PodTrak P4 – Podcast Recorder

Whether you rely on announcer-style dynamic microphones such as the Zoom ZDM-1 (available separately) or prefer the sheen of crisp condenser mics, the PodTrak P4’s four mic preamps are up to the task. Each features a balanced XLR input jack, selectable +48V phantom power, and up to 70 dB of gain, plenty of boost to ensure optimal recording levels with all kinds of mics, such as the venerable Shure SM7B.

Outfitted with four 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs, the PodTrak P4 can provide you and your guests with independent headphone mixes, each with its own level control above the corresponding headphone jack. No matter the scenario—an exclusive interview or a raucous panel podcast, everyone will be able to clearly hear what’s going on.

Knowing how frequently podcasters collaborate with remote guests, Zoom integrated two ways to accommodate call-ins—plug your smartphone directly into the 3.5mm TRRS phone port, connect a computer via USB to pipe in the audio from your conferencing software of choice, or do both at the same time to feature two remote guests.

Whether you use TRRS, USB, or both, the PodTrak P4 automatically prevents echo and feedback with its built-in mix-minus feature; your remote guests will never be distracted by hearing their own voice echo back to them.

If you prefer to go wire-free for call-ins, connect the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth receiver (available separately) to the PodTrak P4 and use your smartphone to wirelessly pipe in your call audio via Bluetooth.

The PodTrack P4 is equipped with four sound pads next to the LCD screen, perfect for elevating your podcast production quality with music, jingles, ads, sound effects, or pre-recorded interviews triggered at the push of a button. Use the 11 preset sounds or load your own samples for even more versatility. Plus, a dedicated knob allows easy adjustment of the sound pad output volume.

Each mic input on the PodTrak P4 has its own dedicated gain control knob. There’s no track selection or button pressing required to optimize your recording levels; just turn the dials (clearly labeled from 0 to 10) anytime you need to adjust the gain. Additionally, a mute button is provided for every input, so you can quickly mute/unmute guests without having to navigate through menus.

With the PodTrak P4, you can simultaneously record up to 10 tracks to an SD card—four tracks from the input channels, four tracks from the sound pads, and two tracks from the overall stereo mix.

Designed for truly convenient portability, the PodTrack P4 can record directly to an SDHC card (up to 32GB capacity) or an SDXC card (up to 512GB capacity). A 4GB card will yield over three hours of 16-bit / 44.1 kHz 4-channel recording time using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility. Note that media cards are available separately, and larger capacity cards may increase startup times.

Alternatively, use the PodTrak P4 as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface (at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz) with your Mac/Windows computer or iOS/Android mobile device (separately available Apple Camera Connection Kit is required for use with iOS devices).

Power the PodTrak P4 via two AA batteries, plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately), or use an external USB battery. Alkaline batteries can keep the P4 running for up to four hours of continuous recording. When using the P4 in the stereo USB audio interface mode, USB bus powering is also possible.

The PodTrak P4’s onboard effects allow you to add polish to your recordings without resorting to postproduction processing on a computer. Built-in limiters compensate for fluctuations in input level, while low-cut filters help eliminate wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low-frequency rumble.

Tuned to deliver a robust vocal tone with smooth highs and tight lows, the Zoom ZDM-1 is an affordable dynamic microphone that’s ideal for podcasters, radio show announcers, rappers, and singers. Thanks to its high SPL handling and broad frequency response, this end-address mic makes it easy to capture your voice with mix-ready broadcast quality.

The large-diaphragm dynamic capsule utilizes a supercardioid pickup pattern to effectively reduce ambient sound such as room noise at the sides of the mic. To isolate the pickup element from handling noise, vibrations, and rumble, the ZDM-1 employs an integrated shock-absorbing mechanism. The ZDM-1’s integral humbucking circuit improves the signal-to-noise ratio by inhibiting electromagnetic interference from common sources such as wireless devices, power lines, computer displays, and more.

The all-metal body and grille afford ruggedness and durability for reliable use session after session. The ZDM-1 includes a pivoting mic stand mount for easy positioning and a custom windscreen for attenuation of plosives and breath noise.

This microphone is part of the B&H Virtual Mic Locker, an online tool to help our valued customers determine the sonic differences between popular microphones for podcasting and voice over work. Each microphone was recorded using a Grace Design M103 preamp into a Presonus Quantum 2626 interface.

Buy the product at the tomorrow technology LTD.