Although I have only used the The Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder a few times, I like it a lot. The main purpose for purchasing the device is to use it in the video production business to record audio at such things as press conferences, or keynote speakers, whom typically I get a feed from the sound support or simply place the recorder on the podium. Having a continuous audio recording allows me as a photographer, to stop and start the video camera to obtain a variety of shots and angles
of the event without worry of interrupting the audio. Later in post,I download the audio files via firewire of the sound bytes and then lay in the visuals captured with the video camera. Anyone working with a single camera can relate to the value of this technique. The unit is small, lightweight and operates on 2 double AA batteries. The SD discs are rerecordable and with XLR inputs, I can connect it to a mixing console or a external mic, or set it on a podium using the built in stereo mic/s. It will record in a variety of file settings although I prefer the 48K setting. It's inexpensive and very functional.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Zoom H4n Recorder reviews ByRonald S. Wolcott
I've had this recorder for three weeks and have used it to record my school and Army bands in various live and studio settings. I've used the auxillary mics (AudioTechnica 2020 - condensor mics) and found the bass response to be a little weak which could be the mics themselves, but the response from the internal mics throughout the spectrum is terrific. The auxillary mics require a WAV setting. The compression settings make it impossible to have a distorted recording. Stay away from anything that does not have a compressor for recordings that could get very loud.
AA batteries only have about a 4-6 hour life span, but it's far better than an internal rechargable battery that lasts about a year before needing to be replaced to the tune of $60-$100. The feel and look of the unit is the best I've seen and easy to run. The one drawback has been having to go through several screens to delete individual tracks.
AA batteries only have about a 4-6 hour life span, but it's far better than an internal rechargable battery that lasts about a year before needing to be replaced to the tune of $60-$100. The feel and look of the unit is the best I've seen and easy to run. The one drawback has been having to go through several screens to delete individual tracks.
lots of functionality, ok design, but pro-sumer, not pro reviews Bytwark maine
The H4N is a cool little device with lots of functions - especially considering the pricetag.
I would like to bring up some issues that people should be aware of about this device:
1) 96kHz is only available for 2ch recording. In 4ch mode, you can only select up to a 48k/24bit sampling format.This was somewhat of a bummer for a quality-dependent engineer as myself.
2) The device can also be used as a USB microphone/USB audio interface when connected to a computer via the USB cable. (it makes you choose whether you want to connect it as eternal drive to retrieve the recordings or as a standard USB audio device)
In this case, the bandwidth is limited to 48khz/16bit/stereo, conforming to the standard for USB audio devices.
3) The two XLR-inputs have preamps that are comparable to those found on USB audio-interfaces in the same price range - for normal close-miked music, interview recording or high-output mics, this is not as much of a problem, but if you want to capture pristine natural soundscapes or silent sound events and need some gain on the pres, the first thing you hear hissing are the preamps, not the mics you connected.
4) Using external preamps and turning down the somewhat hissy amps of the H4N on the other hand tends to overdrive easily.
The target group that will enjoy this device most are people who record their rehearsals, especially using the built-in mics - also, people making composition sketches using the 4ch multitrack mode that allows overdubbing(!... pretty incredible for such a tiny box for $300)
All the functions sit right on the edge of being "almost pro", yet it isn't completely pristine, not really top notch:
If your priority is top-quality, the bigger recorders such as the Tascam HD-P2 or the Korg MR-1000 or an Oade Bros modded Fostex FR2 are definitely better choices. But that is a whole different pricetag, and does not include any mics whatsoever.
I would like to bring up some issues that people should be aware of about this device:
1) 96kHz is only available for 2ch recording. In 4ch mode, you can only select up to a 48k/24bit sampling format.This was somewhat of a bummer for a quality-dependent engineer as myself.
2) The device can also be used as a USB microphone/USB audio interface when connected to a computer via the USB cable. (it makes you choose whether you want to connect it as eternal drive to retrieve the recordings or as a standard USB audio device)
In this case, the bandwidth is limited to 48khz/16bit/stereo, conforming to the standard for USB audio devices.
