Zoom H4 N - Opinions - Ease of Use?

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 19 Jul 2009 3:53 am

I want to record without having to constantly be sitting in front of the computer.

I want to transfer the recordings to my ProTools LE setup on my Windows XP machine.

I want pristine recorded stereo sound and extreme ease of use. I want to do the following quickly and repeatedly with the minimum of button presses.

1. Set a recording level.
2. Record my performance.
3. Listen back.
4. Discard the performance- go to step 2.
5. Save - record another tune - go to step 1.

I've heard good things about the Zoom H4 N - the newer model of the H4. Any opinions? Thanks.

Robert Tripp · Post by **Robert Tripp** » 19 Jul 2009 6:41 am

Gerald

I don't know if you've seen this information on the Zoom, but you might find it interesting.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ ... agoda2TY_w

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 20 Jul 2009 8:09 am

Are you sure you want an H4 rather than an H2 ?

All of these units do what you request, whether or not they meet your "ease of use" criteria may be debatable. What I may think is very easy someone else may find difficult and vice versa.

They all record easily, they all have USB access or memory card access, they all have phones outputs, they can all playback what you just recorded and they can all delete the files you don't want. About the only thing I am not certain of is the MP3/Wave formats that are available for each of the different units. They should all offer an external stereo mic plug in option as well as a line in option so you can record direct from another source .

I use a Roland R-1, it has 7 different MP3 settings and 2 Wave settings, I pretty much use MP3/128 most of the time and the Wave settings for any serious music that I may transfer from a multi track transfer to the PC.

good luck

t

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 20 Jul 2009 9:06 am

Thanks all.

I just bought the Zoom H4N and the optional remote.

I'll keep you posted.

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 20 Jul 2009 11:14 am

The H4N looks like it has a bigger screen and easier playback than the H4 I have. I think you will be happy.

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 13 Nov 2009 4:52 am

Gerald,
How do you like your new recorder?

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 13 Nov 2009 5:39 am

I love the H4N. Easy to use, great recordings. The only downside is the battery life - not that great, 4-5 hours tops. They do have a battery saving mode which I have not experimented with.

I recorded an entire "Virtual CD" using the H4N and nothing else.

Take a listen:
http://www.geraldross.com/lakemichigan.htm

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 13 Nov 2009 6:10 am

I want pristine recorded stereo sound

If that was the main requirement, I don't think I would be looking at one of the small portable recorders.

I had a Zoom H4 and was going to use it for "portable" recording until I got a laptop and a recording interface (and Sonar 8 DAW software). I eventually sold the H4 since it wasn't needed. Granted I have more pieces and I need microphones, but I do get "pristine" recordings.

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 13 Nov 2009 6:20 am

OK... I'll take back one of my last statements. I used something in addition to the H4N.

I recorded my raw tracks on the H4N using the built in mics and then processed them through my Pro Tool 8.0 software on my home computer.

Bryan Daste · Post by **Bryan Daste** » 14 Nov 2009 1:21 am

Sounds nice!

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 18 Nov 2009 7:01 pm

Gerald Ross wrote:I recorded an entire "Virtual CD" using the H4N and nothing else. Take a listen: http://www.geraldross.com/lakemichigan.htm

Sounds great Gerald!!! You used the stereo on the Zoom? Could I ask how far away you placed the mics from your Uke?

Thanks for sharing!
Jesse

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 18 Nov 2009 8:14 pm

The Zoom was about two feet away from the uke.

Jesse Leite · Post by **Jesse Leite** » 18 Nov 2009 8:48 pm

Cool thanks again for sharing. I love the music!
Jesse

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 4 Oct 2010 7:22 pm

Sounds great Gerald.

I'm debating whether or not to get the H2 or the new H4n.

Bryan Daste · Post by **Bryan Daste** » 4 Oct 2010 9:03 pm

I haven't used the H2, but I have the H4n and really like it. The sound is definitely improved over the original H4, and it's got a feature I really love - it allows you to record 4 tracks simultaneously, from both the stereo mic and the line inputs. It's ideal for recording live shows, since you can record the board mix and "room" together with perfect sync. I usually import everything into Pro Tools and mix it there.