10 Best 4 Track Recorders 2025 in the United States

The Zoom H4essential Portable Recorder is a solid choice for anyone seeking a versatile 4-track recorder, especially musicians and podcasters who need to capture high-quality audio on the go. One of its standout features is the impressive recording quality of 32-bit/96kHz, which ensures clear and detailed sound. The built-in XY stereo microphones are great for capturing ambient sounds and vocals without needing additional equipment. With the capability to record 4 tracks simultaneously, it allows for more complex audio layering, making it suitable for music production and interviews alike.

This recorder also scores points for its portability; weighing just 8.6 ounces and measuring 7.87 x 3.9 x 1.8 inches, it’s easy to carry around, making it ideal for field recordings or studio sessions. The Bluetooth control feature is another modern touch, allowing you to operate the recorder remotely, which can be particularly useful in various recording scenarios.

However, it's important to consider a few drawbacks. While the built-in speaker is a nice addition, it may not provide the best audio fidelity for critical listening. Additionally, some users might find the learning curve a bit steep if they're not familiar with audio recording equipment. While it offers several inputs and outputs, including 2 XLR/TRS inputs, it may not be enough for those needing extensive connectivity options.

The TASCAM Mixcast 4 is a solid choice if you're looking to create podcasts, live streams, or voice-over content with ease. It offers four XLR/TRS mic inputs, which means you can connect multiple professional microphones at once, a key feature for group recordings. With 14-track recording directly to an SD card, it gives plenty of flexibility to capture and mix multiple audio sources without needing a computer during recording. The built-in Bluetooth and Aux inputs make it easy to include phone calls or external audio, which is handy for interviews or adding background music.

The touch screen and dedicated sound pads simplify controlling effects and jingles live, helping to enhance your production without technical hassle. Plus, each microphone has its own headphone output, so all participants can monitor their sound individually—great for group podcasts. The included TASCAM Podcast Editor software allows for straightforward post-editing, making it easier to polish your recordings after the fact.

The Mixcast 4 is a bit on the heavier side for a portable device at about 5.6 pounds, so it’s better suited for home studio or fixed setups rather than on-the-go podcasting. It relies on being plugged in, so battery-powered use is limited. While its recording quality is good for podcasting standards, it may not match the depth and clarity demanded by high-end music production. Also, its USB 2.0 connection is not the fastest but remains reliable for its purpose. This makes the TASCAM Mixcast 4 especially well-suited for podcasters and streamers who want an all-in-one, easy-to-use mixer and recorder with versatile input options and creative live control features. It balances functionality and user-friendliness, although its weight and power needs may limit true portability.

The Zoom PodTrak P4 bundle is a solid choice for anyone looking to start or upgrade a 4-person podcast setup. It offers good recording quality with dedicated podcast mics and supports four separate headphone mixes, which ensures each person hears the right audio levels clearly. Inputs are versatile—you can plug in smartphones or computers for remote call-ins, even simultaneously, making it convenient for interviews or panel discussions. The option to add a Bluetooth receiver for wireless call-ins adds flexibility.

With 32GB of built-in storage and about 17 hours of recording time on 2 AA batteries, it’s quite portable and should handle most podcast sessions without needing frequent battery changes or extra storage. The kit includes everything you need to get started: microphones, headphones, stands, cables, and windscreens, which is a big plus for beginners or those wanting an all-in-one package.

One drawback is that the device relies on AA batteries rather than rechargeable ones, which could add recurring costs and inconvenience over time. Also, at nearly 14 pounds total, it’s not ultra-lightweight, so while portable, it’s more suited for semi-permanent setups rather than on-the-go recording. The built-in features like echo-free call handling and independent headphone mixes show thoughtful design tailored for podcasting. The controls are straightforward and aimed at ease of use even if you’re not tech-savvy. This kit is well suited for people wanting a hassle-free multitrack recorder system specifically for small group podcasts, but casual or solo podcasters might find it more gear than necessary.