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Zoom H4 Handy Recorder

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 Location:  Home » Electronics » Portable Recorders » Zoom H4 Handy RecorderOctober 11, 2008  
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Zoom H4 Handy Recorder
Zoom H4 Handy Recorder

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Brand: Zoom
Category: Musical Instruments

List Price: $494.99
Buy New: $229.95
You Save: $265.04 (54%)



New (37) Used (3) Refurbished (3)

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars 114 reviews
Sales Rank: 12

Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
System Memory: 128
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 10 x 7 x 3
The Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder fits in your palm and is ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars. The H4 allows you to record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as in MP3 format with bit rates up to 320kbps. The H4 features two studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4" input jacks with phantom power for use with any external micropho: 

MPN: H4RB
Model: ZOO H4
UPC: 884354007058
EAN: 0884354007058
ASIN: B000LGA2K6

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • Metronome: 5 sounds (Beat: 0/4 - 8/4, 6/8, Tempo: 40.0 - 250.0BPM)
  • A/D Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling
  • D/A Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling
  • Signal Processing: 32bit
  • Recording Media: SD memory card (16MB-2GB)

Accessories:

  • Sony MDR-V500DJ Monitor Series Headphones with Swivel Earcups
  • Sony MDR-V700DJ DJ Style Monitor Series Headphones
  • Sony MDR-V600 Studio Monitor Series Headphones with Circum-Aural Earcup Design
  • Sennheiser HD600 Over-Ear Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Professional Stereo Headphones (Black)
  • Panasonic RP-HT21 Lightweight Headphones with XBS Extra Bass System

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  • Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
  • Sandisk 2GB Compactflash Card Type I (SDCFB-2048-A10, Retail Package)
  • Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone

Editorial Reviews:

From the Manufacturer
Whether you're recording a live performance, a podcast, a class or workshop, a rehearsal, a songwriting session or even a sizzling performance of your band, the H4 has more recording tools available than any device ever made. Weighing a mere 6.7 ounces (190g), the H4 puts a remarkable amount of recording power in the palm of your hand.

Many uses of the Zoom H4 portable stereo recorder
Underneath its sleek exterior are built-in studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. Use the combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs for external mics, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom's most incredible microphone, guitar and bass modeling, accurately reproducing the tone of the most famous microphones and amps ever made. Audio can be recorded as WAV or MP3 files and moved to a computer via USB for easy editing, mixing and mastering.

True stereo imaging:
Stereo recording is often accomplished by using two microphones in a V-shaped set up that faces the performer. While this method will result in good stereo separation, responsiveness for the area directly in front of the mics will be low, causing problems with depth perception and imaging. The Zoom H4 uses an X/Y configuration where the two microphones point inward at a crossing angle. This allows the recorder to cover a wide area, and at the same time capture sound sources in the center with perfect clarity and definition. Phase differences between left and right channels are also eliminated because sound is picked up simultaneously by both microphones.

The Zoom H4 offers true stereo image recording
Absence of phase differences ensures natural stereo imaging

24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM format and MP3 recording:
The H4 allows 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format, resulting in excellent transparency and definition that exceeds the sound quality of CDs. This is great for capturing the nuances of an acoustic instrument while preserving the ambience of the recording location. Or record directly as MP3 files for longer recordings that still provide excellent sound quality.

Secure Digital (SD) Media
The H4 records on Secure Digital (SD) Media cards. These widely available cards boast an amazing amount of recording time in a small package. And unlike tape or disc media, mechanical vibrations do not affect recording quality. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 can provide up to 190 minutes of stereo WAV file recording in 44.1 kHz/16-bit mode or as many as 34 hours when recording at 128 kbps in MP3 stereo mode.

Combination XLR-1/4" Inputs
The H4, with its two phantom powered XLR-1/4" input jacks that support direct connection of external microphones, is the solution to an infinite number of recording situations. You can also use the H4's Hi-Z rated phone inputs for direct connection of guitars, bass, or any other line-input device.

