799 - The Zoom PodTrak P4next: The Most Impressive Podcast Device I’ve Used in Years

In this episode I return to my Podcast Answer Man roots and share an in-depth review of my newest and most unexpected favorite piece of podcast gear. The Zoom PodTrak P4next!

This tiny device delivers almost everything I rely on from the Rodecaster Pro 2 at a fraction of the size and a fraction of the cost, coming in at only $179.

I'll walk you through how I discovered it, my initial skepticism, and why seeing the Zoom name made me give it a chance. I'm so glad I did.

I'll share what the Zoom PodTrak P4next does, how I'm using it, why it has already earned a permanent place in my travel setup, and why I might even replace my Rodecaster Pro 2 in the studio.

I recorded this episode from the front seat of my car to demonstrate how powerful this device is for portable recording. You'll hear the quality of the preamps and the impressive noise reduction capabilities in action.

I talk about the power options, multitrack capability, four XLR inputs, mix-minus support, sound pads, four independently controlled headphone outputs, built in audio recorder and more.

I also share the story of why this little recorder solves technical problems I have carried for years.

If you have been looking for a reliable way to record multiple microphones on the road, or if you want to build a complete podcast studio that fits in a backpack, this episode will show you how simple, and inexpensive, it can be.

Portable Gear Recommendations

Many listeners and viewers ask for my current recommendations for a complete portable recording setup. Here's the list with affiliate links.

Primary Device

Zoom PodTrak P4next - https://amzn.to/4rA85fY

Microphone Options

Heil PR-40 - https://amzn.to/4iofavZ

If you want something more portable, my long-time favorite was the Audio Technica ATR-2100. It is no longer manufactured, so my best current guess for a quality budget dynamic mic is the Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone found at https://amzn.to/4rgUIBf

Cables

Three foot XLR mic cables - https://amzn.to/43UbqMC

Stands

Portable mic stand options - https://amzn.to/3MmDMJf

Headphones

Sony MDR-7506 - https://amzn.to/3M0apwo

Replacement ear pads for the MDR-7506 - https://amzn.to/3M0gj0z

Closing Thought

If this episode inspires you to pick up the Zoom PodTrak P4next, I would love to hear about it. Send me an email and let me know how this episode inspired you. My email is Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com.