ZOOM PodTrak P8 for Podcasting and Live Streaming: Recorder, Mixer, Audio Interface

[@curtisjudd]

A few other things: 1) Mix minus is automatically applied to connected phones (via cable or bluetooth) and 2) the On-air feature also makes it so that when a channel is off air, that person can be heard by the other headphone outputs, but is not recorded. That's pretty cool.

[@onocoffee]

And there's nothing like the On-Air feature with the Rodecaster, correct?

[@curtisjudd]

@@onocoffee Oh, is there an on-air feature in the RODECaster?

[@onocoffee]

@@curtisjudd Actually meant that as a question - asking if there was anything like the on air feature on the Rodecaster that allows you to talk back and forth without it going to the recording?

[@curtisjudd]

@@onocoffee Sorry, I misunderstood. Not that I can see on the RODECaster. It seems like a bit of a corner case from my perspective, but some people seem to want that feature.

[@gregd6022]

Since you really seem to key on the "auto mix / noise reduction" feature, would have been good to show an A / B head to head with the Rode Caster, noise gate is essentially the same thing so would be great to hear the difference which seems to be the decision maker here. Good vid in general.

[@geraldundone]

Terrific video, Curtis! Very thorough and helpful. 👍🤓

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Gerald! I hope you're doing well!

[@YoungBlaze]

its Gerald undone..........*HE"S CRRRRAAZZY*

[@HomesickMac]

Fantastic depth in the review, definitelly the Roadcaster Pro... the ease of adjusting each individual channel is the dealbreaker here.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Homesick Mac.

[@tothetop-omaid]

This is hands down the most helpful tutorial on this device.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@lindasson]

Great tutorial sir, but to be honest I had no plans on watching the entire video, but the professional clear voice hypnotized me, and I couldn't stop watching lol!🙏🏾✊🏾

[@curtisjudd]

Well thanks for sticking around!

[@lindasson]

@@curtisjudd no problem, great presentation!

[@gyulahajdu2798]

"...a company crippling a product, that didn't need to cripple." Yessss...

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@tombuck]

Wait, was Zoom purchased by canon?

[@curtisjudd]

@@tombuck Oh Ouch.

[@whyMDO]

Thanks you for great review. I adore your modest, neutral and unbiased approach.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much!

[@dwightlilly4208]

I have the Zoom Podtrak P4 and the Rodecaster Pro. I also have a Zoom H6 recorder. I think what Zoom and Rode was thinking is that these units were designed for AUDIO not video and that's why Zoom went with the 44.1 rather than 48. I know that when the Rodecaster Pro came out, the users complained about missing features. What Rode has done is that they built their unit so it could be updated and that's what they did. They added features missing with updates. As a radio show host on an FM station as well as I host an internet radio show, I have never had more than three guests in the studio and generally one. So four mics is overkill in most cases and six same overkill. I love both my products, I have the ZOOM P4 for a portable use going remote for interviews, but I also use it at one studio workstation where I can do a podcast or the internet show if need be. Everybody has their priorities and I agree with your cheap plastic comment as far at the P4, my H6 is bullet proof, very sturdy construction. The Rode is hands down higher quality all the way around. You did I nice review.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the insights Dwight.

[@moeashkar8916]

As always.. Great review! I always make my purchase decisions based on your reviews and it never fails me and saves me days of research. Thank you for being the go to channel

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Moe!

[@djvphotography]

I have to agree with you, Curtis, that the lack of 48 kHz is a real issue and one that would likely cause me to resist buying it if I was in the market for one.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Daniel, yes, weird product feature choice.

[@nivid01]

All the cables coming out of the top would look really untidy and send me insane!!

[@curtisjudd]

Best you stay away from this one.

[@OgDj2024]

Very good review, and I loved that intro and outro music! 👍🏾

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@misionjovenesja.jovenesadv8167]

Excellent friend, I think that if the functions of the live L8 were placed in that mixer it would be perfect. I want to make potcat and if my guests are musicians and want to connect their instruments

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@brianhouser1343]

Thank you for the fantastic and complete review. Even though it's a 2 year old video I see you do a great job of responding to people even as recent as this month (which earned a like and subscribe from me), and it's why I wanted to shoot you a question as I'm having a devil of a time figuring this out (I assume it's because the answer is 'no, you can't do that'). I was considering grabbing one of these for a friends & family videogame Let's Play channel I do, but there appears to be one possible missing piece of functionality for me to do so - which is I don't know that I can connect this up in a way to capture the video game sound. Here's what I currently do (and you can easily see why I am looking for something else); me and one other person will connect our headphones to my PC, OBS on that same PC records the videogame video & audio, the same PC records the audio from one microphone via Audacity, and then a separate laptop records the other microphone via audacity. So our headphones only provide the game sound and we just have to have the volumes set so we can hear our voices in the same room. I was thinking with the Podtrak P8 it would be nice to capture our vocals on the unit, and have our voices through our headsets, but while OBS would still capture the game's audio, I can't see how we could hear that audio through the P8. Any thoughts? Anyway, thank you for such a thorough review of this device. ADDENDUM to my question. It just occurred to me, maybe all I need to do is get a 3.5mm to XLR male and plug that into the PC's headphone jack and then the XLR male to the PodTrak as one of the mic lines?

[@curtisjudd]

I’d look at something like a RODECaster Pro II instead

[@jedelixmedia]

Thanks Curtis ! you made me decide to buy it !

