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Zoom PS04 Palmtop Studio 4-Track Recorder
4-track recorder uses Smartmedia flash rom. Includes 93 effects, drum/bass machine & built-in mic preamp.
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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. 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.
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
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. 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.
Technical Info
RecorderProjects: 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
Index card-sized 4-track with 87 effects, 20 amp models, plus an internal drum and bass machine! Plug your guitar, bass, or dynamic mic into its 1/4" input, or leave your mic at home and use its built-in condenser mic to record with zero setup. Connect stereo sources to its minijack input. Record 2 tracks simultaneously. With up to 10 virtual takes per track, you're free to try out new ideas without committing. Edit easily with copy, move, erase, and trim functions. Store your music on a SmartMedia card (32 MB card included). Take the PS04 wherever you go--just pop in 4 AA batteries for 10 hours of power. Roughly the size of a 3 x 5" index card and only 1-1/2" thick, you gotta get one!
What Our Customers Say About zZounds
"I found the best deal on these drums at zZounds, with cheaper shipping options than [major competitors]. I'm very pleased to say the least!" - customer on January 25, 2010
Zoom PS04 Palmtop Studio 4-Track Recorder Reviews
9 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Now I can do EVERYTHING"
Feature:
Like most Zoom gear, the PS04 was stuffed with a bunch of quirky little extras. Obviously the effects section is nice, varied, and really excellent sounding, with insert effects for gtar. bass, keys, line-in, etc. Very nice sounding stuff but that should be assumed for a company who's primary focus is effects. There's a guitar tuner, an extremely nice sounding built-in mic, there is a drum machine that is difficult to program unless you have a lot of time since there are no touch sensitive pads. The drum sounds are good, but hard to work with due to the restricted interface of such a small console. Real-Time drum programming is more or less futile except for very basic beats, but they do have the step-programming function for those with attention spans longer than mine. Also there is a bass program with a few different generic bass sounds...'slap','synth','picked','finger', and 'accoustic'. Once again, nice sounds, if you have the time you could make it sound good, but I often just use these extras as a metronome. Remember that it is firstly a recorder, not a sequencer. As a recorder it has all the effects and mastering and reverb send and chopping and pasting edit functions you could possibly need, the Drum machine is a bit of an afterthought. But it is a nice touch for the guys at Zoom that they stuffed ANOTHER quirky toy into the multitasking little game-boy looking thing that it is. Kind of annoying that it doesn't include an adapter and the mem card is too small to do more than a couple of projects at a time... but adapters are easy enough to get, as are larger mem cards
Quality:
I have had no breakdowns on mine and I have owned it for almost 2 years and brought it all over the world when touring. I wouldn't suggest throwing it into a busy street, but it is durable enough to live in a guitar bag for months and sit atop amps in dingy smokey clubs and never protest. It is plastic, so don't run over it with a truck or anything, but it is hard plastic and it is well sealed so the occasional beer splash or smokey room abuse doesn't faze it. (so far)
Value:
I have noodled around with the Korg Pandora palm studio and the Tascam palmtop, both of which are slightly pricier, but the Zoom is definitely my preferred portable. The Tascam has the advantage of being computer-link ready, and can convert to an MP3, but the Zoom can do that do with the right software and an audio cable, and for a couple hundred dollars less, and Zoom box has better effects. The Korg has a bunch of preset MIDI files but nothing programmable, and once again, Zoom was just more user friendly and had better effect sounds.
Desirability:
It looks like a gameboy, no points for aesthetics, but it has this sort of "I can take my entire studio with me in my pocket!" appeal... you get a mic, a programmable drum and bass, 4 tracks, more tracks after bouncing, and on and on... the idea being that if you use it right, all you need is your guitar and this box, and you can have a full on studio album (if you like synth bass at least)
Sound:
sound is extremely good in HiFi mode, and the internal mic actually sounds better than most of my 'real' mics... good sound, especially the 'mastering' effects presets, but when using high gain guitar effects, over the top distortion, etc you do get a bit of a line buzz. Those with enough tech savvy can edit that stuff out of a recording, but chopping and pasteing takes some time and is not as intuitive a process as the rest of the machine's operation. Most of the guitar effect presets are nice and convincing - the beatle amp and the rectifier being my favorites.
Support:
Never needed them, but they have a website, so if I were to need them, I would look there first. I can assume that they have some level of customer support, but since most of their products are low price and fairly durable, I doubt if their help-line sees much action.
Overall:
I will definitely keep my little 'magic box' but ultimately, I will want some kind of bigger console recorder to use as well. They both have the same general purpose - recording music - but the PS04 is designed with a 'take-it-anywhere' kind of philosophy, which makes it more difficult to do heavy editing with. A big knob and slider console recorder is definitely on the horizon, but not at the expense of my Magic Box, just as a different tool for a different setting. If it were lost I would buy another of the same type. It helps musical goals by being easy and portable and readily available for inspiration moments but also techie enough to make proffesional sounding recordings with, I have actually sat at a table in my basement studio and worked the editing programs on this thing for hours at a time. I looked really silly in headphones with my gameboy thingy and probably would have looked more convincing as a sound engineer had I been in front of a huge mixing board, but I was accomplishing the same thing. It is the swiss-army-knife of music gear for a home recordist. I think one should be given to every kid in a grade school music class or every grown up kid in a post-college rock band.
