Zoom H4n Pro Portable Handy Recorder
Record shows, interviews and more with this battery-powered 4-track recorder's built-in XY stereo mics and XLR/TRS inputs, then transfer audio files via USB.
$179.95
- No Credit Check6 x$29.99
- No Credit Check4 x$44.99
Zoom PS04 Palmtop Studio 4-Track Recorder
No longer available at zZounds
4-track recorder uses Smartmedia flash rom. Includes 93 effects, drum/bass machine & built-in mic preamp.
Overview
Zoom really smart concept 1 - Your ideas and talent travel with you so why shouldn't your idea and talent recorder? Zoom really smart concept 2 - the new Zoom PS04 Palmtop Studio is a hand-held, completely portable, totally amazing, 4 audio track digital recorder with internal stereo drum tracks, a bass track, multi-effects, and recording microphone. The PS04 features 4 audio tracks each with 10 virtual tracks and editing tools like bounce, copy, auto-manual punch in-out, and trim. It provides 2-track simultaneous recording with 65 minutes storage on a 128MB Smart Media Card (mono Hi-Fi mode). Its programmable drum-bass machine has 7 drum kits, 6 bass sounds, and 190 internal patterns. Other features include Zoom's "FAST" assisted song rhythm programming, EQ & Pan on each track, individual track effects send-return with 94 internal effects including amp modeling, bass, vocal and mixdown effects (6 effects simultaneously), and a very high quality condenser mic with preamp for recording vocals and acoustic instruments (mic can be routed to the internal chromatic tuner).
PS-04 SmartMedia Non-Compatible Brands:
FUJIFILM
HAGIWARA SYS-COM
ADTEC
The PS04 is extremely easy to operate - level meters, status, and all functions display on a large, easy to read back-lit LCD. Free Card manager software (downloadable) lets you move your Smart Card recording to your computer using a standard USB Memory card reader and converts your recording to WAV/AIFF files. 32MB Smart Media card included.… read more Operates over 5 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries (10 hrs. with display backlight off) or with optional 9 volt AC adapter.
Features:
4 audio tracks, each with 10 virtual tracks
93 versatile effects including vintage amp modeling
Programmable drum/bass machine with FAST method
Audio track editing: Copy/paste/erase/, punch-in/out, bounce tracks
High-quality built-in mic with preamp
SmartMedia for file management with Windows and Mac computers
Over 10 hours operating time on 4 AA batteries (display backlight off)
A recording wonder in the palm of your hand
The PS-04 is a fully-functional 4-track recorder, mixer, multi-effect device, drum & bass machine.
The PS-04 has everything you need to record whenever you want, wherever you want. Take it everywhere you go. When inspiration strikes, the PS-04 is always ready.
4-Track Recorder
The PS-04 is more than just a 4-track recorder
Record 2 tracks simultaneously, and using the virtual tracks record up to 40 tracks. Choose your best 4 takes for mixing. Recording time with the supplied 32 MB SmartMedia card is 32 minutes. But you can use a 128MB card for up to 134 minutes (Long mode). Plug in guitars, mics, any instruments. Or use the built-in condenser mic to record your tracks.
Digital track editing and lossless bouncing for unsurpassed flexibility
Use the convenient digital functions such as copy & paste, move, or erase to touch up details or rearrange the entire song. The marker function lets you specify up to 100 points for instant navigation in a song. Automatic and manual punch-in/out lets you smoothly re-record parts of a track. Bounce multiple takes onto a target track. This lets you record the sound from all tracks including the rhythm accompaniment on a stereo pair of virtual takes. Use the trimming function to snip off mute parts at the beginning and end of a track and complete final-mix.