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording!

[@jedelixmedia]

@@curtisjudd thaaaanks.... I bought it and its really what i need. One problem solved. Now how to good lighting my film set with right lights...

[@UXXV]

Im waiting for the ultimate podcaster setup with 32bit float recording for those soft spoken high energy laughers!

[@curtisjudd]

Hahaha! 👍

[@YoungBlaze]

33bit floats

[@curtisjudd]

@@YoungBlaze You'd be seriously floating if you were working with 33 bits. Very niche.

[@randomgeocacher]

Hah, did not know the L8 has worse preamps than the L12, 6db of difference. Zoom really does some odd decisions, deciding between P8, L8, L12 would be very dependent on your needs. I would like a great 1U recorder/interface with good placement of USB and SD card. Basically my MixPre II in a more continent rack mount with more space for knobs, VU and SD card in the front. All the options I’ve seen just seem a bit... not perfect. For some reason no one seem to design products exactly like I want them. Ordered a walnut custom handmade 3U rack today to make my desk setup more beautiful :-)

[@curtisjudd]

Oh, congrats on the new rack - that sounds nice!

[@Valleedbrume]

Agree must have 48Khz. It does look cheaply build.Probably good enough for pod casts.Has some nice features.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes. If it had that 48kHz sample rate, would be a good option for a lot of people.

[@televizio4393]

Very useful information, thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@JaimeVillacis]

I've been waiting for this. Great as always!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jaime.

[@eltont862]

There are a ton of KZbin reviews for the Zoom Podtrak P8 but zero people actually showing how to use it as an audio interface by connecting it to a computer and recording directly into a DAW. Be the first and help people out.

[@curtisjudd]

Would love to help, but I only borrowed this for the review and no longer have it on hand. Sorry for that.

[@wiillthebarbertv9415]

Great content, this is very similar to the portable multitrack recorders like the zoom MR, Boss BR series

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, Scott.

[@artkarp]

My RodeCaster (firmware 2.1) is able to lower all mics when the host on mic #1 person is speaking. They call it "Ducking". To activate ducking, simply go to: 'Settings' > 'Advanced' > 'Audio' > 'Processing' and press 'Ducking'. It would really be great if they could expand on the feature to give you the option to make it more like the PodTrack 8 and lower all mics other than the one of the person who is speaking and not limit it to just the #1 mic.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed! 👍

[@gettubetur10]

I saw that the Zoom P8 Noise Reduction feature only affects the mixed stero track of all the inputs and has no effect on the multitrack individual tracks recorded. Can you confirm if this is the case? If so it really negates the strongest selling point of this device for podcasters that need to edit and trim their episodes.

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t believe it had a noise reduction feature when I reviewed it. Maybe they added it in a later firmware?

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

Have you reviewed the Zoom Livetrak L8? It seems better overall than the P8 (if a *little* less podcast focussed) and cheaper.

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

Never mind, found it!

[@curtisjudd]

Yep! 👍

[@wav_zazitiz5600]

Is there anyway to shut the monitor off on yhe p4 to get the monitor more from the usb plugin than double monitoring it?

[@calebsoaring]

So the P8 wouldn't be good for live streaming is what I'm getting, but still better than L8? My usecase needs to do both for multiple different projects and settings, primarily podcasts, but video is a must.

[@curtisjudd]

You can use it for live-streaming if the platform you stream to is ok with 44.1kHz sample rate. Most on the web are fine with it. Broadcast TV is not ok with it.

[@calebsoaring]

@@curtisjudd thank you so much, Curtis!

[@comparticello]

Awesome video!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Emilia!

[@gkanai]

Thanks for the review! Seems like Zoom segments their users and changes features on a definition that they have of a "podcaster" or "livestreamer" but in reality, users are more fluid than that and podcasters also stream, etc. So, yet again, another product from Zoom I will pass on.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, segmentation is a double edged sword. If they add 48kHz, I feel like this is a useful tool for a reasonably sized market.

[@naturalbeautyfoods512]

This is such a helpful video. For teaching live piano classes on zoom meetings, would this be a good choice?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. It could work nicely for that, yes.

[@Home-Sweet-Home64]

What about behringer flow 8 ? Can we compare it with Zoom ?! Which one is better for the sound quality

[@curtisjudd]

Haven't tried it, unfortunately.

[@de_krocky]

can you record all tracks simultiously AND have a stereo over usb to your computer (with e.g. OBS studio). And how does the mute and on-air buttons affect the recordings ?

[@curtisjudd]

I don't have the P8 on hand to double check for sure, but I think it can do both - multitrack on the P8 and a stereo stream via USB to computer. But you'll want to contact Zoom support before buying if that's a critical feature for you. Mute completely shuts down a mic both to the recording/USB stream whereas off-air just prevents the recording from capturing that mic in the stereo mix (and now I'm not sure if it also stops it from recording to the isolated channel). I'm sorry. Probably best to contact Zoom support to confirm all of these.

[@dulcemorales8118]

Can you connect this to a computer and automatically sync it to video? Is there a program?

[@curtisjudd]

OBS allows you to set an offset, but it is not automatic. You have to figure out how much to apply (it differs from camera to camera). Here’s how I do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJy8o2Sbbt2Hmacfeature=shared

[@pawpaw7646]

Great video, as usual! The audio and video quality are excellent, but I noticed audio delay compared to the video of you speaking. Is this due to my setup (laptop computer on wi-fi, connected through a VPN), or is this inherent in the Zoom P8 device due to lack of video-delay adjustment? Or maybe a KZbin artifact? Thanks.

