Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder, Battery Powered, 4 Microphone Inputs, 4 Headphone Outputs, Phone Input, Sound Pads, Record to SD card, Audio Interface Mode

Obtained to see how much this could improve a friends podcast who started out with just usb $30 microphones recording directly into Anchor.FM. Wow, I picked up three different microphones SM57, Q2U, and had a Sennheiser MD42. The pod track handles easily all 3 microphones gain requirements. And I was actually very impressed with the Q2U.We did our first Zoom remote podcast, and it was amazing sounding. Now using the USB Mix Minus doesn't allow you to record directly into the computer, you will have to record to SD and bring that file in, cause your computer will not be passed the zoom audio. Not a big deal, just know this up front. Also note the files recorded are .wav and may need to be covered to fit size requirements before editing, again not a huge problem. I think the sound pads are easy to manage you can load what you need for that particular podcast before hitting record. 4 gives you into and outdo, and maybe advertisement and a sound effect.. Just enough, unless your wanting to utilize for pre-canned calls or questions, or audio clips.The limiters work well. audio feels balanced well. powered by USB from computers and blacklight stays on while recording so you can monitor your levels. Headphone amplifiers work great we paired them up with the AT-M20X and sound great and they have a plenty long cord, what's nice with the Q2U microphones if you can to lend one to do a Skype or zoom for your show, they can just plug in the USB and you will improve there audio for your show as well. it nice to to have dual functionality just for the purposes. Colored corded XLR mic cords help know which mic levels may need adjustment on, if you plan to podcast at a large table or such, I think 3-5 ft XLR cables is plenty long.One tip on podcasting, keep all your people so they are looking at each other the best so there always talking into the mic, Samson desk mics work just good, always encourage the shock mount for the mic to avoid tables sounds, or use towels under the mic stand. Good thick foam on the Q2U for plosives.Lastly Have FUN, this unit will provide you A+ sounding podcasts.

We have been Podcasting for a couple of years now. We started with some of the worst equipment and tried different setups over the years. Using a soundboard is the best way to record a Podcast. XLR microphones are almost a must for quality. I have been looking at the podtrak now for 6 months and I finally bit the bullet. I am pleased that I had. For one the ease of use as well as the portability leaves us with options. I use it strictly as a soundboard. The amazing quality of the sound stands out.The fact that you have 4 XLR inputs as well as 4 separate headphone outputs at this price range is truly earth-shattering. The ability to independently adjust the microphones as well as the headphone's volume is truly a godsend. Add in 4 programmable sound pads, I don't think you can do any better at this price.Now should we want to go on location or record outside our studio, this piece of equipment naturally is made for just that. It's portable and fits right in the palm of your hand comfortably. It's lightweight, this may or may not be an issue as far as durability but handle it with care. Provide an SD card and record away.The knobs are small however are still tactile and have a very precise feel to them so adjustments can be made on the fly with precision. Is this a top-tier device that costs a few grand and produces the greatest-sounding recordings? No, it's specific as to what it does, however, it does it perfectly and the features are truly worth a lot more.The only review I can not give is battery life. We have it connected to a computer at all times for power. If you are not getting long battery life, this is the 21st century. Get a power bank for like 15-20 dollars and I would guess depending on how big a power bank you have you can get over 8 hours or more. If you are using the batteries lower the contrast of the screen to absorb less power.

Been using this for a podcast and its awesome. Noticeably shorter setup time using this over my previous setup which was a combination of a 2 input mixer, and a usb mic. Now I plug all xlr into the PodTrak and everyone can have headphones to hear the sfx from the PodTrak and sounds from the computer as well.It's well worth the small cost and has probably everything you need to start your podcast and possibly you'd never need another mixer. There may be things a Rodecaster can do, but I can't think of anything I need more at the moment. I looked for a while for a 4 mic input mixer for a podcast and this is kind of the only thing I could find that was so cheap, simple, and full featured specifically for podcasts from a reputable brand. It has internal recording but I send the mix to OBS, but I believe I could internal record as a backup so that's awesome if I wanted that safety. It's very small too so takes up little space on the table. And it has a peaking prevention (whatever it's called) which is very useful since some of us on our podcast make lots of noise lol.I'm honestly not sure what they could do to improve it if they made a version 2... although I plan on having more people on my podcast so maybe 6 inputs? Usb C inputs for USB mics? Additional sfx buttons? That could be cool and maybe a larger screen so you could see what the buttons are programmed as easier. But really, the simplicity and basic functionality of it is great. Especially for the price.