Zoom h4n or h4?

MyFilmPro

MyFilmPro

Active member
Hello,

I was just wondering if anyone had experience with the zoom h4n and h4 and which you'd recomend? I'm looking to record audio for film and won't be using the muscian features.

thanks.
 
I have and use the H4. It's great. The pre-amps suck (noisy), but I use line-level in so it isn't an issue.

The pre-amps are much, much better in the H4n, but apparently they decided that line-in was not important for this model.
 
C2V said:
The pre-amps are much, much better in the H4n, but apparently they decided that line-in was not important for this model.
Click to expand...


What do you mean? the H4n has two xlr in's doesn't it? I'm just looking to record sound while filming... likely with a d90 or gh1.
 
Intoxicated and posting my professional opinion though I may be, a Marantz 661 might be worth looking into.

I'm a fan of the H4n, but the lack of line inputs dampens upgrade options such as adding an SD preamp. The 661 is one of the few that manages both line and mic well.

However, if you're looking at Zoom options, the H4n does have excellent sound quality and many features that i prefer over the H4 (specifically the preamps and build-in speaker)
 
From the Zoom Japan site:
The H4n is the only handheld recorder that features built-in combination XLR/Phone connectors with phantom voltage source capability. With its Hi-Z inputs, you can record guitars or other line output sources such as mixing consoles. A separate external mic input supports plug-in power microphones.
Click to expand...
Zoom seems to think it handles line level input, are they mistaken?
 
I had e-mailed Samson/Zoom regarding the line/mic level input issue. Here was their response:

Hi, the XLR inputs are not line level.


Thanks for your interest in Zoom products.​
Our customers are important to us, please let us know if there's any way we can improve your support experience. ​
Regards,​
Jesse Thurman​
Customer Service Associate​
Samson Technologies​
1-800-372-6766 ext. 184​
Fax : 631-784-2201​
Click to expand...

The US product page makes no mention of line level or the ability to use an external mixer, only the built-in mixer controls.

I ended up getting a Sound Devices 702 anyway, to use with my 302 mixer.
 
Last edited:
phoric said:
I had e-mailed Samson/Zoom regarding the line/mic level input issue. Here was their response:



The US product page makes no mention of line level or the ability to use an external mixer, only the built-in mixer controls.

I ended up getting a Sound Devices 702 anyway, to use with my 302 mixer.
Click to expand...

Okay, so the XLR's are not line level -- what about the phone (1/4") inputs? Are THEY line level?

The US product page does say "Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass". Is it possible a line out from a mixer could be connected to the H4n via a 1/4" phone plug?
 
phoric said:
I had e-mailed Samson/Zoom regarding the line/mic level input issue. Here was their response:



The US product page makes no mention of line level or the ability to use an external mixer, only the built-in mixer controls.
Click to expand...

They do mention in the "Why four channels are better than two" section, this;

"Or, to get a great recording of a live performance, use the H4n’s onboard mics to get a room mix while simultaneously recording a stereo mix from the mixing board for a live recording that is easily one of the best you’ve ever heard."

Their support staff need some more training possibly?
 
I found a picture of the inputs on the h4n. XLR/TRS combo jacks. As I understand it, plugging in XLRs will give you mic level, 1/4" will give you inst/line level.
 
what is the difference between using line in or XLR input? on zoom h4 xlr inputs phantom power can be set to on/off in menu
 
When you have a choice with a mixer output, you always want to use line in, it is a higher level, therefore more robust signal electronically. If you are using just mics alone, you don't have a choice but most mixers output line or mic level.

Dan
 
Level issues

Level issues

Hi,

I have used my H4n yesterday for the first time, recording a live concert on 4 tracks, mics and XLR input:

Mics: I had to set the recording level at 1 and set a lo cut at 150 hz in order to reduce clipping, which still occurred, I even added the pop shield (indoor venue)...

XLR: i connected Matrix out of my desk, line level, to XLR in of my H4n, and had to set the recording level to 1 and the matrix output to their minimum possible and just got away with clipping the input !!!

Great interface, very user friendly, I cannot believe that there is no way of switching between line / mic level !! plus the mics are far too sensitive ....

I have emailed Zoom in Japan and their distributor in UK, I will let you know what they have to say, if they cannot resolve this issue with a software update, then I will ask for a refund, I invite you to do the same...

Gerard :(
Mixing Engineer
www.gerardalbo.com
 
correction:
XLR: i connected Matrix out of my desk, line level, to XLR in of my H4n, and had to set the recording level to 1 and the matrix output level to its minimum and just got away without clipping the input !!!
 
markuk said:
correction:
XLR: i connected Matrix out of my desk, line level, to XLR in of my H4n, and had to set the recording level to 1 and the matrix output level to its minimum and just got away without clipping the input !!!
Click to expand...

The XLR inputs are both mic level, and the TRS inputs are line level.

So it's not too surprising that running a line level signal into the mic inputs was in danger of clipping.
 
How are others faring with this device in conjunction with their 5D/7D? I'm not an audio guy at all.. would it be unwise to get this product if I'm hoping to use a Sennheiser G2 wireless lav kit with this? I know I can attenuate it down, but would it be enough without line level inputs?
 
At this price you should look for the r-44 edirol if you have a mixer that can output more than only a stereo mix, or you have more than 2 feed.

If you have several feed you can record them individually and do the mix in post production. and you solve all you problem of line-mic ... and have a control of gain and everything ....
 
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