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  • 3 min read

The Zoom Podtrak P4Next

Zoom Podtrak P4Next

This falls into the category of a want, definitely not a need, but I picked up a new audio interface for podcasting. I've been using a MOTU M2 audio interface since I started podcasting a few years ago. It features two MIDI inputs that also work as an XLR input, which higher quality microphones that aren't USB use. I've been keeping an eye out for a new audio interface as I've been slightly disappointed with the gain level of the MOTU M2 - when recording, I would often have to apologize for the low volume.

I had been keeping an eye out on Rode interfaces, but there was no way I'm paying that much for a hobby. Then I saw someone on Reddit share the Zoom Podtrak P4Next as it was up for pre-order. After some research, I decided to give it a try, especially as it was only $179 and I think I can re-sell my MOTU M2 for about $150, less eBay fees, so it's not a super expensive upgrade.

The Zoom Podtrak P4Next features four XLR inputs, four USB inputs, and four headphone outputs. Additionally, it includes a built-in preamp and phantom power, so it's compatible with both dynamic and condenser microphones. What really got me interested was that it has a built in EQ and compressor, as well as a new "AI" feature to help remove background noise. Last, but not least, it features a microSD card and can be powered off batteries for recording on the go without a computer. This will be perfect for my unrealized dream of someday recording an episode of The Bootloader in person with Todbot - I even have a second XLR microphone to use!

Zoom's site still shows an expected date of December 5th before it's available. I pre-ordered mine from B&H Photo, which says coming soon, and I was shocked when it showed up on November 6th. I'm guessing I'm one of the first people to have one and I hope there wasn't an embargo to get B&H in trouble!

Of course I haven't been recording many podcast episodes since I got it, but I did use it for some of my intros and outros for some upcoming episodes and next week's recording of The Bootloader will use it as well. My early opinion - to my untrained ears, my voice sounds slightly warmer. I have a lot more testing to do, especially with the AI noise reduction feature.

Overall I like it - it's slightly smaller than a current gen Mac Mini and feels well constructed. The menu system is intuitive and it includes some nice accessibility features. It has better gain as well, as I noticed I barely had to adjust my volume in my DAW after recording. I'm looking forward to playing with it some more.

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  • 1 min read

I've re-opened the podcast sponsorship page on GitHub and PayPal. The Sponsors page includes a list of current and past sponsors and the cost breakdown for running the podcast.

If you're curious, it costs about $400 / year for the podcast. From the Sponsors page:

Cost breakdowns - annual fees

  • Podcast hosting (Castopod.com): $120 / year
  • Video recording (Boomcaster.com): $240 / year (Referral link)
  • Calendar and scheduling for guests (Fantastical): $60 / year

Miscellaneous costs (one-time):

  • Reaper digital audio workstation: $60
  • Hush audio app: $90

Thanks for your support - and stay positive!

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  • 1 min read

The Return of The CircuitPython Show

When I blogged earlier this year that The CircuitPython Show was over, I really thought it was over. But with the talk of #CircuitPython2025 kicking off, I started to give the podcast some thought again. And while I thought I had talked to most of the community members I wanted to talk to, there were still a few I hadn't reached out to yet.

But where it really intrigued me, was what if it wasn't just an interview show and I sprinkled topic based episodes in as well? I quickly brainstormed half a dozen ideas and realized there was more to do yet. I reached out to a number of potential guests and the reponse was overwhelmingly positive.

I'm excited to share that The CircuitPython Show will return in mid-January. It will still feature interviews with community members as well as topics including: how to design a PCB, building CircuitPython from source, creating games for CircuitPython, a panel interview about CircuitPython's new audio effects and filters, and more, with guests both new and returning.

Follow the show on Mastodon or Bluesky and find the show wherever you get your podcasts or visit The CircuitPython Show.

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  • 1 min read

One Door Closes, Another One Opens

I realized this week that I never blogged the end of The CircuitPython Show. The show came to end at the end of January earlier this year after 36 episodes. It had a good run and I still had the itch to podcast, so Tod Kurt and I resurrected The Bootloader this past March. We're on a monthly schedule and have done four episodes so far this year with topics ranging from makers and their cool projects or products to 3D printing and more. It also includes a healthy dose of CircuitPython news if you're missing the podcast. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts or visit The Bootloader.net.

Stay connected with The Bootloader and me - sign up for our newsletter launching next week here.

But don't take it from me. Here's LadyAda and pt from the July 3, 2024 episode of Ask an Engineer (fast forward to the 1:07 mark):

{{}}

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  • 1 min read

The CircuitPython Show Returns

After being on hiatus since December, I'm happy to share that The CircuitPython Show returns this coming Monday, April 10th.

I've got some great guests lined up, including authors, board designers, developers, and more.

Make sure you're subscribed in your favorite podcast app and the new episode will hit your earbuds this Monday!

Thanks for listening.

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  • 1 min read

The CircuitPython Show Year One

As 2022 comes to a close and I look back at the first year of The CircuitPython Show, I just wanted to say thank you.

Thanks to everyone who listened to the podcast, was a guest, or left a review. The support I received was phenomenal - thank you!

After wrapping up season 2 a few weeks ago, the show will return in 2023.

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  • 1 min read

Introducing The Bootloader

Having just passed the six month anniversary of The CircuitPython Show, I’ve decided to start a new podcast!

Introducing The Bootloader.

I’m teaming up with Tod Kurt and together we’re going to bring you a few interesting things we found around the web. We’ll each share up to three things, each one for a few minutes, but no more than five. That should keep the show right around a half hour, which is optimal.

The three things can be almost anything. It could be a news item, we could share a project we came across or following, we might highlight a maker and their work, or we could talk about a product we love (or hate). It could be news, it could be something older that’s new to us. Hopefully you’ll find it interesting, too.

You can subscribe to the podcast on all major platforms or via RSS (we'll be on Google Podcasts soon, but just add the RSS to your podcast app), follow us on Twitter, watch us on Youtube, or visit our website.

Give us a listen and watch the trailer here!

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  • 1 min read

Six Months of The CircuitPythonShow

Today marks six months since the first episode of The CircuitPython Show dropped.

(Of course I haven’t blogged much about the show since then…)

I’m not even sure where to start. I think the show has found its groove now. From the feedback I’ve received, people seem to like the shorter interview format rather than the longer interviews the first few episodes featured.

It’s been pretty cool having the opportunity to meet and chat with community members on the show. I hope that comes through in the episodes as the big goal for the show is to highlight those in the community and get to know them in a different way than just their CircuitPython contributions.

In other news, I switched podcast hosts last week and went all in on Zencastr, which I already used for recording. This coming Monday’s episode will be the first episode distributed by them, so cross your fingers.

Thank you to everyone who has listened, told a friend, or guested on the show. I especially appreciate the comments and feedback about the show, keep ‘em coming! And don't forget to subscribe in your favorite podcast app...