Zoom H4n
Manufacturer: Zoom Corporation Part number: H4n
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Zoom H4n is a mobile recording dynamo with features that outperform competitors that cost twice as much. It is an outstanding value for musicians and podcasters who demand professional-sounding results.
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CNET editors' review
Zoom H4n price range: $299.00
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 04/13/2009
- Released on: 04/01/2009
The good: The Zoom H4n uses a sturdy, intuitive design, quality stereo microphones, phantom-powered inputs, and includes the capability to record four channels simultaneously.
The bad: The design is bulky, mixer settings aren't intuitive, and the minijack microphone input is awkwardly placed.
The bottom line: The Zoom H4n is a mobile recording dynamo with features that outperform competitors that cost twice as much. It is an outstanding value for musicians and podcasters who demand professional-sounding results.
The world is full of portable audio recorders for capturing lectures, recording your garage band, or helping you produce a podcast, but few products are flexible enough to do it all. The Zoom H4n is a welcome exception to the rule: a mobile recording jack-of-all-trades that includes built-in stereo microphones, professional XLR and 1/4-inch microphone jacks, a multitude of recording formats, and a design that's intuitive and tough. Best of all, the H4n comes at a price ($350) that doesn't hit the wallet quite as hard as the competition.
Design
If you're familiar with Zoom's previous handheld recorders, the H2 and H4, you probably know that the company's excellent track record with creating value often comes at the expense of cheap-feeling design. For instance, its $200 H2 recorder includes useful features you won't find on high-priced competitors like the Edirol R-09HR, but the H2's cheap, plastic construction feels like it dropped out of a cereal box. Fortunately, it's time to erase those preconceptions, because the Zoom H4n looks and feels remarkably solid. Side by side with the R-09HR and the Sony PCM-D50, you'd never guess the H4n is the most affordable.
Measuring 6.5 inches long by 2.75 inches wide by just less than 1.5 inches thick, the Zoom H4n isn't the most pocket-worthy recorder we've tested (try the Yamaha Pocketrak 2G), but it's the smallest design we've seen that includes two full-size XLR/instrument combination jacks. In fact, no feature is spared on the Zoom H4n. From the built-in multipattern stereo microphones on the top, down to the phantom-powered mic inputs on the bottom, the H4n packs in every conceivable option you'd want in a portable audio recorder. Zoom even throws in extras such as a foam windscreen, mic stand mount, 1GB SD card, Cubase recording software, and a power adapter.
Design features such as microphones encased in solid aluminum and a spacious 2-inch screen may be the first details to catch your eye, but its the small things that really have us loving the H4n. Little details such as an offset record button that's easy to feel out in the dark, or the built-in speaker on the back that lets you listen back to recordings without having to plug in a pair of headphones, demonstrate that Zoom's designers really did their homework designing the H4n. However, our favorite unsung design feature is the H4n's menu navigation system. Using a simple menu button and a scroll wheel off to the right side of the recorder (where your thumb naturally falls), the H4n offers the easiest menu navigation we've ever used on a portable recorder. Granted, the menus themselves offer a dizzying amount of options and features, but the ergonomics of jumping in and out of menus to manipulate those features is as smooth as can be.
Of course, not everything is perfect. For one, it seems a little odd that Zoom placed the minijack microphone input on the back of the H4n, instead of putting it on the side like its competitors do. Placing the input on the back makes it impossible to lay the H4n on a table while recording with an external minijack microphone, unless you stand the recorder on its end. We also would like to have seen a dedicated track-divide button on the H4n, similar to the one found on the Sony PCM-D50.
Features
If you value simplicity over flexibility, you may find the hundreds of settings and configurations offered by H4n overwhelming. For us, Zoom's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach feels refreshingly generous, offering more features than recorders that cost twice as much. The H4n comes with a 150-page printed manual that clearly explains each and every aspect of operation. We only have a few paragraphs, however, so let's just go over the main details.
