How to control Zoom H4N Pre-amps?

A

andrew00

Well-known member
Hey, I posted this in another thread but it got lost.

How does one control the sensitivity of the zoom h4n preamps?

With the old h4 it was the l/m/h switch on the side. On the h4n the switch is gone to be replaced by a record levels, which is ok.

But afaik the sensitivity controlled the preamps and the levels just the volume of recording.

So does the h4n record level just change the record volume? If so how does one change the sensitivity in order to cope with loud sources like live music etc.

I can't see an option in the menu.

Cheers!
a x
 
Yes, the record level IS the sensitivity setting. If level 1 is still too hot then you need to activate or install a Pad on your mic(s). If you're using phantom power, you can try setting it to 12 volts instead of 48 in the menu. That will lower it. If you're sending a line signal (like from a mixing board) go in the 1/4" inputs instead of the XLR ins.
 
Use the mixer function. You can not only balance between the left & right, you can pad down either the XLR/TRS input or the built-in mics. It works well. - Tim
 
Ah ok then if the record levels on the side is the sensitivity, then what is the levels?

I.E. With the H4, you controlled the pre-amps, the sensitivity, then you controlled the levels.

Are you saying that they're one and the same w/the h4?

As that doesn't seem a good choice there, what if I need a low sensitivity, but in doing so I make the levels too low, I'll need to ramp them. If they are one and the same, I can't do that without also increasing the pre-amps, which will overload and distort.
 
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