All user reviews for the Zoom H4

We use two Zoom H4, sometimes simultaneously for enregisterements 4 channels (surround).
It is true that there is background noise on the recording appears to be related to the sampling frequency or the hard disk access. Moreover, the tone of the noise (the frequency) changes with the sampling frequency (44.1 and 48 kHz.) Unfortunately, this noise also appears on the XLR (slightly lower if the sensitivity of these external microphones is supperior to the microphones embedded).
But according to my tests (and my Zoom H4), this noise does not appear if the sample rate is set to 96 kHz!
If a signal / noise ratio maximum is required, you can save and convert 96 kHz to 48 kHz with Wavelab or other comparable software if you do not need a range of up to 40 kHz bandwidth (which is rarely case because the microphones "end" usually 16 or 20 kHz).
In this way we can overcome this shortcoming and enjoy the quality of this little recorder that is still currently the most practical solution for recording anywhere and anytime. (Warning: Zoom H2 comes ...)
In any case, the price / quality ratio is excellent.

Getting Started
Trs fast, the interface is clear and intuitive as long as you get used to the fact that the menu navigation buttons ncessite 2, the central wheel on cts. In Manir gnrale, it is regrettable the size of buttons, too small when you have to go fast. In contrast, most buttons are not accessible forcment most useful (except for registration and the center button Obviously!).

Sound
The pickups are fairly good quality for this type of device. The XY pair is a good choice, promoting a health and Submitted rduisant dpahsage effects. The supplied windscreen is relatively efficient but not neutral. Pramplification part-XLR combo inputs is relatively good quality with a power 24/48V fantme use preferences when the unit is connected to AC power. The three levels of earnings, however, remain too high for a line between. There is a trim numrique in addition to the switchable gain: many have thought of but shame it is too complicated to be done by CASC and the little knob on the cot temperatures requiring hold the device in both hands.
"Effects" are useless for me as they are destructive.

on the other hand, as I used to spare another recorder, I was able to report a problem regarding the frquence of chantillonage. Indeed, the clock seems to be unstable and trs whatever the chosen SR (44.1, 48 or 96kHz). Feedback, no change in pitch reading time shifting, but a significant (up more than a second!) Prohibiting the registration of H4 mixing with other tracks such data.

Another bug I encountered: the recording is activated the counter dfile, the REC LED is solid red and the REC of the LCD display is lit. Everything leads to believe that it saves all that is good Monitore our sources in the headphone ... Yes, but the LED accsmmoire (ACCESS) is not blinking: no file cr and decision is lost. T No data entered on the SD card when all was believed.

Conclusion:
A good device if asked to do what he does Designed: keep track of a rpt, make audio report, etc ... Not at all suited for a recording that will be diffused as I doubt that cde problem using clock enables reliable USB audio interface. The again, no secrets, given the price. For those looking for a good while to do in this format, it will go to the ct values ​​SRES and set the price for a Nagra Ares-M, the Swiss Rolls recorder pocket.

I use the Zoom H4 for 2 months. So here I am a full review over the use that I have: rptitions recording and concert singing + piano (sometimes orchestra), under acoustic variables.
Pros:

The appearance while one is extremely practical, with an Reduces size and weight.

The pickups are pretty good, but not be good: I find the sound too dull, a little tuft. I arrived a little fix this by rduisant then a little low.

The ignition is fast.

The battery life is good (3 4h). The diet with AA batteries is very practical: it is possible to run with 2 sets of rechargeable batteries.

The grip can be really fast trs keeping rglages default.

The recorder and comes with media on which you can screw up a camera.

The USB power to the recorder.

The ratio quality / price is good trs. The quality is as good as a mini-disc set + mic, but for a price infrieur (320 instead of at least 400) and a more practical use.
Ngatifs points:

The main point ngatif, raised by many: when using reading, there is no advance or rewind. The worst is that it's probably just a software choice: I do not see why the zoom h4 technically could not do what all the most basic MP3 players. It's a shame.

As many have heard a noise signal is Periodic (white noise that stops brive every second) when operating on batteries, but this is acceptable for me: the noise level is low I do not hear that when there is a moment of silence, and at worst I put myself on the sector for the rare times I want one o the best recording possible. What is curious is that the sound seems to come from the CASC SD card, since it occurs more quickly when I spend 24 to 16 bits.

Ergonomics gnrale criticism. The interface is clear enough, but navigating with the joystick and the central wheel on the ct is a bit Drout at beginners, and Access in DIFFERENT menus with the joystick are central not really intuitive (though the manual correctly Describes all this, and we all fawns rarely need to go change rglages). CHAC ct buttons on the handle temperatures requiring the recorder. And it is also damage also have to always press the button twice to start a new record: we pass through the phase of systmatiquement CONTRL level before you can save. All of these things is not a problem in itself, it's just a shame.

It lacks an indication of battery charge.

The transfer speed via USB is low. I measured a transfer rate of 7 Mbit / s (the USB2 port of an iMac), while the SD card I have (Kingston SD/2GB) tration rises 40 Mbit / s reading. I'm s. This should be a "Full Speed ​​USB 2.0 Mass Storage Class operation" (and I think I did well not to buy a faster card, since it would obviously served nothing, unless someone reversed that extrapolation).
Miscellaneous notes:

It is impractical one computer to TRANSFR records above, because the relatively poor ergonomics and lack of features make it fast forward and rewind playback direct from the Zoom H4 trs impractical.

Mode mp3 VBR rvl was catastrophic for me, probably because of the level is quite low (note: I use the very latest firmware, the 1.20). The compressor mp3 (test 160, 192, 256 and 320 kbps) does not seem good trs. So, as I had originally chosen as a recorder mp3 dpart, as I have a 2GB card, I use it exclusively dsormais wav.

I confirm the plastic look relatively mdiocre dnonc by some, but I do not drang. Sr against it by a device that I handled and transported with care.

I reu my Zoom H4 with an English manual (which I do not drang but may be good to know).

Faced trs variable acoustic environments, I set the sensitivity of micro Intgr M, amplifying numriquement then on the computer if ncessaire. I measured a noise level of-50dB effective (the famous Periodic noise).

It would be INTERESTED to see what gives this recorder with a good external microphone plugged into the XLR inputs.

The H2 to be released in a few months seems an even better suited my needs perfectly: it is clearly equivalent to a recorder H4, but without the pseudo multi-track and effects which I have what to do, and for a price trs INTERESTED (230 instead of 320).
https://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1916&brandID=4

I use the zoom for 6 months and I am very happy. That said, the second night I go to do "data recovery" on the SD card, without success. Indeed, there is a huge problem on battery management and behavior when the batteries weaken Zoom: If you are not there to turn it off by hand ("please power off" your ad there ) Zoom evaporates taking all and forever, the mp3 mode. I find it amazing, because this case at all likely to occur often enough, if your batteries are discharged, if you use normal batteries and you are not the nose on the face throughout the decision . To know why engineers chose the Zoom scorched earth policy rather than forcing the machine to save the plug ?????? Prevention and data backup should it not be a priority for a dedicated tool to capture precisely, the traces? I am appalled.

Note: I used four different software to recover. Taking flight is there but its size is zero K ... I choose to FAT16 file system, I think that's right. So, they are all the same thing, except what you are looking for (taking lost). I found some fragments illibles even. "Raw file". Even more strange, I found an old decision made long enough. Wav but fragments. Mp3!? Is not that curious? Why. Mp3? How is my take. Wav is found she in the SDCARD mp3?? (In a hidden way of recovery as it is, I re-specified) Ces. Mp3 function, and more! If someone could enlighten me on these mysteries ...

How long: one week
The +: size, sound, autonomy, support for tripod, 2 XLR inputs, the 48 V. ..
the -: ergonomics (finger fairy mandatory), wheel basic, the Windscreen (zero, zero, zero), the SD card (128 MB the joke) and especially the use of computer sound card! I have an Imac Intel 20 and from the SD card, the H4 is not recognized! I tested on my iBook G4 and even history. Big disappointment because I expected to use with the laptop external sound card. The iBook is not equipped with Mic In ... So I keep my MobilePre USB. Shame, shame.
I really hope that will zoom out a driver, it's incredible story. This is the first machine that I plugged into a Mac that is not recognized. If anyone has solved the problem let me know!
Have you tested ... : Yes, all, MD, 8-track tape, Magneto k7, 5G iPod with adapter Micro (no to sound, well for conferences), mobile Dat ...
Quality / price ratio: very good (290 euros at my usual dealer, - 30%, more than Thoman)
With the experience: yes I even want to buy an H2 for fun. I love these gadgets that have the sound qualities.

