The Zoom PodTrak P8 is an easy - to - use podcast recorder that can handle even the most ambitious podcasts. It's your all - in - one podcast studio with functions for recording, editing, and mixing. The color touchscreen interface allows for seamless monitoring, adjustment, and onboard editing. With just a touch, you can access everything you need. The Mic Preamp Slider helps you set the right level or gain for each mic, ensuring the signal stays in the 'Good Range' to avoid distortion. The Limiter prevents sound distortion when the volume suddenly spikes. The Low Cut reduces low - frequency noise from various sources like air - conditioning and street sounds. The Tone Adjustment can make your voice sound darker or brighter, and the Compressor/DeEsser gives your voice more presence for a professional studio sound. In the On Air screen, select Noise Reduction to cut background noise. The P8's touchscreen can be set in six languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Japanese. Its color - coded inputs, outputs, and controls make on - the - fly adjustments a cinch. It features six top - notch mic inputs for crystal - clear audio, and can handle demanding microphones with up to 70dB of gain. There's a dedicated channel for recording phone calls, and channel six can switch to USB mode for recording guests via computer, both with a Mix - Minus feature to prevent echo. The On Air Button lets you listen through headphones without recording or playing audio through speakers or USB during sidebar conversations. Use the optional Zoom BTA - 2 Bluetooth Receiver to connect your phone wirelessly for recording remote guests. With nine multi - colored sound pads, you can add sound effects, intro music, and more to boost production value. The P8 has six independent headphone outputs with individual volume control and main outputs for studio monitors. Onboard editing allows you to trim, split, and fade audio clips, and you can transfer files to your computer for final mixing. It can record for up to 2 hours on four AA batteries or use a USB power supply. It also functions as an audio interface via its USB - C port. Key features include a full - color LCD touchscreen, simultaneous recording of up to 13 tracks, six mic inputs with XLR connectors and optional phantom power, and more.
Using the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a breeze. First, set up your microphones using the Mic Preamp Slider to adjust the level or gain. Make sure the signal stays in the 'Good Range' to avoid distortion. If you're using a demanding microphone like the Shure SM7B, the P8 can handle it with its high gain. For phone call recording, use the dedicated channel, and switch channel six to USB mode to record guests from a computer. Remember to turn on the Mix - Minus feature to prevent echo. When you're ready to record, press the appropriate buttons. You can use the color - coded inputs and outputs to quickly make adjustments. The touchscreen interface makes it easy to monitor and edit your recording. Use the Tone Adjustment and Compressor/DeEsser to enhance your voice. For background noise reduction, select the Noise Reduction option in the On Air screen. You can also add sound effects and music using the nine sound pads. When it comes to power, you can use four AA batteries for up to 2 hours of recording, or connect a USB power supply for extended use. After recording, you can use the onboard editing to trim, split, and fade audio clips, or transfer the files to your computer for final mixing. As for maintenance, keep the device clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and humidity. When not in use, store it in a safe place. If you're using SD cards, make sure they are of the right specification (SDHC class 10 or higher for 4 - 32GB, SDXC class 10 or higher for 64 - 512GB). And always use a USB cable that supports data transfer when connecting the device to a computer.
