You did a great job. Definitely continue with this man! Personally I prefer the rodecoaster since I own it but I was watching videos on the Zoom just to compare. Lack of noise gate is a big difference for people like me that breath heavier. One thing I wish both the zoom and rodecaster would add is reverb and pitch change affects that you can adjust on the fly similar to the Go XLR. The rodecster will be a perfect unit once they add those in which can be done with a firmware update.

I love how you're able to demo the blackmagic switcher as well. Thanks for the informative demo.

Truly awesome review. I've been waffling for a couple weeks on this purchase. Like you not really finding enough info on the features that are important to me. 5 bills is a lot to drop on something you're only marginally sure about. Your no-nonsense approach has me definitely leaning towards the Zoom. Thank you for doing this. Looking forward to more!

I compared both and went with the Rodecaster Pro and love it.

Good stuff Dave - I've long been a fan of the RCP but it was nice to learn more about the Podtrak. One point of clarification - with the recent firmware update to the Rode, you CAN output your audio as separate wave files for each channel. No need to extract from the poly wav.

Great video. One addition to make is that the ZOOM has all the wire connections coming from the top, which makes it esthetically too busy, and might even be inconvenient. I use the Rodecaster Pro for many reasons. I am sure in time the new software updates on the Rodecaster will get even better, as it has already proven. Keep it coming. Very well done!

Thank you Sooo much for an honset, sincere and down to earth presentation. No BS or self grandiosement. Such a fresh change. I had only recently purchased the Rode, but very interested to hear your Comments > Keep it simple and sincere. You are on a winner. Cheers

I’m sold...Going with the Zoom 😊 great review!

I actually went with the Rode and very happy with it overall. I’ve had 4 inputs used and an additional with the Bluetooth making us 5 total. Have to say the Rode is very portable as you mention with a power bank and so blown away. The software updates are good to have and will say though I have the Zoom P4 and comes in clutch for a minimal approach. Great video!

I chose the RODECaster Pro. I’ll never need 6 mics, and the 44.1kHz/16 Bit thing...may seem to be a non-issue for some, but...Zoom should have stepped it up. 48kHz/24 Bit is becoming the standard. Now. If you’re just doing a podcast (with no video), go for the Zoom. But, if you plan on doing video...get the Rode. If your doing a solo podcast...get the Zoom Podtrak P-4. I also really like the noise gate when recording three people at the same time. Way less effort during production, because I don’t have to go through and delete person “A” out of person “B’s” track...and so on. I also don’t need to do “Noise Reduction”.

You may reduce some of the noise you are hearing on the Rodecaster Pro by setting your Line Gain at the Unity setting marker. The slider you are referring to as a "fader" is the line output gain slider. You have it set at the max level. This is 4 steps above the Unity mark, which designates a flat and even output of gain. If you look four bars down from the top you will see a thicker Dash on the gain slider markings. This thick dash line indicates the Unity gain setting. Pull the slider back to this mark and up your mic level inside the touch screen controls to the output level you want. This should solve the noise issue you are hearing with the preamps. The preamps Rode uses on the Rodecaster Pro are outstanding and should not be giving off any noise; mine are dead silent.

We went with the Zoom P8. It has worked out great

Great job reviewing two products that I have been thinking about purchasing. Great overview of the functions. Thank you and I look forward to your next video.

Great job! Today I went to buy the Rodecaster, but ended up leaving with the Zoom PodTrak 8. Based on various videos I've seen, for now, the Zoom has the slight edge, yet both have outstanding capabilities.

Wow, I learned something today! Nice comparison and I think you nailed the first look on KZfaq as well. The Zoom Podtrak is very retro-looking; I have old music mixers and such that would fit in side by side with the Zoom Podtrak circa 1990's. A small point, but the Rodecaster just looks more modern. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

Dave, Nice review. Just wanted to clear up something you may have missed the P8 actually does have a noise gate that is found in the on air settings which works on all mics on the stereo output.

Very nice review and comparison video! Both have very good qualities and features, and both can get the job done whether doing a podcast or your own radio show. Still not sure which one I like the best, but it seems like I would be happy with either based on research I’ve done so far.

good explanation. I own several of the Rode boards but love the small footprint of the Zoom. I agree that Zoom needs to beef up their audio processing. Maybe some of that could be achieved in firmware update. The noise gate in the Rode is a life saver, especially when recording in a non-studio environment.