[@pawpaw7646]

Never mind ... figured it out. The audio delay is on my end, due to bluetooth ear buds (original AirPods). 🥵 My apology.

[@curtisjudd]

@@pawpaw7646 No worries! Happy recording!

[@vanceshepherd1618]

Thanks for this video! Bought a refurbished P8 for $280, right before Zoom put pretty much all their equipment on sale. Wouldn't you know it? 😂 Still trying to figure out how to get just the right settings for my voice. Did you have trouble dialing it in? Just seems to have an "electronic" undertone that I can't get rid of.

[@curtisjudd]

Hmm, didn't seem too problematic, but let me ask - do you hear electronic undertones in this video? I used the P8 to record this.

[@vanceshepherd1618]

@@curtisjudd I don't. I believe it has something to do with the processing in our radio studio. I was recording breaks, trying to only use the onboard audio adjustments on the P8. Sounds great in my home studio.

[@curtisjudd]

@@vanceshepherd1618 Ah, yes, could be.

[@saltypancreas5866]

There is a slight buzz in the background, if I get the podtrack I will be able to edit it out, I noticed the podcast sample has less buzz then the video ( showing the podtrack )

[@curtisjudd]

Ok.

[@janetschannel]

Great video! Still torn about them both! 😅 I just want an interface with lots of good clean gain + an eq mixer inside! But it always looks like I have to choose one or the other 😩 I've thought about the goxlr but it only has one mic input.

[@curtisjudd]

How about an old-school analogue mixer plus an audio interface like a Mackie VLZ-4 and a Scarlett?

[@janetschannel]

@@curtisjudd I just want everything built in together for convenience and terribly uneducated about mixers. I'm afraid of choosing one that lowers the quality of the mic before it hits the interface.

[@curtisjudd]

How many inputs do you need?

[@janetschannel]

@@curtisjudd I just want at least 2

[@curtisjudd]

@@janetschannel Ok. Maybe a Universal Audio Apollo. They're not cheap but they're really good.

[@lawdawgproductions]

Great video. I asked this on the P4 review as well, but do you have thoughts on the p4 vs p8, particularly on whether the upgrade to the p8 is worth the cost differential?

[@curtisjudd]

My thought is that the "Noise Reduction" feature on the P8 is really a time saver. But there are a lot of other considerations. If portability is super high on your list, the P4 might be a better choice.

[@johnlester6306]

Great review. I may have missed it in the video, but does the P8 do mix minus with the phone or usb input?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes for both. 👍

[@HOWLERMonkey]

Is there a way to use this as a mixer for recording vo on Final Cut Pro? I’m unable to hear it through my computer.

[@curtisjudd]

I'm not familiar with whether FCP can record at all. Bit if it can, this should work as well as any other audio interface.

[@przybylskipawel]

Great content! I basically doesn't have to watch anything else. BTW I must say that limiters on this device are underwhelming.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Paweł. I agree - clearly digital limiters.

[@LucaCoppadoro]

Thank you for the great video Curtis. I'm still learning my ropes around audio gear, and I'm not sure what the difference in use case would be between a Rodecaster/P8 and something like the mixpre 3 II/F6. What would you recommend for livestreaming and zoom calls? Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Luca, The MixPre and F6 are field recorders which can also work as USB audio interfaces, though the design decisions which went into them focused more on field recording. The RODECaster Pro and P8 were made mainly for podcasting but can also be used as USB interfaces for livestreams and Zoom calls. I would say that the RODECaster and P8 are probably better suited for desktop use. But in the end, it comes down to personal preference and whether you need a field recorder. I'm possibly a bit of an outlier, but if I could only choose one of these four devices, I'd choose a MixPre. I don't have a lot of need for sound pads for my podcasts or livestreams and I really like the flexibility of the MixPre in terms of routing and the quality of its preamps and analogue limiters. However, I would say that the RODECaster and P8 are probably a little easier to operate, especially for sound newbies.

[@hakamsoufan]

Great work.. thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Hakam.

[@alekcena]

Hey very cool video. Can you please explain to me cuz i dont have any idea hahah. So i want to make a video podcast but you said that it may be a problem that 41khz or something. Why is that a problem? Sorry im just not that well informed 😅

[@curtisjudd]

It’ll work. I just think it is dumb that ZOOM doesn’t give the option for 48kHz which has been the audio standard for video for years.

[@FeelgoodFootage]

Another great clip Curtis, thanks. A question on the P8 vs the L8 which you touch on at the end (and firmly recommend the P8). Although both units are ready made to easily bring in one remote guest via that dedicated TRRS input from a phone, as I understand it, the L8, with its 3 x Monitor Outputs, can be set up to bring in a further three remote guests (from three other phones, for example) using something like the iRig 2 interface and setting up custom monitor mixes to provide mix minus back to the remote callers. So you could have up to 4 remote guests in total with the L8. That's not possible with the P8 is it?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Feelgood Footage. In theory, yes, that should work. I don't have the L-8 or P8 on hand to test and confirm, but it should work, yes. You may need some custom cables to route the headphone outs to the callers.

