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Zoom H4 Handy Recorder | 
 enlarge | Brand: Zoom
Category: Musical Instruments
List Price: $494.99
Buy New: $234.95
You Save: $260.04 (53%)
New (44) Used (2) Refurbished (2) from $229.95
Rating:  108 reviews
Sales Rank: 11
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
System Memory: 128
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 10 x 7 x 3
The Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder fits in your palm and is ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars. The H4 allows you to record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as in MP3 format with bit rates up to 320kbps. The H4 features two studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4" input jacks with phantom power for use with any external micropho
MPN: H4
Model: ZOO H4
UPC: 884354007058
EAN: 0884354007058
ASIN: B000LGA2K6
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Metronome: 5 sounds (Beat: 0/4 - 8/4, 6/8, Tempo: 40.0 - 250.0BPM) | | • | A/D Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling | | • | D/A Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling | | • | Signal Processing: 32bit | | • | Recording Media: SD memory card (16MB-2GB) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
From the Manufacturer
Whether you're recording a live performance, a podcast, a class or workshop, a rehearsal, a songwriting session or even a sizzling performance of your band, the H4 has more recording tools available than any device ever made. Weighing a mere 6.7 ounces (190g), the H4 puts a remarkable amount of recording power in the palm of your hand. Underneath its sleek exterior are built-in studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. Use the combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs for external mics, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom's most incredible microphone, guitar and bass modeling, accurately reproducing the tone of the most famous microphones and amps ever made. Audio can be recorded as WAV or MP3 files and moved to a computer via USB for easy editing, mixing and mastering. True stereo imaging:
Stereo recording is often accomplished by using two microphones in a V-shaped set up that faces the performer. While this method will result in good stereo separation, responsiveness for the area directly in front of the mics will be low, causing problems with depth perception and imaging. The Zoom H4 uses an X/Y configuration where the two microphones point inward at a crossing angle. This allows the recorder to cover a wide area, and at the same time capture sound sources in the center with perfect clarity and definition. Phase differences between left and right channels are also eliminated because sound is picked up simultaneously by both microphones. 
Absence of phase differences ensures natural stereo imaging | 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM format and MP3 recording:
The H4 allows 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format, resulting in excellent transparency and definition that exceeds the sound quality of CDs. This is great for capturing the nuances of an acoustic instrument while preserving the ambience of the recording location. Or record directly as MP3 files for longer recordings that still provide excellent sound quality. Secure Digital (SD) Media
The H4 records on Secure Digital (SD) Media cards. These widely available cards boast an amazing amount of recording time in a small package. And unlike tape or disc media, mechanical vibrations do not affect recording quality. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 can provide up to 190 minutes of stereo WAV file recording in 44.1 kHz/16-bit mode or as many as 34 hours when recording at 128 kbps in MP3 stereo mode. Combination XLR-1/4" Inputs
The H4, with its two phantom powered XLR-1/4" input jacks that support direct connection of external microphones, is the solution to an infinite number of recording situations. You can also use the H4's Hi-Z rated phone inputs for direct connection of guitars, bass, or any other line-input device.
Product Description
The Zoom H4 is more than a handheld recorder - it's a simple way to record high quality audio. It's a full function stereo recorder capable of a wide range of recording rates, from low grade MP3 to 24bit/96K wav files. It also can be used as a portable 4 track recorder AND a USB interface. The built-in microphones & two combo jacks connect your favorite microphones or instruments -- including condensers with 24. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (CD Quality), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your recordings to a PC or Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass-storage interface. Records 24-bit/96KHz digital audio as well as MP3s, with bitrates up to 320 Kbps Two combination XLR-1/4 input jacks with phantom power Onboard studio effects compression, limiting and mic modeling 1/8 headphone jack provided for monitoring Includes 128MB SD card Up to 380 minutes recording time with 2GB SD memory card Up to 34 hours recording in MP3 stereo mode Combination high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards Built-in guitar amp modeling equipment to the Zoom G2 Records directly to your computer as a USB audio interface Comes bundled with Cubase LE - 48-track Digital Audio Workstation software Up to four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries
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| Customer Reviews: Read 103 more reviews...
Field recording with the H-4 September 7, 2008
Haymo "Easy" Heyder (Costa Rica)
After having read many of the reviews about this little nifty machine I decided to give it a try in a direct-sound production as the main recorder for dialog. In order to be compatible with audio suites we decided to record in the 48 KHz / 24 Bit mode. I know that the machine is not specifically designed for film/TV field recording, but it did its job very well.
