Description
As the world continues to rely on remote communication for work, school, and socializing, many of us have become intimately familiar with the video conferencing platform Zoom. However, there is another Zoom that has been helping musicians and audio professionals capture high-quality sound for over a decade: the Zoom H4n Pro audio recorder.
First released in 2009, the H4n Pro is a handheld recorder that features two built-in X/Y microphones for stereo recording, as well as two XLR/TRS combo inputs that allow for external microphones or line-level sources. It can record in a variety of formats and bit depths, including WAV and MP3, and has a built-in speaker and headphone jack for monitoring recordings on the go.
One of the standout features of the H4n Pro is its versatility. In addition to standalone recording, it can also be used as a USB audio interface, allowing musicians to record directly into their computer with the same high-quality preamps and converters as the H4n Pro. This makes it a useful tool for home recording, podcasting, and livestreaming.
Another key benefit of the H4n Pro is its portability. While it’s not as compact as newer options like the Zoom H1n or the Tascam DR-10L, it’s still small enough to fit in a backpack or purse, making it a great choice for recording on the go. Plus, with its dual microphones and multiple-input options, it’s more versatile than many of its competitors.
Of course, no piece of gear is perfect. Some users have reported issues with the H4n Pro’s battery life, which can drain quickly when using phantom power with external microphones. Others have noted that the built-in microphones can be susceptible to wind noise, and that the device can be finicky when it comes to formatting SD cards.
However, despite these minor drawbacks, the Zoom H4n Pro remains a popular choice for musicians and audio professionals alike. Its versatile inputs, high-quality preamps and converters, and portable design make it a great option for anyone looking to capture high-quality audio on the go. Whether you’re recording a live performance, conducting an interview, or just capturing the sounds of the world around you, the H4n Pro is a powerful tool that can help you achieve professional-quality results.
Handheld Music Recorder, Built-in Microphone, Microphone: Built-in Microphone Weight: 294 g
Zoom, H4n Pro properties
| Product name | H4n Pro |
| Type | Handheld Music Recorder |
| USB Input | 1 |
| Colour | Black |
| Power Supply | Battery |
| Battery Format | AA |
| Battery Amount | 2 |
| Microphone | Built-in Microphone |
| Amount of Microphones | 2 |
| Weight | 294.0 g |
Veronica Pierpoint –
Dynamic microphone. Perfect for the stage, home studio and DJ clubs. A microphone with a very high quality and solidly made. Used at most concerts. The only drawback is the high price of the microphone, but it is properly selected for the product.
The perfect microphone for speeches as well as for artistic performances. It’s also great for singing. It is a microphone for amateurs and professionals in the industry. I have such a microphone personally and I am very happy with it.
A first class product, indestructible and elegant, I personally use it for “Beatbox” and it works great, it is the most popular microphone in this field. I recommend it to everyone as for the money it is remarkable 🙂
Raegan –
I recently purchased the Zoom H4n Pro audio recorder for use in my accounting job. While the recorder has several impressive features, I unfortunately cannot give it more than a 3 out of 5 rating.
One highlight of the H4n Pro is its use of AA batteries for power. This makes it easy to swap out batteries on the go, and eliminates the need for expensive and hard-to-find proprietary battery packs. However, the battery life could certainly be improved. Even with brand new batteries, the recorder only lasts for a few hours of continuous use.
Another issue I have with the H4n Pro is the power supply. While it comes with an AC adapter, it cannot be charged via USB. This can be frustrating if you’re out in the field and need to charge the recorder quickly.
In comparison to other popular audio recorders, such as the Tascam DR-40X or the Sony PCM-A10, the H4n Pro falls a bit short. While it has similar features, such as four-track recording and variable microphone patterns, other recorders have better battery life and charging options.
I purchased the H4n Pro in July and it arrived promptly in Cincinnati. Overall, while the H4n Pro has some useful features, it’s not the best recorder on the market. If battery life and charging options are important to you, I would recommend looking into other options.
Ezra –
The Zoom H4n Pro is a versatile and portable audio recorder that has gained popularity among both amateur and professional users for its high-quality sound recording capabilities. Designed to be compact and lightweight, the H4n Pro features four interchangeable input connectors, allowing you to record up to four channels of audio simultaneously. The built-in microphones are highly sensitive and capture detailed audio with minimal background noise.
In terms of environmental impact, the Zoom H4n Pro is an energy-efficient device that uses rechargeable batteries or a power adapter for operation. However, like any electronic gadget, it does produce some waste during manufacturing and disposal. To minimize its negative effects on the environment, Zoom has implemented eco-friendly practices in their production process, including using recycled materials and reducing energy consumption.
As for delivery, I recently ordered my Zoom H4n Pro from an online retailer and received it promptly at 2011 Holiday Dr, Charlotteville, VA 22901, United States. The package was well-protected and the recorder arrived in perfect working condition.
