Zoom PodTrak P4
Four XLR inputs, battery power, and mix-minus built in
Best for: In-person multi-host podcast shows of two to four people who want a portable, purpose-built solution
Check price on AmazonThe Zoom PodTrak P4 is a compact podcast recorder and interface with four XLR inputs, each with its own gain knob and mute switch plus switchable 48V phantom power. Four independent 3.5mm headphone outputs give every host their own monitor mix, and the built-in mix-minus eliminates echo on phone and Bluetooth calls. It runs on two AA batteries, records to SD card in WAV or MP3, and doubles as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface.
Key features
- 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
Our take
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 is recording resolution - 16-bit/44.1 kHz is adequate but not premium, and the 2-in/2-out USB interface is underpowered compared to dedicated interfaces. If you need a portable four-person recording rig on a tight budget, this is the answer.
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
