Zoom H4N Portable Digital Recorder

[jcbuggs]

Good Sunday Morning All,

I am looking at portable digital recorders and think this unit sounds like a good value and seems to have many of the features I am looking for. Anyone have experience with one, or own one? Looking for some feedback on this unit. Quality of build, sound quality ease of use etc.

Thanks in advance for all responses.

Joe H

[skatalite]

Good Sunday Morning All,

I am looking at portable digital recorders and think this unit sounds like a good value and seems to have many of the features I am looking for. Anyone have experience with one, or own one? Looking for some feedback on this unit. Quality of build, sound quality ease of use etc.

Thanks in advance for all responses.

Joe H

I've used an H4N but don't own one. I have, however, owned an H2 and, now, an H1.

I like the H4N a lot. Zoom makes quality recorders. Its features are solid and recording quality is better than it deserves to be for its size or price.

Here are some good YouTube videos showcasing the H4N. Keep in mind, all YouTube videos are compressed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7MWDYk_3io

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM8VjImtFNc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh8JMTmUXc8

Cheers!

[PM33AUD]

I used the H4n for band recordings (just rehearsal stuff to catch ideas) and we used to plug in our own mics for the stereo room (think we were using SM-81s or something).

Anyways, it's easy to use, the quality is very good, and has some nice features to use live like the limiter, if I recall correctly.

If you have a half-decent laptop, though, I'd just get a little FW or USB interface.  I just picked up a used RME Babyface which sounds absolutely awesome and very well built.  This allows you to directly record into your DAW and do mixing, editing, etc... right there.

If it's just for catching quick ideas, I just use my iPhone... the newer 4GS has an auto limiter in it that can record even live shows to acceptable quality with just the built-in mic (the older iPhone mics clipped horribly, but not this newer one).  More than adequate for catching ideas and I always have it with me.  The H4n I didn't always have handy, which is kind of a bummer sometimes.  It's also really not 'pocket-sized' unless you wear overalls or something :D  This was also before I got myself a smartphone.  I am still looking at the iM2 Tascam iPhone/iPad mic although, right now, I really don't think I need it.

Phil