Zoom PodTrak P4 Operation Manual
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Zoom PodTrak P4 Operation Manual

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P4
Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
© 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and regis-
tered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

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Summary of Contents for Zoom PodTrak P4

  • Page 1 Operation Manual You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use. © 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and regis- tered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

  • Page 2: Notes About This Operation Manual

    Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohib- ited by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

  • Page 3: Introduction

    Introduction Thank you very much for purchasing the ZOOM PodTrak. is a multitrack recorder designed for podcasting. Even beginners can start recording high quality audio right away just by connecting mics and headphones. We also recommend the to veteran podcasters as a compact combination of useful recording functions.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notes about this Operation Manual ������ 2 Transferring files to a computer, smartphone or tablet ������������������� 31 Introduction ����������������� 3 Transferring files to a computer, smartphone Contents  ������������������ 4 or tablet ����������������� 31 folder and file structure �������� 32 Podcasting with the  �����������...

  • Page 5: Podcasting With The P4

    Podcasting with the ● Preparation Install an SD card in the , provide it power, and set the date and time. ● Connecting and checking Connect microphones and headphones. • By using a single mic for each person, levels can be adjusted to suit each voice, enabling clear recording of all voices.

  • Page 6: P4 Overview

    overview Functions of parts ■ Top INPUT knobs 1–4 INPUT SELECT switches 1–4 MUTE buttons 1–4 Display SOUND PAD A–D PLAY indicator REC indicator SOUND PAD knob MENU button PLAY/PAUSE/ button PHONES knobs 1–4 STOP/ button REC/ENTER button INPUT knobs 1–4 Use to adjust input signal levels.
  • Page 7 SOUND PAD knob Use to adjust SOUND PAD levels. PHONES knobs 1–4 Use to adjust the volumes of signals output from PHONES jacks 1–4. Display This shows the recorder status and Menu Screen. When the is running on battery power, the display will automatically dim if it is not operated for 15 seconds.
  • Page 8 ■ Left/Right SD card slot Power supply USB port (Type-C) USB port (Type-C) BTA-2 power supply connector Smartphone connection jack Power switch SD card slot Cards that conform to SDHC and SDXC specifications are supported. Format the SD card with the before use.

  • Page 9: Connection Examples

    (ZOOM AD-17) USB Type-C port USB Type-C port SD card Wireless adapter (ZOOM BTA-2) This enables wireless connection to smartphones and tablets. Computer, smartphone or tablet Using the audio interface function, audio can be shared with a computer, smartphone or tablet, and recordings on the SD card can be transferred for editing.

  • Page 10: Use Examples

    Use examples Using on location By using the with batteries or a portable battery, audio can be recorded on location. The recorded audio is saved on an SD card and can be transferred to a computer, smartphone or tablet for editing and distribution.

  • Page 11: Explanation Of Terms

    Explanation of terms Audio interface enables sounds from mics and instruments, for example, to be input to a computer, smartphone or tablet. It can also output sounds from that device to speakers and headphones. USB audio return When the is connected as an audio interface, this is the signal output from the computer, smartphone or tablet.

  • Page 12: Signal Flow

    Signal flow MUTE Channel 1 INPUT 1 Lo Cut Limiter TRACK 1 MUTE Channel 2 INPUT 2 Lo Cut Limiter TRACK 2 MUTE Channel 3 INPUT 3 Lo Cut Limiter TRACK 3 MUTE Channel 4 INPUT 4 Lo Cut Limiter TRACK 4 SOUND PAD Signal flow...

  • Page 13: Home Screen Overview

    Home Screen overview This screen appears on the display when the power is turned on. This shows the conditions, including recording status and input levels. Time display Status icon This shows either the current elapsed recording time or the available This shows the recording time.

  • Page 14: Making Preparations

    Making preparations Inserting SD cards SD card slot POWER switch With the power off, open the SD card slot cover, and insert an SD card all the way into the slot. To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out. NOTE • Cards that conform to SDHC and SDXC specifications are supported.