In the end, it is a good tool with its faults but for the price it is perfect for repeat. Taken for its naturalistic I will make a cap and to keep track concert is also an excellent choice.

CORRECTION!

Zoom h4 works well as external sound card! There are not very ergonomic handling but it works!

So this machine is really, really good value. I will test the preamps rapido ...

- How long have you use it?
one week
-What is the particular feature you like most?
perfect for the beginner I am. The sound quality is enough for it. Very versatile and easy to use I find, at least mode sound card (I would say that the mixer incorporates it's really just to make mu-muse with his friends, but it works very well.) I put it on a small tripod and it made me a nice support for recording voice and guitar. There full of purpose built super nice.

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
It is true that the hull is really cheap!

- How do you report qualitprix?
Excellent!

- With the exprience, you do again this choice?
yes ....

- How long have you use it?
Just one week.

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
It does not cut possde automatic SAVE when you forget the batteries of the dye.

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
One, who had more classic seemed too complicated and took too much space.

- How do you report qualitprix?
seen what I glimpse The report also qualitprix is ​​excellent!

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
To have a recorder that follows me everywhere and with which I can quickly record without wondering if the battery charge (the technical progress is good, but the battery is better!) And to all load on my laptop from my car (for example. we do not control the production of ides device that is ...), not look trs is a good choice. Choice I would do without hsiter. Whether or Stereo 4-track mode, for a small job a couple of guitars, there is no better on the market that price.

- How long have you use it?
Approximately four months. I use it only to record plans and composed.

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
The +:
The 4-track mode, great for composing
The ease of use
The trs good sound microphones
Intgr effects. They are much better than my rate Boss box. Trs is surprising for the Zoom.
Cubase LE

The -:
The appearance of plastic and brittle
The small screen
The gain of the microphone that is adjustable in 3 positions that
The navigation wheel is slow (the H2 looks much better on this point)

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?

No, I used mainly by an old K7 magnto or dmo version of Cubase on my computer. With the H4, I found the quality of the recording computer with the mobility and ease of magnto. Perfect for me.

- How do you report qualitprix?

I bought new for just under 300 euros, import from Japan. Given the quality of sound, the price seems quite decent.

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...

Yes. Is this a high tech gadget than a tool vritable work? It is possible, at least ca m'clate well and I do not count me Spar if tt.

I use Zoom for 2 months.

I am Students in ethnomusicology, I use it mainly for field recordings, but also to record reptitions or concerts of my group.

So in the recording mode Stereo gnral I need, and for that he trs fine. The four track mode is optional for me, I have also not yet learned to use it well. With regard to the Stereo mode, it is very easy to use.

Until I made my first on K7 records and then MD and I must say that with Zoom was a big step in the ease of use! The USB output makes me normment life, and by the way, I bought the zoom also numriser all my K7 and my MD (converters are better than on the line between 'computer). Compared to the MD is much better, if only for the ease of transfer, but also in sound. The cassette compartment, you lose the warmth of analog, but you lose the breath as well, so even if I am a bit nostalgic for my tape recorder, I do not poses the question of what more I will use recorder.

Some highlights:
- Lightweight, convenient, portable.
- Long battery life with 2 batteries LR6
- Choice of recording format useful.
- Couple of studio microphones, your exact trs is really good, the pickups Intgr however, are not bad either.

Some point ngatifs:
- No potter rgler for the recording level, you have to go through the menu and use the buttons.
- Design and plastic look bad. When I leave the gear everybody wonder what it is, it really looks like a UFO.
- Support USB flash drive not very practical: still requires a computer with you to TRANSFR sounds (recordings lasts about 2 h to wav, depending on quality chosen).
- I think the pickups Intgr give me too much bass recording (although it is better to have too much than not enough, since it is always possible to play on frquences post ).

