The Zoom H4n Handy Recorder picks up where the H4 left off and adds additional features to an already popular audio recorder. Ideal for recording interviews, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, and more, this palm-sized unit packs the ability to record up to 4 channels of audio at greater than CD quality.
The H4n features onboard true X/Y stereo microphones to pick up clear, natural sound without phase shifting. The mics can be rotated to select a 90° or 120° recording pattern for terrific versatility. The digitally-controlled preamp, combined with the high-quality microphones, allows you to capture Linear PCM audio at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. The recorder captures audio to SD or SDHC cards with capacities up to 32GB. A USB 2.0 port allows you to quickly transfer files to a Mac or PC, or use the H4n as a live audio interface.
For connecting your own microphones or instruments, the H4n features XLR/TRS combo input jacks with phantom capability. A 3.5mm line output is provided, and a reference speaker is built-in for quickly reviewing your recordings. The unit operates on a pair of standard AA batteries, and features a Stamina mode to provide up to 11 hours of continuous recording at 16-bit/44.1kHz.
Other useful features of the H4n include variable playback speed, automatic and pre-record functions, a low-cut filter and limiter for improving the sound quality of recordings, time stamping, a metronome and tuner, and more. The backlit LCD screen and intuitive controls are easy to use, even for the recording novice. A collection of accessories are included so you can start recording right out of the box.
| Type | Hand-held multi-track stereo SD card recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods |
SD/SDHC card (up to 32GB, 2GB included) USB connection to PC/Mac |
| Recording Bit Rate |
WAV: 16 and 24-bit MP3: 48 to 320kbps |
| Sampling Frequency |
WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz MP3 - 44.1/48kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 or 4, depending on mode |
| Recording Time |
All times are for a 1GB memory card Stereo Mode: MP3: 17 hours 21 mins (128kbps), 6 hours 56 mins (320kbps) WAV: 1 hour 34 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 1 hour 26 mins (16-bit/48kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/96kHz) 4-Channel Mode: WAV: 47 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/48kHz) MTR Mode: WAV: 3 hours 8 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz) |
| AD/DA Conversion | 24-bit, 128x oversampling |
| Signal Processing | 32-bit |
| Phantom Power | 48V, 24V, off |
| Inputs |
2 x XLR/TRS combo inputs (balanced, unbalanced) 1 x 3.5mm mic input 2 x Built-in condenser microphones 1 x USB 2.0 port |
| Output |
1 x 3.5mm mini stereo headphone/line out jack 1 x USB 2.0 port (same as input) |
| Power |
2 x AA or LR6 batteries AC wall power USB bus power |
| Battery Life | Approx 6 hours (normal) or 11 hours (stamina mode) |
| Display | 128 x 64 pixel 1.9" backlit LCD |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.75 x 6.1 x 1.4" (70 x 156 x 35mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 oz (280g) (without batteries) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Wow - A professional study in my hand!
I just purchased the new Zoom H4n handheld recorder....upgraded from my old but trusty Zoom PS-04 I've had for 5 years. I do most of my recording on my computer these ...Read complete review
I just purchased the new Zoom H4n handheld recorder....upgraded from my old but trusty Zoom PS-04 I've had for 5 years. I do most of my recording on my computer these days, but I do like to do on-location recordings and capture tracks at other musicians' homes with a handheld unit. This is what I'll use to record bands and my whistling is those great spaces I find in my search for that perfect place.
General:
This device is impressive. It's like a Swiss-Army knife of handheld digital recorders. I've never seen anything with so many options to record with in such a small package. It's not really pocket-sized, so if you looking for a unit to capture spontaneous recordings, you'd be better off with one of the smaller options (Sony PCM-M10 or Edirol R-09HR are examples and are at the same $300 street price point).
I was concerned before I bought it that it might not be as rugged as I'd like. The PS-04 was not built to last, but the H4n seems quiet well-constructed. It has a metal frame but the stereo mics are not protected as with the Sony PCM-D50 for example). I purchased an additional SKB foam-lined case for transporting, so it's up to me not to drop it on the mics when I'm using it.
Modes of recording:
The flexibly here is one of the major reasons I selected the H4n. Besides the built-in stereo recording (std. Left & Right stereo), it has a 4-mic surround mode (with extra mics you provide), individual multi-track mono recording...and combinations of stereo and mono. The two phantom-powered XLR mic inputs put it in a class of much more expensive units (such as the Marantz PMD661 at twice the price). This allows me to use my really nice mics if I find the need. Of course, carrying lots of extra pieces defeats the idea of a small, portible solution, but I can get everything I need including an extra mic into the SKB case. The H4n can be used as a computer interface and even comes with Cubase LE software....they've thought of everything.
