IS THE ZOOM PODTRAK P4 STILL GOOD IN 2024?
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- Опубликовано: 10 мар 2024
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We have been using it for years for our podcast and we still love it. I purchased the Rodecaster duo and returned it because it just didn't seem worth the money compared to the Zoom podrak p4. We easily run the sm7b's with gain at 6 and and no cloudlifter and the sound is crisp and clear. It's just a great piece of equipment for the price.
I bought into it. As I have sold off other Zoom interfaces I had, I have kept this one. It may be only 16-bit but it is good. The headphone amps do not translate into what is actually recorded. Honestly, with the quirks, I love it. A V2 is much needed with 24-bit(not 32-bit float). Better heaphone amps are a must too. But that is it. Built in bluetooth would be nice but not needed. I would buy it.
I have a Zoom H4N Pro and a H6 plus a Sound Devices Mix-Pre. The Mix-Pre works really well outdoors with my DSLR and I love its 32 floating bits of heaven.
yes, Zoom could tackle Rode with this product. I hope they realise. Rodecaster is good, but most it are extras, and not needed for basic podcasting. I did start my podcast with Zoom H5, works wonder, upgrade rodecaster for more input. Now seaching for a friend a simpler alternative than rodecaster pro.
TBH, we've used a few bits of Bluetooth for backing tracks via a couple of Bluetooth desks - the word I'd use is patchy.
Use a direct feed whenever possible.
I still love mine. I've used it in the car, in the hotel, and I travel with it all the time. The mic-pres are okay for the money and if you mix it correctly, with a good mic, it's a no brainer. 24 bit / 96k would be nice...
I am still using this for mobile podcasts and even sometimes stationary. It’s a joy to use. Hard to explain but its simplicity is what makes it to great. I can record 4 people podcasts with my Portacapture X8 in much better quality and more features (compressor, eq etc) but somehow I don’t. I also like to use the Podtrak p8 - for a similar reason. It’s just so intuitive and easy to with decent enough quality. I sold my original Rodecaster thinking to buy the duo. But so far held off. I kinda like my setup now. 😂
I bought into it as well. It's now my daily go to for recording USB interface to PC and mic test unit. I haven't noted many other pod casting units with 4 xlrs, 2 line in and 48v individually switched on the xlrs. 4 headphone outputs. I'm a happy camper.
THANK YOU I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THIS ANSWER FOR THE PAST WERK
Was my first podcast recorder, and still use it to pound out field audio with ease. Super simple. Super reliable. Super duper price. You nailed this one, Aiden. Thanks for giving the brave little toaster some well-deserved props. Your insight and practicality are both reasons why i keep listening.
Thank you for the kind words!
Excellent video again.
This is a game changer for me. I do podcast interviews on location and this is perfect! The sound quality is quite good. Me happy!!!!
Agreed. I don’t own a P4, but I still think it’s one of the most accessible and usable tools for podcasters.
The Podtrak P4 has been my go-to recorder and audio interface for the last three years or so, especially for recording and streaming on the road. I’m getting Rodecaster Pro functionality in a palm-sized device. Waiting for a 32-bit float-enabled version though, Zoom!
We started our podcast with the P4, and it is still the centerpiece of any remote shows we do. It fits in the case with the mic's and will run all day on an external USB power pack. Yes, the resolution can be an issue, but that's more of an inconvenience than a limitation, i.e. proper engineering can get you past those limitations. If you're listening, Zoom, a P4 v2 would be an instant sale for us.
I agree with the comments completely. If you're just looking to do simple podcasting (and you know what you're doing), this thing is great. If you're a streamer or a film editor who needs 24-bit/32-bit audio to avoid drift, there are better options out there. But for internet radio, it does the trick!
Just received mine. (Paid £100) It's great and exactly what I need. Thanks again for the video and your advice.
I still use mine and although I have a Rode Duo, my P4 comes through in a simple basic need. I was wondering though if it could be used with a TC-Helicon VoiceTone T1 Vocal Tone and Dynamics Effects Pedal??? Ah thought…
I really like mine! The only issue I’ve had is that the rechargeable batteries I use seem to only last 45 minutes with the Bluetooth module plugged in. It lasts forever with my 20k mAh portable battery. The only thing I wish is that you could apply some light noise canceling in body but other than that I’ve liked it. I also would have liked 1 extra headphone output so you can monitor with it as a monitor while having 4 people on the pod.
