SHOULD YOU BUY THE ZOOM H4 ESSENTIAL?
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- Опубліковано 19 лют 2024
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Well. At least it doesn't have that terrible coating Zoom used to give a rubber-like feel which turns into a sticky-glue like mess after a few years. So that's good to see.
lol...I liked the finish...never had it turn bad on me though...lol
Yes, my original H6 is gross and sticky 🤮 but it’s a workhorse 😅
@@Kitakueigo I cleaned off with alcohol wipes. Now it feels like the good old Zoom plastic all around!
@@annekedebruyn7797 I tried using ethanol and it didn't seem to work well. I suppose if I had an hour to blow, I could do it but after 2 minutes of trying, it wasn't coming off.😓
@@Kitakueigo Ohb yeah I spend nearly 4 hours of slowly scrubbing it off. Hahhaha
OK, so I came across this video about a half day after I ordered it on B&H (lol me), and of course I was almost instantly regretting my lack of research on this model (long story short: I've been meaning to get a Zoom recorder for awhile now,; I keep finding workarounds when I need them; another need presents itself in a few days; so I thought I would just pull the trigger on one of the newer models)...
My main concern was that was going to be a dumbed down version of the H4n and the color screen and 32-bit float were just gimmicks. After working with it for a few days and testing a few things, boy was I wrong. I think the limitation of this review is that it compares this to the H4n within the framework of generational improvement... what it should be asking is, who is this model for.
As I see it, sure the H4 Essential is "a stripped down version of the feature-rich H4n" but it doesn't need all of those features. Basically, everything this machine records is in 32-bit floating point so there is no need for input gain pots. You simply normalize your tracks when you're done and export your files to 16 or 24-bit, or keep them at 32-bit float to process and edit in post... and this is exactly who this appears to be designed for: folks who are going to do all of their processing in post-production, not on the recorder. So, there's no need to have compressors, limiters, etc. on this machine. There's no need to send a single input source to record duplicate tracks for safety (i.e. at -3db or -6db in case of clipping) because it's all 32-bit float. You just need to concern yourself with proper mic placement, then go.
The only truly dumbed down "feature" that I found a bit annoying is that there is no switch to select between mic/line level for the inputs... Instead, they are fixed based on the type of cable you connect to the inputs. For example, if you insert an XLR, it will automatically designate that input as mic level... and if you insert TRS, it will be line level. This is kind of bizarre thinking, and a bit limiting, but ok. Of course the very first real need I'm going to have for this thing is an event where I have to get a clean audio feed from a mixing board, and (you guessed it), they have a line level XLR output for me (lol)... so I had to buy a shorty balanced TRS/XLR cable.
Other than that, this model is stripped down in a good way. The 32-bit floating point recording isn't just a feature, it's the basis for which this entire unit is designed around, and they have basically eliminated all of the stuff that is no longer necessary (and honestly is better done in post-production). I'm not a non-technical type of person who uses "easy mode" on anything, but now that I can visualize the workflow, this recorder makes very good sense... and it's a good thing too, because I kind of accidentally destroyed the box just trying to get this thing out, lol.
Although I've learned to improve my gain settings over the years, I think the 32-bit float is definitely a strong enough reason for new creators to consider one of the Essential line. Even the pros make mistakes from time to time and unless they have a backup track with alternate gain settings, it's great to know you can recover just about anything if you get a sudden increase or decrease in volume.
TLDR: skip this model and wait for the proper “PRO” refresh coming later this year.
Thanks for the clear honest info 👍🏽
To be honest I cant confirm there IS a "pro" model coming...but if there wasnt...this would be the weirdest release in the history of releases
@@DarkCornerStudios I think it makes sense, especially since they're calling these "Essential" which is just another word for entry-level.
I just got one a few days ago and thought I would regret it (I only learned that it was "stripped down" after I ordered it)... The fact that it's based on recording everything as 32-bit floating point (you can export as 24-bit or 16-bit) renders all of the bells and whistles useless anyway. It actually makes a lot of sense for someone whose workflow is to capture the best possible recording in the field and then do all of the processing on a computer (i.e. in a video project, etc.). I'm pleasantly surprised, and I now realize it's not dumbed down at all... see my post above that describes this better.
