All user reviews of 5/5 for the Zoom H4nSP

WHAT WE SEE OUT OF THE BOX

The Zoom H4n is described as a handy recorder (hence the "H"). It's a pocket-sized unit about as long as today's bigger smartphones with about thrice the thickness, capable of recording four tracks. It has four channels available for recording, two of which are dedicated to two built-in condenser microphones. The other two channels come in the form of two combo XLR/TRS input jacks. The unit can be powered via an included wall-wart power supply, USB bus power, or two AA-sized batteries. It stores data via SD cards and will accept cards of up to 32 GB in capacity. A brand-new Zoom H4n will come with a protective plastic case, a windscreen, the previously mentioned wall-wart power adapter, a USB cable, a 2-GB SD card, and a Cubase LE 5 CD. The front panel shows us the familiar transport controls, mute/arm switches for built-in mics and input jacks, and a big monochrome LCD screen. The right side panel shows independent controls for output and input volume levels, menu navigation controls, and the SD card slot. The left panel reveals a headphone output, AC adapter input. When opening up the battery cover, you will see the small "Stamina" mode switch.

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

The Zoom H4n can function both as a standalone recorder or as an audio interface once connected to a computer via USB. As a standalone recorder, it can function in three modes: Stereo (default), 4-channel, and Multitrack. When used in one of these modes, the recorder is capable of recording audio data in WAV format of up to 24-bit/96-kHz resolution. To save SD card space, one can also set the Zoom H4n to record in MP3 format. However, I would advise against recording in MP3 format if you want to get more professional sounding results or if you want perform further mixing and editing of the audio files after recording.

Stereo mode is pretty much straightforward to use. Upon turning on the Zoom H4n, it starts up in this mode and you can start recording immediately. Hitting the record button once will activate the microphones or input jacks but will not start the recording process. At this stage, you will see the record button's border flashing a red light. This step provides the opportunity to check microphone input levels, allowing the user to adjust the levels and ensure that there is no clipping. To start recording, the user must hit the record button for a second time, and the light will stop flashing. In this mode, the user have the choice of recording via the default microphones or external microphones connected to the recorder via the XLR/TRS input jacks. To be able to record using the built-in microphones and the XLR/TRS jacks simultaneously, the user must switch from Stereo mode to 4-channel or multitrack mode.

In multitrack mode, one can record four mono tracks simultaneously, a function very similar to vintage TASCAM 4-track tape recorders. A user may also set up two mono tracks as a single stereo track. One thing that's very good about the Zoom H4n's multitrack mode is that it is possible for the user to perform a variety of recording studio/DAW functions such as panning, EQ, and inserting effects, functions that are certainly very useful for creating professional sounding recordings through just the use of the recorder itself. There's also a variety of effects that a user can insert into each track, most of which mimic popular effects pedals, guitar amplifiers, or a combination of both, which is quite handy for users who would like to plug in their guitars directly and start recording.

As an audio interface, it is a plug-and-play device that will record at a maximum of 24-bit/48-kHz resolution. It is immediately recognizable by many DAWs such as Cubase, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro. While functioning as an audio interface, one may choose the built-in mics or use the combo jacks to record using external microphones or instruments like an electric guitar or synthesizer.

VERDICT

I have great appreciation for the many features of the Zoom H4n and I am very satisfied with the sound quality it can deliver. The built-in condenser mics have a flat response, thus they are able to record audio without any tone coloration whatsoever, making then very useful for recording things such as lead vocals and samples. The packaged windscreen is perfect for cutting out wind noise when sampling and it also physically attenuates the built-in mics to some degree, making it easier for me to get the levels right when recording various spaces (such as a concert hall, etc.). The multitrack function is also very important for recording while away from my home facility. Projects recorded under different modes are stored separately into well organized folders inside your SD card, and so it's easy to organize everything you record with it.

Now, here's what I don't like about the H4n. First, the protective plastic case provides a snug fit for the unit, therefore you cannot fit anything else. This will require you to have another case or bag for it in order to fit all the accesories you might use for it. Another thing is that navigating the menus needs a little bit getting used to. Lastly, some functions such as importing stereo tracks into a multitrack project is not straightforward i.e. you need to manually convert two mono tracks into a single stereo track before you import your stereo audio file. Overall, I still do think that the Zoom H4n is a very useful handy recording unit for the musician who's constantly on the road.

PROS:

- Various modes useful for many recording situations.
- Pristine recording quality.
- Plenty of professional/prosumer features.

CONS:
- Included plastic case only fits recorder, requires another bag or case for accessories.
- Menu navigation needs getting used to.
- Some features are not straightforward.

--- How long you use it?

Two years

--- Did you tried many other models before buying it?

I had the previous model (Zoom H4). The jump in quality and usability is huge.

--- What is so special that you love the most, least?

