Zoom H4N

Paulo Teixeira · November 29th, 2009, 04:56 AM

I cannot rely on the audio of the GH1 all of the time and I also need something that would be a quick way of capturing good live band audio and I’m wondering if that’s really the best that you can get for around $300 or are their slightly more expansive or maybe even cheaper ones from other companies that has significantly better audio?

Funny, but my mind is pretty much set in getting it once I can afford it, but it would be good to hear what other people think.

Brian Luce · November 29th, 2009, 06:00 AM

I traded my zoom for the Tascam. I wanted the separate leveling dials and the double battery system (recharges off usb). I couldn't hear any diffence between them. I also kinda like that red peeking light that flashes when you're too hot.

Bruce Taylor · November 29th, 2009, 06:29 AM

Sony PCM-M10

Seth Bloombaum · November 29th, 2009, 10:30 AM

Zoom H4n!

For what it does easily, it does it very very well.

2-ch. input mixing, and the 4-ch. mode are more difficult, certainly, but can also be done.

The manual does not do a good job of explaining this mixing mode. Lots of users feel the manual is the worst ever.

However, it isn't really a replacement for a larger recorder. Amost all of the time I'm using it with internal mics or one external mic. If I want to do more inputs that's when the mixer comes out.

Your mileage is going to vary on all this stuff - definitely check out the sony and tascam, and see how the features, strengths and weaknesses stack up for your intended use. All these teeny recorders are a little different.

Brian Standing · November 29th, 2009, 12:37 PM

Or... for the price of a Zoom H4N, you could buy TWO Zoom H2s. For live music, I find that two of these little guys on a pair of light stands makes for a really versatile setup, with terrific sound quality.

November 29th, 2009, 04:56 AM	#1
Paulo Teixeira Trustee Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,773	Zoom H4N - The Best value? I cannot rely on the audio of the GH1 all of the time and I also need something that would be a quick way of capturing good live band audio and I’m wondering if that’s really the best that you can get for around $300 or are their slightly more expansive or maybe even cheaper ones from other companies that has significantly better audio? Funny, but my mind is pretty much set in getting it once I can afford it, but it would be good to hear what other people think. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoVi...esEtc/featured https://www.pond5.com/artist/paulot Last edited by Paulo Teixeira; November 29th, 2009 at 05:56 AM.

November 29th, 2009, 10:30 AM	#4
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Zoom H4n! For what it does easily, it does it very very well. 2-ch. input mixing, and the 4-ch. mode are more difficult, certainly, but can also be done. The manual does not do a good job of explaining this mixing mode. Lots of users feel the manual is the worst ever. However, it isn't really a replacement for a larger recorder. Amost all of the time I'm using it with internal mics or one external mic. If I want to do more inputs that's when the mixer comes out. Your mileage is going to vary on all this stuff - definitely check out the sony and tascam, and see how the features, strengths and weaknesses stack up for your intended use. All these teeny recorders are a little different. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

November 29th, 2009, 12:37 PM	#5
Brian Standing Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 621	Or... for the price of a Zoom H4N, you could buy TWO Zoom H2s. For live music, I find that two of these little guys on a pair of light stands makes for a really versatile setup, with terrific sound quality. __________________ http://www.prolefeedstudios.com/blog/ Documentary for the masses!

November 29th, 2009, 06:00 AM	#2
Brian Luce Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,290	I traded my zoom for the Tascam. I wanted the separate leveling dials and the double battery system (recharges off usb). I couldn't hear any diffence between them. I also kinda like that red peeking light that flashes when you're too hot.

November 29th, 2009, 06:29 AM	#3
Bruce Taylor New Boot Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 24	Sony PCM-M10