Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder

2 year review: expensive mistake, unusable

Bought this 2 years ago. 80% of the time has worked as intended. but 2 main problems: 1, it catches interference really easily. Now I also have a tascam recorder and the zoom f3 and I never face this problem with those recorders just with this one. The other huge issue (made a podcast recording literally unusable) was that it sometimes skips entire minutes of the conversation. Yesterday I recorder a 90 minute podcast with 2 recorders, this one and the zoom f3, the f3 recorded the entire conversation, this one skipped 8 minutes of the conversation (And not the last 8 minutes, that would be easily fixed), it skipped random seconds and minutes throughout the conversation making the recording literally unusable. Wish I'd never bought this and saved for higher quality product

Excellent Podcast Recorder and Audio Interface

I've been using the Zoom PodTrak P4 as the main recording device for my podcast, and it has been an outstanding addition to my setup. The audio quality is clear, professional, and consistent, making it easy to produce high-quality podcast episodes.

One of my favorite features is the ability to connect multiple microphones and control each channel independently. The sound pads are also very useful for adding intro music, sound effects, and other audio elements during recording.

The device is compact, easy to use, and perfect for both beginners and experienced podcasters. Setup was straightforward, and the controls are intuitive, allowing me to focus on recording instead of troubleshooting technical issues.

I also appreciate its portability, making it easy to record episodes from different locations when needed. For anyone looking to start a podcast or upgrade their current setup, the PodTrak P4 offers incredible value for the price.

Highly recommended for podcasters, content creators, and anyone who needs a reliable multi-channel recording solution.

When The Zoom P4 Shows You How Bad It Is, Believe It!

I’ve been a Zoom customer over the last 15 years.* This is the first time I’ve ever had a Zoom product fail so many times so consistently that I was genuinely able to rule out a ‘problem between my headphones’ (my fault).**

My use case: I record a podcast every two weeks with 3 channels (sometimes more).*** The show usually runs an hour to 90 minutes, plus a 30 minute Patreon episode.

Most of the time it fails, it’s during our longer show, and the failure doesn’t occur until around the 30 minute mark.

Type 1 Failure: The audio skips small chunks of time throughout the recording. So, I will get it back to the editing bay, and notice that my audio timeline is much shorter than my streaming video timeline. I then have to manually find all the missing gaps, and use the audio that came from the video track. This has happened about half a dozen times.

Type 2 Failure [pictured]: The audio just goes blank halfway through. During the show, everything sounds fine with visible audio waveforms. Oddity a) the full length of the track will show up in Premiere (with missing audio), but the file itself will only account for the time that audio is present. Oddity b) no audio will show up in Audition at all.

This is the fourth time this has happened, and typing that makes me feel foolish for not throwing this in the trash several months ago, but I’m used to Zoom products working. I’m not usually this stubborn with poorly made devices.

Maybe your experiences are different, but I definitely received a ‘lemon’. I’m not necessarily looking for help, but 1) I wanted to present my experience in case anyone else is having the same issues and didn’t know if they were losing their mind, and 2) Maybe there is a miraculous solution that I’m overlooking beyond buying something different.

John

* I’ve worked with multiple H4Ns, an H6, F6, and I still have an F3 for in the field and as my home audio interface.

** I’ve updated the firmware. Reinstalled the updated firmware. ALWAYS format and test each card before every single recording. I’ve tried multiple cards: fast cards/slow cards/new cards/old cards.

*** Goodnight And Good Game (basically, ‘NPR’ for gamers)

Garbage, not as advertised, NOT good for having guests at all. Stay away

Not only was this product a disappointment, but it cost me money and made me look bad in the process.

I'm a full-time content creator, and I'm spending the week in Mobile, AL covering the Senior Bowl - the biggest college all-star game and the kickoff to NFL draft season which is a very important time of year for my channel. I'm here this week with 2 other colleagues and we're live streaming every night with our observations. Our Seahawks are also in the Super Bowl so it's a crucial week for content.

But... this thing has caused nothing but frustrations. First of all, it's not plug-and-play. When we first set up I could hear myself in channel 1 just fine but 2 and 3 weren't working for my co-hosts at all. I spent an hour combing through the manual and working with ChatGPT to identify the issue, and none of it worked. I finally reset it to factory settings and suddenly it worked - but not great.

