All user reviews of 4/5 for the Zoom H4

A description translated into franais. It's clear this is a 4-track recording

Digital audio format 24bit / 96kHz, 320kbps or MP3
2 condenser microphones
2 among combined jack / XLR with phantom power
Between 1/4 High Impedance microphone, guitar, bass or keyboard
Incorpors studio effects (compressor, limiter and mic modeling)
Simulations damplis identical guitar G2
Headphone jack 1/8 (also usable as monitor)
Secure Digital (SD) 128MB included
Possibility of 380 minutes or 34 hours denregistrement mono MP3 stro with 2GB memory card (not included)
Mass Storage USB interface
LCD backlit display 128x64 pixel light
4 tracks denregistrement Concurrent (2 + 2 jack stro combins) in CD quality 16bit
Software included Cubase LE
Power 2 AA batteries (4 hours of continuous operation) or 9V adapter

practice to record in any condition.

depending on the mix are pretty damn bad but relatively complete for this kind of product.

very good point is the emulation section amp for recording instruments, the built-in tuner, the choice can be saved to WAV (44.1, 48 or 96 kHz) or directly to MP3. emulation microphone is unconvincing but takes slightly longer. the life of batteries (alkaline) is simply amazing and battery charging method is transparent (no background noise) so we can record while the batteries are charging!

it can also serve as the interface when connected to USB on your computer (but then, no 96Khz!)

I remake choice but the H4n version that is more flexible to use and allows it to record four inputs simultaneously (both in stereo electret along the XLR inputs / jack) and has a small hp integrated taped ...

How long have you use it?

-> About 2 years.



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

-> The records are of good quality, there are many presets that allow you to play guitar with headphones on a trip, etc ...

-> You have to spend some time on the record to know how to use (it is also a little logic to the placement of microphones), it seems fragile (very light, but in the end he has never fallen failure), the microphones are too sensitive despite the three sensitivity level possible.



Have you tried many other models before buying it?

-> No



How would you rate the quality / price?

-> Really good, the price is low compared to other device of this kind, it is less convenient but you can get good results if one takes a bit of trouble. Comes with Cubase LE4.



With experience, you do again this choice?

-> Yes, the multi-track recording is very complicated to use to register a group, make a model, etc ... However, the Zoom H4 is handy for recording Repeat ', concerts, etc ... with a quality that identifies defects in the game and to improve. In the end it is cheap and it makes good service.

Received 5 days ago

The most incredible quality / price ratio. Good performance of preamps. Microphones in xy.

The least ergonomic problems associated with miniaturization.
unable to operate "by hand" because of the noise of contact.
the very high sensitivity to the wind which prohibits taken by external mics.
Basically, great for recording indoors on foot. Otherwise, provide another microphone (Rode NT4 for example) protected by a very Rycote windshield (3 times the price of H4!).
With regard to the four tracks, drops! A small cheap sound card will do much better deal! ...

Tried other models? no such

Quality / price excellent!

Would you make this choice? probably

- How long have you use it?
I just got it, I Pluch the user manual to see what was in the belly ...

- What is the particular feature you like most?
Versatility: both a tool for radio people, for musicians
recorder which sound card, the quality of micro foun, handling quite simple, multi effect with many possibilities, a simulator prampli with eq, compressor, gate, a mtronome, a chromatic tuner the XLR combo, in short a lot.

Coupled my behringer B1 2 is even better.
- What is the particular feature you like least?

the quality plastic, do not fall down (when a tuit protector??) a noise when it operates on two internal batteries (problem of power converter)
solution: an external battery power supply (bad!) this noise is not taken into Gnant in charge ambience, but trs Submitted atmosphere in the studio.
also, be careful, this recorder is sensitive to radiation magntiques like NONS light bulbs or energy. must perform a control in an apartment. No problem in the collection's outdoor. the device MRIT better shielding.
the phantom power supply requires energy supplmentaire (what autonomy), the rgonomie which get used (but you get used to it quickly trs)
I would also like that he keeps in memory the rglages we did, even by changing the profile ...
Use the joystick pretty average.

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
I was using before the minidisc, nothing to see ...

- How do you report qualitprix?
Gnial for the moment, for all these functions.
But in absolute terms, a plastic thing full of pure electronic, should be a
cheaper than with his mcanique md.
I associated with a high sensitivity HD202 headphones from Sennheiser, that's fine, they are made to marry these two l. ..
The sound of hand is reasonable, taking the camera firmly, was going on, better than my external microphone. A micro DO21B lem would be better on this game ...
- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...

Yes, even if ...