  • Page 15: Providing Power

    Providing power Installing batteries To run the on battery power, open the battery compartment cover on the bottom and install two AA batteries. Open while pressing down. NOTE • Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time. • Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately.

  • Page 16: Turning The Power On

    Turning the power on POWER switch Press until “ZOOM” appears on the display. This turns the power on and opens the Home Screen. The first time the power is turned on after purchase and after the has been restored to its factory default state, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time setting screen opens.

  • Page 17: Setting The Date And Time (First Time Starting Up)

    Setting the date and time (first time starting up) The first time the power is turned on after purchase, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time setting screen opens. The date and time are stored in recorded files, and the recording start date/time is used in the file name. Having the correct date and time set is helpful when looking for files, for example, by allowing contents to be determined by names.

  • Page 18: Connecting

    Connecting Connecting mics Connect mics to capture sound. Up to 4 mics can be connected. Dynamic and condenser mics Use mic cables (with XLR connectors) to connect them to INPUT jacks 1–4. 2: HOT 1: GND 3: COLD INPUT SELECT switches 1–4 Set to when using a dynamic mic or to...

  • Page 19: Connecting Headphones

    Connecting headphones Connect headphones to check the sound. The PHONES 1–4 jacks output the master channel sound. Up to 4 pairs of headphones can be connected. Lower Raise PHONES knobs 1–4 Use these to adjust headphone volumes. Headphones Connect to PHONES jacks 1–4.

  • Page 20: Connecting Smartphones

    Connecting smartphones The following operations are possible when a smartphone is connected to the smartphone connection jack. • When podcasting, the voice of a guest participating by phone can be input on channel 3. By using a 4-contact mini-plug cable, a signal can be input from a smartphone and a mono signal can be sent back to it simultaneously.

  • Page 21: Connecting A Bta-2

    Connecting a BTA-2 (dedicated wireless adapter) By connecting a BTA-2, audio can be input through the smartphone connection jack via Bluetooth. Pairing switch Connecting Pairing must be conducted the first time connecting. While the power is off, connect the BTA-2 to the smartphone connection jack and the BTA-2 power supply connector.

  • Page 22: Connecting A Computer, Smartphone Or Tablet

    Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet by USB The following operations are possible when a computer, smartphone or tablet is connected to the USB port (Type-C). • Using the audio interface function ( page 38), music, interviews and other audio from a computer, smartphone or tablet can be input through channel 4.

  • Page 23: Recording

    Recording Adjusting input levels Adjust input levels so that the volumes of the mics being recorded neither cause distortion nor are too low. Lower Raise INPUT knobs 1–4 Use to adjust input levels. Input levels are shown on the display. While balancing the mix of the channels, adjust their levels so that they are between −12 dBFS −6 dBFS.

  • Page 24: Making Mic Settings (Mic Settings)

    Making mic settings (Mic Settings) The Lo Cut and Limiter functions can be turned on/off for each input. By default, they are on. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Mic Settings, and press to select the setting, and press • Lo Cut: This can cut low frequencies to reduce the sound of air conditioning, wind, vocal pops and other noise.

  • Page 25: Recording

    Recording The input signals of each channel, the sounds (stereo) played by pressing SOUND PAD buttons, and the master channel signal (stereo) can be recorded simultaneously as separate files to the SD card. Recording/recording paused: elapsed recording time Recording stopped: available recording time REC indicator Press when the Home Screen is open.

  • Page 26: Playing Recordings

    Playing recordings Playing recordings Recorded files can be played back. Playback file name PLAY indicator Elapsed playback time Press when the Home Screen is open. The most recently recorded file will start playing, the Playback Screen will open on the display, and the PLAY indicator will light green.