What I like:
Its portability: you can have it permanently with either, with just one set of batteries standard parts, and quality of microphones embedded saves almost anything.
If care is taken to keep it without moving his fingers, we hear absolutely no noise of friction (contrary to what I read here and there) ... I recorded on the fly more than one half-hour of music on instruments Baschet taking the unit to a single hand without rubbing noise. He can do it!!
If he adds a pair of electrostatic well made, it is transfigured:
no breath annoying, and can simultaneously use the microphones to the edge to capture the mood in four simultaneous tracks, we will mix later as desired. This is huge!
Posted on mini tripod, it is forgotten. It is a small portable studio that is very versatile.
Ergonomics very correct. Menu quite readable. Easy to use.
What I hate:
almost nothing.
--- How do you rate the quality / price?
With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes, Q / P amazing, but I have not tested the new devices released after.

I use the Zoom H4n for about 2 years and so far I have very few negative comments to make about him. Side price / quality ratio I think is the best device of its kind on the market, the sound quality is simply stunning, the sound is clear and detailed and there is virtually no unwanted background noise. Crystal clear! The only drawback is that if one does not put the microphone boume there are little sparks (or pinging) sound that seems due to the static (or at least it is similar to the static).

I made several long recording times with the H4n and I'm also served to record acoustic percussion. With this device I have made some bookstores its high quality commercial. I also recorded a choir in a church using a tripod, this is the only record that I was somewhat disappointed, the main reason being that the H4n is not doing to capture the sounds of a single direction, it really is a "field recorder", its use to record instruments or a live band is not ideal because the device will also capture all the ambient sound in great detail. It is still possible to record instruments in a controlled environment, the sound quality is so amazing!

bought used recently, but I can already say that out and this product is genial.

Both directional stereo microphone recorder, recorder line, monitor, sound card and USB SD card reader, it is the Swiss Army knife of computer music.

I use it to record gigs, plugs into the mixing desk, on my laptop in additional soundcard when I play on virtual DJ, and I plug it even on my Nikon D7000 for a stereo sound on the video (there Adapter for a plug on the flash shoe, but I found a bipolar screw to screw into the base planned for the tripod).

The only downside is that the batteries are a dirty trick s are the mode not put stamina, and stamina mode has plenty of features that are more accessible (save in mp3 instead of wave, register mode 4 channel, that is to say the pickups + lines at the same time).

Note: it starts quickly on a 1GB card, but with a bigger card it takes more time: I have a 32GB, ca take good good 1 minute to start up.

If you play an instrument, forget all the sound cards that exist and Take ca.

If you are playing live and want a mobile solution for you enregisterez take ca.

Avoid plugging your AC on nikon and a stroll down the street, except when Men In Black is a poster.

How long you use it? For a little over a year now.

Did you tried many other models before buying it? not

What is so special that you love the most, least? The more of this product is undoubtedly the quality of what is recorded, the overall balance of the sound for a product as small. Also note the simplicity of the product if you do not want to complicate things a coupled large possibility of setting if you want a little digging. In this case, the control menu is a bit thick, but we can not have everything.

Also saw the hull to protect it during transport. It's solid and sufficient.

A small criticism, the subject deserved a pedestal to be placed vertically in the knowledge that he does not fall. The cone that can put it on a microphone stand is good but ... it still must have a microphone stand at disposal.

Preferred model of industry because if you just batteries, the budget can become so.

We use it with my band to record our rehearsals and have a critical ear a posteriori. I also use it for solo acoustic recording sessions.

How would you rate the quality / price? Excellent.

With experience, you do again this choice? Without a doubt. I was not expecting to have this quality with something so small and this price point.

Hello,
I use it for almost 2 years, with both pro and video productions to record rehearsals with my band or for friends.

In the video zoom allows me to regain his console when running excerpts from concerts, on acoustic sets I use it with a couple of microphones Rode NT 5 and then I got amazing results given investment and ease of implementation.
I like the overall product quality, never had any problems with, I help with 2 8GB SDHC cards, the one delivered is too tight, you turn on video in 16 bit or 48K.
I always use a nomad, never as an external sound card, I have what it takes in the studio.
I love the richness of the menu and options, hotkeys to select the file, the working frequency etc. ...
Even the couple of mics works well, provided there is no wind, the supplied windscreen does not suffice and must be (very) sensitive to handling noise.
Registration of personal nature sounds I put it on one foot and let it work!
Side autonomy careful if you use external microphones with the +48 V, the batteries do not last long.
I remake that choice without problem, now have a camera of this quality at this price point, nothing compared to a camera Pro is a good plan.
PS I started doing his radio with Revox to 3000 € and nagra band of over 10 kg at a price pfffff lightness then I said we appreciate you!

I use the H4 for over a year.
Its main strength is its versatility. We can do everything with little or ...
Personally I used as an audio interface nomadic recorder for recording environments, registry renewal to repeat or concert (thanks to its four tracks: the microphones for the atmosphere of the room, the mic / line for the console).
This is an excellent value for money. For my part, there is no equivalent elsewhere.
The only limitation is at the mic preamps a little weaklings.
At present, I would do without a doubt the choice.
In terms of accessories, save time:
- The bonnet "hair" Rycote is ESSENTIAL to the outside (the foam windscreen is useless ...)
- The remote is super convenient to avoid handling noise and control the device when it is high (we no longer see the screen ...)