Multi Effects
87 insert effects including amp modeling
The PS-04 boasts a palette of 87 amazing ZOOM effects. Effects are configured in five modules: Dynamics/Compressor, Distortion, ZNR (ZOOM Noise Reduction), 3-band Equalizer, and Modulation/Ambience. 20 types of amp modeling sounds are also provided. 170 effect patches are categorized by input types into guitar/bass, mic and line. The DUAL effect patch with fully separate channels is ideal for recording guitar and vocals at the same time, because you can use the mic preamp in one channel and a compressor in the other. The innovative ARRM (Auto-Repeat Real-time Modulation) feature synchronized to the built-in rhythm produces truly unique sounds and also functions as automatic pedal-wah or pedal-pitch.
Send / Return ambient effects
In addition to the insert effect, the PS-04 has a Send/Return effect that can be used for the entire song, while controlling send level for each track. Four types of Reverb (Hall, Room, Spring, Plate) as well as Chorus and Delay are available. 30 immediately useful preprogrammed effect patches can be selected, to simulate a concert hall or live venues, to add chorus optimized for vocals or guitar, or to introduce analog delay.
Mastering effects for final mixdown
Multi-band compressor, Normalizer, stereo-enhancing Dimension and other dedicated effects provide you with the tools that are essential for effective mastering work. 14 preset patches encompassing the know-how of seasoned sound engineers let you polish your final mix to a quality level rivaling commercial CDs.
Highly Versitile Tuner
In addition to the integrated auto-chromatic tuner which detects notes in semitone steps, a versatile guitar/bass tuner that lets you specify the string for precise tuning can also be selected. 7-string guitar, open chord, and other unusual tuning functions are readily available. You can even use the built-in mic to tune acoustic instruments.
Mixer
7 tracks simultaneous playback, 2-band semi-parametric EQ for each track
The built-in mixer handles a total of seven tracks simultaneously: 4 audio tracks + stereo drum track + mono bass track. Input channels include a Hi-Z input with gain control, stereo line inputs, and the built-in mic. Freely combine any two signals, and optimize each instrument sound by individually adjusting a 2-band parametric equalizer, effect send level and panning for each channel. For stereo sources, track parameters can be linked. All mixer settings are automatically saved when you complete a project, for instant recall at any time.
Rhythm Machine
346 preset patterns, seven drum kits and five bass sounds
The PS-04 features the same high-quality PCM drum sounds made famous by the ZOOM RhythmTrak drum machines series. Seven drum kits and five bass sounds are built-in. The drum kits range from rock/jazz drums with an acoustic feel to vintage rhythm machine type sounds. Bass sound sources are finger, pick, and slap. The 346 preset patterns run the gamut from Rock and Pop, Jazz, Blues to Dance with a groove, world music and more. Choose phrase variations such as intro, fill and ending to create incredibly professional sounding songs.
Create your original patterns
The PS-04 lets you program up to 511 custom rhythm patterns. Using the status keys on the faders as a drum pad, you can record patterns in real time or use step input for complex programming tasks. To create your original bass lines, the bass sound sources can be assigned in a major or minor scale or in other popular patterns such as Root / 3rd / 5th / 6th or Root / 3rd / 5th / Oct. Fader controlled velocity input is also supported, resulting in a rhythm song that is entirely your own creation.
FAST + STEP input for efficient song programming
Making rhythm song building even easier, the PS-04 features FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) programming. It lets you build rhythm patterns by entering simple numeric formulas. The result is then written out as a song in one operation. For example, to create a rhythm song that plays pattern 010 8 times and then repeats pattern 020 16 times, simply enter 10 x 8 + 20 x 16 and you're done. Once the patterns for a song have been lined up, you can further polish and improve your creation by programming bass chord information with STEP input, entering tempo changes, inserting fill-in or swapping certain patterns.
Interface
High-sensitivity electric condenser mic built-in
The on-mic gain setting of the microphone is great for recording vocals or acoustic guitar, while the off-mic setting lets you capture a band live, or in a rehearsal. By using the optional mic stand adapter to mount the unit to a mic stand, precise mic placement is possible.