There's a built in limiter Zoom doesn't tell you about that can not be turned off. The second you get a few inches from the mic it kicks in hard and reduces all 3 guests gain. This makes it hard to monitor with confidence because everything sounded so bad in our ears. Then we did a test recording and it seemed as if the audio came out on the recording better than it did in our ears. So we went ahead with the full episode, just trusting it would turn out with the type of high quality I always strive for on my videos and streams.

Spoiler alert: it did not. My audio as the host sounded fine, while my two guests were so faint you could hardly hear them.

This product appealed to me because of it's compact size, and my knowledge of the generally good quality of Zoom products I've used in the past. I also got it for it's compact size. I use a Rodecaster Pro at home, but it's big and bulky. I won't make this mistake again, I'll just bring the Rode. I'll be returning this interface and I would highly encourage anyone still reading this review to move on to another product. It's not professional quality to be sure, and I wouldn't even recommend it to someone just starting out in podcasting

Buen producto

Funciona excelente llego antes de tiempo

Zoom Podtrack

I bought this for recording podcasts with friends, and the four mic inputs are exactly what I needed. Each person can control their own headphone volume, which avoids constant adjustments.

Kenier López

August 7, 2025

EXELENTE

es perfecta para iniciaer tu podcast, creo que no necesitas mas, algo que si quiero mencionar, es que consume mucha bateria, pero del resto es muy buena

Mic sensitivity issues

I wanted to love this after reading such stellar reviews, however, there are too many workarounds to get a clean sound, especially when using mic preamps (Fethead, Cloudlifter, etc.). There are sources of unwanted noise/hissing when the knob is above 6. For a cleaner sound, be sure to keep the unused XLR port gain knobs at “0” and mute them all beforehand. Also, be mindful that the minor noise coming from your headphone jacks won’t be recorded. Unfortunately, there was also interference from electronic devices (i.e. phones, laptops) due to the cheap/plastic casing of the P4. Overall, a decent portable podcast option.

Holly Chadwick

December 16, 2024

Most affordable way and best quality for portable podcasting!

Always been a fan of Zoom products! Love, love, love!!! Easy to use functionality, ease of use, and best of build quality! Both portable and works in a pinch for a home studio!!

I Love My Zoom Protract P4!

I absolutely love my Zoom Protract P4. Here's why:

- Ease of Use: It's super easy to use, intuitive, and compact, making it perfect for on-the-go or limited space setups.

- Sound Quality: The sound quality is excellent, providing clear audio for all my needs.

- Features: The four-pad recall feature is fantastic for quick access to sound effects, enhancing my workflow significantly.

One Area for Improvement:

My only critique would be the lack of a standard mounting thread on its back. Its compact design and the way wires have to be fed through the top, sides, and bottom can lead to a messy desk. I had to devise a custom mounting system along with right angle plugs to keep everything tidy (you can see the picture for reference).

Overall Impression:

Apart from the mounting issue, I can't find anything else to criticize. I love the product and highly recommend it!

Luis Carlos vesga caicedo

September 20, 2024

excelente producto

El Zoom PodTrak P4 ha sido una excelente inversión. Desde el primer uso, ha demostrado una calidad superior en cuanto a su rendimiento y funcionalidades. Es un dispositivo increíblemente versátil, ideal para grabaciones de audio en movimiento o en estudio, con un diseño intuitivo y fácil de usar. La claridad del sonido es impresionante, y las características adicionales, como la capacidad de grabar múltiples pistas, lo hacen una herramienta perfecta para podcasters y creadores de contenido. A diferencia de otras experiencias con equipos de menor calidad, este dispositivo ha superado mis expectativas. Recomiendo encarecidamente el Zoom PodTrak P4 a cualquiera que busque calidad y confiabilidad.

Mikey Mike

July 26, 2024

Portability and Design

This has been an excellent investment for my podcasting needs. It’s portable, user-friendly, and offers great value for its price. It's a reliable choice whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade. This a versatile and affordable podcast recorder, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Akanbe D.

