And, that’s not to mention the fact that you don’t need to rely on internet connections, as well as your guest’s environment and equipment (and knowledge of how to best use it!).

Sure, recording in person comes with its own potential issues and obstacles. But these can be minimised by opting for the simplest kit possible.

In this article, I’m going to cover one of the easiest but best ways to record an interview in the field, really concentrating on a balance of cost, simplicity, and quality. Jump straight to it, if you just want the recommendation.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for the best quality premium interview kit you can get, then be sure to check out my Gold Standard In-Person Podcast Interview Equipment series here.

Recording On-Location vs Studio or Online

First off, a quick qualification of what we’re talking about here. There are three main places where you might record an interview:

1. Online, recording remotely
2. In your standard studio, recording in person
3. Out in the field, recording in person

If it’s the online recording you need help with most right now, then check out the best tools on the market for recording remote conversations.

If it’s a studio setup you’re after, take a look at our ultimate guide to podcast equipment and sound treatment.

If it’s the on-location setup you’re most interested in, though, then that’s what we’ll cover right here.

Recording on the move requires a few particular things.

1. Light and portable – you need to be able to carry this kit around, so no bulky mixers, heavy microphones and unwieldy stands.
2. Noise isolation – you might well be recording in a noisy environment, so you need to be able to get the mic up close to the speakers’ mouths.
3. Simplicity – this needs to be point-and-shoot. You won’t have the space or the time to spend 10 minutes setting everything up and testing it to see if it works.
4. Quality – just because we’re on the run doesn’t mean we’ll put up with bad-quality audio. It needs to work!

Luckily, there’s a great setup that meets all of these criteria, and it’s not even very expensive!

The Best Equipment Setup for Recording In-Person

Let’s get straight into it – here’s what you need to record a great in-person interview.

• A recorder – either your smartphone or a dedicated digital recorder
• Two Lavalier microphones

Let’s look at these in turn – the why and the what.

The Microphones – Lavalier or Lapel Mics

The most important part is the mic – this captures your voice and turns it digital, after all.

No doubt, if you’re already podcasting, you’ll have a decent microphone at home. The issue is that most mics are big, bulky, sometimes fragile and usually in need of a stand.

Lavalier (also known as lapel) microphones are the ones you see clipped to a speaker’s shirt buttons or collar. They’re tiny mics that sit about 6 inches below your mouth and do surprisingly well at isolating your voice.

Lapel microphones definitely fit our needs for being light and portable. They’re no bulkier than a little set of earbuds or AirPods.

They’re also good for our second requirement: noise isolation. Because they sit so close to your mouth, you’ll be much louder than the background noise. You’ll get a bit of the background for the atmosphere and ambience, but you’ll still be nice and clear to the listener. And so will your guest!

What Lavalier Microphone Should I Buy?

Time for some actual recommendations, then. Just a quick heads up that we use a few affiliate links here, which help support all our free content, though never at any extra cost to yourself.

Lavaliers have long been used by on-the-go podcasters. In the past few years, we’ve seen them evolve from cabled to wireless models, too.

Wireless options are handier overall – no annoying tangled cables or mic splitter requirements – though you do need to remember to keep them charged.

Simplest On-Location Smartphone Setup

If you’re recording with your phone, there are two great options at different price points: The Rode Wireless Micro and the BOYA Mini.

Both of these kits are very similar. They are made up of two mics (transmitters) that easily and discreetly attach to your clothing. Then, there’s a receiver, which plugs into your smartphone. You can buy a version of each for either Android (USB-C) or iOS (Lightning).

The Rode Wireless Micro is the premium option here. Rode is one of the best in the business when it comes to recording pristine audio, and this is another great addition to their stable.

The Rode Wireless Micro costs about $140, so it isn’t cheap, but it is most definitely brilliant value for what you get, what it does, and how it sounds.

The BOYA Mini is a worthy alternative if you’re on a tight budget. It might lack some of the bells and whistles of the Micro (like the magnetic clips on the mics) and have a couple of questionable settings (‘AI Voice Change’), but it will give you a really solid sound quality for the price point.

Both of these super-handy little kits can be set up and recording in less than a minute. If you want to record into your smartphone to do on-the-go recordings or video podcasts, just choose one of these and you’ll be golden!

BOYA Mini Vs Rode Wireless Micro: Smartphone Audio Made Easy

Read article called: BOYA Mini Vs Rode Wireless Micro: Smartphone Audio Made Easy

Simple Digital Recorder Setups

Not everyone wants to record with their phone. If that’s you, then a digital recorder is a great portable option instead.

Good digital recorders don’t cost the earth, and they make up a pretty useful part of a larger podcasting kit setup anyway, so it’s often worth having one for other reasons, too.

Digital recorders let you plug in external mics, but they also come with their own built-in mics. So you could get by with a digital recorder and nothing else.

On that question, why not use the internal microphone on your digital recorder? Well, because that defies the law of noise isolation. A digital recorder sitting on the table between you is miles away from you and your guest. Having a mic each is much better, drastically improving your audio quality.

A few digital recorders have multiple XLR inputs, but then we’re venturing into the more premium and complicated Gold Standard Interview kit, which I’ve covered in this separate guide.

So, if you wanted a simple digital recorder setup, I’d look at something like the Zoom H1n or Tascam DR-05X, two lavalier mics (like the Rode Lavalier Go), and a splitter to connect them both to your recorder via the recorder’s 3.5mm jack.

However, costs can quickly add up, here (you could be talking about $200 to build this kit), and though this is a straightforward setup, it might not exactly seem “simple” to a complete beginner. So, are there any alternatives?

The Rode Interview PRO: Best Non-Smartphone In-Person Setup

Our pals at Rode come up trumps again here with the Rode Interview PRO. This is a handheld mic with onboard recording, so it’s basically a microphone-shaped digital recorder. And, being a handheld, it’s optimised to minimise handling noise being picked up in your recordings, too.

Of course, sharing a mic with your guest or co-host isn’t without its issues. You see handhelds being pointed back and forth in 1-2 minute interviews after a big football match, but could you record an hour-long episode this way?

With that said, this is really as simple an in-person setup as it gets. Just switch the mic on, point, and talk. If you have any other Rode wireless kit, you can also set it up to record wirelessly, too. But the onboard recordings should serve you just fine, in all honesty.

The Rode Interview PRO costs about $245. See our review of the Rode Interview PRO for the full lowdown.

Simple Setups for In-Person Recordings

In conclusion, then, if you’re recording with your phone, opt for the BOYA Mini or Rode Wireless Micro. And, if you see yourself as the roving reporter type, consider the Rode Interview PRO, instead.

If you need more help, support, or guidance when it comes to podcast tech, or any other aspect of podcasting and content creation, then be sure to join us in the Podcraft Academy. We have in-depth courses, tutorials, downloadable resources and checklists, along with accountability and feedback tools, too. It’s a brilliant place to nurture and grow your show!

I’ve been using the Zoom H5 to record podcasts for almost ten years. The thought prompted me to check when Zoom actually released this famous old warhorse of a digital recorder. As far as I can see, it celebrated its tenth birthday in January 2024. I hope there was cake.

Ten years seemed as good a time as any to revisit this Zoom H5 review. Hopefully all of our equipment reviews are interesting and useful, but they’ll usually be written off the back of 2-3 weeks of rigorous testing. Using something regularly for almost a decade is a different sample size altogether, though.

There has been enough new audio and podcasting equipment developed in the past ten years to fill a cargo ship. Does a digital recorder that was released when Leonard Nimoy, Christopher Lee, and B.B King still walked the earth have any right to be competing with them? That’s a question I’ll try my best to answer in this updated Zoom H5 review.

Just a heads up before we dive in. We’re using an affiliate link for the Zoom H5. We’d earn a small commission (at no extra cost to yourself) should you choose to buy via it. Affiliates help support all of our free content, though they never cloud our judgement when it comes to fair and honest assesments.

What is the Zoom H5?

The Zoom H5 is a digital recorder. It’s a piece of kit that’s akin to carrying around a complete recording studio with you. It can record and store audio as a stand-alone device, or you can plug external mics into it and use it that way. You can also play back the audio on the device and upload it onto your computer via USB cable or Memory Card.

Who Would Use the Zoom H5?

The Zoom H5 is such a versatile device that it’s easier to ask who wouldn’t use one. A prime example of someone who doesn’t need an H5 would be a podcaster who records solo or online interview episodes directly into their computer with a USB mic. USB mics are the only type of mic you can’t plug into the H5.

Popular setups and uses of the Zoom H5 include folks who want to record interviews on the go with studio-quality audio anywhere in the world. That said, the H5 is equally useful as a home recording device. You can set it up as part of your ‘fixed’ recording setup or even use it as a USB interface to run XLR mics into your computer.

Look & Feel of the Zoom H5

Slightly too large to consider “pocket size”, the Zoom H5 still fits easily in your hand and weighs less than your average cup of takeaway coffee. It’s a sturdy and robust feeling device, built for years of ongoing use in all sorts of scenarios and situations.

Features

As standard, the Zoom H5 comes with a detachable capsule on the top, with two little mics. These are known as “X/Y” stereo mics; you can record with them right out of the box. Whether you’re using them for a single voice, multiple voices, or general ambient recordings, you’ll get great audio from these.

Zoom have a range of capsules that you can buy and use instead, if you’d like to customise your recorder. For example, the SSH-6 can turn your Zoom H5 into a laser-focused Shotgun Mic.

There are two ‘Combo’ jacks on the bottom of the recorder, where you can plug in mics that use XLR or 1/4″ connections. If you need additional mic options, you can also run a mic with a 3.5mm (traditional earbud-sized) connection into the recorder. This is handy if you’re using a typical lavalier mic.