Import/Export WAV/AIFF files
If you have a personal computer with a SmartMedia card reader/writer, you can use the free PS-04 Card Manager Software* to import and export audio data of each track using the WAV or AIFF file formats. This opens up a wealth of possibilities such as editing with DAW software or distributing music on the Internet. By backing up project data on the computer, you can re-use existing SmartMedia cards.
Data exchange capability with PS-02
Audio data that have been saved on a SmartMedia card with the PS-02 can be loaded into the PS-04. This is a great way to utilize your PS-02 audio collections.
Intuitive interface for truly smart operation
Using the controls of the PS-04 feels like editing on a console with sliders. Selecting menus and changing parameter values is a snap thanks to the intuitive cursor key and dial knob arrangement. The backlit LCD panel is extremely easy to read. All aspects of the user interface are designed to enhance ease of operation.
Bring this palm sized unit everywhere
The battery-saving circuitry helps the unit operate more than ten hours on a set of four size AA batteries. Its handy size lets you take the PS-04 anywhere you please. Use the optional belt clip to attach the unit to your belt or guitar strap, and presto--you have a wearable recording tool. read less
PS-04 SmartMedia Non-Compatible Brands:
FUJIFILM
HAGIWARA SYS-COM
ADTEC
The PS04 is extremely easy to operate - level meters, status, and all functions display on a large, easy to read back-lit LCD. Free Card manager software (downloadable) lets you move your Smart Card recording to your computer using a standard USB Memory card reader and converts your recording to WAV/AIFF files. 32MB Smart Media card included.… read more Operates over 5 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries (10 hrs. with display backlight off) or with optional 9 volt AC adapter.
Features:
4 audio tracks, each with 10 virtual tracks
93 versatile effects including vintage amp modeling
Programmable drum/bass machine with FAST method
Audio track editing: Copy/paste/erase/, punch-in/out, bounce tracks
High-quality built-in mic with preamp
SmartMedia for file management with Windows and Mac computers
Over 10 hours operating time on 4 AA batteries (display backlight off)
A recording wonder in the palm of your hand
The PS-04 is a fully-functional 4-track recorder, mixer, multi-effect device, drum & bass machine.
The PS-04 has everything you need to record whenever you want, wherever you want. Take it everywhere you go. When inspiration strikes, the PS-04 is always ready.
4-Track Recorder
The PS-04 is more than just a 4-track recorder
Record 2 tracks simultaneously, and using the virtual tracks record up to 40 tracks. Choose your best 4 takes for mixing. Recording time with the supplied 32 MB SmartMedia card is 32 minutes. But you can use a 128MB card for up to 134 minutes (Long mode). Plug in guitars, mics, any instruments. Or use the built-in condenser mic to record your tracks.
Digital track editing and lossless bouncing for unsurpassed flexibility
Use the convenient digital functions such as copy & paste, move, or erase to touch up details or rearrange the entire song. The marker function lets you specify up to 100 points for instant navigation in a song. Automatic and manual punch-in/out lets you smoothly re-record parts of a track. Bounce multiple takes onto a target track. This lets you record the sound from all tracks including the rhythm accompaniment on a stereo pair of virtual takes. Use the trimming function to snip off mute parts at the beginning and end of a track and complete final-mix.
Multi Effects
87 insert effects including amp modeling
The PS-04 boasts a palette of 87 amazing ZOOM effects. Effects are configured in five modules: Dynamics/Compressor, Distortion, ZNR (ZOOM Noise Reduction), 3-band Equalizer, and Modulation/Ambience. 20 types of amp modeling sounds are also provided. 170 effect patches are categorized by input types into guitar/bass, mic and line. The DUAL effect patch with fully separate channels is ideal for recording guitar and vocals at the same time, because you can use the mic preamp in one channel and a compressor in the other. The innovative ARRM (Auto-Repeat Real-time Modulation) feature synchronized to the built-in rhythm produces truly unique sounds and also functions as automatic pedal-wah or pedal-pitch.