@@seanphillips9121 It's not just the bells and whistles (the ones that would transfer to 32-bit float). It's also the build quality and preamps. If the sound quality suffers with the latter from the outset then I'm not interested. Apparently, the preamps on this line are either not very good or average at best. Have you done any testing with this?
@@frankboyer1490 No, I have not done any "real" testing yet in a controlled environment... but in my initial "getting to know the unit" tests, I didn't find anything particularly bad with the preamps, though. My expectation is that these are going to be fine for field work, and mixing boards always have noise, so... ymmv. Also, I have used Zoom recorders in the past, but never have owned one, so my reference point is limited. Nonetheless, I would never use a field recorder as a replacement for studio recording anyway, so as long as it's not obnoxious or something that I can't cancel out with noise reduction in post, I'm good. We'll see as I put this thing through its paces, though.
As someone with very minimal recording experience, I feel that the H4 Essentials is straight forward and easy to get going. This is my first Zoom product, and I was able to mess around with the settings enough to get an audio quality that far exceeds my previous setup in just a matter of minutes. As a customer who wanted something simple, this is great!
Please tell which recorder is better for recording ambient sound while walking with a camera on a steadicam. Record the sounds of rain, crunching snow underfoot while walking. I tried the h1n zoom, but it seemed that it makes a lot of noise by itself, even in an empty room.
so, the older H4N Pro has better preamps than both the H4N and H4N Essential? Thanks for the reviews.
Very helpful. Thank you. I was hoping to be able to replace my H4nPro with the H4 Essential. Now I'm not so sure anymore. (usecase: reporting, radio journalism) The old H4nPro has so many issues: screen, battery life, boot time, storage and last but not least pre-amp. I need to plug in an additional preamp (FetAmp) to operate my Sennheiser MD46 with the H4nPro. Apart from waiting for the potential pro series, what would you recommend? The Tascam Portacapture X6? Or in other words: Could you do a quick "H4 Essential vs Portacapture X6"? ;)
I am looking for a recorder to do nature (birds forest sounds etc) is the noise floor good enough ?? or should i go for the F6 ? Cheers Mark
I like to know that as well. Anyone have an answer?
Its the same audio quality how on Zoom h4n pro? Or on Zoom just h4n? Tnx
What's The best between the H4 and the F3?
Hi can you make a self noise test between h1, h4, h6 with built in mics and line in please?
What's the difference between that and the R4, with the exception of the two mics?
Would I be able to plug into a soundboard (to collect audio from an inhouse system) AND plug in a DJI wireless lav mic recorder into this for it to collect sound from the same source (sound board) just so i can transmit it as well directly to my camera using the dji mic? Essentially im getting one recording onto the zoom H4 and another feed from the dji mic which gets transmitted to my camera.
If your wireless tx can plug into the 1/8" headphone/line out jack on the H4, I don't see why not... then again, if you're able to record nats of the PA directly from your camera (i.e. you're shooting in the same room/space) you would probably be better served to just have Premiere sync the scratch audio with the separate clean board feed in post. Adding in the wireless set to the signal chain would be an unnecessary step and puts you at risk of introducing more potential problems (battery, RF interference, latency, etc.).
good point!! Thanks so much for the reply :) @@seanphillips9121
I own the H4n pro and I only use it periodically to record from the soundboard, can someone who's used other products explain why the pre-amps are considered bad on the h4n? Is there more noise?
Better than -120dB EIN makes sense for the XLR inputs but for the mics on the product, the mics have way more noise than will be added by the pre amps.
Hey, thanks for doing these videos, super helpful (and witty). You saved me from gushing bucks eagerly at Zoom. Can't believe they're using the same preamps.
Your SM-58 test didn't sound so noisy to me, but my ears are shot. Seemed way better than the H1, no? But you were whispering way louder this time…
I'm in a hurry for a recorder to use primarily as an interface for my antique Sony ECM-929LT powered stereo electret condenser mic. Thanks to you, I'll snatch up a prev-gen bargain. Should I get H4N Pro or H5/H6? I don't need XLR or other features. Just reasonably clear/quiet line-in results.
I like the H5.
