Zoom H4n Pro vs H4n
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 сер 2016
- Zoom H4n Pro Handy Recorder
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
-----------------------------
Zoom recently updated their very popular H4n Handy Recorder with the H4n Pro. So what’s different on the new Pro version? Let’s take a look and a listen!
This entire episode was recorded with the Zoom H4n Pro and RØDE NTG2 Shotgun microphone outdoors on a summer evening. There is some ambient noise. But don’t worry, we also have a few clips in my studio where there is very little ambient noise. All of the audio was normalized to -24 LUFS and no other processing was applied - no noise reduction, EQ, compression, or anything else.
If you’d like to improve your sound recording skills for film, please have a look at our Sound Recording for Video course over at school.learnlightandsound.com
Visit us at learnlightandsound.com for more updates on how to improve your lighting and sound for video. Also be sure to subscribe to get new weekly episodes!
Gear mentioned in or used to record this episode:
-----------------------------
Zoom H4n Pro Handy Recorder
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
-----------------------------
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
-----------------------------
RODE NTG2 Shotgun Microphone
Amazon: geni.us/ql6cdaK
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
-----------------------------
Also shot with Aputure Light Storm LS1s LED Light, Aputure Light Storm COB 120t (for the product shots), and Nikon D750
-----------------------------
Aputure Light Storm LS1s LED Light
Amazon: geni.us/BH4Z
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
-----------------------------
Nikon D750
Amazon: geni.us/hxGze1
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
-----------------------------
Aputure Light Storm COB120t LED Hard Light
Amazon: geni.us/tiH3
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product...
-----------------------------
Copyright 2016 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
I cannot say how much I appreciate the work you do, Curtis! Your videos are so informative, professional, and thorough. Thank you for your hard and tireless work.
Thanks so much, Andrew!
Main reason I never got the popular H4N about a year or so ago was your review. I ended up with the DR 60-D and still use it all the time.
Yes, Zoom now has a recorder in the same league as the DR60-DmkII.
I've been waiting for this as I have 2x H4n and had doubts about upgrading one of them. Thanks for the review!
You're welcome!
Great work Curtis. Always blown away by the thoroughness of your reviews.
Thank you Douglas!
Even if you are not looking for the product you are reviewing you still learn a bunch just watching it.
Thanks Elnis!
Thank you so much, this seems like the most professionally made review I ever saw on YT...
Brilliant review, as always. Thank you!
Thanks Frank!
Hi Curtis! Just want to say thank you for your informative, professional content. I make ASMR videos, and your channel has been extremely helpful to me over the years. Just today I picked up a pair of Rode NT1-As, and was looking for a feature-rich, low-noise portable recorder that wouldn't break the bank. After watching this video and listening to your sound samples, I settled on the H4n Pro. So thank you once again for your help!
You're welcome and I hope you enjoy your new recording gear!
Another great job, thanks for sharing!
Thumbs up!
Thanks!
great as usual, Curtis, once again thanks for your great reviews!
Thanks Marcello.
Another thorough review man, as always. Thank u!!
+Blake Bauer you're welcome!
Was looking to get a H4N to pair with my camera, and was curious about this Pro version when it came out. Thank you for the very detailed comparison!
You're welcome and best of luck on your new recorder!
After watching review, i bought H4n pro. Didn't regret it. Very hepfull video. Thanx !
Glad it is working well for you! Thanks!
Thanks Mr Judd,
As a subscriber i am happy with your content, keep it up.
Thanks, will do!
Thank you so much, this is exactly what I've been looking for!
👍
Thanks Curtis, good video - as usual!
Thanks John!
Great review, as is always the standard with Curtis. And I took the last bit of advice very seriously. I've just moved up to a Zoom H5 from my old Zoom H4n. Fully worth it.
Glad it worked out for you! Happy recording!
This is a great video and super helpful. Thank you for making it! :)
Thanks!
Very informative and professional review. Thank you!
Thanks Matthew.
Dang Curtis! Helped me out with two videos in one week! Thanks!
The pleasure is all mine!
amazing video!! love the detailed review, thanksss
You are welcome and thanks for the feedback!
absolutely smashing review thank you very much
Thanks Karl!
Very helpful, thanks Curtis.
Thanks Harris.
I have tinnitus making it hard to pick up on high pitch noise. I appreciate the actual measurements and testing you've done.
