PodTrack P4 Full Setup Guide and Using with Riverside

[@chiefmcconnell]

Amaze!!! finally seeing a review on this little gem. Its what ive been using pretty much since day 2. day 1 my audio sucked. Day two i bought an xlr mic and this guy. Now I am able to stream on my laptop and my phone using the BT adapter. one day i will upgrade but right now i can see why a 700$ device is any more useful. and this guys is travel ready and battery powered for those remote af shoots.

[@Riversidefm]

Great to hear it's been a game changer for you! Powerful little device for sure.

[@garynolandoldermanstronger6400]

Thanks you this was much needed. I will have to save this for future reference though….. I will definitely need a refresher course

[@Riversidefm]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@914Wired]

Been using P4 for months with Riverside. You've shown my exact setup. I use the P4 sound pad for intro music. I've used track 3 with a mobile phone - that works too. For $150 that thing is a wonder. Use P4 with Samson Q2U mic and the barrier to entry is fairly low for good quality audio. Thanks.

[@Riversidefm]

It's powerful little device! Glad it's been working for you

[@vincentr3501]

Hi, Can you confirm that if I connect my iPhone to the PodTrak P4, I will be able to record on the Riverside app using the iPhone’s video and the XLR-connected microphones on the PodTrak for audio? Thanks in advance 😊

[@Riversidefm]

We did test that on iOS 17 and it should still work today (sorry we don't have it at the moment otherwise we'd test again).

[@SteveWhite2100]

Hello, thanks for the video! I will be doing zoom-style podcast/interviews. On multiple videos, I'm told to set mic4 to USB. When I set mic4 to USB I can not get any sound levels on the device and the test recording on Riverside fails to have sound. When I change mic4 to the middle switch(mic) it seems to work fine. So my question is can I still do zoom style podcast? I'm just trying to figure out why I was told to set mic4 to USB. Thanks so much!

[@Riversidefm]

Can you describe what you mean by "Zoom style" podcast? And how many mics are you attaching to the P4? If Mic4 works on the middle switch, I'd suggest keep it like that!

[@SteveWhite2100]

@@Riversidefm I just mean I'll be doing interviews on Zoom. I only have one mic attached. I sent Zoom a message but both you and another youtube person(Rich Cardona) said to set it to USB. HIs video was specific about how to use doing zoom. Anyhow, I'll give it a try so my next question is how can I use Riverside and zoom at the same time? Can you point me to a video if you have one on this? Thanks!

[@wonthedoituk]

Question, if I have a usb c hub to connect to my iPhone, can the sd card be put into the usb c hub and store the audio from the zoom p4 and the video from the iPhone ?

[@Riversidefm]

Hey, no it won’t work that way. But if you use the Riverside app, the audio and video is uploaded to your dashboard and you don’t have to worry about phone storage!

[@kunstklappers]

I thought the p4 records at 44.1 instead of 48 which will cause audio drift to the video when recording longer episodes??

[@Riversidefm]

As long as your Riverside studio is set to 48 you should be fine!

[@Caveman.nutritionist]

What about if I want to record on my iPhone directly for three people and a remote guest?

[@Riversidefm]

In-Person and hybrid setups can be a challenge, but we walk through the process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXyUpKydprKeiJosi=TtbDDhw0iFgebG-m

[@BradfordJohnsonMoi]

Would like to see you tube tutorial on using the zoom H6 essential recorder as an audio interface (connecting to MacBook Pro using Riverside) with 2-3 XLR dynamic for 2-3 in person guests. Have tried using the aforementioned with Riverside and cannot get it (set up) correctly - thank you.

[@Riversidefm]

Will add that to the list! You may need to use Audio Hijack or Loopback with that kind of setup. I have a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCkY3iuaKamea8si=HjNMy-wPIiGd20tR

[@seangeekandfastfretpodcast]

Here is something i haven't found an answer on yet... Is there a way for the effects buttons to be heard by our guests over Riverside?

[@Riversidefm]

For that we would recommend uploading your effects, sounds, and other clips into the media board in the Riverside studio! When played from there, all guests will hear them.

