Zoom H4n Portable Digital Recorder

A field recorder records audio. So does a multi-track recorder. So does a USB audio interface. Seems silly to own three different machines that all do basically the same thing, doesn't it? Zoom agrees. That's why they designed the Zoom H4n. It combines the functions of a stereo field recorder, portable digital four-track, and USB audio interface into a single, no-compromise, audio recording wonder-tool that doesn't force you to think about recording in one way or another. Capable of recording up to four simultaneous tracks of audio, the H4n is a single piece of pro-audio gear that can tackle a multitude of different audio tasks. From creating song demos and recording location audio to capturing ambient soundscapes, the Zoom H4n can do it all.

As A Stereo Field Recorder
Sometimes, having just two tracks is plenty--that's what 2CH mode is for. We hear in stereo, and the Zoom H4n's pair of detailed and accurate microphones are arranged to capture a perfect stereo audio image every time you hit record. The electret capsules have the nuance and complexity of expensive studio condenser microphones, but don't have the same power requirements and so won't drain the H4n's battery. The unit runs for hours on four AA-batteries, but Zoom includes an AC adaptor in the box for when an outlet is handy. Record stunning stereo audio in up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. Because the H4n can support up to 32GB removable SDHC cards, you can record over 15 hours of uncompressed, better-than-CD-quality digital audio (it ships with a 1GB card to get started right away). In 2CH mode, the Zoom H4n is just about as good a stereo recorder as you can get without spending thousands, but that's just the beginning of what this unit can do.

Four Simultaneous Input Channels
Switch over to 4CH mode, and the H4n becomes a very special field recorder indeed. Just like on the original H4, the H4n sports a pair of combination XLR / 1/4-inch input jacks, and just like on the H4, you can hook up instruments, stereo mixing board feeds, dynamic mics or even condenser microphones to these inputs. Except on the H4n you can use all four inputs--your input jacks and the built-in mics--at the same time. Imagine recording natural environments in quadraphonic surround, or getting a simultaneous house and board mix of your band's next show, or being able to record discrete audio of every instrument during rehearsals, or. . . the list goes on and on. Suffice it to say, you'll be tracking audio in ways you never could before.

Serious Multitrack Recording Studio
If you're a singer-songwriter who's been deliberating between buying a hi-fidelity field recorder and a digital multitrack, your search is over. The Zoom H4n combines the convenience and sound quality of a dedicated field recorder, and the mixing and editing functions of a digital multi-track recorder. When in MTR (multi-track record) mode, the H4n can record two-tracks simultaneously, but play back four tracks independently, jut like digital four-track recorders that cost much more. Use the H4n in MTR mode to build a song, overdub by overdub. track the guitars, then the vocals, and add harmonies, lead parts, other instruments, and more into the mix. There's a whole toolbox of Zoom-designed effects like vocal processors, compression and reverbs, and even an entire guitar and bass amp modeling suite for direct recording of electric instruments. You'd think that an all-in-one unit like the H4n would have to skimp on features in order to wear this many hats, but not so. The Zoom H4n's comprehensive MTR mode alone would be worth its modest price tag, but that's still not the total of what this amazing recorder can do.

Direct-To-Computer Recording Over USB 2.0
When a song idea gets too big for the H4n's built-in functionality, you don't have to throw the baby out with the bath-water. Simply dump the audio files you've created onto your computer, load them into your audio production software of choice, and use the H4n as a USB audio interface to keep layering more tracks. You still get the 24/96 recording resolution, you still benefit from those clean XLR-1/4-inch jacks and preamps, and you get a super-fast USB 2.0 connection for fast file transfers and reliable audio streaming to your software. To make the most of your H4n, Zoom includes a copy of Cubase LE, one of the most popular programs in the world for computer-based, multi-track recording.

Has there ever been a single piece of recording gear as versatile, convenient, and at the same time affordable as the Zoom H4n? We don't think so. Is there anyplace better than zZounds to get it from? Of course not!

Representing the next level of professional recording performance, the H4n delivers superior audio quality and dramatically improves the user experience. Zoom's most sophisticated handheld recorder to date will amaze, no matter the application.

Unique X/Y mic design captures perfect stereo images
The H4n's onboard X/Y stereo condenser mics are arranged with the right and left mics on the same axis. This design ensures that the mics are always equidistant from the sound source for perfect localization with no phase shifting. Frequency response remains uniform throughout your recording. The result is great stereo recording with natural depth and accurate imaging every time.

The mics also adjust for variable recording patterns at either 90 or 120 degrees. Our unique design lets you rotate each mic capsule from 90 (standard) to 120 degree (wide-angle) stereo for the ultimate versatility in any recording situation.

Why four channels are better than two.
Everyone knows that proper miking is essential to making a great recording. The H4n is the only handheld recorder that allows you to record on four channels simultaneously by using its onboard mics with either external mics or direct inputs. You can then use its built-in mixer to blend the channels for perfectly balanced recordings. Now your recordings can be richer than ever before.

Or, to get a great recording of a live performance, use the H4n's onboard mics to get a room mix while simultaneously recording a stereo mix from the mixing board for a live recording that is easily one of the best you've ever heard.

And for media and filmmakers, the H4n makes it easy to record "high definition" audio at 24-bit/48kHz with booms, handhelds or lavaliers while gathering atmospheric audio with the onboard mics. The H4n also supports Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) so your recorded files carry time stamp information. You can even set markers (cue points) during recording or playback.

For even more versatility, the H4n also features a Mid-Side stereo decoder that allows you to utilize this classic microphone setup. The H4n converts the mid and side channels into a conventional stereo (L/R) signal for even more versatility... and it's only found on the H4n.