Like most Zoom gear, the PS04 was stuffed with a bunch of quirky little extras. Obviously the effects section is nice, varied, and really excellent sounding, with insert effects for gtar. bass, keys, line-in, etc. Very nice sounding stuff but that should be assumed for a company who's primary focus is effects. There's a guitar tuner, an extremely nice sounding built-in mic, there is a drum machine that is difficult to program unless you have a lot of time since there are no touch sensitive pads. The drum sounds are good, but hard to work with due to the restricted interface of such a small console. Real-Time drum programming is more or less futile except for very basic beats, but they do have the step-programming function for those with attention spans longer than mine. Also there is a bass program with a few different generic bass sounds...'slap','synth','picked','finger', and 'accoustic'. Once again, nice sounds, if you have the time you could make it sound good, but I often just use these extras as a metronome. Remember that it is firstly a recorder, not a sequencer. As a recorder it has all the effects and mastering and reverb send and chopping and pasting edit functions you could possibly need, the Drum machine is a bit of an afterthought. But it is a nice touch for the guys at Zoom that they stuffed ANOTHER quirky toy into the multitasking little game-boy looking thing that it is. Kind of annoying that it doesn't include an adapter and the mem card is too small to do more than a couple of projects at a time... but adapters are easy enough to get, as are larger mem cards
Quality:
I have had no breakdowns on mine and I have owned it for almost 2 years and brought it all over the world when touring. I wouldn't suggest throwing it into a busy street, but it is durable enough to live in a guitar bag for months and sit atop amps in dingy smokey clubs and never protest. It is plastic, so don't run over it with a truck or anything, but it is hard plastic and it is well sealed so the occasional beer splash or smokey room abuse doesn't faze it. (so far)
Value:
I have noodled around with the Korg Pandora palm studio and the Tascam palmtop, both of which are slightly pricier, but the Zoom is definitely my preferred portable. The Tascam has the advantage of being computer-link ready, and can convert to an MP3, but the Zoom can do that do with the right software and an audio cable, and for a couple hundred dollars less, and Zoom box has better effects. The Korg has a bunch of preset MIDI files but nothing programmable, and once again, Zoom was just more user friendly and had better effect sounds.
Desirability:
It looks like a gameboy, no points for aesthetics, but it has this sort of "I can take my entire studio with me in my pocket!" appeal... you get a mic, a programmable drum and bass, 4 tracks, more tracks after bouncing, and on and on... the idea being that if you use it right, all you need is your guitar and this box, and you can have a full on studio album (if you like synth bass at least)
Sound:
sound is extremely good in HiFi mode, and the internal mic actually sounds better than most of my 'real' mics... good sound, especially the 'mastering' effects presets, but when using high gain guitar effects, over the top distortion, etc you do get a bit of a line buzz. Those with enough tech savvy can edit that stuff out of a recording, but chopping and pasteing takes some time and is not as intuitive a process as the rest of the machine's operation. Most of the guitar effect presets are nice and convincing - the beatle amp and the rectifier being my favorites.
Support:
Never needed them, but they have a website, so if I were to need them, I would look there first. I can assume that they have some level of customer support, but since most of their products are low price and fairly durable, I doubt if their help-line sees much action.
Overall:
I will definitely keep my little 'magic box' but ultimately, I will want some kind of bigger console recorder to use as well. They both have the same general purpose - recording music - but the PS04 is designed with a 'take-it-anywhere' kind of philosophy, which makes it more difficult to do heavy editing with. A big knob and slider console recorder is definitely on the horizon, but not at the expense of my Magic Box, just as a different tool for a different setting. If it were lost I would buy another of the same type. It helps musical goals by being easy and portable and readily available for inspiration moments but also techie enough to make proffesional sounding recordings with, I have actually sat at a table in my basement studio and worked the editing programs on this thing for hours at a time. I looked really silly in headphones with my gameboy thingy and probably would have looked more convincing as a sound engineer had I been in front of a huge mixing board, but I was accomplishing the same thing. It is the swiss-army-knife of music gear for a home recordist. I think one should be given to every kid in a grade school music class or every grown up kid in a post-college rock band.
Submitted: 12/29/2005
Style of Music: rock. because rock rocks.
9 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Cool little machine."
Feature:
Again, for the price this thing is very much worth it. I has so many different features and things that I can't even figure them all out.
Quality:
I've dropped this thing from about 4-5 feet off the ground and nothing happened so I'm pretty pleased with its structure, and it seems pretty damn tough.
Value:
This has great value, as I said before, and is worth every cent I paid for it.
Desirability:
The reason I got it was because I needed a 4 track recorder and this one looked sweet. I got a hell of a lot more than just a 4 track.
Sound:
This thing really sounds great for its price if you use it right. When I first got it I kept on putting the gain up way too high on it then figured out that I needed to lower it and it sounded a lot better.
Ease of Use:
It takes a little practice to get to know how to use this thing if you're not familiar with it. The manual explains everything fairly well, but it's still pretty difficult to understand the device entirely.
Overall:
This is exactly what I need right now. I would highly recommend this product.
Again, for the price this thing is very much worth it. I has so many different features and things that I can't even figure them all out.
Quality:
I've dropped this thing from about 4-5 feet off the ground and nothing happened so I'm pretty pleased with its structure, and it seems pretty damn tough.
Value:
This has great value, as I said before, and is worth every cent I paid for it.
Desirability:
The reason I got it was because I needed a 4 track recorder and this one looked sweet. I got a hell of a lot more than just a 4 track.
Sound:
This thing really sounds great for its price if you use it right. When I first got it I kept on putting the gain up way too high on it then figured out that I needed to lower it and it sounded a lot better.
Ease of Use:
It takes a little practice to get to know how to use this thing if you're not familiar with it. The manual explains everything fairly well, but it's still pretty difficult to understand the device entirely.
Overall:
This is exactly what I need right now. I would highly recommend this product.
Submitted: 12/02/2006
Style of Music: Rock/Southern Rock/Alternative/Adult Alternative
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