Send / Return ambient effects
In addition to the insert effect, the PS-04 has a Send/Return effect that can be used for the entire song, while controlling send level for each track. Four types of Reverb (Hall, Room, Spring, Plate) as well as Chorus and Delay are available. 30 immediately useful preprogrammed effect patches can be selected, to simulate a concert hall or live venues, to add chorus optimized for vocals or guitar, or to introduce analog delay.
Mastering effects for final mixdown
Multi-band compressor, Normalizer, stereo-enhancing Dimension and other dedicated effects provide you with the tools that are essential for effective mastering work. 14 preset patches encompassing the know-how of seasoned sound engineers let you polish your final mix to a quality level rivaling commercial CDs.
Highly Versitile Tuner
In addition to the integrated auto-chromatic tuner which detects notes in semitone steps, a versatile guitar/bass tuner that lets you specify the string for precise tuning can also be selected. 7-string guitar, open chord, and other unusual tuning functions are readily available. You can even use the built-in mic to tune acoustic instruments.
Mixer
7 tracks simultaneous playback, 2-band semi-parametric EQ for each track
The built-in mixer handles a total of seven tracks simultaneously: 4 audio tracks + stereo drum track + mono bass track. Input channels include a Hi-Z input with gain control, stereo line inputs, and the built-in mic. Freely combine any two signals, and optimize each instrument sound by individually adjusting a 2-band parametric equalizer, effect send level and panning for each channel. For stereo sources, track parameters can be linked. All mixer settings are automatically saved when you complete a project, for instant recall at any time.
Rhythm Machine
346 preset patterns, seven drum kits and five bass sounds
The PS-04 features the same high-quality PCM drum sounds made famous by the ZOOM RhythmTrak drum machines series. Seven drum kits and five bass sounds are built-in. The drum kits range from rock/jazz drums with an acoustic feel to vintage rhythm machine type sounds. Bass sound sources are finger, pick, and slap. The 346 preset patterns run the gamut from Rock and Pop, Jazz, Blues to Dance with a groove, world music and more. Choose phrase variations such as intro, fill and ending to create incredibly professional sounding songs.
Create your original patterns
The PS-04 lets you program up to 511 custom rhythm patterns. Using the status keys on the faders as a drum pad, you can record patterns in real time or use step input for complex programming tasks. To create your original bass lines, the bass sound sources can be assigned in a major or minor scale or in other popular patterns such as Root / 3rd / 5th / 6th or Root / 3rd / 5th / Oct. Fader controlled velocity input is also supported, resulting in a rhythm song that is entirely your own creation.
FAST + STEP input for efficient song programming
Making rhythm song building even easier, the PS-04 features FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) programming. It lets you build rhythm patterns by entering simple numeric formulas. The result is then written out as a song in one operation. For example, to create a rhythm song that plays pattern 010 8 times and then repeats pattern 020 16 times, simply enter 10 x 8 + 20 x 16 and you're done. Once the patterns for a song have been lined up, you can further polish and improve your creation by programming bass chord information with STEP input, entering tempo changes, inserting fill-in or swapping certain patterns.
Interface
High-sensitivity electric condenser mic built-in
The on-mic gain setting of the microphone is great for recording vocals or acoustic guitar, while the off-mic setting lets you capture a band live, or in a rehearsal. By using the optional mic stand adapter to mount the unit to a mic stand, precise mic placement is possible.
Import/Export WAV/AIFF files
If you have a personal computer with a SmartMedia card reader/writer, you can use the free PS-04 Card Manager Software* to import and export audio data of each track using the WAV or AIFF file formats. This opens up a wealth of possibilities such as editing with DAW software or distributing music on the Internet. By backing up project data on the computer, you can re-use existing SmartMedia cards.
Data exchange capability with PS-02
Audio data that have been saved on a SmartMedia card with the PS-02 can be loaded into the PS-04. This is a great way to utilize your PS-02 audio collections.
Intuitive interface for truly smart operation
Using the controls of the PS-04 feels like editing on a console with sliders. Selecting menus and changing parameter values is a snap thanks to the intuitive cursor key and dial knob arrangement. The backlit LCD panel is extremely easy to read. All aspects of the user interface are designed to enhance ease of operation.
