Some Quick Questions about the Zoom H4

[Chance White]

Is it possible to record with the built in stereo mics for room ambiance and the two XLR inputs (for instance for 2 lavs or a shotgun and a lav) simultaneously? If so how exactly? Been trying to figure this out for a while.

Also my levels are extremely low when recording to stereo mode from shotgun and wireless lav. I turn gain to High and turn the levels all the way up and it is still extremely low.

Thanks!

 

[Alex H.]

Is it possible to record with the built in stereo mics for room ambiance and the two XLR inputs (for instance for 2 lavs or a shotgun and a lav) simultaneously? If so how exactly? Been trying to figure this out for a while.

The H4n can do this. The H4 cannot.

Also my levels are extremely low when recording to stereo mode from shotgun and wireless lav. I turn gain to High and turn the levels all the way up and it is still extremely low.

What mics are you using? How are they connected? You've set the Input 1 and Input 2 gain switches to high? Is phantom on for the shotgun, if needed? Everything has fresh batteries? Does your wireless receiver have an ouput level control?

The pre-amps in the H4 aren't very good. Not by a long shot. I never use the XLR ins on mine. I use it with a line-level feed from a mixer, which yields terrific results.

 

[Chance White]

Thanks for the response.

I'm using an Audio Technica Shotgun mic. Is it better to use phantom power or no? I have the option with it. It's in the 300 dollar range of shotguns so isn't the greatest. Previously I was not using phantom power, and was using a AA battery. The other mic is a Sennheiser wireless lav, awesome little mic, I think it's the G2.

As far as a mixer, if I did that I'd connect my mics to it, do the preamp from there, then run line in to the H4? How exactly would this work and how much would this run me? I'd like to know what my budget options are up to high end.

Also if I'm recording line level can I then also record stereo from the H4 for room ambiance at the same time? This would be 4 track (two stereo, or 4 mono channels) correct?

Thanks!

 

[Alex H.]

I'm using an Audio Technica Shotgun mic. Is it better to use phantom power or no? I have the option with it. It's in the 300 dollar range of shotguns so isn't the greatest. Previously I was not using phantom power, and was using a AA battery. The other mic is a Sennheiser wireless lav, awesome little mic, I think it's the G2.

If the mic can take an internal battery, in this case, you may be better off. Phantom on the Zoom isn't great and eats batteries quickly.

On the G2, check to make sure that the transmitter and receiver both have decent levels.

As far as a mixer, if I did that I'd connect my mics to it, do the preamp from there, then run line in to the H4? How exactly would this work and how much would this run me? I'd like to know what my budget options are up to high end.

The basic place to start, at $650, is the Sound Devices MixPre. It has a Tape Out, that's a 1/8" TRS output. Get a Y-splitter that runs from 1/8" TRS to dual 1/4" TS, and plug into the Zoom's 1/4" inputs. Then, in the menu, set the Zoom to external line input.

The next step up, at $1200, would be the SD302. It's a 3-input mixer. Big brother to the MixPre.

Also if I'm recording line level can I then also record stereo from the H4 for room ambiance at the same time? This would be 4 track (two stereo, or 4 mono channels) correct?

Not on the H4. On the H4N, this can be done. But there's a huge difference between the H4 and the H4N. Which one do you have?

Aside from that, why do you want to record stereo ambient along with your dialog? It's one thing if you want to record musicians direct from external mics and use the Zoom's XY pair to record the room/crowd, but if it's for narrative work, you will have no use for room recording in post.

 

[Chance White]

I have the H4. I guess I don't really have to record that way, I'm just used to it from recording 4 channels on the HVX200.

I won't be able to afford a mixer for a while so I will continue working on this from your input and make it work. I really appreciate your guidance.