On the front of the recorder, you’ll find the gain dials for each recording input. These are guarded by useful protective bars, which can help prevent accidental toggling during a recording session. You’ll also find your channel selection buttons, as well as the usual Play/Pause, Record, and Stop options.

Recording

Once you’ve decided on what mic you’re using, you simply select the corresponding channel via its button on the front of the recorder. These have LED lights to show that they are active. The LED lights also double up as a warning when your audio is clipping. If you see them flashing during a recording session, you’ll know to turn your gain down a notch.

You can record WAV files, from 44.1kHz 16bit to 48kHz 24-bit. If this is gibberish to you, don’t worry. Just set it to 44.1kHz 16-bit and forget about it. But, here’s more info on sample rates, if you care to learn more.

You can record in Multitrack (independent channels for each mic) or Stereo mode. Stereo mode will almost always be fine, and will take up less room on the Memory Card, too.

The Zoom H5 has settings to turn on things like a Lo Cut filter, Compression, and Phantom Power, which provides power to any condenser mics you have plugged in.

Other Technical Specs

If the sample rate stuff wasn’t gibberish to you, then this info won’t be, either:

The Zoom H5 has an input gain of up to 52dB. You’ll find gear that offers a lot more these days – for example, the Zoom PodTrak P4 (70dB) and the Rodecaster Pro II (76dB). The H5’s maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 140dB is still pretty impressive, though.

You can record in 16 or 24-bit and in WAV or MP3 form. The Frequency Response of the H5 is 20 Hz to 20 kHz (built-in mics) and 10 Hz to 24 kHz (XLR inputs). Of course, you’ll find a wider range in many newer devices, but the H5 is still competitive on this front.

Cost of the Zoom H5

At time of writing this Zoom H5 review, you can buy the recorder brand new for $210 on Amazon.com, and £169 on Amazon UK.

Sound Quality of the Zoom H5

Here are a couple of unprocessed sound samples, recorded into the X/Y capsule, directly into the Zoom H5. With the first, you’ll get an idea of how it picks up the voice, and also, how well it deals with handling noise.

I captured a small selection of ambient recordings for making audio drama in the second clip. Again, these were all recorded using the H5 in its “out the box” form.

Here’s a sound sample from 2024, too. I recorded it with the Rode NT1 5th Gen condenser mic running into the Zoom H5.

A Sticky Situation: Degraded Coating on the Zoom H5 (2024 Update)

I didn’t know this, but the rubbery coating on the Zoom H5 is known as “elastomer” or “thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)”. It’s fairly common on portable electronic devices. The problem is, the coating on mines has recently started to perish, making it sticky. Whilst this hasn’t affected the H5’s ability to record audio, it has made it undesirable to use on-location – you wouldn’t want to hold it in your hand for very long.

I don’t know if this is due to a fault on my part, having used or stored it in suboptimal conditions, but I’m pretty confident I haven’t. Keep an eye out for this if you plan to own an H5 for eight or nine years!

Thanks to Lyndal Harris, who got in touch with the following advice:

Yes… I had exactly the same issue with the sticky coating. I’ve had mine for about 7 years. I did fix it cleaning it with rubbing alcohol but it took a bit to remove the stickiness. Good as new now

Good to know, then, that alcohol can fix even more of my problems than I’d previously thought!

Zoom H5 Alternatives in 2024

In our 2024 Podcaster Gear Survey, 3% of podcasters who use an audio interface or digital recorder reported that the Zoom H5 was their kit of choice. That’s still pretty significant, and shows the recorder is holding its own, all these years later.

The Zoom H5 predates the concept of podcast-specific recorders. Today, you can buy gear that was specifically designed with podcasting in mind, ranging from the Zoom PodTrak P4 and Rodecaster Pro II to the Mackie DLZ Creator and Focusrite Vocaster.

It’s brilliant to have equipment made and marketed with podcasting in mind, but at its price point, there aren’t many features you’ll find elsewhere that will blow the Zoom H5 out of the water. If you want to record remote calls but don’t want to use software on a computer, then one of the devices mentioned above would be a better option. Aside from that use case, 32-bit float is the only other obvious reason to opt for an alternative.

Here are our full roundups for the best digital recorders and best USB audio interfaces for podcasters, if you’d like to do some shopping around.

Zoom H5 Review: Summary

The Zoom H5 is still an excellent option for many podcasters, regardless of experience level. If you’re looking for a robust and quality recording source in your home studio that doesn’t involve a computer, then it’s ideal. Likewise, if you want to do a lot of recordings and interviews on the go, then it’s served me well this way for almost a decade.

$210 isn’t a small amount of money, though. The majority of beginner podcasters won’t need to spend anywhere near that to get up and running. If you’re doing a solo or online interview podcast, then get yourself a Samson Q2U, and that’s all you’ll need. It’s a mic that plugs into your computer via USB but also operates in XLR form. Should you decide to invest in a Zoom H5 later down the line, you can use your Q2U with it.

If you’re won over to the idea of getting a digital recorder, but still want to shop around a bit, there are loads of quality Zoom H5 alternatives on the market, so check out our section there for a wider range of options, too.

Need More Help?

Finally, if you need more help with choosing your equipment, or with literally any other aspect of your podcast, check out the Podcraft Academy. There, you’ll find all our courses, downloadable resources, and get access to weekly live Q&A sessions!

• Digital recorders are portable, versatile, and ultra-convenient
• They’re a lot more stable and reliable than computers or phones
• Some audio recorders can act as USB microphones or USB interfaces for your computer
• There are voice recorders for all budgets, the price often scaling with how many external mics you can plug in

Find full details and our recommended recorders right here!

The most essential thing you need for any podcast is a recording device. To create an audio file, you must be able to record your voice!

Looking for software rather than hardware? Check out our Best Podcast Recording Software roundup. Or, take a look at our How to Record a Podcast guide if you’d like to start with the very basics.

Physical audio recording devices take many forms, from basic dictaphones to full-quality professional handheld audio recorders. Even your computer can act as a digital recorder. It’s possible to record a regular podcast using no more than a laptop and its built-in mic.

But, when you start looking to improve your sound and workflow, a good standalone digital voice recorder (sometimes called a handheld recorder or a field recorder) is a vital tool. Here I will take you through the digital recorder options, from entry-level to pro kit. Whatever your podcasting needs and budget, you’ll find something that suits you right here.

Why Might I Need a Digital Voice Recorder for Podcasting?

Anyone who’s into broadcasting will tell you it’s vital to have at least a simple mobile recording device in your arsenal. Without a recorder that you can carry around, you’ll be stuck at your computer desk for all your podcast creation. This can be quite limiting.

Thinking beyond planned recording sessions, many podcasters will keep a little dictaphone handy when they’re out and about. This is just in case they unexpectedly come across a great guest; you never know when an ideal interview subject will fall into your lap.

How to Choose the Best Digital Recorder for Voice or Podcasting

It’s worth spending more than the minimum on a podcast recording device – with this type of kit, the quality depends on price. Moving above the $80+ mark generally takes you into the range of good-quality digital voice recorders, and you can spend infinitely more than that if you try.

To get started, buy what you can afford or use the equipment you already have available. Better to get started with basic kit than not at all.

But over time, you might look to save up for something that’ll give you tonnes of recording options and can really help you take your podcast sound to the next level.

A quick heads up that the links here we use are affiliates, but rest assured, we never recommend anything that we wouldn’t use ourselves. Affiliates help support all the free content we put out and never cost you a penny more, should you choose to buy through them.

Alright, let’s take a tour through the best podcast recorder options on the market – starting at the sub-$100 level.

Best Digital Podcast Recorder Under $100

The Zoom H1n

For the budget-conscious podcast producer, have no fear. The sub-$100 Zoom H1n records high-quality audio in stereo or mono using its onboard X-Y mics.  They are extremely high-end for the price and capture details very well. You can’t plug in any XLR mics, but you can connect a lavalier mic or two.  

The H1n is easy to operate, with many functions easily selectable via buttons on the recorder rather than cycling through endless menus. 

The unit is about the size of a handheld microphone.  Recording is quick with a tactile record button that is easy to find without looking. The Zoom H1n is also a great device to get started in stereo field recording for audio dramas on a budget.

Read our full Zoom H1 review, or check Zoom H1n prices on Amazon

Tascam DR-05X

The Tascam DR-05X boasts similar features to the Zoom H1n. It has a lovely compact design, is easy to operate, and offers great audio quality for the price.

I have used the DR-05 and the H1N interchangeably. The only con to the Tascam is that the record button is more difficult to find by touch.

The DR-05X model is an updated and improved version of the initial Tascam DR-05.

Read our full Tascam DR-05 review, or check Tascam DR-05X prices on Amazon

What About the Sony ICD-PX470?

The Sony ICD-PX470 gets mentioned a lot in digital voice recorder roundups (could that be due to its catchy name?). This is a sub $50 option, so it might appeal to folks on a very tight budget. However, having used one of these a few years ago, it must be said that the sound quality isn’t brilliant. If you can afford to spend a little more, get a Zoom H1n. And if you can’t stretch to that, you’d likely get better quality audio by recording on your phone.

High-Quality Digital Podcast Recorders – Under $200

In the $100-$200 range, the features of the digital audio recorder get much more flexible.  Typically, these recorders capture higher-quality audio with less noise. As an added bonus, this tier of recorder typically allows the use of XLR microphones and even phantom power for sweet, silky condenser mics.

Zoom H2N

Sometimes, it is difficult to classify recorders, as they differ from other recorders in their price range in terms of overall functionality. The Zoom H2n is one such recorder, and I’d be remiss not to mention it as a highly compact, all-in-one recorder perfectly suited to podcasting. 

