All user reviews for the Zoom H4nSP

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 Zoom H4n for 2 years. At the time I was looking for a digital recorder with a good return on its mics, recorder for rehearsals and riffs / songs at home.
So really in work mode / draft for then distribute to group members.

The +
Works great and if we give ourselves an SD card rather large, one has enough to see it coming.
Its very clean.
Can adjust the format / compression level to avoid huge files.

The -
The interface is not very ergonomic


I never explored the options of recording with effects / multi tracks etc. ...
Finally, for the use I make of it really having an oversized iPhone, I use very little: the voice recorder of the iPhone is finally enough and with a little trick we can avoid saturation. Of course we do not reach the quality of reproduction of the zoom but for the draft and sending direct mail to his cronies is nickel.

In short, a good camera to explore for those who have time and courage. Direct in record mode, it works very well, it gives me the most!

_Since How long you use it?
Purchased in September 2011 in order to catch its many and varied, and record live entertainment (thanks to the combo inputs XLR / jack).

_Aviez You tried many other models before buying it?
No. therefore no comparison for me ...

_Quelle Is the feature that you like most and least?
the least: the quality of cells and micro preamps built ...
Most: its ergonomics and interface for a more complete "toy" compact.

_How Do you rate the quality / price?
Correct.

_with The experience, you do again this choice?
Without testing the other models I would have trouble competing to be objective on the issue ...
But I do not regret purchasing it and carries it throughout my move when meeting with an object sound interesting! With a good pair of micro above, we draw things quite satisfactory (for a layman like me).

Much has been said, I will speak of its limitations

I sing and play guitar together.
I also H4 and lack of control of sound effects differentiated right track (guitar) left channel (voice) I miss him, the common guitar and voice effects are too limited.
No additional sound output compared to H4 then transfer the audio to another device, preventing you to listen to you at the same time.
You get lost in the menu and sub menu.
I have not been able to put my metronome without at the same time agree on the record.
He has already lost several times my creations when its batteries died and I forgot to write down all my settings.
Total stay on H4 or the branch 2.

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 ...)

The Zoom H4n is an excellent product quality / price ratio outstanding!
Among its shortcomings on we note: the inability to activate the "dual mono" In the 1 / 2 in "4CH"!
It is therefore impossible to record an external microphone mono tracks on 2 "1 / 2" 4ch mode. The microphone preamps are fantastic (you must pull in) for the gain but it is usual on this type of recorder. Therefore it is impossible to use ribbon mics or the traditional with the LEM DO21B Zoom H4n. Provided these pre-amps are pretty good with microphones to "high" level of output. Beware of battery life with a condenser microphone, it will fall quickly, especially if the micro "consumer" a lot.
While not fragile, microphones embedded are nonetheless vulnerable. Caution to prevent falls. Finally, the pair of microphones is useless without an internal "wind jammer" type Rycote. Once the photo is taken with the quality of sound is amazing! If the sound source is very low, then we reach the limits of the pre-amp but for a recording of this type it is still remarkable. Other default Zoom (identical on all other recorder class: handling noise are inevitable when recording with the internal microphone. At the end of measurements it seems we notice a tendency of saturation at the Zoom H4n. This I have not seen "in use".
Among the outstanding features the "USB Audio Interface" on Mac and PC. This feature also makes me choose rather than the new H4n Tascam yet cheaper. The balance of the recorder is very successful (with the metal part on the front) and its grip thanks to bors slightly "rubberized". The richness of the functions of the software part for an unbeatable offers on recorders competitors in this price range. In short, the Zoom H4n is now in my opinion the best choice.
Some titles on albums by majors were even recorded on H4n!

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.

For two short weeks ... but I sleep with!
Rpter not to, I recommend to first read the relevant opinions to Previous. I agree with Phill particulirement and Pindura.
My opinion is favorable trs! Excellent product! excellent quality-price, good ergonomics, quality sound incredible if only one RULES as the level of need, compressor / limiter, noise gate, not (in fact it makes a sound of shit when I register in the toilet ... logical!)
Trs Designed well, you just will integrate the presentation logic DIFFERENT menus and modes (stereo, 4ch and MTR)

So that's positive ...
All small BMOL:
- Instead of rubber, it is hard plastic plutt (of good quality after all, but I do not call a rubber) short, I dare not even any of the drop.
- The adapter for the foot seems fragile indeed. But as I read the opinion Aviss, I am cautious and I handled gently.
- As told prcdemment, trs sensible when using the microphones Intgr. Unable to operate something without a course. The same holding, it's a fair bit.
I then use the famous mic stand adapter for the hold. (Attention, even as a, do not rub the grip, otherwise it is taken in the recording!)
It is best therefore to OPDs. And then I advise to leave the adapter screwed on the back and place it on a flat surface and a bit against the bottom of the sound source (because the device is found and inclined 45) For example, on possible a table facing the people standing, or on the floor facing a guitarist sitting.

It helps me save
- The kids who chatter or sing their little song for the fte of MRES
- Deutsche guitar in WC (vridique, just pay attention to hmorrodes = increasing if we take this bad habit of staying too long on the NRTEE ...)
- The atmosphere in rpeter
- The compounds in construction (track by track, Multitrack)
- Lves my class who make exposs or interprtent of pomes!
- The outputs of my desk mix of home studio
In short, a little while what.

