Zoom Podtrack P8 vs the Rodecaster Pro Review

Trying to decide between the Zoom Podtrack P8 and the Rodecaster Pro for your video podcasts and livestream? We cover all the bases to ensure making the right choice between the two, and why I went with the Zoom Podtrak P8 for my podcasts.
Twitter: / revelator2015
Twitch: / mikerevelator
Zoom Podtrak P8 - amzn.to/3vr001E
Rodecaster Pro - amzn.to/3BsCkxQ
Links to my studio gear:
Main Camera:
Sony a6000 (main) - amzn.to/3oIwMYl
Lens :
Sigma 16mm f1.4 Prime Lens - amzn.to/3PEjiZr
Capture Card:
Elgato 4K Cam Links - Cameras - amzn.to/3zI8wvz
Avermedia 2 Plus (Gaming) - amzn.to/3OEM62N
Secondary Cameras:
Elgato Facecam - amzn.to/3Q6Bt9S
GoPro Hero Black 7 - amzn.to/3BsTOKq
iPhone 10xr - amzn.to/3OPjF1T
iPad Pro 11 (3rd Gen) - amzn.to/3vmnogv
Audio:
Rode Podmic - amzn.to/3zgC1Dm
Rode Video Mic Go 2 - - amzn.to/3OLbGDl
Rode Wireless Go II (single channel - one receiver package) - amzn.to/3PJZrYT
Behringer xm8500 (Guests) - amzn.to/3bgIBBT
Audio Interface:
Zoom Podtrak P8 - amzn.to/3vr001E
Lights:
Neewer 24x24 Soft Box - amzn.to/3zK8TWK
Elgato Key Light Air - amzn.to/3zI9jN3
MountDog 18" Ring Light - amzn.to/3SdRTiA
Video Switcher: Elgato Stream Deck - amzn.to/3oYrY1f
Teleprompter: Desview T2 - amzn.to/3OIjPYT
Music: Streambeats by Harris Heller
I do not own the rights to any music in this video!
Music: Less Go - StreamBeats.com by Harris Heller

[@karatjuicepodcast]

I just want to say that this is one of the best reviews I've seen thus far on the Rodecaster & Zoom Podtrak P8. I picked up the Podtrak P8 for my workflow and I have never been happier. I did not need all of the complex features that the Rodecaster offered as I am primarily putting out content on youtube and the podcast and the P8 has been an awesome addition. Thanks for the video and keep the content coming! Your lighting set up is superb brother! Welcome to the #P8Crew !!!!

[@zmedia2175]

Do u have a problem synching audio with camera when doing a video podcast?

[@karatjuicepodcast]

@@zmedia2175 I used to but not anymore. Before starting the podcast, clap in front of the camera & make sure the recorder and your camera are recording. In post, when you are putting your files together. Sync the audio recording with the moment your hands come together with the clap. The sound will peak at that moment. You will have perfectly synced audio every time.

[@zmedia2175]

@@karatjuicepodcast respect bro

[@karatjuicepodcast]

@@zmedia2175 🔥🙏

[@mikemcanally9367]

This morning I ordered the P8. Then I ran into your channel and got all the reassurance I needed to know I made a good choice. Thank you and God bless for the work you do.

[@dalebishop2632]

I ordered and it should be here tomorrow. I think I have watched every video on the P8 that is out there. This one and one from Dark Corner Studios helped with my decision. Now I am getting excited about getting it setup and using it

[@audiovid.]

How is your P8 - are you happy with it after 2 months of using it? Be honest, I am about to buy one ... still fighting inside Rodecaster VS Zoom P8

[@dalebishop2632]

@@audiovid. I like it. It does a good job. I haven't had more than two mics hooked up at one time. I think it is really a personal preference. I use a Rode Pod mic and a ZDM 1 most of the time and it has more than enough gain for those. I also take calls (hard wired to phone) and use the sound from the computer from time to time. I think either one is a good choice. The Zoom has cleaner headphone outputs than the RCP but both do a great job. I had a chance to get a display model for $100 list so, that made it kind of a no brainer for me. I also have a P4 that I use for mobil and it works great also.

