Zoom P8 Service Manual

Operation Manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

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Notes about this Operation Manual

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

Items that appear on the touchscreen are shown with a gray background in this operation manual. Example: Noise Reduction

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Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM P8 PodTrak.

The P8 is a multitrack recorder designed for podcasting. After connecting mics and headphones, high-quality audio recording can be started right away. The audio enhancement and episode editing in a single device, so we can recommend it to all podcasters from beginners to veterans. We hope you will enjoy recording and producing polished episodes in a variety of locations.

combines all the functions necessary to produce podcasts, including

Main features of the

Multitrack recording of up to six people at once

The sound qualities and levels of the 6 mic inputs can be adjusted for the voices of the participants. The 6 headphone outputs allow everyone participating to monitor the sound that is being recorded. In addition to a stereo le ready to be used for podcasting, separate les for the audio of each channel can also be recorded and utilized for editing after recording.

Mic sounds can be adjusted optimally

In addition to dynamic mics, the high-quality built-in mic preamps support condenser mics that require phantom power (+48 V). With a single switch, the level of an input can be set optimally according to the mic type. Moreover, in addition to a limiter and low-cut lter, tone adjustment, a compressor that evens out the volume, a de-esser that suppresses sibilance and noise reduction can be applied to the mic sound. All the signal processing is tailored for voices, and each feature is simply turned on/off or adjusted with a single parameter, enabling settings to be made easily even without previous expertise in sound mixing.

Every necessary editing function is built in

The P8 has every necessary editing function to complete episodes for distribution. These include deleting unnecessary parts of recorded data, optimizing levels automatically, and combining opening and ending les. Intuitive operation using the large 4.3-inch color touchscreen allows anyone to easily complete podcasts without using a computer.

Instant playback of jingles and recorded interviews

The SOUND PAD function includes nine pads with four banks that can be switched even during recording. These pads can be used to play built-in sounds and other audio les in real time. When creating multiple programs, different banks can be prepared for each program. In addition, since the colors that the SOUND PAD buttons light can be set, le assignments can be made easy to see. For example, they could be set blue for les with recorded interviews. Use these to enhance podcasting and live streaming.

Remote recording

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

, a

Live streaming

The 2-in/2-out USB audio interface functions of the P8 can be used for live streaming and recording with computers, smartphones and tablets. Since it supports class compliant mode, installation of a dedicated driver is not necessary.

Optional accessory pack

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

Notes about this Operation Manual

Introduction

Contents

Podcasting process

overview

Explanation of terms �� Functions of parts �� Connection examples �� Use examples �� Signal ow �� Touchscreen display ��

Preparing for use

Inserting SD cards �� Providing power �� Turning the power on �� Making initial settings ��

Connecting

Connecting mics �� Connecting headphones �� Connecting smartphones �� Connecting a BTA-2 (dedicated wireless adapter) �� Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet by USB �� Connecting powered speakers and other output equipment ��

Recording

Adjusting input gain and sound quality �� Balancing the mix of channel levels �� Recording ��

Playing recordings

Playing recordings on the Home Screen �� Selecting les and playing them ��

Using marks

Adding marks �� Deleting marks ��

�� 3

 �� 4

 �� 5

�� 7

 �� 17

 �� 24

�� 32

�� 37

�� 40

�� 2

11 12 13 15

17 18 20 22

24 25 26

32 35 36

37 38

40 41

Managing les

Deleting les �� Combining multiple les into one in specic order ��

Editing les

Opening the File Editing Screen ��

7 8

Changing le names �� Changing icons �� Cutting unnecessary parts (trimming) �� Dividing les �� Adding fade-ins and outs �� Adding music and other background sound �� Optimizing podcast volume (loudness normalization) �� Converting les to MP3 format ��

Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or tablet

Modifying the date and time

Changing the touchscreen display language

Setting the battery type

Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen

Using noise reduction

Setting recording le types

Testing SD cards

Formatting SD cards

Using SD cards to back up and load settings

Setting the automatic power off function

Restoring factory default settings

�� 72

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

folder and le structure ��

Backing up �� Loading backup settings ��

�� 49

 �� 55

 �� 74

 �� 76

 �� 78

�� 79

�� 80

�� 83

�� 88

56 57 58 59 61 63

69 71

72 73

� 75

� 77

� 84

84 85

 �� 87

Using SOUND PAD functions

Playing SOUND PAD buttons �� Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD buttons �� Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD � Setting playback modes for each SOUND PAD �� Changing bank names ��

�� 42

43 46

47 48

Updating the rmware

Troubleshooting

General �� Audio interface ��

Specications

Mixer block diagram

�� 90

�� 92

�� 89

�� 93

90 91

Podcasting process

●Preparations

Install an SD card in the P8, provide it power, and set the date and time.

●Connecting and checking

Connect microphones and headphones.

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

• Adjust the distance between the participants and their mics so that they can be recorded at stable levels. On the connected mic by setting its INPUT SELECT switch. Using the

•

can be applied.

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

• Headphones are necessary to not only conrm the inputs from the mics, but also to hear SOUND PAD playback and the voices of guests participating remotely.

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

to a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Prepare and conrm

connections

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

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

, the input gain can be set suitably for a

, tones of voices can be adjusted and compressors and de-essers

2. Record

●Countermeasures for environmental noise in recording locations

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

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

Enabling the Low Cut function on the

•

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

• When multiple mics are being used to record sound, turning on noise reduction

on the level by automatically reducing the levels of the mic inputs not being used by

people.

ON AIR settings screen can suppress background noise to a constant

mic input settings screens can reduce

●Recording theme

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

●Speaking tips

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

●SOUND PAD buttons

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

3. Publish

●Publishing

The P8 USB le transfer screen can be used to connect to a computer, smartphone or tablet and transfer recorded les. Upload them to the podcasting

service* or server you are using.

*Service that provides servers for saving podcast les

●Editing before release

The P8 can be used to edit recorded stereo les for podcasting in the following ways.

• Unnecessary parts can be cut, and fade ins/outs can be added.

• Background music can be added.

• The loudness normalization function can even out the volume ideally for

podcasting.

• Openings and endings that have been prepared in advance can be attached to the beginnings and ends.

• Files can be converted to MP3s.

Moreover, the individual les recorded for each channel on the P8 can be used for detailed editing in a DAW and to make adjustments for the voices of each

participant.

overview

Explanation of terms

Audio interface

The

or tablet. It can also output sounds from that device to speakers and headphones.

enables sounds from mics and instruments, for example, to be input to a computer, smartphone

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

SOUND PAD buttons

Audio les can be assigned to these. Press one to play the assigned le. This is convenient for playing interviews that have been recorded in advance, opening and ending music and jingles. The 9 SOUND PAD buttons can have audio les assigned in 4 banks, for a total of 36 les.

USB Mix Minus

When using the P8 as an audio interface, signals input by USB can be set to not be output back to

USB. This can prevent feedback to the person at the other end when recording while calling through a computer, smartphone or tablet.

ON AIR button

When ON AIR buttons are turned off, input sounds are not output to the USB port (streaming audio) or SPEAKER OUT jacks, nor are they recorded to the podcast stereo le. This function is convenient, for example, when participants are discussing the next topic among themselves while music is playing.

Podcasting

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

Dynamic mic

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

Condenser mic

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

Functions of parts

■To p

BTA-2 power supply connector

Smartphone connection jack

SOUND PAD A–I buttons

INPUT jacks

INPUT SELECT

switches

Touchscreen

MUTE buttons

ON AIR buttons

Channel

faders

INPUT jacks

These input jacks have built-in mic preamps.

SPEAKER OUT jacks

PHONES jacks

PHONES knobs

USB OUT knob

SPEAKER OUT knob

STOP button REC button

PLAY/PAUSE button

MARK button

INPUT SELECT switches

Set these according to the connected equipment.

