Comments on Brad Linder's blog: Zoom H4n audio take 2 - second time not so charmin...

Ron, Yeah, you're right. In fact, I used to ow...

2011-10-19T23:40:21.382-04:00

Ron, Yeah, you're right. In fact, I used to own a Zoom h4n and the noise floor isn't that great once you start using the built in compressor. And part of the reason I sold it was because configuring the compressor was next to impossible. I thought it would be nice to have some built in compression on a field recorder. I was wrong, at least in this case.

no soundman worth his salt should even dream of re...

2011-10-19T22:26:09.703-04:00

no soundman worth his salt should even dream of relying on built in compression/ limiting on any recorder.

I've just got hold of a Zoom h4n and realise i...

2011-10-19T22:19:01.575-04:00

I've just got hold of a Zoom h4n and realise it's aimed more at a musician than as a field recorder. The XLR's aren't standard line level which I find a bit odd. Mixing pro gear with consumer stuff like the Zoom is never a good idea though

Crane Stand is simply the highest quality Adjustab...

2011-10-04T00:13:13.981-04:00

Crane Stand is simply the highest quality Adjustable Laptop Stand on the market and the only DJ Laptop Stand that is made in the USA. The robust Portable Notebook Stand was rated #1 in stability, and is the only Foldable Laptop Stand with a 3-leg design.

I think Sound Devices 702 is the only way to go, i...

2011-08-04T11:44:26.532-04:00

I think Sound Devices 702 is the only way to go, if you don't want to worry about quality issues, especially if you are using high quality microphones (Neumann, Schoeps, etc.). Its only $2000, not $20,000, so it is attainable for the average person with a little saving up for it.

This youtube video proves that by configuring the ...

2011-04-18T06:09:17.897-04:00

This youtube video proves that by configuring the H4n correctly one can get get some really good sound out of it. As far as I'm concerned vocal tests say a lot more than most instrument tests.

Doesn't the unit have built in limiter/gate fu...

2011-04-18T06:07:21.792-04:00

Doesn't the unit have built in limiter/gate functionality? Use that.

I just have to say, I recently bought and have use...

2011-03-09T14:14:35.108-05:00

I just have to say, I recently bought and have used the H4n and have been quite happy with it. I just hope too many people aren't being desuaded by the pathetic excuse for conversation happening in this forum.

This is honestly the most immature review / discussion thread I have ever seen for a product.

You would also think that people trying to call others morons would learn how to spell correctly.

One more thing: your, you're, there, their, etc. they all have different uses that we learned in 3rd grade. Learn to use them correctly.

Ok fair enough you have made your statement about ...

2011-02-20T11:17:39.622-05:00

Ok fair enough you have made your statement about "Ewers himself admits the cable is hissy" why did it dramtically effect Zoom H4n and yet the same cable produced a decent recording with Sony pcmd50. Can you please explain that?

For me it was between PCM-D50 & H4n
as well...

2011-02-20T11:17:39.432-05:00

For me it was between PCM-D50 & H4n
as well. But in the end I went for PCM-D50
H4n has too many features I would never use. And I think the record volume knob alone justifies the extra $$$ I spent on PCM-D50.

Sony pcmd50 is safe, simple, sound piece of equipm...

2011-02-20T11:17:39.227-05:00

Sony pcmd50 is safe, simple, sound piece of equipment to use. I am very happy with my purchase. Thanks to guys in this blog!

Today I have bought my Sony pcmd50 and it actually...

2011-02-20T11:17:38.907-05:00

Today I have bought my Sony pcmd50 and it actually blew me away and all of my previous recorders. I have used dynamic mic(SM58, 48), condenser mics (NTG2 , NT4), Rolls pantom power with Rode (NT2, NT1000) and also internal mic. Every recording that I have done so far its been a success!! Its very easy to use and I do like the recording level knob its very accurate. The interface is mega clear. The whole construction feels Solid. Very happy - over the moon. I love this blog.

Sony wins hands down!!!

2011-02-20T11:17:38.733-05:00

Sony wins hands down!!!

I'm just wondering...

Why is this such ...

2011-02-20T11:17:37.696-05:00

I'm just wondering...

Why is this such a mean forum/blog?

Why are people (especially the ones who become so rude and attacking and offensive in the first place, as opposed to those who finally broke down and got rude back) taking a PRODUCT - any product - so seriously that they should act like juvenile clowns who have not one stitch of respect for another human being (or themselves), or maturity, or integrity? Is it okay to treat people this way just because you don't know who they are/can't see their faces? Are you old enough to be on the internet without adult supervision?

I've seen a lot online but I expect most of these comments to be found in a forum that attracts mainly pre-adolescents whose neglectful parents are allowing them to type on a forum all about their favorite Cartoon Network action figure like Ben 10 or something...this is absurd.