3) The two XLR-inputs have preamps that are comparable to those found on USB audio-interfaces in the same price range - for normal close-miked music, interview recording or high-output mics, this is not as much of a problem, but if you want to capture pristine natural soundscapes or silent sound events and need some gain on the pres, the first thing you hear hissing are the preamps, not the mics you connected.
4) Using external preamps and turning down the somewhat hissy amps of the H4N on the other hand tends to overdrive easily.
The target group that will enjoy this device most are people who record their rehearsals, especially using the built-in mics - also, people making composition sketches using the 4ch multitrack mode that allows overdubbing(!... pretty incredible for such a tiny box for $300)
All the functions sit right on the edge of being "almost pro", yet it isn't completely pristine, not really top notch:
If your priority is top-quality, the bigger recorders such as the Tascam HD-P2 or the Korg MR-1000 or an Oade Bros modded Fostex FR2 are definitely better choices. But that is a whole different pricetag, and does not include any mics whatsoever.
Wonderful product...with one exception reviews ByBmcgar
I won't list all of the things I like about the H4n; I agree with the other 5-star reviews as far as the hardware goes. Great unit.
However, the English documentation is awful.
- The language is barely understandable (obviously written by a non-native English speaker, maybe even using a translation engine).
- The graphic elements can be confusing because there are so many that are unnecessary and visually complex and confusing, and examples aren't placed where they belong (lots of useless ink).
- Explanatory text is sparse and hard to find. The index is not only inadequate, but I still haven't figured out how to find the page for any index citations; some sort of weird page referencing convention was used that isn't explained anywhere in the guide. Also, how the page numbering "works" is a mystery to me.
In short, if you need to rely on the guide to find out how to do things with the H4n, or as a reference, be prepared to be confused.
Shame, Zoom, for not having your documentation reviewed by a professional before releasing it!
However, the English documentation is awful.
- The language is barely understandable (obviously written by a non-native English speaker, maybe even using a translation engine).
- The graphic elements can be confusing because there are so many that are unnecessary and visually complex and confusing, and examples aren't placed where they belong (lots of useless ink).
- Explanatory text is sparse and hard to find. The index is not only inadequate, but I still haven't figured out how to find the page for any index citations; some sort of weird page referencing convention was used that isn't explained anywhere in the guide. Also, how the page numbering "works" is a mystery to me.
In short, if you need to rely on the guide to find out how to do things with the H4n, or as a reference, be prepared to be confused.
Shame, Zoom, for not having your documentation reviewed by a professional before releasing it!
Good unit BUT Limiter\Compressor of "limited" use reviews ByJink
First, and importantly as far as I'm concerned, the advertising of a built-in limiter and compressor is misleading. It needs to be understood that these are not analog but digital and come AFTER the A\D converters. You WILL get digital clipping when you submit signal that is too hot. This severely limits the usefulness of these effects and, to me, makes their addition a toy that verges on false advertising.
Secondly, if you use external microphones you should be aware that dynamic mics sm57\58 etc will not provide very satisfactory results due to the high noise floor. Phantom-powered condenser mics ($) do tend to fair much better. Your mileage may vary.
Thirdly, as mentioned in other reviews, the built-in mics are not the quietest and do tend to exacerbate sibilance in my experience.
So, for the H4m, please add ANALOG (pre A\D) compressor\limiter, graphic eq, and noise gates + preamps\built-in mics with a little less noise with the ability to use dynamic mics without penalty.
I should say though that for the price point you sure do get a lot of b-f-t-buck! But the missing\substandard features will cause it to miss the mark for worry-free professional use for some (like myself).
Secondly, if you use external microphones you should be aware that dynamic mics sm57\58 etc will not provide very satisfactory results due to the high noise floor. Phantom-powered condenser mics ($) do tend to fair much better. Your mileage may vary.
Thirdly, as mentioned in other reviews, the built-in mics are not the quietest and do tend to exacerbate sibilance in my experience.