The H4n can be set in three main recording modes: stereo, four channel, and multitrack recording. Dedicated LED indicators for each of the recording modes are found just above the H4n's screen, making it easy to determine which mode you're using. By default, the recorder is set to stereo recording mode, letting people capture stereo-audio recordings from the H4n's built-in mics, or external microphone inputs. Recording resolution ranges from a maximum of 24-bit/96kHz, to as low as 48Kbps MP3, with selections for just about everything in-between (such as 320Kbps MP3, or a Pro Tools-friendly 24-bit/48kHz). Microphone gain adjustments are made using a clearly labeled rocker switch on the right side of the recorder, and features such as auto-level adjustment, multiple compressor, and limiter settings help to prevent recording levels from overloading.
While most people will only use the H4n's stereo mode, the recorder's four-channel mode distinguishes it from the competition. With four-channel recording, the H4n lets you record from the built-in microphones and external microphone inputs simultaneously as two separate stereo files. In the real world, this means you can record the stereo sound of a music performance and the direct sound of an instrument (say, a closely-mic'd acoustic guitar, or the line output of a keyboard) all at the same time. The result is a more professional-sounding recording that leaves some creative wiggle room when the files are mixed together later on. To hear a comparison between two-channel (stereo) and four-channel recording, take a listen to the sample recordings in the Performance section of this review.
The third recording mode of the Zoom H4n is MTR, or multitrack recording. This mode is similar to four-channel recording, but treats each channel as a distinct track, with individual settings for panning, volume, and effects. In essence, MTR mode lets musicians layer compositions in multiple passes (first drums, than guitar, and so on). Some users will find value in the H4n's ambitious MTR mode, but from a general usability perspective, we feel that the mixing board-style interface of the MTR mode is awkward to operate using the included controls.
Other useful features of the Zoom H4n are an SDHC-compatible memory card slot, support for phantom-power microphones, and a low-cut filter with several frequency selections (from 80Hz on up to 237Hz). To see the full list of features, pay a visit to Zoom's H4n product page.
Performance
During testing, we found the controls of the H4n just as responsive and easy to operate as any of its competitors. The recorder's bright, 2-inch screen displays information in a way that is crisp and easy to read, and quick adjustments to recording and headphone levels are a cinch.
Rumbling noises caused by handling the recorder were minimal, and disappear almost entirely if you attach the included mic mount and use it like a pistol grip (note: this also makes you look awesome). Soft rubber pads on the back of the H4n help to isolate the recorder from noise when placed on a table.
The H4n runs off two AA batteries, and includes internal settings to maximize performance from either alkaline or rechargeable batteries. At its default setting, you can expect around six hours of continuous WAV recording. For longer recording times, you can switch the H4n into a stamina mode that offers up to 11 hours of WAV recording. No matter how you cut it, though, you're still not getting the 12 hours of recording promised by the Sony PCM-D50, but the $100 you save may be worth the sacrifice.
Now, we could spend paragraphs trying to describe the sound quality of the H4n and the benefits of its four-channel recording feature, but instead, we'll let the audio do the talking. Alan Stewart and Jesse Clark from the Bay Area music group Agents Del Futuro let us sit in on a rehearsal session, where we captured sounds ranging from acoustic guitar to African thumb piano. We recorded these audio snippets using the H4n's four-channel mode, set at the default 16-bit/44kHz resolution. Both two-track and four-track versions of the recordings are included, to give you a sense of sonic advantages of four-channel recording.
Several of these recordings also take advantage of the H4n's internal compression and limiter settings, which we've noted in the description. Aside from volume adjustments and fades, no postproduction processing has been applied to the recordings, except to convert them into constant bit rate 256Kbps MP3 files using LAME encoder version 3.97. The samples are short, but hopefully convey our satisfaction with the H4n's recording quality and capabilities.