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate that!
This is so helpful! Thank you!
+Philip Daniels Storr you're welcome!
Excellent vid - thank you
Thank you.
Thanks Curtis! I was looking for a comparison of these two a week ago hehe. :)
You're welcome, I hope this wasn't too late!
Oh no not all, I still have warranty on my. H4n at guitar center , I'll get credit on buy back and get this instead . :) Thank you !
Thanks! I'm sold. Picking this over the H5 since it has the same pre-amps. And I like that with this I can move the built in mics to cover 120 degrees instead of being stuck at 90 on the H5. I honestly think that having rotary knobs to adjust the input level isn't that great of a selling point as most people using this kind of device to record aren't going to be playing with knobs while recording a scene. And even though it has that bar to protect from accidentally turning them, seems like it would still be very possible to accidentally turn them while recording.
Thanks Josh. One note: The inputs on the H4n Pro and H5 are not exactly the same. The H5 can produce substantially more gain (+52dB vs +43dB on the H4n Pro). If you'll be using external microphones with the H4n Pro, you'll just want to make sure they have a good, strong output signal as the amount of gain is probably the H4n Pro's weakest point - albeit slightly better than the original H4n. Best wishes and happy recording!
I am amazed by your videos sound quality. Thank you for the clear explanation. I think I will buy second hand h5.
Thanks and happy recording!
whao...one of the best reviews I have ever seen!
Thanks!
Really useful, thank you; I'm looking to replace my H2 and this helped me better understand the H4n Pro, though I'm now going to go with the H5.
+Bluestonerock that's what I would do, too.
H2 is not available in the market and I really need one.
great in-depth comparison
+Will Chorski thanks!
Noticeable ambient hiss with H4n than the H4n Pro too :) Thank you for this!
👍
Just made my decision. What a concise, helpful review. Thanks. Just subscribed also.
👍Happy recording!
Can't wait to see the video
Very Comprehensive! Great. dear Curtis.
👍
Excellent review. I gave my H4n to a friend a while ago and moved up to a TASCAM DR-100 mkII for a more semi-pro hand held recorder. I think the TASCAMS are superior to the Zoom units but I have to give Zoom credit on this improved H4n model.
Yes, their latest generation of recorders are quite good.
Awesome as always
Thanks Levi!
Thank you Curtis for your timely review of the Zoom H4n Pro. You confirmed for me what I was thinking when I first saw this recorder. Save up another $50.00 and get the H5 instead. That Rocker level control bothers me too. No quick precision with that kind of control. But if you have plenty of time to get everything staged before hand, maybe not so much an issue. Value is amazing at about $220.00 street. I still haven't landed on which direction I want to go. The Tascam DR-701 with HDMI sync is not compatible with my Nikon D5500, so the Zooms, and the Tascam DR-70 are in the running. As much as I want a Sound Devices, it just is too much of a stretch for me money wise. I could buy mics, a cage, and more with that money I spend on the Sound Devices. As always, I look forward to your reviews. They are easy to follow, and no nonsense, and always have the valuable data I need. Please keep up the great work. Loyal Subscriber for the long term. I have already dropped some other so called photo or video subs because I get what I need here.
Thanks Vincent! Your feedback is most appreciated! Best wishes on finding the right recorder for your projects!
Super happy with the H4N which I got about 8 years ago. No need for filming, just home audio recording. But if someone was buying now, probably best to spend the few extra bucks. I do prefer the display on the pro over H4n amber, however.
I agree. Thanks for that!
Thank you! I do like the knobs of h5,6. I actually also like the form factor of xlrs going out sideways h6 if I Wer to shoulder mount it as well. Hmmm
The H6 is a solid choice. I borrowed one from B&H for about a month and found it to work really well except that the screen was tough to see when shooting outdoors.
thanks for the response! went to guitar center today. impressed with the h5 and the knob protector made it feel solid and refined (felt super good in the hand). the h6 is interesting tho...if i want to record 6 xlr inputs...and do that sort of thing :D
Tank you very much ... Great Test! i will buy the H4N Pro :)
You're welcome and best wishes!
Great job, thx. I have the H4n & love it. If it breaks, Pro I'll go.