Dynamic mic

Condenser mic (supplies +48V phantom power)

Computer, smartphone or tablet

Touchscreen

This shows the status of the

MUTE buttons

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

ON AIR buttons

When lit, channel signals are recorded in the podcast stereo le and sent to the USB port, SPEAKER OUT jacks, PHONES jacks and smartphone connection jack. When unlit, channel signals are only sent to the PHONES jacks and smartphone connection jack.

, and can be operated by touch to make various settings and edit les.

Channel faders

These adjust channel signal levels in ranges from −∞ to +10 dB.

BTA-2 power supply connector

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

Smartphone connection jack

Connect a smartphone here.

SOUND PAD A–I buttons

Use to play the sounds assigned to them.

SPEAKER OUT jacks

These output a stereo mix of the signals from all the channels. Connect them to a power amplier, a PA system or speakers with built-in ampliers, for example.

PHONES jacks

These output a stereo mix of the signals from all the channels. Connect headphones to these.

PHONES knobs

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

USB OUT knob

Use to adjust the volume of the signal output from the USB port.

SPEAKER OUT knob

Use to adjust the volume of the signals output from the SPEAKER OUT jacks.

STOP button

Use to stop recording/playback.

REC button

Use to start/stop recording.

PLAY/PAUSE button

Use to play/pause recorded les.

MARK button

Press to add marks to recording les during recording/playback. These provide editing guides.

■Back

SD card slot

USB port (Type-C)

DC IN 5V AC adapter connector

Power switch

Use to turn the power on and off.

DC IN 5V AC adapter connector

Connect the included AC adapter here.

USB port (Type-C)

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

SD card slot

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

Format the SD card with the

before use. ( “Formatting SD cards” on page 83)

Connection examples

Mics

Dynamic and condenser mics

Smartphone

Guests can participate by phone during podcasting.

Speakers with built-in ampliers

Wireless adapter (ZOOM BTA-2)

This enables wireless connection to smartphones and tablets.

SD card

USB Type-C port

AC adapter (ZOOM AD-14)

Headphones

Computer, smartphone or tablet

Using the audio interface function, audio can be shared with a computer, for example, and recordings on the SD card can be transferred for editing. This might not be usable with some communication apps.

HINT

We have prepared an optional Podcast Mic Pack that is ideal for podcasting. The set includes a ZDM-1 dynamic mic and ZHP-1 headphones, enabling you to start podcasting right away.

Use examples

Podcasting with a guest participating by phone

By connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet to the P8, a guest in a remote location can participate in a podcast by phone.

Internet

Live streaming

By connecting a P8 to a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can use it to stream audio in real time.

Internet

Signal ow

ON AIR button litON AIR button unlit

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4

Channel 5

Channel 6

Smartphone channel

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

INPUT 3

INPUT 4

INPUT 5

INPUT 6

PHONE

SOUND PAD

Adjust volume and audio quality

Adjust audio quality

MUTE FADER

N.R.

L/R

SPEAKER OUT

jacks

USB port

Smartphone

connection jack

Headphones

Input sound. Channels 1–5 can be used to input sound from mics. Channel 6 can be used to input sound

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

Play SOUND PAD sounds.

Make settings for inputs on each channel. Input gain can be adjusted, and a function that cuts unwanted low

frequencies and a limiter can be turned on or off (mic inputs only). In addition, the sound quality of all inputs

can be adjusted.

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

Use the faders to adjust the levels of each channel in the mix.

Turn ON AIR on or off. When the ON AIR button is off (unlit), sound will not be output to the podcast stereo

le, SPEAKER OUT jacks or USB port.

Turn noise reduction on or off. When multiple mics are being used to record sound, turning this on suppresses

background noise to a constant level by automatically reducing the levels of the mic inputs not being used by

people.

A recording le is made for podcasting. This combines all channels and the SOUND PAD sounds into a stereo

le.

Output the mixed sound of all channels

or the playback of audio les on an SD card to speakers with built-in

amplication, for example.

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

Minus setting ( page 30) is on, the sound input through channel 6 (the USB audio return) is not included.

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.

Monitor the sound of the recording for podcasting through headphones.

output.

The volume can be adjusted separately for each pair of headphones.

HINT

Individual les can also be recorded for INPUT 1–6, PHONE and SOUND PAD channels. ( “Setting

recording le types” on page 79)

Channels with ON AIR off will also be

Touchscreen display

Home Screen overview

This screen appears on the touchscreen when the P8 power is turned on.

This shows the state of the

, including recording conditions and input levels. In addition, various

functions can easily be accessed by tapping buttons on it.

Status icon

This shows the recorder status.

•

Recording

Recording paused

•

Mark added

•

Library button

This shows les on the SD card, and enables le management and editing.

Level meters

These show the output levels of each channel and the stereo mix for podcasting.

Recording stopped

Counter

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

Date and time

Use to make settings related to the date/time and display language.

SD card button

Use to make settings related to the SD card.

Power button

Use to make settings related to the power.

• Powered by AC adapter:

• Powered by USB:

• Powered by batteries

Full Empty

Track buttons

Use these to make input settings for each channel, including mic settings and audio quality adjustments. The icons depend on the selected input type.

Touchscreen operation overview

■Using various screens

Operate by tapping and sliding.

ON/OFF button

Off

Tap to select or turn on/off

Slide to adjust (move left/right while touching)

ON AIR settings button

Use to turn Noise Reduction on/off and make recording track settings.

Slide to scroll items (move up/down while touching)

■Returning to the previous screen or the Home Screen

Tap at the top left of the screen.

To return to the Home Screen, tap

repeatedly until it appears.

Character input screen

The character input screen appears on the touchscreen when changing the names of les and SOUND PAD banks. Tap the keyboard and input characters.

Character input area A cursor shows the input position.

Input characters and spaces.

Switch between upper and

lower case.

Cancel the input and return to

the original screen.

Change the character type.

NOTE

The characters and symbols that can be used are as follows. ! # $ ' ( ) +, - ; = @ [ ] ^ _ ` { } ~ (space) A–Z, a–z, 0–9

Move the cursor.

Delete characters.

Conrm the input name and return to the original screen.

Preparing for use

Inserting SD cards

SD card slot

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

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 83).

Providing power

The P8 can be powered by an AC adapter, USB bus power or batteries.

The order of power supply priority is AC adapter rst, USB bus power next, and batteries last.

Using an AC adapter

Connect the dedicated AC adapter (AD-14) cable to the DC IN 5V AC adapter connector and the adapter to an outlet.

DC IN 5V AC adapter connector

Installing batteries

To run the P8 on battery power, open the battery compartment cover on the bottom and install 4 AA

batteries.

Open while pressing up

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 battery type” on page 76)

•The battery charge can be checked on the Home Screen ( page 15).

Other power sources

By connecting this USB port (Type-C) to a computer, the P8 can be operated on USB bus power. Operation using a portable battery is also possible.

USB port (Type-C)

Portable battery

NOTE

When Tablet Mode ( page 29) is on, operation using USB bus power is not possible.

Turning the power on

Conrm that the output devices connected to the P8 are turned off.

Set all and faders to their minimum values.

Set to ON.

This turns the power on and opens the Home Screen on the touchscreen.

The rst time the power is turned on after purchase and after the

default state, make initial settings. (

Turn on the output devices connected to the P8.

NOTE

When running on power from the AC adapter, the hours. To keep the power on at all times, disable the automatic power saving function. (

automatic power off function” on page 87)

“Making initial settings” on page 22)

will automatically turn off if it is unused for 10

has been restored to its factory

“Setting the

Turning the power off

Minimize the volume of output devices connected to the P8.

Turn off the output devices connected to the P8.

Set to OFF.

After “Goodbye See You!” appears on the touchscreen, the power turns off.

NOTE

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

Making initial settings

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

The rst time the power is turned on after purchase, a screen where the date/time and language can be set opens on the touchscreen. The date and time are stored in recorded les, and the date and time recording started are used in the le name. Having the correct date and time set is helpful when looking for les, for example, by allowing content to be identied by names. The language shown on the touchscreen can also be selected.

Tap the language to be shown on the touchscreen.

