Topic: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder sound quality for spoken word? (Read 1254 times)

RMoore · « **on:** December 19, 2006, 06:25:13 AM »

Has anyone tried this new portable 'memo' style recorder?

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4/

What's the verdict on sound quality?

Could be interesting for easily recording snippets of spoken word / location - but doth it have thee sound?

Tomas Danko · « **Reply #1 on:** December 19, 2006, 07:22:16 AM »

Judging from previous products from Zoom, the front end (AD and preamp) are low head room and can clip easily. Even before the AD does it, the op amp can go nasty on your sound. I've also had issues with their devices not being capable of handling some impedance values. For instance, certain line boxes will make the front end crap up like nobodys business and it sounds like everything is broken.

The interfaces are not always the easiest to use, although this new gadget seems to be an improvement.

If you only need stereo recording, the M-Audio MicroTrack 2496 is awesome. Hook it up with a Rode NT4 microphone and you've got yourself a stunning package to do live recordings in the field.

Cheers,

Tomas Danko

R/E/P Community

Author Topic: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder sound quality for spoken word? (Read 1254 times)

RMoore

Zoom H4 Handy Recorder sound quality for spoken word?

Tomas Danko

Re: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder sound quality for spoken word?