👍
Having watched a whole load of videos about microphones, recorders, etc. for film, and recently wanting to up my audio game, I would like to make a comment.A lot of the review videos I have watched for said microphones and recorders, have terrible audio in them! So how can these guys review these things if they can’t even get their own audio right. This is the first video where I have said, ah-ha! This guy knows what audio is. Thank you so much for the informative video, I think I’ll be getting the H4n pro.
Thanks Timothy. Happy recording!
Good info for a new user! thanks
👍 you bet!
Thank for the video, very interessting.
You're welcome!
Once again, another great review! I have one question, are the zoom H1 pre-amps the same as the H4N or somewhere in between the H4N and the H4N pro?
I suspect that the amplifier circuitry for the 3.5mm inputs is separate from the XLR inputs so they're not the same. I'll have to do a separate test of the 3.5mm inputs.
I wish I had known about the H5... but def happy I invested in the H4 Pro.
👍
Thank you again. I've done some addt research. Apparently you can plug into the mini jack on back up near the mics and run 2 separate signals in and process them individually in post. That would give you 4 independent tracks. I'm going to purchase the h4n pro with this in mind. Thx AC
Thanks and good luck!
the original has the same functionality.
great job, subscribed.
Thanks!
thanks for this video!
+Gennadi Wedel you are welcome!
Great video man!
Which audio interface or field recorder would you recommend in the same price bracket of H4N Pro (which would provide even cleaner and silent signal to phantom mics)? It doesn't matter if its field recorder or Audio interface. I just want cleaner signal. And, I'm about to make a purchase. So really thanks for putting this video. This helped a lot!
H4n Pro, Tascam DR-60DmkII are very similar in terms of preamplifier self noise. They sound slightly different with the Zoom imparting a little more low-end (though not by a lot). Focusrite also makes some nice audio interfaces and the 2nd generation Scarlett series just came out a few months ago. Great option if you prefer an audio interface: amzn.to/2bfzd0r
Hi Curtis. Great review. When, if ever, would you use the built in mic to record your sound? I just got mine with that use in mind, but all the vids I see speak about a connecting a shot gun or lav mic. So is it wrong to use the built in mics?
Great Video!
Thanks!
Brilliant, thanks.
Thanks
Thankyou so much
You're most welcome!
Hi, great video! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together!! Do you know if there is a remote mic adapter for the H4? Something I could plug into the "2" input that would connect to a remote mic placed elsewhere in the same room? Thanks, keep up the great vids!
Great video as always. I keep finding your videos on my search for a recorder, and tips/tricks. Subscribed.
Curious what your opinion/recommendation is on the H4N Pro vs the H6? Will be using mainly to record motorcycle engine/exhaust noise. And occasionally voice overs for Repair videos.
Much appreciated, thank you 🙏
Thanks. I’m not an expert on recording engines, but I’d probably opt for the H6.
Mr. Judd, thanks for the informative video review. I'm not a fan of your "Hey Guys" introduction. To me, that's just too much of an "amateur" approach intro to videos. However, your review was very well presented. I'm somewhat hard of hearing and my ears are not attuned to the silent recording segments as yours, so I'm not able to distinguish silence in audio recordings too well.
I appreciate the comparison between the original h4n and the h4n-pro review in this video. You answered a lot of questions I have about my h4n. I knew most of the features already, but your review helped solidify that bit of knowledge and was an excellent refresher for me. I've not been using my recorder and it lay around pretty much ignored for sometime. My need to record and capture audio has resurfaced so it was important for me to defamiliarize myself with my h4n digital recording device.
Mr. Mark Hunter was correct in his observation about your audio being slightly out of sync. It is more than slight, and is a moderate synching issue. There is a visible delay between the video and you speaking. It isn't so noticeable when you aren't on camera and is not much of a concern. But when you are on camera, the delay between your voice and the video footage is obvious and a bit of a distraction.
If I am doing dialog, or monologue recordings, I like to sync them up by using a good old tried and true "Clapper Board," to create a loud noise between the onboard mic of a video camera and my external audio recorder. I've still not seen anything that works nearly as well, nor as effectively to synchronize external audio sources with video footage.
Still, aside from the amateur "Hey Guys" intro and the slightly out of sync audio, it's an excellent and very informative video. Thank you for that and peace to you.
Thanks for the feedback. If only I had a time machine and could go back to fix the issues, I certainly would. Best of wishes on your recordings.
Great video. Does the H4n Pro or H5 have dual recording like the Tascam DR-40?