The touchscreen display will change to the selected language.

Tap and to set the Year, Month, Day, Hour, and Minute.

After setting the date and time, tap .

This conrms the set date and time and opens the ON AIR settings screen.

HINT

The date/time and language settings can be changed later by tapping the Date and Time display on the Home Screen. ( “Modifying the date and time” on page 74)

Setting noise reduction and recording le types (rst time starting up)

Next, turn Noise Reduction on or off and set the recording le type.

When multiple mics are being used to record sound, the noise reduction function of the

background noise to a constant level by automatically reducing the levels of the mic inputs not being used by people.

Tap the ON/OFF button to turn Noise Reduction on or off.

Tap the recording le type setting.

suppresses

Setting Explanation

Off Only record stereo les for podcasting.

In addition to stereo les for podcasting, individual les are also recorded for

Original Data

With Tone & Comp

When done making settings, tap .

This complete initial settings and opens the Home Screen on the touchscreen.

HINT

The noise reduction and recording le settings can be changed later by tapping on the Home Screen. ( “Using noise reduction” on page 78, “Setting recording le types” on page 79)

each channel. The individual les for each channel are recorded before being affected by the fader, Tone, Comp/DeEss and other adjustments.

In addition to stereo les for podcasting, individual les are also recorded for each channel. The individual les for each channel are recorded before faders, but after being affected by the Tone, Comp/DeEss and other adjustments.

Connecting

Connecting mics

Connect mics to capture sound. Up to 6 mics can be connected.

Dynamic and condenser mics

Use mic cables (with XLR connectors) to connect them to INPUT jacks 1–6.

INPUT SELECT switches 1–6

Set to a dynamic mic or

to when using a condenser mic.

Gain will be set suitably for the selection.

when using

2: HOT 1: GND

3: COLD

Track buttons 1–6

Tap to adjust mic gain and audio quality (

page 32).

MUTE buttons 1–6

Conrm that these are not lit.

ON AIR buttons 1–6

Conrm that they are lit.

NOTE

When an INPUT SELECT switch is set to 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.

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

Track buttons appear as follows according to their INPUT SELECT switch settings.

setting:

Connecting headphones

Connect headphones to check the sound. The PHONES 1–6 jacks output the same sound. Up to 6 pairs of headphones can be connected.

Headphones

Connect to PHONES jacks 1–6.

Lower

PHONES knobs 1–6

Use these to adjust headphone volumes.

Raise

Connecting smartphones

The following operations are possible when a smartphone is connected to the smartphone connection jack.

•When podcasting, the voice of a guest participating by phone can be input on the smartphone channel. By using a 4-contact mini-plug cable, a signal can be input from a smartphone and a mono signal can be sent back to it simultaneously. Since this output signal does not include the sound from the smartphone channel, guests participating by phone will not have an echo.

•Music played back on a smartphone can be input on the smartphone channel.

4-contact miniplug cable

Track button

Tap to adjust the audio quality (

page 34).

Audio signal

from call

participant

4-contact mini-plug

mix output

signal (excludes audio signal from call participant)

MUTE button

Conrm that this is not lit.

ON AIR button

Conrm that this is lit.

Tip: Left channel (from smartphone)

Ring 1: Right channel (from smartphone) Ring 2: Ground Sleeve: mono mix (from

)

Connecting a BTA-2 (dedicated wireless adapter)

By connecting a BTA-2, audio can be input through the smartphone connection jack via Bluetooth.

LED

Pairing

switch

Connecting

Pairing must be conducted the rst time connecting.

While the P8 power is off, connect the BTA-2 to the smartphone connection jack and the BTA-2 power

supply connector.

BTA-2

Turn the P8 power on ( “Turning the power on” on page 20).

The LED lights white when power is being supplied to the BTA-2.

If a smartphone has already been paired, it will automatically be connected at this time.

Press and hold the pairing switch until the BTA-2 LED blinks white.

This puts the BTA-2 into connection standby.

Conduct connection procedures on the smartphone.

The LED will light blue when connection completes.

Disconnecting

Conduct disconnection procedures on the smartphone.

This disconnects it.

The P8 power should be off when disconnecting a BTA-2.

Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet by USB

The following operations are possible when a computer, smartphone or tablet is connected to the USB port (Type-C).

Audio interface function

•Background music playing or communication audio on a computer, smartphone or tablet can be input on channel 6. (

“Inputting USB audio return on channel 6” on page 30)

Sound input through the

•

smartphone or tablet and streamed live as is. (

USB le transfer function

•Recording les on SD cards can be transferred to computers, smartphones and tablets. These les can then be uploaded to hosting services and servers that you are using. (

computer, smartphone or tablet” on page 72)

USB Type-C port

and sounds played with SOUND PAD buttons can be sent to a computer,

“Audio interface function overview” on page 29)

“Transferring les to a

NOTE

Use a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter) to connect to an iOS/ iPadOS device with a lighting connector.



Preparing to connect a smartphone or tablet

Connect an AC adapter or install batteries before turning the P8 on ( “Turning the power on” on

page 20).

Tap the / power button on the Home Screen.

Tap the Tablet Mode ON/OFF button to turn it on.

Connecting a smartphone or tablet

NOTE

•When Tablet Mode is on, operation using USB bus power is not possible.

•If already operating on USB bus power and batteries have not been installed, Tablet Mode cannot be

turned on/off. Tablet Mode will be off the next time that the

•

HINT

The Tablet Mode function is intended to prevent power draw from smartphones and tablets that are not capable of providing USB bus power.

starts up.

Audio interface function overview

The P8 can be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface. The following operations are possible by using the audio interface functions.

Internet

USB OUT knob

Lower

Music playing or call audio on a computer, smartphone or tablet can be input on channel 6 of the P8.

Audio input to the P8 and audio played using SOUND PAD buttons can be sent to a computer or other

device connected to the Internet and streamed in real time.

Raise

Use this to adjust the volume sent to the computer, smartphone or tablet.

Inputting USB audio return on channel 6

INPUT SELECT switch 6

Set to

Track button 6

Tap to adjust the audio quality (

Select the P8 as the input and output device on the connected computer or other device.

page 34).

MUTE button 6

Conrm that this is not lit.

ON AIR button 6

Conrm that this is lit.

NOTE

“ZOOM P8 Audio” will appear on the computer.

Setting USB Mix Minus

When using the P8 as an audio interface, this can prevent feedback to a person participating in a call

through the connected device.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the ON/OFF button to change the USB Mix Minus setting.

Setting Explanation

OFF

ON Sound from USB input is not output by USB.

Sound from USB input is also output by USB.

Connecting powered speakers and other output equipment

Audio from the P8 can be output to connected powered speakers or other output equipment.

This is useful when, for example, listening to recorded les in a group and editing such les.

Powered speakers, etc.

Connect these to the SPEAKER OUT jacks.

Lower

SPEAKER OUT knob

This adjusts the volume.

Raise

Recording

Adjusting input gain and sound quality

Adjust input gain and sound quality so that the levels being recorded neither cause distortion nor are too low.

Tap track buttons (

/ / / ) on the Home Screen to open their individual settings screens.

Adjusting mic input (tap / )

The following mic input settings can be made.

Mic Preamp settings

Tone adjustment

Comp/DeEss settings

■Making mic preamp settings

Adjust the input gain, and turn the Low Cut and Limiter on or off.

Limiter setting

When on, the limiter can prevent distortion by reducing input signals that have excessively high levels.

Input level meter

Low Cut setting

When on, this can cut low frequencies to reduce the sound of air conditioning, wind, vocal pops and other noise.

HINT

•The level increases when the mic and the speaker’s mouth are close and decreases when they are far apart. When recording, maintain the same distance between the mic and the speaker’s mouth that was used when the input gain was adjusted. (The standard distance between mic and mouth is 10–20 cm.)

•The input gain adjustment will automatically be reset when the INPUT SELECT switch is changed.

Input gain adjustment

Slide to adjust so the input level meter is in the “Good” range.