The H2n doesn’t allow external XLR microphones like its cousins in the under $200 range.  Instead, it is fitted with multiple microphones, making it a perfect grab-and-go recorder to record in several different mono, stereo, multichannel, and even surround sound formats. 

The H2n is my go-to recorder when attending conferences and other events where there might be recording opportunities.

Read our full Zoom H2n review, or check Zoom H2n prices on Amazon

Tascam DR-40X

With quiet pre-amps, great audio quality, and a host of excellent features, the Tascam DR-40X is a fantastic package. 

It can record four tracks simultaneously, using its onboard mics in tandem with two external microphones. This makes it perfect for group or ’roundtable’ recordings. The DR-40X’s small form factor allows the recorder to fit easily in a small bag or purse.

It records up to pro-quality 96/24 – more than enough to handle everything from interviews to recording sound effects as they happen.

Check Tascam DR-40X prices on Amazon

Zoom H4n Pro

Zoom’s entry in this weight class is the ever-popular Zoom H4n.  I own one of these, and if it ever kicks the bucket, I will likely buy another. While the DR-40X has the edge over the H4n with quieter preamps, the difference, to most ears, is unnoticeable.

Both devices can act as a USB Audio Interface, record at 96/24 and produce great-quality sound in easy-to-operate packages.

Check Zoom H4n prices on Amazon

Pro-Level Digital Podcast Recorders – Under $300

In the $300 range, handheld digital recorders become more customized with features that suit different recording styles.  Choosing which features are suitable for your podcast will depend heavily on your style of podcasting and the needs of your show.

Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 is a great pick for producers looking for versatility in their digital voice recorder.

It’s a brilliant handheld device for on-the-go recording, with its top quality and interchangeable onboard mic. But, it also performs brilliantly as an in-studio device, for recording from a mixer or acting as a USB microphone or interface for your computer. 

With interchangeable capsules to fit X-Y, Vocal and Shotgun microphone setups, not to mention two additional jacks with phantom power to handle any of your external condenser mics, the H5 steps up in terms of the ultimate configurability.

Read our full Zoom H5 review, or check Zoom H5 prices on Amazon

Zoom H6

The Zoom H6 is one of the best portable digital recorders on the market these days. However, their price has dropped by a good $100 in recent years. These recorders are everything the Zoom H5 is, with a few bells and whistles.

The Zoom H6’s USP is in its ability to record six individual audio tracks simultaneously. This makes it an excellent choice for folks who do larger group recordings. This could be anything from a roundtable discussion to a troupe of audio drama actors.

Read our full Zoom H6 review, or check Zoom H6 prices on Amazon

Top Level Digital Voice Recorder – Over $300

You’ll get excellent sound quality with even the cheapest recommended digital voice recorders in this roundup. But if money is no object, or if you’re creating an ultimate podcasting wishlist, then is there a top-shelf podcast recorder option to consider?

Tascam Portacapture X8

The brilliant Tascam DR-100 might’ve been discontinued, but the Tascam Portacapture X8 easily steps into its shoes.

This high-end recorder has a touchscreen interface and allows you to record up to eight audio tracks simultaneously. You can record at an impressive 192kHz, and with 32-bit floating. Put simply, this means there’s almost no risk of you peaking or clipping your audio, even if you’ve set your gain a little too high.

The Portacapture X8 is perfect for the podcaster and field recordist who wants pristine, high-sample-rate audio for professional productions and clean sound effects/field recording. 

Check Tascam Portacapture X8 prices on Amazon

What About the Zoom F3?

What’s this? Another digital recorder from Zoom? There are a couple of factors that set this palm-sized device apart from the others in the Zoom pantheon. The first is that there are no built-in mics on the recorder. Instead, you can plug in two XLR mics, so the Zoom F3 really sits in that intersection between portable recorder and audio interface.

Secondly, the Zoom F3 has what’s known as 32-bit float recording. On almost any other recording device, you need to take care to set appropriate gain levels so that the audio doesn’t clip when the source (your voice) is too loud. With 32-bit floating, though, you’re much more protected against clipping, and much less likely to experience distortion in your audio.

This recorder is still a costly bit of kit, though, and you’re going to need at least one mic to plug into it. That said, if your interest is piqued, check out our full review of the Zoom F3 to get the lowdown.  

Dedicated Podcast Recorders ($150 – $800+)

Okay, so this type of gear is a little different from the others mentioned in the roundup. These podcast recorders can’t be used ‘dictaphone-style’ because you need to plug an XLR mic into them to record. However, they’re packed with podcast-specific features that can streamline your workflow and make your life easier.

Zoom PodTrak P4

The $150 solution is the fantastic Zoom PodTrak P4. It looks and feels similar to the other digital recorders in the Zoom range, but with a few added features.

There are four XLR inputs on the recorder, and you can record each person on their own individual track. You can also connect your computer, tablet, or smartphone to record remote calls, too. There are sound pads so you can play music, sound effects, and other pre-recorded content during your episodes, and the independent headphone volume control is a nice extra touch.

Read our full Zoom PodTrak P4 review, or check Zoom PodTrak P4 prices on Amazon

Rode Rodecaster Pro II

The Rodecaster Pro II is a sort of hybrid between a mixer and a handheld digital recorder. It’s the second generation of its type, replacing the original Rode Rodecaster Pro.

It’s a superb basis for building a studio around. With multitrack recording features, to online and phone call recording capabilities, the Rodecaster is often referred to as ‘the ultimate podcast recorder’.

It doesn’t need a computer to function and is still portable enough for you to use in different locations, too.

But a brand new Rodecaster II will set you back about $700, and that’s before you pick at least one mic to plug into it. So definitely not one for the “on a tight budget” podcaster!

Read our full Rode Rodecaster Pro II review, or check Rodecaster Pro II prices on Amazon

Mackie DLZ Creator

The Mackie DLZ Creator looks and works similar to the Rodecaster Pro II, but it’ll cost you even more to buy.

You do get more (literally) with the Mackie DLZ because it’s a bigger bit of kit. You might see this as a pro or a con because it’ll take up more room, but its increased screen size will appeal to many. There are also a number of features that make it easier for the complete beginner to record pro-sounding audio. That said, if you are a complete beginner, do you need to be spending over $800 on one single audio device? Only you will know for sure!

Check Mackie DLZ Creator prices on Amazon

Ready to Record Your Podcast?

I hope this roundup has helped you if you’re in the market for a podcast recorder.

Remember, you can also plug external mics into most digital recorders, so check out our best microphone guide if you’re interested in going down that road.

And finally, why not pop into the IndiePod Community? It’s the ultimate place for podcasters of all stages to meet, collaborate, and mix. There, you can get (or offer) help, advice, or feedback on all things podcasting, from digital recorder choices to topics like growth and monetisation. We’d love to see you in there!

Use coupon code THEPODCASTHOST for 20% off the first three months of a monthly pro subscription with Zencastr.  If used for a yearly subscription, it will be 20% off for the entire year!

What Do Podcasters Like About Zencastr?

Zencastr’s Pricing Is Irresistible

Probably one of the main reasons podcasters stumble upon Zencastr at first is their flexible pricing. Similar to the podcast host Anchor, they have a robust FREE plan that they call Hobbyist. But pricing options are where the comparison ends.

What Makes Their Pricing Plans Impressive

Not only do they have a free plan, but you don’t even need a credit card to register and use the platform. And at the beginning of the pandemic, they even expanded the free plan. “We used to have 8 hours of recording cap pre-pandemic. We changed that to unlimited recording for both the hobbyist and pro plan users during the pandemic” they shared when I spoke to them recently. Here’s a peek at their current pricing plans.

Why is the free plan on the right side of this chart, I simply don’t know but other than that the packages look fantastic. If you skip over the 14-day trial period and go straight to the free plan, you’ll still get some needed info about what you could be using (WAV instead of MP3 files and transcriptions) at the top of the Create new episode page.

The Platform Is Easy to Use for the Hosts and Guests

How many times have you tried out a new recording platform with a co-host or guest only to have everything go very, very wrong? That’s not the overall impression I got from Zencastr from the podcasters I talked to.

Zencastr Records Locally and Has a Simple Interface

Producer for Bleeding Love, Katie Rosin, shared that “…your guest doesn’t need to put an application onto their computer, but MORE importantly, it records the tracks separately and locally, so if there is a connection problem, it is usually not affected.”

I recently took to the platform to try it out for myself and was pleasantly surprised. And began to understand the hype. Registering, starting a recording session, and sending an invite to a guest were super easy. In no time I was at this recording screen with Jason, aka Agent Palmer, who volunteered to try out the platform with me (thanks Jason). You can see my track is on top and Jason’s is right below me. The sound was crisp and I only had one complaint. When Jason logged on there wasn’t a PING to let me know. I was in another window typing away while I was waiting for him to join me and only realized that he was there because he said something. This is not a big deal but would make the experience nicer, especially for audio-only recordings, which this test was.

Having Multiple Recording Options Is Useful

Podcast Producer and Manager, Jhenelle Monique, mentioned that the many recording options (pictured below) are a key feature she adored. “The ability to have cameras on and see each other while recording audio and video simultaneously is fantastic.”

Zencatr’s Audio Quality Is Spoiling

Zencastr’s homepage says that it “records a lossless 16-bit 48k WAV audio track per guest. ” And they do. But if you’re on the Hobbyist plan you’re going to get separate audio files with each recording, NOT these WAV files. Basically, you lose some audio quality when an audio file is compressed from a WAV file to an MP3 file. As long as you know what audio quality you want and that the Hobbyist plan gives you MP3 files and the Professional plan gives you WAV files, you’re good. For most beginning podcasters and podcast listeners, this distinction isn’t that important when you compare it to the quality that the content should be.

