Anyone own a Zoom H4n?

Want to talk about music hardware or software that doesn't include Reason?
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stratatonic
Posts: 1507
Joined: 15 Jan 2015
Location: CANADA

15 Feb 2015

I just bought a used unit for 49 dollars at a recent sale at Long and Mcquade. I was pretty pumped about getting one for this price and then I opened up the SD card compartment and found a 32gb card - which go for around 20 bucks around these parts - so I basically got the Zoom for 30 bucks. :)

After pulling my hair out for an hour or so wondering why I couldn't access certain functions in the menu (stamina mode on!), I recorded a bunch of stuff on it and was pretty pleased with the outcome. It is also a USB interface which works nice with the mac (not so good with Windows :frown: - I was hoping to have a nice portable solution with my Windows laptop - doesn't work). It also has 50 FX included: guitar models, bass cabs, vox FX, comps etc...some of which are usable.

Anyways, all I got was the actual recorder. No power supply, windscreen or mic stand holder...any ideas of what I could use as a windscreen? The power supply I believe is 5 volts, but I am unsure what polarity the center pin is. The rechargable batteries that came with the Zoom are lasting me around 5 hours, so I suppose that's not bad.

The "percussion" and acoustic guitar were recorded with the Zoom in this short clip:
http://phead.mu/s/lDltceF6

I know that there is now a Zoom 6 out already, but for this price, I'm pretty happy. And it looks like the Zoom 6 loses the onboard effects. (Although the preamps are somewhat quieter - from what I did read about it).

Anyone using the Zoom H4n in their productions? In what way? Any tips?



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eusti
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Posts: 2793
Joined: 15 Jan 2015

15 Feb 2015

I have the H4n as well. Mainly use it for recording voice-over and interview stuff with it... Sometimes field recordings...
I bought it used for $ 200.00 some years ago though...

Here's a forum that might help you with questions:
http://zoomforum.us/viewforum.php?f=15

Here's a video on how to make your own "dead cat":


I bought something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9 ... _zoom.html
But considering what you paid for the unit, you might think it's overkill.

Additional points coming to mind:
- Some people have reported that the ac-adapter is causing a hum, I seem to recall...
- Be careful as the case transmits handling noises very easily...
- The battery door breaks easily!!!

Hope that helps!

D.




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joeyluck
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Posts: 11029
Joined: 15 Jan 2015

15 Feb 2015

I used to own an H4n and recently upgraded to an H5. Redhead makes nice windscreens for the H4n. But if you are in need of other accessories, there might be a Zoom kit just right for you.

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stratatonic
Posts: 1507
Joined: 15 Jan 2015
Location: CANADA

16 Feb 2015

eusti wrote:I have the H4n as well. Mainly use it for recording voice-over and interview stuff with it... Sometimes field recordings...
I bought it used for $ 200.00 some years ago though...

Here's a forum that might help you with questions:
http://zoomforum.us/viewforum.php?f=15

Here's a video on how to make your own "dead cat":


I bought something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9 ... _zoom.html
But considering what you paid for the unit, you might think it's overkill.

Additional points coming to mind:
- Some people have reported that the ac-adapter is causing a hum, I seem to recall...
- Be careful as the case transmits handling noises very easily...
- The battery door breaks easily!!!

Hope that helps!

D.


Thanks for the detailed reply! Appreciate the links and insights.


Do you use the AC adapter? Sounds like you can get decent battery life with rechargeables.
My battery door is fine - I do seem to have only one hinge on my SD card door though... :D
joeyluck wrote:I used to own an H4n and recently upgraded to an H5. Redhead makes nice windscreens for the H4n. But if you are in need of other accessories, there might be a Zoom kit just right for you.
Yes, I should not be a cheap ass considering the money I saved buying used, and buy something new :D
Thanks, I'll look into that the Redheads.

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eusti
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Posts: 2793
Joined: 15 Jan 2015

16 Feb 2015

I don't use an AC adapter... Always have spare sets of batteries with me...
Not sure if the display is accurate, but it always drops quite quickly when in use...

Regarding the battery door: That's more something that you might want to pay attention to while changing batteries... I broke it when changing batteries at some point... Luckily it's a readily available spare part...

D.

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zeebot
Posts: 628
Joined: 16 Jan 2015
Location: The Factory
Contact:

16 Feb 2015

I've had a H4N for a quite a few years now, still love it. The best fx I found was the reverse one. You talk, it plays it back reversed then you have to try and copy the reversed one to hear your voice rewound forward. Really hard to get your reversed speech to sound 'normal' when played back.
You get some interesting outcomes though :)
I have embraced Allihoopa. Come listen and play with my crap Figure loops here:
https://allihoopa.com/zeebot

They really are crap.

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Data_Shrine
Posts: 517
Joined: 23 Jan 2015

26 Feb 2015

I have a Zoom H1n. It's very sensible, and fragile, but I enjoy how portable and compact it is. It's easy to bring another battery when going out with it. I only have to try to make that "dead cat" windshield, so far, using thick clothes, I haven't been able to completely eliminate strong wind noises.

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