■Adjusting the tone

This adjusts the tone, emphasizing low or high frequencies in the voice.

Slide to adjust the vocal emphasis.

• Left: emphasize low frequencies

• Right: emphasize high frequencies

This turns Tone on/off.

HINT

With the

•

emphasized.

•Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

, when the slider is in the middle, both low and high frequencies will be slightly

■Adjusting the compressor/de-esser

Compressor and de-esser functions can make voices easier to hear. Turn it on or off, and adjust the amount of the effect.

•Compressor: This compresses input sounds when they exceed a set level, making them quieter and evening out the overall volume.

•De-esser: This makes voices sound nicer by suppressing sibilant sounds, which are created through gaps between teeth when “s” sounds are pronounced, for example.

Slide to adjust the amount of the effect. The effect increases to the right.

This turns Comp/DeEss on/off.

HINT

Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

Adjusting USB input (tap )

The high and low frequencies of USB input can be boosted and cut to adjust the audio quality.

Slide to adjust high frequencies.

• Left: cut

• Right: boost

Slide to adjust low frequencies.

• Left: cut

• Right: boost

HINT

Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

Adjusting smartphone input (tap )

The high and low frequencies of smartphone input can be boosted and cut to adjust the audio quality.

Slide to adjust high frequencies.

• Left: cut

• Right: boost

Slide to adjust low frequencies.

• Left: cut

• Right: boost

HINT

Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

Balancing the mix of channel levels

Use the faders to adjust the balance between channels. The level meters on the display show the levels. Adjust them so that clipping indicators do not light.

Level meters for each channel

Clipping indicators

Level meters for stereo mix

Adjust the output of each channel.

HINT

•Tapping the level meter area will show level guide values.

•Channel 6 is a mono input when it is set to mic input. When USB audio return is being input, (INPUT

SELECT switch 6 set to ), it becomes a stereo input and stereo level meters will be shown.

Recording

In addition to stereo les for podcasting that are mixes of all the channels, each channel can also be recorded as an individual le. The application of effects can also be changed for the individual les of each channel. See “Setting recording le types” on page 79 for le recording settings.

NOTE

Stereo les for podcasting can be edited. ( “Editing les” on page 55)

Recording/recording paused: elapsed recording time Recording stopped: available recording time

REC indicator

Press when the Home Screen is open.

Recording will start and the REC indicator will light red.

Press resume recording.

Press or .

Recording will stop.

Press guides when editing. Fader volume adjustments do not affect the individual les of the recorded channels.

HINT

•When the channel 6 INPUT SELECT switch is set to , it will record in stereo.

•Press to mute a channel that is not being used or to turn off its input temporarily.

•Sound input on channels with

useful, for example, when participants are discussing the next topic among themselves while music is

playing.

•Recorded les will be named with the date and time when recording started. This can be changed later. “Changing le names” on page 57)

(

•See “P8 folder and le structure” on page 73 for the location where recorded les are saved.

when recording to pause recording. (The REC indicator will blink). Press again to

during recording to add marks to recording les ( page 40). These are convenient as

unlit is not recorded to the podcast stereo le. This function is

Playing recordings

Playing recordings on the Home Screen

Recorded les can be played back.

PLAY indicator

Press when the Home Screen is open.

The File Editing Screen appears on the touchscreen and the most recently recorded le starts playing. (The PLAY indicator lights green.)

Press

Mark

Tap to move the playback position to the mark. See “Using marks” on page

40 for details about marks.

to start/pause playback alternately. (The PLAY indicator will blink when paused.)

to stop playback. When stopped or paused, press to return to the beginning of the le.

Playback le name

Tap to start/pause playback.

File length

Playback position bar (green)

The elapsed playback time is shown above the playback position bar. Slide the playback position bar or tap the desired position to move

the playback position.

HINT

•To select a le and play it back, see “Selecting les and playing them” on page 38.

•On the File Editing Screen, in addition to editing, icons and names can be changed, les can be

assigned to SOUND PAD buttons, and les can be converted to MP3 format, for example.

Selecting les and playing them

Files that have been recorded by the P8 or that are saved on the SD card can be selected and played.

■File format overview

Select audio les with the following formats.

•Format: WAV

•Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

•Bit rate: 16/24-bit

•Mono/stereo

NOTE

If a le is not compatible with the

•

up message will appear when it is selected. Files that are not compatible with the P8 but can be converted will appear on the File List Screen. When

•

they are selected, they can be converted to a compatible le format. Select the le after conversion.

•After the sample rate of a le has been converted to 44.1 kHz, “_441” will be added to the end of the le

name.

•After a le has been converted from MP3 to WAV, it will have the same name.

•A new le will be created during conversion, so the original le will remain.

, its name will be gray and it will not be selectable or an error pop-

Tap on the Home Screen.

This opens the File List Screen.

Tap the audio le you want to play.

Play button

Tap to start and stop playback.

The editing screen for the selected audio le will be shown.

NOTE

•When using play buttons on the File List Screen to play les, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz WAV les can

be played, but they will not be played with the correct pitch or speed.

•Play buttons only appear for WAV les.

Tap or press .

This starts le playback. During playback, the PLAY indicator will light green.

See “Playing recordings on the Home Screen” on page 37 for operations during playback.

HINT

See “Managing les” on page 49 for details about the File List Screen.

Using marks

Marks can be added to recording les during recording ( page 36) and when the File Editing Screen is open ( page 56). Added marks appear on the File Editing Screen where they can be used as guides and to change the playback position with a single touch.

Adding marks

MARK button

Press during recording and when the File Editing Screen is open.

During recording

When

When the File Editing Screen is open

A mark is added at that position on the playback position bar on the File Editing Screen.

Marks can be added when playing, paused and stopped.

is pressed a mark is immediately added at the elapsed recording time.

File editing screen

Mark

Tap to move the playback position to the mark.

Playback position bar

NOTE

Marks cannot be added at the beginnings of les.

Deleting marks

When the File Editing Screen is open ( page 56), tap or press and hold the to be deleted.

If pressing and holding, skip to step 3.

File editing screen

Mark

Press .

Tap Delete.

The mark will be deleted, and the File Editing Screen will reopen.

Select Cancel to cancel deletion.

Using SOUND PAD functions

Audio les can be assigned to the SOUND PAD buttons. Press one to play the assigned le. The 9 SOUND PAD buttons can have audio les assigned in 4 banks, for a total of 36 les. This is convenient for playing interviews that have been recorded in advance, opening and ending music and jingles. The level and playback method can be set for each pad.

Playing SOUND PAD buttons

SOUND PAD

level meters

When a SOUND PAD is playing back, that button will blink.

Press to play the assigned audio le.

This adjusts the volume.

Switching banks

The selected bank will be shown on the SOUND PAD settings screen, and assigned audio les can be checked. By switching between the 4 banks, a total of 36 audio les can be played. Bank names can also be changed.

Tap on the Home Screen.

This opens the SOUND PAD settings screen.

Switch banks.

Current bank name

SOUND PAD button

File name

Pad name

File length

Tap the bank name to change it. ( “Changing bank names” on page 48)

Tap the left and right arrows to switch banks. (Sliding left/right on the screen also changes the bank.)

Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD buttons

Built-in sounds and audio les saved on an SD card can be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons. Use a computer beforehand to store the audio le on the SD card in any directory other than the P8_ Multitrack and P8_Settings folders. ( “Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or tablet” on page

72)

■File format overview

Assign audio les with the following formats.

•Format: WAV

•Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

•Bit rate: 16/24-bit

•Mono/stereo

NOTE

•If a le is not compatible with SOUND PAD assignment, its name will be gray and it will not be

selectable or an error pop-up message will appear when it is selected.

•Files that are not compatible with SOUND PAD assignment but can be converted will appear on the File

List Screen. When they are selected, they can be converted to a compatible le format. The new le will be automatically assigned after conversion.

•After the sample rate of a le has been converted to 44.1 kHz, “_441” will be added to the end of the le

name.

