You can hear examples of this in the audio samples below. Though the limiter function removes the worry that you’ll end up with distorted, clipped audio, it has a major downside. And here is the voiceover recording with the same settings as above (no limiter, input level set to 7+): PodTrak P4 + EV RE20 Mic – Limiter Off, Input Level 7+, Voiceover Remote guest audio samples (phone-in and Zoom)

The PodTrak P4 is designed to be compact and portable. So you can record everywhere and anywhere. Intuitive Another major pro of the PodTrak P4 is how intuitive and easy it is to use. Disadvantages of Zoom PodTrak P4 Plastic build First are recordings I made on my computer with my standard audio interface, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. All of these recordings will have a “noise only” sample, as well as me reading some text. BTW, I adjusted the levels of all these recordings to be the same. That way the volume won’t be a factor when comparing. This is especially true of the noise. Audio from Rode NT2-A large diaphragm condenser mic This is fantastic! Just make sure the input level is loud ENOUGH by testing and watching the meters on the face of the device. And you don’t have to ever worry about something being too loud. I wish more recording interface units had this function. Note: Using channel 3 and 4 for remote interviews leaves you with only channel 1 and 2 for microphones. So you can do 4 microphones for host + 4 in-person guests. Or you could have 3 mics with one remote guest, or 2 mics with 2 remote guests. Customizable sound pads

Features

You really can do either. But for out-of-office, I think the Podtrak would be easiest to deal with and your best bet. You can plug a phone into that. Plus you don’t need a computer. You cannot plug a phone into an interface. At least not without jumping through a lot of hoops with adapters and things. You can plug microphones and headphones into either thing (PodTrak or interface). Keep in mind that for both the Podtrak or an interface, you need standard XLR mics. You can’t use USB mics. You can have 4 in-person mics, 3 in-person mics, and one remote guest, or 2 in-person mics and 2 remote guests. 4 Headphone outputs with individual volume control are built in to the Podtrak P4. The File Transfer menu allows you to transfer your recordings to a computer when connected to a computer via USB. The Settings Menu The Rode is a condenser mic and so needs phantom power. That means you have to turn on the phantom power switch on the PodTrak.

I recorded these sound samples with the Rode Procaster, Shure SM58, and Samson Q2Umics. No post-processing has been applied, so you’ll be able to hear the audio exactly as it was recorded. I also included a snippet of a phone call recording, where you’ll hear some riveting chat about sound blankets. Zoom PodTrak P4 Review: Summary Zoom have a fantastic reputation in the audio world. The release of the P4 will only go to further cement their place as one of the podcasters’ favourites. It’s great to see podcast-specific gear like this being released. After all, this trend means it’s going to become easier and easier to record studio-quality audio content. It’s another big step towards accessibility for all. And here is the voice recording with the same situation (limiter turned OFF/input level 5) – PodTrak + Rode. PodTrak P4 + Rode NT2-A – No Limiter, Input Level 5, Voiceover Audio samples from Electro-Voice RE20 Broadcast Dynamic mic With four headphone outputs with individual volume controls, everyone can monitor their own audio at their preferred volume. Call-in remote guestsIn the menu under mic settings, you have the option for a low-cut filter or a limiter. What is a low-cut filter? The P4 is powered by 2 AA batteries and will last for several hours before needing a battery change. As I mentioned earlier, I can rarely use my excellent RE20 mic because it takes so much power to drive it. One of the great things about the PodTrak is that it has plenty of power for the RE20. The audio below is the “noise-only” version of that recording. Note how much less noisy (average of -65.07) this is compared to the one above with the limiter on (but set to input level 8). PodTrak P4 + Rode NT2-A – No Limiter, Input Level 5, Noise Only