Summary:

1. There are high-end recorders that DO produce a better sound than a Zoom, but are geared toward the interests of those who don't mind the relatively limited features (and are also geared toward those who either have much more money to spend on a handheld reorder, and/or get very excited about having the best of the best of the very best sound out of all the very good sounds, based at least in part on audio tests (with tests being valid, one would hope?), regardless of whether the average person with a decent ear would hear much of a difference between very good and "doesn't get better" good.

2. The Zoom in question - at this particular point in time - offers dramatically more features that aren't to many people just useless gimmicks but are actually useful "gimmicks" - than the recorders that have an edge on sound quality. Aside from it being better constructed and w/ a nice heftiness - and easier to use - than older models, it is also appealing because of its price. Many have written that people are getting a lot of bang for their buck - or maybe people on here would prefer it written: people are getting a lot of bang for the good sound-quality.

3. Beyond the obvious above-listed reasons for liking each type of recorder, each type of recorder also appeals to people with DIFFERENT USES in mind (or in some cases, multiple uses).

Okay? Okay. Sheesh.

I reckon the SD card slot opening problem can be s...

2011-02-20T11:17:37.236-05:00

I reckon the SD card slot opening problem can be solved with a gentle touch of gaffer tape. ;)

I just received my new Zoom H4n and am very happy ...

2011-02-20T11:17:36.984-05:00

I just received my new Zoom H4n and am very happy with my first band recording. I recorded in 4 channel mode, which is why I bought the unit over others. Although the manual, on page 072, says the H4n in 4 ch mode can use mono mix mode it apprarently cannot. This only allows a stereo signal from inputs 3, L, and 4, R, and does not allow a full signal to center pan. Zoom confirmed the typo.
Hopefully I can fix this in Cubase but it's disappointing that teh manual is not correct.

I know this is thread is concerning the comparison...

2011-02-20T11:17:36.792-05:00

I know this is thread is concerning the comparison of the devices mentioned above, and I didn't see Fostex FR2le on the list Nick. WTF??? I would hope the sound quality is better $$$$. Nick your a real Dick Tracy. You said it yourself, its a different class. Why are all you "pro's" even still talking??? Trust me, if I had it my way I would run out and buy a fostex FR 2 straight up forget the le. (a 10 second pre-record....thats cool) I am an entry level digital engineer, and I am biased cuz I picked up an H4n a couple of weeks ago, and I think it's pretty damn cool for my first "gadget". I was wondering if anyone has any info on the settings of the h4n. Or any good links to a good blog for any zoom h4n owners?? The H4n is obviously targeting musicians, and if any of you have checked the zoom web page, they are pretty up front about their target audience. Anyways, using the compressor, in stereo mode it sounds pretty bad, but that's just recording dialog. There are over 50 pre-amp settings in MTR Mode, and you can get it pretty quiet. I started wondering if I made a mistake after I found this nasty blogg. But i think it was money well spent. And the price range for the zoom was my limit. Even the Marantz 660 is $100 more. I would love to get into field recording for special effects and might have considered the Sony PCM-D50 for this, But like Nasa Nick mentioned, why not just get a Fostex?? After listening to all you "my crap smells like bubble-gum" h4n haters, I would really have to try the Sony myself. And the fact is this blog didn't answer any questions anyways. Honestly the main reason I bought the h4N is cuz you can use it for an interface, It came with editing software, its got 4 tracks, and its bad ass. For the price its great for a broke student like myself. Portable stereo/two track recorder with bounce capabilities for music, entry level field recording, Podcast, sound design/effects, and basic editing software. And after reading this I don't think I would buy the Sony based solely on the mentality of its supporters. This blog got so nasty cuz these are two devices made for two entirely different users. At least I can admit I'm a novice out to have some fun. Most of you sony guys are just stuck in the middle of when you used to have fun, and being actual professionals. I would actually enjoy recording bird farts, but I wouldn't use that peice of crap Sony for it!!! So like I mentioned above, anyone have any links to any Zoom h4n links concerning having some fun and actually throwing some ideas around, I would appreciate it.

Hey Anonymous,

You can find some good tips ...

2011-02-20T11:17:36.270-05:00

Hey Anonymous,

You can find some good tips for using the h4n over at the zoom forum. Just google it. I just added a post today on how to get the files into the mtr mode.

I haven't tried it as a usb interface yet but someone over there said it's really good for that too.

At Anonymous - which mics are u using?

If b...

2011-02-20T11:17:36.084-05:00

At Anonymous - which mics are u using?

If both Dynamics and Condenser mics go for Sony.

If Condenser only go for Zoom H4n.

I have a Sony PCM d50.
Right after buying it I ...