So, for the H4m, please add ANALOG (pre A\D) compressor\limiter, graphic eq, and noise gates + preamps\built-in mics with a little less noise with the ability to use dynamic mics without penalty.
I should say though that for the price point you sure do get a lot of b-f-t-buck! But the missing\substandard features will cause it to miss the mark for worry-free professional use for some (like myself).
Impressive with minor flaws reviews By The Engineer
In looking for a portable handheld recorder for scratch tracks and samples, I weighed the benefits of a few of the handhelds available today and settled on the H4n. The other recorders on my short list were the Edirol R-09 and Sony PCM-D50, and also the H4. So far the H4n hasn't disappointed.
I settled on the Zoom H4n for a couple of reasons:
1) 1/4" and XLR inputs with phantom power - Very handy for throwing a mic on a kick and snare, and the H4n will record those plus the internal condensor simultaneously, which is perfect to get the rest of the drum kit for some quick loop scratch tracks.
2) More geeked out features than the others - They are not needed but still fun to have. The H4n is like the Leatherman of handheld pocket recorders with plenty of built in effects (which sound really good btw), built in 4 track recorder mode, tuners and metronome, playback speed control, MP3 encoder, acts as USB audio interface (both input and output), built in monitor speaker, and more. I also like the little things I'm still discovering, like when I put Ni-MH batteries in and then plugin in the adapter it recharges the batteries.
3) Build - I like the build quality compared to the H4 - Not as nice as the Sony but the thing does feel solid and substantial in your hand. The built in mics are a little exposed without a wire cage on the top like others have, it would probably not be a good thing to drop this unit and have the mics hit first.
4) Cost - This recorder was midrange even with it being brand new. It's less than the Sony and more than the H4 or R-09. I suspect the price will come down a bit when it's been out for a couple months down to where the R-09 is now. For what it has built in it's amazing to be it's as inexpensive as it is.
5) Sound quality - The H4n sounds clean. I believe turning on the built in compressor, or boosting a really weak input signal with a lot of input gain could cause hiss, but for the most part I don't notice any. Usually the noise floor is so low on what I've recorded that it is not audible. Some different mics and setups might have different results, time will tell.
6) Menu and button layout - I really like the way they set this unit up. Very easy to navigate and record with, and does what I want quickly with only a few caveats mentioned below.
7) SD card format - SD cards are cheap and readily available. I don't care so much for the memory sticks the Sony uses.
Now the downsides, maybe all these handheld recorders suffer from similar issues but I'm going to give my first impressions never having used one before and the H4n is the best I have to compare with:
1) Menu system - While easy to navigate, still feels like it could use refining through a firmware update. It feels like it wasn't finished when the product shipped. The fonts look a little like a 5 year old put them together, Zoom could have done better with the screen they put in the H4n. A lot of products like this are rushed to market to meet revenue goals, so hopefully they will get time to take another look at the firmware and make UI improvements. Also the firmware is trying to be a little too fancy with the menus. There is a little expanding box effect that happens when you open a menu, but it ends up just looking like screen artifacts when changing the menus. It would have been better to immediately jump to the menu, it would be faster and would look better.
2) File naming (another UI complaint) - I really wish the firmware gave you the ability to delete a character in a file name. The filename can be edited, but characters can only be added or changed, not deleted. If you use divide alot, the name gets larger and larger but cannot be made smaller. This is a bit annoying when combined with the divide implementation....
3) No divide while recording - there is no divide while recording that I could find. It seems like it would have been very easy to make one of the unused buttons act like a divide when recording. Instead you can set a "mark" (non editabled btw, after one is set it is permament in that wav file). The marks let you easily jump to that point and divide it later, but when it divides the file you end up with an 'A' or a 'B' tacked on to the filename. Now, imagine recording an entire gig or practice with only marks to use to delimit the songs, and then you have to divide them later with the naming scheme and lack of delete character function I mentioned above. What you end up getting is files named something like 'STE-001A.wav', STE-001B.wav', 'STE-001BBBBA.wav', and eventualy 'STE-001BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBA.wav' etc and there's not a lot you can do on the device to fix it since the best you can do is replace the extra characters with spaces so that you end up with a file named something like 'song blah .wav' (you can plug it in as a USB interface later and fix all the filenames in the folders, but not a lot you can do on site except stop and restart recordings versus using "marks").
