Manage updates with the Download AppZoom H4n
Manufacturer: 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: $269.99 - $349.98
- 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.
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.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 !
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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THE H4N SURPASSES ITS RIVALS WITH ITS PROFESSIONAL EDGE
by lenny54321 on March 2, 2010
Pros: THE H4N HAS EVERYTHING TO RECORD A "GARAGE BAND" SONG AND SOUNDS LIKE A STUDIO RECORDING
Cons: NONE AT ALL
Summary: IF YOU CARE TO "MAKE A MARK" IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, THIS IS THE RECORDER TO HELP YOU GO THERE.... ONE DAY
YOU MAY BE ON "AMERICAN IDOL"
Updated on ...Summary: IF YOU CARE TO "MAKE A MARK" IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, THIS IS THE RECORDER TO HELP YOU GO THERE.... ONE DAY
WHY PAY A HIGHER PRICE FOR ANOTHER UNIT... IT'S ALL HERE IN THE H4N
YOU MAY BE ON "AMERICAN IDOL"
Updated on Mar 2, 20101 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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
Updated on Dec 17, 2009here is some more nice features of this h4n device...I bought a new computer with a 64-bit os and windows 7...the computer wont recognize it now...and you cant install the downloadable driver....and the cubase le4 is a complete nightmare to install and use...all things considered this machine has been a huge headache!!!1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good only while working. Very short charge life!
by mirandasoegi on July 13, 2012
Pros: works over 80% of the time with my phones.
sometimes it doesn't alarm when I'm already on the street. the good thing is, I can tether more than one phone to it.Cons: Short batter life. If you forget it, then it's dead, so it's useless.
Doesn't work ALL the time -- I was so proud of having it, I showed it to everyone at work. Then I left the office with my phone, and it never went off!!! Embarrrrraassssing....Summary: Yet another gadget to carry. It may work on the day that I am in a real need, then I'll be thankful. So far, it's yet another thing ...
Summary: Yet another gadget to carry. It may work on the day that I am in a real need, then I'll be thankful. So far, it's yet another thing to charge at night... I'm running out of charge space/time...
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AN AWESOME LITTLE MACHINE ! I AM IMPRESSED.
by Jim Kovacs on June 26, 2011
Pros: I had the H4 and liked that. A lot. Recorded several productions with it.
This beats the H4 hands-down.
It can use up to a 32G card (that is a LOT of recording).
It uses normal AA batteries or NIMH. AND it can record for up to 11 HOURS on those. I mean,Cons: the windscreen is ugly. Actually, my cats ate it so now I use a sock if I need to. Ugly too, but you can get designer socks today....
Summary: ABSOLUTELY FINE.
I used NAGRAS 25 years ago and this is something I never thought possible.
No disks, no mechanics, just straight to digital chip.
Too many options to mention, ...Summary: ABSOLUTELY FINE.
I used NAGRAS 25 years ago and this is something I never thought possible.
No disks, no mechanics, just straight to digital chip.
Too many options to mention, visit their page.
It has 16 low-cut filters, Comp-Limiters, simultaneous 4 ch recording (plug in 2 more mikes and do sensurround...
The Multi-Track part has simulation of Guitar and Bass cabinets, all kind of effects, easy to use...
And a virtual mixer.
AND it has a little buit-in speaker you can listen to and see if all is OK.
PLUS you can adjust recording levels on-the-fly. Also output levels.
You can change the polar patterns on the mikes....
ALSO, it is an audio interface, and does not even need special drivers.
I strongly suggest you get one of these and get serious.
Good stuff, Zoom ! -
Sold build, acceptable interface, but noisy
by dysphonix on March 2, 2011
Pros: Portable. Fits in one hand. Backlit display is easy to read in different ambient light settings. Solid feel, has weight to it, buttons feel like they can take some PSIs. High SPL recordings Convenient mixer/dynamic effect settings. Interace too!
