Zoom H4 Handy Camcorder Secret Weapon

Sunday, October 25, 2009

I have not heard much about utilities The H4 for video, and it what I intend to explore. With the price of mini-DV camcorders and even HD consumer continues to fall, the only thing that separates (most) of their pro and prosumer cameras a lack of microphone inputs and the lack of a headphone output to monitor the audio.

One of the uses failed to H4 the Neutrik combined XLR and Inputs (with phantom power), make it an ideal front end to interface with cameras mics pro consumers. We are dedicated interfaces that do this, but the H4 The added value of being a digital recorder, so only are you able to use professional microphones and phantom power to them also an audio back-ups, as professionals. An added bonus can use the H4's headphone jack to monitor your sound.

I used this set up to run some test shots for a documentary I was shooting. I made a small diaphragm condenser in an H4 channel XLR input and a crown PZM entry of others. I used the condenser on a boom for audio primary subject, then place the PZM near the subject, but the frame to get the same sound with a little atmosphere of the room. In practice can run two small capacitors, or a lavalier and a microphone on an arm, or a lavalier and PZM, etc. The only restriction that both microphones have to run on phantom power (or not, you can spend the phantom power on or off the menu, but the problem is with both inputs Neutrik).

I ran the 1/8 "stereo line out from the H4 into the microphone in my camera (Panasonic PV-GS300). I was only able to monitor the sound after I performed a test and played again, but what I have heard in playback been fairly consistent with what I heard in the headphones while recording H4. Another added bonus I now have a way to back up audio recording to memory card H4. I shoot with a crew very small, so this feature cam really at hand, especially during changes of the tape. Even if you're saying your subjects to hang while you change tape can let the H4 run and catch any type of audio is not could be repeated after the change of the tape. If they say something really deep (that is) and simply not have the same power when they are asked to repeat it on camera, audio H4 still there, So, you've got something.

The H4 can Pro microphones let you use your camcorder for consumers, they give you the possibility to monitor the audio and you give a backup of your audio editing. This a bargain!

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Zoom h4 awesome recorder, if you're willing to learn the in's and out's.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

I went with the Zoom H4 after using Edirol one a couple of times. I do not see a big difference between the quality sufficient to justify the registration of both a charge of $100 more.

I use this recorder to record the evidence for both a wind ensemble and a jazz quartet playing, and for a small package, even using the internal microphone, the quality registration excellent. I never had a problem with overloading the internal microphone, even when the Big Band jump on a chorus message. Also picks ups and downs very well.

Personally I see no problem with the interface. Edirol seems that the shiny buttons and pleasant, but his task to record the sound, not to look like a car of the future. One small complaint the shell looks pretty fragile. Sure to take care of it, if a college student living in dorms can do it, so can you.

Battery life is not bad, I recording for about 4.5 hours with two regular Energizer batteries. I still recommend getting a set of rechargeable batteries, if you intend to use this with any frequency. It can use the AC power adapter that packaged with it, but not What exactly convenient.

This next step really important to consider when purchasing this product. If you are not willing to learn to use the recorder, which involves reading the manual and do some trial and error to understand everything there, Then do not waste your time and money. It also involves learning to use some editing software that comes with the recorder present. If you do not learn to use it, you're really losing the potential of this fine product. For a device simple, eliminate the extra money for the Edirol.

Overall, produced very large. I used to make some recordings very useful for my ensemble, and has worked wonders so far.

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Zoom H4 portable digital stereo recorder

Friday, October 23, 2009

Got the Zoom H4 recently and I really like. Easy to use, on the basis of stereo recording. Just read the instructions once. I wanted something that would allow me to record myself playing music in stereo high quality (. WAV or MP3), and transfer the resulting audio file to my computer. But then, without being overly complicated.

OK, The buttons are multi-function, but are easy to understand, and you can Always refer to the printed manual (which came with it), if you forget something. No, do not come with its own built-in speakers, but I like to use a headset or speakers of my computer better anyway. ( Can link a set of portable stereo speakers - like the kind that make for MP3 players - if you really want.)

The H4 far multi-track recording, and a host of other sophisticated things, but this complicated than I need. I wanted above all good, accurate recording of sound, and I got that, so I'm happy.

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Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder

Thursday, October 22, 2009

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, 128x64 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
AC adapter, windshield cover, USB Cable and tripod adapter included

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
The H2 and H4 are two of the most exciting products in the industry. Both of these state of the art recorders offer features that make them stand out. Here are some of the distinct advantages the H2 and H4 have over other field recorders. H4 Advantages XLR-1/4 Combo Inputs with Phantom Power USB Audio Interface 4-Track Recorder Multi-Effects including Guitar/Mic Modeling Cubase IncludedXLR-1/4 Combo Inputs with Phantom PowerThe H4 has 2 onboard Mic Preamps with XLR inputs and Phantom Power. Any microphone from hand-held dynamic mics to high-end studio condensers can be plugged right in to the H4 with no adapters necessary. The H4 1/4 inputs allow the H4 to record directly from your guitar, bass or any line level source.

