Zoom PodTrak P8 User manual

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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tered 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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Notes about this Operation Manual
You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specications of the product could be changed without notice.
Items that appear on the touchscreen are shown with a gray background in this operation manual.
Example: Noise Reduction
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•Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of
their respective companies.
Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identication purposes only and
are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
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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.
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Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM P8 PodTrak.
The P8 is a multitrack recorder designed for podcasting. After connecting mics and headphones, high-quality audio
recording can be started right away.The P8 combines all the functions necessary to produce podcasts, including
audio enhancement and episode editing in a single device, so we can recommend it to all podcasters from
beginners to veterans. We hope you will enjoy recording and producing polished episodes in a variety of locations.
Main features of the P8
Multitrack recording of up to six people at once
The sound qualities and levels of the 6 mic inputs can be adjusted for the voices of the participants.The 6
headphone outputs allow everyone participating to monitor the sound that is being recorded. In addition to a
stereo le ready to be used for podcasting, separate les for the audio of each channel can also be recorded
and utilized for editing after recording.
Mic sounds can be adjusted optimally
In addition to dynamic mics, the high-quality built-in mic preamps support condenser mics that require
phantom power (+48 V). With a single switch, the level of an input can be set optimally according to the mic
type. Moreover, in addition to a limiter and low-cut lter, tone adjustment, a compressor that evens out the
volume, a de-esser that suppresses sibilance and noise reduction can be applied to the mic sound. All the
signal processing is tailored for voices, and each feature is simply turned on/off or adjusted with a single
parameter, enabling settings to be made easily even without previous expertise in sound mixing.
Every necessary editing function is built in
The P8 has every necessary editing function to complete episodes for distribution.These include deleting unnecessary
parts of recorded data, optimizing levels automatically, and combining opening and ending les. Intuitive operation
using the large 4.3-inch color touchscreen allows anyone to easily complete podcasts without using a computer.
Instant playback of jingles and recorded interviews
The SOUND PAD function includes nine pads with four banks that can be switched even during recording.
These pads can be used to play built-in sounds and other audio les in real time. When creating multiple
programs, different banks can be prepared for each program. In addition, since the colors that the SOUND PAD
buttons light can be set, le assignments can be made easy to see. For example, they could be set blue for les
with recorded interviews. Use these to enhance podcasting and live streaming.
Remote recording
If all the podcasters cannot gather in one place or you want to invite guests who are far away, you can use
smartphones and computers to enable remote participation in recording. A Mix Minus function prevents echoes
from occurring in the audio of remote participants. By connecting a BTA-2 specialized wireless adapter to the P8, a
smartphone can also be connected to it wirelessly.
Live streaming
The 2-in/2-out USB audio interface functions of the P8 can be used for live streaming and recording with computers,
smartphones and tablets. Since it supports class compliant mode, installation of a dedicated driver is not necessary.
Optional accessory pack
We have prepared an optional Podcast Mic Pack with a dynamic mic (ZDM-1), headphones (ZHP-1) and related
accessories, along with software useful for editing on a computer after recording.