What Don’t Podcasters Like About Zencastr?

As the song goes, “Every rose has its thorn,” so with Axl’s wise words in mind, here are a few quick roadblocks that podcasters mentioned.

It’s Not Available on All Platforms

“I have used Zencastr about 10 to 15 times now. During those times, many of my guests or co-hosts had trouble logging in. Last I knew it was not available on apps, mobile devices, or on web browsers other than Chrome.” Sean of The Slacker Gets Serious.

What You Hear Is Not What You Get

“One potential drawback that I have noticed is that sometimes how you hear the audio during the call is not what you hear once it downloads. Sometimes people sound more or less clear depending on their individual recording conditions.” Podcast Manager Jhenelle Monique, has been using Zencastr since 2020 when I worked with Normalizing Non-Monogamy and they introduced it to me.

There Are Some Technical Glitches

And there were reports of these technical issues:

• guests getting stuck in the green room
• hard to test sound levels
• unclear picture sometimes
• health check system stopped
• false “available storage” message
• latency

But all of these problems were reported by one podcaster, and not repeated by others. Part of me wonders if computer type and speed are factors that affect some podcasters but not others. I’m not sure. What I am sure of is the high praise I’ve been hearing about Zencastr since I entered the space 5 years ago.

REMINDER:

Test out Zencastr with someone BEFORE you have a recording that you need or a guest that you don’t want to experience glitches withIn fact, as with all new technology we use for podcasting, test it more than once with different people. It doesn’t matter if the platform is good for this or that person, what you need to find out is if it’s good for you! You need a platform that works for your technology, workflow and personality, just to be safe.

Zencastr Is So Good I Might Even Forgive Them for the (Mis)Spelling of Their Name

Seriously, my fingers had minor crisis moments every time I had to type their name during this post. But their service is so impressive that I’m making peace at pausing instead of typing what I want to be the final “e” (phantom 2nd to last letter) in Zencaster, I mean Zencastr. See?

If you’re a new podcaster, have a tight budget, or simply want to try out a new remote recording platform, give Zencastr a go. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And remember, if this tool doesn’t scratch your itch, you can always try out our tool, Alitu. You’ve got options!

Use coupon code THEPODCASTHOST for 20% off the first three months of a monthly pro subscription with Zencastr.  If used for a yearly subscription, it will be 20% off for the entire year!

New for 2022 – Check Out the Rodecaster Pro II

Related Article

Rodecaster Pro II Review: A Jack of All Trades Podcasting Device

The Rodecaster Pro II is the next generation of Rode’s revolutionary Rodecaster “all-in-one” podcaster studio. Is it worth buying? Find out more »

We first got our hands on a Rodecaster Pro back at the beginning of 2019, when one turned up on our doorstep (completely by surprise, thanks Rode!) it was immediately obvious that a lot of thought and research had gone into this design.

Our initial review was largely positive, but did highlight a few areas where there was room for improvement.

However, Rode, to their credit, seems to have been very receptive to the feedback they’ve had from the podcast community. There have been a number of firmware updates since the device was originally released, and those don’t look like stopping any time soon. This is a very well supported product.

So as things stand in mid-2021, let’s take a look at the Rodecaster Pro and help you decide whether or not it’s worth the investment for your own podcast, setup, and budget.

A quick heads up that our Rodecaster Pro link is an affiliate which means we may earn a small commission should you choose to buy through it, though at absolutely no extra cost to yourself.

What is the Rode Rodecaster Pro?

The Rodecaster is described by Rode as “the world’s first fully-integrated podcast production studio”. But what does that actually mean?

Well, if you took a mixer, cleaned it up, and made it much less complicated looking, then merged it with a digital recorder, that should give you a basic idea of what the Rodecaster is and does.

Mixers are handy things for plugging in multiple mics, doing live shows, and recording remote calls. But mixers can’t work in isolation, and they can’t save or store audio. The Rode Rodecaster can, so right away it’s going to simplify a lot of lives by swapping multiple pieces of kit and cables for one single unit. You don’t even necessarily need a computer to record with the Rodecaster!

What Can the Rode Rodecaster Pro Do?

The Rodecaster has a few different talents. For one, it gives you the capability to record phone calls. Whether or not this is a selling point will depend entirely on your niche. If your audience and guests are not overly technical, and unlikely to own mics of their own, then chatting to them over the phone might be the most practical option.

Although you don’t need a computer to run the Rodecaster, you can easily connect to one in order to record remote online interviews too. You can also use the computer connection to record into your favourite DAW, as opposed to the device’s own memory card. It gives you the capability to add in your own jingles and sound effects so you have access to them whilst recording at the touch of a button. This is a nice feature if you’re running a live show, or like to record “as live.”

How Many Mics Can I Plug In?

You can plug in up to four XLR mics at once, so you can have four people in the room together recording a podcast. Each mic can be uniquely set up via the control panel, where there’s a few different options and presets. We’ll take a look at these in more detail further on.

Can I Record in Multitrack?

You can now record multiple tracks either into a DAW (like Adobe Audition) on your computer, or directly onto the Rodecaster’s SD card. 

Recording on separate channels can give you a lot more flexibility in post-production. Most podcasters consider it an essential feature of any audio recording tool or device these days.

Recording Audio

You can independently control the settings of each mic that’s plugged in. Each input has its own gain slider, ‘mute’ button, and ‘solo’ button. There are a few processing options you can toggle on and off too.

• Compressor – to help level out the overall volume
• High-Pass Filter – to minimise the effects of low rumbling noises or mic pops
• De-Esser – to create a less sibilant recording
• Noise Gate – to reduce unwanted background noise
• Ducking – to automatically lower the volume of music underneath speech
• Aural Exciter & Big Bottom – humorously named EQ presets that change the tone of your voice

Personally, these are things I prefer to do in post-production. But they’re a nice feature if you don’t know much about audio production, or prefer to spend as little time as possible doing it.

Rodecaster Live Broadcasting Features

If you’re an avid live broadcaster or budding radio DJ, you’ll love a couple of features recently added to the Rodecaster recording arsenal.

Firstly, you can preview any pre-recorded audio file you’re about to play. Doing so doesn’t interrupt your broadcast or recording session. The preview is also set to a unity gain level, so it doesn’t matter the position of the fader – you’ll get an accurate reflection of how loud the clip is before you actually play it.

Secondly, you can get a caller on the line and communicate with them off-air. This can streamline your content as all the awkward “hello, can you hear me?” stuff isn’t broadcast to your listeners. Speaking to callers off-air means you can check (and fix) any audio issues before bringing them onto the show.

Sound Pads & Show Settings

There are 8 large sound pad buttons on the Rodecaster. You can use these to play effects or other audio clips. This could be anything from transitions and stringers, to entire pre-recorded interviews. You have the capability to pause clips, and you’ll also see the remaining time of the sound that’s going to end soonest. This is ideal for talking over outro music and knowing how long you have left.

You can customise and configure your sound library from the device itself, or by using Rode’s companion app.

You can store up to 8 banks of sounds, which is ideal if you run multiple podcasts, or share your Rodecaster with another podcaster.

You can also save all your sounds and settings for ease of setup. You can even export them for use on a completely different Rodecaster if need be.

Related Article

What’s the Best Rode Mic? From USB to Wireless, Dynamic to Condenser

From smartphone recording to multiple USB setups, Rode have an option for every scenario. Here, we help you pick the best fit for your own needs.  Find out more »

Headphones & Monitors

Another big plus for the Rodecaster is the options for monitoring your recordings.

There are four headphone jacks on the back of the unit, and you can control their volumes independently. This means that even if one person was particularly hard of hearing, they could have their headphone volume turned up high without it affecting anyone else. With other devices, you’d need an additional piece of equipment like a headphone amp or splitter for this, which in turn, takes up more room and adds more cables and wires to your setup.

The headphone jacks are 1/4″ TRS, so if you prefer to use a set of earbuds you’ll just need to pick up a little adapter, which you can get for about $2 on Amazon. There are 1/4″ Left and Right outputs to connect to studio monitors or speakers too, and these also have their own independent volume control.

Connections

Aside from the inputs and outputs mentioned already, there’s two more worth mentioning. The USB connection is what you would use for recording remote calls or anything else from a computer. It has its own level-control fader, solo button, and mute button.

There’s a 3.5mm TRRS jack that enables you to hook your phone up to the Rodecaster and record calls that way. Again, it has a level-control fader, solo button, and mute button.

You can also connect your phone via Bluetooth, and it has the same 3 channel controls as the above.

Files

You can access your recordings directly from the SD card, or by connecting the Rodecaster to your computer via USB.

The USB route is known as “Podcast Transfer”, and it appears on your Mac or PC in a ‘Read Only’ format. This means you can drag the files onto your computer for production, but you can’t accidentally delete them. It’s a nice little safety net.

Once you pull your recordings onto your desktop, you can use a DAW like Audacity or Adobe Audition, or a ‘podcast maker’ tool like Alitu to polish them up ready for the world to hear.

What Else Do I Need?

You’ll still need at least one microphone to podcast with the Rodecaster. When you connect a Rode mic (such as the Procaster) the unit automatically recognises it on the control panel. Presumably, the preamps will be designed to optimise the sound of any Rode mic you connect. Aside from that, depending on which mic you use you might want to get a boom arm. Headphones are always a good idea too.

There’s no memory card included, so you’ll need one of those. The Rodecaster uses a micro SD card.