Bring this palm sized unit everywhere
The battery-saving circuitry helps the unit operate more than ten hours on a set of four size AA batteries. Its handy size lets you take the PS-04 anywhere you please. Use the optional belt clip to attach the unit to your belt or guitar strap, and presto--you have a wearable recording tool. read less
Specs
Recorder
Projects: Maximum 100
Physical Tracks: 4
Virtual Tracks: 40 (10 Virtual takes / track)
Simultaneous Recording Tracks: 2
Data Card: Smart Media (3.3V, 16~128MB)
Max. Recording Time (32MB SmartMedia, converted to monaural track): 16minutes (HI-FI) / 32minutes (LONG)
Marker: 100 points
A-B Repeat: 1block section
Location Display: Min / Sec / m-Sec, Measure / Beat
Track Edit: Copy, Move, Erase, Trim, Exchange, Bounce
Punch In/Out: Manual and Automatic
Mixer
Input Channel: 9 channels (7tracks + 2inputs)
Simultaneous Playback Tracks: 7 (4audio + stereo drum + bass)
Track Parameters: Equalizer, Effect Send, Pan (Balance)
Equalizer: High (f: 500-8000Hz, Gain: +/-12dB), Low(f: 63-2000Hz, Gain: +/-12dB)
Stereo Link: Track 1&2 or Track 3&4
Effect
Algorithms: 5 (Guitar / Bass, Mic, Dual, Line, Mastering)
Effect Modules: 5 for Insert, 1 for Send/Return
Effect Types: 87 for Insert, 6 for Send/Return
Effect Patches: 170 for Insert, 40 for Send/Return
Tuner Mode: Auto chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Open A/D/E/G, D modal
Rhythm
Data Format: 16-bit linear PCM
Drum Kits: 7
Bass Programs: 5
Voices: Drum 5, Bass 1
Resolution: 48PPQN
Odd Meter: 1/4-8/4
Rhythm Song: 1 / project, 999 measures / song
Rhythm Patterns: 511 / project, 99 measures / pattern
Maximum Note: Approx.10000 / song
Tempo: 40.0-250.0BPM
General
Hi-Z Input: 1/4 in. phone jack (Rated input level: -50dBm < Variable < +4dBm, Input impedance: 16k ohms < Variable < 1M ohms)
Line Input: 1/8 in. stereo jack (Rated input level: -20dBm, Input impedance: 10k ohms)
Built-in Mic: Omni-directional condenser electrostatic microphone
Line Output: 1/4 in. stereo phone jack (Rated output level: +3dBm, Output load impedance: 10k ohms or higher)
Headphone Output: 1/8 in. stereo phone jack (50mW into 32 ohms load)
A/D Conversion: 20-bit, 64times oversampling
D/A Conversion: 20-bit, 8times oversampling
Sampling Frequency: 31.25kHz
Display: 42 x 26mm original LCD, with backlight
Power Requirements: AA size (LR6) battery x 4 (optional), or AC adaptor DC9V/300mA / Center minus type (optional, AD-0006 recommended)
Battery Life: approx. 10 hours (display backlight off)
Dimensions: 85(W) x 133(D) x 36(H)mm
Weight: 160g (without batteries)
Supplied Accessories: 32MB SmartMedia
Optional Accessories: MA-01 (Mic stand adaptor), BC-01 (Belt clip), AD-0006 (AC adaptor), AA size battery
* 0 dB = 0.775 Vrms
Projects: Maximum 100
Physical Tracks: 4
Virtual Tracks: 40 (10 Virtual takes / track)
Simultaneous Recording Tracks: 2
Data Card: Smart Media (3.3V, 16~128MB)
Max. Recording Time (32MB SmartMedia, converted to monaural track): 16minutes (HI-FI) / 32minutes (LONG)
