Comments on: Zoom H4n audio take 2 – second time not so charming https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html Wed, 30 Nov 2016 21:52:10 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Joe https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-67 Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:49:48 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-67 I just bought a h4n and was concerned about the noise and hiss. When I recorded and played back on the device itself, you can definitely hear a horrible hissing noise (I think the cheap speakers on the device have something to do with that), but when I imported to my computer and played back, I couldn't hear it! I had to put my ear close to the speakers and the noise from the computer (a quiet iMac) pretty much drowned out the hiss. Only when I put on some expensive headphones was I able to hear a small hiss in the background. To me, it works great and it does capture guitar tones very nicely. As a classical guitar player, I've heard other recordings where the guitar sounds just awful and clanky, but with the zoom it sounds quite rich and has a wide, full tone. It made my cheap $300 guitar sound as big as a $3,000 Ramirez. My conclusion, can I make CD quality recordings with this? of course not, but does it do the job for every day stuff? Yes.

]]> By: Adam Saverian https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-71 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:40:21 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-71 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.

]]> By: ron https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-72 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:26:09 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-72 no soundman worth his salt should even dream of relying on built in compression/ limiting on any recorder.

]]> By: nige https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-73 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:19:01 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-73 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

]]> By: Johnny https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-89 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:44:26 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-89 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.

]]> By: Adam Saverian https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-120 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:09:17 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-120 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.

]]> By: Adam Saverian https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-121 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:07:21 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-121 Doesn't the unit have built in limiter/gate functionality? Use that.

]]> By: anonymous https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-131 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:14:35 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-131 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.

]]> By: Anonymous https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-155 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:17:39 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-155 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.

]]> By: Anonymous https://bradlinder.net/2009/03/zoom-h4n-audio-take-2-second-time-not-so-charming.html#comment-154 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:17:39 +0000 http://bradlinder.net/?p=87#comment-154 Sony pcmd50 is safe, simple, sound piece of equipment to use. I am very happy with my purchase. Thanks to guys in this blog!

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