Good Rodecaster Pro Alternatives

‘Rode Connect’ is free software that emulates the Rodecaster Pro on your computer. You can use it with up to 4 Rode NT-USB Mini mics, and record in multitrack. You can even feed in remote guests from apps such as Zoom and Skype. Here’s our full Rode Connect writeup for more info on that particular setup.

On the hardware front, Zoom’s PodTrak P4 offers many of the same features as the Rodecaster, though in a much smaller form, and at a significantly lower price.

Rodecaster Pro Accessories

In May of 2020, Rode released 4 new handy accessories for the Rodecaster Pro.

HJA-4

This is a pack of 4 adaptors (3.5mm to 1/4″) that enable you to plug in a standard consumer set of headphones or earbuds into the Rodecaster.

SC9

A 1.5m long TRRS to TRRS cable. This lets you plug your smartphone into the Rodecaster.

DC-USB1

A power cable that allows the Rodecaster to be powered from any compatible USB output, making it completely portable.

XLR-ID 

A set of 8 colour-coded rings you can fix to the device’s XLR plugs. The colours match those used for each mic channel in the Rodecaster interface. This means you’ll always know who’s mic is who, even at-a-glance.

Who Would Use the Rode Rodecaster Pro?

While Rode’s target market here is most definitely “podcasters,” that’s still a big group of people with many different needs, wants, and budgets.

You Might Want One If . . .

• You want the capability to easily record phone and online interviews.
• Your guests are unlikely to have decent mics of their own, meaning you’ll do a lot of interviews over the phone.
• You want the least amount of equipment, cables, and connections possible in your setup.
• You want to record live shows, or record your episodes “as-live” with effects and music played in real time.
• You want to record up to four people locally, and also bring in a remote or telephone guest.
• You want your equipment to be as simple as possible, without limiting yourself in any way.
• You want a portable setup that you can easily take on the road with you.

You Might NOT Want One If . . .

• You already have a well-tuned workflow and setup in your studio.
• You’re on a tight budget. The Rodecaster will set you back $600 – and you’ll still need to buy mics on top of that. If you have very little money to spend, check out What’s the minimum equipment I need to podcast?
• You record solo/monologue episodes, in which case, the Rodecaster is overkill for your needs.

Summary: The Rode Rodecaster Pro

The Rode Rodecaster Pro is one of the best podcasting devices on the market. It acts as a great “all-in-one” solution for many podcasters.

It was an impressive device when it launched, and now it’s even better with all Rode’s updates over the past couple of years.

The only thing it can’t do for your podcast is make you a cup of tea before you hit record. I’m sure Rode will add that in before long though.

Of course, it has to be said – the Rodecaster isn’t cheap. The price of $600 (not including mics) means it’s a non-starter for most. That’s not a criticism of the price, but there are a lot of podcasters who simply don’t have that sort of budget. If you’re just starting out, then you don’t need to spend nearly as much as that to get up and running. Again, take a look at the minimum equipment needed to podcast for more on that.

If you’ve been podcasting for a while now and know you’re not going to suddenly quit tomorrow though, then maybe the Rodecaster’s plethora of features will be appealing enough to you that you can justify the price. If you’re someone who does a lot of live broadcasting, for example, it’ll be a complete gamechanger.

If you’re able to muster the funds, it’ll definitely simplify your setup, your workflow, and give you loads of flexibility around how you record your show. These things can save you a lot of time in the long run, and time is the one thing that you can’t put a price on!

Remember, too, that you can get a ‘lite’ version of the Rodecaster as software on your computer using Rode Connect with 2-4 NT-USB Mini mics. And check out Zoom’s PodTrak P4 as a smaller and lower-cost hardware alternative.

Need More Help?

One of the Rodecaster Pro’s big plus points is simplicity. If you’re a fan of simplifying your setups, then you might want to check out our ‘Podcast Maker’ tool Alitu.

With Alitu, you have one single place to record, edit, produce, and publish your podcast. These processes are all simple in Alitu, even if you’ve never worked with audio before in your life. In fact, all the EQ, Compression, and Post-Processing happens automatically. If this sounds like something that’s of interest to you, check out our guide on how to make a podcast with Alitu.

And if you need some more tailored advice for your own setup, or want help with any other aspect of podcasting, then take a look at Podcraft Academy That’s where you’ll find access to all of our video courses, tutorials, ebooks, and downloadable resources. On top of that, we run weekly live Q&A sessions, too. It’s the perfect one-stop place to build and grow a thriving podcast!

It wasn’t so long ago that podcasters recorded their content through gear that was, first and foremost, designed with music in mind.

But podcasting has grown up these past couple of years. Audio equipment heavyweights now see the medium as something worth fully investing in. The arrival of Rode’s Rodecaster Pro in late 2018 all but confirmed that. Zoom – famous for their omnipresent recorders like the H5 and H6 – have further reinforced it. They recently unveiled the PodTrak P4 – and it’s designed specifically for podcasters.

A quick heads up that we use affiliate links to products and services we think you’d find interesting or useful. If, after reading this PodTrak P4 review, you decide to buy through our link, then we might earn a small commission – at no extra cost to yourself. Affiliates help support all the free content we put out on the site. Rest assured, we always review fairly too!

What is the Zoom PodTrak P4?

Zoom market the PodTrak P4 as “the ultimate recorder for podcasting”. This is exciting, given that I thought their H5 and H6 models could already lay decent claim to that tagline.

When the Zoom H6 arrived on the scene it was pretty much the H5 with a few extra inputs. The PodTrak P4, on the other hand, looks like its own thing entirely.

What Can It Do? 5 Key Features of the PodTrak P4

Before you dive in and buy any new gear, it’s important to weigh up whether or not it’s really going to improve your current setup and workflow.

In this Zoom PodTrak P4 review, we’ll take a look at its key capabilities and features. Depending on your existing kit and the type of show you run, this will help you decide whether it’s an essential purchase, or more of a lavish and unnecessary expense.

If you’d like to learn the ins and outs of this handy little device, check out our Zoom PodTrak P4 course inside Podcraft Academy.

1. You Can Plug in and Record 4 XLR Mics (in Multitrack)

So this is the same as the out-the-box Zoom H6. There’s always the odd podcaster who seems to be obsessed with having 652 multitrack inputs on their recording device, but if you’re bringing any more than 4 people into a single conversation, you should really have a good reason for it. The PodTrak P4’s inputs hit that 4-participant sweet spot.

Your XLR mics can be of the dynamic or condenser build. If it’s the latter, the P4 has a Phantom Power option. Phantom Power is basically a Superhero who hangs around in audio interfaces and makes things work properly.

Your 4 inputs will be recorded on their own tracks, which can make life easier in the post-production phase. If you’ve recorded everyone at wildly varying volume levels, for example, you can quickly fix this to make it all consistent. If one is a remote guest and the Amazon guy starts banging their door halfway through, you’ll be able to chop that out, too.

2. You Have Independent Headphone Control for All Participants

Each of the participants you’re recording should be wearing headphones. This means they can hear exactly how they sound, as the recording is happening. If they keep popping the mic, they’ll know about it. If they’re too far away from the mic, they’ll know about that too. Or at least, they should. You might still need to step in and advise them on their technique now and then, but it certainly makes your life easier.

It has always been possible to have everyone set up with headphones, no matter what recorder you’re using. Even if it has one single output, you can use a splitter to send the audio out to as many pairs of headphones as you like.

The problem with this approach, however, is that people’s hearing can vary. Remember that elderly relative who’d shout “SPEAK UP!” before you’d even finished asking them if they’d like another Custard Cream? Well if you plan on recording them on a future episode, you can crank their headphone volume up to 11 without bursting the eardrums of anyone else.

The headphone inputs on the Zoom PodTrak P4 are 3.5mm. That’s the same as the earbuds you carry around to listen to podcasts on your phone, and is pretty universal as far as headphones are concerned.

3. You Can Record Remote Calls

Here we come to another of the PodTrak P4’s marquee selling points – the ability to record calls.

Nothing beats having all your participants sitting round the table together. But sometimes the ideal guest you want on your show lives on the other side of the world. Or, sometimes there’s a global pandemic going on.

Recording remote conversations are the most popular way of running podcast interviews these days. There are a lot of great web-based tools for doing this. You can still use one of these tools alongside the PodTrak P4 to record your conversations via your computer’s USB connection. Or, you can link your phone directly to the P4 and record simple phone calls.

There are a few options for connecting up your phone. You can simply use a 3.5mm – 3.5mm cable. If you do this, you just need to bear in mind that your guest will be hearing you through the phone mic, as opposed to your XLR mic. This should be different if you were using a TRRS (as opposed to TRS) cable. TRS means “tip ring sleeve”, and TRRS have an extra ring on them (look at the 3.5mm plug on your smartphone for an example of this). I didn’t have access to a TRRS adapter during my short time with the PodTrak P4, so I’m unfortunately unable to confirm this just yet.

Alternatively, you could use a camera connection kit adapter to link up your phone to the Zoom PodTrak P4. Another option is to go wireless. This means bringing in an additional device (bough separately) called the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth Receiver. This’ll let you link your phone up with the P4 via Bluetooth, and away you go. There’s a handy ‘Mix-Minus’ button in the settings that’ll prevent remote guests from hearing their own voice coming back through the recorder at them, too!

4. There’s Sound Pads for Playing Music & SFX

Sound Pads are basically just a bank of pre-recorded sounds or clips you can play in real-time, during a recording session. Admittedly, few podcasters will find use for these. Most prefer to add in all their music and audio effects in post-production. But there are a couple of reasons why this feature might be appealing to you.