As for my whispering...I did it differently each time to show variable results depending on use case.
Glad my videos could help!!
Great and informative review. It´s so weird, that Zoom even uses better EIN pre-amps in the Podtrack P4 with -124 and F3 (which also has 32 bit-float) with -127
Yeah...gatekeepers on "entry level" gear is an older tactic everyone used to use on interfaces back in the day.
Don't think this is gonna go well in the long run
Can i use lav mic rord my voicr in 32bit while at same time using the build in mic to reocrd exaust like moto vlogging? Is what multi track do right or do h1e have 2 track. Or do i even understand it right?
Thank you for the review. I’m still using the Roland R-05 As my daily driver. I would like to go to 32 bit, but nothing has really peaked my interest from Zoom or its competitors plus my R-05 never disappoints.
Yeah...I think this might be a great year for handheld recorders.
Usually when someone breaks the water...all the companies try to out do each other...
Fingers crossed!
Journalists and podcasters don't need the amazing pre amps. They need something that can run and gun with and not get lost in the technical stuff. I'm pretty sure that's who really benefits from this recorder.
@willburney5318 you assume to speak for the journalists?
Also this isn't an attempt to make you question the noise level of the preamps.
It's to question crappy business practice that keeps releasing the same product without much in the way of an update
Look at what Tascam did with the X6...perfect example of where this should all be going
Dynamic mic are not very low self noise actually, I would suggest grab a RODE-NT1 which has a dBA under 10 for EIN test.
Hi, I just purchased H4 Essential when I transferred files on pc the audio levels are to low
Also, the audio sounds like it is compressed. Am I doing something wrong? What do you recommend?
Can this be plugged into a Tascam SD24?
Can this be turned up to record louder during a live stream?
Hi I have just come across your videos and love your opinions. I am totally blind and us e and LSP4, because it has accessibility built in. I was hoping to buy the H1 Essential, however, I am now thinking I should not. Do you know of any other voice recorder that has accessibility built in please? Keep up the great work. Cheers.
Sadly no...but I wasn't horribly put off by the H4...
Also...I still believe more is coming from Zoom this year...stary tuned!
Also.. let me check around and see if there are more accessible options available
@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you so much.
Zoom h4 essential or Zoom h5? I'd use it to record audio from mixer.
Thank you for this. I had my eye on this, but decided to go with the original H6 instead (and save $20 at the same time). The preamps might be showing their age, but the price was just too good to pass up!
Thanks for the great video. As someone who needs audio gear that talks, I was almost ready to start throwing money at them.
Is it possible to use like dynamite stick to get better dound cus u said its bad amp
How long does it take to boot up (record function) ... does it still take 40 some seconds before the menu pops up like the older generation H4n ?
I was looking for better preamps too. Especially for H1 since it fits in a pocket.
By pro versions coming up, do you mean something like a H4N Essential Pro and H8 Essential? Or a new F series?
I explain it more in the H6 video coming up...but I think the older lineup...H4 H5 and H6 are getting retired.
I have no inside knowledge...but it seems odd they released these with almost exact specs.
That would make room for a new lineup
@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks! Looking forward to it! Yeah the pre-amps might be the exact same ones as before. They had to have EINs higher than -127dBu of the F-series, I guess.
If the preamp quality exceeds the rest of the recording electronics.. I dont see the need to upgrade if they do what they are designed to do.
Mixing boards often use the same preamps generation after generation. If there's nothing wrong with them, there's no reason to waste money developing better ones...and even less reason for the consumer to buy "better" preamps when the old ones worked perfectly fine.
Hi. Are you worked with Tascam Portracapture X8 or X6?
What do you think about it in comparison of Zoom H Essential series?
Wait then so they sound like the older recorders? How do they compair to the H8? Sound wize I love the 8. The only thing with it is the touch screen.
Despite the accessibility, I think I'll plump for Centrance: way more money and only 24-bit, but pro build, great analogue quality with good old knobs and switches and excellent preamps.
I gotta get my hands on one of those for a review!!
Centerance? Have I been missing something? I don't recall this company. What's their stuff sound like?