[@FeelgoodFootage]

I actually noticed yesterday that the P8 also has the option to simultaneously bring in a second remote guest via USB, with mix minus also automatically applied, on channel 8 by selecting the USB on the little switch. Don't think that was mentioned in your clip. So that is another powerful 'Pro' for the P8. It's just such a shame about the crippled sample rate! I'm very much coming from a video (and before that TV) background and really want the hardware I invest in primarily for podcasting to also work with professional video projects/workflow. Thanks again for the information and insight.

[@curtisjudd]

@@FeelgoodFootage Thanks for sharing your discovery!

[@kmwong1786]

Any reason why these type of devices never have any digital input, like for direct connection with phone USB-C or lightning connector or USB microphones, like Blue Yeti or Shure MV7?

[@curtisjudd]

Probably because the expense of making a USB host controller and OS to run it all is too expensive and essentially makes the device a computer which is more complex.

[@kmwong1786]

@@curtisjudd thanks Curtis, now I don't have to look for one because it doesn't exist.

[@sasharey3153]

I have a question, not that long ago I purchaset audio interface Audient Id4, it supports loopback as a streamer I do play games a lot and have intertaining projects with many ideas that includes music. I need hardware device that will allow me to play or send music from for example spotify or my own library from computer into the game as saperate channel that can be send via mic. Will this device will allow me to do so?

[@curtisjudd]

Not easily. I'd look to a RODECaster Pro II.

[@عازف-ي8ط]

Is it good for musicians?

[@curtisjudd]

I wouldn't recommend it. I'd look at a mixer made for music instead of podcasts.

[@gabyandraos888]

Hey Curtis, thanks for your thorough review 👍. I have a questions I was hoping you could answer, can you use the stereo speaker out to send to an ATEM mini for a clean recording signal? And if yes, can you communicate with a caller with out sending the audio to the stereo mix ( kind off setting the call before going live with caller during a life stream)? Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

I think so, but I don't have the P8 on hand to test that.

[@gabyandraos888]

@@curtisjudd Thanks for the quick response, would you know if the rodecaster can do that?

[@curtisjudd]

@@gabyandraos888 I have to confess, I don't entirely understand what you're trying to do there. If you need to talk to a caller "behind the scenes" then I believe the P8 is the right device.

[@neotheek]

How does this compare to yamaha mg10xu?

[@curtisjudd]

Good question - I haven't used the Yamaha so I'm not sure. But will let you know if I get the chance to use it. Best wishes!

[@xray111xxx]

Wow Curtis way cool video. No 48KHz sample rate is a miss. If I don't want to upsample I have to use my external recorder. Hmm, lose the convenience right there. I love the 70db of gain having the Shure SM7B as well. The Zoom is being more for all people though why 48KHz is not for all people mystifies me as well. The construction is silly. Make it the same money as the Rode Caster, give me 48KHz for the win,and better construction. Missed opportunity from Zoom here. I pay happily for more quality. A $100.00 difference is not going to break me. Though I wonder with Zoom if they really know what they are shooting for. So much right about it. I agree with you, and I think the Rode Caster is better for me. But geez Zoom is so close which really annoys me. Every time I think Zoom, there is always one nugget of illogic that keeps me away.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Vincent. Hopefully we can help them correct this 48kHz issue. 😀

[@colorgradingcentral]

That's a cool unit, man I cant believe how far some of these units have come. What I think is really special is the summary that you provided at the very beginning, viewers can quickly get a glance at the pros and cons of the unit. Seems like a really slick device for producing a podcasting show.

[@curtisjudd]

They have come a long way for sure! I like to put the summary there to save viewers time.

[@OrpheumVideo]

Does the P8 have panning?

[@curtisjudd]

I don't remember, I had to send this back as it was on loan. You should be able to download the manual from ZOOM and search for "pan".

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

FYI - The PodTrak P8 also allows you to export each individual channel, along with the full mix. They are located separate from the main mix in a subfolder called "P8_Multitrack". Took me a few minutes to find this, but it's there.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, indeed, it does record the iso tracks on its own SD card.

[@formerlydave]

I loved how firm yet calm you were in telling Zoom to add 48! LOL. Great review Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Dave! I want them to succeed. They just needed a touch of tough love from one of their fans. 😀

[@JIYkp]

@@curtisjudd I agree, Zoom probably has some first-mover advantage in the prosumer space, but they'll be taken out quickly in this age of rapid prototyping.

[@BenGKaiser]

So helpful. Thanks for the straightforward review. Definitely helped make a good selection between the Rodecaster and the P8. Probably going towards the P8. 😃

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@stefantrisic-produktivnost2963]

Which one did you get?

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Recently discovered you channel while shopping for audio gear to *try* and improve my own channel. :) Very good reviews - excellent delivery of information. Not afraid to have an opinion, but very balanced approach. Thanks for helping me on my quest - I have ordered the P8, even though I work alone - I think its features will be valuable.

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats, Justin. I hope it serves you well!

[@PianoManChuck]

As soon as you stated it only records at 44.1 Khz sample rate, it made it a deal killer... I share the same frustrations that you voiced. This could have been an awesome product otherwise.

[@curtisjudd]

And that's coming from a music expert! Thanks Chuck!