4) Documentation - I'm not sure what Zoom was thinking here. The documentation looks like it was passed through a translation program without any proof reading before shipping. It is filled with sentences such as "On stereo mode can be made 19 different setting using. WAV & MP3. If you want to change, operate before recording". I get the general intent most of the time but it hurts. Luckily the unit is easy enough to use that you don't have to rely on the documentation too much.
As I see it, the complaints I have are mainly around details of the UI implementation and documentation and relatively minor. All around the unit is great and a lot of fun to use. The sound quality is top notch, and the capabilities of the device are astounding. I would have given it 5 stars if the few UI details had been better thought out and someone had read the documenation. For a great all around handheld recorder with excellent sound quality, lots of features, and a reasonable price, the Zoom unit is going to be very hard to beat.
I settled on the Zoom H4n for a couple of reasons:
1) 1/4" and XLR inputs with phantom power - Very handy for throwing a mic on a kick and snare, and the H4n will record those plus the internal condensor simultaneously, which is perfect to get the rest of the drum kit for some quick loop scratch tracks.
2) More geeked out features than the others - They are not needed but still fun to have. The H4n is like the Leatherman of handheld pocket recorders with plenty of built in effects (which sound really good btw), built in 4 track recorder mode, tuners and metronome, playback speed control, MP3 encoder, acts as USB audio interface (both input and output), built in monitor speaker, and more. I also like the little things I'm still discovering, like when I put Ni-MH batteries in and then plugin in the adapter it recharges the batteries.
3) Build - I like the build quality compared to the H4 - Not as nice as the Sony but the thing does feel solid and substantial in your hand. The built in mics are a little exposed without a wire cage on the top like others have, it would probably not be a good thing to drop this unit and have the mics hit first.
4) Cost - This recorder was midrange even with it being brand new. It's less than the Sony and more than the H4 or R-09. I suspect the price will come down a bit when it's been out for a couple months down to where the R-09 is now. For what it has built in it's amazing to be it's as inexpensive as it is.
5) Sound quality - The H4n sounds clean. I believe turning on the built in compressor, or boosting a really weak input signal with a lot of input gain could cause hiss, but for the most part I don't notice any. Usually the noise floor is so low on what I've recorded that it is not audible. Some different mics and setups might have different results, time will tell.
6) Menu and button layout - I really like the way they set this unit up. Very easy to navigate and record with, and does what I want quickly with only a few caveats mentioned below.
7) SD card format - SD cards are cheap and readily available. I don't care so much for the memory sticks the Sony uses.
Now the downsides, maybe all these handheld recorders suffer from similar issues but I'm going to give my first impressions never having used one before and the H4n is the best I have to compare with:
1) Menu system - While easy to navigate, still feels like it could use refining through a firmware update. It feels like it wasn't finished when the product shipped. The fonts look a little like a 5 year old put them together, Zoom could have done better with the screen they put in the H4n. A lot of products like this are rushed to market to meet revenue goals, so hopefully they will get time to take another look at the firmware and make UI improvements. Also the firmware is trying to be a little too fancy with the menus. There is a little expanding box effect that happens when you open a menu, but it ends up just looking like screen artifacts when changing the menus. It would have been better to immediately jump to the menu, it would be faster and would look better.
2) File naming (another UI complaint) - I really wish the firmware gave you the ability to delete a character in a file name. The filename can be edited, but characters can only be added or changed, not deleted. If you use divide alot, the name gets larger and larger but cannot be made smaller. This is a bit annoying when combined with the divide implementation....