Product Description
Product has been Factory Refurbished to perform as if it were new. Includes 90-Day Zoom manufacturer's warranty.
The Zoom H4 is more than a handheld recorder - it's a simple way to record high quality audio. It's a full function stereo recorder capable of a wide range of recording rates, from low grade MP3 to 24bit/96K wav files. It also can be used as a portable 4 track recorder AND a USB interface. The built-in microphones & two combo jacks connect your favorite microphones or instruments -- including condensers with 24. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (CD Quality), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your recordings to a PC or Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass-storage interface. Records 24-bit/96KHz digital audio as well as MP3s, with bitrates up to 320 Kbps Two combination XLR-1/4 input jacks with phantom power Onboard studio effects compression, limiting and mic modeling 1/8 headphone jack provided for monitoring Includes 128MB SD card Up to 380 minutes recording time with 2GB SD memory card Up to 34 hours recording in MP3 stereo mode Combination high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards Built-in guitar amp modeling equipment to the Zoom G2 Records directly to your computer as a USB audio interface Comes bundled with Cubase LE - 48-track Digital Audio Workstation software Up to four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries



Customer Reviews:   Read 109 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Highly capable and convenient recorder, somewhat odd interface   September 30, 2008
This is the second time I've purchased this recorder, so I must like it well enough (the first one was stolen). I do!

It's sound, it's capabilities and it versatility I find to be first class. That said, the oddnesses it possesses are in it's user interface (rather small screen, and a non-intuitive dual control joystick-like button and jog wheel combo) and its user manual, which has an awful lot of references to other sections in most any section you are reading. It's be easier if these were clickable hyper links as on a web page, but there's no clicking in a paper manual....



5 out of 5 stars Exactly what it is   September 30, 2008
There are some complaints about complexity which you should take as valid if you're not used to working with pro audio equipment. If it doesn't surprise you that you have to press the record button twice, then ignore those complaints. I will agree that the interface design isn't the best, but it is internally consistent so once I got familiar with it I felt much better.

My favorite surprise feature is that if you're using it as an audio interface it's USB powered.

The battery life is pretty short, so invest in quality rechargeables.



5 out of 5 stars Amazing from Amazon   September 30, 2008
I purchased the H4 Zoom with some apprehension. I am so pleasantly surprised. I recorded an 18 piece big band with extraordinary results.
Some tracks sound like pro recordings.



4 out of 5 stars Great recorder at a great price   September 28, 2008
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I bought this recorder to record live classical music using external microphones requiring phantom power. While figuring out the interface and menu items was a little clumsy, it was relatively easy to use. What's really amazing about this recorder is the clarity of sound, wide frequency range and ease of transporting audio files to my mac. Some reviewers may not like certain features of this recorder - it being made of plastic, SD card and batteries somewhat difficult to get to, etc.. - but for the money it's an astounding little package. I've been really happy with it.


4 out of 5 stars handy indeed   September 16, 2008
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

first the bad :
the switches (side-panel on the right) for "gain lo-med-hi" seem easy to break and are difficult to put in the middle position.
the pushwheel (also on the right side-panel) seems fragile too.
i find it very difficult to remove the SD card (it doesn't pop up high enough), so rather than use tweezers i just leave it in there and transfer the files over USB.
the usage is awkward at first, you navigate using the center button and the pushwheel, which almost requires two hands.
the center joystick button has two menu-navigation purposes: pushing it in is basically a back/clear button, and pulling it down gives you access to the input menu. the rest of the menu-navigation (and selection) is done by the pushwheel.
maybe this is a good thing because it allows you to still use the joystick to control the music (play/pause/record/ffwd/rew) WHILE you're navigating the menus.
unfortunately, many of the menus don't wrap-around (so if you scroll to the end of a list before deciding you want the first item, then you have to scroll all the way back to the beginning).
the volume wheel controls the 3.5mm "headphone" output, but has no effect on the 3.5mm "line" output; no big deal, you can get around that using a 2-dollar splitter (so two people can listen with headphones, for example).

now the good :
the product does everything it says it does; i find the recording quality excellent considering the size and cost of this thing.
i also use it as a headphone amp for my electric guitar (of the 50 built-in effects, there are at least five that i use frequently).
battery life is good, you'll want rechargeable batteries ofcourse.
once i got used to the user-interface, i found this product very satisfying.
although it could use some design improvements, i consider this almost essential equipment for a musician, and very useful for a bunch of other people, including bootleggers, podcasters, lecturers/students, or anyone who wants decent quality digital recordings for under 300$.
(maybe students recording lectures would be better served by the zoom H2 or other mini-recorders that you can find on www.thomann.de)

i bought this product directly from amazon, free shipping, order tracking, zero problems.
i also bought a sony AA/AAA battery charger with LCD display and discharge function (model BCG-34HRMF4) with which i am VERY pleased.
and a couple of 2 Gig SD cards.
note : i read that the H2 and H4 are not compatible with the 4 Gig SD High-Capacity (SDHC) cards.

i have not tried the zoom H2 yet, but i don't think i'll buy one because for me the H4 is portable enough.
but i don't need to test the H2 to recommend the H4 over it; the H4 is just so much more versatile, can do so much more for musicians, and has better mics anyway.

happy recording!


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