Zoom H4 portable recorder

BoomBap · Post by **BoomBap** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:17 am

I've just bought this recorder for traveling purpose and all I've got to say is it's ill for under $300. I've got 2 SD cards, 1 512MB and 1 4GB, windshield protector, a travel case, a tripod stand, wallmount charger for $250.

It's a big brother of the Zoom H2. It can also be connected with your computer and be used as a soundcard. Cubase LE also comes with it too. I haven't done any recording to the computer through it yet but it's fairly easy to hook up. There's no driver to install as far as I know.

The little H4 comes with mic modeling too. There are 4 types of microphones that it mimics. There's compressor and limiter built in. Can be battery powered.

it's dope if you're looking for a portable recorder + sound card, all in one solution.

iG9 · Post by **iG9** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:49 am

that's fresh. i was about to pick up a H2. why'd you go with the H4?

BoomBap · Post by **BoomBap** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:02 am

Peace iG9,

I got the H4 because of it's only $100 more than the H2 retail. But I got mine for $250 plus a bunch of other accessories. But the biggest reason is the ability to turn it into a soundcard via USB. The H2 can't do that. So now I have portable 4-track recorder which can also be my soundcard. I can dump my tracks from the SP505 into Reaper via the H4. Reaper is one hell of a program too.

BoomBap · Post by **BoomBap** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 5:07 am

oh yeah I forgot to add, the H4 has a 1/8" line output which can be hooked up to your camcorder if you have a line in on your camcorder. You can do a little videotaping with great sound quality on the road.

jbl · Post by **jbl** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:23 am

the h4 is cool, i thought about getting that and in some ways wish i had. but the h2 is just smaller and there seems to be an almost inaudible buzz that the h2 doesn't have when recording in HQ(and i think that's only with batteries). the h4 has so many inputs though, plus effects, 4-track recorder vs. h2: stereo surround record(never used it) and it's pretty compact.

iG9 · Post by **iG9** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:44 pm

thanks for the replys, i think it's clearer now, i'm still getting the h2... actually first i'm gonna try 404+SM57 for a field recorder and see what kind of results i get, then if i'm unhappy with the quality the H2.

bishojo_command · Post by **bishojo_command** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:37 am

if you have some smartmedia cards - 128mb or less - you are much better tracking down a new PS04 - have seen them box new in some stores still. Thats the predecessor to H4

4 tracks - 10 takes each track - built in mic - usual inputs and outputs.

AND 2 rhythm tracks - DRUM and BASS - so some people argue it's 6 tracks.

while it comes with preset rhythms they are ALL able to be modified to your own programming or programmed from scratch - good quantize breakdowns that permit real time recording of bass/drums or step-thru record sequencing of drums/bass. The drums and bass are even velocity sensitive (!)

in short - its' a pocket programmable drum and bass machine that the world been sleepin' on. It will permit copy of your copy of patterns and chaining them into songs.

Only 4 drum/bass kits but you can apply Send and Master effects (has heaps of INSERT effects but can only be used on MIC/INputs -, not rhythm tracks )- then bounce to a take - effect more, bounce again - layer etc. Use this kick on another kit's snares - layer two basses on same phrase - detune one etc..

It's not usb connection like H4 but has basic software to convert recordings to WAV files thru your smartmedia card.

606man · Post by **606man** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:47 am

I'm getting 3 H2's for school [hey, it's government money!]- for podcasting purposes. I would love a H4, but I'll just be borrowing the H2 from school instead :lol:

Lopar-XL · Post by **Lopar-XL** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:04 am

The H2 can be used as an audio interface via USB. It has both line and mic inputs with plug-in power (that can be switched off, by the way). The H4 has two XLR inputs. Like I said in another thread about this, you can get an eye bolt that would fit the tripod socket, attach a snap hook and a neck strap to it so you can carry it around your neck. Watch out for the flimsy SD card door flap on the H2. It can break off easily.

606man · Post by **606man** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:01 pm

Damn - high school kids are gonna break that then - I hope the unit still works with no door!

drewzle · Post by **drewzle** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:25 pm

what classes do you teach 606man?

you gotta bring the 606 along, show the kids how it's done

my VCE education was sorely lacking in terms of subtractive synthesis, crate-digging, break chopping :lol:

606man · Post by **606man** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:25 am

I'm primarily an English teacher (hard to tell from my forum ramblings, I know :roll:

); but I also teach History, Drama and Dance. Arts/Humanities subjects I guess you would say.

The music teacher at my school is really traditional and guitar-oriented, so no sampling unfortunately

.... He is getting old though - I'll get my chance!

drewzle · Post by **drewzle** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:50 am

nice, humanities have always been my interests too. didn't like that maths shit