I've been recording for years using my phone as a way to preserve memories and this year I've decided to buy some proper tool for that purpose. And it is just crazy how outdated and cheap those devices are looking and how it is hard to choose the one that just do the job. I am totally new here, but that just doesn't make sense. Thanks for the video series, I guess I need to wait for those heroes who will bring some decent device to the market.
How does this compare to the zoom f3? It seems like it’s equal or better in every regard and almost half the price. What’s up with that? Am I missing something?
F series recorders are considered "professional" gear with MUCH better specs.
Not sure...as I haven't been hands on with one...but I highly doubt this is better than the F3
@@DarkCornerStudios other reviews I saw said that it has similar, if not the same, noise performance. I’m not sure how it would out-match this. Maybe battery performance? I guess TBD
Hello my friend… If you had the option to choose between the Zoom H6 (2020) and the Zoom H4e, which one would you choose and why?
H6.
Because it's better in every single way possible.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Does the 32 bit float feature help keep an instrument signal through a cable from clipping? Or is that just for the condenser microphones? I'm considering getting one for my brother who is not tech savvy at all and want to get something he won't need to worry about clipping the audio. He's a bass player BTW. Thanks!
I just got mine a couple of days ago. One thing I noticed is that it doesn't take passive instrument levels (e.g. electric guitar, bass)... just mic, mic + phantom, and line level. If the guitar/bass has passive pickups, you will have to run them through a stomp box or DI box to get line level to the Zoom recorder. BTW, this recorder doesn't have a switch to select between line/mic levels, it auto selects that based on the cable you insert into the inputs. For XLR, it sets it to Mic level; for TRS, it sets it to line. If you have a line level source (e.g. a mixer) and all you have is an XLR output, you'll have to adapt it to TRS to plug into the Zoom.
Ahh, okay. I appreciate that info. I’ll have to look back at the R4 model and see if that’s the case for it as well. Thanks!
@@ceruleansurfer Chances are your bass playing brother is running his signal through a compressor on a stomp box or multifx unit to his amp anyway. But even if he isn't, the 32-bit float should handle the wide dynamics of a dry signal, assuming he can get it to the recorder at line level somehow... but that's what I mean about how the H4 essential doesn't really need on-board processing like compressors or limiters. It's going to be very difficult to clip.
Excellent information. Just subscribed to your channel. Would you consider this recorder a valid choice for recording class lectures? And is it compatible with a Mac/Mac mini? If not, can you offer any suggestions from the Zoom line...Thanks
can I record play along drumless, straight from zoom h4 recorder ?
I’m glad they gave it a usb C port vs micro usb
So... I need one right now because of a job in May-June... I don't know a lot about audio... should I buy the H4N Pro or the H4 Essential? Thanks.
If you don't know much about audio...this will probably be best for you
@@DarkCornerStudios I said 2 different options. When you say “this will be” what do you refer to?
@AlbertTrepat sorry...I was referring to the one in the video
The essential series would be the best for you.
Less of a learning curve
The EIN -120 strikes again, hopefully the Pro versions will have better pre-amps for more $. Also the XY capsule doesn't give the option of 120° which I use all the time for ambience.
Fingers crossed!!
Wait you can't spinn the new ones out like the ones that come even with the h8? Oh man come on guys.
@@MrHamit64 nope
I think I would have released the next gen pro first and then see if the demand was there.
With Rode having usb and wireless microphones Zoom isn't just competing in the markets of 10 years ago they are also competing against phones and ipads, which become mobile recorders with these mics, and a Rode wireless pro which is very versatile.
How about the Rode Wireless series?
Very easy to turn those into handhelds
@DarkCornerStudios Rode have a stick you can mount the Rode wireless devices too for exactly that.
