ZOOM P4 Portable Recorder: Quick Start Guide

Introduction

This document provides a quick guide to operating the ZOOM P4 portable recorder. For comprehensive details, download the full Operation Manual in PDF or ePub format from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.jp/docs/p4).

[Copyright] 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION. Copying or reprinting this manual without permission is prohibited. Product names and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Keep this manual accessible for future reference. Contents and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Functions of Parts

Top/Back/Front Panel

• INPUT SELECT switches 1-4: Select input type (Dynamic mic, Condenser mic [+48V phantom power], Smartphone, USB audio return).
• SOUND PAD A-D: Buttons to play assigned audio files.
• SOUND PAD knob: Adjusts SOUND PAD volumes.
• PHONES knobs 1-4: Adjusts volume for PHONES jacks 1-4.
• Input jacks 1-4: XLR jacks with built-in mic preamps for connecting microphones.
• PHONES jacks 1-4: Headphone outputs.
• INPUT knobs 1-4: Adjust input signal levels.
• MUTE buttons 1-4: Mute/unmute input signals. The button lights when muted.
• Display: Shows recorder status and MENU screens.
• PLAY indicator: Lights during playback, blinks when paused.
• REC indicator: Lights during recording, blinks when paused.
• MENU button: Opens MENU screen or returns to the previous screen.
• PLAY/PAUSE/ [Up Arrow] button: Starts/pauses playback; moves cursor up in MENU.
• STOP/ [Down Arrow] button: Stops recording/playback; moves cursor down in MENU.
• REC/ENTER [Confirm] button: Starts/stops recording; confirms selections in MENU.

Left/Right Panel

• SD card slot: For SDHC and SDXC cards. Format SD cards with the P4 before use.
• USB Type-C port (Power Supply): Connects to an AC adapter or portable battery.
• USB Type-C port (Data): Connects to a computer, smartphone, or tablet for audio interface or file transfer.
• Power supply connector for BTA-2: For connecting a ZOOM BTA-2 wireless adapter.
• Smartphone connection jack: 3.5mm TRRS mini jack for smartphone input/output. Allows inputting smartphone audio on channel 3 and sending mixed audio (excluding channel 3) back to the smartphone to prevent echo.
• POWER switch: Turns the unit on and off.

Installing Batteries

To use battery power, open the battery compartment on the bottom and install two AA batteries.

Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH, or lithium) at a time. Set the battery type in the settings for accurate charge indication.

Connection Examples

• Microphones: Connect dynamic or condenser mics via XLR cables to Input jacks 1-4. Use INPUT SELECT switches according to mic type.
• AC Adapter: Connect ZOOM AD-17 or compatible USB Type-C adapter to the power supply USB Type-C port.
• Smartphone: Connect via a 4-contact mini-plug cable to the smartphone connection jack for guest participation or audio return.
• Wireless Adapter: Connect ZOOM BTA-2 to the dedicated connector for wireless smartphone/tablet connection.
• Computer, Smartphone, or Tablet: Connect via USB Type-C to use the P4 as an audio interface for streaming or transferring recordings.
• Headphones: Connect headphones to PHONES jacks 1-4 and adjust volume with PHONES knobs.

Use Examples

• On Location: Record audio outdoors or at remote sites using batteries or a portable battery. Save recordings to an SD card for later editing.
• Live Streaming: Connect to a computer to stream audio in real-time for broadcasts or online content.

Explanation of Terms

• USB audio return: Audio signal output from a computer when connected as an audio interface, useful for playing background music.
• SOUND PAD buttons: Assign audio files (e.g., intro/outro music, interviews) to these buttons for playback.
• USB Mix Minus: When using the P4 as an audio interface, this setting prevents the USB input signal from being output back to the USB device, avoiding feedback during calls.

Signal Flow

Audio signals from INPUT 1, 2, 3, and 4 pass through optional Lo Cut and Limiter functions, and can be muted. They are recorded as separate mono/stereo files (TRACK 1-4). SOUND PAD audio is recorded as a stereo file. The master output is also recorded as a stereo file. When using the smartphone jack, the input from channel 3 is excluded from the master output. With USB Mix Minus enabled, the input from channel 4 is excluded from the USB output.