Firstly, if you do live podcasting, this can really enhance the production level of your show. You’ll have effects, music beds, transitions, and sweepers at the touch of a button. There are 11 pre-recorded presets on the PodTrak P4, and you can load in your own, too. This could be anything from an intellectual long-form interview, to a puerile fart noise that you’ll hit each time your co-host attempts to tell a joke.

Secondly, adding all this stuff in during the recording itself can save you time mixing it all together in post. This way of doing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for some, it’s an essential part of their workflow.

5. You Can Use It as a USB Audio Interface

If you’d like to show off your fancy XLR mic in those 300 Zoom calls you do for your work each day, then the PodTrak P4 hooks up to your computer as a USB audio interface.

This can also come in handy if you’ve been invited on to another podcast as an interview guest. The chances are, the host will be recording the show online. The P4 will help you bring clear and crisp audio quality to the session. After that, the rest is just down to the words that come out of your mouth.

I should add that the PodTrak P4 doesn’t record in multitrack when used as a USB interface (recording into a DAW like Audacity or Adobe Audition). However, you can still record onto the SD card (not included) at the same time.

6. What the PodTrak P4 CAN’T Do

Unlike the Zoom H5 and H6, the PodTrak P4 won’t work as a standalone (dictaphone-style) recorder. You need to plug at least one XLR mic in to record yourself. So although the device is a steal at the $150 mark, just be mindful that it isn’t everything you’ll need to record a podcast. Here’s a roundup of our top podcasting mics on the market right now.

Zoom PodTrak P4 Review: The Tangible Stuff

The PodTrak P4 weighs about 290g. That’s the equivalent to eight Roborovski dwarf hamsters. Or 7.2% of a cat. More practically – a bit more than the weight of your smartphone, a bit less than your favourite coffee mug.

Dimension-wise we’re looking at 112mm (W), 155mm (D), 47mm (H), so ever so slightly longer than the average pen.

Bottom line to all this? It’s very light and portable!

One downside is that it’s not the most durable interface I’ve ever seen. It has a plastic build, and one bad fall looks like it could do a bit of damage. If you are a perennial walking disaster, consider using a Shure SM58 into the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 instead.

For getting power to your PodTrak P4, you can plug it into the mains, connect it to a USB source, or pop in two AA batteries (included). If you’re running on battery power, Zoom estimate that you’ll get between 4 and 9 hours of recording time. If you can’t record an episode of your Roborovski dwarf hamster podcast in that time, then you’re really struggling.

It’s worth mentioning, too, that the USB connection is USB-C. I believe this is the size of an Android phone charger. There wasn’t one included in the box, so I had to go to Poundland to buy one. Cost me £1, and we don’t even get to keep the recorder. Heartbreaking stuff.

Pricing! Zoom PodTrak P4 Review

At the time of writing this review, you can pick one up brand new on Amazon for $150.

Buy the Zoom PodTrak P4 today

You get two AA batteries in the box, but no USB cable or SD card.

What Does It Sound Like?

Here we come to probably the most important factor in any audio gear review. How does it sound?

I recorded these sound samples with the Rode Procaster, Shure SM58, and Samson Q2U mics. No post-processing has been applied, so you’ll be able to hear the audio exactly as it was recorded. I also included a snippet of a phone call recording, where you’ll hear some riveting chat about sound blankets.

Zoom PodTrak P4 Review: Summary

So is the Zoom PodTrak P4 the recorder for you? There are a few things to consider, either way.

If you already own a digital recorder like the Zoom H5 or H6, and have a workflow in-place, then it’s hard to make the case to fork out more money for the PodTrak P4.

But if you’re actively in the market for a podcast recorder, then this bit of kit is worth serious consideration. It’s a very reasonable price point (a lot cheaper than the Rodecaster) and the call recording feature alone will make it appealing to many podcasters. Just remember though that you’ll still need at least one XLR microphone to get use of it, and you might potentially have to spend £1 on a USB cable too!

If you’d like to learn the ins and outs of this handy little device, check out our Zoom PodTrak P4 course inside Podcraft Academy.

Zoom have a fantastic reputation in the audio world. The release of the P4 will only go to further cement their place as one of the podcasters’ favourites. It’s great to see podcast-specific gear like this being released. After all, this trend means it’s going to become easier and easier to record studio-quality audio content. It’s another big step towards accessibility for all.

Hopefully you’ve found this PodTrak P4 review helpful, and it has been useful in your quest to find the ideal equipment and setup for you. If the thought of having a simple all-in-one podcast recorder seems appealing, then you might also be interested in an all-in-one ‘podcast maker’ app to pair it with.

Alitu is one such app. You can use it to automate all the mixing together, cleaning up, and levelling of your audio files. It makes editing ridiculously easy, even if you’ve never edited audio in your life before. Once your episode is ready, you can publish it from directly within the Alitu interface, too. Try it out free for 7 days and see what you think.

Key update points for our Zoom H5 Vs H6 comparison

• The cost of both recorders has narrowed over the years
• If you’re in the market for one, you might want to check out Zoom’s newly released PodTrak P4 – a superb little recorder that costs less than the H5 or H6, and offers more podcast-specific features, too!
• Still just interested in a Zoom H5 Vs H6 comparison? Read on to get the lowdown…

As mentioned in the introduction to this in-person interview series, we’re looking to cover the gold standard kit for recording face to face audio. This may be in co-hosting a podcast, or it may be in recording interviews. Whatever your context, if you’re recording in-person conversations (as opposed to Skype or similar) this is for you.

If you don’t care about the explanation and just want the shopping list, you can skip forward to it here: Full Podcast Equipment List for In-Person Recording.

But, if you want the detail, in this section we’re covering the central component, the digital recorder. In particular, we’re looking at the premium ones I recommend. A quick heads up that we use affiliate links for the gear we recommend, so would earn a small commission if you were to buy through them – at no extra cost to yourself.

Right, let’s talk about the Zoom H5 vs Zoom H6. These are currently two of the best digital recorders for podcasting out there. You can also read our dedicated articles on these devices over at Zoom H5 Review and Zoom H6 Review.

If you’ve found this article in the search for a more budget level recorder, you can check out my full digital recorders guide here. But, if you want the best equipment, read on.

So, this is the heart of the setup. The digital recorder captures the input from your microphones and turns it into a file you can work with. The type of recorder you use has a big effect on the control you have over your input, and therefore the eventual quality of your audio.

Why Spend Extra on the Zoom H5 Ahead of the Zoom H1 or H4?

In the budget interview setup I’ve covered before, we used a Zoom H1, which is a good little recorder, but with only one input. That means you can’t balance out the volumes of your two (or more) speakers as they’re all coming into the one input via a splitter.

If your interviewee is loud and you’re quiet, that’ll show up heavily in the recording, and you’ll have to spend some production time levelling it out. In this situation, it’s far better to make sure your input is even during intial recording, capturing the best source quality right from the get-go. To do this means having at least 2 microphone inputs with separate level control.

The Zoom H5

I worked with the Zoom H4n for years, but laterly upgraded to the Zoom H5.

The main reasons for that were the highly upgraded preamps and the fact you can use the interchangeable heads that were designed originally for the Zoom H6.

Improved Pre-Amps

To cover the first, the pre-amps in the Zoom H5 are far superior to the H4n. This was the one complaint made against the otherwise great little recorder.

The preamps themselves didn’t rule the H4n out, it still produced excellent audio, but it was always a little difficult when working with gain hungry microphones like the SM58. As you boost the gain, bringing the SM58 up to a decent level, the base hiss tended to sneak upwards too, and it just caused a little trouble in some contexts.

With the H5, the SM58 is much more effectively powered, though, and you’ll get a great sound without the sneaky hiss.

Interchangeable Recording Heads

Next, I mentioned the interchangeable heads. This was an amazing addition to the Zoom arsenal when the H6 was released.

Audio junkies were jazzing over the images of the H6 with 5 add-ons all plugged in in series, giving you multiple extra XLR inputs. Plus, the shotgun microphone add-ons now make it a brilliant device for use with your DSLR when filming.

Basically what this boils down to is the fact that you can record 2 people, easily, using the default XLR sockets. But if you need to record 4 people from time to time, you can plug in an add-on and do that on separate channels, still in XLR.

This is great news because it means you can still have full control over each channel, even with 4 speakers. You can control levels, and keep them separate for really powerful post production.

Why Upgrade to the Zoom H6?

So, we’ve covered the Zoom H5. The only dilemma here is whether you should upgrade to the Zoom H6 for another $70 or so. If you want more fancy onboard editing, and the flexibility of recording 6 separate tracks, then perhaps the answer is yes.

On Board Editing

For the first, I have to admit, I’ve never really used the more advanced on-board editing functions on any recorder I’ve used. I tend to get the settings how I like them, and then do little more than hit record when I’m in the field.

Any editing I do is after the file is safely downloaded to the computer and into Alitu or Audition. So, to me, the on-board editing functions aren’t really a draw, and I’ve not met many podcasters for whom they are.

I suspect this is more a feature for the pro journalists out there who have to edit much more on the fly to work within really tight deadlines. If that sounds like something you might have to do, then perhaps the H6 is for you.

6 Track Recording

For the second, the 6 track recording, this is one that could be more relevant to Podcasters.

I mentioned in the series introduction that I’m working with more businesses on podcasting, and more people looking to expand away from simple online conversations. In many instances, this involves taking advantage of events, or gatherings, and capturing some really compelling multiple voice recordings.

The H6 makes this a breeze, and offer a lot of power besides. You can record 6 people with the H6, all on separate tracks. This means detailed level control, and the option for really refined post production on everyone’s voice individually.

If you care about quality, and you record groups of people in the studio or at events, the H6 gives you all the flexibility you need.

