Topic: Zoom R4

[gmm6797]

https://zoomcorp.com/en/ca/digital-mixer-multi-track-recorders/multi-track-recorders/r4-multitrak/

Preorder is open now, $199

[Chanher]

Looks like you only get 4 tracks when using the built-in omni mic(s). The only inputs are the 2 XLR/TRS combo jacks. No 1/8 input :/

Essentially another F3 for us tapers, but with combo jacks now. It does use 4 AA batteries, but the absence of a 1/8 input and PiP hurts any stealth opportunities.

EDIT: upon closer inspection, it can act as 2-channel usb interface, including with a smart phone. still not terribly useful for our purposes, but kinda cool.

[gmm6797]

I was more thinking a better 2 channel 32bit bit bucket, looks more like a phone than the F3 ort X8
I stealth more than I stand tape, and I have a Mixpreii for that

[Chanher]

This definitely looks more like a phone. While the F3 is small, it's boxy design doesn't translate to pocket storage that well either IMO. I believe you could use a 1/8 > dual 1/4 cable to go directly out of a batt box and into the F4 combo jacks, that could definitely work. Good point. It's a bit cheaper than the F3 and the 4 AA's could negate the need for external power. I do think 32fp makes so much sense in the stealth world.

I actually think this is cool from the perspective of a musician/creative and dare I say it, content creator. It's obviously targeting that audience and I just think it's so cool someone could record, edit and distribute professional grade music from a little pocket device. I think I saw the lack of protruding external mics and got excited for a sec; a cheap, compact, 32fp 4 channel recorder is definitely something I would put to use. Especially one that sounds as good as the F3.

Those plastic faders on the front are a trip; they look cool but just scream "broken within a month" to me.

I will likely pickup a F6 at it's new price. 

[dallman]

It is not the "F" line, so it might not have the same pre-amps especially looking at the price vs the F3 and F6.
If you are just keeping it in your hands, it would be better and more phone like than the F3, walking into a low pro (  ) concert, but I for me, it is a stretch to say it looks like a phone.

[jielkade]

I would have preferred an F4 n Pro.

[grawk]

bit bucket means takes digital input and stores it.  This isn't that.  It looks like a decent recorder, but it still depends on their A>D circuitry.  Probably comparable soundwise to the F3, but with more features we won't use.

[Ozpeter]

I think it is misleading thag they talk about 4 channels plus a bounce track.  The bounce track is stereo, so it's more like a six track device.  I was thinking that it was only useful if you didn't mind the mixdown being in mono, but that's not the case.  Apparently EIN is 120 vs 127 on the F3, but still, that shouldn't be a disaster under most circumstances.

[carpa]

EIN -120 sounds like being the H series preamps...