Zoom Recorder Comparison based on Inputs

[ASchear]

Hey guys,

I decided to go with a portable recorder rather than a wireless system from the last thread. I'm researching the Zoom series of recorders, and I was all for the Zoom H4n, but then I saw the size factor of the H2 and H1, both being way smaller, not to mention cheaper. I can get an H1 for $70 on eBay, and an H2 for $100-$120.

I found a great comparison of the H4n vs H2 vs H1 on Youtube, but this was using the onboard microphones. If I'm going to be using the microphone input, which I'm assuming all of these have, the H4n also having an XLR input in addition to a 3.5mm, will the sound quality depend only on the microphone I'm plugging in? Or will it vary based on the recorder as well? Obviously, if I can go cheaper and smaller and still get the same audio quality, I'll go with that recorder. Still have to research lavalier microphones, but I'll probably be plugging something reputable in. I'm also assuming that good quality lav microphones will have a 3.5mm plug. If not, obviously I have to go with the H4n. Thanks!

 

[Sam Mallery]

Using a device with a balanced XLR input with a professional lavalier microphone that terminates in XLR will always sound better than a 3.5mm mini-plug input and a lav with a mini-plug connetor.

 

[Noiz2]

Now that isn't strictly true.
In a professional set up you generally buy the lav with no connector and put on the one that works with your set up. Wireless transmitters by and large don't use full sized XLR connectors. There are a variety of "professional" connectors. Sennheiser uses 1/8"(3.5mm) TRS for instance.

Using a device with a balanced XLR input with a professional lavalier microphone that terminates in XLR will always sound better than a 3.5mm mini-plug input and a lav with a mini-plug connetor.

Now the inputs on the mentioned recorders are probably fairly lacking. But price seems to be the OP main criteria so...

The basic answer to your (OP) question is no you can not go super cheap and get the same quality. Maybe that is an OK trade off. I mean if your going with the cheapest recorder you can find is a high quality lav going to make any difference? Probably not. The same for the reverse. The real question is not whether you will get the "same" quality but wether you will get the quality you can be happy with.

Most of the folks on this list would probably not be happy with the cheap recorders for dialog so we are not really the ones to ask the question of. The guy in the other thread that was using the mini recorders for weddings is probably a good person to ask.

I have an H2 and for what I got it for (handy FX grabbing device) it's barely OK. I would never use it for dialog.

But I'm not you so how useful is that?

OK, I do some things that I know others would balk at so when I say that I suspect that the cheapest recorder you can get and a Radio Shack lav will probably make you happy, it's not to be insulting. I actually own some Radio Shack Lavs so...

Don't think it will stand up against a professional set up run by a professional, but from everything you have posted I think it will be fine for what you want to do. If it isn't your not out much.

 

[Gohanto]

I own an H4n and recently grabbed a PCM-M10 as it actually fits in my pocket, and honestly, despite costing $70 less at B&H, is MUCH higher quality in terms of preamp quality than the H4n.

 

[8string]

I own an H4n and recently grabbed a PCM-M10 as it actually fits in my pocket, and honestly, despite costing $70 less at B&H, is MUCH higher quality in terms of preamp quality than the H4n.

Seems true that sony/tascam does have good/better preamps. Start there. Buy best mic you can get or afford as you will likely end up replacing a cheap recorder.