I thought I was going crazy...love the review btw but without any sort of ambience in the background my head was hurting for some reason.
Sorry about that!
no worries dude. keep up the good work!
Fantastic!
Thanks!
Hey, Curtis. Thanks so much for this high quality review. Always enjoy your content. Question: Can I record the audio using an XLR mic to both my DSLR and the Zoom H4n Pro simultaneously so I have audio on both my media card for my camera and the Zoom? Also, I have a LUMIX G7 and want to monitor the audio with headphones. Can I use a line splitter so I can run audio to the camera from the Zoom and to headphones? Any insight and expertise would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, Yes, you can run the audio out of the zoom to camera. You'll need to experiment with your particular camera as that sometimes requires a special attenuation cable like this: bhpho.to/2m90KTL You'll want to test without the special cable first just to confirm (this is not something I have done personally). Yes, you could also use a splitter to monitor. There is a risk that will degrade the audio signal going to the camera so it is a tradeoff. For the scenario you outline, the Tascam DR-60DmkII may be a better option as it does not require the attenuation cable and has a separate headphone jack. I reviewed that over here: ua-cam.com/video/TRoIMPHS91U/v-deo.html
Thanks, Curtis. I will give it a shot.
The sound quality in this windy outdoor recording is too good
Yes, I used a Rycote Cyclone wind cover which makes it sound like a studio recording. For a narrative piece, I would also record some wind as a backing track to make it more realistic. The reason to use the wind cover is to prevent the wind from blowing across the microphone capsule and distorting the sound.
Do you have a link or model for the cyclone? I just did a quick search and what popped up was +$500! Twice as much as the mic! Is that what you are using? If so, are there any other lower cost alternatives you might recommend for the Rode NTG2? Thanks!
Hi Jimmy, There are, of course, less expensive options but they are not as effective. Could still perhaps do the job in wind that is not as extreme: amzn.to/2gOfUfR
RODE also makes a blimp style cover that is priced at $299: bhpho.to/2z46Rym
Thank you Curtis!
I love having the zoomh4 and zoomh6. I can't actually hear any difference in recording. Maybe if I try to play close attention or do a side by side comparison. Zoom recorders opened up a whole new world in video making for me!
👍
this is a great vid just what I wanted to know I'm goin for the h5 n about a week
Thanks and I hope the H5 works out well for you!
me too I'm a musician (gonna be doing live looping ect...) I'm hoping it works out. BTW your channel rocks very nice in depth reviews, very nice quality. I SUBBED and THANKS
I just recently got the H4N Pro. I'll be using it for basic walk around to feed into my DSLR. Thinking about Sennheiser MKE 600 for a shotgun mic and something else.
The MKE 600 will work nicely with the H4n Pro. I see that B&H has a special bundle right now that includes the Izotope Plugin Pack which is normally priced at $129 and includes the best noise reduction plugin I've used. I also use the de-click plugin quite a lot to manage mouth clicks and lip smacks, etc. Way better than the corresponding tools in Adobe Audition. Also a shock mount and a couple of cables. Worth a look: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/878340-REG/Sennheiser_MKE_600_Shotgun.html/BI/19904/KBID/12941/kw/SEMKE600/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSEMKE600
Thank you! .. before watching it :)
Haha! You might change your mind after. ;-)
+Curtis Judd you don't know how much this video was beneficial for me.
Great review mate - so the H5 pre-amps would work fine with the rode NTG-2?
+vanzetti7 thanks, yes, good combination!
I love the review and I'm actually sold on the H4n pro. The only question is, will it be useful for what I am gonna use it for? On my channel you can see that I put out fullset live videos of hardcore/punk bands here in the Philippines. And I only use GoPro Hero 4 for everything, I will be changing cameras too (Canon 80D) but Is the H4n the right recorder for me? Thanks.
Thanks for the review ! But still curious , which one would be better overall h4n pro or h5 ? Thanks !
+Konstantin_one personal preference. My preference is the H5.
Hey Curtis, great rewiev, can you tell me please, if there is difference quality from the jack line in vs xlr line in?
Hi Curtis, thanks for making these great videos! Slightly off topic but may I know what was your set-up for this video when you recorded the narration outdoors? Because the audio quality is simply so clean! Did you also process your audio and clean it up further in post too?