[@alexandersobolla9945]

Thanks for the review. I really like the smaller formfactor of the P8 vs the Rodecaster but the 44,1 Khz restriction is just crippling in some regards. A lot of podcasters in Germany swear by Studiolink which provides a high quality peer2peer remote connection between podcasters. It relies on the Opus codec though and thus on 48 Khz as well. I therefore wouldn't be able to use the podtraks as USB interfaces. It's such an annoyance as I would otherwise really prefer it over the Rodecaster.

[@curtisjudd]

Great example of where that 44.1kHz sample rate is a problem. Thanks Alexander!

[@tombuck]

I’ve got to say, the amount of gain available is outstanding. Being able to use gain-hungry mics without a Cloudlifter is pretty nifty. 👍

[@curtisjudd]

👍 they got that very right.

[@Mr_G]

@@curtisjudd not really, noise floor is -124 dBu at full gain, so with cloud lifter or similar inline preamp you can lower noise by 5-6 dB, and that is a lot.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Mr_G Good enough for me. But if you prefer to add a cloud lifter, that is certainly an option.

[@Mr_G]

@@curtisjudd Yes, but if you need to buy six of them, then it becomes very expensive. Zoom is known to cheat with the preamps, they claim huge gain, but in reality the preamps is low gain and ater some point they boost gain digitally. I personally measured zoom h1, zoom h6 and zoom uac2 - all of them does same thing.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Mr_G Ok. If you have more stringent requirements, that's perfectly legitimate. It is no surprise that ZOOM cuts corners to hit a price point. Their main market strategy is to provide lots of features at lower prices than their competitors. If I had to choose, I would not hesitate to buy a Sound Devices MixPre with MixAssist and a USB control surface for my podcast production work. But I'm old enough I can afford to do that. Not everyone can. And in that case, if this sounds good enough for them, then it isn't a horrible choice, in my estimation. Though I'd probably opt for a RODECaster Pro in that case.

[@ZachMRutledge]

Do you think Rode can add that “automix” type feature via firmware update?

[@curtisjudd]

I think they could, yes.

[@SoundSpeeding]

@@curtisjudd how about Noise Reduction via firmware update for the F Series.... that would be killer.

[@Pharesm]

If you want to record mainly music and podcasts also, would you still choose the Podtrak P8 over the Livetrak L8...? Semi related: There are hundreds of videos comparing the Zoom P8 or L8 against the Rode Podcaster. But I could not find a single direct comparison between the Zoom L8 vs Zoom P8...

[@curtisjudd]

No, if music is part of the plan, I'd definitely go with the L-8.

[@thefullsetup]

Hi Curtis hope your'e well just a quick question in regards to the noise reduction. I am looking to pick one of these up for use on a work podcast but am looking at ways to keep my editing time down and removing mic bleed is the longest part of the edit for me. Are you able to tell me if the noise reduction/automix is applied pre or post fader ideally I want to record multi track without the rest of the proccessing enabled and add comp, eq aftewards. I was originally looking at the zoom f6 but that appears to only apply the auto mix to the stereo track.

[@curtisjudd]

When you say noise reduction, I assume you're referring to the noise gate? It is applied in the digital realm. So the question of pre- or post- fader may not be relevant here. Everything is post fader on this and because of its wide dynamic range, that doesn't appear to introduce any issues or cost in terms of audio quality.

[@CuttingtheCaboose]

Gah! Just bought a R0decaster Pro, but feel I should have waited for this. Thanks for the great review though :)

[@RobertLinthicum]

I would be surprised if you are not very happy with the Rodecaster Pro. I think I select that unit over this one, features and benefits aside. The Rode seems more fun to use.

[@CuttingtheCaboose]

@@RobertLinthicum Yes, on reflection I would still choose the R0decaster for my Livestreaming desk. The noise reduction feature is one I already have on the F8n (called 'automix'), which I plan to keep using for recording.

[@curtisjudd]

Hopefully the RODECaster serves you well. I bought the RODECaster and have no regrets.

[@veegee1974]

@@RobertLinthicum You will enjoy the RCP. It's a workhorse. I've had no problems with mines for livestreams, podcast, VO work or whatever. It just gets the job done.

[@prabhuja7554]

Sounds L8 is more intelligence and Indian friendly tool for Podcast..though Lil bit less powered and no on air notice reduction...(but why i need so much power first place)i really don't know why SM7B... i don't think it's quietest all Funda i hear noise even in JRE shows(that too with additional cloud lifters all wasted money)...Samson Q2u or even a bendinger ultra voice..8500 will do ...for a budget podcast...Q2u or ATR2100 i once got new for 35 USD)WILL DO and great budget too..and so many ear foams available all... people keep recommending SM7B/podmic etc for no reason i see..behringers+Podtrak. P4 ...the work flow is on....or even a monocaster lite + recorder \smartphone your workflow is on...

[@curtisjudd]

I suggest if you like the AT or the Samson, definitely go with those.

[@prabhuja7554]

@@curtisjudd thankyou Sir love the reviews from Chennai,India... It's always budget(for us or any creator/Podcaster without high ad s) which comes first here...no offence just felt so...all are suggesting Sm7b as if it's the pinacle or you can't do a podcast without that ...we buy a 2 wheeler for commuting in that (Sm7b Cost)...Ha Lol... Thanks for replying promptly...keep up the good work

[@LivingSpiritism]

Last year in February I convinced my friend to sell his Zoom R24 on ebay and get a Livetrack L8. He would typically produce podcasts with 5 to 6 participants, but he hasn't made anything all year because of social distancing, and now the Podtrack looks like a much better option. But, Curtis, I won't tell him if you don't. 😉 I still LOVE my Sound Devices MixPre-10II with the MixAssist plugin, but it's too complicated for most average users to pick up. The Zoom is probably better for someone who wants to get setup and podcasting without fussing around with too many menu options. I'm not an audio professional, but ever since I enrolled in the courses at LearnLightAndSound people are always coming to me with questions and asking for advice when it comes to their audio. I always recommend they sign up for the courses themselves.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Living Spiritism. I promise not to tell your friend! 😀 I agree - that MixPre with MixAssist is fantastic!

