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Zoom PodTrak P8 User Manual

Zoom PodTrak P8
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P8
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
Operation Manual
© 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
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Table of Contents

Other manuals for Zoom PodTrak P8

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Zoom PodTrak P8 Specifications

Power IconPower
phantom power+48 V
battery type4 AA batteries
ac adapterDC 5 V/1 A
Ports & Interfaces IconPorts & Interfaces
usb typeUSB Type-C
headphones output3.5mm stereo mini
speaker outputTRS jacks
Recording IconRecording
recorder formatWAV 44.1kHz, 16-bit, mono/stereo
audio interface44.1kHz, 16-bit, 2-in/2-out
supported media4–32 GB cards (SDHC), 64–512 GB cards (SDXC)
Display IconDisplay
display typefull-color touchscreen LCD
display size4.3 inches
display resolution480×272
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
weight1.43 kg
width295 mm
depth248 mm
height61 mm

Summary

Notes about this Operation Manual

Introduction and Main Features

Main features of the P8

Overview of the P8's key functionalities including multitrack recording, mic adjustment, editing, and remote features.

Podcasting Process Steps

Preparations and connection

Steps for setting up the P8, connecting microphones, headphones, and confirming initial settings.

Environmental noise countermeasures

Tips to reduce unwanted noise from wind, handling, and background sound during recording.

Recording tips

Advice on speaking clearly and using SOUND PAD buttons for program enhancement.

Publishing and Editing

Editing before release

Details on editing stereo files for podcasts, including cutting, adding fades, and converting to MP3.

P8 Overview and Terminology

Explanation of terms

Definitions of key terms used in the manual, such as Audio interface, USB audio return, and Podcasting.

Functions of Parts - Top Panel

Functions of Parts - Back Panel

Connection Examples

Use Case Examples

Podcasting with remote guest

Illustrates how to connect a remote guest via computer/smartphone for podcast participation.

Live streaming setup

Demonstrates connecting the P8 to a computer/smartphone for real-time audio streaming.

Signal Flow Diagram

Touchscreen Display and Operation

Home Screen overview

Details the status icons, counter, library, level meters, track buttons, and ON AIR settings on the main screen.

Touchscreen operation overview

Explains basic touchscreen interactions like tapping, sliding, and navigating various screens.

Preparing for Use - SD Card Insertion

Powering the P8

Using an AC adapter

Instructions for connecting the P8 to a power outlet using the included AC adapter.

Installing batteries

Guide on opening the battery compartment and installing 4 AA batteries for portable operation.

Other Power Sources

Powering the Device On

Powering the Device Off

Making Initial Settings

Setting date/time and language

Procedure for setting the initial date, time, and touchscreen language upon first startup.

Setting Noise Reduction and Recording File Types

Connecting Microphones

Connecting Headphones

Connecting Smartphones

Connecting a BTA-2 Wireless Adapter

Connecting to External Devices via USB

Audio interface function

Enables inputting computer audio and outputting P8 sounds to the connected device.

USB file transfer function

Allows transferring recorded files from the P8's SD card to computers or mobile devices.

Preparing to Connect a Smartphone or Tablet

Audio interface function overview

Explains how the P8 functions as a 2-in/2-out audio interface for computers and mobile devices.

Inputting USB Audio Return on Channel 6

Setting USB Mix Minus

Connecting Powered Speakers and Output Equipment

Recording - Adjusting Audio Input and Quality

Mic Input Adjustment

Configuring mic preamp settings, tone, and compressor/de-esser for optimal voice recording.

USB and Smartphone Input Adjustment

Adjusting high and low frequencies for USB and smartphone audio inputs.

Balancing Channel Mix Levels

Recording Operations

Playing Recordings

Playing recordings on the Home Screen

Instructions for playing back recorded audio files directly from the Home Screen interface.

Selecting and Playing Files

File format overview for editing

Details compatible audio file formats (WAV) for playback and potential conversion.

Using Marks for Editing

Adding marks

How to insert marks during recording or playback for editing guidance.

Deleting Marks

SOUND PAD Functions

Playing SOUND PAD buttons

How to play assigned audio files using the SOUND PAD buttons and adjust their volume.

Switching banks

Navigating between the four banks of SOUND PAD buttons to access different audio files.

Assigning Audio Files to SOUND PAD Buttons

Assigning audio files on the SOUND PAD settings screen

Step-by-step guide to assigning audio files from the SD card to specific SOUND PAD buttons.

Assigning Audio Files from File Editing Screen

Adjusting SOUND PAD Levels

Setting SOUND PAD Playback Modes

Changing SOUND PAD Bank Names

Managing Files on SD Card

File List Screen Overview

Introduction to the File List Screen for managing, sorting, and selecting audio files.

Deleting Files

Combining Files in Specific Order

Editing Audio Files

File format overview for editing

Details compatible audio file formats (WAV) for editing and available editing operations.

Opening the File Editing Screen

Changing File Names

Changing File Icons

Cutting Unnecessary Parts (Trimming)

Dividing Files

Adding Fade-ins and Outs

Fade in and Fade out procedures

Guides on gradually increasing (fade-in) or decreasing (fade-out) audio volume.

Adding Music and Background Sound

Optimizing Podcast Volume (Loudness Normalization)

Converting Files to MP3 Format

Transferring Files to External Devices

P8 Folder and File Structure

Modifying Date and Time Settings

Changing Touchscreen Display Language

Setting the Battery Type

Adjusting Touchscreen Brightness

Using Noise Reduction

Setting Recording File Types

Testing SD Cards

SD Card Performance Testing

Procedures for performing quick and full tests on SD cards to confirm usability.

Formatting SD Cards

Using SD Cards for Settings Management

Backing up and loading P8 settings

Steps to back up current configurations and load previously saved settings from an SD card.

Setting the Automatic Power Off Function

Restoring Factory Default Settings

Updating the Firmware

Troubleshooting - Audio Output and Recording Issues

No sound or quiet output

Steps to resolve issues with no sound or low audio levels from the P8.

Recording problems

Guidance for when recording is not possible or takes too much time.

Playback sound issues

Troubleshooting steps for playback sound that cannot be heard or is quiet.

Troubleshooting - Connectivity and Function Issues

SOUND PAD and Audio Interface Problems

Solutions for SOUND PAD assignment issues and P8 connectivity problems as an interface.

Specifications

Mixer Block Diagram

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