Marker: 100 points
A-B Repeat: 1block section
Location Display: Min / Sec / m-Sec, Measure / Beat
Track Edit: Copy, Move, Erase, Trim, Exchange, Bounce
Punch In/Out: Manual and Automatic
Mixer
Input Channel: 9 channels (7tracks + 2inputs)
Simultaneous Playback Tracks: 7 (4audio + stereo drum + bass)
Track Parameters: Equalizer, Effect Send, Pan (Balance)
Equalizer: High (f: 500-8000Hz, Gain: +/-12dB), Low(f: 63-2000Hz, Gain: +/-12dB)
Stereo Link: Track 1&2 or Track 3&4
Effect
Algorithms: 5 (Guitar / Bass, Mic, Dual, Line, Mastering)
Effect Modules: 5 for Insert, 1 for Send/Return
Effect Types: 87 for Insert, 6 for Send/Return
Effect Patches: 170 for Insert, 40 for Send/Return
Tuner Mode: Auto chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Open A/D/E/G, D modal
Rhythm
Data Format: 16-bit linear PCM
Drum Kits: 7
Bass Programs: 5
Voices: Drum 5, Bass 1
Resolution: 48PPQN
Odd Meter: 1/4-8/4
Rhythm Song: 1 / project, 999 measures / song
Rhythm Patterns: 511 / project, 99 measures / pattern
Maximum Note: Approx.10000 / song
Tempo: 40.0-250.0BPM
General
Hi-Z Input: 1/4 in. phone jack (Rated input level: -50dBm < Variable < +4dBm, Input impedance: 16k ohms < Variable < 1M ohms)
Line Input: 1/8 in. stereo jack (Rated input level: -20dBm, Input impedance: 10k ohms)
Built-in Mic: Omni-directional condenser electrostatic microphone
Line Output: 1/4 in. stereo phone jack (Rated output level: +3dBm, Output load impedance: 10k ohms or higher)
Headphone Output: 1/8 in. stereo phone jack (50mW into 32 ohms load)
A/D Conversion: 20-bit, 64times oversampling
D/A Conversion: 20-bit, 8times oversampling
Sampling Frequency: 31.25kHz
Display: 42 x 26mm original LCD, with backlight
Power Requirements: AA size (LR6) battery x 4 (optional), or AC adaptor DC9V/300mA / Center minus type (optional, AD-0006 recommended)
Battery Life: approx. 10 hours (display backlight off)
Dimensions: 85(W) x 133(D) x 36(H)mm
Weight: 160g (without batteries)
Supplied Accessories: 32MB SmartMedia
Optional Accessories: MA-01 (Mic stand adaptor), BC-01 (Belt clip), AD-0006 (AC adaptor), AA size battery
* 0 dB = 0.775 Vrms
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(299 ratings)
Submitted May 5, 2005 by a customer from cs.com
"40 V-tracks, excellent FXs, and a built-in drum/bass machine!"
40 V-tracks, excellent effects, and a built-in drum/bass machine! On a whim, I picked this unit up (I also own a Roland VS840gx and a Fostex MR-8); the Roland box is a lil' bulky on the portability scale, and the Fostex box has very limited effects. The PS-04 adds a decent built-in bass/drum pattern machine and has a plethora of EXCELLENT guitar effects. While the drum/bass patterns are a very high quality, PROGRAMMING them into a usable pattern is a bit tedious; there's a Pattern Editor PC tool (available via Zoom's website) that makes the chore a bit simpler. Jamming along with the drum/bass machine -- especially using the killer guitar effects -- is a complete blast!