May 26, 2024

10 stars!!

I cannot express how much I love my P4. I am a historian and writer and needed a way to record talking head videos with the highest quality audio possible. It's wonderful! I have recorded numerous videos since receiving it and the audio quality is flawless in this product. I will rank it with the highest quality audio mixers and daws that I have ever worked with, regardless of cost. The mix minus for channel 3 works seamlessly. The connections through channel 4 to my main computer also works perfectly. Although people love to slam Zoom's plastic cases, and although I would love to see it in brushed aluminum, the physical integrity of this unit cannot be criticized. The four independently controlled headphone jacks are an extra convenience and the output levels are quiet to the point where I use a headphone output to route the mixed audio back into my camera. If you are a new or established podcaster, this is a must have.

Equipo de grabación móvil sin límites.

Llego antes de la fecha establecida, bien empacado y funcional al 100%, aunque las pilas AA no duran mucho, son una buena alternativa como último recurso de sacar adelante una grabación, solo lo he prendido para probarlo y funciona de maravilla, una vez lo pruebe en campo complementaré esta reseña.

Marcel van Bulck

May 2, 2024

It rules

I bought a Rodecaster Duo and returned it after two months. It's a beautiful mixer, but the software was just too buggy for me. I've liked Zoom's products in the past. I was a big fan of the H4N Pro, so I rolled the dice on the PodTrak P4. I'm very glad I did. While it does have some crude digital UI, the recorder is largely largely hardware-driven (as many of Zoom's products are). I've never had one crash on me.

4 XLR inputs (each with separate headphone jacks and individual volume control). Four channels. Channels 3 & 4 can alternate between being XLR inputs or being inputs for phone calls and computers/tabeles (respectively). So, I suppose technically you get six channels if you count those. Everything records on separate tracks, and you also get a separate stereo mixed with everything bounced down.

The battery life is not the best. You're only going to get a few hours' use. It's not a big deal for me as I usually just have this thing plugged in, but it's worthy bearing in mind if you're planning to travel with this or use it for field recording.

The audio is only 16-bit, which is also a drawback. That's not really going to be an issue for podcasters like myself. Just be aware that content creators looking to stream or make films may want a device that produces higher bit-rate files to avoid syncing issues.

All that said, the sound quality is incredible. It's so nice to have a little mixer that can handle everything I need for producing my show without the price tag of the Rodecaster Pro II. I tend to do a lot of post-production, and this gives me all the flexibility I need. The value for the money just can't be beat.

I do hope Zoom puts out an upgraded version of this model before too long. I would absolutely shell out the lean, mean, green machines for an upgrade that steps up the game. But for $150, you can't sneeze at the P4. It does the trick.

Drew

January 14, 2024

Portable podcaster

The device and the Bluetooth adapter work well enough to get by. However, the device eats through batteries. I barely had it on for 30 minutes and the batteries are almost gone. You better have backup batteries. As a podcast device, it is nice.

Deborah Anderson

August 31, 2023

Excellent Recorder; Out-Performs and Passes Our Tests

I was more impressed with this recorder than I thought I would be at first. I actually was trying to talk myself out of liking it and turned out loving it!

One of the key attributes of this recorder is its versatility, but as a part of that, you need to recognize the accessories that need to be purchased (separately) in order to achieve the full versatility that is available. But, this little device is that base station that gives that possibility.

I was not impressed with how this device was packaged. So, we tested all of the knobs and everything to ensure that there was no damage in the shipment. (I recommend that, anyway, when you receive your device.) My guess is the driver noticed it was a device of some sort (you could "feel it" through the packaging!) and treated it well, so kudos to the driver but not whomever packaged (or didn't package it!)!

The other thing to take note of is WHAT you connect to the device. For example, sometimes people expect more from this device or less. For example, we connected our Pro-level Neumann mic, and it was too much so all we heard was noise, but that was not the fault of the PodTrak. It simply could not handle that level of mic. Ensure you are using the right accessories, and this little device performs very well! And it isn't just an entry-level device. It can handle entry-level to mid-level very well. We put ours through its paces and it passed with flying colors :)

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New to Podcasting? the Zoom PodTrak P4 solved all my problems.