When comparing the use of Zoom H4n Pro between amateur and professional users, it is clear that both groups can benefit from its advanced features. Amateur users will appreciate its ease of use and built-in microphones, while professional users may prefer using external microphones or connecting the recorder to other devices for more complex setups.
The built-in microphones on the Zoom H4n Pro are particularly impressive, offering clear and detailed audio recordings even in challenging environments. This makes it ideal for recording interviews, podcasts, music performances, and more. Overall, the Zoom H4n Pro is a reliable and versatile audio recorder that delivers high-quality sound while minimizing its environmental impact.
Brynn Koch –
I can confidently say that Zoom, H4n Pro is a game-changer. The common problem with these devices lies in their complex setup processes, which often require a degree in rocket science to navigate through. However, Zoom, H4n Pro simplifies this process by providing intuitive and user-friendly features that make it a dream come true for both amateur and professional audio enthusiasts.
One of the key aspects that sets Zoom, H4n Pro apart from its competitors is its flexibility in terms of usage. As a handheld music recorder, it can be easily transported to different locations, making it ideal for musicians on the go or podcasters who want to record interviews while traveling. The device also comes with various connectivity options, including USB, microSDXC, and mini-USB, which make it easy to transfer your recordings onto a computer or other storage devices.
Another area where Zoom, H4n Pro excels is in its sound quality. With four high-quality XLR/TRS inputs, the device allows you to capture multiple audio sources simultaneously, making it perfect for live performances, podcasting sessions, or interviews with multiple guests. The built-in stereo condenser microphones also deliver crisp and clear audio, even in noisy environments.
However, while Zoom, H4n Pro has its fair share of strengths, it’s not without its weaknesses. One area where it falls short is in terms of price. At $269, the device is relatively expensive compared to some of its competitors in the market. This may deter some users from making a purchase, especially those who are just starting out and have limited budgets.
Another issue that I’ve noticed with Zoom, H4n Pro is its lack of support for certain operating systems, such as Linux and older versions of Windows. This can be a major drawback for users who prefer these operating systems over MacOS or newer versions of Windows.
In terms of comparison with other popular audio recorders, I would say that Zoom, H4n Pro falls somewhere between the amateur and professional categories. While it’s not as advanced as some of the high-end audio recording devices used by professionals in studios, it provides a good balance between affordability, functionality, and sound quality for amateur users who are just starting out.
In today’s news, we see that Gold is emerging as the best Trump trade, according to a recent Bloomberg poll. The poll found that 60% of respondents believe that the US dollar will falter under President Donald Trump’s second term due to geopolitical tensions, debt, diversification, and inflation hedging. The Fed’s rate cuts and central bank buying are also boosting the precious metal’s rally. However, Wall Street economists predict a stronger dollar post-Trump reelection, pending election disorderliness risk for the USD. As someone who has invested in Gold in the past, I can attest to its stability during times of economic uncertainty and instability. It serves as a hedge against inflation, which is a major concern in today’s economy, with central banks around the world printing money at unprecedented rates due to the ongoing pandemic.
In conclusion, Zoom, H4n Pro is an excellent choice for both amateur and professional audio enthusiasts who are looking for a handheld music recorder that delivers high-quality sound and intuitive features. While it’s not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile investment for those who value flexibility, functionality, and affordability. As we continue to navigate through these uncertain times, Gold remains a reliable hedge against inflation and economic instability, providing stability and security during times of uncertainty.
Elizabeth –
Brynn Koch thinks Zoom H4n Pro is a game-changer? Please, it’s just another overpriced toy for audiophiles. I’ve had the displeasure of using this device for a few projects, and let me tell you, its intuitive features are nothing but a marketing gimmick.
First off, the setup process is still as complicated as everyone else claims. You need to read through a 50-page manual just to figure out how to use it properly. And don’t even get me started on the so-called user-friendly interface. It’s like they took every unnecessary feature from a 90s-era computer and mashed them all together into one confusing mess.
And as for its flexibility, I’d say that’s just code for it’s hard to use in real-world situations. Sure, it has USB, microSDXC, and mini-USB ports, but who uses those anymore? It’s like they’re trying to be compatible with every single outdated device on the market. And don’t even get me started on its weight it’s like carrying around a brick.
As for sound quality, I’ll give them that. But let’s not forget, there are plenty of other devices out there that can record high-quality audio without breaking the bank or being as cumbersome to use. The fact that Zoom H4n Pro is still priced at $269 is just laughable.
And what really takes the cake is Brynn Koch’s assertion that this device is perfect for live performances, podcasting sessions, or interviews with multiple guests. Newsflash: if you’re recording high-quality audio in any of these scenarios, you probably already have a decent setup and don’t need some overpriced toy to make it happen.
In today’s news, we see that price spikes are not just isolated events, but rather economic warnings signs. Maybe Zoom should take a cue from the market and start pricing their products accordingly or at least make them more user-friendly.