I also definitely agree the 16 bit sucks. My body is ready for a 32bit version lol
Yup, this thing drove my RE20 before I upgraded to the brand spankin' new Pro 2. I had an early production Pro 2 and the touchpads were faulty so I had to send It back for warranty repair and was glad I held onto the P4. I'll never sell it, it takes up next to no room, drives power hungry mics and runs on batteries in a pinch.
16 bit 44.1 is just a non starter for me. Which is why I have never had one.
I have one. Is my traveler kit for podcast. My RCPII is just way to big. The P4 is a no brainer for quality in the pocket ✌️😎
So this may not carry any weight because I'm a no name podcaster that doesn't have a meaningful channel, but from my prespective and the needs of my channel I've tried the Mackie CLZ Creator, the Focusrite 2i2 and the Zoom Podtrack P4 and so far I've had the best luck with the Zoom Podtrack P4.
Primarily I record on 3 mics and perhaps a call in user and for the money the Zoom Podtrack P4 exceeds my expectations every time and we do recorded podcasts and live video podcasts and have never had any complaint on the sound quality, in fact it has been the strength of the channel.
I agree completely. I bought a Rodecaster Duo and returned it after two months. The hardware was great, but the software was just too buggy for me. Kept freezing, crashing, not booting up correctly, etc. Swapped it out for the Podtrak P4 (I even bought the little Bluetooth dongle to go with it), and I never looked back.
An upgrade to this would be amazing. All we need are better preamps, better headphone amps and 24bit. Multi-track output to a DAW would be nice too.
Great video. :-) Very informative and very timely. Quick question, I already have a podcast set-up which works perfectly for me. However, I just want to pick up a more portable device and don't mind using older tech as I know the quality will be fine. In your humble opinion, should I opt for a Podtrak P4 or Zoom's H6. Thanks in advance and keep up the great content.
Just for a podcast?
P4
Yep, just for a podcast. Thanks for your in put 🙂@@DarkCornerStudios
@@ReelFilm2016 I love my Zoom H6. If you have the budget treat yourself and enjoy its H6 goodness.
I almost did buy the H6 but I was able to lay my hands on a zoom P4 for £100 brand new. However, I am certainly going to keep an on the price of the H6, It looks awesome. 🙂@@seanwebb605
It’s funny because I still have mine for the rare times I need to be mobile but I would buy the v2 without much thought if we got better resolution and preamps.
Couldn’t agree more. The P4 is a great value and remains unchallenged in its group - even Rode missed a chance to take it on with the Duo. Zoom bring on Version 2.
I'm not sure I've ever seen a more reluctant recommendation, haha! But it's precisely that sort of frankness that adds extra weight to your opinion on gear.
So theoretically, could it be rigged up like the zoom h series as a "field recorder" for xlr mics? Just a curiousity.
Yes!
I don’t question it. After 2 years I’ve gone thru 3 rodecaster pro 2s. My first one had the power button break and the following 2 bricked upon software updates out of the box. My p4 albeit dated never skips a beat. For the money RØDE needs to put out a better product
Yes
Can I use this with USB Mic? I've got Rode NT-USB+ and just got the P4. And now I don't know how to connect not xlr mic to that device? Any ideas?
No sorry...this device only works with xlr mics
V2 pls zoom
Its kinda funny seeing the price now and thinking it was out of my budget back then. I didnt really consider zoom because I was doing a solocast and their equipment used to confuse me
Always fun to learn though
I really like Zoom products, but my minimum standard was the Zoon H4. I have the Zoom H4NPro and the Zoom H6 now.
definitely
“The built quality is Zoom” funny! Because that is the most accurate description.
I don't really have an issue with the build quality of the Zoom. All three of the devices that I have own have stood up outdoors quite nicely.
So im looking at starting a podcast but I'm looking to do it via phone calls in conference calls were all truck drivers and I'm trying to figure out how to be able to record our topics and still drive
Scary...lol...but this thing works.
Ps...I was a truck driver for 16 years and I even trained new drivers to get their license.
