Topic: Zoom H4

[vegas06]

So how does the hold work again?  You press the button down and hold it and after a bit it locks?  How do you unlock?  How well does it work in actual use?

How easy is it to change levels in a pocket - unlock, adjust, re-lock?

Yes, you press down on the "Menu" button and wait until the the "Locked Keys" message appears.  Just like the Nomad Jukebox 3.  You repeat the step, to unlock it.  Hold and Release takes about 5 seconds.

Changing the levels on the fly can  be a PITA.  There are no external buttons to do level adjustments.  You have to drill down through the menu.  You shift the "Menu" button down,  click on "Levels", and adjust each level appropriately using the Jog Wheel.  Then click the "Menu" button to save your settings, and relock the keys.  If you have mastered this, adjustment to levels should take only a few seconds.  It will need practice.  I assume most will use this recorder for their  rig.  Therefore, only used for special occasions.  You might be better served to just "set it and forget it"   I can't see adjusting levels while recorder is in your pocket without out a high risk of a mistake.   

Actually you can leave the level adjustment screen up while you are recording so you can make changes on the fly if needed that way.  Not too hard really.  I peffer to do a sound check first, set the limiters and let it record.  So there really isn't a need for me to adjust the volume once I start recording.

[WiFiJeff]

The H4 will not format a 4GB card.  Luckily I discovered that before going out to record, formated the card on my computer and it seemed to work well.  I have a 3GB file now to split in cdwave, it will not play back in the H4 so far as I can figure out so I'm not sure how it came out.  The Neumann mics surprised me by seeming to run the recorder as hot as the much more sensitive AT835ST, luckily I got a brief chance to adjust levels (but I'm not used to the scale on the H4 yet).  The L/R adjust separately, but there's a number on the upper right part of the screen that tells you your setting.  I ran the ATs at 100 (M setting), tried maxing at 127 (M) for the Neumanns but ending up backing off to 110.

Jeff

[joeshambro]

just received one from zoom today to do a review article on.  i'm psyched.  just at first glance, recording through KM184 straight in i'm impressed.

[hatchelt]

So how are the built-in mics on this thing?

[spyder9]

Just got my Transcend 4GB card.  I'm gonna play with it a little this week and give some feedback.

[spyder9]

Zoom definitey recognizes the Transcend 4GB and shows the correct time remaining and file size.  However, as Jeff said, do not format the card with the Zoom.  Format it with your PC.  The Zoom's format module renders the card inoperable, for its not programmed to format cards larger than 2GB.  Until a firmware upgrade fixes this, use your PC for formatting.

On a 4GB SD card, at 24/48, the Zoom shows I can fit 3 hours and 57 minutes on it, from what I recall.  That's perfect for the headliner and its opening act.   

[flintstone]

Glad to hear the 4GB Transcend card works with the Zoom H4.
But how do the preamps sound ? 

[spyder9]

Glad to hear the 4GB Transcend card works with the Zoom H4.
But how do the preamps sound ? 

That's next.  I'll try it out on my home stereo tonight.  The Breakfast is playing in town Saturday night.  I'll run it for that show too.

[flintstone]

The Sound Professionals web site now shows three accessories for the Zoom H4.
These are designed to work with mics that need 9v plug-in power, and
that have 3.5mm plugs on the cable from the mic, preamp or battery box.

All three of these accessories use a module that plugs in to the dual XLR ports
on the bottom of the H4.

The most expensive gadget has
-- a pair of Omnidirectional mics mounted on opposite sides of the plug-in module
-- a 24V phantom to 9V plug-in power converter, and
-- a 3.5mm TRS input jack for one or two external mics
SP-ZOOM-OMNI-MIC, $89

The next module leaves out the Omni mic capsules.  It has
-- Phantom power to plug-in power converter, and
-- a 3.5mm TRS input jack for one or two external mics
SP-ZOOM-PHANTOM, $69

The cheapest has only the interface jack for mics with 3.5mm plug. 
SP-ZOOM-INTERFACE, $39

In all three cases, the single 3.5mm TRS jack permits connection of two mics
via Y cable.

[spyder9]

If you have plug-in power mics, I recommend just getting an R09.  The accessories for the Zoom will bring you up to the Edirol price any hoot.  Edirol has 1/8 line-in, where the Zoom does not, of course you can get line-in using adapters to go TRS or XLR in.  You have to think which is worth it to you.  Both the R09 and the Zoom can record 24 bit.  In addition, R09 is much smaller than the Zoom too.  R09 is already a proven winner.

However, if you have phantom powered mics: LD, SD, or mini, the Zoom might be the right one for you.  All-in-one box.  The phantom power will broaden the dynamic range and improve SPL handling.  A tiny box like this, providing phantom for a 24 bit recording?  Can't beat it that with a stick.     Lets hope some of our tests in the field prove this to be a winner too. 

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Anyone measured the actual phantom voltage yet?

[WiFiJeff]

Anyone measured the actual phantom voltage yet?

No, but it runs Neumann KM184s and an AT835ST, I'll be trying something else Friday.

Jeff

[joeshambro]

this box has been amazing to me.  built-in mic quality is as good as you'd expect, but moreso the preamp quality isn't terrible when ran with some KM184s.  i don't have my earthworks with me but i'd assume that they'd draw too much current for this box.

i'm trying it out for the first time at a show tomorrow. 

[rreidiii]

I purchased one from Frank at Cascade for 299 a few days ago. should be here tomorrow if ne1 is still looking I'd give him a jingle

[divamum]

Has anybody done a head-to-head comparison with the R09 yet? (Apologies if it's in this long thread and I missed it...)

Also am I correct in thinking that the Zoom has no mic-in socket?