[@audiovid.]

@@dalebishop2632 Many thanks for replying so fast! Good feedback and really apreciate it :)

[@mikemcanally9367]

​@@audiovid. I do like it. Please note I've been a voice talent for years and have decided to start a podcast. Voice talent not audio engineer... therefor my learning curve is straight up. but I am learning and the P8 is pretty intuitive. I purchased my gear from Sweetwater and they have some fine tutorials and of course if you have time there's help on KZbin. Other than that just playing on the P8 works in trying to figure something out. I like the access to compression and the limiter for voice enhancement and limiting background. Editing is pretty straight forward as well. I like that I can take the SD card from H6 I also purchased and work on the sound from it on the P8 as well. I use one of two dynamic mics and feel they are equal. One is the Audio Technica 2100100x and the Shure SM58. I'm shooting for launch in April. Best regards, Mac

[@calviano]

Very underrated channel. Super clear info great speaking and the set looks great

[@livehardrocktruth742]

Great video. Still can't decide yet. Might go with the p8 at this point.

[@HarrisonFamilyValues]

Great video. 👍🏾 Got the Podtrak P8 the day it dropped, I spent two month prior going back and forth on whether I should wait or get the Rodecaster Pro and I'm glad I waited. I don't regret it and if I ever get to that professional tier I'll get the RCP.

[@karatjuicepodcast]

I’m using a Podtrak P8 as well & I’m very impressed with it. I see no need in picking up a rodecaster pro at this point.

[@denissullivan5723]

Great review! Really enjoyed it!

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@SlappinBluesLou]

Ty man! Loved tha vid bought 1 right after watching this

[@elbertharris3]

This is the video that I have been looking for

[@officialcampent]

I’m torn between them I’ve used zoom products and I liked the flow. But I’m still deciding thank you for the reviews

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

The best part is, You can’t go wrong either way! The difference is minimal!

[@officialcampent]

@@levelupwithmikenewman welp I went ahead and ordered the zoom it was time to quit talking and take action lol

[@viptevb]

Hi Mike im a video podcaster and this is great. All three of my accounts will be subscribed to you so look for the other two right now. I think we should have a collaboration.

[@audiovid.]

Hello Mike, great content. 25 minutes gone like a minute. I am shocked how the P-8 reviewers have different experience about the P-8 preamps, especially heaphones preamps... For example - Dave Dillon, Tom Buck and You are clearly saying the same.. clear and crisp in comparison to RCP... but have seen at least 2 smaller youtubers complaining about them, that they are hissier than RCP. WTH? Maybe it's the initial setup, mic, cables, and so on.. but generally I have the impression, that people have the dillema - better sound (preamps) or nicer look (software, build quality) - and that's what is this game about :) I do really prefer nicer sound out of the box, more of that, that helps me avoiding longer postprocessing etc. So after dozens of reviews, I am almost about to purchase the P-8 for my studio. And not only for postcasts. Just for having always ready few microphnes, plugged into one station, always ready to go, and record together with 2 persons voicovers, dialogs and similar studio works. That is really very tempting. What I have noticed many people ommit that Mark button in their reviews - it's really handy, second thing ON AIR button - it's brilliant and must have in professional studio where host can consult their viewers. BIG THANK YOU for your review.. it was pleasure to be here hearing you :)

[@xairoantonio]

i start a podcast with video, is there a problem to sync audio and video?

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Sync issues can come an issue if you use different usb hubs, with different data transfer speeds. I alway make sure my camera and audio are connect through the same hub, or both direct into my computer. As far as the 44.1 hz for audio, I have never hd an issue with editing videos.

