Zoom PodTrak P2 Operation Manual
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Zoom PodTrak P2 Operation Manual

Zoom PodTrak P2 Operation Manual

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Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2025 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
registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
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Summary of Contents for Zoom PodTrak P2

  • Page 1 Operation Manual You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use. ©2025 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 registered 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 prohibited by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notes about this Operation Manual........................2 P2 overview.................................. 5 Use examples................................5 Terms used in this manual............................7 Podcasting flow................................8 Functions of parts..............................10 Connection example..............................14 Signal flow...................................15 Preparing for use..............................17 Inserting microSD cards............................17 Supplying power................................ 18 Making connections..............................
  • Page 4 Restoring factory default settings...........................64 Managing the firmware............................66 Checking the firmware version..........................66 Updating the firmware............................. 66 Checking the latest information for the P2......................67 Appendix..................................68 Troubleshooting................................. 68 Block diagram................................70 Specifications................................71...

  • Page 5: P2 Overview

    P2 overview Use examples Recording podcasts in the field Powered by regular batteries or a portable battery, the P2 can be used to capture audio in the field. The captured audio can be recorded on a microSD card and transferred to a computer for editing and distribution.

  • Page 6: Live Streaming

    Recording podcasts with guests participating by phone By connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet to the P2, guests at remote locations can participate in podcasts by phone. Live streaming (→ Using as By connecting the P2 to a computer, smartphone or tablet, audio can be streamed in real time. an audio interface) While streaming audio in real time, the P2 can simultaneously record.

  • Page 7: Terms Used In This Manual

    Terms used in this manual Podcast This is one way of sharing audio files on the Internet. Content that is easy to listen to casually on smartphones, computers and other devices can be made and then distributed through the Internet. Audio interface This is a device that can be used to input audio from a mic to a computer, smartphone or tablet and also output audio from that device to headphones, for example.

  • Page 8: Podcasting Flow

    Podcasting flow ● Preparations (→ Inserting • Install a microSD card in the P2, and supply power to it. microSD cards, Supplying power) (→ Making • Connect USB mics and headphones. connections) - By using one USB mic for each person, levels can be adjusted according to the volume of each individual, enabling recording that is easier to understand.
  • Page 9 ● Recording themes Confirm the content of the discussion with the participants, ready reference materials and make other preparations in advance to enable 2. Recording recording conversations with a good rhythm. ● Speaking tips While focusing on speaking clearly, try to keep sibilant (hissing “s”) and fricative (popping “p”) sounds from becoming too loud.

  • Page 10: Functions Of Parts

    Functions of parts ❶ POWER button/indicator This turns the power on/off. It lights when the power is on. When the P2 is operating on batteries, the remaining charge is shown by the illumination of the POWER indicator. Full Empty (→ Installing If the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace the batteries batteries) or connect a (→ Connecting a USB AC...
  • Page 11 ❻ AI NOISE REDUCTION button Press this, lighting it, to analyze the surrounding noise and suppress its input through the USB mics. Be careful not to speak during the analysis (while the button blinks for 3 seconds). Pressing this button to turn it off resets the results of analysis. After using to change levels, conduct analysis again.
  • Page 12 (Type-C) The following operations are possible when connected to a computer, smartphone or tablet. • Use the ZOOM P2 Editor computer app to make additional P2 settings. • Use the P2 as an audio interface. • Use the file transfer function to share files with a computer, smartphone or tablet.

  • Page 13: Left And Right Sides

    Left and right sides ■ Left side ■ Right side ❶ USB MIC 1 port (Type-A) Connect a USB mic here. This can supply USB bus power. Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. ❷ microSD card slot Insert a microSD card here. ❸...

  • Page 14: Connection Example

    Connection example USB (Type-C) USB (Type-C) USB (Type-A) USB (Type-A) ❶ Computer, smartphone or tablet (→ Connecting computers, smartphones and tablets) ❷ USB AC adapter (→ Connecting a USB AC adapter) ❸ Portable battery (→ Other power sources) ❹ USB mics (→ Connecting USB mics) ❺...

