The Zoom PodTrak P8 is a portable, all-in-one audio recorder and mixer designed for podcasting, interviews, panel discussions, and other audio-production projects. It features six microphone inputs, six headphone outputs, a touchscreen interface, and nine programmable sound pads for adding music, sound effects, or other audio clips during recording.
To record, microphones are connected to the P8 using XLR cables, and headphones are plugged into the individual monitoring outputs. Users can adjust microphone levels, apply audio processing, and monitor recordings through the touchscreen and physical controls. Audio is recorded directly to an SD card, with the option to record individual tracks for editing or create a stereo mix. The P8 can also function as a USB audio interface when connected to a computer.
Compatible Equipment & Software
The PodTrak P8 works with dynamic and compatible condenser microphones, XLR cables, headphones, and SDHC or SDXC memory cards. It provides switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones that require it. The P8 can connect to compatible Windows and Mac computers through USB for use with audio-recording and editing software such as Audacity or Adobe Audition.
The recorder also supports remote interviews using a compatible smartphone connection or USB-connected computer, with a mix-minus feature that helps prevent callers from hearing their own voices as echoes.
Before You Begin
Turn down microphone and headphone levels before connecting equipment or beginning a recording. Keep liquids away from the recorder and avoid pulling on connected cables.
Always perform a short test recording to check audio levels, microphone placement, and recording settings before beginning an important session.
New to podcasting? Start with one microphone and headphones to practice setting input gain, monitoring audio, and recording to an SD card. Once comfortable, experiment with multiple microphones, sound pads, and individual track recording for more complex productions.