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Notes about this Operation Manual������ 2
Introduction����������������� 3
Contents ������������������ 4
Podcasting process ������������� 5
P8 overview����������������� 7
Explanation of terms ������������ 7
Functions of parts ������������� 8
Connection examples ���������� 11
Use examples �������������� 12
Signal ow ��������������� 13
Touchscreen display ����������� 15
Preparing for use ������������� 17
Inserting SD cards ������������ 17
Providing power ������������� 18
Turning the power on ���������� 20
Making initial settings ���������� 22
Connecting ���������������� 24
Connecting mics������������� 24
Connecting headphones ��������� 25
Connecting smartphones ��������� 26
Connecting a BTA-2
(dedicated wireless adapter) ������� 27
Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet
by USB ����������������� 28
Connecting powered speakers and other
output equipment ������������ 31
Recording����������������� 32
Adjusting input gain and sound quality �� 32
Balancing the mix of channel levels ���� 35
Recording ���������������� 36
Playing recordings������������� 37
Playing recordings on the Home Screen �� 37
Selecting les and playing them ����� 38
Using marks���������������� 40
Adding marks �������������� 40
Deleting marks ������������� 41
Using SOUND PAD functions�������� 42
Playing SOUND PAD buttons ������� 42
Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD
buttons ����������������� 43
Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD � 46
Setting playback modes for each SOUND
PAD ������������������� 47
Changing bank names ���������� 48
Managing les��������������� 49
Deleting les �������������� 50
Combining multiple les into one in specic
order ������������������ 52
Editing les ���������������� 55
Opening the File Editing Screen������ 56
Changing le names ����������� 57
Changing icons ������������� 58
Cutting unnecessary parts (trimming) ��� 59
Dividing les �������������� 61
Adding fade-ins and outs��������� 63
Adding music and other background
sound������������������ 66
Optimizing podcast volume
(loudness normalization) ��������� 69
Converting les to MP3 format ������ 71
Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or
tablet������������������� 72
Transferring les to a computer, smartphone
or tablet����������������� 72
P8 folder and le structure �������� 73
Modifying the date and time �������� 74
Changing the touchscreen display language� 75
Setting the battery type ���������� 76
Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen� 77
Using noise reduction ����������� 78
Setting recording le types��������� 79
Testing SD cards�������������� 80
Formatting SD cards ������������ 83
Using SD cards to back up and load settings � 84
Backing up ��������������� 84
Loading backup settings ��������� 85
Setting the automatic power off function �� 87
Restoring factory default settings������ 88
Updating the rmware����������� 89
Troubleshooting�������������� 90
General ����������������� 90
Audio interface ������������� 91
Specications��������������� 92
Mixer block diagram������������ 93
Contents
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Podcasting process
1. Prepare and conrm
connections
●Preparations
Install an SD card in the P8, 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.
• Adjust the distance between the participants and their mics so that they can
be recorded at stable levels. On the P8, the input gain can be set suitably for a
connected mic by setting its INPUT SELECT switch.
• Using the P8, tones of voices can be adjusted and compressors and de-essers
can be applied.
• Mute input channels that are not being used to prevent noise from being picked
up.
• Headphones are necessary to not only conrm the inputs from the mics,
but also to hear SOUND PAD playback and the voices of guests participating
remotely.
If a guest in a distant location is participating remotely in recording, connect the
P8 to a computer, smartphone or tablet.
• The smartphone connector is designed to prevent echo when used. When using
the USB port, turn on USB Mix Minus to prevent echo.
Conrm the levels and other settings of the SOUND PAD buttons, which can
be used for one-touch playback of background music, jingles and other sounds
during recording.
●Countermeasures for environmental noise in recording locations
• Attaching windscreens to mics can reduce noise caused by wind blowing.
Adjust the directions of mics so that they do not point toward other sources of
environmental noise.
• Touching mics and power cables during recording could result in handling noise
that sounds like crackling. Use mic stands and put cables in order beforehand.
Placing mic cables and power cables too close together can result in noise
being picked up.
• Enabling the Low Cut function on the P8 mic input settings screens can reduce
the amount of vibration, wind and other noise picked up by mics.
• When multiple mics are being used to record sound, turning on noise reduction
on the
P8
ON AIR settings screen can suppress background noise to a constant
level by automatically reducing the levels of the mic inputs not being used by
people.
2. Record
●Recording theme
To enable recording conversations at a good pace, conrm the discussion topics
with the other participants and prepare reference materials and other resources
so that they are at hand.
●Speaking tips
Try to speak clearly while avoiding making sibilant (hissing s) and plosive (p and d)
sounds too loud.
●SOUND PAD buttons
Use these to add excitement to programs with jingles and effects.
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3. Publish
●Publishing
The P8 USB le transfer screen can be used to connect to a computer,
smartphone or tablet and transfer recorded les. Upload them to the podcasting
service* or server you are using.
*Service that provides servers for saving podcast les
●Editing before release
The P8 can be used to edit recorded stereo les for podcasting in the following
ways.
• Unnecessary parts can be cut, and fade ins/outs can be added.
• Background music can be added.
• The loudness normalization function can even out the volume ideally for
podcasting.