I just wanted to connect two microphone to my computer. But the software and hardware solutions presented to me were far too complicated. Then I found the Zoom PodTrakP4.

I received my PodTrak P4 yesterday after. I had it up and running within minutes and did our first 6 minute program last night using two mics. What an awesome device. Before I found the P4, I had two mics connected to my PC. But that configuration had numerous issues to contend with. The P4 solved ALL my issues and provided features I did not even anticipate including the phone interface & sound pad.

Excellent sound quality in an easy to use package.

This little jewel works exactly as described. The sound quality is phenominal before post production edit. Zoom really nailed down the the ease of use with this device also. It's virtually plug-and-play. The built-in phantom power puts power where you need it with the flip of a switch. We use this unit with supplied power (5V USB-C) instead of batteries, so I can't say how long the battery life is. One fun feature this unit has is a 4 button sound pad that allows you to drop in pre-recorded audio with the touch of a button. Also, the on-board headphone control allows you to have four headsets connected with individual volume control. There are four high quality XLR micrphone inputs with individule mute buttons for those unexpected coughs or that sneeze that needs to be removed post-production. Need to take callers? The P4 Podtrak allows you to connect a phone or computer to an empty channel making long-distance recording a breeze. Overall, the PodTrak packs a lot of feature in a small package at a price point that can't be beat.

I'm still on trial.

Fun lil unit

It's a tiny audio recorder/interface, smaller than I thought. Super easy to use, and I've recorded with a friend a few times. Can use independently of course, without a PC. I use it with my MacBook - the P4 is set up for usb-c, but out and about just the AT-BPHS-1's and Podtrak P4, it's a great mobile studio. Four button sound effects, preloaded but easy to replace. Also useful for streaming, it has a lot of low-distortion headroom for gain. Not sure how it's work with phantom power, as I don't have any mics besides the BPHS-1's, might try the BPHS-2 as well. I have two 32 gb SD cards, way more than I'll use in a year. Zoom did a good job with this. It's heavy, built well enough to hold up in a sling bag. I'm happy. If I grow my podcast I'll get the bigger P8.

Great value for a multitrack recorder

This is awesome. Great sound. It records to Individual tracks. The phone call in feature is amazing. And being able to take phone calls live on this product makes this podcaster invaluable.

Just wish it had a 1/4" 20 thread to put on a tripod or lightstand.

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Amazing value!

If you're a podcaster who wants a recorder for location work, then this is your gadget. Just get it. The Zoom PodTrak P4 crams an incredible amount of functionality into a small, lightweight, and inexpensive device.

I did some quick testing with several mics - an EV RE320, a Rode PodMic, and a Shure MVL lav mic. I tested the EV and Rode mics with (and without) a Cloudlifter to determine if there was a noticeable difference in noise. I've just given the files a quick listen, and my initial impression is that the files were just as noise-free without an activator. I'll examine the files more closely using RX8 and update here if I discover something different.

Some people have commented about the build quality, and I'd have to agree with their concerns. The device is light and feels a bit fragile, so it will need to be babied. My H6, on the other hand, feels like it can take a beating. The H6 is quite a bit heavier and much more expensive, though.

Out of the box, my PodTrak had firmware version v1.1 installed. This firmware appears to have a bug where output files are timestamped incorrectly. This seems to have been corrected with version v1.2.

The PodTrak ships with 2 AA alkaline batteries. I burned through those in less than an hour or testing. I would recommend that you use a powerbank or wall outlet when using this device for anything important.

You'll need to do some careful weighing of pros and cons if you're trying to decide between a Zoom H5 or H6 and the PodTrak P4. You can get by with an H6 as a podcasting device, as it handles the most critical task well: simultaneous recording from multiple XLR mics. They both can function as computer audio interfaces. Some of the advantages of an "H" series device are:

* Available interchangeable high-quality mic capsules designed specifically for field recording with the "H" series (e.g., SSH-6 shotgun mic)

* Ships with an excellent X/Y mic

* More file format choices - 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16 or 24-bit

* Tripod mount

* More robust build

* Better display (larger, higher resolution, color)

* Doesn't create audio files for unused mic ports

* 5 or 6 mic inputs available

* Available remote control

Some advantages of the PodTrak are:

* Lots of preamp gain (apr 70dB); no need for Coudlifter or Fethead

* Smartphone input with mix-minus (for recording phone interviews)

* Four separate headphone outputs, each with a volume control

* Phantom power selection via physical switches

* 4-button soundpad with pre-loaded effects; output to a separate track

* USB-C ports for file charging and file transfers

* Automatically generates a stereo mix file

* Lightweight

A real RØDECaster Pro killer machine!

