Zoom H4n Question Re: XLR Input Level Control

R

rszebras

Well-known member
I was thinking about upgrading from my Zoom H2 to the Zoom H4n. I downloaded the manual but noticed something confusing about using the two xlr inputs. They show how to adjust the audio level but it appears from the manual that these two inputs only have one level adjustment, i.e., that the xlr inputs do not have independent level adjustments.

Am I missing something here? If you use two shotgun mics, or a shotgun and a lav, can you adjust the level for each of these independently? Or is there in fact one level adjustment for both inputs? And if so, how do you get around the inherent problem of using two mics with only one audio level adjustment?
 
There's no way around your problem. If you feel you need the upgrade, consider getting the Tascam DR-100 which allows for independent control of the input gains; however, some mics don't work as well with this unit as they require more gain than this unit will supply. If you plan on getting the H4n still, consider getting a Sound Devices MixPre too, which will get you professional preamps and a way to monitor the audio going in.

However, your best solution which will save you time and money down the road is to hire a location sound engineer to handle all sound problems that will inherently come up during production. Best of luck to you.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I sent an email to the manufacturer of the Zoom H4n and they confirmed the two xlr inputs work as a stereo pair so just have one level control. And I was also looking at the DR-100 but noticed quite a few similar comments about the xlr inputs not providing enough gain and also getting noisy. Obviously, the best solution is to hire someone like you -- a location sound engineer with all their own gear. But I'm more of an amateur with no budget -- other than what I'm willing to spend out of my own pocket. So it's looking at the options and trying to pick the best one with the least negatives. I was actually considering the Sign Video ENG-44 and just use my H2 as a digital recorder, as it does great when connected to a mixer. Or possibly the Sound Devices Mixpre. But then the disadvantage is the size, as I'm a one-man-band. But I'm still considering this option, as I believe either of these would be a great step up from the DR-100 or H4n. Either would provide quality recording options and would be a good long-term investment.
 
We have a company in Phoenix that does rentals. I looked into for rental of a more professional camera. Perhaps I will get some quotes on audio gear.
 
I believe that in multitrack mode you can adjust the gains separately, but not in stereo or 4 channel. Also, you could get an xlr-1/8 adapter and use the 1/8 mic input for one mic, and the XLR inputs for another.
 
rszebras said:
I was thinking about upgrading from my Zoom H2 to the Zoom H4n. I downloaded the manual but noticed something confusing about using the two xlr inputs. They show how to adjust the audio level but it appears from the manual that these two inputs only have one level adjustment, i.e., that the xlr inputs do not have independent level adjustments.

Am I missing something here? If you use two shotgun mics, or a shotgun and a lav, can you adjust the level for each of these independently? Or is there in fact one level adjustment for both inputs? And if so, how do you get around the inherent problem of using two mics with only one audio level adjustment?
Click to expand...

Zoom just updated their firmware for the H4N. Completely fixes this issue. Just discovered on Zoom's website that a new firmware for the H4N Recorder is available. The update: Added the function that recording level of INPUT1 and 2 can be set individually.
Thanks to this update, you can set the levels of Input 1 and 2 independently. Ta-Da!

Download the update here: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/download/software/h4n.php
 
All I can say is, "Wow!" Let's see. I sent an email to Samson Tech at the beginning of the month. I received an email from Erich Barto, Product Specialist, indicating the levels could not be independently adjusted. Two weeks later firmware is issued addressing this issue. I wonder how many other people contacted Samson Tech about this. Clearly, though, they updated the firmware because of inquiry about this issue. Now that is responsive customer service! Other manufacturers should learn something here. By the way, thanks for posting this notice about the firmware fix. I wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
 
Nice one Josh, thanks for letting everyone know about this, have been spreading the word to other Zoom owners
 
I'd been going back and forth between the H4n and the DR-100, and this seals it for me with the H4n. I just couldn't decide if it was worth the trade off for the 4 Channels or independent Control of the XLR's. Really happy to hear about the update.
 
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