Zoom H4n -The Electronic “Swiss Army Knife” for Audio Recording and More
The miniaturization of electronic equipment has done wonders for the ensemble director and performing musician. Recording and editing music has gone from requiring a multitude of technicians that worked in dedicated facilities to today’s ability to make excellent audio recordings on a hand-held device. There are many good quality hand-held recording devices for music professionals to use today. The Zoom H4next (H4n), in particular, is one that stands out from the others with regard to its fidelity, versatility, and utility for musicians.
Aptly titled the “Handy Recorder”, the Zoom H4n is small enough to be hand operated, very easy to navigate, and intuitive to operate. What makes the H4n particularly “handy” is its ability to function as a high-quality electronic audio device in a multitude of every-day scenarios. From simple playback of MP3s and other audio formats to high-fidelity group and even multi-track recordings, this device delivers on its promises.
The H4n as a Simple Recorder
The H4n allows anyone to easily record all types of small, medium or large ensembles with a couple “clicks” of its illuminated buttons. With a variety of WAV (44.1/48/96 kHz and 16 /24 bit) and MP3 (48-320 kbps) settings, this device provides plenty of high-resolution file recording options. The recorded sound files are stored directly to a removable Secure Digital (SD) card that fits into its side. Once a file is recorded and saved onto the SD card it can easily be retrieved and edited with a computer by connecting the H4n to any available USB port or by simply removing the SD card from the H4n and inserting it into any compatible SD card reader. Audio file editing is also possible directly from the H4n without the need for an external computer or software.
One of the very unique features of the H4n is the ability to change the SPREAD of the built-in stereo (X/Y) microphones. The recording spread can be changed from a 90 degree limited pickup spread to a wider 120 degree pickup spread simply by rotating the device’s silver microphones. This feature provides the ability to isolate or widen the area to be recorded to fit the size of the ensemble or group creating the music (from a piano soloist to a large ensemble, etc.). In addition, the H4n comes with a microphone-stand adapter that allows it to quickly be positioned and set up for recording purposes with any standard microphone stand (in many situations -without any additional plugs or cables).
The H4n as an Expanded Recording Unit
Two hybrid combination input jacks (L/R) are included as a part of the H4n that greatly expand the recording fidelity and the functionality of the H4n by allowing nearly any type of microphone to be connected to it. These combination TRS/XLR jacks allow the connection of either standard ¼” (Hi-Z) or XLR (Low-Z) style connectors and the pre-amps on the H4n are of an extremely high-quality for recording crystal clear sound without extraneous noise. With the H4n’s built-in phantom power supply (+24 or +48 volts), any condenser microphone may be used without having to provide an additional external power source.
A very impressive feature on the H4n allows the device to be placed into “4 Channel” mode. This mode will record both the internal X/Y stereo microphones IN ADDITION TO any microphones connected to the TRS/XLR jacks. This setup allows for a multitude of recording options such as recording very large ensembles or close type recording as each channel may be recorded separately or matrixed into a stereo or mono mix.
The H4n as a Multi-Track Recorder
When placed in “Multi-Track” (MTR) mode, the H4n functions as a four track recording unit that is easy to use and contains many advanced editing features. Like many MTR recording devices, this device allows the “bouncing” of multiple tracks with recordings on them to one of the remaining, non-recorded, tracks to “free-up” even more tracks for recording purposes. Additionally, the H4n allows listening to the built-in metronome as a click-track and “PUNCHING IN and OUT” for the precise re-recording of small errors in a performance or changes.
The MTR mode also includes a number of audio mixing options including standard audio level adjustments and stereo panning and more advanced features such as the ability to inject preset audio effects into the recording. Some of the “pre-amp” effects modules include Fender, Marshal, and Peavey emulations as well as many other non-pre-amp effects such as equalization, compression, flanging and pitch adjustments. Many of these effects are able to be used with other H4n modes as well.
The H4n as a USB Microphone
Another great use of the H4n is the ability to use it as a USB microphone with any number of digital audio computer software programs. By switching the unit into its Audio Interface (Audio I/F) mode the device functions as any USB microphone would –complete with plug-and-play functionality. Because the H4n includes the ability to MONITOR or listen to itself via external headphones, it provides a level of usability that many stand-alone and equally good USB microphones do not; because of this, it also makes a great microphone for podcasting.
Other Great Features of the H4n
The H4n includes a number of extra electronic tools that are useful for musicians. Its built-in speaker and headphone jack allow the device to be used to playback any of the recordings that are made with it as well as any audio files that are placed on it via the USB connection or via a card reader/writer device.
The device also includes the ability to act as a metronome. In the metronome mode it offers a variety of time signature playback selections and beat pattern options. Additionally, the H4n can act as a digital tuner. The H4n tuner features the abilities to act as a chromatic, guitar, or bass tuner with a wide range of calibration options. Another interesting function of the H4n is its ability to allow for “Karaoke” type usage. It has the built-in ability to cancel out the “central” track of audio files and effectively remove the “voice” track of many audio files.
Using the device to help with transcription is also very easy. The H4n allows any song to be played back between 50 to 150 percent of the original recorded speed while keeping the pitch the same.
Using the H4n in the “Field”
Because the H4n is so simple to use and so versatile in its application, it can do most any “audio job” that a performing musician or ensemble director might require during their daily routines. The H4n is able to operate with an external power supply and also can operate on two AA batteries for up to eleven hours.
This device is also perfect for recording a group and then immediately listening to it for review and study purposes. The multitude of input options allows anyone to use it for the purposes of converting audio sources such as records, tapes, or VHS sound tracks into digital audio. From recording personal rehearsals, audition materials, and simple meetings to recording multi-tracks and larger sized performing ensembles, the H4n has the ability to “do it all” AND makes digital audio recordings that sound great without being complicated!
If you are interested in purchasing a Zoom H4n please visit our webstore - http://store.soundtree.com