Hi yes, I boomed the RODE NTG2 microphone just above me out of the frame with a Rycote Cyclone wind cover and a boom pole mounted to a century stand. Then in post, I just normalized the levels. No EQ or noise reduction processing applied.
Thank you! Now I'm more confident heading into the field!
Thanks for the video. What basic settings do you recommend for the H4N Pro for recording outdoor sounds such as car horns, buses passing by, etc..? I recorded with the H4N Pro last weekend and there was a humming sound. I not sure if it was the wind? the audio was unusable. I will subscribe to your channel. Your videos are great.
Hi Ron, I would set the input level so that the sounds take the meter no higher than -12dB. Also, if you're working outdoors, you will need some wind protection for the mic. Ideally, you'll want a blimp cover. If not, a Rycote Softie may help in light winds: amzn.to/2vNyWZU
Awesome review! Thanks! My H4n started to get a short in the right channel and I wanted to update to the H4n. But off topic: how did you achieve that shot of you filming yourself as a silhouette? Thanks in advance!
Thanks. Here is a lighting tutorial on how to do the silhouette lighting: ua-cam.com/video/a1F-7f-IryY/v-deo.html
@@curtisjudd thanks Curtis!
thanks for information
you're welcome!
Outstanding videos to learn about audiorecording, thanks a lot! Does it make sense to use the H4n Pro with the Audiotechnica 4053b?
+Fidele Hurgler sure, worked nicely together in my tests.
hello Curtis, do you think the zoom h4n pro can be used greatly with the rode ntg4 using phantom power?
THANKS!
You're welcome!
Do you have suggestions for equipment to record conversations between two people, interviewer & interviewee, in the field? I'm thinking a Zoom recorder with two lavalier microphones. Must be compact for travel and work in variety of conditions, indoors and out.
Sit-down interviews that are longer or the type where you walk up to someone and quickly interview them? If you go with two lavalier mics, you might find an audio adapter to be a better option because many of them have two 3.5mm mic inputs whereas most recorders, including the Zoom H series recorders only have one 3.5mm input. There aren't as many XLR based lavalier mics on the market.
If the interview will be more like a newscast, a dynamic reporter's mic might be a better option. Let me know which direction you're headed and we can get some recommendations together for you.
Most often, it will involve short sit-downs but not in a studio setting, maybe in offices or relatively quiet public spaces. Other times, it might involve talking with someone in his/her work place with a bit of movement and ambient noise. Pinning a lavalier on someone seems to allow them to behave more naturally than when they have to worry about microphone positioning and are always aware of being recorded.
As always... professional review. Thank you. But what about the connection of a lavalier microphone (without phantom batteries) at the H4n Pro?
There is a 3.5mm mic input on the back you can use
Great video. So I've got a question for you. I want to record a podcast of my friend and I in a car. I was thinking the stereo mic would be enough to pick us both up if it's in the middle but maybe it won't be. What do you think? Also, one option would be to hook up an external shotgun into one of the XLR inputs. Is it possible to record like that (3 channels) and would it sound strange to have one of us in Mono?
I assume you're recording with an H4n? If so, I'd just start with the in-built microphones. Simpler often ends up being the better solution.
I'm surprised they didn't switch out the gain buttons for an actual dial. That was the single biggest thing that put me off the original H4n and went for the DR-100 instead (the original one - the MkII was still a couple of years away).
The other reason that when I tested them out side by side, the preamps didn't sound as good in the H4n (but now I know why - I was testing with an NTG1).
The H4n Pro looks like a nice improvement, but those gain buttons still put me off.
I agree. I suspect that the H4n has so much market recognition that this was a way for Zoom to update it with their more recent preamps and call it good for those who would have bought an H4n anyway. I'd opt for the H5 for that input dial/potentiometer for sure.
The H4n/pro is better IF you want overdubbing, (and FX getting recorded). The FX are ok but crippled by being recordable only, you can't apply them after recording. But the H4n is still the best, and about only one that starts to resemble a '4-tract' style for recording along with playback, overdubs etc. (not a typical video use) I tried Tascam's. Didn't do that. And the H5 and H6 don't do that. Idk if they have limiters, that can be a good thing if you can set it right to just have your back in emergency but not be working all them time. It depends on what you are trying to do. Nowhere near as good as an actual 4-track, but for the size (and mounting) and price, I'd rather have it than an actual 4-track. I don't really find the mic level adjustment a problem, don't find myself craving dials. But I do wish it took other mic capsules like those do.