Acoustic guitar
(stereo mics with limiter)
Listen now:
Acoustic guitar
(stereo mics with limiter, direct piezo mic with compression, 3-channels)
Listen now:
Thumb piano
(stereo mics only with no compression, 90-degree mic pattern)
Listen now:
Thumb piano
(stereo mics with no compression, 90-degree mic pattern, stereo piezo mics with compression, 4-channels)
Listen now:
Drums
(stereo mics with limiter)
Listen now:
Drums
(stereo mics with limiter, overhead snare mic and kick drum mic with compression, 4-channels)
Listen now:
Acoustic guitar and vibraphone
(stereo mics with limiter)
Listen now:
Acoustic guitar and vibraphone
(stereo mics with limiter, plus ribbon mic on vibes and piezo mic on guitar, both with compression, 4-channels)
Listen now:
Drums and lap steel guitar
(stereo mics with limiter)
Listen now:
Drums and lap steel guitar
(stereo mics with limiter, and overhead snare mic and kick drum mic with compression, 4-channels)
Listen now:
Rainy boulevard
(stereo mics with compression, windscreen)
Listen now:
User reviews
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Best Recorder For The Price, Hands Down!
by MusicGuru450 on November 7, 2009
Pros: All the features of a desktop recording unit in a small package.
Excellent recording quality, and flexibility make it perfect for all but the most finicky of audiophiles.
Flexible microphone use allows for a large variety of venues and performances.Cons: Bulky yet rugged.
Battery life seems a bit short.
Only a 1 gig SD card included.
Wind screen makes the unit look totally ugly.Summary: I have personally tried out over half a dozen of the current crop of portable audio recorders and the H4n is the only one that I have kept. When you ...
Summary: I have personally tried out over half a dozen of the current crop of portable audio recorders and the H4n is the only one that I have kept. When you look at the flexible options you have with this unit you will see why. I can use the built in mics in either 2 or 4 channel (surround) mode or I can hook up my own external XLR or 1/4 inch mics to the Zoom and use those. I can even mix between the two built in and two external mics at the same time if need be. Plus on top of all that the H4n provides phantom power to any condenser mics that I might need to use and very few (if any) handheld units can make that claim. Another nice thing is that the XLR mics work with the H4n natively. There is no need for an adapter. The CNET review above seems to put a bit too much emphasis on the location of the mic mini jack. Honestly, how many people are going to use a mini-plug mic with a unit that has XLR capability? Show me a decent, full range mic that has a mini jack connector on it??? They don't exist (IMHO).
The convenience of the microphone jacks makes the whole unit a bit bulky, but when I am in my khakis and a dress shirt doing a rehearsal or an informal concert I can still carry it in my pants pocket if needed. The hard shell case that comes with it is a great little thing to have for that purpose though.
I may sound like a Zoom fanboy on this one, but I know what works for me as a professional musicians and conductor and for convenience as well as for sound quality. I can't be so boisterous about other Zoom products (like the laughable Q3 video/audio recorder), but the H4n has more of what I need and at a price point that makes sense. If you compare it head to head with all of the other major audio recording competitors (http://www.musicedmagic.com/audio-video/portable-digital-audio-recorder-buying-guide-with-reviews.html) you see that it does much more than the others for roughly the same amount of money. If Zoom could just improve the battery life a bit and splurge on a decent sized SD card the unit would be almost perfect in my opinion. -
where is the attenuator
by hhjgfku on October 17, 2009
Pros: has a bigger display..longer battery time ..easier to adjust the record levels..nice remote control...does SEEM solidly built..better jog dial than h4
Cons: there is no attenuator for either the on-board mics or the mic inputs..used this machine for first time and turned the levels all the way down to 1 and the mic leds were in the red..could not record without distorting the pre-amp...terrible
Summary: when you use the remote control it eliminates the ability to use the hold function..I dont like that.... without attenuators you will not be able to record any loud ...