3) No divide while recording - there is no divide while recording that I could find. It seems like it would have been very easy to make one of the unused buttons act like a divide when recording. Instead you can set a "mark" (non editabled btw, after one is set it is permament in that wav file). The marks let you easily jump to that point and divide it later, but when it divides the file you end up with an 'A' or a 'B' tacked on to the filename. Now, imagine recording an entire gig or practice with only marks to use to delimit the songs, and then you have to divide them later with the naming scheme and lack of delete character function I mentioned above. What you end up getting is files named something like 'STE-001A.wav', STE-001B.wav', 'STE-001BBBBA.wav', and eventualy 'STE-001BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBA.wav' etc and there's not a lot you can do on the device to fix it since the best you can do is replace the extra characters with spaces so that you end up with a file named something like 'song blah .wav' (you can plug it in as a USB interface later and fix all the filenames in the folders, but not a lot you can do on site except stop and restart recordings versus using "marks").
4) Documentation - I'm not sure what Zoom was thinking here. The documentation looks like it was passed through a translation program without any proof reading before shipping. It is filled with sentences such as "On stereo mode can be made 19 different setting using. WAV & MP3. If you want to change, operate before recording". I get the general intent most of the time but it hurts. Luckily the unit is easy enough to use that you don't have to rely on the documentation too much.
As I see it, the complaints I have are mainly around details of the UI implementation and documentation and relatively minor. All around the unit is great and a lot of fun to use. The sound quality is top notch, and the capabilities of the device are astounding. I would have given it 5 stars if the few UI details had been better thought out and someone had read the documenation. For a great all around handheld recorder with excellent sound quality, lots of features, and a reasonable price, the Zoom unit is going to be very hard to beat.
Kodak Zi8 + Zoom H4n Audio Test reviews By Oresti Tsonopoulos
After having done a quick video test for the Kodak Zi8, I decided to do something which would focus more on its audio recording capabilities. I also wanted to test the Zoom H4n, a portable flash recorded I recently purchased... so, here I am, killing two birds with one stone.
I setup the Kodak Zi8 about 5 feet from the sound source, which is an upright piano... that's me noodling on it. The Zi8 is mounted on a tripod.
About 15 feet away from the piano, I've setup the Zoom H4n recorder. This unit has an XY stereo microphone built into it. It also has the ability to record two inputs, in the form of XLR or 1/4-inch. So, we'll be hearing the built in XY microphone on the unit as well as a pair of AKG 414s which I positioned above the piano, pointing into the open lid.
"Kodak Zi8 Internal Microphone"
Here we hear the internal microphone on the Zi8. Mono, a bit noisy and perhaps a little too close to the piano to capture a clean sound. In any case, this does the trick for capturing an idea, but definitely doesn't cut it if you're looking for high-quality audio.
"Zoom H4n XY Microphone"
Here the stereo image opens up suddenly. This XY microphone which is built into the unit is capturing a very natural, coincident stereo sound. It's a very reflective room, so you hear that, as the microphone is about 15 feet from the sound source.
"Zoom H4n Pair AKG 414s"
Here we're hearing the pair of AKG 414 microphones pointing into the piano. Because the microphones are very close to the sound source, there is significantly less "room" sound. This would be more suitable for a studio recording, while the XY sound would be more appropriate in perhaps a classical or field recording.
"Zoom H4n Mix of XY + 414s"
Here we have the best of both worlds. We have a blend of the direct signal from the 414s AND some of the room sound from the XY microphone. I believe this is the best overall option in most scenarios.
Finally we return to the Zi8 internal microphone to hear the major difference when using external audio equipment. At under $200, I believe the Zi8 does a great job capturing the visual and at under $300, the Zoom H4n does a remarkable job with the audio
I setup the Kodak Zi8 about 5 feet from the sound source, which is an upright piano... that's me noodling on it. The Zi8 is mounted on a tripod.
About 15 feet away from the piano, I've setup the Zoom H4n recorder. This unit has an XY stereo microphone built into it. It also has the ability to record two inputs, in the form of XLR or 1/4-inch. So, we'll be hearing the built in XY microphone on the unit as well as a pair of AKG 414s which I positioned above the piano, pointing into the open lid.