  • Page 27: Selecting Files And Playing Them

    Selecting files and playing them Files that have been recorded by the or that are saved on the SD card can be selected and played. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Files, and press to select the file you want to play, and press to select Play, and press This opens the Playback Screen on the display and starts playback of the selected file.
  • Page 28 Selecting files not supported by the When a file that is not supported by the is selected on the Files Screen, one of the following messages will be shown on the display. ■ File selected that cannot be played by the If one of the above pop-up messages appears, the selected file cannot be played by the .

  • Page 29: Changing The Names Of Recorded Files

    Changing the names of recorded files The names of files recorded by the can be changed. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Files, and press to select the file with the name you want to change, and press to select Rename, and press Change the file name in the file name input area.

  • Page 30: Deleting Files

    Deleting files You can delete files that you do not need. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Files, and press to select the file you want to delete, and press to select Delete, and press to select Execute, and press The selected File will be deleted, and the Files Screen will reopen.

  • Page 31: Transferring Files To A Computer, Smartphone Or

    Transferring files to a computer, smartphone or tablet The input signals of each channel, the sounds played by pressing the SOUND PAD buttons and the master channel signal are recorded into separate files. Various editing functions can be used on them after recording by transferring them to a computer or other device.

  • Page 32: P4 Folder And File Structure

    P4 folder and file structure When recording with the , folders and files are created on SD cards in the following manner. Root These files can be used for podcasting. 2020_0101_0000.WAV (Stereo file for podcasting) 2020_0101_0010.WAV 2020_0101_0024.WAV A folder with the same name as the stereo file for podcasting will be created that will contain recording files for each track.

  • Page 33: Using Sound Pad Functions

    Using SOUND PAD functions Audio files can be assigned to the SOUND PAD buttons. Press one to play the assigned file. These are convenient to play opening and closing music, jingles, and interviews that have been recorded in advance. The level and playback method can be set for each pad. Assigning audio files to SOUND PAD buttons Built-in sounds and audio files saved on an SD card can be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons.

  • Page 34: Playing Sound Pad Buttons

    to select Sound Assign, and press The built-in sound sources and the audio files stored on the SD card are shown in the list. to select the audio file to assign, and press This assigns the selected file to the SOUND PAD selected in step 3. Playing SOUND PAD buttons SOUND PAD buttons SOUND PAD knob...

  • Page 35: Setting Playback Methods For Each

    Setting playback methods for each SOUND PAD The sound playback method used when each SOUND PAD is pressed can be set. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Sound Pad, and press (or press SOUND PAD ) to select the SOUND PAD (A–D) for playback mode setting, and press to select Play Mode, and press...
  • Page 36 to select the setting, and press Setting Explanation Each press plays the file once from beginning to end. One Shot This is useful for playing jingle and effect sounds, for example. Each press alternately plays and pauses. Playback stops at the end of the file. Pause Press and hold (for 2 seconds) when paused to return to the beginning of the file.

  • Page 37: Adjusting The Levels Of Each Sound Pad

    Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD The playback levels can be adjusted separately for each SOUND PAD. If the SOUND PAD levels differ significantly, they can be made more consistent. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Sound Pad, and press (or press SOUND PAD ) to select the SOUND PAD (A–D) for level adjustment, and press...

  • Page 38: Using As An Audio Interface

    Use a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter) to connect to an iOS/ iPadOS device with a lighting connector. Select the as the input and output device on the connected computer or other device. NOTE “ZOOM P4 Audio” will appear on the computer.

  • Page 39: Inputting Usb Audio Return On Channel 4

    Inputting USB audio return on channel 4 Lower Raise INPUT knob 4 INPUT SELECT switch 4 This sets the USB audio return as the signal input on channel 4. Turn to adjust the level.

  • Page 40: Setting Usb Mix Minus

    Setting USB Mix Minus When using the as an audio interface, this can prevent feedback to a person participating in a call through the connected device. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select USB Mix Minus, and press to select the setting, and press Setting Explanation...

