The Zoom PodTrak P2: Solving the Dual USB Mic Problem (Almost)

Let's cut to the chase—if you've ever tried plugging two USB microphones into your computer to record a podcast, you already know the punchline: it doesn't work. At least, not without jumping through technical hoops that would make a circus performer jealous.

For years, this limitation has forced podcasters into uncomfortable compromises: investing in expensive XLR setups, recording one person at a time, or settling for subpar audio workarounds. It's a problem that's lingered far longer than it should have in our increasingly remote-work, content-creation-heavy world.

Enter the Zoom PodTrack P2—a $99 device that promises to solve this exact problem by letting you connect and record two separate USB microphones simultaneously. As someone who's used Zoom's audio gear for years (from the tank-like H6 to the feature-rich P8), I was genuinely excited to test this palm-sized problem-solver. But does it deliver on its promises?

Kind of.

What the P2 Gets Right

First off, the size is impressive. This thing literally fits in the palm of your hand, making it genuinely portable in a way that most podcast setups aren't. For anyone recording on the go or with limited desk space, that's a significant win.

The core functionality—connecting two USB microphones simultaneously—actually works as advertised, at least with compatible mics (more on that later). Each microphone gets its own dedicated input level knob and mute button, giving you independent control over both audio sources. The mute buttons are satisfyingly silent when pressed, a small but thoughtful touch for clean recordings.

Recording quality is solid at 24-bit/48kHz, saved directly to a microSD card (which can handle up to a terabyte of storage). That translates to about 110 hours of recording time on a decent-sized card—more than enough for even the most talkative podcasters among us.

I was particularly impressed with the P2's auto-save feature, which saves your recording every 10 seconds. This means if disaster strikes (power outage, accidental unplugging, battery death), you'll lose at most 10 seconds of content. For anyone who's ever lost an hour-long interview to technical failure, this feature alone might justify the price tag.

The AI noise reduction is another standout feature. When activated, it analyzes your environment for three seconds, then filters out background noise like computer fans or air conditioning. The difference is immediately noticeable—though not without some trade-offs in voice quality.

The Not-So-Great Stuff

Now for the reality check. While the P2 tackles some significant podcasting challenges, it introduces a few of its own that you should know about before purchasing.

First and most disappointing was my experience trying to record a phone call with a guest. Despite Zoom's marketing promise that you can "easily add a call-in guest by connecting your phone," I couldn't get my iPhone 13 to work with the P2 at all. I used the correct data-transfer Lightning to USB-C cable, but the connection simply wouldn't establish. I've reached out to Zoom support about this and am waiting for a solution.

Then there's the microphone compatibility issue. The P2 doesn't work with all USB microphones, despite what you might assume. I couldn't get it to recognize either my Blue Yeti (one of the most popular USB mics on the market) or my trusty Samson Q2U (a favorite among budget-conscious podcasters). This significantly limits the "use the gear you already own" appeal. Zoom does provide a compatibility list on their website, which I'd strongly recommend checking before purchasing.

The audio processing features, while simple to use, lack flexibility. The "Tone" button adds a significant low-end boost that might work for some voices but felt excessive to my ear. Similarly, the compression settings are one-size-fits-all, with no adjustability. For podcasters who care about their sound signature, this lack of control could be frustrating.

I also have concerns about durability. The P2 is primarily plastic and feels like something you'd need to handle with care. I'd definitely recommend picking up the SCU-20 case (sold separately) if you plan to travel with this device.

Finally, while the P2 offers two headphone outputs, they share a single volume control. This means you and your guest will always be monitoring at the same volume level—a small but potentially annoying limitation for co-hosted shows.

Is the P2 Worth $99?

Here's my honest take: The Zoom PodTrack P2 is simultaneously groundbreaking and frustrating—a device that solves one longstanding problem while introducing several smaller ones.

For $99, it's a solid value if:

- You specifically need to record two USB microphones simultaneously

- Your USB mics are on Zoom's compatibility list

- You primarily record in-person conversations rather than phone call interviews

- You appreciate simplicity over granular control

However, I'd recommend waiting if:

- You need reliable phone call recording functionality

- You own incompatible microphones like the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U

- You require precise control over audio processing

Ultimately, the P2 represents an important step forward in making podcast production more accessible. It's not perfect—and for some workflows, it might create more problems than it solves—but it addresses a real need at a reasonable price point. I'm hoping Zoom will address the compatibility issues and phone connection problems in future firmware updates, because the core concept here is genuinely useful.

For now, it's a qualified recommendation from me. Check the compatibility list, understand the limitations, and if it still fits your needs, the P2 might just be the palm-sized podcasting solution you've been waiting for.

The Zoom PodTrak P2 is available on Amazon: https://geni.us/ZoomPodTrakP2

The SCU-20 case (Amazon): https://geni.us/ZoomSCU20

You can watch my full review of the Zoom PodTrak P2 here: