Review: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder
Pages: 1, 2, 3

Buying Advice Redux

OK, so now I've reviewed three flash recorders that all cost about the same. As I said at the end of my review of the Edirol R-09, I don't do buying advice. I regard each review as an independent entity. So please don't ask me to make direct comparisons, play favorites, list pros and cons, or—horrors—tell you which one's best to record your toddler's audition for Baby American Idol.

There are just too many factors involved. Only you know which recorder will work best for your needs. Don't forget to factor in your experience, your budget, and your personality.

Here's my best advice: Read all the reviews you can. Listen to the audio examples—I've taken great pains to duplicate the same conditions with each of the three recorders, right down to using identical mics and the same guitar when I could. Heck, I even took all three to Maui! (There's a sacrifice for you.) Look carefully at the specs. Talk to your friends. Visit an actual music store where you can get one in your hands. Start a discussion below. Listen to the podcast I did with O'Reilly Digital Audio editor David Battino.

And by all means download the manuals, because if you can't understand the manual, chances are you won't be able to use the device.

But no emails please. I really don't have a clue. But then, you've probably figured that out already.

Specifications

Zoom H4 Handy Recorder
MSRP $494.99
 

Stereo Mode
WAV formats 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96kHz
MP3 formats Bit rate: 48/56/64/80/96/112/128/160/192/224/256/320kbps/VBR, sampling frequency: 44.1kHz)
File Editing Rename, Delete, Size check
Other Function A-B repeat
Effects Microphone modeling, compressor, limiter
 

Four-Track Mode
Simultaneous Recording Tracks 2
Simultaneous Playback Tracks 4
Projects 1,000 per card
File Editing Rename, Delete, Size check, Copy, Import
Other Functions A-B repeat, Punch-in/out, Bounce
Effects 2 Modules; 47 Types; 60 Patches
Tuner Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Open A/D/E/G, DADGAD
Recording/Playback Format 16-bit, 44.1kHz WAV
 

General Specs
Metronome Yes
A/D Conversion 24-bit, 128X oversampling
D/A Conversion 24-bit, 128X oversampling
Signal Processing 32-bit
Recording Media SD memory card (16MB–2GB)
Display 128 x 64 pixel, backlit LCD
Balanced/Unbalanced Input combo 1/4"/XLR jack
Input Impedance balanced input = 1kΩ balanced/pin 2 hot; unbalanced input = 480kΩ unbalanced
Input Level balanced input = –20/–30/–40dBm, Unbalanced input = –10/–30/–40dBm
Phantom Power Supply 48V/24V/off
Built-in Stereo Mic Unidirectional condenser microphone X 2 (Gain switch: +6/+20/+30dB)
Line Output 1/8" stereo phone jack
Headphone Output 1/8" stereo phone jack
USB Interface Mini-B type (USB 2.0 Full-speed compatible), Mass Storage Class operation/audio interface operation (16-bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz)
Power Requirements AA battery x 2, or supplied AC adaptor
Battery Life (with alkaline batteries) 4 hours recording, 4.5 hours playback
Dimensions 2.75" (w) x 6" (d) x 1.38" (h)
Weight (without batteries) 6.7oz
Supplied Accessories AC adapter, USB cable, 128MB SD memory card, wind screen, tripod adapter, Cubase LE

Maximum Recording Time (in minutes)*

Stereo Mode
Data Format Memory Size**
128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
MP3 64kbps 266 533 1,066 2,083 4,166
  128kbps 133 266 533 1,041 2,083
  192kbps 88 177 355 694 1,388
  320kbps 53 106 213 416 833
WAV 16 bit, 44.1kHz 12 24 48 94 188
  24 bit, 44.1kHz 8 16 32 62 125
  16 bit, 48kHz 11 22 44 86 173
  24 bit, 48kHz 7 14 29 57 115
  16 bit, 96kHz 5 11 22 43 86
  24 bit, 96kHz 3 7 14 28 57

4-Track Mode (mono tracks)
Data Format Memory Size**
128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
WAV 16 bit, 44.1kHz 24 48 96 188 376
*Recording times are approximate. Actual times may differ according to recording conditions.
**A 128MB SD memory card is supplied.

Mahalos to Robyn, Ginger, the Hula Honeys, Kevin and Ikaika Brown, and the Royal Lahaina Luau band.

Which One's for You?

See how this recorder stacks up in our
portable recorder comparison chart.