  • Page 41: Modifying The Date And Time

    Modifying the date and time The date and time are stored in recorded files, and the recording start date/time is used in the file name. Having the correct date and time set is helpful when looking for files, for example, by allowing contents to be determined by names.

  • Page 42: Setting The Type Of Batteries Used

    Setting the type of batteries used Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select Battery, and press to select the setting, and press Setting Explanation...

  • Page 43: Adjusting The Display Contrast

    Adjusting the display contrast Adjust the contrast if the display is difficult to read because it appears too light or dark. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select LCD Contrast, and press to select the setting value, and press HINT This can be set from 1 to 10.

  • Page 44: Setting The Auto Power Off Function

    Setting the Auto Power Off function The power will automatically turn off if the is unused for 10 hours. To keep the power on at all times, set the Auto Power Off function to Off. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select Auto Power Off, and press to select the setting, and press...

  • Page 45: Testing Sd Cards

    Testing SD cards SD cards can be tested to confirm whether they can be used with the A basic test can be done quickly, while a full test examines the entire SD card. Conducting a quick test Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select SD Card, and press to select Card Test, and press...
  • Page 46 to select Quick Test, and press to select Execute, and press The card performance test will start. The test should take about 30 seconds. The result of the test will be shown when it completes. NOTE Even if a performance test result is “Pass” , there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This information is just to provide guidance.
  • Page 47 Conducting a full test Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select SD Card, and press to select Card Test, and press...
  • Page 48 to select Full Test, and press The amount of time required will be shown. to select Execute, and press The card performance test will start. The result of the test will be shown when it completes. If the access rate MAX reaches 100%, the card will fail (NG). NOTE Even if a performance test result is “Pass”...

  • Page 49: Formatting Sd Cards

    Formatting SD cards Format SD cards for the to maximize their performance. Before using SD cards that have just been purchased or that have been formatted on a computer, they must be formatted by the . Be aware that formatting an SD card will delete all data, including files assigned to SOUND PAD buttons, on it.

  • Page 50: Restoring Factory Default Settings

    Restoring factory default settings can be restored to its factory default settings. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select Settings, and press to select Factory Reset, and press to select Execute, and press This restores the to its factory default settings, and its power turns off. NOTE A factory reset will overwrite all settings to their factory defaults.

  • Page 51: Updating The Firmware

    Updating the firmware firmware can be updated to the latest version. Files for the latest firmware updates can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp). Follow the instructions in the “P4 Firmware Update Guide” on the P4 download page.

  • Page 52: Error Message List

    Error message list This is a list of error messages that could pop up on the display. Respond as described below when necessary. Pop-up message Explanation The file is set to be read only. Read Only! Use a computer to unlock the read only status of the file. Select a file that is 16-bit or 24-bit.
  • Page 53 Pop-up message Explanation The latest recording file is not available. No Last Recorded File! This appears if the most recently recorded file does not exist when pressed on the Home Screen. The maximum number of files on an SD card has been reached. File Full! Delete unnecessary files ( “Deleting files”...

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    “Formatting SD cards” on page • If formatting an SD card does not improve this, we recommend replacing the card. Please check the list of cards that have been confirmed to work on the ZOOM website. NOTE This is not a guarantee of specific SD card recording performance for SDHC/SDXC cards that have been confirmed to work.

  • Page 55: Audio Interface

    Audio files cannot be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons • Check the format of the audio file to be assigned. ( “Assigning audio files to SOUND PAD buttons” on page • If the audio file is stored on an SD card, store it in a directory outside the P4_Multitrack and P4_Settings folders on the card.

  • Page 56: Specifications

    2 AA batteries (alkaline, nickel-metal hydride or lithium) • We recommend nickel-metal hydride batteries for the P4. AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5 V/1 A (supports USB bus power) Estimated continuous operation time using batteries Recording 44.1 kHz/16-bit 4ch audio to an SD card (+48 V OFF , headphones into 63 Ω...
  • Page 57 ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan www.zoom.co.jp Z2I-4008-01...

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