Thanks for this video. Good quick explanation. For our use I think the Podtrak will work better for us. I will miss the look. I really like what the Rodecaster looks like but I think for size and power connection...and especially the bottom I think will make a difference with users that don't know too much about audio recording.

Appreciate the review! I’d watch more. We’re currently debating over which one to buy!

Thanks Dave. I have the podtrack p4 that I bought for starting a podcast because I didnt want to spend too much. I think I will end up using it when I take my podcast on the road. So, now I need a more durable unit for studio use. The Rode is very nice and frankly, I had not idea the Podtrack P8 even existed, so I greatly appreciate the comparison video. You brought out some very interesting differences between the two, but like you, I remain confused as to which way to go. Just need to think more about everyday uses to make my decision. I enjoyed the video!

I wish your subs were just the same at the views on this video. This was super awesome Dave! I have a RCP and I love it!

FWIW, this was the first video I've ever clicked from ya. Excellent, now I just need to save some money. Leaning toward the P8 but only just by a hair. Came down to the file splitting. Time is money.

Great review. I was using a Zoom F4 as my audio interface, because I thought the preamps were superb. I bought the RODEcaster because the controls were perfect for live-streaming and Podcasting. I was very pleased to find out that preamps are also outstanding. Now I can use my ZOOM F4 with my camera as I had originally intended.

Great job. I'm looking at buying one of these and your video was very helpful. Shame about the lack of a noise gate on the P8; I wonder if that can be added later by Zoom in a firmware update the way Rode is constantly adding features with its firmware update. Oh, and I appreciated the shout out to Curtis Judd. He's definitely the gold standard on KZfaq for audio and video gear reviews. 🙂 Thanks again for taking the trouble to help us out.

Great! Confused about these two fine crafts! THX a lot.

great insight brother, I am leaning more towards the Zoom p8

Awesome job doing a side by side. The Rodecaster pro sounds better to me, I'm a huge fan of rode though so I'm a bit bias. I have the NTK mic. Currently I'm using a GoXLR which is fine for me since I'm not doing multiple person interviews for podcasting. The noise gate is a must on live streaming, specially with room or ambient noise issues.

Good job! I was looking for this content 😁. I think I prefer the zoom over the Rode mixer. Thanks!

The better manual controls over effects, longer faders and the look are the dealbreaker for me towards the Rodecaster. I hate PA -style mixers with the XLRs on the top. They make sense in certain envoirements but not for mine.

DUDE! What are you doing?! MAKE MORE VIDEOS! This was such a great comparison. I'm interested to hear more thoughts from you on other things. ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US!

I currently use the Rodecaster Pro with a PodMic paired with a sE Dynomite preamp and it's a very solid setup. I've had no issues with noicey preamps and the firmware is constantly improving on the functionality.

The USB loopback on the Rode Caster Pro is very impressive. If you do podcasts with guests on Zoom, It sounds more crisp on the RCP vs the P8.

Awesome review. Just got the rcp with sm7b bundle. Can't wait to start podding

I really enjoyed this video dude, thanks for sharing, plus I really like your studio setup, cheers from Mexico!!

This video is just what I needed. I have a Scarlett focusrite and Zoom h6 but I think I need a proper USB mixer for delivering/streaming remote learning productions, podcasts with call in functionality and occasionally I like to do some music with my iPad Pro. I just learned how to connect my H6 to my iPad instead of using iRig pre. So I used cables with my zoom or Scarlett to record calls but I want the ability to manage a call ins amid a live-session or show. I’m leaning toward Zoom bc of how files export. My Shure + cloudlifter gives me pretty clean signal so, whatever I can do to keep up with the possibilities yet simple for home studio gear.

Great job with this comparison and review.

Thanks! This helped us a lot to finally choose between these two.

Thanks Dave this helped a lot. Your time is appreciated.

Curtis Judd did his review of the Zoom PodTrak P8 a week ago but thanks for this review, I was going to buy the Rodecaster but now I'm conflicted.

Hi Dave I have the Rodecaster Pro hooked into my Atem mini & computer works great thanks for the rundown on the two CHEERS MATE

Great job. Loved the perspectives. Do more!

very useful! I personally prefer zoom p4 which is enough for me

Thanks man! Subbed. This is amazing!