Please be careful with this
@DarkCornerStudios any suggestions on equipment to use I use a bluetooth headset to talk but getting that to work I don't believe it's possible I'm looking for advice lol
@nimblehill yeah...Bluetooth is tough.
If you want wireless...you can use the Rode Wireless gear with their interfaces like the Duo
@DarkCornerStudios I just wondered for mic and headphones what would be best option to noise cancel some
@@nimblehill same answer.
Noise cancelation is in the interface...not the mic
44.1kHz 16-bit 😱‼️
Great video. For RUclipsrs who only need to record a single mic to sync to videos, do you have a recommendation for an excellent recorder?
Scarlett solo...
@@DarkCornerStudios many thanks for the quick response! Always enjoy learning from your vids. Great work. 👍
@mynusten cheers and thanks for the kind words!
If you go with a Zoom H4 or H6 you can record with a DSLR at 48K and it will synchronize better with your video. You can even use a cable to go from the unit to your DSLR. You'll still want to synchronize in post and not use the camera audio. But if you're in the field the Scarlett interface and video into the camera is clumsy.
@@seanwebb605 thanks for the comment...the Zoom H4 may be the better option as I'm looking to hang the recording device from my mic stand.
Just bought another p4 ( for mobile ) shouldn’t sold my first
4:58 ⚠️⚠️⚠️rare glassesless Aiden cryptid. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Oh everyone might know I'm Duperman
@@DarkCornerStudios 😱😱😱
forget the screen altogether, build the interface to use an app on your phone.
Ohhhh...I like that
Podcasting is very saturated
So is youtube...yet here we are
Oh just wait for it. I'm going to do everything I can to prove that there is always room for Jello and Sean.
If you go on vacation you might as well have me do your show because I absolutely agree with this one. Bang for the buck/largesse for the Loonie it's still the top dog at this price point. It does have a list of nits to pick and they are well known but none are fatal (except for if the batteries die while recording because everything is lost). I basically retired my Rodecaster Pro when this came out because it's that functional. I use it for a national podcast. We should probably do an episode on how to get the most from the P4 today. I will add some quick but hopefully important hits here:
1. Use a decent quality SD card. No off-brand, cheap crap. You're welcome.
2. If you use a Fethead then you need very little gain and that eases up on the preamps. Works beautifully with SM58 and many other fine microphones. I bought a Lewitt MTP 550 DM while visiting Australia as it's a bit less sibilant.
3. Mute/dial down all pots not in use.
4. The Bluetooth adapter works but sucks power. You'll get better sound if you can connect your phone with a cable. Make sure to keep that cable segregated to avoid picking up hum.
5. Download and install the latest firmware. It resolves a glitch involving SD cards.
6. There are two types of P4 users: those who carry a couple of four packs of fresh AA batteries and those who wish they had.
7. This little bastard (begin rant) sucks up batteries like an 18-year-old who snuck into the Molson Coors tour does free beer. Buy a USB wall charger and two USB A-C cables and use one of the cables to power the P4 from an AC outlet whenever possible. (rant continues)
8. It also can drain batteries when not in use. Remove batteries if you'll store it for a prolonged period of time or, alternatively, put a little piece of tape on top of one of the + battery contact during storage. Remove tape to use. (end rant)
9. There are two ways to transfer files from the P4 to your computer. One is to remove the SD card and use the slot on your computer (or USB SD card reader). The other is to use the other USB A-C cable and transfer directly from the P4 to your computer. This lessens the chance of an SD card glitch. (Note: This assumes your computer has a USB A port. If It has USB C ports then get a USB C-C cable for file transfer.)
10. Be kind and gentle to it. The P4 is NOT built like a tank and lacks a carrying case or even a strap.
11. Stop griping about "resolution." Sheesh. For the price you're not going to get backlit analog VU meters. Get over it. Once you've made a few recordings you'll know where the typical levels should be set.
12. You have lots of headphone choices but a $20 pair of Sony, JVC, JBL, EyeCandy, Samsung, Panasonic or Bob Marley earbuds will work just fine. Don't crank up the headphone pot too much or you'll get unwanted feedback.
13. Bonus: Your P4 will work as an audio interface if you're so inclined.