[@konradrychlewski]

Curtis, your reviews are in a class of its own as always. On a more speculative note, how far away are we from a hardware revision on the Rodecaster Pro in your opinion? Is it still worth buying it or is the Rodecaster Pro mark II just around the corner? I noticed Rode's product cycles are comfortingly long which does give me some confidence that it is not too late buying a Rodecaster right now, but what do you think? Potentially 32 bit recording or the ability to have more customizable buttons to turn off / on certain menu functions quicker vs. going through the touch screen, much like on a modern mirrorless camera, would be 2 features they could add in a new revision. They could allow users to repurpose some of the sound pads for that, of course. One last note on comparing it to the P8, from how they sounded to me, the aural exciter but especially the big bottom seem to be more useful sound effects vs. what is currently available on the P8. Thanks a lot for your thoughts!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Konrad, thanks. I suspect you're right - RODE does not generally rev hardware quickly so I think the RODECaster is not likely to get a mark II release any time soon. But that's entirely a guess. They have been good about releasing new firmware which is great. I'd like to also see an auto mix feature to replace or compliment the noise gate.

[@themanfromgoteborg]

Thanks again for a great review. So now my question is; which one is the best for mostly live streaming with the ATEM mini and once in a while recording podcasts?

[@curtisjudd]

I'd opt for the RODECaster, personally, but again, they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

[@CalmingAnxiety]

I bought the L8 on the strength of your reviews 2 years back and use is for my daily podcast and KZbin channel. Ive now bought the P8 for my camper van so I can head out for days at a time and still record shows. Thanks for another great video (even if It is 2 years ago :) )

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@AhmedJaf]

the most important thing i want to buy this for is noise reduction, and I didn't see a sample of how it works, you just pointed out the low cut function without testing. and your video has a lot of background noise throughout the whole thing, i was wondering why is that?

[@curtisjudd]

If noise reduction is your main goal, this is not the device you’re looking for. High pass filters help a tiny bit but are not noise reduction filters.

[@appclusiveplus]

Thank you for that review! I have a question regarding the "noise reduction" feature: is that feature comparable to Sound Devices NoiseAssist or just like MixAssist/Dugan (or both)? Thanks for the clarification. Ronald

[@curtisjudd]

It aims to do the same thing, but it does it in a different way.

[@pastornws]

This was an excellent review! Did Zoom update the firmware since your review to provide a 24 bit/48kHz on the P8?

[@curtisjudd]

It doesn't look like they've issued a firmware update yet, no. I'm not 100% sure it will be possible to do that in a firmware update, but I hope it is and that they do it.

[@carltontheengineer2599]

i'd really like to have a quick feedback if possible; i'm about to buy this product and my question is: i have logic pro x; is it possible to record directly on my software 4 simultaneous microphones and each input separately? how to setup this; thanks

[@Yootjoob]

I like the long throw fader of the Rode compared to the small muppets faders from zoom.

[@curtisjudd]

Another good point!

[@daprincehwc]

good point but you have to understand both long and short have their advantage, I prefer the short fader because you don't have to travel far, and the zoom fader feel premium, it slide smoother than the rode, the rode fader is not just that smooth and feel loose when sliding up or down. but it is a personal preferences .

[@TimothyDowd]

I looked at both of these and in the end went for the L-8 with the TRRS in/out to Streamyard, tactile EQ, line input for an iPad mini for hits and show running using the GoButton app, effects for voice “pigs in space” :) USB to REAPER all tracks plus mix I found it a lot more versatile... BUT as a dedicated plug and play Podcast setup the P8 did tempt me. Great review as always. Tim.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Tim, for sharing the details of your setup.

[@Han_Byul]

Hi thanks for the video. Can I record electric drum pad such as Rolland spd30 with music from the phone ?

[@nexusofculture]

How do you get mix-minus from the Zoom PodTraK P8 for online guests?

[@jordanblackman7484]

Thanks for the great content as usual. I have a question about the noise reduction... is there a way to get a similar benefit with the Rødecaster using multitrack out to usb and some software that does the noise reduction?

[@curtisjudd]

Certainly - you could use noise reduction in post. Or you could use the noise gates to help as well.

[@alexandersobolla9945]

You could try Auphonic which is an online mastering service if you will (there are also desktop apps). They have a crossgate feature that’s very similar to what the P8 does and which I’ve been using for a couple of years now

[@YARDMANMX]

Great review LOVE IT Any recomendation i want to start a podcast how to start , how and where to market it thanks

[@LyleWeberGenerousLifestyle]

Hi Curtis. Is your view still Rodecastor over P8? I don’t podcast but do prerecorded videos and livestream and want to improve my audio. P8 is currently going for $449 on Amazon (sale at the moment) compared to $599 for Rodecastor. I could pick up Rose on eBay for around $430. Just interested in your thoughts.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I still prefer the RODECaster Pro. It is a subjective opinion. 😀

[@ShengBelmonteOfficial]

Hi, thanks for this informative video. I would like to know if you are using a cloud lifter while you're using sm7b with this zoom interface? thanks

[@curtisjudd]

No, I just plugged the microphone directly into the P8.