Is the audio slightly out of sync? Helpful video though, thanks.
It is embarrassingly out of sync by quite a lot. My mistake. 😀
@@curtisjudd Zoom H4s are known for internal clock sync troubles, though.
@@AngstBro This was my fault in this case. The clock sync challenges will be an issue in long takes. Generally things longer than 30 minutes.
@@curtisjudd Why is this an issue? I was fixing to purchase the H4N pro for very long car interviews with multiple people at once and now you have me worried! Should I avoid it?
@@AngstBro Have you had issues with it yourself?
Nice review Curtis. Heve you compared the dynamic range of this new H4n Pro to the Tascam DR100 MKII that is still available at a reduced price?
Hi Alberto, I sold off my DR-100mkII a couple of years ago. I can tell you from memory that its preamps were rather noisy by today's standards so I would definitely expect better noise performance from the new H4n Pro.
What input/volume would you suggest for using the h4n to plug into a camera? (I use a Sony HDR-AS20 that has plugin power)
Not having to sync my audio in post sounds absolutely lovely.
I would set the camera's mic input level to one step above off and then adjust the Tascam's output level until the audio peaks just hit -12dB. If the audio meters on the camera don't show that level of detail, you'll need to experiment and get to know the camera's meters until you know where you want the peaks, usually just into the yellow zone (if they have that) or perhaps two notches from the top, etc. I hope that helps!
I was the Basic Filmmakers review of your audio course. I didn't know you had a course. How has it been doing?
Doing great, thanks! We're having a great time with it and have a post processing course coming in the next week.
very cool!!!!
Hi! This question might be premature because I just got my H4n pro and I'm still watching you guys explain it, lol. You've saved me a trip to Guitar Center, for sure. Basically, I was content recording myself playing harmonica, using jam tracks on UA-cam, with my Canon digital camera/recorder. (Check out my practice videos on UA-cam, if you like) I find that I am more comfortable watching myself play than I ever was watching myself working out. The sound is plenty good for soloing, but I find that if I record myself playing along with a CD or record, the camera equalizes the sound, so that I wind up playing over the singer. How can I get a good mix with the H4n Pro?
Great one, Curtis! I know this is old and I apparently saw it cause it shows that I had already given the vid a thumbs up but I came back to try and answer another question. The output from the line out to DSLR. Typically, famously, with the H4n, you needed a cable that attenuated the line level. A whole cottage industry was born with people making these cables lol. So I'm wondering, does the H4n Pro have an attenuation setting in it's menu to deal with this? They definitely market it now as being able to plug into a DSLR but I'm wondering what changed? I think in some cases, DSLR's changed too and that some now even detect if they are getting line or mic level inputs but that might not be correct. I couldn't track down a specific answer via the manual so I'm wondering if you noticed anything in the menu. Thanks! I'm definitely going to have to get one of these in for review. I was scarred enough from the H4n that I didn't give this one much of a look plus we already had the H5 so it was a little bit of a weird release. But I can see some value in it, mostly its price point.
Hey Ray, I'm sorry to report that I didn't specifically test that before I had to return it to B&H who lent it to me for the review. I should have thought of that since many people use it that way. Apologies for that. :/
Thanks, it sounds like that it's not any issue but I'm surprised there isn't more info due to the history of it. Guess it's a good excuse for getting in a test unit for myself. Thanks, Curtis.
Perfect excuse for another boring video test! Can't wait to see it! ;-)
Hey Curtis, great video. Have seen a bunch of your videos, however this will be my first question.
I have previously use the Juicelink RA333 because I can have one XLR input, and split the line into 2. And the 2nd records at a -12dB lower as backup. In case of clipping. I understand I can use an XLR splitter and record different levels. However, does the H4n Pro have the ability to split the input and record at a different level? If so, would love a quick video on that. Thanks again for your content.
Hi Jun Tang, unfortunately it does not have that feature as far as I am aware. One thing you could do is feed the audio to your camera and record at a lower level on the recorder, a hotter level in camera. That way you have the option in post. Good luck!
Hi there. Thanks for your videos first of all. Now, can the H4n record from external and internal mics at the same time?
Yes, it can. Thanks.
