay at home. Do you have any opinions on having both the PodTrak and Rodecaster at the same time? Or is it wasteful excess?
Casey Cheung if you’re going to use both then it doesn’t seem excessive. The P4 is definitely much more portable. I have a video coming out next week that compares the P4 and Rodecaster. That’s one of the benefits I point out in that video. If you travel, the P4 is the better fit IMO.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia Wow, thanks! Looking forward to your new video!
@@GoldenSpiralMedia By coincidence, I just literally today went to my local Best Buy store to pick up a new Zoom PodTrak P4! It's positively way smaller than the Rode Rodecaster Pro, it's more the size of a Zoom H6 recorder only wider at the top. I made an unedited unboxing video of the PodTrak and gave my first impressions of this device. My early unscientific vocal test recordings would put the PodTrak preamp quality at about the same as the Zoom H6 recorder. The preamp might be better on the PodTrak versus the H6, but I wouldn't say very noticeably so but I could be wrong. I say that because when I set the gain dial higher than 6 on the PodTrak, I hear noticeable hiss and/or humming noise in the background. Exactly the same thing happens on the Zoom H6 recorder, anything past about 6 on the gain dial, I hear noticeable electronic background noise. However, with a Triton Fethead amplifier attached to my Shure SM58 mic (and with phantom power enabled on the PodTrak), I'm able to bring down the gain dial to 3 (instead of 6) for cleaner gain. So far I'm liking the very portable lightweight form factor of the PodTrak, although the build quality feels and looks like cheap plastic that won't survive an accidental drop onto concrete. The small black and white dot matrix non-touch screen is very meh, nothing to write home about, certainly nothing like the beautiful large color touch screen found on the Rode Rodecaster. But I am able to use my Anker 20,000 mAh external battery bank to power the PodTrak via the 5 volt USB-C port on the side of the device, so that's very useful. Overall, I like the PodTrak despite its limitations compared to the Rodecaster, but the portable design makes it great for using it outside on-location and for travelling. Here's a link to my unedited unboxing video: ruclips.net/video/5pkSvgbVcCM/видео.html
It was kinda surprising to hear about the PodTrak only being able to record in a single format and .wav files are notorious in regards of space used. How many GBs does a one hour interview use?
Each track is recorded to a separate file. Microphone inputs are recorded as mono and a 1 hour recording would be around 325 MB in size per track. USB and smartphone tracks are recorded in stereo so they would be double that size.
Another question please? Does the Zoom PodTrak have a "Line Out" port, similar to what the Zoom H6 recorder has? With the Zoom H6, I was able to attach a 3.5mm to 3.5mm AUX cable from the bottom Line Out port and the other end of the cable to my Canon camera mic-in port so I can have real time audio feed going from the Zoom H6 to the camera. Can the Zoom PodTrak do the same thing with a port and cable connection to feed audio directly to my camera's mic-in port for real time audio transfer?
Casey Cheung the P4 doesn’t have a line out port. It you’re not using all the headphone jacks, you could use one of those as a line out.
question on the output of sound, my H5 has an 8th in jack for audio out I use to send signals to my P.A. system, can I use an output on this device to do the same
The P4 does not have a dedicated Line Out port like the H5 has. However, if you're not using all of the headphone ports, you could use one of those as you are using the Line Out on the H5.
Pro Podcast Solutions I bought it last week and have been using it
My question then is, can I use this to livestream with all four xlr's being used and connected to my MacBook Pro, through Ecamm to live-stream?
Yes. The P4 will send a stereo mix to your computer via the USB cable. You then simply need to select the P4 as your source on Ecamm.
I have this on preorder, but I’m now starting to see quiet a few comments on various sites saying that this isn’t a good option for podcasts that will also be video recorded due to sound limitations. Any thoughts on this?
I think it really depends on what kind of video you're doing. Also bear in mind that I'm not a video expert at all. But if you're doing high-end professional video, my understanding is that 44.1/16 is not high enough quality. However, if you're doing RUclips videos, which is going to compress the audio anyway, I believe 44.1/16 is totally fine. Let your ears be the judge. This video was recorded entirely on the P4. I have a mic shootout video coming out later today that was also recorded entirely on the P4.
Pro Podcast Solutions thanks for responding. I was hoping you were using the P4 (didn’t catch if you were) because your sound was clear and crisp. This helps a lot, as I was concerned about RUclips uploads. Thanks again!
44.1/16 is plenty for video podcasting. The content matters the most. It’s preamps are clean and even when paired with 4K video it’s perfectly fine. Now if you’re going to be having guest sing on your show I still think it’s fine. CD quality is 44.1/16bit. Honestly most people listen on their phones or tablet. I think this is a perfect machine for any podcast.
jarrod brown thanks for your reply as well! New to this and have been researching setups for a couple months now, this is very helpful.