Not used as an interface with the computer ... The opinion compltera later.

For now, he leaves her 9.95 out of ten!

How long have you use it?
1 week

What is the particular feature you like best and least?
+ Possibility to save the internal and external microphones at the same time
+ Manufacturing quality better than the H2 (a few dtails hlas SD card as the hatch!)
+ Large screen, visible distance
+ Possibility of tlcommande (I'm still waiting for hard to find in stock ...)
+ Low-cut filter selection frquence
- It remains even when the blast / noise lev gain even with a good external microphone signal / noise
- You can not switch to the mono mix between external only (for recording with an external microphone, but the two internal). On internet I read a thread with one of two XLR inputs it uses gnre of interference, but I did not test in detail.

Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
I also possde an H2, I'll probably sell it.
A comparison between the two:
- Blast / noise is DIFFERENT between the two, it is more muffled on the H2 and more acute on the H4n. A high gain of breath is more acceptable H4n
- Internal mics are better on the H4n, there are more acute and they are thinner. The dynamic is more tense on the microphones of H4n compared the H2 looks compress.
- Attention of the microphones H4n are much more sensitive to plosives! windscreen necessary to record the song, so it's not the case with forcment H2.
- The dc offset is worse than h2,-67db instead of-78dB, not from the top zoom ...

How do you report qualitprix?
Plutt good, given the opportunity.

Exprience with, you will do again this choice?
Yes

How long you use it and what is the particular feature you like best and least? Have you tried many other models before acqurir? How do you report qualitprix ? With the exprience, you do again this choice? * ...

I use it for one month, but I recorded two rptitions dj and a full concert of choral singing. The orchestra and rptitions gnrale have been done with H4N my feet, taken from the concert hall. I also made a recording during the rptions H4N on one knee.
Gnial is your exact, clear, sensible and altogether not too sensitive the proximity of the vote. I recorded before with a Sony minidisc and a pair of microphones lectret. This is the day and night. I think even store my arsenal of studio Sony DAT, CD and other tables Soundcraft ausio to connect over my pair of Neuman.
I confirm internal microphones are sensitive to wind trs trs. Bonette essential and efficient trs. (May be too.)
I also confirm your rglages made before you start recording if you will the sounds of friction in your registry renewal but it's as if you were holding your hand microphone while recording. Not ask the moon.
For the recording time is canon. MP3 / 128Kb / s sound is nickel (for our Shifting) and offers 17h of recording. It's enough fun. I put Lithium batteries (not rechargeable. It's better than cells of the rabbit. I recorded over 6 hours with one set of batteries. Hint: Zoom offers positions deus 'Batteries' or 'battery' . This is to reflect the Difference dlivres voltage for batteries and the batteries. trs is a good point. For if you go against Stamina APRS avioir recorded in normal mode and MP3. You do not see your files as DGRAD Stamina mode does not support MP3 ... but do not panic, they are not deleted.
I have not seen a way to rename files or rpertioires is not forcment teacher, except that when you mount it's nice to know what song you go up. STE115 not cause anyone.
I did the installation CD with Sound Forge, and it is the foot. Nickel not a plop, hyper-fast editing as Swifs put the card into the SD slot on the PC ... But the strength of cc'est numrique SD card.

How long you use it and what is the particular feature you like best and least? Have you tried many other models before acqurir? How do you report qualitprix ? With the exprience, you do again this choice? * ...

I use it for one month, but I recorded two rptitions dj and a full concert of choral singing. The orchestra and rptitions gnrale have been done with H4N my feet, taken from the concert hall. I also made a recording during the rptions H4N on one knee.
Gnial is your exact, clear, sensible and altogether not too sensitive the proximity of the vote. I recorded before with a Sony minidisc and a pair of microphones lectret. This is the day and night. I think even store my arsenal of studio Sony DAT, CD and other tables Soundcraft ausio to connect over my pair of Neuman.
I confirm internal microphones are sensitive to wind trs trs. Bonette essential and efficient trs. (May be too.)
I also confirm your rglages made before you start recording if you will the sounds of friction in your registry renewal but it's as if you were holding your hand microphone while recording. Not ask the moon.
For the recording time is canon. MP3 / 128Kb / s sound is nickel (for our Shifting) and offers 17h of recording. It's enough fun. I put Lithium batteries (not rechargeable. It's better than cells of the rabbit. I recorded over 6 hours with one set of batteries. Hint: Zoom offers positions deus 'Batteries' or 'battery' . This is to reflect the Difference dlivres voltage for batteries and the batteries. trs is a good point. For if you go against Stamina APRS avioir recorded in normal mode and MP3. You do not see your files as DGRAD Stamina mode does not support MP3 ... but do not panic, they are not deleted.
I have not seen a way to rename files or rpertioires is not forcment teacher, except that when you mount it's nice to know what song you go up. STE115 not cause anyone.
I did the installation CD with Sound Forge, and it is the foot. Nickel not a plop, hyper-fast editing as Swifs put the card into the SD slot on the PC ... But the strength of cc'est numrique SD card.