HOW ARE YOU DOING THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO ON YOUR YOURTUBE CHANNEL I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT ONE THINK
I HAVE A ELECTRO MAGNETIC EXPOSURE FROM WORK ENVIRONMENT AND I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO MEASURE THIS IS THIS IS SAFE OR I WOULD NEED TO USE SOME SAFETY MEASURMENTS
ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO RECORD IT - AND HAVE A JOURNAL OF HOW MUCH EVERY DAY AND WHAT TIMES I HAVE THIS EXPOSURE ON AROUND THE AREA
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ALSO SOME SPECTRUM ANAYLZER AS WELL CONNECTED TO A EM METER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME LOOKING FORWARD TO HEAR FROM YOU BEST
I read this in 32bit :O)
It's kinda funny because when you dig into math, there is no need to rely on technology to determine your levels, is it a safety net? sure, but the technology in this recorder may not know what you are recording and for what purposes. Whether it's 32 bits or not, I think it is important not only to be mindful but also to have control over gain staging, especially when the preamps are 10 years old. I was considering purchasing this model to complement my Rode Wireless Pro mics, as they also record in 32-bit floating point, providing a backup of the recording at the same bit rate. However, I'm not that keen to risk $200 on an "auto gain staging" system...
Does the H6 Essential also have the old pre-amps?
Yes
@@DarkCornerStudios damn it. Was upgrading my zoom H6 and was expecting delivery of this tomorrow :-( odd how there’s no reviews of this out. Is it the same as the zoom H6 the preamps?
@TruthReviews yeah...
All that aside...i really do think they will be releasing a pro lineup later this year.
It only makes sense...this isn't a direct replacement for the older units
@@DarkCornerStudios very true. I may just reject delivery and stick with my H6 for now. Considering it hasn’t let me down once in all those years I have used it on a regular basis. Thank you for the video and replies 🙏
@@TruthReviews Cheers and thanks for watching!!
Yes. Why is Zoom stuck on 💩 pre-amps. Got rid of my UAC-232 finally because of this and other things. Zoom has made it hard to want to use them with the experiences I have had.
Someone else is going to swoop in and take over the business...though I think there needs to be more competition in the handheld space.
Most affordable options are really bad spec wise...kinda like how regular interfaces were a few years back.
Perhaps we see another generation in these too??
I have an older H4, I think it is… and lost some important recordings, because it has an odd control scheme. At least I’m gonna go with that, instead of blaming myself. Ha ha
I hope Zoom makes a Zoom L8 32-bit mixer.
wish comes with compreesor , and usb-c.
I guess going threw the comments section I should ask. What pres did people want in these? I mean sure get away from the poopie pres of the original H4N. But the H4N Pro ones? I found them less hissy then even the original H6. This with Neal's NT1-A. Now Neal never went someware absolutely silent for the NT1-A. I didn't expect F pres myself. But H8 guts at least I did.
I think you've seen through the "Essentials" marketing strategy.
Lol...I am disappointed by the strategy
Not exactly a very encouraging start to this new series of recorders and I can only agree with your thoughts. Why TF would you not have far superior pre-amps after all this time ? The H series is old as dirt so these releases should be way better in every possible way, also the screen. Sure they feel the need to remain cheap and cheerful devices, but I'd much rather pay 150 bucks for the new H1e if it had quiet pre-amps, which lets face it, in 2024 it should. My F3 is so good, and there's no way they can't reconfigure the inner workings of that into a very good quality handheld.
Yeah...clearly it is NOT an upgrade on the F3
-120 is no big deal. even free plugins will clean that up with one click and make it sound great. Sure more expensive preamps would be nice, for sure, but $100 cheaper is also very nice
Essentials to me sounds like a basic line. I’m hoping they will release a new pro line too
No Gain, No Pain? That’s new!!!
Everything it said "File List" I couldn't help but hear "VIolence!". It's sentien!
ZOOM H5 still the King. 👑 Take the stupid on board mic off. Plug in a decent mic. Hold the H5 in one hand and the mic in the other. I call it nunchuck style.
Does it take an ice age to boot up ???
About the same as the old ones
I guess then I dont need to buy a new model ... I want boot up time to be under 5 seconds in run and gun situation. Rose Wireless Go ii in that sense comes in handy
Mine boots in about 3 seconds with freshly formatted SD card (not sure how long if there are a ton of files on it, though)
Ha haaa haaaaa! That's a great question! I forgot about that .
👍
I hate my life... I got the Zoom h8 last month ... =(
That Zoom H8 is 10 times better than these
Thank you... I trust your opinion alot.
My guess they will be releasing Pro versions of H4 and H6 with better preamps, at least I hope because Id love to have PCM-D100 like device that you can actually buy!