Topic: Zoom H1 XLR vs. Tascam DR-40X

[splumer]

I have a Marantz PMD660 that I got in 2009. The case is cracked, the phantom power doesn't work, and it eats batteries, so I'm looking at a replacement for my main open-taping recorder. I don't tape that much, so I don't want to spend too much. I was looking at the Zoom H1 XLR and the Tascam DR-40X. I like them both because they have XLR inputs, so I can plug the mics directly in. I use Beyerdynamic shotgun mics, through a phantom power unit, then plug straight into the recorder. What are our opinions on these recorders? My budget is about $300 max.

[Niels]

The Zoom M4 is on closeout all over the world it seems. It is well within your budget. (Introduction price was above that of the Zoom F3).

If you can live with the slightly awkward layout of the M4, I think you will appreciate the better F series preamps over those of the H1 XLR. You'll also get very decent build-in mics as well - nicer than those of the Tascam.

[adrianb]

Another recommendation for the M4 here. I’ve been really impressed with mine, particularly using the built in mics for field recordings. The mics seem to my ears to be as good as those in the much more expensive Sony PCM-D100 and incredibly resistant to wind noise.

I did briefly own the Zoom H1 XLR and think it’s good for the money, but given how cheap the M4 is going for it seems to be amazing value.

It is an odd looking thing though. 

[goodcooker]

I have a friend who is an occasional taper and he loves his Tascam DR40. The preamps sound fine and the whole rig is just the recorder, battery, mics and cables. Fits in a little camera bag.

You can find them super cheap too.

I also really like my DR100 mkii. It does just fine all on it's own with the built-in preamps. I mainly use mine for digital transfers using my DAT deck but I've taped a few shows with it. Works great. Also cheap.

[Ozpeter]

I have the H1 XLR and it seems to do a good job for anyone wanting dual ADCs for real 32 bit float in a recorder that doesn't require you to pay for and carry built in mics.  But as others have said, the M4 is Something Completely Different that does a good job for a surprisingly low price.  I don't have one myself but I have the M2 and M3 models.

[splumer]

Thanks for all the insight! It's looking like the M4 will be my next recorder!

[splumer]

So I did end up getting the M4. It is an odd-looking thing, but that doesn't bother me. I ended up also buying a clamp with a tripo-sized screw on it so I can mount the recorder directly to the stand to keep it off the floor. Also, with the XLRs stick straight out of the side, I think I want to replace them with right-angle plugs.
Also, my first recordings ended up being two separate files, one for the left and one for the right. It wasn't difficult to put them together, and it turns out that making stereo recordings required a firmware update. I've done that, and tested it out, and it now works exactly like I want it too.
Thanks to everyone for the recommendations! 

[Ozpeter]

I'm glad you are glad!  Obviously I don't read the entire content of the internet, but so far I don't recall seeing an M4 user who wasn't delighted with this device.