Zoom H4 Handy Recorder

Mobile multitrack recording, in the palm of your hand!
Sometimes, your mini-cassette recorder just doesn't give you the quality you need when you're working out in the field. Excessive ambient noise, a low-fi internal microphone, or the dreaded "low-talker" can spoil an otherwise useable take. When you need professional results, the H4 Handy Recorder from Zoom is the perfect tool for your next mobile recording project.

Onboard stereo microphones
The H4 sports 2 studio-quality condenser microphones, configured for true stereo recording. When you hear music, speech, or sound effects during playback, you'll swear it's live. Recordings of this fidelity are sure to boost the quality of your finished product.

External connectivity
In some situations, onboard mics may not offer the control you need. Not to worry. This recorder includes 2 XLR-1/4 in. combo jacks with 48v phantom power to accept your favorite dynamic or condenser microphones. Use a cardioid mic to focus on a specific audio source, rejecting unwanted ambient noise for a clean recorded track. For those "low-talkers," a shotgun mic picks up faraway sources, just as if you pressed your H4 right up to their mouth. When everyone else has muddy, garbled audio, you'll have captured every word with crystal clarity.

Tripod stand adapter included
Sound-effects and sample gathering can be done quickly, but speeches, live music, and podcasting projects tend to go on for longer periods. As light as the H4 is, it will eventually take its toll on your arm if you're constantly holding it up. Zoom includes a tripod mounting-sled for these long sessions. Place it on a table when using the onboard mics, or tuck it away in a corner with a long XLR cable and you can capture your audio in comfort, no matter how long that speech drags on. Just supply your own tripod stand (not included) and then the included stand adapter and you're good to go.

Realtime audio monitoring
With many mobile devices, you press 'record' and hope for the best. Not with the H4. A 1/8 in. stereo miniplug connection lets you actively monitor the incoming signal with your favorite pair of headphones. Now you can adjust the input level and add compression, limiting, and mic modeling effects, all in real-time. You'll be sure your tracks sound their best at the time you record them, so editing goes smoother than ever before.

4-Track recording mode
Maybe you're saying 'mics are great, but I record live bands and want more control over the mix.' The H4's got you covered there, too. Switch to 4-track recording mode and use those combo inputs with a direct guitar, bass, or keyboard signal. You can also tap into a feed from the mixing board for larger projects. For example, you bring a group mix of instruments in on two tracks, vocals on the third, and a room mic in on the fourth for ambience. Later, you can adjust the instruments and vocals to sit where you need them in the mix, with enough of the room to know it's a live show. When other bands hear the results, they'll be begging you to record their gigs.

Onboard effects for songwriters
Songwriters will also appreciate the multitracking capabilities. Blend your voice with a guitar or keyboard for quick, easy scratch-demos of your latest ideas. This is also a great way to share your vision with the rest of the band. Plus, Zoom added a ton of their best guitar- and bass-modeling patches, taken straight from the G2 processor! Have an idea for a song with distorted guitars in the chorus? Your band won't have to guess what you're hearing in your head. Dial it up, lay it down, and play it back for them. You won't believe how much faster they catch on. The new tune will be tight and ready for your next gig.

Storage and power
So, how do you store all those great sounds? The Zoom H4 includes a 512 MB SD media card for archiving and transport of your projects. The onboard SD slot will handle up to 2 GB media cards, giving you access to 380 minutes of 16-bit CD-quality audio, or a whopping 34 hours of stereo .mp3 sound! If pristine quality is key for you, sample rates of up to 24-bit, 96 kHz are available. For larger files, the integrated USB interface can offload your tracks to an external storage device. Amazingly, all these capabilities run for up to four hours on just two AA batteries. You can also use the included AC adapter for longer sessions. Never run out of power in the middle of a gig again!

Doubles as a computer interface
The mobile recording features are impressive, but don't think your H4 will collect dust on a shelf back in the studio. Plug the included USB cable into a Mac or Windows computer, and you've got a powerful digital recording interface! You can record longer, more intricate projects, right on your hard drive. Take the tracks you recorded in the field, then add the subtle details that turn an average recording into a professional track. To handle the incoming audio, this recorder comes bundled with Cubase LE, a 48-track digital audio workstation. Edit, mix, and master your projects in this digital software environment for an unprecedented level of control. You'll have all the tools you need to do your best work.

Product Reviews