Thanks for the video; I've been doing a video podcast for about a year now using the Rodecaster Pro as our main audio interface; it's great I love the options it offers and with cloud lifters on all our mics it sounds fantastic. Problem is our podcast recently gained a 5th member :( So far I've been using a shotgun mic (Rode VideoMic+) via the TRRS input as a stand-in; but the quality is just nowhere near as good and it shows :( I've been looking for a 6 or 8 XLR input board and was pretty disappointed; but the Zoom really gives me a lot of hope. The main reasons I'm hesistant to switch are: - Lack of a noise gate - no automatic bluetooth (a minor quibble) But the fact that the multichannel output is separate .wav files is a huge plus as well! Ughh... no perfect product I guess :(

From watching the video, it looks like the Rodecaster Pro has a lot more umf to it and a better low end. Great video

Great comparison, thanks for taking the time and effort

Amazing video, very informative, you should continue doing videos like these.

Video really helped! I use Rode gear, but love the Zoom stuff way better.. I don't think anyone could go wrong either way, but ease of use with file types & management wins for me. Everything was perfect until you said it records USB stereo only.. I run a Motu M4 on the editing computer, but was hoping the new board would add extra tracks, (thats if i ever needed). I think recording separate to a card will work just fine.. Since technically not going to run live. Like I said... Video really helped go through the actual use of it instead of specs. This is all new to me. Thank You!

Like your video and it helped to confirm I like the Rodeaster Pro. And yeah, you should do more videos like this.

Excellent explainer/comparison, many thanks Dave! Quick cheeky question: Can I ask what lens you use on your camera?? Your backdrop studio/setting & framing is A1👌

What I do like about the P8 is that you can do some basic editing on the board before exporting. That would come in handy in my case

Thank you for the information. It really helpful.

I'm excited about the new tascam mixcaster 4!

@dave I like both but comparing the way you can adjust and add EQ to your voice makes the Rodecaster pro a better buy but the fact you can take the Zoom podtrak anywhere is a game-changer in my opinion.

Dave, can you please do a video on your whole livestream setup; including the Rodecaster Pro. Would be of great help!!!

Nice and clear video Dave, thx for sharing.

Hey thank you so much for this video!

thanks I needed that. great job do more like this

Awesome Video Bro. The P8 Hopefully comes out with a software update for that multitrack live feature. The first company that comes out with 6 channels of full-time dedicated microphone audio with individual headphone monitoring and additional dedicated 2 channels for phone calls and 1 for the pad channel Wins. Then you can do a podcast with 2 Hosts and four guests which in today's climate is very likely.

Excellent video! The Rodecaster Pro has really a bad pre-amp for the output, this hiss noise is very annoying for livestreaming. How are you dealing with it? I improved it a bit by using a Fedhead so my micro needs less gain but I still can hear it what makes me feel uncomfortable using the device.

Hi Dave, well, You did an excellent job! Many thanks for this video! What I miss is the comparison of the remote control possibility. If I'm right, the Rodecaster can now be controlled remotely. You are using Stream Deck and ATEM; thus, the Companion integration can be a great differentiator. As I read the spec, the Zoom has no motorized faders, while the Rodecaster does. Would like to see your confirmation about this. For me, the key is to integrate the workflow with the ATEM, so what I really look for is a flexible, Bitfocus Companion driven pro mixer, possible with Ethernet interface (as a normal never has PC enough USB ports, and a USB stick to a specific PC)

Seu conteúdo é incrível. Me ajudou a decidir qual equipamento vou comprar. Abraços do Brasil!

Great job. Thanks for the comparison.

Hey Dave, very nice review! Looking forward to more detailed comparisons. Quick questions. Did you use a cloud lifter or something like that? How much level of gain was it in your rodecaster pro for you podmic? Thanks!

that was great to it for us now we can make right decision keep it up man

Thanks nice review,which one are you getting

Very useful comparison, thanks.

Nailed it Dave! Thx 🙏🏽

Good video, here is my thing. Good lord as soon as you thaught you had all you needed to get going here is another peace of the puzzle. My God the money these people make off the gear is bannanas. I know cause I have been spending and spending and still spending. It is never ending with the gear. I think the Zoom wins. Size, Portability and like you said you can record to the disk and its about 100 cheaper. I do alot of traveling and created a talk show called, "Inspire Me TV!" I am by myself, not living with parents or relitives and buying the gear has taken over a year and cost means everything to me. I actually started with a 60 dollar chinese made one that has sounds and all. I will upgrade to the Zoom. The extra 100 bucks to me is not worth it.

