Zoom P4 Operation Manual

P4

Operation Manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

© 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION

Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.

Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and regis-

tered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

Notes about this Operation Manual

You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specications of the product could be changed without notice.

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•

used under license.
The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks.

•

Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of

•

their respective companies.
Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identication purposes only and
are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

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2

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing the ZOOM P4 PodTrak.

The
right away just by connecting mics and headphones. We also recommend the
compact combination of useful recording functions. We hope you enjoy recording episodes in bedrooms, on
café terraces and at all kinds of places.

Main features of the

is a multitrack recorder designed for podcasting. Even beginners can start recording high quality audio

P4

to veteran podcasters as a

P4

P4

Use your favorite mics for recording

The high-quality built-in mic preamps support not only dynamic mics but also condenser mics that require
phantom power (+48 V). Enjoy recording using your favorite mics.

Multitrack recorder supports recording up to four channels at the same time

The levels of the 4 mic inputs can be adjusted for the voices of the participants. The 4 headphone outputs allow
everyone participating to monitor the sound that is being recorded. In addition to a stereo le ready to be used
for podcasting, the recorded data includes separate les for the audio of each channel that can be utilized for
editing after recording.

Power options enable recording anywhere

In addition to using an AC adapter, the P4 can be powered by 2 AA batteries or a USB mobile battery, enabling
use outdoors and other places without power sources.

Remote recording

If all the podcasters cannot gather in one place or you want to invite guests who are far away, you can use
smartphones and computers to enable remote participation in recording. A Mix Minus function prevents
echoes from occurring in the audio of remote participants. By connecting an optional wireless adapter (BTA-2),

smartphones can be connected wirelessly to the

P4

.

Instant playback of jingles and recorded interviews

The SOUND PAD section has 4 buttons that can be used for real-time playback of audio les, including built-in
sounds. Make the most of this function to enhance your podcasts and live streams.

Live streaming

The 2-in/2-out USB audio interface functions of the P4 can be used for live streaming and recording with
computers, smartphones and tablets. Since it supports class compliant mode, installation of a dedicated driver

is not necessary.

Optional accessory pack

We have prepared an optional Podcast Mic Pack with related accessories, including a dynamic mics (ZDM-1)
and headphones (ZHP-1), along with software useful for editing on a computer after recording.

3

Contents

Notes about this Operation Manual

Introduction

Contents

Podcasting with the

overview

P4

Functions of parts �������������
Connection examples �����������
Use examples ��������������
Explanation of terms �����������
Signal ow ���������������
Home Screen overview ����������
Basic Menu Screen operations ������

Making preparations

Inserting SD cards ������������
Providing power �������������
Turning the power on ����������
Setting the date and time
(rst time starting up) ����������

Connecting

Connecting mics �������������
Connecting headphones ���������
Connecting smartphones ���������
Connecting a BTA-2 (dedicated wireless
adapter) �����������������
Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet
by USB �����������������

Recording

����������������� 3

 ������������������ 4

 ����������� 5

P4

����������������� 6

������������ 14

 ���������������� 18

����������������� 23

������ 2

10
11
12
13
13

14
15
16

17

18
19
20

21

22

Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or
tablet

Using SOUND PAD functions

6
9

Using as an audio interface

Modifying the date and time

Setting the type of batteries used

Adjusting the display contrast

Setting the Auto Power Off function

Testing SD cards

Formatting SD cards

Restoring factory default settings

Updating the rmware

������������������� 31

Transferring les to a computer, smartphone
or tablet �����������������

folder and le structure ��������

P4

�������� 33

Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD
buttons �����������������
Playing SOUND PAD buttons �������
Setting playback methods for each
SOUND PAD ���������������
Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD �

��������� 38

Connecting a computer, smartphone or
tablet ������������������
Inputting USB audio return on channel 4 �
Setting USB Mix Minus ���������

 �������� 41

������ 42

 ������� 43

�������������� 45

������������ 49

������ 50

����������� 51

31
32

33
34

35
37

38
39
40

����� 44

Adjusting input levels ����������
Making mic settings (Mic Settings) ����
Recording ����������������

Playing recordings

Playing recordings ������������
Selecting les and playing them �����

Changing the names of recorded les

Deleting les

������������� 26

���� 29

 ��������������� 30

23
24
25

26
27

Error message list

Troubleshooting

General �����������������
Audio interface �������������

Specications

4

 ������������� 52

�������������� 54

��������������� 56

54
55

Podcasting with the

●Preparation

Install an SD card in the P4, provide it power, and set the date and time.