You had a stand you used in the video for the P4. I am looking for a stand...suggestions?
I use a cellphone gripper on a short desk mic stand. Looks killer.
Hi!
Ok for the 44.1 hz but why 16bit and not 24? If i modify a 16bit audio file in Audition, i will have a deterioration respect to 24bit, right? :)
I reckon the stand/tripod behind zoom P4 is not in the package, just curious what brand name it is. Could you please let me know? thanks!
It's a few things, mostly generic amazon stuff. The camp holding it is a totally generic cell phone squeeze clamp. Screwed into that is Zoom's tripod to mic stand adapter called the MA-2. Then that is mated to a generic mic clip like the one used with a Shure SM58. The mic clip is screwed into a generic short tabletop mic stand.
A cleaner setup would be a small tabletop mic stand with a ball mount attached, and then a cell phone clamp attached to the ball mount.
Has anyone ever used the Rodecaster Pro? Are there any comparisons and perspectives on both?
I have an in-depth video comparing the P4 and Rodecaster Pro scheduled for release on Thursday of this week.
With a 100% 48kHz setup (all interfaces, all recording, all editing) it feels quite outdated that the P4 only does 44.1kHz. Yes, 44.1 is fine for voice in general, but when all your setup is on 48kHz, then using the P4 as an audio interface is not a good idea. Also, especially during Covid, a lot of podcasters are adding video into their mix, and 48kHz audio is standard in the video world. I hope Zoom will update the device to support what has become a de-facto standard by now.
This is not a device for video IMO. Zoom has several other devices, including most of the other Zoom recorders mentioned in the review, that will work for video. The P4 doesn't even have a line out port. I'd still argue that 44.1 is fine for the average video person. Obviously not for professional video, just as it's not ideal for music. But this is a device targeted for audio podcasting IMO, and 44.1 is totally fine for that.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia That's not what I meant. Of course 44.1 kHz is plenty good for voice and the P4 isn't a video device. But many podcasters are now doing/adding video in general and thus they are in the process of switching their entire setup over to 48kHz. I see it every day. So incorporating an audio interface that only does 44.1 feels a bit ancient. I'm involved in a large podcaster community, many of them won't even look at the P4 unless it can do 48kHz. Also the Opus codec, which is used everywhere for remote audio these days is mandatory 48kHz, so there's unnecessary conversions and potential issues. Zoom not giving the P4 48kHz is a mistake.
Connecting to PC without the USB C connection? Can I use USB C to USB A cable to connect PODTRAK P4 with USB C to the PC into the USB A connection?
Absolutely. All of my testing was with a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Can I use my podtrack to record audio on Obs?
Hi. Can i do a live on youtube, for example, in which i have a unique audio coming out from the 2 xlr ports? I mean, a mono mixed audio (mixed).
Yes. You can use the P4 as an audio interface. You'd simply plug in your XLR devices and connect the P4 to your computer via USB. Then on the RUclips live settings, choose the Zoom P4 as your microphone.
It’s $250 in my country.. ermm
7:38 you say that it is a true multi track recorder does that mean that it only records multi track on the SD card or can it also via USB type C record straight into your DAW as a multi track as well?
It only does multi-track to the SD card. It's sends the streo mix Left and Right signals out via USB. I've encouraged Zoom to add full multi-track to USB via a future firmware update. Hopefully they will do that.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia Thank you for that info... Do you know of a ZOOM product (or similar) that does this?
@@brookelinbrooke4632 the Livetrak L8 does that and the mentioned R16 (and R24) do as well. but if you do not need internal recording and want a cheap multi-track via audio interface to your daw there are thousands... i would take a look at the Behringer UMC404HD for a good value entry
@@brookelinbrooke4632 I believe the L-8 from Zoom will do full multi-track via USB interface. I've not had a chance to review one of those in person, so I can't really speak from first hand experience. The Rodecaster Pro definitely does full multi-track via USB interface while simultaneously recording full multi-track to SD card.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia Thank You. Do you know if the ZOOM LiveTrak L-8 can multi track into reaper or Adobe audition etc as well?
Can you record into your laptop with the usb-c at the same time as recording onto the P4 in real time?
Absolutely. It will work simultaneously as an audio interface that you can use to record with your favorite software, while also recording to the SD card in the P4.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia That's great. Thanks so much for your review! Ordered from Best Buy as they have it in stock now.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia Will it record Multi Track this way in to my DAW like into Reaper for example?
