PortCaster
BroadCAST MIXER + RECORDER
4-input Mixer and Streaming Audio Interface with Recorder, Phone Patch and Mix-minus feature. Create professional podcasts with call-in guests, or stream live from anywhere. Upgrade the sound quality with boutique mic preamps and more!
Broadcast With Remote Guests
PortCaster is a mobile audio interface for Podcasting, Live streaming and Videos. With this handheld, portable mixer you can host your own show, adding music and guests. PortCaster is easy to use and durable, which saves you time and money. Featuring warm, analog sound and an 8-hour rechargeable battery, PortCaster makes you sound clear and lets you Broadcast from Anywhere!
Our new Jasmine™ mic preamps feature 65dB of low-noise gain and support all professional mics. Featuring analog limiters, mix-minus with a phone patch for remote guests, optional SD recorder, mono blend for streaming, and much more, PortCaster liberates your creative process, allowing you to work anywhere!
Famous Musicians use our products to record album tracks. Top Voice-over actors use them to record on-air spots and promos. Radio journalists use them for interviews. Houses of Worship use them to stream services on social media. Podcasters use them to record all over the world. Get PortCaster today, you’ll love it or your money back!
STORYTELLING
WEB MEETING
LIVE STREAMING
WORSHIP SERVICE
OUR Artists / ENdorsers
Bruce Wawrzyniak, Podcaster, NHTE
George Clinton, P-Funk
DonLewis, Synth Pioneer
Jermaine Bryson, Kool and the Gang
Michael Moritz, Broadway Producer
Matthew Whittaker, PIano Prodigy
Jake Morelli, Guitarist, QUINCY JONES, ED SHEERAN, BRUNO MARS, THE ROOTS
Vaughn Wilson, PRODUCER, George Clinton, P-Funk, Def Jam
Paul Boutin, Grammy® award-winning recording engineer, Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds
Vince Melamed, Keyboardist, Dylan, Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Bobby Womack, others
Larry Mitchell, Guitarist, Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek
Bluey, Founder, Incognito
Tommy Coster, Producer, Eminem, 50 Cent
Denny Fongheiser, Percussionist, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Seal
Chandler Lawn, Songwriter
CJ Vanston (r), Producer, TOTO, Spinal Tap, Joe Cocker
Mark Egan, Bassist, Pat Metheny, Gil Evans
Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater
Charlie Hunter, Guitarist, Bandleader
Kenneth James Gibson, Producer, Bell Gardens (band), solo artist, Ambient, Americana
Michael League, Founder, Snarky Puppy
Scott Thunes, Bassist, Frank Zappa
Marcus Baylor, Drummer, Yellowjackets
Will Lee, Bassist, Fab Faux, David Letterman
Sammy Figueroa (r), Percussion, Miles Davis
Jauqo III X, Bassist, Ornette Coleman, Bernard Purdie, Jamaladeen Tacuma,
Peter James, Keyboardist, Synth programmer
Vuyani Wakaba, Bassist
MAIN FEATURES
Discrete Mic Preamps
Sound quality starts with the Mic preamps. The improved version of our acclaimed Jasmine™ Mic Preamp features a custom, discrete transistor differential input stage. 65 dB of clean, low-noise gain makes it easy to use any condenser or dynamic microphone, including SM7B, RE20, etc.
Dual Optical Limiters
To help better control recording levels, PortCaster features independent, soft-knee optical limiters for both Host and Guest, for a truly professional sound. Analog photovoltaic limiters are superior to their digital counterparts, as they can subtly catch the audio peaks early, preventing nasty digital clipping.
Dual Optical Limiters
To help better control recording levels, PortCaster features independent, soft-knee optical limiters for both Host and Guest, for a truly professional sound. Analog photovoltaic limiters are superior to their digital counterparts, as they can subtly catch the audio peaks early, preventing nasty digital clipping.
Mix-minus for call-ins
Mix-minus is a feature used by radio stations to add call-in guests to the program. Mix-minus prevents annoying audio feedback from traveling back to the caller through the phone line. With PortCaster you can have call-in guests, too! Mix-minus is included. Just connect your phone, and dial up your guest! Or use it as a phone patch during your VO session.
Streaming Mono Blend
Some streaming services don’t offer Stereo sound. No problem! PortCaster’s convenient mono blend knob (Insta-MONO) can combine both input channels, so that your audience on Instagram, Facebook Live, Webex, Zoom, etc., can hear both participants. Even stereo music or sound effects on Aux 3/4 can be mixed down to mono, if needed.