Summary: when you use the remote control it eliminates the ability to use the hold function..I dont like that.... without attenuators you will not be able to record any loud events without horrible distortion..I solved this problem by adding a 20db attenuatior circuit inside of a xlr jack that plugs into the inputs..but there is no way to attenuate the on-board mics...also ..when I used the ac power supply and plugged in a external mic..there was a hum that makes it unuseable ..do these engineers test these units out before they release them? or is because they are made in china??? whoever designed this recorder without microphone attenuators is an idiot and should be fired...the h4 and the h2 both had attenuators ..why did they eliminate them?? absolute stupidity!!!
there is a software update that will allow you to decrease the volume below 1 (0.1 etc) but if you are recording loud events I still would want a attenuator in front of the preamp..when this machine clips it sounds terrible. when I say loud I mean gimmie earplugs!!.and the hum produced when using the external power supply is not good(the external supply is the cheapest looking thing I have seen and I have owned all of the zoom recorders and many others) my portable aiwa minidisc never let me down.. nor my denon dat either..I wish I could say that about these sd card recorders...all 3 of the zoom recorders distorted when I used external condenser mics and placed them in front of a loud sound source.....h4 and h4n were the worst..h2 was a little better
Updated on Oct 24, 2009
Updated on Nov 28, 2009ok..here is the info: ..You can buy a in-line attenuator for between 30-50.00$$ or more ...shure makes a switchable one ..but they are ridulously bulky....or you can build a 20db attenuator inside of a right-angle switchcraft xlr jack that plugs into the machine...all you need are three resistors wired in series-parallel...inside the xlr you put a 150 ohn 2% 1/4 watt resistor across pins 2 and 3...then connect a 680 ohm resistor on pins 2 and 3 ..on the other end of those resistors connect the red and white mic cable wires(red is hot..pin #2.white is -pin #3)..then connect the shield to pin # 1..shrink wrap everything...on the other end connect a xlr as usual...this will work with or without the phantom power...make sure nothing is crossed.. do a continuity check before you plug it in.....you can go to uneeda audio-build your own attenuator for more detailed schematics..as for the software update you get that from zoom(www.zoom.co.jp.english) click on h4n then updates .ver.1.60
Updated on Nov 28, 2009here is some more..when you adjust the levels on this machine you have to watch the mic input led's.(one for the built-in mics/and 2 for the external inputs....if these led's are flashing or flickering then you are taking a chance ...if they flicker a lot or stay on for very long then you ARE red-lining the inputs..and that WILL sound like hell...adjust the levels so the led's flicker barely or not at all.. dont just look at the levels..then if it still sounds distorted it will be the fault of the mics...(I use a audio-technica at-4041 condenser mic that has a max spl of 145 db. 20-20k flat...with the attenuator you have 165 db which is considered beyond the measureable limit...the at mic is the best sounding I have used.....if you want something more consealable then I use a audio technica at853a mic..found these on ebay for 50 $$.135db max spl w/phantom power 30-20k...sound great also..just not as much spl (especially on the low-end) hope this helps..I had to learn the hard way....
Updated on Nov 28, 2009if anyone is interested I can set you up with a attenuated mic cord..e-mail me at: iron.cladd@yahoo.com..thanks C .Kingpinninski -
A must have accessory if you take your Zoom H4n outside
by iamKalaniPrince on August 5, 2009
Pros: The perfect balance of Sound quality, portability, functionality and cost.
Cons: Stock foam Windscreen is useless outdoors. I use the RedHead windscreen which works like a charm and comes in various colors depending on your taste.
Record button needs to be pressed twice to start recording. Not that big of a deal really.Summary: I use my Zoom H4n for film making purposes and for this it is a joy to use. It's the perfect companion to my Canon 5D Mark II which ...
Summary: I use my Zoom H4n for film making purposes and for this it is a joy to use. It's the perfect companion to my Canon 5D Mark II which doesn't have pro audio capabilities. The future is looking bright for indy film makers with the introduction of these cost effective and highly functional audio solutions. Cheers to you Zoom !