Report qualitprix excellent! With the 320 euros was possible to make recordings of any quality is acceptable.

I do not regret purchasing this hardware and I highly recommend it.

- How long have you use it?

3 months

- What is so special that you like best?

he records of his own and without the fuss. is simpler than a minidisc, as good as dat and it's much faster to transfer the sound on the mac or pc.

- What is so special that you like most and least?

aspect plastoc even once in the hull to screw in feet xtrèmemnt it is solid.

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

Himdi tons of MDs and Company, Sony and Tascam DAT

- How would you rate the quality / price?

silly question but it is part BEYOND list so I replied, price / quality ratio perfect

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

I put an ad on the forum because I have more utility but it is obvious that if I needed again this choice.

I used it with atm33a. the sound was very soft and much more accurate and sensitive than 1.5V
but we must admit that I also used the built-in microphones that are particularly good.

this little machine does not cost the price of a good micropourtant it offers a couple and a recorder and a sound card. it's really all in one that has nothing ridiculous)

I use my Zoom H4 for 1 month.
The pros: size, ease of use in Stereo mode, Intgr quality microphones, PC interface, effects racks (still not test because I did not use the toyujours 4-track mode) in impressive numbers, choice of recording format, signal levels of Record. auto (rec level scanning), and many other things ...
the -: look cheap, choice of effects only before recording.
Long untile my yamaha 4-track analog tape which I am still not heat lass thanks its good finish but the breath and slow down the tempo a bit on the tapes loaded (4 tracks, tennis requires ). Also I could RCup. on my PC all my old tapes thanks ZOOM H4 interface.
The report price is quality is excellent considering the quality of live recordings in Stereo mode.
I do not regret that choice and obviously not do it again without hsiter because right now the Zoom H4 has no competition on the market because of its "package" live recorder Stereo / 4-track home studio , all of good quality for trs 285 Euros ...

I just did a test in a professional (for radio).
It s'avre that this product does not correspond at all interviews, to record plutt models and Stereo sound recording for a budget tightened trs!

The default:
- Big noise, can be of the quality of a clown pramplis.
- No possibility of enregisrer in mono, so with only one branch micro monitoring only one ct!
- Interface impractical
- No possibility of CONTRL gain during recording of
- Too much handling noise with the couple X / Y Intgr.
- SD card inaccessible! It takes fingers f.
- Slow Transfer
- Compressor rgl bad pump.

EDIT 23/11/07: Putting firmware adds monitoring mono, so super convenient as part of an interview with a micro hand.

Before buying the H4, I had read reviews sr and j'tais plutthsitant .... Anyway, given the amount I hsit not too long, and I did well.
This recorder is small enough gnial, and despite everything we hear, mine does not make big noise, the parameters of the compressor are adjustable, there is a little reverb, and everything looks pleased t good for a nice result.
sr good for the prod it really has not, but to keep a record speed of a future work or the Ides of all kinds is gnial; The report quality price trs is good, and there's really way to have fun with.
here I can only advise
PS: on batteries, using alkaline, it only holds about half past one. against 3 or 4 hours ... ads with a rechargeable goes well. Oh yes, I pay 250 euros with 512 MB cards nine

Hello,

music teacher and choir director, I use the h4 for 1 month now. It is really good trs, easier to use my MD. It seems to even quite fragile and does not support the pockets or bags loading ... I still search saccoche adapts the gear ...
Record-level lot that a wheel to rgler gain of t were better than these automatic levels.
Its super fast boot! ide when the song comes, time to turn trs is short and I record the ide presto: nice to give the TRANSFR via USB Cable: I waived extract the SD card: you have the fingers of elf.
The catch: I can not find how to update the date and time of the device. I love that sort files ... I cre wav or mp3 of the October 2005 ... I am furious! if you have a walkthrough (philippe.brun @ free.fr)
I russi to update the OS and it is true that the version 2.10 has a trick of practice: it displays only level batteries.
I bought it on ebay: 200 euros with free shipping + 2 GB SD card + SD 512 + foot base. Happy buying! my music retailer that always makes me a good price to me was 289 euros (price for friends) and EUR 359 for the other! Considering the price of the dollar, n'hsitez more!