@Curtis Judd I've watched 2 of your videos, great videos! I want to record my drums, I'm not that deep into filmmaking (yet). But I subscribed, your content is great and the review is on point not too much blah blah around it. At the end you talk about the H5 and the gain knobs, now my question is can I adjust the gain knobs to exactly the same levels on mic input 1 and 2? Because they are independendly I might have a problem with recording with the exact same levels once I adjust one gain knob. SO the H4 has the side buttons but they allow to perfectly put any number between 1 and 100 I think, with the gain knobs that's not possible, or am I wrong? I used the h4 and I have doubts about the h5 because I need reproducable settings for the 2 external mics....Thank you! :)
Hi Swizzy, thanks for the question. The H5's preamps can supply a bit more gain which is the main reason I suggest it over the H4n Pro. But if getting the levels gained up exactly the same, the H4n does have that advantage.
@@curtisjudd Zoom writes they have the same preamps in the h4pro as the h5 and h6 so I really wonder why the gain is so much different... Although playing drums is so loud on the h4 i had to set 'mic level' to 25 which is very low + external mics also set that low and -10dB. As far as my understanding goes, gain is needed to adjust the input level/volume of the mic. When weak signals need to be recorded there's the need of more gain, right? My case is the exact opposite. I guess I'll just go with the h4 pro :D thank you for your input!
important question if the zoom pro rans out of battery while recording does the audio files still gets corrupted.
Hi Curtis, I have been following you for quite a while and really enjoy they way you present. So a couple of questions for you: I had the H4n and had to have the on/off switch replaced on two occasions which cost $60 each time, which was very bad. Also the battery cover attaching points broke as well, so quite disappointing. Do you know if the new pro version has upgraded the switch and battery cover?
Hi David, It appears to me that there has been no change to the power switch or the battery cover, unfortunately. Thanks!
Thanks Curtis, That's what I thought by watching these reviews. For a bit of background; I was teaching video productions at Stamford Uni in Bkk and both of their units did not last very long before the on/off switches and battery covers broke and it's quiet disappointing that such a well know audio recorder, is let down by poorly designed important parts. I am considering buying the H5, but I think it also uses the same power on switch. However, thanks so much for all your very helpful videos.
Thanks David. Yes, these handy recorders aren't the most robust for rough and tumble filmmaking, probably better suited to lighter weight jobs. The Zoom F4/F8 or Sound Devices MixPre are more expensive but both far more robust in terms of build.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC VIDEO...YOU ROCK !...THIS IS EXTREMELY EASY TO FOLLOW....AND I AM A VERY SLOW "UNDERSTANDER" ...THANKS VERY MUCH. FOR A BEGINNER, IS THIS THE BEST ENTRY PRODUCT FOR RECORDING TRACKS AND THEN OVERDUBBING AND MIXING ?? I KNOW ALMOST NOTHING RE THIS PROCEDURE.
Hi Granddaddy, Yes, I'd consider it a good entry level recorder for overdubbing. Happy recording!
Holla
Thanks for this great video
Btw i have question
Can i plug condenser mic or something like that to this device so i can plug it to pc (like phantom pro jobs) ?
Hi, yes, you can plug XLR based condenser microphones into the H4n and connect the H4n to your computer via USB to use it as an audio interface. And yes, it will supply phantom power to the microphone.
Great video! When you recorded the audio from the Zoom H4n Pro did you modify the audio in post to get rid of hissing noises? Or Is this how the audio sounds directly from the H4n Pro?
Hi Ian, I did not apply any noise reduction so you’re hearing it without any cleanup. Note that some microphones will still produce some self noise as we discussed so I’d steer clear of mics like the RODE NTG2 just to save yourself that hiss.
@@curtisjudd Yikes! I just bought the RODE NTG4+. Which mic do you recommend I use for film? Thanks you!
@@IanLewis10 Well, give it a try and see how it goes. 😀
Thanks for the review ! In your opinion how does the preamps of the H4n pro compare to the H5 and H6 ?
Thanks, the H4n Pro's preamps sound the same as the H5 and H6 to my ears.
Hello Curtis! thank you for your review; very usefull, i have a bit of a question; i need something to record live sessions of music that will vary from swing jazz , ballad, latin... up to rock, funk and alike, do you recomend this mike for that kind of recording? thank you again Curtis Judd!
+Enrique Gago yes, the H4n Pro is a good option. If you plan to bet a feed from soundboards, there are better options. Good luck!