Advantages at first sight:
# 1: It does not weigh 8 Kg (about 18.7 lbs.) what a Nagra IV used to.
# 2: No reels, no heavy batteries, no shoulder harness.
# 3: The recording quality and the S/N ratio are far above that of an open-reel machine and equal any DAT or HD-recording system.
So far so good. Since the microphone/gain controls on the H-4 are not accessible during recording, I decided to feed the audio (boom & radio-mikes) through a SHURE FP-33 field mixer and connecting it via two XLR cables to the H-4. Besides, one can NOT hold it in the hand and record through the built-in mikes due to severe noise from handling the machine.
First I had to calibrate the H-4 with the FP-33 to see where my levels were, so I set the IN 1&2 switches both to "L" and then calibrated the 1 KHz tone to -24dB on the H-4. Why so low? The limiter of the SHURE mixer works OK for analog, but clearly overshoots the 0 dB limit of any digital recorder thus causing distortion / clipping.
The dialogues came through crisp and clear, but I still had to watch peaks since the limiter of the H-4 did not catch them accordingly. I still haven't figured out if the built-in limiter only works for the internal mike (MIC) or works as well on the input (IN 1&2).
I live and work in Costa Rica, so sometimes the "Latin Way" interferes with the normal production logistics which I was used to in Germany and the States.
Production forgot to buy batteries, so they gave me a strip of regular Panasonic Blue-Ones. BEWARE! A set of two lasted about 10 minutes, just enough for one scene, without risking the recorder going "off-line" in the middle of a take. We barely made the first morning (exterior shooting), and then got some decent alkaline AAs.
Cons:
1. The more data you have on the SD-card, the longer the machine takes to fire up / load / initiate. I use an 8 GB Transcend card, which lasted me - in a "normal" 16-hour working day - for four (4) whole days and still had about 1.5 Gigs left over.
2. The XLR inputs do not have the usual safety latch. So, if you are moving around, be sure that your cables are always plugged up to the hilt. And, re-check them before you start recording again.
3. The readability of the display is poor in daylight, and so is the status-light of the "Record" button. Is it on? Is it recording? One has to monitor the output of the H-4 directly so one knows at least if the machine is "off".
4. I upgraded the firmware immediately after getting the H-4 to Ver. 2.20. Still it takes up to an hour and a half to download, via USB, about 1.5 Gigs of audio (Vista Ultimate / 2 Gigs of RAM / fast 500 GB HD).
5. The Zoom H-4 has a twisted learning curve. It takes some time to get used to the two kinds/options of menus. But that has been discussed at length in other reviews... (see those).
Overall I am surprised by the excellent quality of the recorded audio. I even did a couple of recordings of a Mariachi band, using the built-in microphones, and at home I was astounded by the crispness and the stereo-field resolution.
So, leave your bulky machines at home, and start using the H-4 for your field recording. ... and you'll save about US$ 750 compared to other digital SD-recorders.
Don't forget the clapper, because otherwise you are going to be in deep trouble trying to sync your audio to your video in post-production.
 perfect August 6, 2008
Nick P.
This is the perfect compact recorder. I'm using it for my piano practicing, and the sound quality is excellent. I must say the worst thing about it is that it is so revealing! I can hear all of my mistakes!
Excellent device August 3, 2008
Sherman Green
The Good:
The small size, high sound quality and diverse recording formats make this an excellent mobile field recording device. The internal stereo microphone produces a very good audio image, and XLR inputs make it usable with any pro audio mic. I was surprised by all the on-board effects, mixing, an bouncing capability. You can manually set gain and input levels to accomodate any environment. Basic recording is simple, requiring only three steps to "roll tape".
The Bad:
It is a four-track device, but you can only record two tracks at a time. The switches are small and the interface requires some juggling to get to the advanced features. Also, if you're using this device for film, the internal clock doesn't sync up precisely with DV clocks... It is noticable during long takes and requires stretching or shrinking the audio track to match the video track (a simple step, but cumbersome).
Excellent recorder July 25, 2008
C. Young
I love this recorder. The only things that I don't like is that there is no lock for the microphones (they COULD come out during recording, although it hasn't happened - yet) and that it won't work on 48V powered microphones with the batteries (you must plug it in, although I don't think that it states that in the directions). The menu button also seems a bit flimsy. Other than that, it is a terrific machine with great sound.
Good Buy July 25, 2008
Benny Koonyevsky (USA)
The H4 is totally cool, did few live recordings and some rehearsals all came out great with good quality. the transfer to my computer is easy and i can cut and paste with my Logic.
The only problem i had was to upgrade thru the Zoom web site. I have a Mac and i couldn't do it, had to upgrade on my Dell and than continue my work on the Mac. I was trying to contact the Zoom support but no help, they didn't even know what i was talking about, the first time, and than they stopped emailing me!
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