Behringer Xenyx Q802USB vs Zoom PodTrak P8
A side-by-side look at Behringer Xenyx Q802USB and Zoom PodTrak P8 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
An 8-channel mixer with built-in USB audio - more than an interface
See site
Check price on Amazon
Zoom PodTrak P8
Six XLR inputs, battery power, and a touchscreen - built for ambitious podcasts
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Behringer Xenyx Q802USB | Zoom PodTrak P8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters who want physical faders, onboard EQ and compression, and the ability to mix multiple sources before sending to a computer | Podcasters who run large panels, record in the field, or need to capture every guest on a separate track without a computer |
Key features
Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
- 2 XLR mic inputs with XENYX preamps and optional 48V phantom power
- 8-input, 2-bus analog architecture
- One-knob compressor per mono channel
- British-style 3-band EQ on mono channels
- USB 2.0 stereo audio interface (summed mix to USB)
- Main mix, 2-track, and headphone outputs
Zoom PodTrak P8
- 6 XLR inputs with up to 70 dB of gain and selectable 48V phantom power
- 6 independent 3.5 mm headphone outputs with individual level controls
- 4.3-inch color touchscreen display
- 9 sound pads with 4 banks (36 total clips)
- Records up to 13 simultaneous tracks to SD card
- Battery powered (AA cells), USB audio interface, phone/TRRS input
Pros and cons
Behringer Xenyx Q802USB
Pros
- Physical faders and knobs for hands-on mixing control
- Built-in compressors reduce the need for software dynamics plugins
- British EQ tonality adds character for voice applications
- Can integrate a phone, tablet, and multiple mics simultaneously
Cons
- USB sends only a stereo sum - no multitrack recording
- Preamp quality is adequate, not outstanding
- Analog mixer form factor takes more desk space than a compact interface
Zoom PodTrak P8
Pros
- Six XLR inputs - largest input count at this price point
- Battery operation for field recording without AC power
- Six independent headphone mixes per guest
- Touchscreen interface is intuitive for live session management
Cons
- 16-bit / 44.1 kHz recording only - lower resolution than most interfaces
- 3.5 mm headphone jacks (not 1/4") - more fragile under heavy use
- Heavier and bulkier than studio-only interfaces of similar input count
The verdict
Choose Behringer Xenyx Q802USB if
Podcasters who want physical faders, onboard EQ and compression, and the ability to mix multiple sources before sending to a computer.
The Q802USB sits in a different category from a pure audio interface - it's an analog mixer that adds USB connectivity. That means you get real faders, per-channel EQ knobs, and hardware compressors you can adjust while recording. For someone…
Choose Zoom PodTrak P8 if
Podcasters who run large panels, record in the field, or need to capture every guest on a separate track without a computer.
The PodTrak P8 is the device for anyone who has outgrown four-input consoles or needs to record away from a desk. Six XLR inputs means a five-guest roundtable is possible - something almost nothing else in this price range can…