Zoom H4 Handy Recorder | List Price: $494.99 Discount Price: Too low to display

| Brand: Zoom Binding: Electronics
Features: - Metronome: 5 sounds (Beat: 0/4 - 8/4, 6/8, Tempo: 40.0 - 250.0BPM)
- A/D Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling
- D/A Conversion: 24bit, 128times oversampling
- Signal Processing: 32bit
- Recording Media: SD memory card (16MB-2GB)
Great, cost-effective, digital recorder [Posted on 2008-07-22] I've been very impressed with this H4 recorder so far. Contrary to what some other reviewers have said, I found the interface VERY easy to use, and very intuitive, once I started using it. I looked at the book for ~1 minute prior to use, and was immediately up and running with no further assist.
Before purchasing the H4, I read a number of the reviews comparing this product to its competitors, which include the Edirol R-09. I was concerned because those reviews made it sound like the interface on the H4 was kludgy and/or difficult to operate. In the end, I decided to purchase the H4 anyway because, a) all reviews said the sound quality was great (which is really most important IMHO), and b) it was at least $100 cheaper than the competition. I figured, if the sound quality was good, I could figure out the interface. Fortunately, I've been pleasantly surprised by both.
I find the H4 easy to use, and the sound quality is great for the price. The only thing I would like is, a finer adjustment control on the mic level for input. The simple L/M/H switch is ok, and great for making fast setups, but I'm wondering what it would be like to be able to have more control over these mic levels. (On the other hand, a) I love the cost of the H4 compared to competitors, and b) if I did have more control, I would probably spend more time fiddling with the levels, and less time actually recording...) If you're looking for a great, portable, easy to use, and low cost digital recorder, I would recommend the H4. (Oh, and don't forget, it comes with Cubase also.) If you would like to see one of my examples of using the H4, I have a video at [...] that was recorded using the H4. I recorded the video using a logitech pc camera, and the audio on the H4, and then combined them using Windows Movie Maker.
Good Buy [Posted on 2008-07-25] The H4 is totally cool, did few live recordings and some rehearsals all came out great with good quality. the transfer to my computer is easy and i can cut and paste with my Logic.
The only problem i had was to upgrade thru the Zoom web site. I have a Mac and i couldn't do it, had to upgrade on my Dell and than continue my work on the Mac. I was trying to contact the Zoom support but no help, they didn't even know what i was talking about, the first time, and than they stopped emailing me!
Excellent recorder [Posted on 2008-07-25] I love this recorder. The only things that I don't like is that there is no lock for the microphones (they COULD come out during recording, although it hasn't happened - yet) and that it won't work on 48V powered microphones with the batteries (you must plug it in, although I don't think that it states that in the directions). The menu button also seems a bit flimsy. Other than that, it is a terrific machine with great sound.
Excellent device [Posted on 2008-08-03] The Good:
The small size, high sound quality and diverse recording formats make this an excellent mobile field recording device. The internal stereo microphone produces a very good audio image, and XLR inputs make it usable with any pro audio mic. I was surprised by all the on-board effects, mixing, an bouncing capability. You can manually set gain and input levels to accomodate any environment. Basic recording is simple, requiring only three steps to "roll tape".
The Bad:
It is a four-track device, but you can only record two tracks at a time. The switches are small and the interface requires some juggling to get to the advanced features. Also, if you're using this device for film, the internal clock doesn't sync up precisely with DV clocks... It is noticable during long takes and requires stretching or shrinking the audio track to match the video track (a simple step, but cumbersome).
perfect [Posted on 2008-08-06] This is the perfect compact recorder. I'm using it for my piano practicing, and the sound quality is excellent. I must say the worst thing about it is that it is so revealing! I can hear all of my mistakes!
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