Overall, this is an unbelievable unit for the money; it's got 16-bit/44.1 KS/s ADs/DAs, so it's truly "studio quality"; the effects are incredible; it's reasonably easy to learn/use (with the exception of programming the drums/bass as noted above). If you're looking for a terrific, on-the-go toy/scratchpad, THIS is the unit. Even if you're trying to produce a high-quality demo on a budget (noting of course that you're limited to only TWO tracks at a time for recording -- you can play BACK up to 4 tracks plus the drum/bass tracks while recording, so the 2-track record limit is usually NOT a problem in a studio environment), this dog'll hunt. Each "track" has 10 "v-tracks" associated with it (40 total); the onboard editing / bounce capabilities let you record different takes and mix-downs so that…
read more
a final, 2/4-track version of your composition can be easily produced. Note that I've NOT used the built-in mic (I use a CS-1000/Tube Pac externally) so I cannot comment on THAT feature. All-in-all, for the price, this unit is PHENOMENAL!
Sound
The sound is digital, 'nuff said. It uses 44.1KS/s ADs and DAs, so unless you bounce tracks >10x, what you get out is what you put in. The built-in effects are incredible. The PCM sampled drum and bass sounds are terrific as well.
Features
Things they SHOULD have added: XLR mic input (gotta use an external pre-amp); USB Port (had to purchase a SmartMedia reader/writer for my PC -- a USB port would have been a cheap, HUGE improvement); Simpler drum/bass pattern entry/editing; AC Power Supply (WARNING -- the PS04 uses CENTER NEGATIVE polarity and you WILL fry this puppy if you try to use a "standard" 9VDC wall wart!); Padded carrying case; Better digital compression (you WILL quickly fill the supplied SmartMedia card; get a bigger card AND make sure you have the ability to download from SmartMedia.) MIDI in/out would have been nice, too, and the File Manager and Pattern Editor software should have been included.
Quality
This is an incredibly small, extremely compact, and mostly-plastic unit, so I doubt it would take much physical abuse (unlike the severe emotional abuse my soon-to-be-ex wife has heaped on me!). However, the box IS completely digital (NO moving parts save the sliders, knobs, etc.) and Zoom has a well-earned reputation for quality. Ergo I suspect with a lttle TLC, this unit should last a long time.
Manufacturer Support
The SmartMedia card/file Manager and the Pattern Editor software SHOULD have been included wih the unit. It was simple to download/install the SmartMedia Manager program, but you have to purchase the Pattern Editor (it's like $39 US). I've NOT had to contact Zoom's tech support folks yet so I can offer no comment on that function.
Musical Background:
Composer/guitar collector
Musical Style:
Zappa to Hedges read less
Sound
The sound is digital, 'nuff said. It uses 44.1KS/s ADs and DAs, so unless you bounce tracks >10x, what you get out is what you put in. The built-in effects are incredible. The PCM sampled drum and bass sounds are terrific as well.
Features
Things they SHOULD have added: XLR mic input (gotta use an external pre-amp); USB Port (had to purchase a SmartMedia reader/writer for my PC -- a USB port would have been a cheap, HUGE improvement); Simpler drum/bass pattern entry/editing; AC Power Supply (WARNING -- the PS04 uses CENTER NEGATIVE polarity and you WILL fry this puppy if you try to use a "standard" 9VDC wall wart!); Padded carrying case; Better digital compression (you WILL quickly fill the supplied SmartMedia card; get a bigger card AND make sure you have the ability to download from SmartMedia.) MIDI in/out would have been nice, too, and the File Manager and Pattern Editor software should have been included.
Quality
This is an incredibly small, extremely compact, and mostly-plastic unit, so I doubt it would take much physical abuse (unlike the severe emotional abuse my soon-to-be-ex wife has heaped on me!). However, the box IS completely digital (NO moving parts save the sliders, knobs, etc.) and Zoom has a well-earned reputation for quality. Ergo I suspect with a lttle TLC, this unit should last a long time.
Manufacturer Support
The SmartMedia card/file Manager and the Pattern Editor software SHOULD have been included wih the unit. It was simple to download/install the SmartMedia Manager program, but you have to purchase the Pattern Editor (it's like $39 US). I've NOT had to contact Zoom's tech support folks yet so I can offer no comment on that function.
Musical Background:
Composer/guitar collector
Musical Style:
Zappa to Hedges read less
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