[@CloverSerenity]

Does the podtrak p4 be connected to iPhone?

[@Riversidefm]

If you have a USB-C iPhone, that *should* work. We tested with iOS 17 and would test again now but we don't have it at the moment. Sorry about that!

[@judyjones7929]

I have the Podtrak 4 and interview a guest with his separate mic. When I uploaded my SD card, I thought the track would meld and I could edit them. However, even with my Shure mics, there was bleed. I've uploaded this interview and don't know how to meld these tracks together for my podcast I'm trying to start. Help, please

[@Riversidefm]

Mic bleed is going to be an issue whenever recording in-person, we have some tips to mitigate that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoutZWNuj6eUaqMsi=Txqkgk5cPEdAjzNZ

[@colorofdust]

The problem I have with the PodTrak used with Riverside is an echo. I have the mixminus on, and I'm using headphones. However, my remote guests and I still hear an echo. I really like the PodTrak, and I really love Riverside, too--but I can't seem to get them to work together without an echo. The only temporary "fix" I am able to do is put on the "echo cancellation" button via Riverside while recording with my remote guests (all the guests have to have it on). I do not have the echo problem when I use another interface, like Scarlett (but I prefer the PodTrak). Any ideas? I tried plugging my headphones into my Mac directly, but that didn't work, either. Also, I'm using the Shure SM7B mic. Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@colorofdust]

all my guests have headphones on, too, by the way.

[@Riversidefm]

When you plug your headphones into the Mac, what speak out output are you choosing?

[@colorofdust]

@@Riversidefm good question, I don’t know. I didn’t realize there was a choice.

[@colorofdust]

@@Riversidefm oh, i think I know what you mean, I probably choose the podtrak

[@andrewserrata1813]

The Zoom Podtrak doesn't show up in Riverside. I'm connecting it to a MacBook Pro. I'll keep playing with it.

[@Riversidefm]

Do other applications see it? Can you choose it from the audio system settings?

[@andrewserrata1813]

@Riversidefm I got it working, the problem was a USB-C adapter I was using. I bought another one and it works fine. Thank you for getting back to me.

[@hetjuridischcafe]

We've always used the P4 for our audio podcast. It's an in-person podcast with three persons. If we'd record three camera angles (with iPhones) on Riverside, how do we get the three seperate audiotracks from de SD card to Riverside for editing? Or can we only use the unedited output file that has been recorded straight into Riverside?

[@Riversidefm]

Unfortunately the latter is the case. Alternatively, if you send each audio track out of the headphone outputs to each mobile device with just that person's mic, then you would get separate tracks in Riverside.

[@freelyroaming]

That is a pretty cool piece of gear. Might have to get one to try!

[@Riversidefm]

It's pretty great and an excellent value!

[@bodymindandintegrity]

would you be able to use this why recording with 3 different iphones?

[@Riversidefm]

You wouldn't be able to send audio to 3 different iPhones, but you can sync everything up later in an external editor!

[@faizaliqbal2284]

can i have 4 mics running at the same time via phone?

[@Riversidefm]

They will all be combined into a single track if recording with Riverside. And depending on the P4 settings, only the first two mics may be heard. Definitely do a test run before an actual recording.

[@wealthyspaces1131]

im not able to find podtrak 4 coming up to choose before recording in the studio why is that?

[@Riversidefm]

Are you on a Mac or PC? And do you see it in other applications as an option?

[@markjalapeno8674]

@@Riversidefm following - I have the same issue. If you google it, this seems to be a larger problem

[@tkidd250]

If I record on the Podtrack P4 can I upload the raw audio in Riverside to edit in the editor?

[@Riversidefm]

You can, but only a single track. You're unable to upload multiple tracks to Riverside for editing at this time.

[@Komfortonset]

I’m building a podcast pelican case that I’m going to send in the mail to people. It’s a 10th gen iPad and vocaster 2 and 2x sm7db it doesn’t sound good. I’m planning on putting a p4 in the case instead. I wish the riverside app let you choose your mic and speaker like the website. I can’t even get to the riverside website on safari without it telling me to use the app and only the app.

