Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder

Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder

There’s never been a more robust, feature-heavy recorder. On-board guitar and mic modeling, multi-track recording capability and the ability to use your own microphones, mean the H4 is adaptable to any situation that a musician might encounter.

Zoom H4 Handy 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder

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 bitrates 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-inch input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8-inch headphone jack is also provided for monitoring.

The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media, a 128MB SD card is included with the unit. 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. The H4 provides four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries. A back-lit, 128×64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface. An AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and tripod adapter are also included.

It’s also a 4-Track Recorder!

Unlike other field recorders, the H4 also has a 4-track recording mode for easy-to-use mobile multi-track recording. The H4 will also render 4-track audio with CD quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution. Songwriters and musicians can use the combination XLR-1/4-inch high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom’s most incredible guitar and bass amplifier modeling effects. These effects accurately reproduce the sounds of the most famous guitar amps ever made.

And by-the-way, it’s also an Audio Interface

Recording directly to your computer has never been easier than with the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder. The H4 is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as your USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. And, if you don’t already have a DAW, that’s okay because every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE, the perfect 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.

Together, these features make the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder the most versatile portable recording device ever offered.

Mobile Field Recording:

Fits in the palm of your hand

Ideal for infinite variety of mobile recording applications

Records 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps

Two studio quality X/Y pattern condenser microphones for true stereo recording

Two combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks with phantom power

Onboard studio effects compression, limiting and mic modeling

1/8-inch headphone jack provided for monitoring

128MB Secure Digital (SD) card included.

Using a 2GB SD memory card provides 380 minutes of recording with CD Quality sound

Up to 34 hours recording in MP3 stereo mode

USB mass-storage interface

Four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries

Back-lit, 128×64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface

Power Adaptor, Windshield Cover USB Cable and Tripod Adapter

4-Track Recording

4-track audio in CD quality 16-bit PCM, 44.1 kHz sampling

Combination high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards.

Built in guitar amp modeling equivalent to the Zoom G2

Audio Interface

Records directly to your computer as a USB audio interface

Bundled with Cubase LE, 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation software

**4/24/08 ** Please confirm your firmware version by proceeding with the following update:

The H2 and H4 need Firmware updates to communicate with Windows Vista and Mac OSX Leopard. Without these firmware updates, neither recorder will mount via USB to be updated. There are two ways to update these units:

1. Connect the unit to either a Windows XP machine, or an OSX Tiger machine.

2. Use an external card reader, and place the recorder's SD card in that card reader.

Once this is done, follow the steps as they are laid out on www.zoom.co.jp and away you go. In the case of the card reader, that card will have to be reinserted into the recorder to go to the final steps.

Audio Connections	XLR - 1/4" Input Jacks
Model	H4
Power Supply	Yes
Computer Interface	Yes
Effects	No
Number of Tracks	4
Other Features	Record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as in MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps
Simultaneous Recording Tracks	4
Microphone	Stereo
Recording Time	380 minutes with a 2GB card
Memory Type	SD Memory Card
File Format	WAV, MP3

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

ZoomH4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder

4.6

(based on 21 reviews)

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Easy to use (18)
Versatile (16)
Good audio (15)
Good power output (12)
Professional functions (11)

Cons

Best Uses

Home (9)
Amateur recording (8)
Amateurs (8)
Professional (8)
Performances (6)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4), Professional musician (4)

Reviewed by 21 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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5/3/2009

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

every musician i know has 1 or wants1

By crazymouth

from mecklenburg county, nc

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Fits in shirt pocket
Looks like a stun gun
Sound is incredible

Cons

Changing titles is pain
No 96khz in 4track mode
Sticky jogwheel 1 year

Best Uses

Anything anytime its good

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I wish I could buy every musician one of these tools. I needed a field recorder and this just came out 2 years ago or so. I can't tell you how much I use this thing, and it still works. I keep it in a Crown Royal bag, use rechargeable Duracell batteries and usually put it in my acoustic case. I have amazed hundreds of people with this. Buy this one or the new one that just came out...do it now.

12/25/2008

4.0

Fabulous features in a small package

By Ukeman

from Danbury, NC

About Me Experienced

Pros

Easy To Use
Excellent Sound
Powerful
Versatile

Cons

Small Display

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Events
Home Studio
Performances

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I use this for jam sessions, informal recording of various performances, from individual, singer/songwriter, small choir, small ensemble, concert band. Very versatile, with basic features easy to learn. Advanced features take some study. ONLY complaint is small LCD display.

12/9/2008

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great virtual quality [...]

By Tripod

from The OC

About Me Experienced

Pros

Excellent Sound

Cons

Poor Quality Construction

Best Uses

Amateur Recording

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I am a profetional videografer and good video is no good without good audio. Multi track recording is a great way to get good audio, if one mic is picking up ambiant noise that is undesirable select another track. With a couple of the H4 placed around a live venue you get great STEREO sound and the price is right to get lots of location choises. One problem is even though it is a digital recording the tracks don't stay in sync during playback. It is nesasary to drop out a frame or two every couple of minutes to prevent an echo from developing during long performances. I never had this problem using the the korg D888 but then with multipel Vooms their are no cords running every where. Back in the studio it is a convinient little recorder to down load to and run with. Just plug in a set of head phones or sync it with your car and you can listen to your tracks as you drive to the next venue. Very versital and conviniant. Dispite the low price and the cheep feel of the controls the sound quality and versitility are stellar.