@@brookelinbrooke4632 It will record L and R stereo mix into Reaper while simultaneously recording full-multitrack to the SD card.
What attachment are you using to hold the p4? Thanks!
It's a generic cell phone mount I picked up on Amazon a couple of years ago. Not exactly sure which one TBH.
Why have you stopped uploading 🙁
Other projects related to my business have taken priority over the last year. Getting back to RUclips is still on my roadmap, but it will be a while.
Can the zoom h6 record phone calls like the p4 does?
Yes, but not as intuitively. You can connect the headphone jack of your phone into the line-in jack of the H6 and record the call just fine. The issue comes with having the person on the phone hear you. There are some cables and adapters that you can get, and, along with the panning feature of the H6, you can work it so that the person can hear you and not hear themselves at the same time. It's complicated, sometimes buggy, and a pain. I've done it, others have done it.
The P4 makes that process a single cable easy process. Or it can be a zero cable easy process if you purchase the bluetooth adapter for the P4.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia this or the zoom h6?
@@jon.wijaya If you're just doing podcasting, I'd go with the P4. If you need something that can also handle recording music, then the H6 is the better choice.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia thank you!
What stand are you using for the Podtrak?
It's a few things, mostly generic amazon stuff. The camp holding it is a totally generic cell phone squeeze clamp. Screwed into that is Zoom's tripod to mic stand adapter called the MA-2. Then that is mated to a generic mic clip like the one used with a Shure SM58. The mic clip is screwed into a generic short tabletop mic stand.
A cleaner setup would be a small tabletop mic stand with a ball mount attached, and then a cell phone clamp attached to the ball mount.
Have you tried recording using Podtrak P4? How does it sound?
The audio from this entire video was recorded on the P4. I also have a mic shootout video that was recorded on the P4 and that video tests the preamps on some of the most popular mics used in podcasting.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia: Good to know. I've ordered my P4. I haven't received it, yet. Now, I've just learned that Zoom will release P8!
What is that shock mount?
It's the ZRAMO TH106 from Amazon. I just added a link to it in the video description.
Hey can it be mounted like the other recorders?
It does not have a tripod mount. But you could use a cell phone tripod mount like I did in the video.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia What tripod mount did you use?
@@allisterf8814 It's a generic cell phone mount I picked up on Amazon a couple of years ago. Not exactly sure which one TBH.
Hei! Great video :)
Can I livestream using a mobile phone with this device?? :)
Thanks in advance.
Do you mean livestream using your mobile device while using the P4 as your mic source? Or do you mean livestream using your computer while bringing in a caller from your mobile device?
@@GoldenSpiralMedia livestreaming using my mobile device while using p4 as mic source :) i want to know if it is possible
@@alamaguitars5693 As far as I can tell, no. I've tried all I know to do, and my iPhone will not see it as a mic source. I've tried connecting via USB, TRS>TRS, TRRS>TRRS, and TRRS>TRS. No luck.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia thanks for the feedback
@@alamaguitars5693 Okay I found a solution! I used a TRRS splitter. So here's the chain. iPhone>Lightning headphone adapter>TRRS Splitter>TRS cable>P4 headphone port.
So a normal 3.5mm cable plugs into one of the headphone ports on the P4. Then the other end of that cable plugs into the Mic port on a TRRS splitter. Then the TRRS splitter plugs into the lightning headphone adapter, and then that adapter plugs into the phone.
I ASSUME you could simply use a Lightning port splitter, but I don't have one of those handy to try.
I am so glad I watched your video, I had this item in my cart ready to press buy, but now I think I better wait. I have the H5, the DR-60D mk II, and r16, I use them for livestream and wanted to purchase this for livestream, but I don't think its going to work for me livestream, and I use EcammLive.com to live stream
What is it that makes you think it won't work for livestreaming?
@@GoldenSpiralMedia I was just thinking about that again after I sent it to you. Question can I use a 1/8in lav mic is I choose to like the zoom H5
@@RodneyJonesTeachings I don't think so. The P4 doesn't have plugin power so if your lav is using plugin power on the H5, then it won't work on the P4. If your lav is self-powered or can run off of phantom power, then it would probably work with the P4. I haven't used a lot of lav mics, but most of the ones I've used run off of plugin power.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia ok thank you and yes mine has the battery in it. I think I may get it, you have been very helpful
@@RodneyJonesTeachings glad to help!
So this or the h6
If you're just doing podcasting, I'd go with the P4. If you need something that can also handle recording music, then the H6 is the better choice.
@@GoldenSpiralMedia thank you very much for your response
"I've been doing podcast since 2008 therefore"
massive DISLIKE 👎🏼