Simplified Flow:

INPUT 1-4 -> [Lo Cut/Limiter/MUTE] -> TRACK 1-4 | SOUND PAD -> SOUND_PAD.WAV | Master L/R -> Recording File (Stereo)

Home Screen

The Home Screen displays when the P4 is powered on, showing the recorder's status.

• Status icon: Indicates recording, paused, or stopped state.
• Time Display: Shows current recording time or remaining time.
• Remaining battery charge: Visual indicator of battery level. Replace batteries or connect power when low.
• Channel and level meters: Display channel names and input signal levels.
• Master level meters: Show output signal levels.

Basic MENU Operations

Use the MENU screen to adjust settings.

• Press the [MENU] button to open the MENU screen.
• Use the [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] buttons to navigate menu items.
• Press the [REC/ENTER] button to confirm a selection or open a sub-menu.
• Press the [MENU] button (or sometimes [STOP]) to return to the previous screen or the Home Screen.

MENU item names are shown with gray backgrounds. Procedures are abbreviated, e.g., MENU screen > Settings > Battery.

Making Preparations

Inserting SD Cards

With the power off, insert an SD card fully into the SD card slot. To remove, push the card in slightly and release. Ensure the write-protect switch on the SD card is disabled. Inserting or removing cards while the power is on may cause data loss. Format new or previously used SD cards using the P4's format function before first use.

Formatting an SD card will erase all data on it.

Turning the Power On

Press and hold the [POWER] switch until "ZOOM" appears on the display. The Home Screen will open. To turn off, press and hold the [POWER] switch until "Goodbye! See You!" appears.

The P4 has an Auto Power Off function that turns it off after 10 hours of inactivity. This can be disabled in settings.

The P4 can be powered via the USB Type-C power supply port using a ZOOM AD-17 AC adapter or a portable battery.

Setting the Date and Time

The first time the P4 is powered on, a "Set Date/Time" screen appears. Use the navigation buttons ([Up Arrow], [Down Arrow], [Left Arrow], [Right Arrow]) to select and change the year, month, day, hour, and minute. Press [REC/ENTER] to confirm each setting.

The date and time can be changed later via MENU screen > Settings > Set Date/Time.

Connecting Microphones

Connect microphones using XLR cables to Input jacks 1-4. Set the corresponding INPUT SELECT switch:

• [Dynamic Mic Symbol] (or text description like "[Dynamic Mic]") for dynamic microphones.
• [Condenser Mic Symbol] (or text description like "[Condenser Mic]") for condenser microphones. This supplies +48V phantom power.

Do not set the INPUT SELECT switch to the condenser mic position when connecting devices not compatible with phantom power, as this could cause damage.

Use the MUTE buttons to silence inputs; the button lights up when muted.

Connecting Headphones

Connect headphones to PHONES jacks 1-4. Adjust the output volume for each jack using the corresponding PHONES knobs.

Connecting Smartphones

For podcasting, connect a smartphone via a 4-contact mini-plug cable to the smartphone connection jack. This inputs the guest's audio on channel 3. The P4 sends a mixed signal (excluding channel 3 audio) back to the smartphone, preventing echo for the caller.

Ensure INPUT SELECT switch 3 is set to the smartphone input position.

Connecting a Computer, Smartphone or Tablet by USB

Use the P4 as a 2-in/2-out audio interface by connecting it to a computer, smartphone, or tablet via USB Type-C. This allows audio from the connected device to be input on channel 4 (e.g., for background music or guest audio) and enables live streaming. Recorded files from the SD card can also be transferred for editing.

Set INPUT SELECT switch 4 to the USB input position.

For iOS/iPadOS devices with a Lightning connector, use a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter).

Recording

Adjusting Input Levels

Use the INPUT knobs 1-4 to adjust input signal levels. Monitor levels on the display, aiming for readings between -12 dBFS and -6 dBFS for optimal recording without clipping.

When using stereo inputs (e.g., smartphone or USB audio return), stereo level meters will be displayed.

Making Mic Settings (Mic Settings)

Configure Lo Cut and Limiter functions for each input via the MENU screen:

1. Navigate to MENU screen > Mic Settings.
2. Select a setting:
   • Lo Cut: Reduces low-frequency noise (e.g., air conditioning, wind, plosives).
   • Limiter: Prevents distortion by reducing excessively high input signals.
3. Select the microphone (Mic 1-4) to apply the setting to. A check mark indicates the function is active.