[@energybrown]

Great review! I just bought a PodTrak P8 and am really happy with it. It actually does capture all individual mic tracks - as well as a stereo mix - although I have to transfer the file to my laptop to access them (guess this could be due to an update).

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@REC.709]

Curtis for live stream, Zoom meetings with local guest, which will better the Rode caster or the P8. Asking, because I do not want to get a music console if I do not need. Basically my set up is, Atem Extreme, 4 Eos R, I have Rode Go II 2 of them, and also 2 JBL One Pro. Missing this peace of equipment. Which will be better.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Juan, my personal preference would be for the RODECaster Pro. But you can make great sound with either one.

[@kenmecone8010]

Excellent information! I am a truck driver, and I do a ton of recording in my truck. I have the P4, and I love it. I really hope Zoom does a firmware upgrade to make 48K an option, along with multitrack recording to a PC/Laptop via USB.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@byronbrimstone5163]

On the main menu seen at 17:00, I would have loved to see an "EQ" square leading to a sub-menu with separate "sub-squares" for each channel. When hitting one of those "channel squares", then getting a 5-band equalizer for the selected channel. I really - as in really, really, really - would like to have at least a 5-band EQ for each channel on a mixer, just like a regular, serious audio mixer has. Lack of proper EQ options on podcast mixers is why I'm personally using the Behringer XENYX 1002B.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@commercialvoiceover]

Other "con". You can not save your audio EFX internally. They store to an SD card. If you want to RECORD multi-track to SD, you can ONLY play the factory pre-loaded sounds on the keypad and not your own. It either needs the ability to save sounds internally OR...2 SD card slots.

[@curtisjudd]

Good callout!

[@SpaceAgeConsulting]

I've owned the Rodecaster Pro for over a year now and the MicroSD card is a massive annoyance for me. I love the unit outside of that especially with the most recent firmware update but that MicroSD card is a miss in my book. Had the Zoom P8 come out first I think the 44.1khz limit might have been a deal breaker for my use though it seems better than the Rode in a few ways. Thanks for the review.

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome. Happy podcasting!

[@DocFUNKist]

Does this has a voice over feature... (on mic the sound on the current line input goes down) Eg... Music is on... I talk on the mic.... music volume goes down by controlled percentage (Eg 40%)

[@curtisjudd]

An auto-duck feature? No, not when I tested it. Could possibly be something they add via firmware, but not sure.

[@AlexTayloorTV]

Just to clarify! I just purchased the SM7B and I have the P8. You didn’t need a cloud lifted or fethead for the mic? I was under the impression it was needed but your audio sounds great. Just wondering if that’s because post processing or if that’s straight out the P8

[@curtisjudd]

I boosted the levels in post.

[@DJHoodShaka]

I would think that if you have an audience then you give an actual opinion, however you did not give an opinion. I understand you don't want to step on any toes but sometimes it would be nice to hear an actual opinion. If you actually prefer one over the other then say it instead of being like a phony politician and being in the middle. I view you as credible but when you don't make a decision in the video for me it comes off as dishonest. I understand you are trying to be a brand so you don't want to make any company angry. Just understand that some of us view these videos for an actual opinion. For you it's business! All people will give pros and cons and specifications of different devices but people want someone to stand firm on a decision of why they like something. However you did not do that. So my ratings are as follows 8 on delivering useful information, 9 on ease of listening to your buttery voice, 10 on being able to explain the specifications of the devices, however you get a 0 on giving an actual opinion. Do better! You are still great though, so don't think i'm being hard on you. I'm just being honest! Love! You still gained me as a subscriber!

[@curtisjudd]

You evidently did not watch to the end. What you did take into account is that everyone's needs are different. That's a critical assumption. I personally opted for the RODECaster pro. However, the P8 could be a lower cost option, a very good one in fact, IF it supported 48kHz sample rates and you are not planning to transport the unit often where it’s more delicate build seems more prone to damage. So you see, things are not always so clear cut. The needs of the person buying have to be taken into account. If I simply cannot afford the additional $100, was not going to transport it often, and was not doing anything with video, then the P8 is a fine option. But otherwise, I WOULD OPT FOR THE RODE.

[@RobbieSkaff]

Do you have any experience working with Dolby Atmos? If you have are there any resources you would recommend I should look at to help me learn more about how to mix in atmos. Thank you for your amazing videos. : )

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Robbie, I don't have any first-hand experience with Dolby Atmos mixing and to be honest, I haven't found any specific resources. But I'd start at the Dolby site.

[@carobnadezela6638]

Hi, great videos, BUT everyone on youtube is forgetting the main thing... no one is showing how to connect every device together... Please help me. I have Atem mini pro iso, Podtrak P8 and Shure SM7b.The only thing I have a problem is how to connect audio to atem mini pro iso... Should I connect Podtrak P8 to the camera, if yes, which is line out on the podtrak P8... or is it better to connect P8 to the Atem mini to the mic 1. But there is always some annoying sound in the recording. I did everyhing you tought me, but I never get clean sound like you have in all of your videos... WHHHHYYYYY... it is killing me.... Please help me, Thank you... :-)

[@curtisjudd]

I would send audio to your camera if your camera has a line input.

