Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder Review

Zoom H4n Review – Don’t Buy Zoom H4n Digital Recorder Until You Read This.

Like a lot of customers, I bought the Zoom H4n because I was so disappointed with the H2 and while I was not expecting a lot from this model after the debacle of H2, I still chose it over some of the other digital recorders in the market including those and Edirol because I felt that the features scale tipped heavily in favor of the H4n. I am very happy with my purchase and have also recommended the gadget to several of my friends; I can safely say that this model from Zoom is far better than anything that the company manufactured earlier. So, when the company said that this piece was being introduced in response to all the flak that they got for their earlier models, you better believe them.

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Here are some of the reasons why I find the H4n to be one of the best digital recorders in the market today; I am not saying that the device is without flaws; however, its benefits far outweigh the dismal drawbacks that it has.

The Pros of Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder:

Like its predecessor the H4n is jam packed with features that set it apart from its competitors. While simplicity and flexibility may not be in the list of the H4n’s virtues, if you are looking for all the features that are included in recorders that cost twice as much, then this will be the ideal gadget for you. The company sure has gone all out with this product and has firmly followed the ‘everything but the sink’ approach, which is quite generous to say the least. You can gauge the sheer number of offerings that come with this recorder by just taking a look at 150 page manufacturer manual that offers in depth information about each one its features. Here is a look at some of the most impressive aspects of the H4n.

Check out this video review of the Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder:

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The H4n can be used to record straight forward stereo tracks and it also doubles up as a 4 track digital recording studio. It has the capacity to simultaneously record up to 4 channels with the built in stereo condenser mic for 2 tracks and the option to use external microphone inputs for two others. This essentially means that when at a live concert, you can actually record the song played by the band as well as the input of a specific musical instrument such as an acoustic guitar that is closely micd or even a line input keyboard. This gives you a professional output and also leaves ample of space for exercising your creativity because the files can be mixed later.

The third record option, multitasking is another useful feature; particularly, if you intend to use the H4n for more than just recording lectures. The feature is close to the four channel recording option; however in this case each channel is treated as a distinct track, so you have the option to vary the volume, effects, panning etc. If you are a musician, this feature will prove valuable for you as you will be able to layer the compositions in multiple passes.

The unit can also be plugged into a computer with a USB cable so that it can be used as an audio interface. The H4n essentially works as a microphone and a headphone jack when connected to the computer; you can use the recorder to make skype calls or to record music or live audio feed with your laptop.

Other features of the product include the SDH compatible memory card slot which is not only convenient to use but also more affordable than the memory sticks used in the Sony recorders. The H4n offers support for phantom power microphones plus you also get access to a low cut filter where you can choose from several frequencies.

Unlike the other models from zoom which were notorious for their ‘McDonald Happy Meal Toy” look with a plastic only construction; this piece is robust with a body that has a rubberized coating. This not only makes the device sturdier but also helps to address the noise issues that were common place in the earlier models from the company. The screen is clearer than its predecessors and the navigation buttons are large enough to make the use of its several features convenient and easy. The internal microphones are made of aluminum and provide good sound recording quality even when the device is placed a good 15 feet away from the music source; the mics can be conveniently rotated between 90 and 120 degrees.

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When compared with some of its competitors, the sound quality offered by the H4n is very good. It is; of course, possible to get better performance from professional audio recording material. However, recording devices in the category which are priced higher than the H4n will only provide marginally better sound quality while setting you back by a good $100 or $150.

The H4n is priced at $300 which is fantastic considering all the features that are packed into the piece.

With its price and features, the H4n is suitable for a wide group of users including audio recordists who are on the look out for a cheap device that can power condenser mics which require phantom power.

The cons of Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder:

Things could have been made simpler by incorporating a separate button for marking track marks. Since you have to hit the record button twice to mark the tracks in the device, it can get confusing.

The way the SD card slot has been placed, there may be a situation where you accidentally press the door that protects the SD card compartment ejecting the card and losing all the data in the process.

The H4n is slight bulky and it’s not exactly small enough to be comfortably carried in your pocket.

The menu system could still use some work as it still feels like was not finished in time for product launch.

There is no provision to delete a character in the file name.

The one thing that found very disappointing was the documentation provided with the H4n, it often seems like a poorly translated copy that was obviously not sent for proofreading.

Let me show you what current owners have to say about it.

Adam Dachis “adachis”,

Absolutely wonderful.,

I generally don’t like to rate anything five stars because I feel like there’s always some room for improvement and a product is never really perfect. While I wouldn’t call the Zoom H4n perfect, I think it set out to be something and achieved it fantastically. It exceeded my expectations, especially for the price, and I use it any chance I can get.

I’ll start with something trivial…but not really. It records to SD/SDHC media. If you have something like the M-Audio MicroTrack II, you’re stuck with Compact Flash. For an audio recorder there’s really no need for larger and/or faster cards. SD/SDHC is larger and fast enough and it’s tiny. Most laptops and desktops these days have SD/SDHC slots in them and I love any chance I get to leave the USB cable at home.

But on to more important things…

Review Paraphrased for size – view original full review here.

Conclusion:

All in all, the Zoom H4n is a very good recorder in its price range and certainly manages to give the other products in its category a run for their money. This device will prove useful to you whether you are a student, a professional sound engineer or a budding musician.