Zoom H4n Solid State SD Flash Recorder

Second Generation Stereo Recorder with 4-Track Facility

Zoom's second crack at their concept of combining a competent stereo solid state recorder with a basic 4-track multitrack format recorder is quite impressive. Based on their popular H4, the H4n (the 'n' means 'next') is much improved, having a bigger and easier-to-read LCD screen and less fiddly software interface. This makes it much easier to use than its predecessor. And this recorder really feels much more robust and less 'plasticky' than before too (mind you, it now weighs about 90gms more). It is also more expensive but we consider the improvements to be well worth the extra cost.

Demonstrating its main target market of musicians rather than radio journalists, the H4n includes many musician-friendly features, such as 50 virtual guitar-amp model effects, playback speed control, and studio effects. Its ability to simultaneously record up to four channels by combining the internal microphones and external inputs as well makes it unique in its class. Have a look through its features list below to learn more.

• Selectable X/Y stereo microphone recording patterns
Custom designed, onboard X/Y stereo condenser mics allow variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. You can rotate each mic capsule from 90° (standard) to 120° (wide-angle) stereo for the ultimate versatility in any recording situation. The H4n's mics are arranged with the right and left mics on the same axis. This design ensures that the mics are always an equal distance from the sound source for perfect localization without phase shifting. Frequency response remains uniform throughout your recording. The result is great stereo recording with natural depth and accurate imaging every time.

• Secure Digital (SD) media
The H4n uses compact SD or high-capacity SDHC memory cards of up to 32GB

• Multiple recording resolutions
You can record at uncompressed linear resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz as well as at a variety of MP3 formats depending on how large or small you need your audio files to be.

• Improved mic preamps
New, digitally controlled, high-quality microphone preamplifiers render audio very precisely and accurately. Whilst manual level setting is always preferable, an automatic level setting function is also built in to optimize the level quickly as the situation requires.

• Combination of XLR & 1/4" Jack inputs
The H4n is that rare thing in a handheld-size recorder in that it has built-in combination (combo) XLR/Jack connectors with phantom power capability. The outer (3-pin XLR) part of the combo sockets are for professional microphone inputs, and with its 2 line inputs (the inner hole of the combo sockets are for 1/4" jacks) you can record guitars or other line level sources such as mixing consoles. Another separate external mic input (mini-jack) supports plug-in power microphones.

• Four channels are better than two
Proper miking is essential to making a great recording. The H4n is the only handheld recorder that allows recording on four  channels simultaneously by using your own external mics with its onboard mics. Use its built-in mixer to blend the channels for perfectly balanced recordings of extraordinary depth and clarity.

• Low-cut filter & limiter for better recordings
With its low-cut filter, the H4n effectively reduces unwanted background noise like wind or air-conditioning noise. A variety of compressors and limiters help to optimize the dynamic range while preventing distortion.

• Centre cancel and pitch control functions
With its centre cancel function, the H4n lets you suppress audio that is recorded with centre imaging. And because the H4n also lets you alter pitch without changing playback speed, you can choose source material, suppress the centre audio and use it as a backing track while recording a vocal or guitar track.

• Onboard effects & Guitar Amp Modelling
The H4n includes a range of studio effects and guitar amp models. There are 50 studio-quality DSP effects including compressor, chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb. In addition, models of the most famous guitar amps are included. Find tone perfection with classic amp models during your recording sessions.

• It's also a USB audio interface
The H4n also will also function as a direct audio interface for your PC. Connect the supplied USB cable and record directly to your computer. The H4n comes bundled with Cubase LE4 from Steinberg so you can start to produce and edit music on your PC, via the H4n, straight away.

• Mid/Side stereo decoder onboard
The built-in M/S stereo decoder allows the use of an external Mid-Side microphone setups. The H4n converts the mid and side channel signals into a conventional stereo (L/R) signal for even more versatility.

• Mono mix function
A stereo input signal can be mixed down to mono to reduce unwanted sound source position shifts between right and left channels. This is ideal for recording interviews.

• Automatic recording
You can set your H4n to automatically record whenever sound above your designated level is detected.

 This ensures that you capture everything of importance while minimizing blank sections such as when recording a conference, lecture or evidential audio.

• Versatile playback functions includes phrase trainer

You can choose between single-song playback, single-song repeat, all-songs playback, or all-songs repeat. This is great when you want to use the H4n as a personal trainer for learning new music. A-B repeat even lets you zoom in on a specified section of a song. Learning new songs is made even easier with the H4n's adjustable playback speed that ranges from 50 to 150 percent, while keeping pitch the same. This is also a great feature for learning a language, conference recording, and various electronic news gathering (ENG) situations.

• Basic editing, normalising & conversion
Even without external software, you can divide a recorded file at any desired point, right on the H4n. A built-in normalizing feature lets you optimize the volume level, and you can convert WAV files into MP3 directly on the unit as well.

• Wide choice of powering options
The H4n can record continuously in normal mode for about 6 hours on a pair of AA batteries. It also has a unique 'Stamina Mode' to enable it to record for up to 11 hours when you really need it.  The supplied AC adaptor can be plugged into the mains for extended use. When using the H4n as an SD card reader or USB audio interface, it is powered from the host computer.