"Kodak Zi8 Internal Microphone"
Here we hear the internal microphone on the Zi8. Mono, a bit noisy and perhaps a little too close to the piano to capture a clean sound. In any case, this does the trick for capturing an idea, but definitely doesn't cut it if you're looking for high-quality audio.
"Zoom H4n XY Microphone"
Here the stereo image opens up suddenly. This XY microphone which is built into the unit is capturing a very natural, coincident stereo sound. It's a very reflective room, so you hear that, as the microphone is about 15 feet from the sound source.
"Zoom H4n Pair AKG 414s"
Here we're hearing the pair of AKG 414 microphones pointing into the piano. Because the microphones are very close to the sound source, there is significantly less "room" sound. This would be more suitable for a studio recording, while the XY sound would be more appropriate in perhaps a classical or field recording.
"Zoom H4n Mix of XY + 414s"
Here we have the best of both worlds. We have a blend of the direct signal from the 414s AND some of the room sound from the XY microphone. I believe this is the best overall option in most scenarios.
Finally we return to the Zi8 internal microphone to hear the major difference when using external audio equipment. At under $200, I believe the Zi8 does a great job capturing the visual and at under $300, the Zoom H4n does a remarkable job with the audio
One of the best field recorders out therer reviews By Aaron M
Just like the customer above me, I have a fairly early model (serial 2211). I don't imagine them having any revisions or anything, because this unit is really solid. Let me start by saying that this device should not be considered a Mic in its own right. Sure, it has two condenser microphones stuck on top to record in stereo, but I wouldn't use these mics in any studio unless I had nothing better. This unit is for those people who want to record in the field, and be able to capture 4 tracks of audio in a handheld device.
First, the build quality. Obviously Zoom took a lot of criticism to heart from their first H2 and H4 models. The H4n sports a "rubberized" hardshell design that's easy to grip, and seems to stand up well to surface scratches. (Mind you, the rubber texture can attract greasy fingerprints which can get annoying if you're a gadget freak like me). The top of the unit where the mics are is metal. There is some plastic on the unit, but definitely better designed than the previous two recorders from zoom. The buttons are easy to press, and the screen is large, allowing you to see everything you need to very easily.
The poster above me wondered why there was no metal cage protecting the microphones (like the previous H4 had). The answer to this is the switchable pattern on the microphones. Each mic can be twisted and swiveled to change the directionality that the mic pics up. In its native position the mics pic up at a 90 degree angle, giving a pretty good stereo image. But when you twist them, the mics are then a 120 degree angle. This is good for picking up sources that are farther away, or even ambient sounds for a wider stereo image. If there was a metal cage over the mics, you couldn't reach your fingers in to twist them. Overall, I would rather have a switchable pickup pattern, than a protective cage. Just don't drop a $350 recorder.
Second, the packaging. Inside the box, the unit came with a hardshell plastic carrying case, usb cable, foam windscreen, ac adapter, mic stand adapter, manuals and cubase le software, and a 1gb memory card. This is leaps and bounds above the competition. Most other recorders won't come with any of this. Other companies will even make you buy your own ac adapter and memory card. And Zoom went even further and added a plastic carrying case (for those of you worried about dropping it). They were definitely thinking about the customers on this one.
Third, and most importantly, the sound quality. This is why you buy the unit right? The sound quality has to be good or nothing else matters. Overall I was surprisingly impressed with the sound quality. I am an audio engineering student, going to school for sound reproduction, and sound reinforcement. Needless to say, I know my way around a microphone. I was expecting this unit to sound average, just like a pocket (or handheld) recorder usually sounds. But in fact, the H4n sounds pretty decent. The high end is nice and defined, the microphones built into the unit sound really clear. The one thing I can say about the sound is that it is accurate. I have recorded a few tests using my voice, a guitar, and some other misc. elements. I did notice that the microphones gave off a little bit of condenser hiss when the input gain was turned up. This could probably be solved or lessened if you were to get closer to the object and turn down the recording level. But still, it worries me to have a little bit of noise floor coming from the mics, especially if I were to use the recordings for post production video work.