  • Page 15: Signal Flow

    Signal flow MASTER MIC1 USB MIC 1 MUTE 1 AI NOISE TONE REDUCTION MIC2 USB MIC 2 MUTE 2 USB OUT COMP COMP Mix Minus VOICE GUIDE Audio I/F Mode Headphones 1/2 USB IN ❶ Input from USB MIC 1/2 (green) Input signals from USB mics connected to the P2.
  • Page 16 ❺ Recording files (red) Sounds from USB Mic 1, USB Mic 2 and the computer, smartphone or tablet are mixed and recorded on the microSD card as a stereo file (MIX). Depending on the setting, sounds from USB Mic 1 and USB Mic 2 (both mono) and from the computer, (→ Selecting the type of files smartphone or tablet (stereo) can also be recorded as separate files.

  • Page 17: Preparing For Use

    • The following recording media formats are supported. - microSDHC memory cards - microSDXC memory cards See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/p2) for information about microSD cards that have been confirmed to work with this unit.

  • Page 18: Supplying Power

    Supplying power The P2 can be powered by a power supply (USB AC adapter, USB bus power or portable battery) connected to the USB (DC5V) power port or the USB ( for data) port on the back, or by installing batteries through the bottom.
  • Page 19 NOTE • Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time. • Set the type of battery used so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately. (→ Setting the type of batteries used) •...
  • Page 20 Connecting a USB AC adapter Connect the cable of a commercially-available USB AC adapter (12 W or higher, 5 V, 2.4 A or higher) to the USB (DC5V) power port (Type-C) on the back, and connect the USB AC adapter to an outlet. Other power sources The P2 can be operated using USB bus power by connecting a computer to the USB ( for data) port...

  • Page 21: Making Connections

    • The P2 can supply a maximum combined total of 700 mA current to the USB MIC 1 and 2 ports. Use a separate AC adapter, for example, to supply power to USB mics that consume large amounts of current. • See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/p2) for information about USB mics that have been confirmed to work with this unit.

  • Page 22: Connecting Headphones

    Connecting headphones Voices input through the USB mics, along with voices from calls and music played back from a computer, smartphone or tablet can be monitored through headphones connected to the HEADPHONE jacks. NOTE Be careful because feedback could occur if a USB mic and headphones are too close together.
  • Page 23 By connecting the P2 to a computer, smartphone or tablet, the following uses are possible. (→ Using the • Install the ZOOM P2 Editor on a computer and use it to make additional settings. app) • P2 input sounds can be sent to a computer, smartphone or tablet and playback signals from that device (→ Using as an audio...

  • Page 24: Turning The Power On/Off

    Turning the power on/off Turning on the power Press the (POWER) button until it lights. This turns on the P2 power. NOTE The power will automatically turn off if the P2 is unused for 10 hours. To keep the power on at all times, set (→ Turning the power off...

  • Page 25: Using The App

    Using the app Install the ZOOM P2 Editor on a computer and use it to initialize settings and make additional settings. Use a USB cable (Type-C) to connect the USB ( for data) port on the back of the P2 to the computer.
  • Page 26 Connection is complete when “CONNECTED” lights at the top of the screen, and changing settings becomes possible. (→ App screen Use ZOOM P2 Editor to make P2 settings overview) Turn off the P2 power. Press the (POWER) button until the LEVEL meters all become lit and an animation starts.

  • Page 27: App Screen Overview

    ❻ Date & Time (→ Setting the date and time) This shows the date and time. (When ZOOM P2 Editor is launched, the date and time for the P2 is acquired from the computer and set automatically.) ❼...
  • Page 28 ❿ Firmware version (→ Checking the firmware version) This shows the firmware version. ⓫ Reset the P2 (→ Restoring factory default settings) Settings can be restored to their factory defaults. ⓬ Help (→ Checking the latest information for the P2) This shows the latest information about the product (on a website).