•After a le has been converted from MP3 to WAV, it will have the same name.

•A new le will be created during conversion, so the original le will remain.

•88.2kHz and 96kHz WAV les can be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons, but they will not be played with

thecorrect pitch or speed.

•Whether or not 48kHz WAV les are converted to 44.1kHz can be selected. If they are not converted,

they can be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons, but they will not be played with the correct pitch or speed.

Assigning audio les on the SOUND PAD settings screen

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the SOUND PAD button (A–I) to which you want to assign an audio le.

Change the bank as necessary (

The selected SOUND PAD will light.

page 42).

Tap the le name.

The built-in sound sources and the audio les stored on the SD card are shown in the list.

HINT

Pressing a SOUND PAD will also set it as the button to receive audio le assignment.

Tap the audio le that you want to assign.

This assigns the selected audio le to the SOUND PAD.

Assigned audio le

HINT

When the Home Screen or SOUND PAD settings screen is open, SOUND PAD buttons that have audio les assigned will light. Since the SOUND PAD buttons will light with the same color as the assigned le icons, setting le icon

colors in advance is convenient for identifying playback sounds by color. ( “Changing icons” on page

58)

Assigning audio les from the File Editing Screen

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the audio le that you want to assign.

Tap .

Tap the SOUND PAD button (A–I) to which you want to assign an audio le.

This assigns the le selected in step 2 to the selected SOUND PAD.

Tap Close to cancel assignment.

HINT

•This assigns audio les to SOUND PAD buttons in the currently selected bank.

•When the Home Screen or SOUND PAD settings screen is open, SOUND PAD buttons that have audio

les assigned will light.

Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD

Playback levels can be adjusted separately for each SOUND PAD. If playback levels differ signicantly, they can be made more consistent.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the SOUND PAD button (A–I) for which you want to change the level.

Change the bank as necessary (

Slide to adjust the level.

page 42).

HINT

Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

Setting playback modes for each SOUND PAD

The sound playback mode used when a SOUND PAD is pressed can be set for each button.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the SOUND PAD button (A–I) for which you want to change the playback mode.

Change the bank as necessary (

Touch the desired playback mode.

page 42).

Setting Explanation

One Shot

Pause

Loop

Hold

Each press plays the le once from beginning to end. This is useful for playing jingles and effect sounds, for example.

Each press alternately plays and pauses. Playback stops at the end of the le. Press and hold (for 2 seconds) to return to the beginning. This is useful for interrupting to add commentary during SOUND PAD playback.

Each press alternately plays and stops. Playback will loop until stopped. This is useful for playing background music, for example.

While pressing, loop playback will continue. When released, playback will stop. This is useful for playing effects for just the time desired.

Changing bank names

The default names of the SOUND PAD banks, which are “BANK A” – “BANK D”, can be changed.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Change the bank as necessary (

Input the bank name.

See “Character input screen” on page 16 for details about character input.

page 42).

Managing les

Manage les on the File List Screen. On the File List Screen, a list of the audio les on the SD card is shown, and les can be selected, combined and deleted.

NOTE

•Audio les that are not in the P8_Multitrack or P8_Settings folders will be shown.

Individual channel recording les will not be shown in the list, and cannot be edited on the

•

The P8 built-in sounds will only be shown on the File List Screen if they have been assigned to SOUND

•

PAD buttons.

•When the File List Screen is open, the channel input signals and sounds played when SOUND PAD

buttons are pressed will stop being output from the P8.

Tap on the Home Screen.

This opens the File List Screen.

Sort category selection buttons

Tap to sort the les in that order.

•

File creation date/time order

•

Favorites/others

•

File name order

•

Icon order

Tapping the same button alternates between ascending and descending order.

File icon

This can be changed.

(

page 58)

Favorite mark

Tap to add/remove as a

favorite

This will be highlighted if

added.

File name

Tap to open the editing screen for the selected le where it can be played (

The creation date and time is shown below the le name.

Activate USB le transfer mode. ( page 72)

Combine multiple les into one.

Delete les. ( page 50)

Play button

Tap to start and stop playback.

Scrollbar

Slide this bar to scroll the list.

Sliding the list itself will also scroll it.

File length

page 37) and edited ( page 55).

( page 52)

■File icons

The following default icons are shown for audio les.

File type Icon

File recorded by the

Episode le that is a combination of multiple les

WAV le saved on the SD card from an outside source

Built-in P8 sound

MP3 le

File other than WAV or MP3

Deleting les

Unneeded les can be deleted.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap one or more les that you want to delete.

Check marks will appear on selected les.

Tap .

Tap to clear the selection and return to the File List Screen.

Tap Delete.

The selected le will be deleted, and the File List Screen will reopen.

Select Cancel to cancel deletion.

Combining multiple les into one in specic order

Multiple les can be combined to create one le for distribution. Regular openings and endings can be added to episodes, and short sound effects can be inserted for scene changes between conversations.

Combination example

Audio le for

opening

Recorded

conversation 1

Audio le for scene

change

Recorded

conversation 2

■File format overview

Audio les in the following formats can be combined.

•Format: WAV

•Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

•Bit rate: 16/24-bit

•Mono/stereo

NOTE

•When combining les, the names of unsupported les will be gray and they will not be selectable or an

error pop-up message will appear when one is selected.

•Some les that are not supported when combining can be selected on the File List Screen and

converted to a compatible le format in advance. After conversion, such les can be combined.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Audio le for

ending

Tap .

Tap the les to be combined.

Tap selection.

Press and hold an icon and then slide it to move it. A vertical line will show the

input position. The selected les are shown in the order that they will be combined into one le. The leftmost le will be the rst.

NOTE

•The same le can be selected multiple times.

•If the selected les cannot all be shown on the screen, slide the bottom of the screen left and right to

scroll through them.

•Up to 20 les can be combined at once. When 20 les have been selected, the names of all les will become gray and unselectable on the File List Screen.

Tap .

to cancel a

Tap to cancel combining les and return to the File List Screen.

Tap Combine.

Name of the combined

le

Select Cancel to cancel combining.

Tap Close.

A new episode le that combines the selected les into one will be created, and the File List Screen will reopen.

Combined le

Editing les

The P8 can be used to edit the podcast stereo le that is a mix of all channels.

■File format overview

Files with the following formats can be edited.

•Format: WAV

•Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

•Bit rate: 16/24-bit

•Mono/stereo

NOTE

•Individual channel les cannot be edited. If a le is not compatible with the

•

selectable or an error pop-up message will appear when it is selected. Files that are not compatible with the P8 but can be converted will appear on the File List Screen. When

•

they are selected, they can be converted to a compatible le format. Select the le after conversion.

•After the sample rate of a le has been converted to 44.1 kHz, “_441” will be added to the end of the le name.

•After a le has been converted from MP3 to WAV, it will have the same name.

•A new le will be created during conversion, so the original le will remain.

, its name will be gray on the File List Screen and it will not be

On the File Editing Screen, the waveform of the audio le is shown and the following operations are possible.

•Change icon ( “Changing icons” on page 58)

•Cut unnecessary parts ( “Cutting unnecessary parts (trimming)” on page 59)

•Divide le ( “Dividing les” on page 61)

•Add fade-in/out ( “Adding fade-ins and outs” on page 63)

•Add background music ( “Adding music and other background sound” on page 66)

•Apply loudness normalization ( “Optimizing podcast volume (loudness normalization)” on page 69)

•Convert to MP3 ( “Converting les to MP3 format” on page 71)

•Change le name ( “Changing le names” on page 57)

•Add to favorites ( “Opening the File Editing Screen” on page 56)

•Delete le ( “Opening the File Editing Screen” on page 56)

•Assign to SOUND PAD button ( “Assigning audio les from the File Editing Screen” on page 45)

Opening the File Editing Screen

Tap on the Home Screen.

This opens the File List Screen.

Tap the le you want to edit.

This opens the File Editing Screen.

Change the icon. ( page 58)

Waveform zoom in/out buttons

This zooms in on the

waveform. editing easier.

the waveform. This is useful for checking the entire waveform.