●Connecting and checking

Connect microphones and headphones.

• By using a single mic for each person, levels can be adjusted to suit each voice,
enabling clear recording of all voices.

• Adjust the distance between the participants and their mics and set each of their
input levels according to their volumes so that they can be recorded at stable levels.

• Mute input channels that are not being used to prevent noise from being picked up.

• Headphones are necessary to not only conrm the inputs from the mics, but

also to hear the sounds of SOUND PAD playback and the voices of guests
participating remotely.

If a guest in a distant location is participating remotely in recording, connect the

1. Prepare and conrm

connections

to a computer, smartphone or tablet.

P4

• The smartphone connector is designed to prevent echo when used. When using
the USB port for this, turn on USB Mix Minus.

Conrm the levels and other settings of the SOUND PAD buttons, which can
be used for one-touch playback of background music, jingles and other sounds
during recording.

P4

2. Record

3. Publish

●Countermeasures for environmental noise in recording locations

• Attaching windscreens to mics can reduce noise caused by wind blowing.
Adjust the directions of mics so that they do not point toward other sources of
environmental noise.

• Touching mics and power cables during recording could result in handling noise
that sounds like crackling. Use mic stands and put cables in order beforehand.
Placing mic cables and power cables too close together can result in noise being
picked up.
Enabling the Lo Cut function in the

•

of vibration, wind and other noise picked up by mics.

Mic Settings menu can reduce the amount

P4

●Recording theme

To enable recording conversations at a good pace, conrm the content of the
discussion with the other participants and prepare reference materials and other
resources so that they are at hand.

●Speaking tips

Try to speak clearly while avoiding making sibilant (hissing s) and plosive (p and d)
sounds too loud.

●SOUND PAD buttons

Use these to add excitement to programs with jingles and effects.

●Publish

The File Transfer menu can be used to connect to a computer, smartphone or
tablet and transfer recorded les. Upload them to the podcasting service* or
server you are using.

*Services that provide servers for saving podcast les

●Editing before publish

Using audio mastering software, for example, to adjust periods of silence and to
add effects could enhance the podcast.
The les recorded for each channel by the

are perfect for mixing in a DAW.

P4

5

P4

overview

Functions of parts

■To p

INPUT knobs 1–4

INPUT SELECT

switches 1–4

MUTE buttons 1–4

Display

SOUND PAD A–D

SOUND PAD knob

PHONES knobs 1–4

INPUT knobs 1–4

Use to adjust input signal levels.

INPUT SELECT switches 1–4

Set these according to the connected equipment.

Dynamic mic

Condenser mic (supplies +48 V phantom power)

Smartphone, etc.

USB audio return signal output from computer, smartphone or tablet

PLAY indicator

REC indicator

MENU button

PLAY/PAUSE/
STOP/
REC/ENTER button

button

button

MUTE buttons 1–4

Use to mute (lit) and unmute (unlit) signals.

SOUND PAD A–D

Use these to play the sounds assigned to them.

6

SOUND PAD knob

Use to adjust SOUND PAD levels.

PHONES knobs 1–4

Use to adjust the volumes of signals output from PHONES jacks 1–4.

Display

This shows the recorder status and Menu Screen.

When the

seconds. Operating the unit will restore the display to its normal brightness.

PLAY indicator

This lights during playback and blinks when paused.

REC indicator

This lights during recording and blinks when recording is paused.

MENU button

Use to open the Menu Screen and to return to the previous screen.

PLAY/PAUSE/

Use to play/pause recorded les.
Use to move the cursor up on the Menu Screen.

STOP/

Use to stop recording/playback.
Use to move the cursor down on the Menu Screen.

REC/ENTER button

Use to start/stop recording.
Use to conrm a selection on the Menu Screen.

is running on battery power, the display will automatically dim if it is not operated for 15

P4

button

button

■Back/front

INPUT jacks 1–4 PHONES jacks 1–4

INPUT jacks 1–4

These input jacks have built-in mic preamps.

PHONES jacks 1–4

These output the signals adjusted by PHONES knobs 1–4.

7

■Left/Right

BTA-2 power supply connector Smartphone connection jack Power switch

SD card slot Power supply USB port (Type-C) USB port (Type-C)

SD card slot

Cards that conform to SDHC and SDXC specications are supported.

Format the SD card with the

Power supply USB port (Type-C)

This power supply USB port is for connecting an AC adapter or portable battery.