  • Page 29: Setting Date And Time, Battery Type And Automatic Power Off (Making Initial P2 Settings Before Use)

    If power is not supplied for a long time, the date and time settings stored in the hardware will be reset. If this occurs, connect the P2 with a computer again using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor to allow the date and time to be acquired.
  • Page 30 Setting Explanation Alkaline Alkaline batteries Ni-MH Nickel-metal hydride batteries Lithium Lithium batteries For “Auto Power Off”, select an automatic power off setting. Setting Explanation ON (10 Hours) The power will automatically turn off if it is unused for 10 hours. Never The power will not turn off...
  • Page 31 Setting date and time, battery type and auto power off without using the app Initial P2 settings can be made without the app using the P2 itself. The settings can be confirmed using sound output from the P2. Connect headphones to the HEADPHONE 1 (→ Connecting jack on the P2.
  • Page 32 ❷ Month This can be set from 1 to 12. (January – December) ❸ This can be set from 1 to 31. (1 – 31) ❹ Hour This can be set from 0 to 23. (00:00 – 23:00) ❺ Minute This can be set from 0 to 59.
  • Page 33 Use the (INPUT LEVEL 2) knob to set the battery type. The setting value will be output as audio guidance. • “Alkaline”: alkaline batteries • “Ni-MH”: nickel-metal hydride batteries • “Lithium”: lithium batteries NOTE Press the (COMP) button to output the current setting as audio guidance. After setting the battery type, set the Auto Power Off...
  • Page 34 Use the (INPUT LEVEL 2) knob to select an automatic power off setting. The setting value will be output as audio guidance. • “On”: The power will automatically turn off if it is unused for 10 hours. • “Off”: The power will not turn off automatically. NOTE Press the (MUTE 2) button to output the current setting as audio guidance.

  • Page 35: Recording Podcasts

    Recording podcasts Adjusting USB mic levels Use the (INPUT LEVEL 1) and (INPUT LEVEL 2) knobs to adjust the levels of the USB mics. • (INPUT LEVEL 1) knob: Adjust the level of the USB mic connected to the USB MIC 1 jack. •...

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Monitoring Level

    Adjusting the monitoring level Stereo audio that is a mix of the USB mic 1/2 signals (centered panning) and sound (stereo) input from the computer, smartphone or tablet can be monitored using headphones connected to the HEADPHONE 1/2 (→ Connecting jacks. headphones) Use the (HEADPHONE VOLUME) knob to adjust the monitoring volume.

  • Page 37: Muting Usb Mics

    Muting USB mics Press the (MUTE 1) or (MUTE 2) button to light it. Muting is on when lit. • (MUTE 1) button: This mutes USB Mic 1. • (MUTE 2) button: This mutes USB Mic 2. Press the (MUTE 1) or (MUTE 2) button when lit to unmute it.

  • Page 38: Recording

    Recording Sound from USB Mic 1, USB Mic 2 and a computer, smartphone or tablet can be recorded to a microSD card loaded in the P2. NOTE • Recorded files are saved in the following format - Sample rate: 48 kHz - Bit depth: 24-bit (→ Selecting the type •...
  • Page 39 To stop, press the (RECORD) button. Recording will stop and the (RECORD) button will become unlit. Pressing the (PLAY/PAUSE) button during recording will pause recording (the (RECORD) button will blink red). Press the (PLAY/PAUSE) button again to resume recording. NOTE •...

  • Page 40: Selecting The Type Of Files Recorded

    Selecting the type of files recorded The files saved when recording can be selected. Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor on the (→ Using the computer. app) Click a recording file setting for “Recording File”.
  • Page 41 Setting the recording file type without using the app The setting can be confirmed using sound output from the P2. Connect headphones to the HEADPHONE 1 (→ Connecting jack on the P2. headphones) While pressing the (MUTE 1) button, press the (POWER) button to turn on the P2 power.

  • Page 42: Playing Recordings

    Playing recordings Press the (PLAY/PAUSE) button. (PLAY/PAUSE) button will light green, and playback of the most recently recorded file will start. Use the (HEADPHONE VOLUME) knob to adjust the headphone volume. NOTE • If the “Recording File” setting is “Multi Track”, all recorded files will be played back simultaneously. (→ Selecting the type of files recorded) •...

