Zoom PodTrak P8 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder

Form Factor	Tabletop
Channels of I/O	Analog: 8 Inputs / 2 Outputs at 44.1 kHz
Max Sample Rate/Resolution	44.1 kHz / 16-Bit
Number of Mic Preamps	6
Input Level Adjustment	6 x via Touchscreen
Number of Headphone Mixes	1 x Master 5 x Guest
Solo/Mute	Mute per Input Channel
Pad	None
Sample Pads	9 x Assignable
Display and Indicators	1 x Touchscreen (Menu Navigation, Metering, Multifunction) 8 x LEDs (Mute)

Connectivity

Host Connection	1 x USB Type-C (Class-Compliant USB 2.0)
Phantom Power	+48 V, Selectable On/Off (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Digital I/O	None
Memory Card Slot	1 x SDXC

Performance

Frequency Response	20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB (at 44.1 kHz)
Gain/Trim Range	Mic Inputs: 0 dB to +70 dB
Max Input Level	XLR Mic Inputs: +5 dBu (at 0 dBFS) 1/8" / 3.5 mm Aux Inputs: +2.5 dBu
Max Output Level	Monitor Outputs: +5.5 dBu
Headphone Output Power	20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance	XLR Mic Inputs: 3 Kilohms 1/8" / 3.5 mm Aux Inputs: 3 Kilohms 1/4" Monitor Outputs: 320 Ohms 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs: 27 Ohms
EIN	-124 dBu (150-Ohm Source, +70 dB Gain)

Digital Audio

Sample Rates	44.1 kHz
Bit Depths	16-Bit

Compatibility

OS Compatibility	macOS Windows iOS
Compatible Software (Not Included)	Any Core Audio Compliant Software
Included Software	None
Required Hardware	Available USB 2.0 Port USB Cable (Not Included)

Power

Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Included), Battery, or USB Bus Power
AC/DC Power Adapter	5 VDC at 1 A
Power Consumption	5 W
Battery Type	4 x AA
Approximate Battery Life	2 Hours (AA Alkaline, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones) 3.5 Hours (AA NiMH, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones) 6.5 Hours (AA Lithium, Phantom Off, Recording, with Headphones)

Purpose-built for recording, editing, and producing polished multi-person podcasts anywhere you go without the need for a computer, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a portable multitrack podcast recorder that lets you quickly record up to six mics, handle 2 echo-free remote call-ins simultaneously, trigger sound samples, and provide separate headphone feeds for all your guests, all at the same time and with refreshing simplicity, thanks to the large full-color LCD touchscreen.

From the intuitive, tactile controls to the powerful audio processing and editing functions, the PodTrak P8 is well equipped to help you record, stream, and export pristine audio for complex panel podcasts. Dynamic and condenser mics, customizable sound pads, call-ins via your smartphone or computer, and independent headphone outs; the PodTrak P8 can manage everything you need a podcast production station to do.

Extra touches including per-channel tone controls, compression/de-essing, limiters, low-cut filters, and noise reduction—all stellar tools for achieving professional-sounding tracks, an integrated mix-minus function to prevent echo and feedback for remote guests, and multiple powering methods make the PodTrak P8 a truly powerful all-in-one solution for podcasting.

PodTrack P8 vs P4

How does the PodTrak P8 differ from the smaller PodTrak P4? The P8 is made to handle even more complex podcasts with even more people. The P8 packs in more mic preamps, more headphone outputs (plus speaker outputs), more sound pads, more ways to sweeten your signal, a set of fluid editing functions, and a large 4.3" full-color touchscreen for intuitive access to all tweakable settings. Plus, with the P8, you can edit and export full podcasts without ever touching a computer.

Six High-Gain Mic Inputs

Whether you rely on announcer-style dynamic microphones such as the Zoom ZDM-1 (available separately) or prefer the sheen of crisp condenser mics, the PodTrak P8's six mic preamps are up to the task. Each features a balanced XLR input jack, selectable +48V phantom power, and up to 70 dB of gain, plenty of boost to ensure optimal recording levels with all kinds of mics, such as the venerable Shure SM7B.

Headphone Mixes for You and All Your Guests

Outfitted with six 3.5mm stereo headphone outputs, the PodTrak P8 can provide you and your guests with independent headphone mixes, each with its own color-coded level control below the color-matched headphone jack. No matter the scenario—an exclusive interview or a raucous panel podcast, everyone will be able to clearly hear what's going on.

For optimal configuration in your home studio, the PodTrak P8 also has two balanced 1/4" speaker outputs with a dedicated volume control; just plug them into a pair of active monitors, turn up the volume, and listen away.

From the large, informative color display and user-friendly controls to the flexible powering options and precision timecode functionality, the F6 is properly equipped to please novices and demanding veterans alike. Whether you need long-duration stereo recording for an interview, redundant capture of multi-mic setups for a video shoot, or Ambisonics sound files for virtual reality and 360-audio projects, the F6 has the modes, resolutions, and media support to handle your crucial audio tasks.Plus, its operational versatility ensures that the F6 will always enhance your workflow, be it simple, complex, or always changing. You can feel confident using it as your main recorder, a USB audio interface for your dedicated computer rig, or a backup unit for added safety.

 

32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Digital Clipping

The F6 is designed to handle the reality of real-world dynamics. Since source levels can change unexpectedly, you need a system that can capture everything from pin-drop quiet to roaring loud without compromise or clipping. With 32-bit float resolution and dual-path A/D converters, the F6 delivers immense dynamic range to cover the audible spectrum with ease. Digital clipping is a thing of the past.

Configurable Recording Settings for Any Situation

The F6 boasts a slew of recording modes and resolutions to choose from—record all six inputs at a maximum resolution of 192 kHz in 24-bit linear or 32-bit float, or (thanks to Zoom's dual-path A/D converters) record them simultaneously in at up to 96 kHz in 24-bit and 32-bit float while printing a stereo mix.

Versatile Multitrack Modes

Maximize portability by recording directly to an SD/SDHC/SDXC card (available separately) for up to 512GB of storage space. Select MP3 format if you're only recording the stereo mix and really need extended time and minimal file size. Using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility, you can run the F6 in 6-track mode (six inputs recorded in 24-bit or 32-bit float), or 14-track mode (six inputs recorded in 24-bit and 32-bit float, plus a stereo mix). Or select Ambisonics mode to capture four channels of Ambisonics-compatible audio and have two channels to spare for traditional mics.

Audio Interface Functionality

Alternatively, use the F6 as a 6-in/4-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. Connect it to your computer, launch your preferred audio recording program, then enjoy the combination of the F6's premium mic preamps and A/D converters, plus the familiarity and features of your favorite software. For safe, redundant recording at up to 48 kHz, it is possible to operate the F6 as an audio interface while recording to an SD card.