• Openings and endings that have been prepared in advance can be attached to
the beginnings and ends.
• Files can be converted to MP3s.
Moreover, the individual les recorded for each channel on the
P8
can be used
for detailed editing in a DAW and to make adjustments for the voices of each
participant.
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P8 overview
Explanation of terms
Audio interface
The P8 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 P8 is connected as an audio interface, this is the signal output from the computer, smartphone
or tablet. Background music can be played from the connected device.
SOUND PAD buttons
Audio les can be assigned to these. Press one to play the assigned le.This is convenient for playing
interviews that have been recorded in advance, opening and ending music and jingles.
The 9 SOUND PAD buttons can have audio les assigned in 4 banks, for a total of 36 les.
USB Mix Minus
When using the P8 as an audio interface, signals input by USB can be set to not be output back to
USB.This can prevent feedback to the person at the other end when recording while calling through a
computer, smartphone or tablet.
ON AIR button
When ON AIR buttons are turned off, input sounds are not output to the USB port (streaming audio) or
SPEAKER OUT jacks, nor are they recorded to the podcast stereo le.This function is convenient, for
example, when participants are discussing the next topic among themselves while music is playing.
Podcasting
This is one way to share audio les publicly on the Internet. Podcasters make content and distribute it via
the Internet so people can listen easily on smartphones, computers and other devices.
Dynamic mic
This type of mic does not require phantom power and is strong and durable.
Condenser mic
This type of mic usually has high sensitivity and can capture audio with high quality. Phantom power
supply is necessary for use.
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Functions of parts
■To p
INPUT jacks
INPUT SELECT
switches
Touchscreen
Channel
faders
BTA-2 power supply connector
Smartphone connection jack
PHONES jacks
PHONES knobs
SPEAKER OUT jacks
MUTE buttons
ON AIR buttons
SOUND PAD A–I buttons
USB OUT knob
SPEAKER OUT knob
STOP button
REC button
PLAY/PAUSE button
MARK button
INPUT jacks
These input jacks have built-in mic preamps.
INPUT SELECT switches
Set these according to the connected equipment.
Dynamic mic
Condenser mic (supplies +48V phantom power)
Computer, smartphone or tablet
Touchscreen
This shows the status of the P8, and can be operated by touch to make various settings and edit les.
MUTE buttons
Use to mute (lit) and unmute (unlit) signals.
ON AIR buttons
When lit, channel signals are recorded in the podcast stereo le and sent to the USB port, SPEAKER
OUT jacks, PHONES jacks and smartphone connection jack.
When unlit, channel signals are only sent to the PHONES jacks and smartphone connection jack.
8

Channel faders
These adjust channel signal levels in ranges from −∞ to +10 dB.
BTA-2 power supply connector
Use this power supply connector when connecting a BTA-2 wireless adapter.
Smartphone connection jack
Connect a smartphone here.
SOUND PAD A–I buttons
Use to play the sounds assigned to them.
SPEAKER OUT jacks
These output a stereo mix of the signals from all the channels. Connect them to a power amplier, a
PA system or speakers with built-in ampliers, for example.
PHONES jacks
These output a stereo mix of the signals from all the channels. Connect headphones to these.
PHONES knobs
Use to adjust the volumes of the signals output from the PHONES jacks.
USB OUT knob
Use to adjust the volume of the signal output from the USB port.
SPEAKER OUT knob
Use to adjust the volume of the signals output from the SPEAKER OUT jacks.
STOP button
Use to stop recording/playback.
REC button
Use to start/stop recording.
PLAY/PAUSE button
Use to play/pause recorded les.
MARK button
Press to add marks to recording les during recording/playback.These provide editing guides.
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■Back
Power switch
DC IN 5V AC adapter connector
USB port (Type-C)
SD card slot
Power switch
Use to turn the power on and off.
DC IN 5V AC adapter connector
Connect the included AC adapter here.
USB port (Type-C)
This USB port is for connecting with a computer, smartphone or tablet.
SD card slot
Cards that conform to SDHC and SDXC specications are supported.
Format the SD card with the P8 before use. ( “Formatting SD cards” on page 83)
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