  • Page 43: Managing Files

    Managing files Files created by the P2 are saved on the microSD card. Recording files on the microSD card can be checked and deleted. P2 folder and file structure The following types of folders and files are created when recording with a microSD card that was formatted by the P2.

  • Page 44: Naming Of Recording File Folders

    • USB.WAV: Recordings of the input from the computer, smartphone or tablet are saved as stereo files. ❸ System file This is a system file used by the P2. Do not delete it. NOTE If the “Recording File” setting is “Multi Track”, files will only be created for tracks that have USB mics (→ Selecting the type of files connected.

  • Page 45: Using As An Audio Interface

    Using as an audio interface The P2 can be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface. Using audio interface functions makes the following possible. Internet ❶ Inputting sound to the P2 Sound from calls as well as music played back on a computer smartphone or tablet can be output from the P2.

  • Page 46: Connecting To Computers, Smartphones And Tablets

    Launch an application on the computer, smartphone or tablet and select the P2 as the “Audio” or “Input/Output” device. “ZOOM P2” will be shown on a computer. NOTE • The audio sample rate is 48 kHz when used as an audio interface.

  • Page 47: Preventing Feedback For Callers Participating Remotely In Podcast Recording (Aif Mix Minus)

    If a guest is participating remotely in podcast recording, sending their voice back to them can be stopped to prevent feedback. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Click next to “AIF Mix Minus”.
  • Page 48 Press the (TONE) button. (TONE) button will blink and AIF Mix Minus setting mode will be enabled. (“Audio interface mix minus” and the current setting value will be output as audio guidance.) Use the (INPUT LEVEL 2) knob to select the AIF Mix Minus setting. The setting value will be output as audio guidance.

  • Page 49: Setting The Types Of Signals Sent To The Computer, Smartphone Or Tablet (Audio I/F Mode)

    Set the signals sent to the computer, smartphone or tablet. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) For “Audio I/F Mode”, click the signal type to select it.
  • Page 50 Press the (AI NOISE REDUCTION) button. (AI NOISE REDUCTION) button will blink and Audio I/F Mode setting mode will be enabled. (“Audio interface mode” and the current setting value will be output as audio guidance.) Use the (INPUT LEVEL 2) knob to select the Audio I/F Mode setting. The setting value will be output as audio guidance.

  • Page 51: Transferring Files To Computers

    By connecting the P2 to a computer, files on the microSD card can be checked and moved. Connecting with a computer (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Click “File Transfer Mode”.
  • Page 52 Connecting to a computer without using the app Use a USB (Type-C) cable to connect the P2 and the computer. While pressing the (AI NOISE REDUCTION) button, press the (POWER) button to turn on the P2 power. This connects the P2 to the computer. When connected to a computer, the (POWER) button and LEVEL indicators will light and become animated as shown below.

  • Page 53: Disconnecting From A Computer

    Select the P2 from “Safely Remove Hardware”. • macOS: Drag the P2 icon to the Trash and drop it. Click “Exit File Transfer Mode”. Click “OK”. The ZOOM P2 Editor will return to normal. Click “Cancel” to cancel connection with the computer.
  • Page 54 Disconnecting from a computer without using the app Disconnect on the computer. • Windows: Select the P2 from “Safely Remove Hardware”. • macOS: Drag the P2 icon to the Trash and drop it. Press the (POWER) button until the LEVEL indicators all become lit and an animation starts. After disconnecting from the computer, the P2 power turns off.

  • Page 55: Managing Microsd Cards

    The capacity and open space of the microSD card loaded in the P2 along with the available recording time can be checked. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Check the state of the microSD card on the ZOOM P2 Editor screen.

  • Page 56: Formatting Microsd Cards

    Formatting microSD cards To maximize the performance of a microSD card, format it for use with the P2. (→ Inserting microSD With the power off, insert the microSD card. cards) (→ Connecting Use a USB cable (Type-C) to connect the P2 with a computer, smartphone or tablet. computers, smartphones and tablets) Click “Format”...
  • Page 57 Click “Done”. The previous screen will reopen. NOTE • Always format microSD cards in order to maximize their performance after purchasing them new or using them with a different device. • Be aware that all data on the microSD card will be deleted when it is formatted. Formatting microSD cards without using the app Use audio guidance output from the P2 to check the operation state.

