Post by vikingblues on Jun 21, 2015 21:21:37 GMT
I've got myself a new portable / pocket recorder in the Zoom H4n.
I got a Yamaha Pocketrak PR7 early last year but I've found it a bit fiddly to operate, it's overdubbing facility too inflexible for editing, and its lack of external mic inputs meaning having to rely on internal mics that are significantly lower standard than my condenser mics.
Result - fallen into disuse.
I've had this Zoom recorder for less than a week, so I've only just begun to explore its possibilities. But I'd like to start a review now and update it as I progress and maybe get advice to help me over various hurdles. I know some members of the forum have Zoom recorders of this general type and I certainly know that Dave White has an H4n that is used to excellent effect in his recordings.
First impressions of the unit out of the box were very favourable. Compared to my Yamaha Pocketrak PR7 the Zoom is about 2.5 times the size (h x w x d) and feels more solid, a feeling verified by the fact it weighs 4 times the PR7. Screen size is 2.5 times the size which is very welcome for my less than 20/20 vision (and my need for separate reading glasses that's not yet fulfilled). The material used for the body of the Zoom has a finish that is quite grippy - much preferable to the slippery feeling smooth shiny plastic on so many devices.
The manual runs to 150 pages or so - all in English - rather more comprehensive than the Yamahas 26 pages! Of course this also reflects the extra functions and complexities of the Zoom - some of which I view with trepidation. I've had a few cases of brain shut-down already trying to take in some of the more advanced functions.
The accessories are .... errrmm .... on the skimpy side.
a) 2 AA batteries
b) 1 plastic storage box
c) ... that's it.
At the price point I have to admit that's fair. The deal from Gear4Music included a PSU and 8Gb card thrown in for £184+delivery. Considering a Pocketrak PR7 comes in at just under £100 the Zoom is excellent value for money on the basis of what I've seen and heard so far.
Why did I choose the Zoom H4n? It has 2 xlr inputs for external microphones (vital), can record onto 4 tracks using both internal mics and external mics at the same time and also has the functions of a 4 track multi track recorder (vital). I hear you ask why not the Zoom H5 which also has these features and has reportedly better pre-amps? Partly cost, and partly because I perversely preferred the sound of audio files in comparative demos from the H4n v the H5 - I felt the H5 had too much lower register sound in the balance for my tastes.
First test was using the internal mics and 2 external mics together. Once I'd checked out how to change the recording mode! There is Stereo mode, 4 channel mode and multi-track mode. I was interested in 4 channel as if it works I could see it giving flexibility in recording techniques. I was rather pleased with the sounds this produced. I did find that this mode produces two stereo tracks though, whereas I'd somehow thought it would be 4 separate tracks. I think it's possible to split these sort of stereo tracks with software into two mono tracks each but I've not looked into it fully. That would be useful as it would mean being able to vary the influence of either of the two external mics (an Avantone and an AKG) on the finished sound.
I then tested out the transfer of files to the PC. Thankfully it was straightforward. I realised at this point I was finding the menu button and combined scroll wheel / selector button of the Zoom easier to use and more intuitive than the PR7s menu system and buttons / arrow keys.
Next test was the internal mics on their own. Again I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality. Though they are rather sensitive to more distant noise in a way that my condenser microphones aren't - and picking up noises like the player drawing in breath. This was something I also noticed with the PR7s mics. The Zoom mics are certainly better quality than the PR7 though.
I then did a couple of tests over a couple of days using the external mics only. I have to commend the Zoom on the quality of the end result.
Then I did a test recording in stereo mode with internal mics, then switching the selector to internal mics to try and compare the qualities of the two "pairs" and evaluate the overall quality of the Zooms own mics. I would say with a wav file and quality speakers or headphones there was a distinct difference. More body and depth to the sound from the external condenser mics. But on mp3 format through the PC speakers the difference was much less noticeable. In any event the sound from the Zooms own mics in whatever format and however played back IS good.
I managed ato complete a quick test in multi track mode - just two tracks. Much more satisfying system than the PR7 overdubbing idea and reasonably straightforward. This finished my weeks tests so I could get back to playing music for a couple of days at least.
BUT - I have not looked at things like EQ settings, fx, file splitting, editing, using markers, etc. I also want to explore taking advantage of the portability of the recorder to record in different types of room / location acoustics.
One thing I do want to look at but with which I am so far baffled by is how to transfer a sound file from the PC to the Zoom to use in a multi-track setting as a backing track. I can't see a good description of this in the manual and what i have seen on on-line forums has just confused me. There would appear to be the right tricks to use for file types and settings, and appropriate file descriptions and correct locations.
I was not totally surprised by how much I was impressed by the sound quality of the recordings by the Zoom. I'd heard a fair number of recordings with H4ns, in particular by Dave of his instruments and I knew the recording quality should be good from what I'd heard there. Now if only the quality of my playing matched his too!!!!
Putting my music where my mouth is - this is the Zooms own mics and the Lowden (capo 3rd fret) playing one of Rob MacKillops arrangements of 17th century Scots lute tunes. Hopefully it's possible from this to see why I'm happy with the Zoom so far.
Shoes Good and Rare in All - Zoom H4n Test Int Mics
Hopefully this is the start of a fruitful exercise.
