Which Recording Mode for H4n?

D

DCAD

Member
Much thanks for a quick reply… I leave for the Andes tomorrow. I will be in the field without support for nine days.

I just received my H4n. I will use the H4n to record sound in conjunction with shooting video on my EOS 550D (for video almost identical to the 7D).

My main questions are: what recording mode should I use?


2) I am using a 16G card so storage is not that much of an issue. I am guessing that I want to use one of the WAV modes
  • 16bit/44.1 KHz or
  • 16bit/48.0 KHz or
  • 24bit/96.0 KHz
2) Should I adjust the levels manually before I record, or have the H4n set to do auto levels?


3) If I adjust the levels manually what level am I shooting for?
  • -24
  • -12
  • -6

Just as a double check:
  • I have the recorder in “Stereo STAMINA” mode
  • I am using 2100mAh NiMH cells (3 pairs)
  • I have a Rycote Mini Windjammer (which just fits over the foam windscreen)
  • I am using the built in mic’s. I understand they are at least decent.
  • For the most part I will probably use the 120 degree mode to get stereo ambient sound from the Andes
  • I will switch to 90 degree mode if I wanT to focus on someone talking. AND try and get the mic fairly close to them
Does this sound about right?

Thanks, DCAD
 
Your editing software (NLE) needs 16-bit/48kHz audio. You can record in 24-bit/48k, or even 24-bit/96k and then down-convert in post without decreasing the signal quality. In fact, recording in 24-bit is not a bad idea anyway.

Manual levels are a good idea, and make sure that dialog averages around -12dB with occasional peaks as high as -6dB.

Make sure you slate each take that requires audio to sync to the video. Use a clapper board, or simply clap your hands if you don't have a board. Visual and aural slate information is also handy, meaning that the shot information is displayed on a card (or dry erase board) in front of the camera and is also read aloud for the audio recording. All this will help you sync audio in post.

And don't forget your headphones.
 
Thanks C2V! 24-bit/48k it is.

BTW just realized that Stamina mode only supports 16-bit/44.1k.
Using non-Stamina for 24-bit/48k effectively halves the battery life (6 vs 11 hrs). I think I have enough batteries to handle it tho. -DCAD
 
48/24 wav is your friend. Manual volume, you don't want the Zoom "riding levels for you.
Don't know the zoom well enough to comment on the other settings.

At 48/24 you will get just under an hour per gig.
 
Noiz2 said:
48/24 wav is your friend. Manual volume, you don't want the Zoom "riding levels for you.
Don't know the zoom well enough to comment on the other settings.

At 48/24 you will get just under an hour per gig.
Click to expand...

Agreed - 24/48 is definitely the best option.

Manual level control is best and use the -18dBFS point as 0VU and peak 8 - 10dB above this.
 
24/48

But I am now not liking the zoom h4n so much anymore. It's preamp seems weird to me and I know it's cheap but I can't quite put my finger on it but it sounds cardboardy with high end mics.
I have used it a few times on low budget features and it is capable... but it's best use is for ambient sound fx track capture with it's on board mics capture, not your main recorder with a high end boom.
 
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