Found on the Nature list
I received a Zoom H4n yesterday, and have formed a few impressions.
First, the H4n is a big improvement over the H4. It's got solid construction and much improved ergonomics. The recorder is large and heavy (340 g), but it's possible to hold it and operate the controls with one hand.
The H4n showed two flaws in my initial tests. First is battery life when running phantom power to mics. I got 95 minutes of battery life in one test recording stereo at 24/96, and 107 minutes recording at 16/44.1. That's using garden-variety AA cells, purchased at a local store. You'd probably do a bit better using expensive rechargeable AAs.
In contrast, the Marantz PMD661 lasted 3 hours using the same alkaline AA cells. The PMD661 uses four cells, while the H4n uses two.
The second shortcoming is preamp performance. The H4n self-noise is generally under good control, showing itself when the record gain is pushed to near maximum. I'd say the H4n is in the same class as recorders like the Tascam DR-1 and Marantz PMD60
The 1/8-inch input, on the back of the recorder close to the built-in mics, seems just a little bit quieter than the XLR inputs. I'll perform more tests to confirm.
The H4n offers unparalleled value. For about $350, the H4n offers desirable features like XLR inputs, phantom power, decent built-in mics, mid/side decoding, a pre-roll buffer and four channel recording.
The H4n would not my first choice when recording in a very quiet setting, but it would be a worthy companion when matched with a mic with a similar self-noise, and when recording a louder source.
More comments to come.
--oryoki
A little more testing of my H4N revealed some quirks.
First, if you try to record using a single mic connected to XLR with phantom power on, the other channel records a relatively high level of noise. This seems to be caused by the unterminated XLR input. Plugging in a second mic, but leaving it turned off, reduces this noise.
Second, with phantom power on, the noise level is higher than with it off and the mics receiving power from an external power source (ART Phantom II in this case).
Third, the 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) minijack on the rear of the recorder has less self-noise than either XLR input. Recordings made with a Rode NT1A mic powered by an ART Phantom II power supply and connected via the minijack had very low levels of self-noise.
Fourth, the right XLR of my H4N has a higher self noise level than the left XLR input. The difference is quite noticeable.
These listening tests were performed in a very quiet setting, and with the goal of finding the recorder's self-noise level. If you record in a setting with a higher level of ambient sound, the H4N recorder's input noise is likely to be masked.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions for further tests. After playing around a while longer this morning, I decided that the recorder must not be performing to specifications. So I'm returning it.
--oryoki