USB port (Type-C)

This USB port is for connecting with a computer, smartphone or tablet.

BTA-2 power supply connector

Use this power supply connector when connecting a BTA-2 wireless adapter.

Smartphone connection jack

By using a 4-contact mini-plug cable, the signal from a smartphone can be input on channel 3 while the

signal mixed on the

Power switch

This turns the power on and off.

(excluding the channel 3 signal) is returned to the smartphone simultaneously.

P4

before use. ( “Formatting SD cards” on page 49)

P4

8

Connection examples

Mics

Dynamic and condenser mics

AC adapter
(ZOOM AD-17)

Smartphone

Guests can participate in
podcasts by phone.

USB Type-C
port

USB Type-C

port

SD card

Computer, smartphone or tablet

Wireless adapter (ZOOM BTA-2)

This enables wireless connection
to smartphones and tablets.

Using the audio interface function,
audio can be shared with a computer,
smartphone or tablet, and recordings on
the SD card can be transferred for editing.

This might not be usable with some
communication apps.

Headphones

9

Use examples

Using on location

By using the P4 with batteries or a portable battery, audio can be recorded on location. The recorded
audio is saved on an SD card and can be transferred to a computer, smartphone or tablet for editing and

distribution.

Using for live streaming

By connecting a P4 to a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can use it to stream audio in real time.

Internet

10

Explanation of terms

Audio interface

The P4 enables sounds from mics and instruments, for example, to be input to a computer, smartphone
or tablet. It can also output sounds from that device to speakers and headphones.

USB audio return

When the

or tablet. Background music can be played from the connected device.

is connected as an audio interface, this is the signal output from the computer, smartphone

P4

SOUND PAD buttons

Audio les can be assigned to these. Press one to play the assigned le. These are convenient to play
opening and closing music, jingles, and interviews that have been recorded in advance.

USB Mix Minus

When using the P4 as an audio interface, this can prevent feedback to a person participating in a call

through the connected device.

Podcasting

This is one way to share audio les publicly on the Internet. Podcasters make contents and distribute
them via the Internet so people can listen easily on smartphones, computers and other devices.

Dynamic mic

This type of mic does not require phantom power and is strong and durable.

Condenser mic

This type of mic usually has high sensitivity and can capture audio with high quality. Phantom power
supply is necessary for use.

11

Signal ow

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

INPUT 3

INPUT 4

Signal ow

Lo Cut Limiter

Lo Cut Limiter

Lo Cut Limiter

Lo Cut Limiter

MUTE

TRACK 1

MUTE

TRACK 2

MUTE

TRACK 3

MUTE

TRACK 4

SOUND PAD

L/R

Smartphone

connection jack

USB port

Input sound. Channels 1 and 2 can be used to input sound from mics. Channel 3 can be used to input sound

from a mic or smartphone. Channel 4 can be used to input sound from a mic or the USB audio return.

Adjust the input levels of each channel.

Make settings for mic inputs on each channel. Lo Cut cuts unnecessary low frequencies, and Limiter

suppresses input levels that are too high. Lo Cut and Limiter are only applied to sounds from mic input.

Mute/unmute channels. Inputs not being used can be muted.

Play SOUND PAD sounds and adjust their levels.

Separate recording les are made for each channel and the SOUND PAD sounds.

A recording le is made for podcasting. This combines all channels and the SOUND PAD sounds (through the

master channel) into a stereo le.

Monitor the sound of the recording for podcasting through headphones. The volume can be adjusted separately

for each pair of headphones.

A mix of all channels is output to the connected smartphone. The sound from the connected smartphone

itself, however, is not sent back to it.

A mix of all channels is output to the computer, smartphone or tablet connected by USB. When the USB Mix

Minus setting ( page 40) is On, the sound input through channel 4 (the USB audio return) is not included.

12

Home Screen overview

This screen appears on the display when the P4 power is turned on.

This shows the

Status icon

This shows the
recording status.

Stopped

Recording

Paused

Channel names and level meters

These show the names of the
channels and their current input
levels.

conditions, including recording status and input levels.

P4

Time display

This shows either the current elapsed recording time or the available
recording time.

Remaining battery charge

When the remaining battery charge
becomes low, replace the batteries or
connect an AC adapter or portable battery.

Full Empty

Master level meters

These show the output
signal levels.

Basic Menu Screen operations

Use the Menu Screen to make settings, including for recording and the SOUND PAD buttons.