This shows the playback and editing positions. The elapsed time is shown above the bar.

Slide the bar or tap the waveform to move the playback position.

This makes precise

This zooms out from

Playback position bar

Mark

Tap to move to the mark position on the position display bar.

Marks can also be added and removed while editing. (

page 40)

File name

Tap to add/remove as a favorite. This will be

highlighted if added.

Tap this and Delete to delete the le. Convert to MP3 ( page 71). Assign to SOUND PAD ( page 45).

Change the le name. ( page 16)

Waveform display

Press to open these editing screens.

Cut unnecessary parts ( page 59) Divide les ( page 61) Fade-in/out ( page 63) Add background music ( page 66) Even out volume ( page 69)

NOTE

When the File Editing Screen is open, the channel input signals and sounds played when SOUND PAD buttons are pressed will stop being output from the

Changing le names

When les are recorded on the P8, they are named with the recording start date and time. These names

can be changed later. Only the names of les that have been recorded on the

Open the editing screen for the le with the name you want to change ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Input the le name.

See “Character input screen” on page 16 for details about character input.

can be changed.

Changing icons

The le icon that is shown on the File List Screen and File Editing Screen can be changed. The SOUND PAD buttons light with the same colors as the le icons.

Open the editing screen for the le with the icon you want to change ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Change the icon.

A check mark appears on the selected icon.

Change the icon.

Change the icon color.

Tap Close.

Cutting unnecessary parts (trimming)

Unnecessary parts of les can be cut.

Open the editing screen for the le that you want to trim ( “Opening the File Editing Screen” on

page 56).

Tap .

Slide cut points A and B to set them, and tap .

Parts before cut point A and after cut point B (shown in gray) will be deleted.

Cut point A Cut point B

Tap to cancel trimming.

HINT

•Files can be edited while they are played. See “Playing recordings on the Home Screen” on page 37 for playback procedures.

•Tap

to zoom the waveform display, enabling precise setting of the points.

Tap Save.

Tap to add a check to create a new le after trimming (and keep the untrimmed le as is).

Select Cancel to cancel trimming.

Tap Close.

HINT

•If the original le has marks, mark data will be retained in the le after trimming.

•If a new le is created after trimming, “_TRIM” will be added to the end of the le name.

Dividing les

Files can be split where desired.

Open the editing screen for the le you want to divide ( “Opening the File Editing Screen” on page

56).

Tap .

The le will be divided at the position on the playback position bar.

Set the le division points, and tap .

File division point

Tap to cancel division.

■Setting le division points

Tap a mark to set it as the le division point.

Tap a point on the waveform to set the le division point there.

Slide to set the le division point.

HINT

•Files can be edited while they are played. See “Playing recordings on the Home Screen” on page 37 for playback procedures.

•Tap

to zoom the waveform display, enabling precise setting of the points.

Tap Save.

Select Cancel to cancel division.

Tap Close.

Tap to add a check to create new les after division (and keep the undivided le as is).

HINT

•If the original le has marks, mark data will be retained in the les after division.

•After division, the le created from before the division point will have “_A” added to the end of the le

name, and the le created after the division point will have “_B” added.

Adding fade-ins and outs

The volume can be gradually raised from silence at the beginning of a le (fade in) and gradually lowered to silence at the end of a le (fade out). Fade-ins and fade-outs can even be set in the middle of a le.

Fade in

Open the editing screen for the le to which you want to add a fade in ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Slide the fade-in frame to set the desired range, and tap .

Fade-in range The fade in will occur over this time.

Tap to cancel adding a fade-in.

HINT

•The le can be played to check the fade-in. See “Playing recordings on the Home Screen” on page 37 for playback procedures.

•Tap

to zoom the waveform display, enabling precise setting of the points.

Tap Save.

Tap to add a check to create a new le with the fade-in effect (and keep the le without the effect as is).

Select Cancel to cancel adding a fade-in.

Tap Close.

HINT

If a new le is created after adding a fade-in, “_FADEIN” will be added to the end of the le name.

Fade out

Open the editing screen for the le to which you want to add a fade out ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Slide the fade-out frame to set the desired range, and tap .

Fade out range

The fade out will occur over this time.

Tap to cancel adding a fade-out.

HINT

•The le can be played to check the fade-out. See “Playing recordings on the Home Screen” on page

37 for playback procedures.

•Tap

to zoom the waveform display, enabling precise setting of the points.

Tap Save.

Tap to add a check to create a new le with the fade-out effect (and keep the le without the effect as is).

Select Cancel to cancel adding a fade-out.

Tap Close.

HINT

If a new le is created after adding a fade-out, “_FADEOUT” will be added to the end of the le name.

Adding music and other background sound

Background music (BGM) can be added to audio les. Use a computer beforehand to store the audio le to be used for BGM on the SD card in any directory other than the P8_Multitrack and P8_Settings folders. ( “Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or

tablet” on page 72)

■File format overview

Select an audio le with the following format for BGM.

•Format: WAV

•Sample rate: 44.1 kHz

•Bit rate: 16/24-bit

Mono/stereo

•

NOTE

•The currently selected le cannot also be added as BGM. The le name will appear gray.

•If a le is not compatible as BGM, its name will be gray and it will not be selectable or an error pop-up

message will appear when it is selected.

•Some les that are not supported as BGM can be selected on the File List Screen and converted to a compatible le format in advance. After conversion, such les can be used as BGM.

Open the editing screen for the le to which you want to add BGM ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Tap the le to add as BGM.

Set the area where the BGM will be added, adjust its volume, and tap .

Slide up and down to set the BGM volume.

Slide left and right to set the area where BGM is added.

Tap to cancel adding BGM.

HINT

•The le can be played to check the effect of adding the BGM. See “Playing recordings on the Home

Screen” on page 37 for playback procedures.

•During le playback, only the BGM volume can be changed.

•Tap

Tap Save.

to zoom the waveform display, enabling precise setting of the points.

Tap to add a check to create a new le after adding BGM (and keep the le without BGM as is).

The added BGM will play repeatedly within the set range.

Select Cancel to cancel adding BGM.

Tap Close.

HINT

If a new le is created with BGM, “_BGM” will be added to the end of the le name.

Optimizing podcast volume (loudness normalization)

The loudness level of the entire le can be analyzed and the volume automatically optimized for podcasting.

Open the editing screen for the le for which you want to optimize the volume ( “Opening the File

Editing Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Tap to cancel loudness normalization.

Tap Save.

Tap to add a check to create a new le after loudness normalization (and keep the le before loudness normalization as is).

Select Cancel to cancel loudness normalization.

Tap Close.

HINT

If a new le is created after loudness normalization, “_NORM” will be added to the end of the le name.

Converting les to MP3 format

WAV les recorded on the P8 can be converted to MP3 format for podcasts.

Open the editing screen for the le you want to convert to MP3 format ( “Opening the File Editing

Screen” on page 56).

Tap .

Tap Export.

Select Cancel to cancel MP3 conversion.

Tap Close.

HINT

After a le has been converted from WAV to MP3, it will have the same name.

Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or tablet

The input signals of each channel and the sounds played by pressing the SOUND PAD buttons are recorded as separate les. Various editing functions can be used on them after recording by transferring them to a computer or other device. For example, their mix balance can be adjusted, effects can be added, and lengths can be changed. After editing them, upload them to the podcasting service or server you are using.

Transferring les to a computer, smartphone or tablet

Recorded les can be transferred to computers, smartphones and tablets.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

This opens the USB FILE TRANSFER screen.

Use a USB cable to connect the P8 with a computer, smartphone or tablet ( “Connecting a

computer, smartphone or tablet by USB” on page 28).

When connecting a smartphone or tablet, turn Tablet Mode on. (

smartphone or tablet” on page 29)

Use the computer or other device to transfer the necessary les.