You can even add more XLR inputs, as I’ve mentioned, recording 6 or 8 mics at once. But, to be honest, you might be struggling with control at that stage anyway, so perhaps that’s a bit overkill!

Zoom H5 Vs Zoom H6: Which to Choose?

I think the answer to this question comes down to one factor: will you be recording more than 2 people on a regular basis, sometimes more than 4, and do you want fine grained control over every voice? If yes, get the H6. If no, you’ll rarely be doing more than 2, somtimes 3 or 4, then the Zoom H5 will do the job nicely.

Remember, get full details on both devices here, on our site:

• Zoom H5 Review
• Zoom H6 Review

Need More Help?

So, if you’re in the market for a Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 for podcasting, I hope I’ve given you enough info to make the decision.

Remember too, that you might want to hang-fire for now, as Zoom are about to release the PodTrak P4. Watch this space for our detailed review on this interesting-looking new recorder.

If you need more help with choosing gear – or with any other aspect of podcasting – check out Podcraft Academy. In there you’ll find all our courses and downloadable resources. On top of that, we run weekly live Q&A sessions too, so you’ll never get stuck on anything again.

This was part 2 in our series on Recording Face-to-Face Interviews for a Podcast. Check out the other posts here:

1. How to Record Face-to-Face Podcast Interviews: The Full Guide
2. Zoom H5 Vs Zoom H6 as a Digital Recorder: Which to Choose?
3. Shure SM58 Review | The Apocalypse Survival Mic
4. The In-Person Podcast Interview Equipment Setup Guide
5. Full Audio or Podcast Interview Equipment Shopping List

We’ve been using the Zoom H4n and Zoom H5 recorders for a few years here at The Podcast Host, and both are superb bits of kit.

But we treated ourselves to an early Christmas present in the shape of the Zoom H6, and I’d been looking forward to getting a good look at it.

I’ve heard enough glowing reviews of the H6 from well respected podcasters and audio engineers to know that there’s no doubt over its quality.

So, in this Zoom H6 review, we’ll go over what makes it such a good recorder. But we’ll also look at the reasons why it might be overkill for some podcasters, depending on their own individual requirements.

What is the Zoom H6?

The Zoom H6 is akin to a complete recording studio that fits in the palm of your hand.

It’s a portable digital recorder that can be used to capture top-quality audio recordings, either directly onto the device itself, or into your computer’s audio recording and editing software. It takes 4 XLR inputs as standard, and captures another 2 channels via the top-mounted stereo mic; hence the 6 in the name.

Add to that a host of features built into the device, such as limiters, compression and other processing tools, and you’ve got a lot here, all packed into one trim little device.

What’s in the Box?

The Zoom H6 comes with a few items as standard.

• 2 detachable mic capsules (X/Y and M/S)
• 4 AA batteries.
• 2GB SD card
• USB cable
• Durable Carry Case
• Sponge Windscreen
• Cubase Installation DVD

Record up to 6 Tracks Independently

The H4n and H5 were ‘four track’ recorders, but the Zoom H6 boasts an incredible six tracks.

In short, this means you can run four external mics into the H6, as standard, plus two more with the help of a dual XLR capsule on the top. What that all set up, you can record six independent audio tracks simultaneously.

If you find yourself working with multiple guests or roundtable episodes locally then this can be a huge upgrade in the control you’ll have over your recording and editing sessions.

Many audio dramatists swear by the Zoom H6 for this very reason. A show’s entire cast can be recorded independently, onto one single device, without anyone having to share a track, vastly increasing control during the recording, and in post-production.

The Zoom H6 as a USB Audio Interface

You don’t need a computer to record with the Zoom H6, it’s designed to work entirely on it’s own. But, if you choose to, it can also be used as a USB audio interface.

This means you can record directly into your computer’s DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with multiple microphones, via the H6 and a USB cable.

Though the H6 has a nice little display window on it, many podcasters still prefer to monitor recordings on a bigger screen in a waveform view. This makes it much easier to see that everything is okay at-a-glance.

Whether or not you’ll be able to record each mic independently into your computer depends on which DAW you’re using. But this is doable with pro-level programs like Cubase (included), and Adobe Audition (pictured). You just need to install the Zoom H6 drivers from the Zoom website beforehand if you’re working on a PC.

Zoom H6 Main Features

The H6 is a powerful and versatile recorder, but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly complicated to use. Anyone who’s used a Zoom recorder before, or is at an intermediate level in using audio gear will be able to find their way around it straight out the box.

To be honest, even without any audio experience, you can use the Zoom H6 at a simple level. It’s hard to miss the big red record button on the front, after all, and you can learn the more advanced features as you go.

Audio Inputs

There are 4 ‘combo’ jacks on the main body of the recorder that take XLR or 1/4″ connections.

The levels for these can be independently controlled on the front of the recorder. Each has its own on/off button, gain dial, and PAD switch for handling high signals.

There’s an additional 3.5mm jack on the Stereo X/Y capsule. You could use this to add a 3.5mm stereo mic, or 2 lavalier mics to your multitrack session via a stereo splitter.

Zoom H6 Mic Capsules

Talking of stereo capsules, there are two different detachable mic capsules included with the Zoom H6 as standard.

The first is a stereo X/Y mic, which is actually 2 microphones.

According to Zoom themselves, “allow your recording to cover a wide area yet still capture a strong centre image”. This works well as a default, so even if you don’t connect an external mic to the Zoom, you’d still be able to capture great interviews on location with this capsule, particularly in places with a nice background ambience.

The second is a Mid-Side (MS) mic, which is also 2 mics in reality.

Zoom say that the basic concept behind this capsule is that “the Mid microphone picks up signal coming from the center, while the Side microphone creates ambience and directionality by adding or subtracting information from either side.” This could be really useful for recording yourself talking at an event or location where you want to include the sounds around you as part of the audio’s ambience.

You can buy additional capsules too. There’s a Zoom SSH 6 Shotgun Mic attachment for ultra-directional recordings where you need to isolate one sound and reject everything else around it. And there’s a capsule with 2 additional XLR 1/4″ ‘combo’ inputs if you want a total of 6 of them for your recording session.

Also on the Zoom H6

On the side of the recorder, there’s a headphone jack for monitoring and playback of recordings. This has its own volume control.

On the same side there’s the power button (which doubles up as a lock/hold button) and SD card slot, whilst on the other side you’ll find the menu button, scroll button, and USB jack.

On the bottom there’s a line out jack for sending audio to an additional device, like a digital camera.

There’s also a jack to plug in a wired remote control (not included) for use if you need to be working a short distance away from the recorder.

On the back you’ll find the recorder’s battery compartment, which takes 4 AAs. And there’s a speaker for playing back recordings without the need for headphones.

Digital Audio

There’s a tonne of different options and settings inside the recorder. I’d really need to write a manual to run through them all, but here are the most relevant.

Recording Format

You can record in either WAV or MP3. The most common setting for recording podcast vocals is 44100Hz, 16bit.

You can go as high as 96000Hz, 24bit (way too high) or as low as 48kbps MP3 (way too low). As always, file quality is reflected by its size on the SD card. The higher quality you go, the bigger the files are.

Low Cut Filter

This helps reduce the impact of unwanted low sounds in your recording, such as popping, or wind/handling noise.

Compressor/Limiter

This helps raise low-level input signals and lower high-level input signals. It basically takes the loud bits of your audio and the quiet bits of your audio and pulls them all closer together.

Phantom/Plug-in Power

This can be used with external mics that require a power source to work. Inputs 1-4 can provide phanton power of +12V, +24V, & +48V.

Sound Quality of the Zoom H6

Here are two sound samples recorded on the Zoom H6. Both have been normalised but no post-processing or cleaning has been applied.

The first, above, is recorded with the Stereo X/Y capsule.

And the second, above, is recorded using a Samson Q2U plugged into one of the H6’s XLR ports.

Cost of the Zoom H6

At the time of writing, the Zoom H6 is currently available on Amazon for $288, and Amazon UK for £288.

Zoom H6 Review Summary

Okay, that’s our Zoom H6 review! Unsurprisingly I share in the common opinion that the Zoom H6 is an incredible piece of kit, and a great choice for audio producers and podcasters alike.

But, although it’s definitely good value for all that it does, it’s still a serious investment. So do you really need one?

Who Probably Doesn’t Need a Zoom H6?

• A solo monologue podcaster
• A solo ‘Skype interviews’ podcaster
• A locally recorded co-hosted or interviews podcaster
• A multi-participant show recorded online (remote recording tools are a better option here)

Who DOES Need a Zoom H6?

If you want the ability to record 3 to 6 participants on independent microphones, and even independent tracks, then the Zoom H6 is the recorder for you. This might be for ’roundtable’ podcast episodes, or it might be for a multi-cast audio drama.

If you’re in the market for a high-end recorder that doubles up as a USB interface, then you’re probably as well opting for the Zoom H6. It’s less than $100 dearer than the Zoom H4n, only about $20 dearer than the Zoom H5, and the extra options and functions make it well worth the extra cost!

Buy the Zoom H6 Here

Need More Help Choosing or Setting Up You Podcast Equipment?

If you need some more tailored advice for your own setup, or want help with any other aspect of podcasting, then we’d love to work with you.

Inside Podcraft Academy we run regular live Q&A sessions where you can get all your questions personally answered by our team, and you’ll get full access to all of our video courses, tutorials, ebooks, and downloadable resources!

Just a quick heads up that we link to the recorder on Amazon, and this is an affiliate. We’ll earn a small commission if you do end up buying one this way, but at no extra cost to yourself!

Anyway, onwards to the review…

Who Would Use The Tascam DR-05?

You could refer to the Tascam DR-05 as an “entry level” recorder, but that would be down to its simplicity of use and not because of any lack of professional sounding audio.