The best invention for those who want to make their own portable podcast. “Phenomenal” phantom power for 4 microphones (48V) with two AA batteries. Portable and easy to use + effects. Perfect for those who want to do radio in the XXI century. Only one BIG BAD thing: Cheap Plastic build!!!! But for 200 green US You get a lot. A real RØDECaster Pro killer!

Lots of features, lots of gain, lots of noise

"Noise" is relative. At first I thought the PodTrak P4 and my RE20 sounded really clean in my headphones as I recorded. I was delighted because I bought the P4 specifically to use with the RE20. But the joy didn't last.

When I was recording I had an LED light for video on which has a "whisper quiet" fan (aka "whisper loud" fan), making it hard to discern what noise was ambient and what noise was from the PodTrak P4's pre-amp. So I muted the RE20 and unmuted the unused mic inputs, all dialed to the same gain I was using with the RE20, 7.5. Uhg. Lots of hiss. There could be an issue with inputs that aren't connected to mics (I didn't have any 150 ohm dummy loads handy), but the noise is amplifier hiss, not hum, so I don't think that is the issue. And the noise isn't subtle. It's something your audience will notice. You don't need to be in quiet control room or listening on headphones to hear it. You can hear it over laptop speakers in a room with an air purifier running. It's that loud, even with the gain for the mics set to just 7.5, and not maxed out. 7.5 should be about 53 dB of gain if the pots are linear, and that's on the lower of end of the gain you'd expect for an RE20. See the video for sample audio (audio recorded on the P4 and synced with cellphone video in Premiere).

Zoom advertises the P4 as "Providing up to 70dB of gain, the P4 can be used with the most demanding microphones", implying that you can use the P4 with with popular low output dynamic broadcast mics like the Electrovoice RE20 and the Sure SM7B without having to buy a separate $150 "cloud lifter" pre-amp. And indeed, the P4 has gain to spare when used with my RE-20. But that gain comes with a fair bit of noise, which literally adds up when you are using more than one mic at the same time, as you would do with multiple hosts and/or guests on a podcast.

They are more than enough for typical remote podcast recording and streaming. 4 inputs. Built in limiter on each. Phantom power available on all 4 mic inputs. Cell phone call-in guest interface (hardwired, bluetooth adapter optional) with mix minus. Separate volume control for 4 headphone outs. Configurable audio pads. 2 in/2 out USB interface. Always records a stereo mix down track and separate iso tracks, which is great for editing in post, especially with call ins. But you can't select which iso tracks are recorded - it's always all of them and not a feature you can turn off. The P4 is made to be easy to use and relatively goofproof, so options are limited.

Caveats would be that this is definitely for podcasting, and not a great choice for other recording applications. It only records in 44.1 kHz/16-bit, which is "CD quality" and fine for podcasting but is a lower sampling rate and bit depth than professionals typically use to record music, higher end voice work and video. So it might not even be a good enough interface for recording professional VOs, especially with the noise at higher gain levels. It would also be less than perfect for recording audio for video, which is frequently recorded at 48 kHz or better. (That and it doesn't have time code.)

Overall, I wish the P4 was quieter. I wish it had higher sampling and bit rates available. And, so long as I'm wishing, I wish it had a built-in compressor for a more "broadcast" sound out of the box for streaming. And maybe a larger screen for the meters or led peak lights - it's hard to set levels on such a small screen. But then it wouldn't be $200.

Bottom line:

Zoom packed a lot of great podcasting features into a compact, easy to use $200 unit. But it is a $200 unit, not a miracle device, so don't expect more of it than you should expect for the price.

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