Zoom H4N, or something else?

M

Metrolens

Well-known member
Hi all - what's currently the best audio recorder similar in price to the Zoom H4n that I should consider for both narrative and videography work? Or is the H4n still the DSLR audio recorder of choice?

What about the Zoom h2n? What does this one lack compared to the H4n?
 
if you can only buy one piece of equipment, I would consider a Rode VideoMic Pro, as you can boom it or place it on a mic holder.

otherwise, H4n+JuicedLink CX231+Rode NTG2 would be a great combination. replace CX231 with DT454 if you can't/don't want to install Magic Lantern.
 
Metrolens said:
Hi all - what's currently the best audio recorder similar in price to the Zoom H4n that I should consider for both narrative and videography work? Or is the H4n still the DSLR audio recorder of choice?

What about the Zoom h2n? What does this one lack compared to the H4n?
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I guess to answer your question, the H4N works very well until you get to a certain stage.

I have a couple of them and am in no hurry to get rid of them....but then again 99.9% of what I do is street level audio using a wireless lav or interview mic plugged into the H4n.
The preamps are a little weak and for more refined work, they're a little noisy.

For the money, I haven't found anything better yet.
 
Thanks. Is there something significantly better, for a little more money?

For reference, how do the H4n's preamps compare with, say, the Canon XH-A1 preamps?
 
The most comparably priced recorder to the H4n would be the Tascam DR-100. Both have their fans and this has been much discussed; search is your friend. I have had success with the DR100 and sold an original H4 to get one. The DR has dual internal batteries. And IMHO, better controls, better build, and "probably" a little more gain than the H4n for a similar price.

Grant
 
I think it depends on what you want it for. If you are going to but the whole recorder on a boom, you might want something smaller. If you want good preamps, there is the Fostex FR2-LE and the DR-680. And there are many, many others. The Zoom line is great for budget recorders, I mean, for $85 you can get an H2 and put it on a boom. But it isn't like there aren't other recorders. I have an RC battery in in my Fostex that goes over eight hours, but I have to bring mics and cables, and so on.
 
Metrolens said:
Thanks. Is there something significantly better, for a little more money?

For reference, how do the H4n's preamps compare with, say, the Canon XH-A1 preamps?
Click to expand...

CX231 is a exceptionally good preamp at its price range, while H4n's preamp is rubbish, you need to set the gain to 100 to get a acceptable volume from NTG2, and the noise is horrible if you do this.
with CX231 at its maximum gain/trim, you only need to set H4n's level to around 0.4-0.8 to get a clean and crisp sound. It's really an impressive product.
 
Hi guys, I'm new to audio capture so i would appreciate your recommendations

I have a zoom h4n and I'm looking to get an shotgun mic.

If I opt from the NTG 2 will the RODE D-POWER PLUG solve the low level issues?

Does this low level issue only effect the NTG 2 with the h4n or does this issue also exist with the NTG 3 + h4n?

Finally, if a mixer is needed to capture good audio on the h4n can you recommend an affordable one

cheers

Ray
thanks
 
I personally would, but I guess it's up to you in what you prefer. Just checking, your using phantom power right?
 
Mitch.Kear said:
I personally would, but I guess it's up to you in what you prefer. Just checking, your using phantom power right?
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i only have the h4n at the moment, i have yet to purchase a mixer or mic. Just want to clarify the best setup before i purchase
 
irlray said:
i only have the h4n at the moment, i have yet to purchase a mixer or mic. Just want to clarify the best setup before i purchase
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I would suggest using JuicedLink (CX231 or DT454), this is what I'm using now with a NTG2 mic, it sounds really impressive, H4n and JL mixer can be attached together, very compact and convenient.
 
marvinhello said:
I would suggest using JuicedLink (CX231 or DT454), this is what I'm using now with a NTG2 mic, it sounds really impressive, H4n and JL mixer can be attached together, very compact and convenient.
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Forgive my lack of knowledge. Do you just connect the h4n to the juiced link via an xlr cable and then the htg2 to the h4n via xlr cable?And finally with that setup can you also connect directly to a 5d and dual record to the h4n?
 
NTG 2 into the link, XLR's out of the link to the H4n, line out to the 5d. Don't forget to set your level and hit record on the H4n.\

Good luck.
 
I just assumed they have XLR outs on the JL. If they don't you can go line out of the JL to the H4n then line out of the H4n to the 5d.

But at that price you will get better sound with the MM1 or even go for the Mix Pre which also will attach to your camera and give more options.
 
Mitch.Kear said:
I just assumed they have XLR outs on the JL. If they don't you can go line out of the JL to the H4n then line out of the H4n to the 5d.

But at that price you will get better sound with the MM1 or even go for the Mix Pre which also will attach to your camera and give more options.
Click to expand...
JuiceLink's output is mic level on a 1/8 stereo plug.
 
if i have the Juicelinked CX231 and HTG2 mic do i even require the h4n, could i not skip this and record directly to the camera?
 
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