2011-02-20T11:17:35.854-05:00

I have a Sony PCM d50.
Right after buying it I set the recording volume at 5 and listenning volume at 5 thinking this should be safe. Turn it on and listenned to it and it literially blow my ears. Very loud.
Potentially dangerous too. I think it should have an option in the menu to set a maximum output sound level to the microphone. So that excessively loud sound can be cut/reduced, because if you are playing a quite recording and then a loud recording it could demage hearing. Also if you listenning to birds and someone walks up and talks near you it could really hurt your ears.

Couldn't tell what was noise or the market floor. Until got home. I hear noise from internal microphones starting at a gain of 2.

I've tried many external microphones at a sound shop. Most microphones would work. But the best level I could get to on gain setting with any of the microphones I tried was 8 before I got noise. Usually most microphones would get noise starting at a gain of 7.

For my own external microphone I am limited to a recording gain of between 5 and 7 if I want sound to be good and with no noise.

I've tried turning microphone off and seeing what gain can get to without noise. But it still gets noise at 8gain. If I try just a miniconnecter without cable I get noise at a very low gain setting, but thats just an issue with the resistance being seen.

It is possible that maybe the noise above gain 8 is from environment. But the fact that the mic turned off only gets to 8 gain makes me think it isn't my environment. I guess it is preemps. On line-in I get no noise at any gain setting.

Curious how folks have fared with the different un...

2011-02-20T11:17:35.654-05:00

Curious how folks have fared with the different units over time.

I've been doing some heavy research to start recording and while I eventually will build a studio (not sure if I'll go with Apogee Ensemble or Prism Sound Orpheus or something similar yet as the main I/O,Preamp, Converter) but I need something to tide me over until then.

I'm thinking the Marantz PMD 661 may be the best for sound quality but I'm open to ideas.

I have to say, reading through this as taken my presumed "choice" (H4N) and has left me looking for another small/mobile recorder.

Ultimately I need to pick up some mics...etc as well but the Recorder is going to be my first step.

Hi there, I have noise problems when recording w...

2010-10-30T05:45:44.823-04:00

Hi there,

I have noise problems when recording with H4n as an audio interface. I tried to

1) lower the recording volume to 25. It works when I am using the H4n on its own. However, the buzzing noise still persists in the audio interface mode on my MAC book pro (intel chipset)

2) I tried to power up the H4n before connecting to my laptop. After which I went to the menu function to look for USB and then connected it to my MAC book pro. However, the noise still persists.

The bass guitar has no problems. I can play it cleanly with an amp. Also, I am not having any noise from the cable. Please help me!

Gabriel
from Vancouver, Canada

PS: can someone help me please!!!

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I have a Zoom ...

2010-05-24T02:31:47.974-04:00

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I have a Zoom H4N and was looking at a way to reduce the noise floor of my recordings. The input was set at 65 when I got it, and at this level the hiss was really quite unacceptable.

After much experimentation I found an input level of 25 - 30 to be the sweet spot for minimal hiss.

I'm feeding it from a external portable mixer (Sound Devices 442) and found these settings have greatly improved the overall quality of my recordings. YMMV.

Cheers and happy recording.

Ive been reading these posts, and the H4n does not...

2010-05-23T02:07:54.067-04:00

Ive been reading these posts, and the H4n does not have that much hiss. You just need to adjust the levels correctly and it wont have hiss. If you just plug everything in and dont adjust the levels it will sound like shit, but if u experiment with it for a while you will find out that the little thing rocks especially for the price.

Curious how folks have fared with the different un...

2010-02-26T13:41:27.663-05:00

Comments on Brad Linder's blog: Zoom H4n audio take 2 - second time not so charmin...

Ron, Yeah, you're right. In fact, I used to ow...

no soundman worth his salt should even dream of re...

I've just got hold of a Zoom h4n and realise i...

Crane Stand is simply the highest quality Adjustab...

I think Sound Devices 702 is the only way to go, i...

This youtube video proves that by configuring the ...

Doesn't the unit have built in limiter/gate fu...

I just have to say, I recently bought and have use...

Ok fair enough you have made your statement about ...

For me it was between PCM-D50 & H4nas well...

Sony pcmd50 is safe, simple, sound piece of equipm...

Today I have bought my Sony pcmd50 and it actually...

Sony wins hands down!!!

I'm just wondering...Why is this such ...

I reckon the SD card slot opening problem can be s...

I just received my new Zoom H4n and am very happy ...

I know this is thread is concerning the comparison...

Hey Anonymous,You can find some good tips ...

At Anonymous - which mics are u using?If b...

I have a Sony PCM d50.Right after buying it I ...

Curious how folks have fared with the different un...

Hi there, I have noise problems when recording w...

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I have a Zoom ...

Ive been reading these posts, and the H4n does not...

Curious how folks have fared with the different un...

For me it was between PCM-D50 & H4n
as well...

I'm just wondering...

Why is this such ...

Hey Anonymous,

You can find some good tips ...

At Anonymous - which mics are u using?

If b...

I have a Sony PCM d50.
Right after buying it I ...