USB Audio InterfaceThe H4 can function as a 2 track USB Audio Interface. You can record directly into any computer simply by plugging in the H4. This sets the H4 apart from other portable recorders by eliminating the need for a separate piece of gear to record in real time with your computer. You can even power the H4 off of the USB port for recording with a laptop.

4-Track Recorder
Not just a Stereo Field Recorder, the H4 has a 4 track mode that allows it to transform into a portable multi-track studio. Lay down a couple of rhythm tracks, and then add a lead and a vocal. Mix it all down right on board and you can instantly transfer a finished recording right to your computer via USB.

Multi-Effects including Guitar/Mic Modeling
The H4 has a built in Multi effects processor equivalent to the Zoom G2. This processor includes guitar and bass effects, amp and mic modeling as well as Noise Reduction. With 50 easy to use presets and room for more, you can create and save your own sounds for recording. Cubase Included
Every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE software from Steinberg. With Cubase, you can edit, record, mix and convert your recordings using your computer. Combining the power of computer recording with the portability and ease of use of a field recorder, this bundle gives you the most comprehensive recording experience available.

The Zoom H4 - he Most Versatile Recorder Ever

H2 Advantages
4 Mics for 360 degree Surround Recording Very Affordable Ease of Use Time Stamp and Mark Function Included Accessories

4 Mics for 360 degree Surround Recording
The Zoom H2 has 4 built in microphones, allowing it to pick up sound in stereo from the front and rear of the recorder. This allows the Zoom H2 to accurately capture and reproduce the most lifelike and realistic recordings imaginable. Because the H2 can record sound from all around, it can capture sounds from sources that would escape most other field recorders.

Very Affordable
With a List Price of $334.99 the Zoom H2 is much more affordable than comparable field recorders. With features and performance typical of recorders costing twice as much, the Zoom H2 allows a whole new group of users make professional sounding recordings without investing in a whole studio worth of gear.

Ease of Use
With its intuitive User Interface and easy to read LCD screen, the H2 makes recording simple. Setting levels, recording and playback can all be achieved without accessing menus, making operation so easy it can be done without even looking. And with features like Auto Start, Auto Gain and Pre-Record, the H2 makes it easy for beginners to get great recordings every time. Time Stamp and Mark Function
>The H2 includes a Time stamp function that automatically saves date and time information with every file recorded. This makes organizing and archiving your files a snap. You can also use the H2 Track Mark function to set mark points while recording. Marked files are saved in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF) making the H2 a powerful tool for Electronic News Gathering (ENG).Included Accessories
The Zoom H2 includes a long list of standard accessories that give you everything you need to start recording right away. The H2 includes a 512MB SD card for up to 17 hours of recording time right out of the box. Also included are the windscreen, desktop stand and mic clip adapter. The H2 comes with a stereo cable for input or output, a USB cable and AC adapter. Zoom has even thrown in Earbuds for instant playback of your recordings.

Source : http://www.audiolines.com/Studio-Recording/Recording-Duplication-Playback/Portable-Recorders/Zoom-H4-handy-Recorder

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Zoom H4 really is a "Handy Little Recorder"

Although I have not had time to explore the aspect of this 4-track recorder (a bit misleading since in reality only record two tracks at a time, but I understand Can add files in a project to unite line tool in pi a file). My main purpose of this recorder was to use "field" as a stereo tape recorder for recording in the studio and given my students during lessons. This little gem works great. Can not find anything inexpensive that works equally well. I much prefer the technology of an SD memory card, which may have deleted files and reused, rather than a diskette that can be used only once. My only complaint with aging eyes The project must not have added the thick black frame around the display screen. Screen space have more meaning broader and more easy to read text. Other reviewers have complained about the "cheap" plastic feeling, but I feel, if managed properly this small recorder and robust. If your reality in professional recording studio and mixing probably need to go in the $2000 price range and look at Roland or Korg products (big and fat) in each case. I was able to purchace this through its retail price of $495 ($248).

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Good for some people, just not me.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Field general recording for that nice, but not comparable to the most M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96, at least not to me. The Zoom H4 has a lot of features that I did not try. I tried both the zoom and M-Audio sound and record the same M-Audio liked the best. Sound recordings Zoom was good, but there seemed to be a lack of high and the stereo field was no longer large compared to the M-Audio.

My tests were "out of the box", as the two units sound The M-Audio has won. That can not be the case for others, there may be other benefits for the zoom I need for my recordings. Zoom a very capable recorder, and can serve well.

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I don't know how I survived without it

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I rate this excellent product. I held out for 3 months, after reading that the user interface been difficult to learn, remember some crash-and-burn failures with other products. After 3-4 hours with the tutorial (essential!), I find that the user interface very intuitive, the quality sound excellent, and the form factor perfect to connect my Stratocaster and disturbance to my rhythm section. Add in there the quality stereo recording of live performances, and I do not know how I lived without it.

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