Introducing the H4 Handy Digital Recorder
It's a Mobile Field Stereo Recorder
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 bitrates 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-inch input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8-inch headphone jack is also provided for monitoring.
The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media, a 128MB SD card is included with the unit. 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.
The H4 provides four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries. A back-lit, 128×64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface. An AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and tripod adapter are also included.
It's also a 4-Track Recorder!
Unlike other field recorders, the H4 also has a 4-track recording mode for easy-to-use mobile multi-track recording. The H4 will also render 4-track audio with CD quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution.
Songwriters and musicians can use the combination XLR-1/4-inch high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom's most incredible guitar and bass amplifier modeling effects. These effects accurately reproduce the sounds of the most famous guitar amps ever made.
And by-the-way, it's also an Audio Interface
Recording directly to your computer has never been easier than with the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder. The H4 is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as your USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. And, if you don't already have a DAW, that's okay because every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE, the perfect 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.
Together, these features make the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder the most versatile portable recording device ever offered.
Highlights
Mobile Field Recording- Fits in the palm of your hand
- Ideal for infinite variety of mobile recording applications
- Records 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps
- Two studio quality X/Y pattern condenser microphones for true stereo recording
- Two combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks with phantom power
- Onboard studio effects compression, limiting and mic modeling
- 1/8-inch headphone jack provided for monitoring
- 128MB Secure Digital (SD) card included.
- Using a 2GB SD memory card provides 380 minutes of recording with CD Quality sound
- Up to 34 hours recording in MP3 stereo mode
- USB mass-storage interface
- Four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries
- Back-lit, 128×64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface
- AC adapter, windshield cover, USB Cable and tripod adapter included
- 4-track audio in CD quality 16-bit PCM, 44.1 kHz sampling
- Combination high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards.
- Built in guitar amp modeling equivalent to the Zoom G2
- Records directly to your computer as a USB audio interface
- Bundled with Cubase LE, 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation software
Review: Zoom H4, by Samson Audio
Samson Audio has long filled the music industry with inexpensive reliable gear. The Zoom line of products originated with guitar effect pedals. The Zoom H4 does provide the familiar effects, but the similarities end there. The H4 is a battery operated (2 AAs) 4 track SD memory recorder. Tracks 1 and 2 use built in cardioid microphones set in an XY stereo form. Tracks 3 and 4 are mic/line/high-z switchable, with balanced XLR/TRS combination jacks. The XLR inputs provide full 48v phantom power. It is capable of MP3 recordings up to 320kbps and WAV recordings at 24bit, 96kHz. USB connections are not only for file transfer, but utilize the H4 as a fully functioning audio interface for both MAC and PC.
Delving into this recorder we must also mention the increasing competition in the small scale memory chip recorder realm. As memory prices drop and manufacturing increases in inexpensive labor markets, technology is merging. Your cell phone may have more recording and playback capabilities than your first Nagra. Nonetheless, adding features for professional use and increasing quality control standards is keeping companies like Marantz, M-Audio, Sony, and even Zoom in the mix for reliable small format ENG/Film recorders.
The H4 is 2.75 x 6 x 1.5 inches; smaller than both the Marantz PMD660 and the Sony PCM-D1. It uses several multiuse function keys and a centralized main menu button for the majority of settings and controls. Once in the menu, a side mounted scroll button provides select functions. The external inputs and the stereo XY pair have dedicated input gain switches (low, medium, and high). Fader style control and adjustments are represented on the menu screen.
A few things jump out as notable features. The menu takes a bit of time to learn but is well organized. The centralized main menu control and right side mounted scroll allow a user to control the unit with a single hand. The XY cardioid pair are perfectly mounted with study cages surrounding them. The preamps for all of the inputs are very quiet. A stand mount, foam windscreen, SD card, Cubase LE, and USB cable are all included and bump up the package.
Uses for this recorder are numerous. It is ideal for quick interviews (radio, TV, Pod cast, etc.). Live music recordists will most likely use the XY for a live fill and the other inputs from a stereo mixing feed. For the majority of Trew Audio customers, it will excel as a quick easy backup recorder. It could be also used (depending on battery life) as a recording boom operators headphone monitor. The Zoom H4 hasn’t reinvented any wheels, but it has created a wonderful price niche, for a small compact recorder.