Mark
I got a Yamaha Pocketrak PR7 early last year but I've found it a bit fiddly to operate, it's overdubbing facility too inflexible for editing, and its lack of external mic inputs meaning having to rely on internal mics that are significantly lower standard than my condenser mics.
Result - fallen into disuse.I've had this Zoom recorder for less than a week, so I've only just begun to explore its possibilities. But I'd like to start a review now and update it as I progress and maybe get advice to help me over various hurdles. I know some members of the forum have Zoom recorders of this general type and I certainly know that Dave White has an H4n that is used to excellent effect in his recordings.
First impressions of the unit out of the box were very favourable. Compared to my Yamaha Pocketrak PR7 the Zoom is about 2.5 times the size (h x w x d) and feels more solid, a feeling verified by the fact it weighs 4 times the PR7. Screen size is 2.5 times the size which is very welcome for my less than 20/20 vision (and my need for separate reading glasses that's not yet fulfilled). The material used for the body of the Zoom has a finish that is quite grippy - much preferable to the slippery feeling smooth shiny plastic on so many devices.
The manual runs to 150 pages or so - all in English - rather more comprehensive than the Yamahas 26 pages! Of course this also reflects the extra functions and complexities of the Zoom - some of which I view with trepidation. I've had a few cases of brain shut-down already trying to take in some of the more advanced functions.
The accessories are .... errrmm .... on the skimpy side.
a) 2 AA batteries
b) 1 plastic storage box
c) ... that's it.
At the price point I have to admit that's fair. The deal from Gear4Music included a PSU and 8Gb card thrown in for £184+delivery. Considering a Pocketrak PR7 comes in at just under £100 the Zoom is excellent value for money on the basis of what I've seen and heard so far.
Why did I choose the Zoom H4n? It has 2 xlr inputs for external microphones (vital), can record onto 4 tracks using both internal mics and external mics at the same time and also has the functions of a 4 track multi track recorder (vital). I hear you ask why not the Zoom H5 which also has these features and has reportedly better pre-amps? Partly cost, and partly because I perversely preferred the sound of audio files in comparative demos from the H4n v the H5 - I felt the H5 had too much lower register sound in the balance for my tastes.
First test was using the internal mics and 2 external mics together. Once I'd checked out how to change the recording mode! There is Stereo mode, 4 channel mode and multi-track mode. I was interested in 4 channel as if it works I could see it giving flexibility in recording techniques. I was rather pleased with the sounds this produced. I did find that this mode produces two stereo tracks though, whereas I'd somehow thought it would be 4 separate tracks. I think it's possible to split these sort of stereo tracks with software into two mono tracks each but I've not looked into it fully. That would be useful as it would mean being able to vary the influence of either of the two external mics (an Avantone and an AKG) on the finished sound.
I then tested out the transfer of files to the PC. Thankfully it was straightforward. I realised at this point I was finding the menu button and combined scroll wheel / selector button of the Zoom easier to use and more intuitive than the PR7s menu system and buttons / arrow keys.
Next test was the internal mics on their own. Again I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality. Though they are rather sensitive to more distant noise in a way that my condenser microphones aren't - and picking up noises like the player drawing in breath. This was something I also noticed with the PR7s mics. The Zoom mics are certainly better quality than the PR7 though.
I then did a couple of tests over a couple of days using the external mics only. I have to commend the Zoom on the quality of the end result.
Then I did a test recording in stereo mode with internal mics, then switching the selector to internal mics to try and compare the qualities of the two "pairs" and evaluate the overall quality of the Zooms own mics. I would say with a wav file and quality speakers or headphones there was a distinct difference. More body and depth to the sound from the external condenser mics. But on mp3 format through the PC speakers the difference was much less noticeable. In any event the sound from the Zooms own mics in whatever format and however played back IS good.
I managed ato complete a quick test in multi track mode - just two tracks. Much more satisfying system than the PR7 overdubbing idea and reasonably straightforward. This finished my weeks tests so I could get back to playing music for a couple of days at least.
BUT - I have not looked at things like EQ settings, fx, file splitting, editing, using markers, etc. I also want to explore taking advantage of the portability of the recorder to record in different types of room / location acoustics.
One thing I do want to look at but with which I am so far baffled by is how to transfer a sound file from the PC to the Zoom to use in a multi-track setting as a backing track. I can't see a good description of this in the manual and what i have seen on on-line forums has just confused me. There would appear to be the right tricks to use for file types and settings, and appropriate file descriptions and correct locations.
I was not totally surprised by how much I was impressed by the sound quality of the recordings by the Zoom. I'd heard a fair number of recordings with H4ns, in particular by Dave of his instruments and I knew the recording quality should be good from what I'd heard there. Now if only the quality of my playing matched his too!!!!
Putting my music where my mouth is - this is the Zooms own mics and the Lowden (capo 3rd fret) playing one of Rob MacKillops arrangements of 17th century Scots lute tunes. Hopefully it's possible from this to see why I'm happy with the Zoom so far.
Shoes Good and Rare in All - Zoom H4n Test Int MicsHopefully this is the start of a fruitful exercise.
Mark
Ho Hum!
Jo whoever he is.
