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Zoom H4 Handy Recorder | 
 enlarge | Brand: Zoom
Category: Musical Instruments
Buy New: See price in cart
New (57) Used (3) Refurbished (2) from $220.00
Rating:  116 reviews
Sales Rank: 21
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: H4
Model: ZOO H4
UPC: 718122383009
EAN: 4515260007059
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| 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) |
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Product Description
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
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. 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. 
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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 111 more reviews...
 Zoom H4 - Camcorder Secret Weapon November 2, 2008
Cal Thomas (Baltimore, MD)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I haven't heard a lot of talk about the H4's utility for video, so that's what I'm going to explore. With the price of mini-DV and even HD consumer camcorders continuing to come down, the one thing that separates (most of) them from the pro and prosumer camcorders is a lack of microphone inputs and a lack of a headphone output to monitor audio.
One of the overlooked uses of the H4 is that the Neutrik combine XLR and " inputs (with phantom power) make it an ideal "front end" to interface pro microphones with consumer camcorders. Yes there are dedicated interfaces that do this, but the H4 has the added bonus of being a digital recorder, so not only are you able to use professional microphones and supply phantom power to them, you also have a audio back up, just like the pros. An additional bonus is you can use the H4's headphone jack to monitor your sound.
I used this set up to run some test footage for a documentary I was shooting. I ran a small-diaphragm condenser into one channel of the H4 XLR input and a Crown PZM into the other input. I used the condenser on a boom for primary audio on the subject, then placed the PZM near the subject but out of frame to get the same audio with a little of the room ambience. In practice you could run two small condensers , or a lavalier and a mic on a boom, or a lavalier and a PZM, etc. The only restriction is that both microphones have to run on phantom power (or not, you can switch phantom power on or off in the menu, but it affects both Neutrik inputs).
I ran the 1/8" stereo line out from the H4 into the mic in of my camcorder (Panasonic PV-GS300). I was only able to check the audio after I ran a test and played it back, but what I heard in playback was pretty consistent with what I heard on the H4 headphone out during recording. Another added bonus is that now I have a way to back up my audio by recording to the H4's memory card. I shoot with a really small crew, so this feature cam in really handy, especially during tape changes. Even though you're telling your subjects to hang on while you change tape, you can let the H4 keep running and capture any audio that they might not repeat after the tape change. If they say something really profound (which happens) and it just doesn't have the same power when you ask them to repeat it on camera, the H4 audio is still there, so you've got something.
So that's it. The H4 can let you use pro microphones with your consumer camcorder, give you the ability to monitor your audio and give you a back up copy of your audio for editing. That's a bargain!
Just what I needed October 15, 2008
Eli Fieldsteel (Denton, TX USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was searching for a device that would 1) allow me to record a wide array of sounds in high quality and seamlessly upload them to my computer and 2) act as an audio interface for Skype etc. to take the burden off my deteriorating internal microphone (which is now audibly picking up my computer fans). A friend recommended the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder, and I couldn't be happier. The interface is intuitive, the quality is great, and the product offers an enormous number of options.
Although the display is small and a little behind the times, it is nonetheless readable (and backlit). I also ended up spending an extra $10 on a small tripod so I could mount the recorder near my computer when I use it as an interface.
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Highly capable and convenient recorder, somewhat odd interface September 30, 2008
Anthony Rowe (Foothills west of Denver, CO USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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....
Exactly what it is September 30, 2008
J. Carr (Chapel Hill, NC United States)
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.
Amazing from Amazon September 30, 2008
Sebastian Giacco (Cromwell, Ct)
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.
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