Ease-Of-Use:
One thing to worry about in any device or software with so many options is whether they get in the way of simplicity. At first I thought this was the case with the H4n, but it's quite simple to do a basic recording using the stereo mics, which are the default input option:
1 - Turn it on
2 - Press Record button to get in Standby mode(i.e ready to record)
It automatically creates a new file for you.
3 - Press the Play buttpm and start whistling
4- Press the Stop button when you're done
That's not rocket science for sure. If you're only into basic use, then just use the knife and forget about the spoon and nail-clippers on this Swiss Army knife. The good thing is that you'll have to work hard to outgrow the H4n.
Of-course, I had to try things like recording at higher quality settings (96kHz and 24 bits!), using a limiter to avoid too high volume, and other options. These aren't hard to do, but I did have to refer to the manual a few times. BTW - The manual is pretty instructive with lots of pictures.
The coolest thing is that you can perform any configuration setting using just two controls - the Menu button and the Selection Wheel. The Selection Wheel not only controls scrolling thru menus (upwards/return) it also has a Press function to select sub-menus or specific settings. If you're right-handed, you can navigate the menues with only your thumb....that's nice. Sorry, I don't think they make a left-handed model, so more more fingers are required for you lefties.
The screen is a nice and bright back-lit LCD display which is easy to read. The system tries to conserve battery power, so it'll turn the background lighting off if you aren't interacting with it for a few seconds (also configurable), but that's a good thing. I'm using rechargeable NiMH AAs and I'll be studying how long they really last - never trust the documentation this spec...and carry extra batteries. The H4n ships with an AC adapter, but batteries reduce the chance that someone trips over the power cable and destroys the H4n.
Sound Quality:
I've only experimented with the built-in stereo mics at highest quality settings. I bought an extra 8GB SD card so I wouldn't have to worry about running out of space in a single session using the best quality. In summary, the stereo mics sounded pretty good for an ambient recording of whistling in my bathroom. I found that the 120 degree angle was slightly more open sounding (i.e. more room in the sound) than the 90 degree angle for the stereo mics.
The one down side of using the built-in mics is that they do pick-up any touching of the unit. This isn't a problem if you're recording a band for a long period of time, but you need to remember not to press the Stop or Pause buttons (or even brush the unit) until what you want to record has passed. This is why I bought the optional remote....I can do the basic recording functions from a distance. I also bought a more robust mic/tripod adapter even though a basic plastic one ships with the H4n.
The built-in speaker is adequate to reassure yourself you've recorded something, but I found that the frequency-response can't handle my higher whistling notes without distorting. At first, I was worried that the recordings were distorted, but with headphones I was able to find them to be OK. I recommend using good headphones so you can tell if the recordings are good...clear, enough level, no distortion etc.
Bottom Line:
I'm impressed so far with the H4n. Time will tell if it really is a "professional" device that works for recording my whistling. I haven't tested the XLR inputs and associated preamps. The preamps on the PS-04 were not very good for whistling, but I made good recordings using the Line input which bypasses the preamps (just need an external preamp - more pieces to haul!). The H4n does not have a Line-level input jack...so I will live and die by the quality of the built-in preamps.
Ciao!
