Zoom PodTrak P8: eight-channel podcast recorder with 6 microphone inputs and individual-track recording
The Zoom PodTrak P8 is an eight-channel podcast recorder. We recently reviewed the PodTrak P4 from the same range, with four microphone inputs and a portable-recorder format. The PodTrak P8 instead resembles a mixer, adding six phantom-powered microphone inputs, faders, touchscreen controls, hardware processing and individual-track recording.
Recorders, especially portable ones, often have unusual interfaces that take time to learn. The PodTrak P8 is different. It avoids unnecessary complexity, and its large touchscreen makes operation convenient and intuitive.
PodTrak P8 specifications
| Inputs | |
| 6 microphone inputs | XLR sockets |
| Smartphone / ZOOM BTA-2 Bluetooth adapter connection | Four-contact mini-jack (TRRS) |
| Impedance | 3 kohms, XLR 3 kohms, TRRS |
| Gain | 0 to +70 dB |
| Maximum input level | +5 dBu (XLR) +2,5 dBu (XLR) |
| Phantom power | +48 V |
| Outputs | |
| Line output | Balanced TRS |
| 6 headphone outputs | 3.5 mm mini-jack |
| Impedance | 320 ohms, TRS 27 ohms, headphones |
| Audio interface | |
| Connections | USB 2.0 ( Type-C) |
| Modes | 16-bit, 44 kHz |
| Available channels | 2 inputs, 2 outputs |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz–20 kHz at -1 dB, 44.1 kHz mode |
| EIN at maximum gain | –124 dBu |
| Recorder | |
| Formats | 16-bit/44 kHz mono/stereo WAV |
| Supported SD cards | 4–32 GB SDHC cards, Class 10 or faster 64–512 GB SDXC cards, Class 10 or faster |
| Available processing | LowCut, Limiter, Comp/DeEss, Tone |
| Supported SD cards | 4–32 GB SDHC cards, Class 10 or faster 64–512 GB SDXC cards, Class 10 or faster |
| Other specifications | |
| Display | 4-inch touchscreen LCD, 480 × 272 pixels |
| Power supply | 5 V / 1 A adapter or 4 AA batteries |
| Estimated battery life recording four tracks to SD at 16-bit/44 kHz, +48 V off |
2 hours, alkaline 3.5 hours, 1900 mAh NiMH 6.5 hours, lithium |
| Mixer dimensions | 295 × 248 × 61 mm |
| Weight |
1.43 kg |
The PodTrak P8 looks like a normal mixer. Connections are at the top, with channel faders below.
Six XLR microphone inputs support +48 V phantom power. Each has its own switch for dynamic or condenser operation. Like the four-channel PodTrak P4, the P8 uses high-quality preamps with a large 70 dB gain range. Even demanding dynamic microphones should work well and produce professional results.
A smartphone can accept calls or provide another audio source. Mix-Minus prevents return audio from creating problems during calls. Connection is possible through a four-contact mini-jack or Bluetooth with the optional Zoom BTA-2 adapter.
A computer can also provide audio. Channel 6 has a return mode that routes computer sound to this input.
Six headphone outputs let every podcast participant hear the result. All receive the master signal but have independent volume. Each channel also has ON AIR, allowing off-air communication without removing headphones. It removes the selected channel from the master bus while keeping it in headphone monitoring. The P8 also has 8 pads for jingles and background music, assignable to WAV files at 16/24-bit and 44 kHz.
The bright touchscreen is a highlight, showing meters and all required settings.
All mixer-channel levels appear together, each with a dB scale and clipping indication. The top shows remaining recording time or elapsed time during recording.
Tap a channel icon to open input settings.
Each microphone input has a low-cut filter, EQ and compressor/de-esser. A limiter prevents overload. Detailed parameters are hidden; one intensity slider keeps operation simple.
Noise Reduction lowers noise from currently unused microphones. The same tab selects recording modes. OFF records the podcast as one stereo track. Original Data also records individual channels before faders and effects. With Tone & Comp saves both master and individual tracks after faders, including settings and effects.
A dedicated menu assigns pads, volume and playback mode. One Shot plays a jingle from beginning to end. Pause allows stopping and resuming for explanations or comments. Loop repeats background music. Hold repeats an effect while the pad is pressed. Four sample-assignment presets can be stored for quick changes. For easier identification, pads can use different colours.
Battery operation includes remaining-time calculation. Select the battery type for better accuracy. Screen brightness can also be reduced to save power.
Power can come from a 5 V adapter, computer USB, smartphone charger or batteries.
The rear has a compartment for four AA batteries. Estimated running times for different types appear in the specifications.
USB Type-C connects a computer or mobile device.
Like other Zoom recorders, it records to SDHC and SDXC cards. Class 10 speed or higher is required. A built-in read/write speed test is recommended before important recording sessions.
The P8 can edit recorded files. Waveform display supports trimming, fades, adding or deleting markers, normalization and even background music with later MP3 conversion. It is useful to do these simple tasks directly, without transferring files or opening separate software.
No dedicated P8 drivers are supplied. The system sees a standard two-channel recording/playback device at 16-bit/44 kHz.
The PodTrak P8 is based on an ARM processor, TI the STM32F091. Hardware processing uses the DSP TI TMS320.
Conversion uses an eight-channel AKM AK4359 DAC, with 106 dB dynamic range and 94 dB THD+N.
Four two-channel AKM AK5720 ADCs provide 102 dB signal-to-noise ratio and -94 dB THD+N.
We have repeatedly praised Zoom recorder preamps. Both the PodTrak P4 and P8 record well. Dynamic and condenser microphones gave satisfying results. Even without detailed parameter controls, hardware processing works well and can produce professional sound.
Conclusions
The Zoom PodTrak P8 is a more advanced version of the four-channel Zoom PodTrak P4 with more functions and better control. Simplicity and convenience are major strengths. A bright touchscreen, proper faders, many microphone inputs, six headphone outputs and hardware processing make the P8 attractive. Multitrack recording and battery operation add to its advantages.
Note. This is an adapted machine translation into English. It follows the “In simple terms” approach. Read the original article at https://prosound.ixbt.com/interfaces/zoom-p8.shtml.