Like all digital recorders, the DR-05 is small, light and portable. So it suits the needs of someone who doesn’t want to be tied to any one place for recording interviews or episodes.

It doesn’t have XLR/TRS jacks like many of the higher-end multitrack recorders. The Tascam DR-05 is more of an alternative to the Zoom H1.

The user would be someone who either wants to record directly into the built-in mics, or use an external mic or two which can be added via the 3.5mm (standard headphone connection size) Line-In jack.

Look, Feel, & Build

One thing that immediately jumped out when doing this Tascam DR-05 review, was the recorder’s nice, simplistic design. This means it shouldn’t be too intimidating even for the absolute beginner.

Tascam say that it has been designed “to be quick and easy to work with one thumb” – pretty much in the same way you’d hold and use your smartphone.

Recording-wise, there’s two built-in stereo mics on the top of the recorder, pointing to the left and the right.

On the front is a digital display screen for viewing recording levels, menus, settings, etc.

Above the screen you’ll see two LED lights. PEAK lights up when your recording source is too loud for your gain setting, and REC flashes in recording standby and lights up fully when recording.

Under the display window, there are two main buttons. One doubles up as a power on/off and home screen button, whilst the other is a record button.

And on the lower half of the front, there’s the standard multi-purpose Up, Down, Play, Forward, and Back buttons.

Menu Buttons on the Tascam DR-05

There’s four menu buttons on this lower-front section.

MENU – this, funnily enough, opens up the recorder’s menu, where you can access and alter all the recorder’s settings, sound levels, etc.

QUICK – What this brings up depends on what you’re actually doing at the time. Basically it’s to give you quick access to settings for that particular task. For example, if I’m in Recording Standby mode and press Quick it’ll bring up the Level Control menu.

PB CONT – This is Playback Control. Browse back through and listen to all your recordings here. You can change the playback speed too, up to 1.5x speed, and down to 1/2x speed.

MARK – Pressing this whilst recording drops a marker into your audio.

Connecting an External Mic

Between the two stereo mics, there’s a 3.5mm Line In jack.

Here, you can plug in any external mic with a 3.5mm plug. Commonly, these are lavalier mics.

If you want to record on-location interviews then an ideal setup is to use a splitter with two lavalier mics. You can see this in the photo, above.

Tascam DR-5 Review: Other Physical Features

Looking around the side of the recorder, we’ve got…

A standard 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring your recordings and listening back to them.

A speaker on the back, so you can listen back to recordings without using headphones.

A Hold button, which means you can’t stop or start a recording or alter any settings whilst this is down.

A USB connection port for transferring files or for powering the recorder with an AC adapter.

A Micro SD card slot for your memory card.

A battery compartment on the back, which fits two AA batteries.

There’s a tripod attachment screwhole on the back, and a strap attachment on the bottom of the recorder too.

Main Recording Settings

You can record in MP3 or WAV form.

WAV formats are 16 bit or 24 bit.

MP3 settings are 32, 64, 96, 128, 192, 256, or 320kbps.

Want to know more about bit rates?

You have the option of three different sample rates too. 44,100Hz, 48,000Hz, and 96,000Hz.

You can switch on a Low Cut filter to reduce the impact of unwanted low frequencies (wind noise, mic pops, etc) in your audio.

And you can choose whether to record in mono or stereo.

Other Recording Settings

There’s a Peak Reduction setting to automatically reduce the impact of overly loud sounds in your recording environment.

The Automatic Level Control setting can increase or decrease your gain settings if your recording source is varying between being too loud and too quiet.

And there’s an Overdubbing function, which means you can record on top of a pre-existing audio file on the recorder.

Sound Quality

As part of our Tascam DR-05 review, we recorded two sound samples in our studio.

Neither have had any cleaning up, EQ, etc applied.

The first is through the ‘mobile interview kit’ setup of using two lavalier mics into a splitter.

Here, quality will very much depend on your external equipment. The ATR3350 lav mics are on the beginner/budget side, though they are great value for money. Here are some other lavalier mic options.

Recording directly into the Tascam-DR05’s built-in mics (below) has the capability to give you a better vocal recording.

But on the other side, it can also make it harder to capture consistent sound levels from both participants. You need to position yourselves very carefully and try not to move too much. Think can be a difficult ask for the inexperienced guest.

Holding the recorder is another option, though this can bring its own handling noise issues into your recording. Ultimately though, it’s about just finding what works best for you.

Price

At the time of writing, the Tascam DR-05 is available new on Amazon for $79, and Amazon UK for £89.

Summary – Tascam DR-05 Review

If you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, and affordable entry level recorder, then the Tascam DR-05 is an excellent option.

I’m a huge fan of its rival, the Zoom H1, but the DR-05 arguably edges ahead in some small areas.

It looks and feels a little more robust, and the “control everything with one thumb” design makes it really simple to use.

Need More Help?

Whether it’s help with choosing or setting up equipment, or things like launching and growth, check out Podcraft Academy. That’s where you’ll get access to all of our courses, as well as live weekly Q&A sessions that’ll keep you on-track and moving forward with your podcasting plans!

Granted, the Sony ICD-PX470 probably isn’t designed to compete with the H1 or the DR-05, but it is made by Sony, who are certainly no amateurs in this game.

On top of that, it’s also around £30/$30 cheaper than the other two.

It would be more reasonable to compare the PX470 with the Olympus WS-853 – and it costs less than that model too.

The Sony ICD-PX470 is currently available on Amazon for $46 and Amazon UK for £44.

But, price isn’t everything of course. Is it any good for your podcasting needs? Read on and find out…

Look, Feel, & Design

One big positive that was immediately noticeable to me is that the recorder can be operated with one hand, using your thumb, in the same way you navigate your phone.

The built-in stereo mics are on the top of the recorder, along with the 3.5mm headphone and audio in external mic jacks. There’s a tactile dot beside the audio in jack, as well as on the play button, which is great from an accessibility point of view.

The display window on the front is always clear enough, and never too cluttered. It doesn’t have a backlight, however.

There’s a built-in speaker on the front too for listening back to your recordings.

Other Features

The recorder is powered by two AAA batteries. These are provided with the recorder, though they’re not rechargeable.

There’s a micro SD card slot on the side. An SD card isn’t included with the recorder, though it has 4GB of built-in storage.

The slider on the back pushes out a USB connection that lets you plug the recorder directly into your computer to access your files.

Buttons

There’s the standard record and stop buttons on the front. The record button doubles up as a pause button too, meaning you can pause then resume your recording.

On the front middle there’s the play button, surrounded by the four-way control button. Aside from toggling through the menus, you can also use this to access DPC (digital pitch control), repeat play, fast forward, and fast backwards.

There’s 3 smaller buttons on the front. A back/home button, a track-mark button for adding markers to audio inside the recorder, and an option button to access the settings.

On the sides there’s a playback volume button, and a power/hold button which switches the recorder on or off and can lock the device.

Recording

There’s a little indicator light above the display window which comes on when you’re recording. This flashes when you pause a recording.

Usually this type of light will flash when you peak/clip but this one doesn’t, though admittedly it’s hard to clip your recordings in any setting on the PX470.

You can apply a low-cut filter to reduce unwanted wind, handling, and popping noises in your recording.

There’s also an auto voice recording option which optimises audio settings for vocal frequencies, and helps further reduce unwanted background noise.

File Settings & Storage

You can record 4 different types of audio file.

WAV 44,100, 16 bit stereo – I’d recommend going with this unless you’re tight for storage space.

Two stereo MP3 settings are available, 192kbps and 128kbps. These are good enough quality as-is, but if you plan on editing your audio it’s always better to record in WAV format.

There’s a mono 48kbps option, but I’d try and avoid that, especially if you’ll be doing any editing later on.

I mentioned storage, and you can get nearly 60 hours of audio recording at 128kbps, whilst recording in WAV won’t get you much more than 5 total hours, so there might be certain situations where the former is the better option!

Levels

Setting your input volume levels is made pretty simple on the PX470.

You can select from 4 options, low, medium, high, or auto, in the mic sensitivity menu.

There’s a 6-bar input level meter on the display window during recording, and Sony advise that you look for that hitting around 3/6 or 4/6 for optimal results.

Scenes

The scene select menu is designed to let you pick a setting that fits your recording environment.

For podcasters, the two obvious ones here would be Interview or Voice Notes (solo) if you wanted to try something other than the auto voice setting.

There’s also Meeting which might suit a roundtable discussion, and Lecture which is designed to pick up (funnily enough) a lecture or front-room presentation.

Sound Quality

The PX470 is a low-cost device, but that’s arguably reflected in the audio quality, which is a little lower than I’d usually look for.

Here’s a sample on the ‘auto’ setting.

And here’s a sample on the ‘voice notes’ setting.

I haven’t applied any processing or cleaning to these samples, they’re exactly what was recorded.

Summary

The Sony ICD-PX470 is decent value for what it does.

It’s definitely an entry-level bit of kit with some limitations.

If I were a complete beginner in podcasting – and all my recordings were going to be done locally – and I was on a very tight budget, then I’d potentially see this as a worthy option.

But if you can afford the extra $30-odd and get a Zoom H1 or a Tascam DR-05 then that’s totally worth doing though.

The sound quality isn’t the greatest on the PX470, whilst the latter two are real studio quality recorders!

Need More Help Choosing Podcasting Equipment?

If you need some more tailored advice for your own setup, or want help with any other aspect of podcasting, then we’d love to work with you.

Inside Podcraft Academy we run regular live Q&A sessions, a community forum, and provide access to all of our video courses, tutorials, ebooks, and downloadable resources!