[@speckinchicago1424]

The 44.1 is a bummer. So, to confirm, USB to OBS is still limited to 44.1? I guess you could use the audio out L/R to laptop directly or throughput from external monitors to capture in OBS at 48. Massively inconvenient workaround.

[@curtisjudd]

Correct - via USB, limited to 44.1 to OBS or any other app. And agreed, you could convert to analogue and back to digital using another converter of some sort. Or Zoom could just choose 48kHz next time or in a firmware update.

[@markfox2545]

I don't get the 44.1kHz limitation. My old cheap H2N records at 48kHz and 96kHz at 16 and 24 bits so I don't see why Zoom can't do the same on the Podtrak P8. Hopefully they will see this video and make the change.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope so!

[@gevinization]

In my opinion, I don’t think you have been fair to the Rodecaster Pro. It has way much better qualifications to be better than Podtrack 8. Take one example, podtrack cannot take phone calls via Bluetooth. You need to have a separate gadget for that, RCP has it on board. Some others are RCP has more advanced fine tuning capabilities with desktop software and RCP built quality is way much better than podtrack. I am glad that I made my decision for RCP. Anyone can say that l am biased . That’s fine!. Now I am biased but glad if could help someone to make a right decision.

[@curtisjudd]

I guess you didn't watch the whole video. I chose the RODECaster for myself - bought it with my own money and will not buy a P8. Makes the "I don't think you have been fair..." accusation pretty awkward.

[@byronholman9228]

That’s so dope that your family helps you with your content so much. Love it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Byron!

[@josephrhodes2896]

The Zoom is horrible for one simple thing, headphone latency. There is no zero latency direct monitoring option, it’s horrible. Your voice will sound weird in your headphones and it’s extremely distracting. I’ve been a professional audio engineer for half my life, and I’m just shocked these products still get put out without such an important feature. The simple reason why they skipped this feature is to cheap out. But if you’re making a flagship podcasting product, why cheap out?! I’ll explain to you why most if not all of these higher end podcast products all have this latency issue: They want to be able to mix everything you’re hearing within the digital realm for ease of recording with FX. However with some simple direct wiring, this could have been fixed for the mic inputs. Instead these companies are relying on the internal processor of the unit to process your audio digitally, mix digitally, and then send back out the signal to your headphones. This creates latency. It’s enough millisecond to be quite annoying and give you that phase / robot sounding voice in your headset. Some podcasters might be used to this annoying sound and nit even realize it because they’ve only ever used really cheap interfaces or computer setups with lots of latency. However, this is not a “cheap” unit yet it has cheap options. If you have a guest sit in who is either used to professional recording with zero latency or not use to recording at all, this will throw off their ability to have a normal conversation. I returned the unit after trying to do everything I could to find a solution within its capability. There is none. No way to actually get a direct zero latency monitoring option from this unit. What’s worse is the units processor just isn’t powerful enough to give you a smaller millisecond delay, I thought maybe turning off all fx and options would reduce it. But nothing The Rode podcaster pro also has this same issue, however it’s internal processor is better/faster. The latency in headphones is still there, but much less apparent, and after a few minutes you can get used to it and your brain adjusts. I did notice that messing with the audio processing with compressor and other internal settings can affect the latency. I haven’t tried it with 4 people talking with all fxs on though and that might be a case where the latency on the rode becomes unusable as well... time will tell. Bottom line is this, these all in one units are NOT professionally built from a recording standpoint or a monitoring standpoint. A simple Focusrite starlet interface will have zero latency monitoring options. Zoom also makes some standalone multitrack recorders such as the R8 R16 and R24 which have similar form factor and features with zero latency monitoring. But without the mix minus, and sound pad potions. If you want serious podcasting setup. These aren’t the answer. A regular multitrack recording option is better than these purpose built all in one units. Until someone fixes the direct monitoring section, they just aren’t professional. I will say this. I owned both and kept the rode for now, the rode does have a much better sounding headphone amp as well as preamps and the fidelity seems way better too. More “hifi” sounding than the zoom. Everything about the rode seems nicer in terms of quality. The only lacking thing in the rode is the touch pads. They are poorly implemented with layout / screen. If you only wanna use 8 pads that’s fine. But trying to switch banks on the fly live.... forget about it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the insights and sharing your experience, Joseph.

[@figueroaesq8745]

I bought this after watching your video but I'm getting a humming sound. I have tried turning off (mute) all the inputs except the one used. Batteries instead of AC, changed cables and mics but the humming is still humming. Taken it out of the building and still humming. Anyone with similar experience? I really like this unit but can't get rid of the humming.

[@curtisjudd]

I'm sorry, it sounds like something is wrong with your copy. I would get in touch with ZOOM support to confirm and hopefully replace it.

[@murbella7]

Please, just because a microphone has an XLR connector doesn't make it a 'professional' device. The market is full of trashy mics with XLR plugs.

[@curtisjudd]

Understood. “Pro” mics.

[@Charles64]

Does Have Echo or Reverb delay on it ? On voice recording ? It can Connecting to iPad Pro ?

[@curtisjudd]

No echo or reverb that I recall (I don't have it any longer - just borrowed it for the review). Yes it records voice. Yes, it can connect to iPad Pro.