“Preparing to connect a

NOTE

•When the USB FILE TRANSFER screen is open, other functions and buttons cannot be used. Moreover, the channel input signals and sounds played when SOUND PAD buttons are pressed will stop being output from the

•The USB FILE TRANSFER screen can also be opened from the Home Screen by tapping the SD CARD screen, and tapping .

to open

folder and le structure

When recording with the P8, folders and les are created on SD cards in the following manner.

Root

2020_0101_0000.WAV

2020_0101_0010.WAV

2020_0101_0024.WAV

A folder with the same name as the stereo le for podcasting will be created, and recording les for each track will be saved in it. (This happens only if Keep Track Files is set to Original Data or With Tone & Comp (

P8_Multitrack 2020_0101_0000

These les can be used for podcasting.

(Stereo le for podcasting)

MIC1.WAV

MIC2.WAV

2020_0101_0010

MIC3.WAV

page 79).)

(Mono le recording of signals from INPUT 1)

(Mono le recording of signals from INPUT 2)

(Mono le recording of signals from INPUT 3)

P8_Settings

2020_0101_0024

2020_0101_0000.ZWV

2020_0101_0010.ZWV

MIC4.WAV

MIC5.WAV

MIC6.WAV or USB.WAV

PHONE.WAV

SOUND_PAD.WAV

(

Waveform display data of stereo les for podcasting

(Mono le recording of signals from INPUT 4)

(Mono le recording of signal from INPUT 5)

(Mono le recording of signal from INPUT 6)

(Stereo le recording of signals from USB)

(Stereo le recording of signals from smartphone connection jack)

(Stereo le recording of SOUND PAD signals)

These are separate les for each channel and the SOUND PAD sounds. These can be edited on a computer or other device.

)

2020_0101_0024.ZWV

settings backup le)

(

P8SETTING.ZSF

This data is for showing the waveforms used during editing.

Modifying the date and time

The date and time are stored in recorded les, and the date and time recording started are used in the le name. Having the correct date and time set is helpful when looking for les, for example, by allowing content to be identied by names.

Tap the date and time display ( ) on the Home Screen.

Tap and to set the Year, Month, Day, Hour, and Minute.

Changing the touchscreen display language

The language used on the touchscreen can be changed.

Tap the date and time display ( ) on the Home Screen.

Tap the language to be shown on the touchscreen.

Setting the battery type

Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately.

Tap the / / power button on the Home Screen.

Tap the type of battery used.

Setting Explanation

Alkaline Alkaline batteries

Ni-MH Nickel-metal hydride batteries

Lithium Lithium batteries

Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen

The brightness of the touchscreen can be adjusted.

Tap the / / power button on the Home Screen.

Slide to adjust the brightness of the touchscreen.

HINT

Double-tap the slider or the bar to reset it to the default value.

Using noise reduction

Noise Reduction can be turned on or off.

When multiple mics are being used to record sound, the noise reduction function of the

background noise to a constant level by automatically reducing the levels of the mic inputs not being used by people.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the ON/OFF button to turn Noise Reduction on or off.

suppresses

Setting recording le types

The types of les recorded to the SD card can be set. The options include recording only a stereo mix of all the inputs or also simultaneously recording separate les for each channel (mic, USB and smartphone inputs, and SOUND PAD sounds). Various editing functions can be used on separate les after recording by transferring them to a computer or other device. For example, their mix balance can be adjusted, effects can be added, and lengths can be changed.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap the recording le type setting.

Setting Explanation

Off Only record stereo les for podcasting.

In addition to stereo les for podcasting, individual les are also recorded for

Original Data

With Tone & Comp

NOTE

See the mixer block diagram for how effects are applied to individual channel recording les for different settings. ( “Mixer block diagram” on page 93)

each channel. The individual les for each channel are recorded before being affected by the fader, Tone, Comp/DeEss and other adjustments.

Testing SD cards

SD cards can be tested to conrm whether they can be used with the P8.

A quick test can be done in a short amount of time, while a full test examines the entire SD card.

Conducting a quick test

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap Quick Test, and then tap Execute.

The card performance test will start. The test should take about 30 seconds.

The result of the test will be shown when it completes.

NOTE

Even if a performance test result is "OK", there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This information is just to provide guidance.

HINT

Tap

to cancel a test while it is being executed.

Conducting a full test

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap Full Test, and then tap Execute.

The approximate amount of time required for the test will be shown.

The card performance test will start.

The result of the test will be shown when it completes.

If the Access Rate Max reaches 100%, the card will fail (NG).

NOTE

Even if a performance test result is "OK", there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This information is just to provide guidance.

HINT

Tap

to cancel a test while it is being executed.

Formatting SD cards

Format SD cards for the P8 to maximize their performance.

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

must be formatted by the

assigned to SOUND PAD buttons, on it.

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap Format.

. Be aware that formatting an SD card will delete all data, including les

This formats the card.

Select Cancel to cancel formatting.

Using SD cards to back up and load settings

Settings related to the inputs and outputs of each channel, SOUND PAD functions, recording and power can be backed up on SD cards. Backing up frequently used settings can be useful.

Backing up

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap Save to SD card.

If a backup le already exists on the SD card, tap Save.

Tap Cancel to cancel backing up.

Tap Close.

The current settings are now backed up on the SD card

NOTE

•Only one set of settings can be backed up to an SD card. If a backup le already exists on a SD card, it will be overwritten and the old settings will be deleted.

•The following items will not be backed up. Channel fader positions, PHONES, USB OUT and SPEAKER OUT knob positions, DATE & TIME, LANGUAGE and Tablet Mode settings, and SOUND PAD le assignments

Loading backup settings

Tap on the Home Screen.

Tap .

Tap Load from SD card.

Tap Load.

Tap Cancel to cancel loading backup settings.

NOTE

Loading gain settings could cause sudden output of loud sounds. Always lower the faders and knobs before loading settings.

Setting the automatic power off function

When running on power from an AC adapter, the P8 will automatically turn off if it is unused for 10 hours.

To keep the power on at all times, turn off the AUTO POWER OFF function.

While pressing , set to ON.

Tap the ON/OFF button to change the setting.

Setting Explanation

ON The power will automatically turn off if it is not used for 10 hours.

OFF The power will not turn off automatically.

Tap .

This opens the Home Screen.

Restoring factory default settings

The P8 can be restored to its factory default settings.

While pressing , set to ON.

Tap Reset.

Tap Cancel to cancel resetting and open the Home Screen on the touchscreen.

Set to OFF.

This resets the

touchscreen, the power turns off.

NOTE

•A factory reset will overwrite all settings to their factory defaults. Be certain before using this function.

Make initial settings the rst time the power is turned on after the

•

default state. (

to its factory default settings. After "Goodbye See You!" appears on the

has been restored to its factory

“Making initial settings” on page 22)

Updating the rmware

The P8 rmware can be updated to the latest versions.

Download les for the latest rmware update from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).

Follow the instructions in the “P8 Firmware Update Guide” on the

download page.

Troubleshooting

General

There is no sound or output is very quiet

•Check headphone connections and volumes. ( “Connecting headphones” on page 25)

•Check mic connections. (

•When using condenser mics, set the INPUT SELECT switches to

•Conrm that

•Raise the faders for each channel to raise their levels, and conrm that their level meters are moving.

“Balancing the mix of channel levels” on page 35)

(

•Turn

for the output being used to adjust the output level. ( “Connecting” on page 24)

is unlit.

“Connecting mics” on page 24)

. ( “Connecting mics” on page 24)

Recorded audio is too loud, too quiet or silent

•When using condenser mics, set the INPUT SELECT switches to . ( “Connecting mics” on page 24)

•Use the channel faders to raise the levels. (

•Conrm that the REC indicators are lit red.

“Balancing the mix of channel levels” on page 35)

Recording is not possible

•Conrm that the REC indicators are lit red.

•Conrm that the SD card has open space.

Proper recording is not possible/Stopping recording takes too much time

•SD cards can become worn out. Speed can decrease after repeated writing and erasing.