The other thing I noticed was a lack of bass response. This could have been because I was a foot or two away from the microphones, but the bass on the microphones was a little lacking. My voice sounded a little thin. My guitar sounded fine, but guitars don't really have a lot of low end in the first place. Also watch out for handling noise. If you think that you're going to carry the unit around and do interviews while holding it, forget it. All handheld recorders suffer from this (I've read), but its true for this unit as well. Anytime you hold the H4n and move it around, you can hear low end rumbling and handling noise. Just use a tripod, or the included hand/mic clip adapter and you should be fine. (Also get a better windscreen if you're going to use it outside, the one included doesn't do anything outdoors for wind noise. You should buy a fuzzy or "hairy" windscreen if you want to use it outside)
Overall I think this recorder is the best on the market right now. Although there are a few units that have better sounding built in microphones (sony), it's only marginally better. Plus the H4 is cheaper (by about $150) and has more build in features/functionality. Like the fact that the H4n can record with two built in mics, and two XLR mics simultaneously (4 tracks at once). This means that you can record with the built in mics, but also use your own microphones if you want to add variety, redundancy, etc. You can also just use the unit for a preamp if you only want to use your own microphones to record in the field. I won't name off all of the features, but some included features weren't even necessary and Zoom was nice enough to add them in anyway (guitar tuner, audio interface, stamina mode, MTR mode, 96k recording, etc).
Needless to say, if you need a recorder for any reason, even if it's just for a school project, or for recreation, don't buy the cheapest recorder you can find. Spend a little extra money and get the H4n, it's seriously worth the extra cash for something that will last you much longer. It's simply the best value for a handheld recorder on the market right now.
First, the build quality. Obviously Zoom took a lot of criticism to heart from their first H2 and H4 models. The H4n sports a "rubberized" hardshell design that's easy to grip, and seems to stand up well to surface scratches. (Mind you, the rubber texture can attract greasy fingerprints which can get annoying if you're a gadget freak like me). The top of the unit where the mics are is metal. There is some plastic on the unit, but definitely better designed than the previous two recorders from zoom. The buttons are easy to press, and the screen is large, allowing you to see everything you need to very easily.
The poster above me wondered why there was no metal cage protecting the microphones (like the previous H4 had). The answer to this is the switchable pattern on the microphones. Each mic can be twisted and swiveled to change the directionality that the mic pics up. In its native position the mics pic up at a 90 degree angle, giving a pretty good stereo image. But when you twist them, the mics are then a 120 degree angle. This is good for picking up sources that are farther away, or even ambient sounds for a wider stereo image. If there was a metal cage over the mics, you couldn't reach your fingers in to twist them. Overall, I would rather have a switchable pickup pattern, than a protective cage. Just don't drop a $350 recorder.
Second, the packaging. Inside the box, the unit came with a hardshell plastic carrying case, usb cable, foam windscreen, ac adapter, mic stand adapter, manuals and cubase le software, and a 1gb memory card. This is leaps and bounds above the competition. Most other recorders won't come with any of this. Other companies will even make you buy your own ac adapter and memory card. And Zoom went even further and added a plastic carrying case (for those of you worried about dropping it). They were definitely thinking about the customers on this one.
Third, and most importantly, the sound quality. This is why you buy the unit right? The sound quality has to be good or nothing else matters. Overall I was surprisingly impressed with the sound quality. I am an audio engineering student, going to school for sound reproduction, and sound reinforcement. Needless to say, I know my way around a microphone. I was expecting this unit to sound average, just like a pocket (or handheld) recorder usually sounds. But in fact, the H4n sounds pretty decent. The high end is nice and defined, the microphones built into the unit sound really clear. The one thing I can say about the sound is that it is accurate. I have recorded a few tests using my voice, a guitar, and some other misc. elements. I did notice that the microphones gave off a little bit of condenser hiss when the input gain was turned up. This could probably be solved or lessened if you were to get closer to the object and turn down the recording level. But still, it worries me to have a little bit of noise floor coming from the mics, especially if I were to use the recordings for post production video work.