Streaming Mono Blend
Some streaming services don’t offer Stereo sound. No problem! PortCaster’s convenient mono blend knob (Insta-MONO) can combine both input channels, so that your audience on Instagram, Facebook Live, Webex, Zoom, etc., can hear both participants. Even stereo music or sound effects on Aux 3/4 can be mixed down to mono, if needed.
Ultimate Mobile Recorder
PortCaster likes to be outside. We designed its battery system to offer reliable service in the field. The case is made from lightweight aluminum and the tactile controls make adjustments quick and easy. The built-in SD recorder, combined with our custom XY stereo mics turns PortCaster into a professional, high-quality mobile recorder.
Vocal Samples
Female Voiceover: April Watts, Marni Frantz, Bobbin Beam
Male Voiceover: Harry Legg, Tony Daniels, Ahmed Aldjonaid
Podcast: Now Hear This Entertainment, top 2% downloaded podcast
These artists’ opinions came unsolicited. CEntrance didn’t take part in writing the endorsements. You will hear endorsements for PortCaster, MixerFace, and MicPort Pro. These products have the same professional sound quality, and differ by the number of channels.
Product Details
Your Smartphone is your Studio
Your smartphone is an amazing audio production tool. Many apps let you edit, produce, and then upload your audio online in minutes. But how do you get quality audio into your phone in the first place? Now it’s simple! Set the PortCaster on your coffee table, connect a mic and the phone, start your favorite recording app and you’re recording — it’s that easy! Have a particular vocal mic that suits your voice? No problem. PortCaster offers 48V phantom power to accommodate any dynamic or condenser mic. The custom designed Jasmine™ Mic preamps deliver a world-class signal, designed to capture every nuance of the performance. PortCaster is a professional Mobile Recording Interface. It delivers broadcast-level audio quality and is used worldwide by radio stations, professional musicians, podcasters, life streamers and youtubers.
Improve audio quality on the go
This hand-held recording marvel packs a number of features previously available only in high-end studio interfaces, into an ideal form-factor for traveling audio professionals. PortCaster packs two boutique mic preamps with LED level monitoring, 48V phantom power, Dual Independent Limiters, Mono blend, USB blend, and more, into a handheld device the size of a passport! Our exclusive hybrid power system lets you run the unit off the internal rechargeable battery OR from the wall outlet (R4M, R4D models). By transforming your smartphone into a portable recording studio PortCaster creates an end-to-end mobile recording solution for journalists, podcasters, voiceover artists, and videographers — anyone who records on the go.
Easy and intuitive operation
PortCaster has two Neutrik™ input jacks, which accommodate professional microphones and one TRRS input jack for connecting a cell phone. Now you can easily add remote guests to your podcast. Simply dial them up and PortCaster will do the rest. Its analog Mix-minus circuitry will make sure the guest hears the entire podcast with the exception of their own voice. This prevents annyoing feedback from traveling down the phone line and it’s how big radio stations arrange call-in guests. With PortCaster, you can do this too! PortCaster is also a versatile mixer. It has an Auxiliary stereo input that allows you to effortlessly add background music or sound effects to your podcast. PortCaster can connect to a camera via its stereo line output. The top panel gives you easy access to all of the adjustments, using familiar analog pots. No searching through menu pages to find the right adjustment — quick and easy controls are always at your fingertips.
Recording
- Record to: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, laptops, phones and tablets
- Live stream to most social media platforms and conferencing applications
- Supported by most smartphone, tablet and computer recording apps
- High Dynamic Range Jasmine Mic Pres™ offer plenty of clean gain
- Clean, true 48V phantom power for using professional condenser mics
- Two Neutrik™ XLR jacks for mic, line or instrument sources
- TRRS input for connecting a phone to add a remote guest to your podcast
- High Pass Filter to cut the wind noise when recording on location
- MONO Blend control to mix your podcast down to MONO for streaming
- Stereo Aux input allows you to add background music or sound effects to your podcast
- VelvetSound™ A-to-D converters record your audio in studio quality
- DSLR-ready line/mic output for a radical improvement in audio quality
Playback
- Adjustable Zero Latency Monitor control for dialing in the perfect mix
- Custom AmpExtreme™ headphone amp offers clarity, detail and volume
- Stereo Line output for flexible monitoring and connecting a DSLR camera
- Great headphone amp for hearing your podcast and guests loudly and clearly
- Works as a mixer for practicing your performance
Overall
- Gets power from any standard, 5V / 2.4A USB charger. No custom power supply needed.