Recording Process

1. From the Home Screen, press the [REC/ENTER] button. The REC indicator will light red, and recording will begin.
2. To pause recording, press the [PLAY/PAUSE] button. The REC indicator will blink. Press it again to resume.
3. Press the [REC/ENTER] or [STOP] button to stop recording.

Channels with specific INPUT SELECT switches set to stereo modes (smartphone or USB) will record in stereo. Press the [MUTE] button for a channel to disable its input temporarily or prevent it from being recorded.

Playing Recordings

Recorded files can be played back directly from the P4.

1. From the Home Screen, press the [PLAY/PAUSE] button. The most recently recorded file will play, and the PLAY indicator will light green.
2. Pause: Press [PLAY/PAUSE] to toggle between play and pause.
3. Search backward/forward: Press and hold the [STOP] or [PLAY/PAUSE] button respectively.
4. Cue to beginning: Press the [STOP] button to return to the start of the file.
5. Stop playback: Press the [STOP] button to stop playback and return to the Home Screen.

Files can also be selected and played via MENU screen > Files > select file > Play.

Transferring Files

Transfer recorded files to a computer, smartphone, or tablet:

1. Select File Transfer from the MENU screen.
2. Connect the P4 to your device using a USB cable (refer to "Connecting a Computer, Smartphone or Tablet by USB").
3. Transfer the desired files.

P4 Folder and File Structure

Recordings are organized on the SD card as follows:

• Root Directory: Contains main stereo podcasting files (e.g., 2020_0101_0000.WAV).
• P4_Multitrack Folder: Contains individual track recordings (e.g., MIC1.WAV, MIC2.WAV, MIC3.WAV or PHONE.WAV, MIC4.WAV or USB.WAV, SOUND_PAD.WAV) corresponding to the main recording files.
• P4_Settings Folder: Contains the P4 settings file (P4SETTING.ZST).

Using SOUND PAD Functions

Assign audio files to SOUND PAD buttons (A-D) for quick playback of intros, outros, sound effects, or interviews.

Assigning Audio Files

1. Navigate to MENU screen > Sound Pad.
2. Select the desired SOUND PAD (A-D).
3. Select Sound Assign.
4. Choose an audio file from the list of built-in sounds or files stored on the SD card.

To assign files from an SD card, store them in any directory on the card EXCEPT the P4_Multitrack and P4_Settings folders.

Playing SOUND PAD Buttons

Press a SOUND PAD button to play the assigned audio file. The file name appears on the display for two seconds.

Changing Playback Methods and Volumes

1. Navigate to MENU screen > Sound Pad.
2. Select the SOUND PAD (A-D) to configure.
3. Adjust settings:
   • Play Mode:
     • One Shot: Plays the file once.
     • Pause: Toggles play/pause; stops at end. Press and hold for 2 seconds when paused to return to start.
     • Loop: Toggles play/pause; loops until stopped.
     • Hold: Loops while the button is pressed; stops when released.
   • Level: Adjusts volume from -48dB to +10dB in 30 steps using the [Up Arrow]/[Down Arrow] buttons.

Changed settings are automatically saved.

Other Functions and Settings

• Changing file names: MENU screen > Files > select file > Rename.
• Deleting files: MENU screen > Files > select file > Delete > Execute.
• Using as an Audio Interface: Connect to a computer/smartphone/tablet via USB Type-C. Set INPUT 4 to USB input and adjust volume with INPUT 4 knob. Configure USB Mix Minus (On/Off) in settings to prevent feedback.
• Modifying Date/Time: MENU screen > Settings > Set Date/Time.
• Setting Battery Type: MENU screen > Settings > Battery (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium).
• Adjusting Display Contrast: MENU screen > Settings > LCD Contrast (1-10).
• Auto Power Off: MENU screen > Settings > Auto Power Off (On/Off).
• Testing SD Cards: MENU screen > Settings > SD Card > Card Test (Quick Test/Full Test).
• Formatting SD Cards: MENU screen > Settings > SD Card > Format > Execute. This erases all data.
• Restoring Factory Defaults: MENU screen > Settings > Factory Reset > Execute. This resets all settings to their original factory state.

Main Specifications

We recommend using NiMH batteries with the P4.

Continuous operation times are approximate and vary with usage conditions.

Manufacturer Information

ZOOM CORPORATION
4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
www.zoom.co.jp