PreSonus Studio 24c vs Zoom PodTrak P4
A side-by-side look at PreSonus Studio 24c and Zoom PodTrak P4 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
PreSonus Studio 24c
USB-C upgrade over the AudioBox with 192 kHz and cleaner preamps
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Zoom PodTrak P4
Four XLR inputs, battery power, and mix-minus built in
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| PreSonus Studio 24c | Zoom PodTrak P4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit | In-person multi-host podcast shows of two to four people who want a portable, purpose-built solution |
Key features
PreSonus Studio 24c
- USB-C bus powered
- MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
- 2 XMAX-L combo XLR/TRS inputs with 48V phantom power
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters, 115 dB dynamic range
- Independent headphone output with volume control
- Bundles Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plugin suite
Zoom PodTrak P4
- 4 XLR inputs with individual gain, mute, and switchable 48V phantom power
- 4 independent 3.5mm headphone outputs with individual volume controls
- Built-in mix-minus for echo-free remote guest recording (phone / USB)
- Records WAV and MP3 to SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 512 GB
- Battery powered (2 AA) or USB-C power - fully portable
- 4 sound pads for jingles, ads, and sound effects
Pros and cons
PreSonus Studio 24c
Pros
- USB-C native - works with modern laptops without adapters
- XMAX-L preamps are clean and transparent
- MIDI I/O included
- Strong software bundle for the price
Cons
- Two inputs only - same limit as AudioBox
- Plastic chassis is less durable than the AudioBox steel body
- Less brand recognition than Focusrite at the same price
Zoom PodTrak P4
Pros
- Four XLR inputs and four headphone outputs at an entry-level price point
- Truly portable with battery power and compact footprint
- Mix-minus works reliably out of the box for phone and remote guest recording
Cons
- 16-bit/44.1 kHz recording ceiling is not audiophile grade
- USB interface is 2-in/2-out only, limiting DAW multitrack workflows
The verdict
Choose PreSonus Studio 24c if
Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit.
The Studio 24c is the answer to everyone who asked PreSonus to put a USB-C port on the AudioBox. The XMAX-L preamps are quieter and more transparent than the older design, 192 kHz conversion is now standard, and the 115…
Choose Zoom PodTrak P4 if
In-person multi-host podcast shows of two to four people who want a portable, purpose-built solution.
For what it costs, the P4 is a ridiculous amount of podcast recorder. Four XLR inputs and four independent headphone outs at this price makes every competitor look padded. Battery operation means you can take it anywhere. The real limitation…