Zoom h4n settings

S

shortnstout

Well-known member
Hi everyone,
For use with the gh1 at 1080p24 should I be using 48kHz at 24 bit? Or can I use 44.1 or 16 without any problems or anything noticeable?
Thanks!
 
shortnstout said:
Hi everyone,
For use with the gh1 at 1080p24 should I be using 48kHz at 24 bit? Or can I use 44.1 or 16 without any problems or anything noticeable?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Do not use 44.1kHz. The rest of the universe uses 48kHz as the standard sample rate for audio for the most part.

Check the audio section for the benefits, if any in your case, with your hardware, for 24 vs. 16 bit digitization.
 
j1clark@ucsd.edu said:
Do not use 44.1kHz. The rest of the universe uses 48kHz as the standard sample rate for audio for the most part.....
Click to expand...

That's for video/film production. CDs are 44.1kHz. So the "rest of the universe" is perhaps an exaggeration.

But yes, for film post, 48kHz is the standard.

My feeling is that if you are doing a lot of sound processing, and your audio editor supports it, work at 24-bit and then dither down - regardless of the recorded bit-rate. For simple layback, 16-bit will suffice.

And please, no MP3 if can be helped. WAV or AIFF is the way to go.
 
I cannot figure out how to change back to WAV 48kHz. It stays on 44kHz. Any ideas?

Ok, figured it out...the 'stamina' button was on, with that on 48kHz is disabled...
 
Last edited:
Any problems with 96 khz 24bit? Should still sync, correct? The sample rate is just double the 48Khz.
 
I have used the Zoom H4n on many projects and the 96khz is really overkill and a battery waster. The preamps in the thing are not good enough for you to even notice any increase in quality from 48khz. I use 48k 24bit for the added headroom, but I still find the preamps lacking, but I have handed over the files to many directors who have loved the sound I get from plugging a sanken cs3e boom mic directly into it (for when they don't want to pay me my full day rate for my sound devices.. mixers.. ect) the h4n is what they get. And somehow this thing has gotten a reputation as being a super device.. everyone ohs and ahs and goes "oh it's the h4n!"

It looks funny whwen as a sound guy you get rid of a big heavy back of tons of weighty crap and just have an h4n in your pocket... but i have done it and mixed it in with sound recorded on crazy expensive sound devices setups and most people were none the wiser.
 
Blackout- I see you've changed your tune from your first impressions. :) Done any A/B tests agains the SD? Ever since you posted that first review I've been meaning to do some sort of test but I've been too busy using the thing to do it.
 
Well, the first model h4n I got was actually defective... so I was in 'hate' mode. The second one worked correctly but in a/b to the sound devices 702 - the sound devices blows it out of the water if you ask me, but I am amazed as how as long as you capture clear dialog, the directors really don't care.. they can't tell.. they run in through waves l2, let the editor punch it up, and even the zoom sounds good.... it's not that pristine quality of the 702, and it's not as quiet, but it will work. I have used it enough times. We are talking a $1600 price difference.

Now I have been doing a lot of indies... on a major film I don't know if I would want to use the zoom h4n... not saying it couldn't be done.. anything can be done.... but I'm just saying.
 
I am actually using the H4...I got it mainly to do some sound projects for a sound class. We have access to tascam HD P2s and stereo mic pairs but this was easier to deal with for many assignments. Also I got it for $160 which was nice.
 
The H4N isn't even in the same league as the SD722 I just got, but FOR THE PRICE it is still one of my recommended small recorders for people with a limited budget.
 
mcgeedigital said:
The H4N isn't even in the same league as the SD722 I just got, but FOR THE PRICE it is still one of my recommended small recorders for people with a limited budget.
Click to expand...

I concur with this.... but my market lately has been indie films made here in NYC and they don't want to pay the rate to have the big toys.

Also a lot of them don't have the ears. I am amazed at how many projects pay no attention to sound and think you can just have anyone hold a boom up in the air and it's a magic stick that will record everyone perfectly like in the 'real movies'

I'm amazed that directors on sets I'm on don't want headphones cause they don't want to pay for the extra feed. I would ALWAYS want headphones on when I'm directing unless I'm in the scene.... and maybe even then.. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R23qvmYPUdU
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top