Zoom PodTrak P4next helps podcasters deliver quality audio

Zoom has released the PodTrack P4next designed to help podcasters deliver broadcast-quality audio with less work.

A built-in compressor limits the volume range of voices and sounds, helping keep podcasts sounding more balanced, without sounding excessively loud or quiet. Background noise, even outdoors, can be reduced through AI noise reduction. Vocal tone polishing de-esses and adjusts the equalization for professional-sounding speech, according to Zoom.

All three features can be instantly activated through dedicated buttons. Four sound pads can be customized to play a range of built-in sound effects, including applause and laughter, or custom-recorded ones.

The podcast recorder has four XLR inputs for microphones and instruments. The volume level and the monitoring headphone level for each input can be individually adjusted. When only three XLR inputs are connected, an additional two remote sound sources can be connected using an optional Bluetooth BTA-2 adapter, or TRRS or USB input for a total of five audio inputs.

The P4next can also be connected by USB-C to a computer or smartphone for use as an external audio interface to provide high-quality audio during podcasts and video recording. When not live streaming, the PodTrack can record podcasts to 48 kHz, 24-bit WAV files on microSD cards.

The device can be powered by an AC adapter, USB powerbank, or AA batteries. The recorder has a rated runtime of 3.5 hours on AA alkaline batteries and 8.5 hours on lithium AA batteries. The P4next measures 125.9 × 120 × 40 mm (5.0 x 4.7 x 1.6 in.) and weighs 300 g (10.6 oz.).

The Zoom PodTrack P4next has an MSRP of $179.99 and is available on Amazon now.