All user reviews for the Zoom H4

One of my friends from college uses the Zoom H4 so I have had a few different interactions with it. He uses it for on the spot quick interviews in LA for a local radio station. He has interviewed celebraties with it and it sounds like he is using a mic with a boom stand like in holly wood movies. The quality of it is GREAT and everything is really clear. I have even heard interviews on it and you couldn’t even hear much of the surrounding noises and they where right by the street and you could barely hear the cars passing buy and the people talking the back ground. Its like a really high quality HD sound with the ability to get back home and transfer it right into the computer. My only suggestion is it seemed like the record time wasn’t that much. It would be nice if you could record on it from more than 120 mins. I know that is a lot of time, but you never know where you are going to be and how much you will need to record with it. You don’t want to miss anything or have to go back and delete stuff to create more room on the spot. Also something else I would like if it had a wifi internet connection or some type of blue tooth connection so you could transfer the audio files without needed a cord.

But overall, its great and I highly recommend it for someone who wants to record themselves or others on the spot or even to record notes in your college class. You wont have to worry about missing anything every again. I am surprised then havent put a had camera on them yet? It would be great to have great sound as well as great video too at an affordable price.

How long you use it?
=> I have the first version of the H4, this is a bunch of years I have purchased over 10 years I think ...

Did you tried many other models before buying it?
=> Before there was nothing. I bought an MP3 player that can record, coupled with a small microphone, but the walkman broke down after 1 year.

What is so special that you love the most, least?
=> This device is the Swiss Army knife of the musician!
I use it mainly for recording rehearsals, and from time to time to catch his return that I live to cubase via the line OUT. I have taken the violin and accordion just fine, more than sufficient to model.
I do not use the feature 4 tracks, but I've tested, it works, but watch only two channels at once.
I do not use effects, and I do not think these are modified once registered.
I must also recognize that the ergonomics of the beast is rather poor, with practice we found it.
Also, I always rework the sound with an audio editor (multiband compressor + standardization), and there I sound great!

Small clarification: unlike what is written in other reviews, the input level is adjustable to any value from 0 to 127, in addition to the 3-position selector. Basically, I always positioned at the value to 100, then I put the selector on low when I play metal, when I play on Mid rock, and when Hi is the folk played with brushes ... Difficult to do more practice on this point!
There's even a compressor inlet for those who want a direct signal more linear ...

How would you rate the quality / price?
=> I'm very happy with this device, despite its light weight it's never failed.

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
I probably look at what the concurrency today, or other brand models, but this model is perfect for me.

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.

I occasionally use the aid for the interview.

J likes the concept of compact digital recorder without mechanical support (read dat, MD etc.)
J not at all like the tiny screen and unreadable, the management of four tracks, the navigation menu ....
ten been the interest of a machine of this field to go fast chopper sound, then he must go into menus in tiny, illegible in the dark.

J gave it up to use the recording via input 3 and 4, which is however that for which j had advised that at the expense of H2 h4 (like to set the output of a console to get the front ...)

Adjust the level of registration efait s by a small button "L / M / H" no finesse, unusable for the sound.

In fact a force to want to make tons, the H4 does nothing very well. I have never used his catch.

H1 simply prefer him at least, or else a true digital recorder if the need justifies the H4 is bastard and you might crash ...

I have my H4 reu end December and I just use the first week of January
Goodies: pr-excellent microphones and amplifiers
H4 connections - PC without problem (file transfer / audio interface)
uncompressed wave! (Max 24 bits/96khz)
trs beautiful sound at 44.1 kHz / 24 bit (note space on the SD card!)
look nice and handling
excellent manual in French (100 pages .... comprhensibles!)
Cons: SD card slot for finger fe (1x installation hello to remove it!) I recommend putting a 2GB that is empty on his computer as possible ds
no bench mounting internal mini-disc (we select two points and it clears in real time) o neccessit TRANSFR of the computer (and take a long time)
lgre appearance and not cheap (j'espre that has held the time ....)

Compared to the mini-disc, the sound is no comparison. It is a remarkable tool (note that I have not test the effects, in particular simulations of micro clbres)

The ratio price quality seems excellent, it really is the gem I was waiting for my mini-disc has made me.
It RECORDER MOBILE rptition of musicians for a truly affordable price

Certainly

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.

User for 2 months I think I have done the trick.
Plastic look very poor, very and too light: it is quick to escape from the hands. (Already fallen once but still alive)
Leaving a stable and well mrs8 with real "big button" handy I must say that the ergonomics (the buzz word) is not his strong point! The jog is that when practice finally 'we have in hand but not at all when on pied.Dans this case also you end up with in front .. the menu upside down!
The button "input menu" is not precise: I sometimes 2 times 3 to get to the menu selected with the departure of ... recording ...

Moving to the positive side:
-On the turn makes it faster for those who want to register quickly: the result is quickly canned.
2-quality mics exceptional!
Input-record with a guitar plugged so .. Breathtaking =>
I have attached here a short extract uncompressed wave is a takamine electro prix.Je first lets you judge the resultatma lead guitar costs 10 + times but resulat is no better!)
https://www.4shared.com/file/13400233/86890c77/Electro-premier-prix.html

Transfer files to pc, ultra-convenient rapide.Je do not use it as an interface: none of the problems on the forum do not concern me. (Latence.. Etc)
Effects: a very nice note potables.A distortion and a "chorus-reverb" that I love.

9 / 10 all the same crap for what low-end! But what technology within !!!!!!!.. yes I would do it the obvious choice.

- How long have you use it?
Just under a month, but I used a lot!

- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
Plus, the "all in one", the SD, USB bus powered which the Bouzin, the choice between microphone or XLR, the phantom power supply

Least one missing tui! I dplace currently in a tupperware, and given the quality of the plastic, I have doubts about the hard way. The buttons a little too cheap.

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
No, because there is no equivalent in Mons to the price. Basically, in my case, replace a idalie md dat even a laptop. The sound card's poor ct dpanne also not bad!
- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes, and if out with a 4-track simultaneous recording cash I sold this one against the new guy! there should be a good way to catch live, between the output console and microphones room!

I put 9, for the strong relationship and cheap buttons.

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.