The other thing I noticed was a lack of bass response. This could have been because I was a foot or two away from the microphones, but the bass on the microphones was a little lacking. My voice sounded a little thin. My guitar sounded fine, but guitars don't really have a lot of low end in the first place. Also watch out for handling noise. If you think that you're going to carry the unit around and do interviews while holding it, forget it. All handheld recorders suffer from this (I've read), but its true for this unit as well. Anytime you hold the H4n and move it around, you can hear low end rumbling and handling noise. Just use a tripod, or the included hand/mic clip adapter and you should be fine. (Also get a better windscreen if you're going to use it outside, the one included doesn't do anything outdoors for wind noise. You should buy a fuzzy or "hairy" windscreen if you want to use it outside)
Overall I think this recorder is the best on the market right now. Although there are a few units that have better sounding built in microphones (sony), it's only marginally better. Plus the H4 is cheaper (by about $150) and has more build in features/functionality. Like the fact that the H4n can record with two built in mics, and two XLR mics simultaneously (4 tracks at once). This means that you can record with the built in mics, but also use your own microphones if you want to add variety, redundancy, etc. You can also just use the unit for a preamp if you only want to use your own microphones to record in the field. I won't name off all of the features, but some included features weren't even necessary and Zoom was nice enough to add them in anyway (guitar tuner, audio interface, stamina mode, MTR mode, 96k recording, etc).
Needless to say, if you need a recorder for any reason, even if it's just for a school project, or for recreation, don't buy the cheapest recorder you can find. Spend a little extra money and get the H4n, it's seriously worth the extra cash for something that will last you much longer. It's simply the best value for a handheld recorder on the market right now.
From the Manufacturer Zoom H4NSP Digital Multitrack Recorder
Great audio for your video
The H4n can be connected to any standard tripod or mic stand, or you can use Zoom's optional Hot Shoe adapter to mount it directly to your camera, making it an invaluable addition to any videographer's field kit.
Two paths to perfect stereo
The H4n provides two different ways of recording great-sounding stereo: X/Y and MS (Mid-Side).
X/Y recording:
The built-in X/Y microphone provides two matched unidirectional microphones. The angle of the two can easily be changed from 90 degrees for a tightly focused stereo image to 120 degrees for a wider image. X/Y is an excellent way to cover a wide area while still capturing sound sources in the center with clarity and definition, making the H4n ideal for all types of live stereo recording, such as location video shoots and live concerts.
Mid-Side recording:
The H4n also provides an onboard MS decoder so you can do MS recording using external microphones. This powerful technique allows you to adjust the width of the stereo image in postproduction while maintaining perfect mono compatibility, making it especially useful for film, video and television projects.
Ideal for music-making, too
The H4n transforms any environment into a home studio. Its ability to record up to four tracks simultaneously, along with powerful overdubbing and punch-in features, allows you to do high-quality recording—up to 24-bit/96kHz—wherever you go.
Onboard effects such as compression, limiting, reverb, and guitar and bass amp modeling enable you to turn your musical creations into studio-quality recordings. Onscreen controls allow easy mixdown to stereo or mono, and the H4n can even convert your finished song to an MP3 file for emailing and posting to your favorite social networking site.
Zoom H4nSP Handy Recorder
Product Description
Product Details
The Zoom H4N Handy RecorderThe gold standard in portable recording
The rugged and reliable H4n has long been a favorite of videographers working on location, but is equally well-suited for live concert recording and music production.
It offers four tracks of simultaneous audio recording, a built-in X/Y stereo microphone, dual external inputs, and comprehensive multi-effects, making it the field recorder of choice for anyone looking for high-quality audio in a portable package.
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