10/28/2008

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

It Works For Me !!!

By The Dapster

from Richmond, Va.

About Me Experienced

Pros

Easy To Use
Excellent Sound
Low Distortion
Powerful
Versatile

Cons

Changing batterys

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Events
Performances

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I sold my H-2 to the sax player in my band. Then I bought the H-4 (always looking for something better). I use it for band & choir rehearsals and performances. Quality features I like other than the compressor/limiter, is the ability to connect 2 mics (XLR or 1/4" jacks) for stereo recording. Playing bass in the choir, I use one mic for the band and the other for vocal recording. It gave me an even better sound quality, and you can select different mic models (SM57,MD421,U87 & C414) as well. It picks up the drums very well. Especially the cymbals and hi-hat. Once you find the "sweet spot" (positioning the H-4 in a room), you'll going to love it.
Since it wasn't program to receive an 8G card when I bought it, I had to call the company's technician to walk me through the programing steps to set it up by using the USB cable hook up to my home computer. If Zoom hadn't made the upgrade yet, you might want to ask about this when buying one so that you can be prepared to program it like I did. Don't sweat it though. Once you get it ready, it's ready! One set back is you have to remove the velcro strap back plate that holds the screw in adapter (for mic stand mounting), to change the batteries. The H-2 has an advantage on this. Also, it would be good if you can erase all the tracks at the same time, rather than doing it one track at a time. This could be time consuming if you have multiple tracks to delete. Other than that, I like this 'lil "studio in my pocket". Get one, you'll love it!

8/31/2008

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Worth every penny.

By Sal

from Old Bridge,N.J.

About Me Experienced

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Professional Functions

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Performances

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I've owned other 4 track recorders before,but The Zoom H4 is definetly the easiest to operate.Just within 20 minutes of opening the box ,I was recording my first song.Great for practicing lead guitar over rythym progressions.The screen is a little small but simple to read.

4/16/2008

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great little unit

By jjlee

from Pittsfield, MA

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Powerful
Professional Functions
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

This little unit packs a powerful punch. The 4 track mode is a great way to record musical ideas by yourself or a few buddies. As a musical sketch pad of sorts I have found it really incredible.

There are some limitations - you can't use the built in mic AND an input line at the same time and you can only record on 2 of the 4 tracks at once.

Otherwise, it's great. To make a few demo songs I layed down the drum track using my Alesis SR-16 on track one, then I played my guitar through one of the inputs on tack two, and lastly I put down the bass part on track three. I have one more track for vocals or lead guitar.

I haven't tried the Cubase software yet, but it seems pretty versatile as well.

2/5/2008

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

All around amazing

By K.

from Los Angeles, CA

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Powerful
Professional Functions
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Events
Performances
Professional Recording

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I have used this unit as a field recorder, to sample, for voice over work, at band practice, to practice guitar in an airport and to jot down quick 4 track sketch demos of musical ideas while on the run.

I have used its stereo mics as well as phantom powered professional mics to record and sample.

I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an affordable and great sounding unit.

I own a large recording studio with all the bells and whistles and this is by far one of my favorite devices. It's also the first thing I grab on my way out the door.

I lost my first one while on a trip and am about to purchase another one.

1/31/2008

5.0

GREAT PORTABLE DEVICE !!!

By Brooklyn's Own DJ JOVE

from Brooklyn, NY

About Me Professional Musician

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Professional Functions
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Performances
Professional Recording

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

This product is great for pro djs that want live recording @ ur finger tips... Easy to use functions. Multiply formats to record with. plus stores on a SD card for easy file uploads. I use this for my sets @ major venues or for my radio station. IT'S GREAT!!

12/10/2007

5.0

H4 is Awesome!

By Buff'

from Indianapolis, IN

About Me Novice

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Powerful
Professional Functions
Versatile

Cons

The window is very tiny

Best Uses

Amateur Recording
Music Videos
Performances
Professional Recording
Soundtracks

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

I love this little ugly dude(People think ur carrying a taser stun gun. lolol' H2 looks better but has less features)...except I got mad at it Sunday! I had it on top of the Hammond organ Sunday next to the band hoping to enjoy some good sweet and jam'in music going home plugged in the car stereo. I turned it on...nothing!!! Daaa I'm glad it was me! I found out I had it at home the day before learning about the 4 track side. You have to put it back in the stereo mood for it to record live from the top mics. They should have designed the power chord to feed from the side instead of the bottom so it can't stand up with the cord plugged into it. Cons...minor stuff...Pros-...Great sound!...so...It's a keeper!

6/26/2007

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

awesome

By amistod

from teaneck, nj

Pros

Clear Sound
Easy To Use
Powerful
Professional Functions
Small
Versatile

Cons

Best Uses

Amateurs
Home
Professionals

Comments about Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder:

fun and simple

Displaying reviews 1-10

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Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder
The manufacturer's warranty covers parts for one year and labor for one year from date of purchase. The warranty excludes damage from misuse, abuse, and contains other exclusions.

Zoom H4 4 Track Portable Digital Recorder

Things You'll Get: