World-class recording for everyone
Representing the next level of professional recording performance, the H4n delivers superior audio quality and dramatically improves the user experience. Zoom’s most sophisticated handheld recorder to date will amaze, no matter the application.
Unique X/Y mic design captures perfective stereo images
The H4n’s onboard X/Y stereo condenser mics are arranged with the right and left mics on the same axis. This design ensures that the mics are always equidistant from the sound source for perfective localization with no phase shifting. Frequency response remains uniform allround your recording. The result is great stereo recording with natural depth and exact imaging each time.
The mics likewise adjust for variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. Our distinctive design lets you rotate each mic capsule from 90° (standard) to 120° (wide-angle) stereo for the extreme skillfulness in any recording situation.
Why four channels are better than two
Everyone knows that proper miking is necessary to making a great recording. The H4n is the only handheld recorder that allows you to record on four channels simultaneously by using it is onboard mics with either external mics or direct inputs. You may then use it is built-in mixer to blend the channels for perfectly balanced recordings. Now your recordings may be richer than ever before.
Or, to get a outstanding recording of a live performance, use the H4n’s onboard mics to get a room mix while simultaneously recording a stereo mix from the mixing board for a live recording that is without apparent effort one of the best you’ve ever heard.
And for media and filmmakers, the H4n makes it easy to record “high definition” audio at 24-bit/48kHz with booms, handhelds or lavaliers while gathering atmospheric audio with the onboard mics. The H4n likewise supports Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) so your recorded files carry time stamp information. You may even set markers (cue points) for the duration of recording or playback.
For even more versatility, the H4n also features a Mid-Side stereo decoder that allows you to employ this classic microphone setup. The H4n converts the mid and side channels into a conventional stereo (L/R) signal for even more versatility. It’s only found on the H4n.
It’s all in the preamp
The H4n’s new mics and four channel recording ability, in combining with our new, digitally controlled, high-quality preamplifier renders audio so precise, you’ll sound like you recorded in a world-class studio. And this new preamp means you may make recording level adjustments on the fly. Of course, an automatic level setting function is also built-in to optimize your levels as quickly as the circumstance requires.
High resolution, 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recording
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV files for audio solution that surpasses DVD quality. Or, when greatest or most complete or best possible recording time with littler file sizes is desired, select a assortment of MP3 formats from 320 kbps down to 48 kpbs to develop littler files suitable for web or e-mail distribution.
Secure your digital memories on SD and SDHC cards
The H4n uses compact SD or high-capacity SDHC memory cards of up to 32GB for over 15 hours of recording time at 24-bit/96kHz. Or, using MP3 format at 128 kpbs, get over 550 hours of recording time on one card.
It’s when it comes to the music.
For musicians and songwriters, the H4n is also a user-friendly, multi-track studio (MTR) that records at CD quality, 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution. Plug in your guitar or bass and use the H4n’s classic amp models to inspire your creativeness and find tone perfection for the duration of your recording sessions.
The MTR mode allows simultaneous 2-track recording and 4-track playback. With this feature, you may sketch songs by overdubbing vocals and instruments with ease. Level and panning may be adjusted on an individual basis for each track on the built-in mixer, and you may even do a mixdown right on the H4n. Perfect for pre-production sessions with the band.
The H4n offers a choice of 50 studio-quality DSP effects including compressor, chorus, delay, and reverb. These onboard studio effects, along with it is tuner and metronome make the H4n very musician friendly.
The H4n’s phrase trainer capability makes learning new songs easy with an adaptable playback feature that changes the speed from 50 to 150 percent, while sustaining pitch. Or use it is center cancel feature to suppress audio that is recorded with center imaging. And because the H4n lets you change pitch without altering playback speed, you may choose source material, suppress the center audio and use it as a backing track while recording a vocal or guitar track.
It’s a USB audio interface
The H4n also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC. Use your favored recording software or the bundled Cubase LE 4 from Steinberg, so you may begin to manufacture and edit your recording right out of the box.
Everyone likes surprises, but not while you’re recording
You may set your H4n to mechanically record whenever sound above a indicated level is detected. This ensures that you capture everything of importance while minimizing blank segmentations such as when recording a group discussion or lecture. The H4n may also be set to without disruption record the most recent two seconds of audio in memory. Now, you’ll never miss the beginning of anything you want to record, even if it begins suddenly.
Brains with a body too
The H4n has a new rubberized, shock immune chassis that improves durability while reducing handling noise. A large, 1.9 inch LCD screen with backlit graphic display shows all the tracking data at a glimpse and makes it easy to navigate the functions of the unit. The H4n even has a built-in reference speaker to let you check recordings without earphones.
Faster file transfer
The H4n is now a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed device, meaning that files may be transposed to your computer at the most eminent rate available. Then use recording software for editing, give rise to your own original CDs, post your recordings on your myspace page or send out your recordings by e-mail… the future prospects or potentials are endless.
Stamina mode extends battery life to 11 hours
For situations where you require maximized, uninterrupted recording operation you may select stamina mode that efficaciously doubles battery life, letting you record without disruption for approximately 11 hours in 16-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM format.
Fully loaded
A 1 GB SD card, windscreen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software are included with your H4n. The windscreen is particularly helpful to reduce wind noise. The mic clip adapter works utterly when attaching the unit to a ordinary mic stand, or you may use the built-in tripod mount with a popular camera tripod.
Go remote with the RC4
An optional remote control (RC4) gives you access to a range of functions including recording start, play, stop, fast forward/reverse, recording level adjustment, and input source switching. It is likewise utile for preventing any handling noise.
The H4n is the epitome of sophistication made simple. For any individual who needs professional recording capability with extraordinary versatility, the H4n will give you the capacity to capture everything with the clarity and solution antecedently found only in the world’s finest recording studios. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make world-class recordings, wherever you are in the world.
Features:
- Built-in X/Y stereo mics record at either 90° or 120°
- Four channel simultaneous recording using built-in and external mics
- Digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp for bettered audio quality
- Large 1.9-Inch LCD screen and bettered user interface for easy operation
- 24bit/96kHz Linear PCM recording for pristine recording
- MP3 recording for increased recording time
- Built-in reference speaker to check recordings
- Shock immune rubberized body for bettered chassis protection
- Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker
- Records on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB for greatest or most complete or best possible recording time
- Auto-record and pre-record feature so you never miss a moment
- Variable speed playback capability for “phrase training”
- Stamina mode enables 10 hours of ceaseless battery life
- Onboard mid-side matrix decoder for further and added miking possibilities
- Built-in mounting joint for tripod and mic stand mounting
- USB 2.0 port for rapidly and without delay file transfer
- XLR inputs with phantom power grant recording with any mic
- Supports plug-in power type external mics
- Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass
- Studio effects onboard, including guitar and bass amp modeling
- USB audio interface capability
- Low-cut filter to reduce noise
- Normalizing and file splitting functions
- Mono mix function
- Onboard tuner and metronome
- Includes 1 GB SD card, wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software
- Optional remote control (RC4) available
90° (standard) 120° (wide-angle) stereo
Built-in Microphone Frequency Response
H4n Handy Recorder Features at a Glance
The H4n Handy Recorder is the extreme in professional, portable recording. A big 1.9-inch, backlit display features recording levels, file format, time elapsed, file name, remaining battery life and recording time. Optional features such as low cut filter, compressor/limiter and phantom power are likewise shown when utilized. LEDs indicate Stereo, 4-Channel or MTR mode.
Transport controls include one button recording, playback and pause, forward and rewind buttons. You likewise have more outstanding control over functions such as Folder, File, Speed or Format selection with the Short Cut/Track Select keys. These keys double as track selectors with the Multi-Track Recorder mode.
On right side of the H4n, the Jog Dial and Menu Key are positioned together for easy navigation. Push the Menu Key to enter the menu and the Jog Dial to navigate through the plentiful features. Use the record level buttons to toggle your levels up or down, and replace your SDHC card by folding down the rubberized door.
The left side of the H4n holds a jack for the RC4 remote control, Phone/Line Output for monitoring and playback. Playback Volume, USB 2.0 interface, Power On and Hold.
Use the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface to move your files to a PC or Mac for storage, editing or playback. And you may even use the H4n as a USB interface and record directly to your favored digital audio software or the supplied Cubase LE software.
On the back, you’ll find a reference speaker, external mic input for plug-in power type mics and a tripod mount. Remove the battery cover to turn on Stamina Mode. There is also mount for a carry strap. On the bottom of the H4n, you’ll find the combining XLR/Phone inputs and the AC power input is located here as well.
Our most sophisticated recorder, the H4n is likewise fantastically easy to navigate and setup for the most diverse recording situations you could ever encounter. Now you may capture each sonic detail with the kind of quality and precision ordinarily found in the world’s finest recording studios.
Kodak Zi8 + Zoom H4n Audio Test + Review