Stated by What Percent User gravity on 22 October 2009 15:08
Finishes on 30 January 2010 0:00
Finishes on 30 January 2010 0:00
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100.0%
Informative 5
Uninformative 0
Poll closed to the public
In The Field:
I've had the H4n for about 5 months now and have taken it on several trips to get some field recordings. So far it's been a good unit. Good sound quality, although even on it's highest setting has some audible hiss, it's not enough to notice especially if you plan on putting it into a musical piece that has other stuff going on. A couple times I'd forgotten to put the foam wind guard on the twin mics and paid for it dearly. They are really sensitive to any kind of wind so you always have to keep the guard on. The menu system is a little weird, but you get used to it after a while. In the field I found very little use for a 4 mic configuration, but I'm thinking in the studio it could be quite useful. If this will be a field only recorder for you, the 4 channel thing is probably not all that important.
One other thing worth mentioning is the battery life. You'll need to take it on the road with a fist full of batteries cause it sucks em' down like 4X4 truck. It might be worth it to think of a different recorder with a lithium battery if you plan on making really long recordings consecutively.
The Build:
The build is good enough, but compared to a few other recorders out there, I feel Zoom could do more in this area. It feels good enough in your hand. The plastic has a light rubbery coating which adds to the feel, but personally I think I prefer the Tascam's aluminum body better. Some people have complained about the memory card door opening during use, and perhaps it depends on if you got one with a lose door, but I've simply not had any problems with it, nor could I ever imagine it being a problem, so don't let that hearsay scare you from this model.
Computer Connectivity:
Had no problems connecting it to my mac or my pc. (I use both) The folders are all laid out according to whether or not you used it in 2 channel or 4 channel mode. It utilizes USB2.0 so the transfers were very fast and the unit itself mounts very quickly.
Price:
I got a great deal on mine and feature for feature, I'd say it outperforms other recorders in it's feature class.
Synopsis:
When compared to other recorders, I prefer the others in terms of overall feel as the buttons are made of plastic, and although look really neat when lit up in a dark room, don't provide the nice feel a rubber button does. However, if you're on a budget, but you can squeeze this one into it, I'd say this is the best recorder out there despite it's lack of good 'feel'.
For more specific specifications check out the user manual here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/samsontech/related_docs/H4n-manual.pdf
I've had the H4n for about 5 months now and have taken it on several trips to get some field recordings. So far it's been a good unit. Good sound quality, although even on it's highest setting has some audible hiss, it's not enough to notice especially if you plan on putting it into a musical piece that has other stuff going on. A couple times I'd forgotten to put the foam wind guard on the twin mics and paid for it dearly. They are really sensitive to any kind of wind so you always have to keep the guard on. The menu system is a little weird, but you get used to it after a while. In the field I found very little use for a 4 mic configuration, but I'm thinking in the studio it could be quite useful. If this will be a field only recorder for you, the 4 channel thing is probably not all that important.
One other thing worth mentioning is the battery life. You'll need to take it on the road with a fist full of batteries cause it sucks em' down like 4X4 truck. It might be worth it to think of a different recorder with a lithium battery if you plan on making really long recordings consecutively.
The Build:
The build is good enough, but compared to a few other recorders out there, I feel Zoom could do more in this area. It feels good enough in your hand. The plastic has a light rubbery coating which adds to the feel, but personally I think I prefer the Tascam's aluminum body better. Some people have complained about the memory card door opening during use, and perhaps it depends on if you got one with a lose door, but I've simply not had any problems with it, nor could I ever imagine it being a problem, so don't let that hearsay scare you from this model.
Computer Connectivity:
Had no problems connecting it to my mac or my pc. (I use both) The folders are all laid out according to whether or not you used it in 2 channel or 4 channel mode. It utilizes USB2.0 so the transfers were very fast and the unit itself mounts very quickly.
Price:
I got a great deal on mine and feature for feature, I'd say it outperforms other recorders in it's feature class.
Synopsis:
When compared to other recorders, I prefer the others in terms of overall feel as the buttons are made of plastic, and although look really neat when lit up in a dark room, don't provide the nice feel a rubber button does. However, if you're on a budget, but you can squeeze this one into it, I'd say this is the best recorder out there despite it's lack of good 'feel'.
For more specific specifications check out the user manual here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/samsontech/related_docs/H4n-manual.pdf
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in this category
Zoom H4n Handy Recorder Review