  • Page 58: Making Various Settings

    Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) When the P2 is connected to ZOOM P2 Editor, the date and time shown in the app will be acquired from the computer and set on the P2.
  • Page 59 Use the (MUTE 1), (TONE), (AI NOISE REDUCTION), (COMP) and (MUTE 2) buttons to select the year, month, day, hour and minute, respectively, and use to set them. When a button is pressed, it will blink and the setting item (year, month, day, hour or minute) and value will be output as audio guidance.

  • Page 60: Setting The Type Of Batteries Used

    Select the type of battery used by the P2 so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) For “Battery Type”, click the type of batteries to select it.
  • Page 61 Setting the battery type without using the app The setting can be confirmed using sound output from the P2. Connect headphones to the HEADPHONE 1 (→ Connecting jack on the P2. headphones) While pressing the (MUTE 1) button, press the (POWER) button to turn on the P2 power. This will start the P2 in setting mode.

  • Page 62: Turning The Power Off Automatically (Auto Power Off)

    To keep the power on at all times, set Auto Power Off to Never. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) For “Auto Power Off”, select an automatic power off setting.
  • Page 63 Setting auto power off without using the app The setting can be confirmed using sound output from the P2. Connect headphones to the HEADPHONE 1 (→ Connecting jack on the P2. headphones) While pressing the (MUTE 1) button, press the (POWER) button to turn on the P2 power. This will start the P2 in setting mode.

  • Page 64: Restoring Factory Default Settings

    Restoring factory default settings The P2 settings can be reset to their factory defaults. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Click “Reset All Settings”. Click “OK”. The P2 will be restored to its factory default state.
  • Page 65 Click “Done”. NOTE Initializing settings will overwrite all settings with their factory defaults. Be certain before using this function. Restoring factory default settings without using the app While pressing the (MUTE 2) button, press the (POWER) button to turn on the P2 power. (PLAY/PAUSE) button will blink.

  • Page 66: Managing The Firmware

    Checking the firmware version The firmware version used by the P2 can be checked. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Check the firmware version on the ZOOM P2 Editor screen.

  • Page 67: Checking The Latest Information For The P2

    Checking the latest information for the P2 Help related to the product can be accessed from ZOOM P2 Editor. (→ Using the Connect the P2 with a computer using a USB cable (Type-C), and launch ZOOM P2 Editor. app) Click the “Help” link.

  • Page 68: Appendix

    Appendix Troubleshooting If you think that the P2 is operating strangely, check the following items first. Recording/playback trouble   There is no sound or output is very quiet (→ Making • Check the USB mic and headphone connections. connections) Confirm that USB mics are connected using USB cables that support data transfer. Connect headphones to the headphone jacks on the P2.

  • Page 69: Other Trouble

    • If power is not supplied by a USB AC adapter or batteries for a long time, date and time settings will be reset. Use a USB cable (Type-C) to reconnect the P2 with a computer, and launch ZOOM P2 Editor to (→ Setting the date and...

  • Page 70: Block Diagram

    Block diagram STEREO MIX MODE MULTI TRACK MODE RECDATA MASTER L to SD CARD LEVEL RECDATA MASTER R to SD CARD METER RECDATA 1-2 to SD CARD COMP PLAY/STOP VOICE GUIDE AI NOISE REDUCTION TONE LEVEL METER USB MIC 1-2 BACKUP COMP MUTE GAIN...

  • Page 71: Specifications

    USB mics Connector USB Type-A USB bus power 5 V, 700 mA maximum (total for USB mics 1 and 2) See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/p2) for information about USB mics that have been confirmed to work with this unit. Outputs Headphones Connector Stereo mini jack ×...
  • Page 72 • USB bus power is supported. Estimated continuous recording time using Recording stereo mix Alkaline: about 3.5 hours batteries with 2 ZOOM ZUM-2 mics NiMH: about 5 hours • These values are approximate. connected Lithium: about 10 hours • Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.
  • Page 73 ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan zoomcorp.com Z2I-5591-01...

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