[@Riversidefm]

We hear you, and we wish the IPad would allow interface or input switching, but that’s just not something iPadOS allows for apps like ours. You may want to look into mics like the Shure MV7 for a set up like that as well since the SM7B can be gain-needy and a bit finicky.

[@skaboosh]

so we can't stop it recording 4 tracks alway? We can mute the inputs but it always records 4 tracks.

[@Riversidefm]

That's correct, I don't think there's a way to disable them

[@cineffect]

Hopefully in an update, although I suspect Zoom will be releasing a P4 Essential version soon with 32bit float recording.

[@TimonRoyer]

How do I upload the multitrack audio back into Riverside? Also you mentioned that it’s a limitation of the P4 USB that it doesn’t offer multitrack audio. But it also seems that Riverside in general can’t handle multiple audio tracks or devices for multiple local guests when using just one Mac or PC. I’ve run into similar limitation with the Wireless GO II.

[@Riversidefm]

Unfortunately you can't upload multitrack audio or video back to Riverside yet. And you are correct, if you have multiple inputs on your audio device going into Riverside, it will combine all mics into one track. I do have a video here on Audio Hijack + Loopback and how it might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCkY3iuaKamea8si=HjNMy-wPIiGd20tR

[@TimonRoyer]

@@Riversidefm 😄Thank you! That you're addressing the whole technical ecosystem of podcasting in your videos is most helpful! If Riverside ever supports multitrack recording from a single device, even a basic left, right channel split for two local guests, it would greatly enhance your client base. Uploading and syncing local multi track recordings would be the next step for post production with Riverside.

[@garynolandoldermanstronger6400]

awesome video Thank yoU

[@Riversidefm]

You’re welcome!

[@chrisdorman11]

When I put batteries in, it won't turn on. When I plug it in, it does. Why doesn't it work on just batteries?

[@Riversidefm]

We're not sure what would cause that, but it should run on two AA's. Reach out to the Zoom support, or possible exchange for another device.

[@cineffect]

You can also plug a wireless mic system into the 3.5 mm jack (with a proper TRRS adapter) and get a stereo track with 2 mics on channel 3.

[@Riversidefm]

Good tip!

[@MuratR.Ozsunay]

P4 TRRS on No. 3: Out: one mono mix - mic level (to the cellphone mic in, etc) In: two (L/R) - line level (from the cellphone stereo headphone out, etc) Your stereo, i.e. two mic inputs are first converted to line level "before" being plugged in P4 TRRS No. 3. Correct?

[@cineffect]

@@MuratR.Ozsunay I can plug in my DJI Mic receiver directly into the TRRS to receive stereo signal from both transmitters without converting to a line level. Have no use for a cellphone with that input.

[@MuratR.Ozsunay]

​​​@@cineffectDJI Mic receiver seems to have two outputs: - mic out (possibly mic level to a camera etc, i.e. mixed mono (?) mic level or separate L/R mic level) - headphone out ('line / hp level' for two separate channels) Which output of your DJI mixer do you use to connect to P4 No. 3 TRRS? (No. 3 has a stereo line level input and a mono mic level output.) Thank you.

[@cineffect]

@@MuratR.Ozsunay The mic out, which is stereo.

[@pattersonbec42]

I did it! I did a solo project and every thing worked thanks to your help. Next I will try to have my guest sit in. I am a tad confused about using the SD card. Does it record all microphones or only 2 and 3 ? Like do I have to be in my riverside studio to have microphones 1 record?

[@Riversidefm]

Congrats! When you have multiple mics, they will be combined in a single track when connected to Riverside. But when you record to the SD card, you'll get a separate audio file for each of the mics connected.

[@shade597]

This could be misleading to some users. You shouldn’t use a microSD card with an adapter. The adapter is meant for reading. recording to a microSD with the adapter could corrupt the files. Use a standard SD card.

[@Riversidefm]

Good tip for sure.

[@MixMe-Media]

dude; everyone doesn’t use Riverside.

[@Riversidefm]

But they should 😏

[@JeremyLeech]

Dude, this is FROM Riverside. Which btw is fantastic!