- 8-hour Rechargeable battery for longer sessions without interruptions (R4M and R4D models)
- Internal battery charges from any standard 5V / 2.4A USB charger
- Aircraft-grade aluminum chassis for scratch protection and durability
- Optional SD card recorder simultaneously records to SD-card and the phone (R4D model)
- SD card, phone and outputs are all fed the same stereo mix for redundancy
- Optional pair of XY Stereo microphones offers low noise and flat response
Analog Specs
Phantom power | 48 V, 10 mA max per channel |
Mic Preamplifier Gain | +0 dB…+65 dB |
Mic input impedance | 1 kOhm |
High Pass Filter | 130 Hz, 6 dB/octave roll-off |
Freq. Response | 20 Hz…20 kHz ±0.5 dB |
EIN | -127 dB |
THD+N | 0.004% |
Crosstalk, 1kHz | -95 dB |
Aux 3/4 max input level | 2.2 V rms / +9.2 dBu, rel 0 dB FS |
Line-level output | 1.8 V rms / +7.1 dBu, rel 0 dB FS |
Output Impedance | 1 Ohm (headphone output) |
Headphone output power | 400 mW (total) at 32 Ohm |
Supported Headphones | 16…600 Ohm |
Gain Switch | 46 dB pad (set low to feed DSLR) |
Digital Specs
Resolution, USB | 16-bit, 24-bit |
Sample Rate, USB | 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.2 kHz, 192 kHz |
Clocking | Two custom, mil-spec clocks, 10 ppm precision, 1 ps jitter |
Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Linux, PC. Driver is available for Windows |
USB jacks | USB-C type |
Micro SD Card | Use Class 10 or better, up to 256GB capacity micro SD card |
Recorder specs | Independent of the USB output, internal recorder operates at 24-bit/48kHz |
Recorded files | Stereo WAV files |
General Specs
Mic Preamps | Jasmine™ technology, dual-stage, discrete transistor differential mic preamplifier |
Dual Limiters | Dual, independent, photovoltaic limiter/compressors, with soft-knee transfer function |
Headphone Amp | AmpExtreme™ technology with bipolar power supply |
Power Adapter | Supports standard 5 Volt chargers / adapters with a USB “micro B” cable |
DC Charging | +5 V from USB adapter, such as iPad charger. 2 A or more recommended |
Analog Supplies | Battery-isolated, triple-filtered ±7 V analog power supply rails |
Digital Supplies | Five independent, high-efficiency switch-mode power supplies |
Chassis Material | Aircraft-grade aluminum, hard-anodized for scratch resistance, black |
Rechargeable Battery | Li-Polymer, 8 hours play/record time (varies with phantom-powered mics) |
Unit Dimensions | 121 mm (4.76″) (L), 70 mm (2.76″) (W), 36 mm (1.42″) (H) |
Unit Weight | R4S: 260 grams (9.1 ounces), R4D: 275 grams (9.7 ounces) |
Box Dimensions | 161 mm (6.33″) (L), 111 mm (4.37″) (W), 42 mm (1.65″) (H) |
Box Weight | 455 grams (1 lb) |
Included accessories | Quick Start Guide, Velvet carry pouch, Cable for charging or USB audio. Note: Micro SD Card not included. |
FAQ
0) What’s the difference between PortCaster, CourtCaster and MixerFace?
A: Quite simply, MixerFace is for Music and PortCaster is for Voice. MixerFace has such musician-friendly features as High Impedance inputs (DI for guitar/bass), Balanced Outputs for connecting Studio monitors, etc. PortCaster on the other hand, offers limiters, Phone patch, Mix-minus, and other broadcast-friendly features. CourtCaster is very similar to PortCaster. It adds the ability to record both sides of the Zoom call.
1) Q: What capacity SD card can be used with PortCaster?
A: We have tested micro SD cards with up to 256GB capacity with no issues.
Tip: Format the card using the PortCaster formatting procedure to ensure most reliable results.
2) Q: How do I speed up file transfer from SD card to the computer?
A: For fastest transfer speeds, insert SD card into your computer and perform a copy operation.
3) Q: Pressing Record button results in flashing orange LED. What is wrong with my SD card?
A: Use SD Card formatting procedure described in the Quick Start Guide to properly format the card for operation.
4) Q: Can I use a power bank to charge PortCaster? If so, what would be the requirements of this power bank?