•Formatting the card with the

•If formatting an SD card does not improve this, we recommend replacing the card. Please check the list

of cards that have been conrmed to work on the ZOOM website.

NOTE

This is not a guarantee of specic SD card recording performance for SDHC/SDXC cards that have been conrmed to work. This list is provided as a guideline to help nd suitable cards.

might improve this. ( “Formatting SD cards” on page 83)

Playback sound cannot be heard or is quiet

•Turn the PHONES knobs to adjust their volumes. ( “Connecting headphones” on page 25)

•Turn the SPEAKER OUT knob to adjust its volume. (

equipment” on page 31)

“Connecting powered speakers and other output

Audio les cannot be assigned to SOUND PAD buttons

•Check the format of the audio le to be assigned. ( “Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD buttons” on

page 43)

•If the audio le is stored on an SD card, store it in a directory outside the P8_Multitrack and P8_Settings folders on the card.

SOUND PAD functions cannot be used

•Check the SOUND PAD levels. ( “Playing SOUND PAD buttons” on page 42)

•Conrm that les are assigned. (

“Assigning audio les to SOUND PAD buttons” on page 43)

Audio interface

Cannot select the cannot use it as an interface)

•Conrm that the P8 is connected to the computer correctly. ( “Connecting a computer, smartphone or

tablet by USB” on page 28)

•Quit all the software that is connected to the

•Connect the

hub.

directly to a USB port on the computer or other device. Do not connect it through a USB

Sound skips during playback or recording

from a computer, smartphone or tablet (or

, and turn the P8 off and on again.

•If the audio buffer size of the software being used can be adjusted, increase the buffer size.

•Connect the

hub.

•Turn off power saving settings (including sleep functions) on the computer or other device.

directly to a USB port on the computer or other device. Do not connect it through a USB

Cannot play or record

•Conrm that the P8 is connected to the computer correctly. ( “Connecting a computer, smartphone or

tablet by USB” on page 28)

•Conrm that the

•Conrm that

•Set INPUT SELECT switch 6 to

•Quit all the software that is connected to the

to the

is selected in the settings of the computer being used.

is set for input and output in the software being used.

, and disconnect and reconnect the USB cable connected

Specications

Input and output channels

Connectors Mic Type XLR jacks (2: HOT)

Number of input channels Mic inputs: 6 (mono)

Number of output channels 2 (through 6 headphone and L/R speaker outputs)

Input gain 0 – +70 dB

Input impedance 3 kΩ

Maximum input level

Phantom power +48 V

Smartphone connection jack

USB USB Type-C (audio interface and mass storage functions)

Headphones Type 3.5 mm stereo mini

Type TRRS mini jack

Input impedance 3 kΩ

Maximum input level

Maximum output level

Output impedance 27 Ω

Smartphone input: 1 (stereo)

+5 dBu (at 0 dBFS)

(4-contact/TIP: L, RING 1: R, RING 2: GND, SLEEVE: MIC)

+2.5 dBu

•

Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. USB bus power is supported.

20 mW + 20 mW (32Ω load)

Speaker outputs Type TRS jacks (balanced)

Maximum output level

Output impedance 320 Ω

AC adapter Power supply connector for AD-14

Recorder Format WAV 44.1kHz, 16-bit, mono/stereo

Recording media 4–32GB cards compatible with the SDHC specication (class 10 or higher)

Audio interface 44.1kHz, 16-bit, 2-in/2-out

Frequency response −1.0 dB: 20 Hz – 20 kHz at 44.1kHz sampling rate

Equivalent input noise –124 dBu or less (IHF-A) at +70dB/150Ω input

Display 4.3" (480×272) full-color touchscreen LCD

Power 4 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH)

Estimated continuous operation time using batteries Recording 44.1kHz/16-bit/4ch audio to SD card (when +48 V is OFF and

+5.5 dBu

64–512GB cards compatible with the SDXC specication (class 10 or higher)

AC adapter (ZOOM AD-14): DC 5 V/1 A (supports USB bus power)

headphone impedance is 32 Ω) Alkaline batteries: about 2 hours NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): about 3.5 hours Lithium batteries: about 6.5 hours

•Theabovevaluesareapproximate.

Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house test-

•

ing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.

Power consumption 5 W

External dimensions 295 mm (W) × 248 mm (D) × 61 mm (H)

Weight (unit only) 1.43 kg

•0dBu=0.775V

Mixer block diagram

ON AIR

564

VOLUME

HEADPHONE

PHONE/BTA-2 OUT

D/A

VOLUME

REC DATA MASTER L to SD CARD

REC DATA MASTER R to SD CARD

OUTPUT

OFF AIR R OFF AIR L

ON AIR R ON AIR L

USB OUT L to PC

USB OUT R to PC

VOLUME

USB

MIX MINUS

-1

REDUCTION

OUTPUT LIMITER

USB IN 2 BACKUP

USB IN 1 BACKUP

LIMITER

D/A

USB IN 1 BACKUP

USB IN 2 BACKUP

PHONE R BACKUP

PHONE L BACKUP

D/A

1/2

-1

REDUCTION

OUTPUT LIMITER

PHONE L BACKUP

PHONE R BACKUP

ON AIR

LEVEL METER

NOISE

for on air

REDUCTION

Only enabled

FADER

REC DATA 1-5 to SD CARD

MUTE

KEEP TRACK FILES

TONE

COMP

DE-

ESSER

CUT

LOW

INPUT LEVEL METER

LIMITER

GAIN

DIGITAL

GAIN A/D DC CUT

ON AIR

LEVEL METER

NOISE

for on air

REDUCTION

Only enabled

FADER

REC DATA 6 L to SD CARD

REC DATA 6 R to SD CARD

MUTE

KEEP TRACK FILES

BASS

TONE/

TREBLE/

INPUT SEL

COMP

DE-

ESSER

CUT

LOW

INPUT LEVEL METER

LIMITER

GAIN

DIGITAL

DC CUT

A/D

GAIN

ON AIR

LEVEL METER

FADER

REC DATA 7 L to SD CARD

REC DATA 7 R to SD CARD

MUTE

KEEP TRACK FILES

BASS

TREBLE/

DC CUT

A/D

ON AIR

LEVEL METER

FADER

REC DATA 8 R to SD CARD

REC DATA 8 L to SD CARD

MUTE

SOUND PAD R SOUND PAD L

LEVEL

P8 MIXER BLOCK DIAGRAM

PAD A-I L ch

48 V

MIC 1-5

USB IN 1

USB IN 2

MIC 6/USB IN

PHONE/BTA-2

PAD A-I R ch

PAD A-I

SOUND PAD

ZOOM CORPORATION

4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan

zoomcorp.com

Z2I-4118-01

Zoom P8 Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notes about this Operation Manual

Introduction

Contents

Podcasting process

Explanation of terms

Functions of parts

Connection examples

Use examples

Touchscreen display

Preparing for use

Inserting SD cards

Providing power

Turning the power on

Making initial settings

Connecting

Connecting mics

Connecting headphones

Connecting smartphones

Connecting a BTA-2 (dedicated wireless adapter)

Connecting a computer, smartphone or tablet by USB

Connecting powered speakers and other output equipment

Recording

Adjusting input gain and sound quality

Balancing the mix of channel levels

Recording

Playing recordings

Playing recordings on the Home Screen

Using marks

Adding marks

Deleting marks

Using SOUND PAD functions

Playing SOUND PAD buttons

Adjusting the levels of each SOUND PAD

Setting playback modes for each SOUND PAD

Changing bank names

Opening the File Editing Screen

Changing icons

Cutting unnecessary parts (trimming)

Adding fade-ins and outs

Adding music and other background sound

Optimizing podcast volume (loudness normalization)

Modifying the date and time

Changing the touchscreen display language

Setting the battery type

Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen

Using noise reduction

Testing SD cards

Formatting SD cards

Using SD cards to back up and load settings

Backing up

Loading backup settings

Setting the automatic power off function

Restoring factory default settings

Troubleshooting

General

Audio interface

Mixer block diagram