This video is freaking awesome! Great review!!!!

Hi. My friend and I are planning to start recording podcasts together, but we can't agree on whether the quality difference between expensive and affordable microphones is really necessary. I suggest buying at least an RE20 or an SM7B, while my friend prefers microphones in the Podmic price range. Do you think the difference between these two microphones would be noticeable for listeners? Do you think we should go all out and choose established, high-end products, or would more budget-friendly microphones suffice? Thank you for your recommendations. Please help me, I've been sleepless for four days, researching only this topic. I admit that I am overly obsessed, but I want to do my job properly and cleanly. I am very talkative and warm-hearted, never hesitant to laugh, and I usually laugh a lot. I used to do Twitch streaming before, so I have knowledge about how to gain viewers. Now, I want to sleep, please tell me which microphone and sound card I should get.

Can you show how you changed the colors on the P8 pads or tell us plz 😊

Definitely helping me make a decision

A very useful video. Zoom's product is pretty good but I will stick with the RCP

When talking about faders the standard throw is 100mm

i personally think the rode is better. better fx, bluetooth, looks nicer, i havent tested it yet but im sure the preamps are better.

I wish these had a couple line ins for guitar so it could also be used for music. Currently using an L-8, but it's sort of a compromise for everything. I also have a Audient id14 which is better for narration and music, and so I'm thinking of trading the L-8 for the P8 and then just switching interfaces depending on what I'm doing. It's a but of a pain but at least everything will work well for its use.

Does the Podtrack have line out and does it have headphone to listen to all input at once

Great comparison. Would it be possible to output the sound live to speakers so your podcast can happen in front of an audience?

Great comparison. Lots of detail. Hit everything nice and quick. (could slow down just a small bit to help clarity) What's the awesome camera you're using? Looks GREAT!

I want to set up a recording studio that has the capability of recording for music and podcasts, and I know exactly nothing about any of this stuff. Does this equipment accommodate the requirements for both? What's different about mixers that are designed specifically for podcasts compared to those intended for music production?

Really interesting comparison. Thanks for doing that. I'm interested in the live streaming/ live output, do either of the devices have automatic mic channel muting for studio monitors, or any kind of on-air indicator function?

Which one better with multitrack recordings? And which one better on doin live stream with phone?... To be specific Clubhouse. Tq

Great video!! Thank you. May I ask which you'll be putting together with your atem mini going forward? Imagine the RCP may stick longterm there, but wanted to hear your thoughts. Appreciate it!

Dave - nice job! I was wondering whether the noise you are hearing is the Rodecaster’s headphone amp which in my experience can be a little noisy. I don’t hear noise in the mix, but often do hear some noise on headphones.

Dave! Thanks for the comparison. I like the sound of the rodecaster better. The one thing you didn’t talk about which has me curious is the make of these models. Is the rodecaster made better than the zoom podtrak p8. I read that the zoom is all plastic where the rodecaster isn’t? Also, which one do you recommend.

Gday Dave do you have a video how to use and setup the Atem mini?

If you prefer the zoom, why not throw a dbx box in front for your noise gate?

am sure with firmware update zoom can try to make those effect more useable and personalize, the rode was like that before , you only have option to chose preset later with firmware update users are able to dial in to fit their needs. I hope zoom can make that happen in their update else ill pay hundred more to have rode with but quality and better effects, like me I really don't need multitrack , just stereo out and good to go. but with zoom I can add those effects in post for now.

Great review man. Thanks.

Nicely done my friend. Which one are you leaning towards?

Are you 100% sure that the P8 is not a multitrack interface? Even the the H4n and H6n are multitrack when used as an interface. You just have to make sure you have the right drivers for your computer.

Thanks for this video ! What about connecting the Podtrak to the ATEM Mini... I don't see any stereo out on it.. ??

Great review!!!

Great rev! Are zoom sound pads clicky? Do they make a clicking sound when you press them down?

Super helpful

Awesome video man!

Thank you!!

Hey Dave great review what dslr or camera do you use in this video?