A: Yes. You can use any power bank with USB output — size is not important as long as it’s above 5000 mAh. Most power banks are above 10,000 mAh these days.
5) Q: My PortCaster isn’t charging / My PortCaster is not recognized by my USB device
A: Check that you are connecting PortCaster via the correct USB port. There are two USB ports on the device. One for charging (lightning bolt symbol) and one for USB audio connection (the USB symbol).
6) Q: Can you record to a USB device and the built-in SD card recorder at the same time?
A: Yes. PortCaster offers the ability to record to both places at the same time. They are completely independent for safety and redundancy.
7) Q: Can the sample rate of the built-in SD card recorder be changed?
A: Recordings made to the SD card recorder are fixed at 24bit/48kHz, which is a broadcast standard. Recorder produces Stereo WAV Files.
8) Q: What sample rates does PortCaster support via USB?
A: Via USB, PortCaster supports the following sampling rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz & 192 kHz.
9) Q: What is the SIM tool for?
A: The SIM card extractor tool included with your PortCaster is for accessing the recessed switches on your unit. Use it to turn on 48V phantom power, or activate the high pass filter, for example. Switches are recessed to avoid accidental adjustment.
10) Q: Does PortCaster have an app?
A: PortCaster doesn’t need an app. It’s simple to use and can be operated entirely from its front panel. Use it with any app you want.
Examples of 3-rd party recording apps include: Audio Evolution (iOS/Android), Auria Pro (iOS), Garageband (iOS), Field Recorder (Android) and Twisted Wave (iOS).
11) Q: Will PortCaster work with Android device?
A: Most Android devices 3 years old or newer should work fine. The phone must support USB audio (not just charging). If your phone has USB C ports, this usually means that the phone is newer and should work. We recommend flagship phone models that support external USB audio devices. The following site has a good list of phones known to support USB audio devices:
http://www.extreamsd.com/index.php/technology/usb-audio-driver (scroll down to “Supported Android devices”)
12) Q: Does PortCaster take power from the connected Android phone?
A: No, PortCaster does not draw any power from the connected phone, which lets the phone’s battery run longer. PortCaster has a separate USB-C jack for connecting power, if needed.
13) Q: May I leave PortCaster permanently plugged in to the charger?
A: Yes. PortCaster may be permanently plugged in to a USB charger, or a computer’s USB port. PortCaster will top off the internal battery every once in a while, but otherwise will consume very little power when turned OFF.
14) Q: With Windows 7 and 10, Playback works, but recording doesn’t work. OR: My app does not work with PortCaster.
A: Recording and Playback sample rates must match. Open Windows Sound Control Panel. In the Advanced settings, set format to 24-bit with your desired sample rate for playback settings and select identical values for recording settings. Here is a tech note that describes this in detail: https://centrance.com/mixerface-with-windows-sample-rate-settings/. It is written for MixerFace, but also applies to PortCaster.
15) Q: To hear myself clearly on playback I have to turn the monitor all the way to the max.
A: Find the knob labelled CH <-> USB in the middle of the channel strip. This is the “blend” control and it lets you adjust the mix between your voice and the sound coming from the computer. Turn that knob counter-clockwise to get more microphone in the headphones. Turn it clockwise to hear more USB return signal. Return signal is useful when you are narrating over background music, listening to a producer cue on a remote broadcast, etc. Also, turn the blend knob to the USB side when you want to hear playback of something you just recorded.
16) Q: Does Skype work with PortCaster?
A: Skype supports external audio interfaces on Mac and Windows and works with PortCaster. However, Skype does not support external audio interfaces under iOS. This is due to US privacy laws around recording telephone conversations. So Skype doesn’t presently work with PortCaster on iOS.
We have verified that Zoom conferencing for iOS does support external audio devices, so PortCaster works well with Zoom online conferencing on iPhone, iPad, etc.
Compatible Apps
We have tested these recording apps successfully with PortCaster and they worked well. However, please note that since these apps come from third party vendors, we cannot provide support for them.
- Audio Evolution (iOS/Android)
- Auria Pro (iOS)
- BandLab (iOS/Android)
- BeatMaker 3 (iOS)
- Cubasis (iOS)
- Field Recorder (Android)
- FL Studio Mobile (iOS)
- Garage Band (iOS)
- Luci Live (iOS/Android)
- N-Track (iOS/Android)
- Tieline Report-IT (iOS/Android)
- Twisted Wave (iOS)