[@marditoon1128]

Great Video. Will a cloud lifter or signal booster stop the hissing sound or is there anything else that can minimise this type of disruption? Thanks in advance.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

The cloud lifter definitely helps with the Rodecaster Pro as I had more of an issue when trying use proper gain and having to the fader so close to the max with its weaker gain levels, the Zoom Podtrak P8 with its 20 more db of gain compared to the Rodcaster, I was able to get rid of a the little bit of hissing that showed up from time to time by adjusting the noise limiter in the interface which is accessible on by selecting the mic icon at the bottom of each channel. If budget isn’t an issue, I would do the Rodecaster and cloud lifter, but you can’t go wrong either way. I had both, but stuck with the Podtrak P8 because of its smaller size, and less gear needed that would take up more desk space and more cables to manage that create more failure points in audio hardware.

[@GuyMoyer-t8c]

My God bless you and your missions work.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Thank you kindly! ✝️❤️

[@djmickeyTV]

Does it give you a master compressor? The P8 ?

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

If you press the mic icon at the bottom of the each channel on the display screen, you will see 3 adjustable settings. The third one is the "compressor/de-esser". However there isn't a master compressor for the entire mix. Just a compressor on each channel.

[@djmickeyTV]

@@levelupwithmikenewman Thanks but then that's for each channel, do you know if there is a master compressor before the signal heads out? That is giving that final mix from all channels?

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

@@djmickeyTV there is not.

[@djmickeyTV]

@@levelupwithmikenewman ok thanks for the review, love it

[@senecaoak7173]

@@levelupwithmikenewman then how do to do the master compressor, need buy another device or use which software?

[@DavidHunte]

So it's been 2 months - Do you still feel the same way about the P8 and the Rodecaster? Would love to hear your thoughts. I'm getting ready to purchase one vs the other, and your feedback would be awesome.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Still loving it! I have kept my Roadcaster in the box. Also use it now as a GoXLR alternative when I do an occasional gaming livestream with my son. Works great for that as well with being able to have those extra 2 xlr inputs. 👍🏻

[@djlworldwide2012]

Is this upload level -15 ?

[@MeMiguel]

How do you get your audio synced or connected to your camera?

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

I record through OBS, and when you click on advanced properties of the Audio Input, you can adjust the Audio delay to match it up with your video. I always plug in my camera directly and my Zoom Podtrak P8 directly into my M1 Mac Mini, not through a hub and I do not have to sync it. I do have to make adjustments to sync it when I use an USB mic though. I will say Mac sure you edit your videos in the same FPS that recorded your video in, as it will create a delay in your audio when you render it to post it on KZbin. I had a recent stint of this issue with my most recent 3 videos before I noticed they didn’t match up 👍🏻

[@HarrisonFamilyValues]

Missions trip???

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Once a year our church sponsors a missions trip to Ochi Rios Jamaica for a week. We have two teams, a construction crew and a community outreach team. Our construction team will build a home for somebody in the mountain above where the less fortunate live, and help build facilities for Teen Challenge Campus (Faith-based treatment program) down there, and spend a day helping the police department build a home for somebody they have selected. The other team visits local schools, perform dramas for young children, an infirmary where many people are abandoned, Girls orphanage, a teen boy's prison (hIlltop Prison), and both teams meet back up for a town square night where we do a street meeting. It is their "New York Time Square" and perform dramas, worship music and several ministers keep up and speak to the crowds to lead people to to the Lord. It is a great experience we offer, 40 of the people that go are high school kids that get to use the trip as a paper for their midterm final about the importance of the missions field, home or abroad. This year our team went to the inner city of Baltimore to help a church there with his local missions work. My words cannot do it justice, if you like to check out what done, we have a facebook page with photos, video, etc! facebook.com/reachouttotheworld

[@HarrisonFamilyValues]

@@levelupwithmikenewman thank you, going to check it out.

[@giraffey8974]

One downside for p8 is the 16 bit depth recording. Frustrating!

[@taewankim6283]

Why the hell would you or anyone need a share SM7??? It makes no Goddamn sense!!

[@taewankim6283]

I hate the RODE HISS!!!