What I find particularly magical about the Zoom H4n is that it just works. I do not actually own the product, but I know a bunch of people with them because of their popularity, and man, do I want one. The Zoom H4n is a portable recorded with two very high quality condenser microphones built into them, and it has two inputs for line or XLR in the bottom. What I find particularly beautiful about this thing is the simple fact that it is so portable. No, you’re not getting the best sound with the thing, but it is still far better than lugging an entire setup around to record a couple of things like traffic or rain or anything else you can think of. In fact, I want one of these just because of the enormous capacity to record environmental sounds and its sheer convenience will ensure that an idea will never be missed again! To be fair, Zoom’s documentation and menu system are not the greatest things in the world, but you quickly learn to forgive that when you realize that this product is not designed to be particularly intuitive in its operation. All it is particularly designed to do is to get you hitting that big red button fast. And once that button is hit, you have captured everything you need for an idea, or if you even need to quickly plug in a couple of microphones to record something of higher quality really quickly, then this is a great tool. If you are not worried about actual sturdiness or sound quality, this product is frankly a whole load of overkill, but if you want something that can get your creative juices flowing and something that will be there with quality when you need it, the H4n is definitely for you!

I use it for about a month.
I am not at all agree with the criticism of the preamps, I find them excellent. Zoom has done a good job in isolating the correct four preamps, the XLR is fully covered with copper sheets and those of the MIC are stashed at the bottom of the metal part.

The problem of breath when recording with microphones integrated calm is that these microphones provide themselves with the breath and are not very sensitive.
If you are in a quiet room and you turn up the gain to the max, it's that breath you hear is amplified, not the preamps.
It is also possible that the source impedance is not matched to that of the input.
The breath-induced preamp is very low and very soft, about -90 dB. If the noise is low enough that this breath is embarrassing, it's likely that you are dead.
I said that the mics are a good compromise given the price of the unit, they were intended simply to record concerts, not insects.

I recently did a recording in very quiet environment with DPA 4060 to the MIC jack and I get an impressive dynamic range. When I normalizes silent passages, I hear it's the highway that was 9 kilometers from there, not breathing. I know, these microphones are worth three times the price of the device, but it proves that the preamps are not involved.

I also have a Nagra ARES-PII + and an M-Audio DMP3, ear and I find it difficult to say which of the three has the least wind.

Beware of prejudice, recently I had a great time reading a discussion on the H4, the H4N and the Sony PCM-D50. The guy had provided excerpts of tapes and 8 out of 10 Internet users (who were obviously cracks) agreed that the registration of H4 was rdique m *, while the Sony was excellent. Until someone noticed that both files are exactly alike!

Now, to speak ill of H4N:

I regret terribly the sound of keys. If you use the built-in microphones, prohibition to make any adjustment during recording, not even the headphone volume, unless the optional remote.

One of my current recording has stopped because of the batteries and the file ended up corrupt. I had all the trouble to get it back, for sure it's not very pro.

I have no idea of ​​the utility can reduce the gain to 0.1. Below 1, it only reduces the amplitude. Clearly, with the gain to 0.1, a recording will be saturated at-30dB ... Fortunately, this saturation will still be clearly indicated by the flashing frenzy of entry.

I also regret a little that is slightly too thick to be discreetly stashed in a pocket, and a little heavier than expected. Ah, but that's because it is the quality good sir.

I read some reviews on the SD card door. Yes it is a bit soft, but I do not see how dangerous this may cause.

The supplied windscreen is not transparent, I think you get the best results with a scarf.

On the integrated MP3 compression, there is a lowpass at 16 kHz, certainly classic, but regrettable nonetheless. It's probably psychological, but I can not bring myself to use it.

It is also full of functions, many of which are intended for musicians (filters, tools, etc.).

In short, I bought € 290, and unless you are totally snob, I do not see how one could deny that the price / quality ratio is excellent!

I use it for 2 months and am super happy, it's stunning.
See https://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=199.
Concerning the breath, I'm of the same opinion that prcdemment said, is that all sounds are recorded, even the sound of the air (can j'exagre -be a little, but to say that we are talking about a portable recorder 330 and not a studio like Universal Music). I can also say that absolute silence does not exist and even less for people who live sound environments, such as concerts or rptitions with the ears of acouphnes blinds.
So I am making rptition taken with 2 T. BONE SC180 and it supplmentaires gnial. The low frquences are Submitted and treble silky with cymbals. I am changing records on K7 with my old post on which "kiffa" 20 years ago. this era, one could speak of souffffffffffffffle! The only small BMOL is the mic stand adapter which also dcoll and I aussitt rsistante glued with an adhesive. So watch out ds THE FIRST use on foot, not to drop your photo.
But let's be reasonable with this little marvel of technology and all it offers the price ... bein, I put 10.