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This is one awesome product! - upgrading my Zoom PS-04
by cnetfb on May 29, 2009
Pros: Real mic inouts - XLR jacks with phantom power
Ability to symultaneously record 2+ tracks
24 bit/96kHz sampling like in my studio
Large display
Looks ruggedCons: Need to think hard because there aren't many....
- Could be a metal case like the Sony
- No way to by-pass the preamps and use my studio gearSummary: Zoom has packed more bang for the buck in to this portable recorder than anything in the under $1,000 range. They should be dominating this market - at least ...
Summary: Zoom has packed more bang for the buck in to this portable recorder than anything in the under $1,000 range. They should be dominating this market - at least for customers who understand the things needed to do hi-quality recordings.
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Great recorder, wants to be in your bag wherever you go
by JanWillemArnold on May 7, 2009
Pros: High quality recordings, very usable as a USB audio device also, works seemlessly together with Garageband and Audacity, mp3 encoding, easy interface, world adaptor
Cons: Bit bulky, configuration of Cubase LE in OSX is complicated, power hungry, battery life can be rather short
Summary: Overall weight with batteries is 350 grams. Playing around with it intensively it drained a pair of Duracell NiMH 2650 mAh in just a couple of hours. The side of ...
Summary: Overall weight with batteries is 350 grams. Playing around with it intensively it drained a pair of Duracell NiMH 2650 mAh in just a couple of hours. The side of the case even felt a bit warm. It is power hungry - not so strange if you take into account the things it does. Does it matter? Not really, just take a pair of extra batteries with you. (The Sony DCM50 seems to run longer on batteries but uses 4 instead of 2.)
It will take some time and playing around to learn how to use this tool in its best way. This is really a tool that you have to learn in order to get the best results. What is the best position for the microphones, narrow or wide angle etc. Since it can be used in a variety of situations it is good that it has so many options.
Clipping sounds nasty as always with digital devices but can be avoided easily by choosing a lower recording level. Dynamic range is such that it will always be considerably larger than the background noise in the place where do your recording. So simply make sure that your peaks do not go higher than minus 12 db.
The mains adaptor (switching type) eats everything between 100 - 240 VAC/ 47 - 63 Hz. (I bought my unit in Europe, such details might vary between countries). This makes the unit usuable all over the planet. It doesn't get hot. It has a single 5V output. I guess you'll be able to feed the device from another 5V power source without difficulties.
My three year old son was able to do basic operation within half an hour. (Play, stop, record...)
I love this device right now already and will use it for interviews, meetings, podcasts and audio registration at video recordings and in the theatre. -
What's Love Got To Do With It, This thing is AWESOME
by mos_grand on April 17, 2009
Pros: It's well built. Much better than the H2 I had. The sound quality is as good as my RODE K2...but easier to setup. I can use it as a Mic for audio conferencing on my computer through USB or access the files for editing.
Cons: You can't put it in your pocket...it's a bit hefty...but that reflects great build quality too. Cubase LE...are you kidding me.
Summary: If you want great, flexible audio acqusition for music or podcasting...spend your money on this and never look back. I recommend that you use your own preferred DAW for ...
Summary: If you want great, flexible audio acqusition for music or podcasting...spend your money on this and never look back. I recommend that you use your own preferred DAW for Mac or Windows . Cakewalk Sonar is an excellent for the Windows. Apple Logic is great for the Mac. If you like to cross the streams like me, Ableton Live 8 is an excellent choice. In most cases, a simple audio editing program is all you need like Sony Sound Forge or Bias Peak Pro.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Zoom Corporation
- Part number: H4n
- Bottom Line: The Zoom H4n is a mobile recording dynamo with features that outperform competitors that cost twice as much. It is an outstanding value for musicians and podcasters who demand professional-sounding results.
General
- Product type Digital voice recorder with radio
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Flash memory installed 512 MB and over Integrated
- Color Black
Audio Features
- Digital storage 1 x Built-in 1 GB None
Manufacturer info
- Zoom Corporation
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Zoom Corporation products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/