Cons: Noise noise noise. While the Zoom H4n does a great job recording music and moderate level sound like ENG or interview work, it is NOT for critical recording, mostly due to its hissy nature Could a firmware improve this? Nudge nudge Zoom.
Summary: This is a solid recorder that appears to be quite reliable for many different types of situations. I've used it in musical applications (drums, live sound, etc.) and it ...
Summary: This is a solid recorder that appears to be quite reliable for many different types of situations. I've used it in musical applications (drums, live sound, etc.) and it worked great. I've also used it in corporate settings as voice and meeting recorder and once again, did the trick.
As mentioned before, its biggest setback is the noise noisefloor. His is a problem for the built in mics and the preamps.. Zoom! Can you fix this with some firmware upgrades?
For the money, its a good deal and nothing else really comes close in this price range from what I've looked at.
Specifications
- Manufacturer:
- Part number: H4n
- Description: Turn your world into a world-class recording studio with the H4n, the next level of portable recording from Zoom. Its onboard X/Y stereo condenser microphones are arranged with the right and left microphones on the same axis. This design ensures that the microphones are always an equal distance from the sound source for perfect localization without phase shifting. Frequency response remains uniform throughout your recording. The result is great stereo recording with natural depth and accurate imaging every time. H4n's unique design lets you rotate each microphone capsule for the ultimate versatility in any recording situation. Now your recordings can be richer than ever before. Learning songs is now a breeze with the H4n's adjustable playback speed that ranges from 50 to 150 percent, while keeping pitch the same. This is also a great feature for learning a language, conference recording, and various electronic news gathering (ENG) situations. You can set your H4n to automatically record whenever sound above your designated level is detected. This ensures that you capture everything of importance while minimizing blank sections such as when recording a conference or lecture. The H4n even has a built-in reference speaker to let you check recordings without earphones. It is also handy to preview playback when selecting recorded files. The H4n has a number of useful tools that will be welcomed by musicians. The built-in tuner allows for quickly checking the pitch of a vocalist or tuning an instrument. The selectable metronome sound can serve as a guide rhythm during recording and is also great for practicing. A large, 1.9" LCD screen with backlit graphic display shows all the tracking information at a glance and makes it easy to navigate the functions of the unit. And its rubberized, shock resistant chassis also improves durability while reducing handling noise. Even without external software, you can divide a recorded file at any desired point, right on the H4n. A built-in normalizing feature lets you optimize the volume level, and you can convert WAV files into MP3 directly on the unit as well.
General
- Product type Digital voice recorder
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Software type [Jul 2, 2008 from CDS: Software] Steinberg Cubase LE
- Depth 6.1 in
- Height 1.4 in
- Width 2.8 in
- Weight 9.9 oz
- Carrying case Case -
- Included accessories [Jul 2, 2008 from CDS: Miscellaneous] Wind screen,
USB cable,
Microphone clip,
SD Memory Card (1GB) Audio Features
- Digital storage None
- Sound output mode Mono
- Addtional features Low-cut filter ,
Volume limiter ,
USB 2.0 compatibility ,
Battery level indication ,
USB bus-powered ,
Jog-Wheel Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3,
PCM,
WAV - Sample rate 44.1 KHz,
48 KHz,
96 KHz - Playback modes Fast playback
- Edit functions Erase
- Supported bit rate 32 - 320 Kbps
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 1.9 in
- Resolution 128 x 64
- Backlight display Yes
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 1 x Speaker Built-in
- Speaker system nominal (RMS) output power 400 mW
- Speaker system input impedance 8 Ohm
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] Electret condenser
- Microphone operation mode Uni-directional
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable -
- Connector type 1 x Hi-Speed USB Mini-USB Type B,
2 x Audio line-in XLR,
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Microphone Mini-phone 3.5 mm,
1 x DC power input Battery / Power
- Battery 2 x Alkaline AA type Rechargeable Standard battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 6 hour(s)
- Power device type [Feb 24, 2011 from CDS: Power Device] Power adapter
