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Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

BH #ZOH4NPROE • MFR #H4ESSENTIAL
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Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
Key Features
  • Portable, Intuitive Audio Recorder
  • Musicians, Content Creators & Podcasters
  • 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
  • Onboard X/Y Mics Handle up to 130 dB
Ideally equipped for the burgeoning musician, indie filmmaker, and content creator, the H4essential Portable Recorder from Zoom offers four tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and X/Y mics that can handle 130 dB with ease, the H4essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.
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Zoom H4 essential Overview

Ideally equipped for the burgeoning musician, indie filmmaker, and content creator, the H4essential Portable Recorder from Zoom offers four tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and X/Y mics that can handle 130 dB with ease, the H4essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.

The dual XLR-1/4" combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps and sport +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2" color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time. The H4essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 4-in / 2-out interface. Furthermore, the recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.

Equipped with Accessibility Options
The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
Special Features
More Dynamic Range
With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H4essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high quality, clip-free audio in every take.
Ultraclean Preamps
The two XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.
Audio Interface Capability
Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H4essential can be used as a 4-in / 2-out audio interface.
Mix, Monitor, and Record
Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level. It also has a waveform display, so you can see your audio as it records.
For Content Creators
Musicians
The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With two XLR-1/4" TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones, it's easy to record live shows, rehearsals, and songs.
Filmmakers
The XLR inputs can be used to capture location sound including on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.
Podcasters
Podcasters can use the H4essential's XLR inputs with external mics for one-on-one conversations and the X/Y mics for interviews on the go.
Optional Connections
Pair with Your iOS Device
Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
Bluetooth Timecode Sync
With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
Small Package, Big Features
Soft-Touch Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.
Built-In Speaker
You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to a 250mW output.
In and Out
Use the 3.5mm line output for headphones or to connect to a camera. The H4essential also features a 3.5mm mic/line input.
Brilliant Color Display
The vivid full-color 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential's menu and functions.
High-Capacity Storage
The H4essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
Long Battery Life
Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on just two AA batteries, the H4Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.

Zoom H4 essential Specs

Portable Recorder
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting
Number of Tracks
4
Number of Input Channels
5 (3 x Mono, 1 x Stereo)
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Microphone
Built-In Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration
Number of Microphone Inputs
3
Built-In Speaker
Yes, 1 W Mono
Display
2" / 5.1 cm Monochrome OLED
Memory Card Support
microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)
Internal Storage
No
Special Features
Overdubbing
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Bit Depth
Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point)
Timecode Support
No
Included Software
No
Connectivity
Analog I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone/Line Output
Digital I/O
No
Phantom Power
+48 V
Phantom Power Current
10 mA (Max)
System Connection
1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Wireless
Bluetooth
*Via Optional Adapter
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: iOS Only
App Name: H4essntial Control App
Functionality: Remote Control
Performance
Max Input Level
Mic Inputs:
+4 dBu
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance
Outputs:
≤15 Kilohms
Microphone Sensitivity
-43 dB (X/Y)
Microphone Max SPL
130 dB SPL (X/Y)
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AA
Approximate Battery Life
9 Hours (AA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
14 Hours (AA NiMH, Recording, Built-In Mic)
20 Hours (AA Lithium, Recording, Built-In Mic)
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
Physical
Included Accessories
No
Dimensions
2.6 x 1.5 x 6.1" / 6.7 x 3.8 x 15.6 cm
Weight
8 oz / 226 g (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.665 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.9 x 4.7 x 1.8"

Zoom H4 essential Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Can I power Olympus ME33 mics with the H4E? I ...

Can I power Olympus ME33 mics with the H4E? I know the H1N can power 6 of the ME33s with its 2.5 of plug-in power. Will the H4E?
Asked by: Kathleen
Yes, the Olympus ME-33 Boundary Microphones can be connected to the 3.5mm input on the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder. The H4e will supply plug-in power for up to 6 mics when daisy-chained in the same manner as with the Zoom H1n Portable Handy Recorder.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2024-05-08

Does H4 Essential start faster compare to H4n ...

Does H4 Essential start faster compare to H4n Pro? Because H4n Pro is very slow especially with larger memory card and many file
Asked by: Sargon
In my experience, yes the Essential variant is ready to go much faster then the original.
Answered by: James
Date published: 2024-09-22

Just confirming, does this support up to 4 ...

Just confirming, does this support up to 4 channel multitrack recording?
Asked by: Johnathon
Yes, In addition to input from the built-in XY mic, the H4essential also has inputs 1 and 2 as well as a MIC/LINE IN jack that supports plug-in power. These can be used together to input up to 4 channels.
Answered by: Simon O
Date published: 2024-05-01

Does the sm7b mic work well with this recorder?

Does the sm7b mic work well with this recorder?
Asked by: Jim
Yes, the Zoom H4 essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can handle low-output microphones like the Shure SM7B without issues.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2024-11-21

Can the Mix track be disabled? I don't want that ...

Can the Mix track be disabled? I don't want that recorded.
Asked by: James
Yes. When connecting the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder to a computer and setting the recorder for use and an audio interface, you have the option of setting the output to "Multi track" or "Stereo Mix." When set to "Multi track," you will have the individual tracks instead of the Mix track going to the computer.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2024-09-22

How much record time do you get with a 256 GB ...

How much record time do you get with a 256 GB microSDSX card?
Asked by: Gene
32-bit float audio files do take up about 33% more storage than 24-bit files; using a 256GB microSDXC card with the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder will provide you with approximately 85 hours of recording time.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-08-22

Can the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mic/line input be used ...

Can the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mic/line input be used simultaneously with the two xlr inputs? (IE: with a Rode Wireless Go II kit)
Asked by: Adam
Yes, the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can be set to 4-track mode, which enables the use of both its 3.5mm stereo mic input and both combo jack inputs at the same time.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-07-21

Input for a remote control like the H4N? Looks to ...

Input for a remote control like the H4N? Looks to be missing the port. If not, I'm saddened.
Asked by: VTC
Oh goody. Let's introduce cumbersome fumbling into the equation of simple recording. As it is now with the wired remote connected to the H4N or H6N hanging off my bag I can instantly begin recording. Any phone app has me digging through screens to get things going handicapping the capture some ten seconds plus. Future OS updates my render the 'phone remote' method irrelevant not to mention eventual abandonware of the app no longer being supported. Companies need to stop this fascination of controlling every simple solution with a complicated and unnecessary mobile phone approach. Yep, I be sad now.
Answered by: VTC
Date published: 2024-09-22
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