Zoom H4 Handy Recorder

I haven't heard a lot of talk about the H4's utility for video, so that's what I'm going to explore. With the price of mini-DV and even HD consumer camcorders continuing to come down, the one thing that separates (most of) them from the pro and prosumer camcorders is a lack of microphone inputs and a lack of a headphone output to monitor audio.

One of the overlooked uses of the H4 is that the Neutrik combine XLR and ¼" inputs (with phantom power) make it an ideal "front end" to interface pro microphones with consumer camcorders. Yes there are dedicated interfaces that do this, but the H4 has the added bonus of being a digital recorder, so not only are you able to use professional microphones and supply phantom power to them, you also have a audio back up, just like the pros. An additional bonus is you can use the H4's headphone jack to monitor your sound.

I used this set up to run some test footage for a documentary I was shooting. I ran a small-diaphragm condenser into one channel of the H4 XLR input and a Crown PZM into the other input. I used the condenser on a boom for primary audio on the subject, then placed the PZM near the subject but out of frame to get the same audio with a little of the room ambience. In practice you could run two small condensers , or a lavalier and a mic on a boom, or a lavalier and a PZM, etc. The only restriction is that both microphones have to run on phantom power (or not, you can switch phantom power on or off in the menu, but it affects both Neutrik inputs).

I ran the 1/8" stereo line out from the H4 into the mic in of my camcorder (Panasonic PV-GS300). I was only able to check the audio after I ran a test and played it back, but what I heard in playback was pretty consistent with what I heard on the H4 headphone out during recording. Another added bonus is that now I have a way to back up my audio by recording to the H4's memory card. I shoot with a really small crew, so this feature cam in really handy, especially during tape changes. Even though you're telling your subjects to hang on while you change tape, you can let the H4 keep running and capture any audio that they might not repeat after the tape change. If they say something really profound (which happens) and it just doesn't have the same power when you ask them to repeat it on camera, the H4 audio is still there, so you've got something.

So that's it. The H4 can let you use pro microphones with your consumer camcorder, give you the ability to monitor your audio and give you a back up copy of your audio for editing. That's a bargain!

I was searching for a device that would 1) allow me to record a wide array of sounds in high quality and seamlessly upload them to my computer and 2) act as an audio interface for Skype etc. to take the burden off my deteriorating internal microphone (which is now audibly picking up my computer fans). A friend recommended the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder, and I couldn't be happier. The interface is intuitive, the quality is great, and the product offers an enormous number of options.

Although the display is small and a little behind the times, it is nonetheless readable (and backlit). I also ended up spending an extra $10 on a small tripod so I could mount the recorder near my computer when I use it as an interface.

[...]

This is the second time I've purchased this recorder, so I must like it well enough (the first one was stolen). I do!

It's sound, it's capabilities and it versatility I find to be first class. That said, the oddnesses it possesses are in it's user interface (rather small screen, and a non-intuitive dual control joystick-like button and jog wheel combo) and its user manual, which has an awful lot of references to other sections in most any section you are reading. It's be easier if these were clickable hyper links as on a web page, but there's no clicking in a paper manual....

There are some complaints about complexity which you should take as valid if you're not used to working with pro audio equipment. If it doesn't surprise you that you have to press the record button twice, then ignore those complaints. I will agree that the interface design isn't the best, but it is internally consistent so once I got familiar with it I felt much better.

My favorite surprise feature is that if you're using it as an audio interface it's USB powered.

The battery life is pretty short, so invest in quality rechargeables.

I purchased the H4 Zoom with some apprehension. I am so pleasantly surprised. I recorded an 18 piece big band with extraordinary results.
Some tracks sound like pro recordings.