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.
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