If you only record remotely, you may not require a portable digital recorder, but it does add a lot of flexibility and the ability to record with a co-host.

Zoom recently released this, their newest recorder, specifically created for podcasting. The great news is that is very affordable (compared to previous models like the Zoom H6), has quality pre-amps and can accomodate 4 XLR inputs, so it really is a podcast studio in a box.

It also features "mix minus": new podcasters may not know what that is is, but this is an important feature: Echo cancellation on Zoom, Skype or other live streaming calls where you have guests that otherwise would hear a bothersome echo.

Another important feature for creating pristine audio when recording in-studio guests is to make sure that everyone wears headphones — and the fact that this device has 4 separate headphone out jacks makes that easy. These are advanced features for the price, usually found only on much more expensive mixing consoles.

Other specs include:

- 4 high quality microphone inputs with phantom power

- 4 headphone outputs with individual volume control

- 4 programable Sound Pads + multi-track recording for all inputs and Sound Pads

- Automatic Mix-Minus for call-in phone interviews + remote interviews via TRRS jack and USB Audio Interface mode

- Up to 3.5 hours on 2 AA batteries