- How long have you use it?

since 2 / 3 days

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
practice while but with a button sometimes not ultra prcis!
the big red record button is really not departing on reactive trs think he is blocked or something like that ... In the end you realize it takes twice to fupport fupport record and a bit harder for the edge but stops a few seconds gentiil zoom APRS ... blah blah ... not even when super pro

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?

oh yes! post the tape through the minidisc or even a ARCHOS AV 604 ...
the sound is certainly good but not as revolutionary compared to the minidisc that some are willing to say ...

ok good it can be thinner but be careful fauudra has the sound like a minidisc recorder totu sony or sharp with Sony MS907 microphone ...

- How do you report qualitprix?
I esteem it a bit too much should not exceed 180 euros, including a totu my taste ....

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

If it again ???... I do not pensse! that this is a bad machine ... but is a price too high for my taste for this kind of toy that naporte not so much as ca diference from a minidisc ....
Only hosts and then not to have ca read the reviews already mentioned I expect the device to death compared to minidisc and then finally no ... it's good but certainly totu will depend on the sound space in lekel you save and orientation of the zoom ...

here is my humble opinion and sincerely DSOL not be as enthusiastic as the other opinions ....
positive good in it and some of the all in one, the storage capacity with a 2GB SD card not supplied with the unit is interesssante ...
it is also true that the sound is rather too much color and good overall return with a small voilesur the top mediums ... ca, but far surpasses our good old cassette recorder

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- How long have you use it?</span>
A fortnight

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- What is so special that you like best?</span>
0 - The next all-in-one. Very useful.

1 - stereo to record everything is so mobile, with the included microphone, which are very honorable bill. As a singer, I often walk, freudonnant stuff, and want to capture ambiences of its exterior. Nickel for it.

2 - 4-track mode, very interesting to hack rapidly away from home, or a direct-to-disk. With the metronome, built-in effects and different settings (gain and accounting), it was enough to lay the foundation for new music, whether you are a singer, bassist or guitarist.

3 - The USB port that allows a rapid transfer and without alteration of the recorded files. (As opposed to minidisc, mentioned in another opinion. Incidentally, I have a MZ-N707 from Sony)

4 - The USB port which makes a nice sound card for laptops. Small problem: you have to download the ASIO drivers (not included, so), and plug the AC H4, if you want to record and play audio tracks (in his favorite sequencer) at the same time. I tried a dozen tracks in reading, plus two VSTi (ez drummer and FM8) without worry. (On an Asus G1)

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- What is so special that you like the least?</span>
1 - By pushing the gain slightly (by button or digitally) means rapidly, recording a small parasite digital noise that comes from access to the SD card (in addition to the breath) ... Difficult to catch her when the source has a really low level. (Gender, birds singing in the forest).
That said, this is true with the H4 mics. I have not tried using the XLR.

2 - Effects-called "destructive" ... They are used in mode 4 track (or sound card), but mostly only entry. This means that once used, can neither be changed nor removed. Too bad.

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- Have you tried many other models before buying it?</span>
No. However, I did a lot of research. And there is no equivalent product, combining as many functions or at this price.

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- How would you rate the quality / price?</span>
For fans living outside of their music, it's still too expensive to spend € 336, but given the market, and usefulness of the device, I find excellent value for money!

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>- With experience, you do again this choice? ...</span>
All-in-fact!
However, I would point out to potential buyers need to think always leave the gain of the microphone on "L" (low = the lowest), and not to increase either the digital gain. This is to prevent digital noise, and the breath.
In this use, the H4 is almost perfect!
ps: Bonette came with the device is very useful against the "pop" and other vibrations of membranes. = I do all my shots this way now.

While waiting to do better, this recorder is great.
Rapid start, very good quality microphone, line in for sampler, tracks easily accessible, small, low weight, incredible autonomy with only two conventional batteries, SD card really practical to transfer the records, which all good.
For me, the only problem is background noise that is generated when recording with the microphone. It really surprised me at first! If the input level of the record is strong enough there is no problem, but if the signal is weak, it sucks.
Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to compare it with another recorder, but for me it's still a big problem.
However, I am very satisfied with this unit and I do not regret having bought it.
I put my mini-disk in an old closet, that it is less efficient in quality, but the H4 is incomparably more convenient.
I'm still curious if the background noise of H4 is also on the H2 which has a more record led micro, very useful sampler of ambient sounds and not localized (an option that will definitely make me spend 250 euros ).
I bought the H4 in the United States after hesitation and it cost me 100 euros less than in France.
PS: for people who seek to catch his moods or external instruments as good in the studio with a microphone to 2000 euros with pre-amp, forget the H4. must not dream either.

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.

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

- 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.

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 ...

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