FrancescoB - The Jazz Whistler
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Most Liked Negative Review
More than disappointment
I rated this product as I did at 2 stars because of a complex of draw backs and cons which prevented me from hailing this unit and praising it as I hoped I would be ...Read complete review
I rated this product as I did at 2 stars because of a complex of draw backs and cons which prevented me from hailing this unit and praising it as I hoped I would be able to. Let us see why step by step but first let me assure you that I am not one of those negative people who has generally negative outlook at life and whom it is virtually impossible to please. I rated other things very high and in some cases gave other products on other sites the highest ratings too. I am a videographer and purchased this unit in hopes to get professional grade sound for my videos. Reasoning was its compact size combined with ability to record at 24bit/96kHz as well as XLR inputs which are critical to me. I intended to use this unit as a backdrop environment sound for back channels in 5.1 or as a backup for main sound pattern in some cases.I will start with topmost star rating of 5 as permitted on this site and go from there. I will explain each problem that Zoom H4n exposes and subtract corresponding value for each.First thing first: the sound quality. While built-in microphones provide sufficient sound clarity and recording at 24/96 produces sufficient frequency spectrum, the level of self-noise is simply overwhelming to me. Do not be confused although, it is not overly loud for most consumer-related needs and will probably work quite well for most of the tasks which all other reviewers here seem to mention, but in my case the expected result is compared to a production level and it does not withstand even moderate criticism. I was able to get by only when I hooked up one of my studio mics (Audiotechnica 4033 to be specific) via phantom-powered XLR inputs, recorded voice-over narrations this way and then used software on my PC to apply noise gate at -40dB followed by voice compressor. Then only my recordings became more or less acceptable in quality for production. Forget "perfect" as many people here say and I am not even talking about decent, the quality reached mere acceptable status: the noise, removed from the pauses between speeches was still layered over the voice and you could hear it quite distinctively. To be fair although, many people may not notice it because they listen to the text and their attention is usually drawn to the context but since my job was making it sound right, I was paying attention to the sound itself and I could hear every flaw loud and clear while computer signal analysis visualizes the noise for me.I decided to give it another try and attempted to record something which is quite hard to capture very clearly: a cat purr. This time I used built-in mics and chased my little kitty when she was purring in gratitude for food. I shoved this thing right in her face which made my pet scared for a while but eventually the job was done. Imagine my frustration when I looked at my sound in Sound Forge and heard it in my speakers. Forget computer hardware issues, I have highest quality 24 and 32 bit processing sound card and excellent sound system and I look at the sound in analyzer rather than relying on cheap speakers as many do. My recording went straight to trash. The job wasn't handled at all.Again, if you are nothing more than an average person who never heard of 24bit DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD and spent no more than $1000 for your home sound system or do not work in audio/video production, you have nothing to worry about: you may not notice any issues with noise. But if you are a professional who needs quality above all, be forewarned. For this very significant and probably most critical issue with Zoom H4n I am taking one star off of the highest available rating. This is quite moderate subtraction in my opinion by the way. So far we are at 4 stars.Next, it allows 24bit at 96kHz recording in Mono and Stereo mode only. For 4 channel recording you are limited to 24bit at 48kHz only and if you hoped to use MTR mode, forget 24 bit, you are back to basics and that is 16bit at 44.1kHz only. Too bad, I wish it allowed 24 bit across the board. In my dreams in case with Zoon H4n although. Subtracting one more star and we are at 3 now.Next, Zoom H4n ASIO driver is not meant to work with 64bit operating systems. This means that if you have Vista 64 or Windows 7 64 bit, forget about connecting your Zoom and using included Cubase LE4 directly. Not going to happen. All you can do is get your SD card, copy files via card reader and work with files this way. This also means that all promised native support in inclosed Cubase LE4 is gone. If you wish it worked as promised, get yet one more PC or make you computer multi-boot and install 32bit OS. This means additional draw back which makes me very disappointed. Visit this forum and see what user Guyatone who seems to be working for Zoom Corporation says about not being interested even in making their product 64bit OS compatible: [@]I want to be moderate and I subtract half a star at this time. Therefore we are at 2.5 stars now.Next issue is with included Cubase LE4. While this software is supplied by Steinberg ([@]) rather than Zoom Corporation, it is still sold together with Zoom and therefore becomes part of the deal. As such it affects the general perception of the product and therefore Zoom folks should pay very close attention to this piece as well in order to keep their face up. Unfortunately, there is a huge problem here too. You cannot use CubaseLE4 more than 30 days or 3000 launches without activation but Steinberg's software activation web page does not work. First, you create an account on their site which works ok. Then you are forwarded to a page where you select Cubase LE4 for activation and registration and that's when you get "Error 404: not found page" message. Excuse me? Yes, you bought this product legitimately, you wish to register and activate it and instead you get "404" garbage. I don't know about you but this makes me very mad. Steinberg is yet to fix their issues, I am still not activated yet: we will see how long it would take them to fix their poor design issues. But because I am such a nice and cool guy, I am subtracting another half a star only. And that brings us to 2 stars only.I hoped to sing praises to this unit when I ordered it based on feedback of all other reviewers on this site but after encountering all mentioned above issues I am contemplating on returning my unit for refund. I still need some compact low noise recorder with 24 bit capability and XLR input as Zoom didn't stand up to its reputation.
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Reviewed by 543 customers
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I got this to replace my Zoom H1. I was disappointed with the low XLR input levels. I end up having to use the 1/8" stereo input instead. The unit has some nice features suited for a wide range of applications. It would do well as a stand alone field recorder. I wouldn't recommend it for use with a DSLR though.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
It has really many functions but still is easy to use, captures great quality sound. It's worth every dollar you spend on it.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
works great as an external audio receiver fro my Canon T3i. Now with a wire split, I can use both headphones and a boom at the same time. The volume receiver control is also great for mobile audio recording.