Menu Screen

This shows Menu items.
A scroll bar appears at the right edge if
there are more items than can be shown
on the display.

This conrms selections.

This opens the Menu Screen.

Use

to select the item above and to select the item below.

In this Operation Manual, Menu item names are shown with a gray background. (Example: Files)

On the Menu Screen, press

to select the item above, and press to select the item below. Press

to conrm the selected item.

■Returning to the Home Screen

To return to the Home Screen, press repeatedly until it appears.

■Returning to the previous screen

Press to return to the previous screen.

13

Making preparations

Inserting SD cards

SD card slot

POWER switch

With the power off, open the SD card slot cover, and insert an SD card all the way into the slot.

1.

To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.

NOTE

•Cards that conform to SDHC and SDXC specications are supported.

•Disable write-protection on the SD card before inserting it.

•Inserting or removing an SD card while the power is on could result in data loss.

•When inserting an SD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up as shown.

•If an SD card is not loaded, recording and playback are not possible.

•Before using SD cards that have just been purchased or that have been formatted on a computer, they

must be formatted by the

( “Formatting SD cards” on page 49).

P4

14

Providing power

Installing batteries

To run the P4 on battery power, open the battery compartment cover on the bottom and install two AA

batteries.

Open while pressing down.

NOTE

•Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time.

•Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown

accurately. ( “Setting the type of batteries used” on page 42)

•The battery charge can be checked on the Home Screen ( page 13).

Other power sources

Power supply USB

port (Type-C)

■Using the power supply USB port (Type-C)

Connect the dedicated AC adapter (AD-17) or a mobile battery to the power supply USB port (Type-C).

■Using the USB port (Type-C)

By connecting this USB port (Type-C) to a computer, the P4 can be operated on USB bus power.

NOTE

By connecting this USB port to a computer before turning the power on, the

•

USB bus power.

•After turning the power on, if the USB cable connected to the USB port (Type-C) is disconnected and
reconnected, the P4 cannot be operated on USB bus power until it is restarted, even if connected to a

computer.
If a smartphone or tablet is connected to this USB port, depending on the device, turning the P4 power

•

on might not be possible. In this case, connect an AC adapter or mobile battery to the USB port, or
install batteries in the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit to use it.

USB port
(Type-C)

can be operated on

P4

15

Turning the power on

Press until “ZOOM” appears on the display.

1.

This turns the power on and opens the Home Screen.

POWER switch

The rst time the power is turned on after purchase and after the P4 has been restored to its factory

default state, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time setting screen opens. (

and time (rst time starting up)” on page 17)

NOTE

The power will automatically turn off if it is not used for 10 hours. To keep the power on at all times,
disable the automatic power saving function. ( “Setting the Auto Power Off function” on page 44)

“Setting the date

Turning the power off

Press until “Goodbye! See You!” appears on the display.

1.

NOTE

When the power is turned off, the current settings are saved on the

HINT

When the power is turned on, it will start up in the state it was in when last turned off.

P4

.

16

Setting the date and time (rst time starting up)

The rst time the power is turned on after purchase, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time setting
screen opens.
The date and time are stored in recorded les, and the recording start date/time is used in the le name.
Having the correct date and time set is helpful when looking for les, for example, by allowing contents to
be determined by names.

Year Month Day

Cursor

Hour Minute OK

Press / to move the cursor to the item you want to set, and press .

1.

Use / to change the value, and press to conrm.

2.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to set the date and time.

3.

After setting the date and time, use / to select OK, and press .

4.

This conrms the set date and time and reopens the Home Screen.

HINT

The date and time setting can also be changed later from the Menu Screen. ( “Modifying the date and

time” on page 41)

17

Connecting

Connecting mics

Connect mics to capture sound. Up to 4 mics can be connected.

INPUT SELECT switches 1–4

Dynamic and condenser mics

Use mic cables (with XLR
connectors) to connect them to
INPUT jacks 1–4.

2: HOT 1: GND

3: COLD

Set to
dynamic mic or to

using a condenser mic.

NOTE

•When an INPUT SELECT switch is set to
When connecting to a device that is not compatible with phantom power, do not set the INPUT SELECT

switch to . Doing so could damage the device.

•During recording, operating the INPUT SELECT switch will not change the phantom power supply
setting. The change will be applied after recording completes.

when using a

when

MUTE buttons 1–4

Press to mute inputs.
These light when muted.

, +48 V phantom power is supplied to that INPUT jack.

18