It's all in the preamp...
The H4n's new mics and four channel recording ability, in combination with our new, digitally controlled, high-quality preamplifier renders audio so precise, you'll sound like you recorded in a world-class studio. And this new preamp means you can make recording level adjustments on the fly. Of course, an automatic level setting function is also built-in to optimize your levels as quickly as the situation requires.

High resolution, 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recording
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV files for audio resolution that surpasses DVD quality. Or, when maximum recording time with smaller file sizes is desired, select a variety of MP3 formats from 320 kbps down to 48 kpbs to produce smaller files suitable for web or e-mail distribution.

Secure your digital memories on SD and SDHC cards
The H4n uses compact SD or high-capacity SDHC memory cards of up to 32GB for over 15 hours of recording time at 24-bit/96kHz. Or, using MP3 format at 128 kpbs, get over 550 hours of recording time on one card!

It’s about the music.
For musicians and songwriters, the H4n is also a user-friendly, multi-track studio (MTR) that records at CD quality, 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution. Plug in your guitar or bass and use the H4n’s classic amp models to inspire your creativity and find tone perfection during your recording sessions.

The MTR mode allows simultaneous 2-track recording and 4-track playback. With this feature, you can sketch songs by overdubbing vocals and instruments with ease. Level and panning can be adjusted individually for each track on the built-in mixer, and you can even do a mixdown right on the H4n. Perfect for pre-production sessions with the band.

The H4n offers a choice of 50 studio-quality DSP effects including compressor, chorus, delay, and reverb. These onboard studio effects, along with its tuner and metronome make the H4n very musician friendly.

The H4n’s phrase trainer capability makes learning new songs easy with an adjustable playback feature that changes the speed from 50 to 150 percent, while maintaining pitch. Or use its center cancel feature to suppress audio that is recorded with center imaging. And because the H4n lets you alter pitch without changing playback speed, you can choose source material, suppress the center audio and use it as a backing track while recording a vocal or guitar track.

And it’s a USB audio interface!
The H4n also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC. Use your favorite recording software or the bundled Cubase LE 4 from Steinberg, so you can start to produce and edit your recording right out of the box.

Everyone likes surprises… just not while you’re recording.
You can set your H4n to automatically record whenever sound above a designated level is detected. This ensures that you capture everything of importance while minimizing blank sections such as when recording a conference or lecture. The H4n can also be set to continuously record the most recent two seconds of audio in memory. Now, you’ll never miss the beginning of anything you want to record, even if it begins suddenly.

Brains and a body, too.
The H4n has a new rubberized, shock resistant chassis that improves durability while reducing handling noise. A large, 1.9 inch LCD screen with backlit graphic display shows all the tracking information at a glance and makes it easy to navigate the functions of the unit. The H4n even has a built-in reference speaker to let you check recordings without earphones.

Faster file transfer
The H4n is now a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed device, meaning that files can be transferred to your computer at the highest rate available. Then use recording software for editing, create your own original CDs, post your recordings on your myspace page or send out your recordings by e-mail… the possibilities are endless.

Stamina mode extends battery life to 11 hours
For situations where you require maximized, continuous recording operation you can select stamina mode that effectively doubles battery life, letting you record continuously for approximately 11 hours in 16-bit/44.1kHz linear PCM format.

Fully loaded.

A 1 GB SD card, windscreen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software are included with your H4n. The windscreen is especially helpful to reduce wind noise. The mic clip adapter works perfectly when attaching the unit to a standard mic stand, or you can use the built-in tripod mount with a standard camera tripod.

Go remote with the RC4
An optional remote control (RC4) gives you access to a range of functions including recording start, play, stop, fast forward/reverse, recording level adjustment, and input source switching. It is also useful for preventing any handling noise.

The H4n is the epitome of sophistication made simple. For anyone who needs professional recording capability with extraordinary versatility, the H4n will give you the ability to capture everything with the clarity and resolution previously found only in the world's finest recording studios. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make world-class recordings, wherever you are in the world.

Technical Info

Specifications
Built-in X/Y stereo mics record at either 90 or 120 degrees

Four channel simultaneous recording using built-in and external mics

Digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp for improved audio quality

Large 1.9-Inch LCD screen and improved user interface for easy operation

24bit/96kHz Linear PCM recording for pristine recording

MP3 recording for increased recording time

Built-in reference speaker to check recordings

Shock resistant rubberized body for improved chassis protection

Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker

Records on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB for maximum recording time

Auto-record and pre-record feature so you never miss a moment

Variable speed playback capability for "phrase training"

Stamina mode enables 10 hours of continuous battery life

Onboard mid-side matrix decoder for additional miking possibilities

Built-in mounting joint for tripod and mic stand mounting

USB 2.0 port for faster file transfer

XLR inputs with phantom power allow recording with any mic

Supports plug-in power type external mics

Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass

Studio effects onboard, including guitar and bass amp modeling

USB audio interface capability

Low-cut filter to reduce noise

Normalizing and file splitting functions

Mono mix function

Onboard tuner and metronome

Includes 1 GB SD card, wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software

Optional remote control RC4 (Sold Separately

The new H4n has it all. Onboard condenser mics deliver XY stereo sound. Twist the capsules and go from 90- to 120-degree pickup. The old model had a built-in 4-track, but now you can record to all 4 simultaneously! You still can use it as your computer interface, but the new USB 2.0 support offers much faster transfer. Set the auto-record volume threshold, and you're never caught off guard. Stamina mode extends battery life to 11 hours. Throw in a larger display, easy-to-use interface, and rubberized, shock-resistant chassis, and you've got the goods! Includes 1GB SD card, AC adapter, Cubase LE, and more.