Very disappointed though with its lack of connection to MAC computers. Buy a card reader or you will be out of luck if you have a MAC
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
The H4n is a truly professional grade product. Low noise floor from the amplifiers. Makes my Audio Technica AT897 sound like a dream compared to many other recording devices. Works well from a multitude of sources. Nice case included along with a foam windscreen. Only problem is boot time.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
First and foremost; if you throw down the cash on this recorder, buy a better windscreen also, because the one that comes with it is worthless. There is a company out there that makes third-party windscreens, but you can make one for cheaper by constructing it out of fake fur. If you know how a needle and thread work, go to anyone that sells fabric and buy some fake fur.
The formfactor on this model isn't bad and you feel the quality in its construction. I haven't used the recorder's "Stamina" mode, but I like knowing that at the flip of a switch I can extend the batteries' life. The 96kHz/24bit audio resolution is amazing.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I bought my first H4n a year ago, and right after my PMD670 croaked, got another H4n. Bulletproof, reliable, versatile.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I use the H4n in conjunction with a Canon 5D Mark II. I like it because not only am I able to monitor audio as I record and pass it through onto the 5D II, but the quality is also great. Also, when capturing audio only, the H4n's built in mics do a really nice job. Finally, the number of features such as recording format, etc. really make this a no brainer as far as portable audio recording goes.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
This recorder, from all the other portable recorders in the market is so far the best. The software that controls the recorder is not as new but it does the job. I was waiting for a new release because this H4n is from 2009 and I thought they would release a new one but until today... nothing came up. It's been doing a good job, not perfect, but good!
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
a great product, the quality of recording is very good, although the memory card with which it comes is peqeña, but adding one of greater capacity, really it is very good.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
Coupled with thelLine to microphone attenuation cable, the Zoom H4n is a major upgrade from my Rode shotgun mic. I love the audio options I have available with the two line in inputs. Also, after spending some time with the manual, operating it was a breeze. Well worth the money spent.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
Will be using this toll for film school productions.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I use it with my Canon 7D to record sound. It records very well.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
This is a great mic to use for documentary to production videography work. The onboard mics are great, but the option of 2 xlr inputs is what makes this portable recorder stand out. For environmental sounds or for low key shooting, the onboard mic with a third party windscreen is more than ideal (the included windscreen is not very good at all). This is a must have if you are shooting video on DSLR's. Also has a line out to go into the mic input on most DSLR's. Most DSLR's don't have manual audio controls, so you may have to sync your audio and video in post, or use Magic Lantern to give your camera manual audio control.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
Two things attract me to a product: functions & durability
This portable audio recording doesn't fall short of the two. This is what you need on location if you are a DSLR filmmaker wanting to record pro audio.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
Tested with my Rode NTG-1, Sennheiser ME 64 and ME-2, Octava microphones. All recorded with excellent quality. I did not test how long the +48 v phantom power would last with nimh batteries.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
Used for professional audio on the go. Great package to keep audio organized and can take any input. Tons of settings.
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I am starting to get a bit more serious with my video work--having done photography passionately for a few years now--and I've received the Zoom H4n as an early Christmas gift so that I be able to use it to make a Holiday video when the time will (shortly) come.I have just played with it last night and I find it quite easy to use. I tried a 4-channel recording with an electric guitar plugged in and the internal mics recording voice. You can check out the (unedited) sound quality here: http://vimeo.com/33764067. This haven't been cleaned up a bit in post and there were lots of ambient noises to begin with.I got the H4n with the Pearson Hotshoe Adapter, which allows be to both mount it directly to my camera. I am already amazed by the sound quality for the size and price: this is surely one of the best and most indispensable tools for the serious HDSLR videographer. Just set speed of audio to 99.9% in your favorite editing tool, line up the clapping sound you did before starting your actual recording, and you're on your way!
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
this is the tool u get more than what u paid for...
people already stated so many merits about this tool..
the preamp of the h4n is consider bad for serious users..but those consider "good" one cost more than thousand....so...
I like the size of h4n..the TASCAM DR-100 is bigger..the TASCAM DR-40 is similar to h4n in size..but less feature..so overall I think for under 300 range audio recorder..h4n is best suited for me..
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
I have just bought this product. ALl I have to say is DANG! ive been happy using it almost every day
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Comments about Zoom H4n Handy Mobile 4-Track Recorder:
A must have for any videographer.
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