The PodTrak P8 from Zoom offers all the necessary recording, editing, and mixing functions of a podcast studio in one package. This compact podcast recorder boasts a generously sized touchscreen interface that provides instant access to monitoring functions, sound settings, input gain (mic preamp slider), and further editing functions, as well as six high-quality microphone preamps with a maximum gain of 70dB. The PodTrak P8 allows telephone calls to be easily integrated into a podcasting session by connecting the recorder to a mobile phone via a TRRS cable or the wireless Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth module (available separately), while the built-in automatic Mix-Minus feature ensures that echo and feedback are prevented for the caller.
The Zoom PodTrak P8 features six microphone channels, each of which comprises an XLR connection, high-pass filter, channel fader, mute button, input level control, and switchable 48V phantom power. Accordingly, there are six independent headphone outputs with dedicated volume control knobs, which are complemented by two 6.3mm jack outputs for monitor speakers. Power switch, USB-C port, AC adapter connection, and a slot for SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards with a capacity of up to 512GB are all located on the rear side of the PodTrak P8. The versatile recorder supports BWF-compatible WAV formats as well as various MP3 formats, and is equally suitable for use as a high-performance USB audio interface with 13 inputs and two outputs.
The PodTrak P8 is an all-in-one solution for professional podcast recording that allows up to 13 tracks (inputs, sound pads, main mix) to be simultaneously recorded and offers a sufficient number of inputs for podcasts with up to seven participants as well as independent monitoring for each participant (with the exception of the smartphone channel). The PodTrak P8 is equally suitable for podcast recording on the go, as it can be operated on four AA batteries for a recording time of up to two hours or powered via the USB port for extended podcast sessions.
Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.
The Zoom PodTrak P8 podcast recorder features nine sound pads that allow intros, songs, jingles, and recorded interviews to be quickly launched and easily controlled using the corresponding channel faders. Users can choose from the included 13 presets (applause, laughter, etc.), or load and assign their own sounds to the pads, and even create up to four sound banks for a total of 36 sound clips right at their fingertips. Thanks to the PodTrak P8’s various integrated editing functions, users can trim, split, or fade audio clips, and produce a complete episode using a single podcast recorder.