Customer Ratings & Reviews

Good sound, nice size, pretty reliable. The biggest problem that is still kind of a deal-breaker is how long it takes to power on and boot up, sometimes as long as 20 seconds. When field recording you'll find that you need to start recording as soon as you hear something, which is similar to field photography when you need your camera to be ready to take a picture as soon as you see something. The workaround is to simply leave this thing powered on as you scout for sounds.

Some quick background: I bought my first 4-track recorder in 1989 or 1990, back when it went onto cassette tapes. That was a Tascam Portastudio, with pan and tone dials and sliders for mixing. Since then, I have recorded with an A/D converter into Cubase (early 90s), through a 32-track mixing board onto digital audio tape (mid 90s), and more recently, with a laptop and A/D converter in a few different DAW applications. I have also used several scoring applications, some of which supported audio file imports and VSTs. Finally, I have been a software developer for more than 20 years, doing mostly web applications and some mobile applications. I bring all of this this up because I want to make clear that I'm at least experienced with recording and digital devices, so take this review with that in mind. In short, I find the Zoom H4N to be a great scratchpad, but I certainly would not want to use it for serious recording. As far as recording goes, both the stereo option and what they call 4-channel (meaning two stereo microphones) are a snap to use. Hit one button to get input levels, hit that button again to start recording. There is a neat mark feature as well that lets you put a...er...mark when you want to note another take, another song, etc. These are useful down the road if you want to split the file into separate tracks from the marks. Multitrack recording does not fare as well as the above options. The user interface has actually changed - now you don't hit the same button to record. You also have to set the recording mode purposely, either to record over what you just recorded or to punch in. Both of these together make the H4N feel a little wonky after using other methods (especially tape). It works, but I found myself expecting the H4N to work like it does in the other two recording options and was frustrated a couple of times. The H4N can do a bunch of other things, including the above mentioned split tracks on marks, convert files to MP3, set up file type and bitrate, record automatically, store files in different folders, act as an A/D input to a computer, etc. Frankly, the device is really very cool and I've messed with many bits in it just to see them work. The issue is that everything is hidden behind many layers of menu. It just feels extremely clunky. There is no doubt that the H4N is capable, but you're going to have to work for it. The user interface could use some serious revamping. In a world of cell phones, going back to a clickable scroll wheel reminded me of my first cell phone from 1997, which was not a pleasant reminder. Overall, I like this little device, because I can just hit one button and capture a thought (musically, I mean - it is a little heavy to use for audio note-taking). The recording quality even with the microphones on top is actually really good. I've been surprised as the ability to capture the tone of both a guitar and a harp. That said, there is no chance that I would consider using the H4N to do a real recording. Multitrack is not smooth enough. I have not tried using the H4N as an A/D input to a DAW. That might work well enough, although A/D converters are so inexpensive these days that I can't imagine spending the time to hook this up when I could get a dedicated A/D converter to stay hooked up all the time. Final thoughts: The H4N is a decent device. If you're looking to do some nice recording out in the field, it works pretty well. However, Zoom makes a smaller recorder called the H1N, which can do much of what this device can do, with the exception of multitrack recording. But given how clunky multitrack works, I might recommend the H1N instead. If I wanted to exceed the capability of the H1N, I would probably move to a dedicated DAW.

So I purchased this sound recorder to upgrade my video and podcast prodcast quality. But as it turns out I already had the H2N zoom recorder which has the best omnidirectional microphone for recording table meetings. The two microphones on top of the H4N have a 90 or 120 degree angle and are quite good but the recorder is better utilize with an external mic such as lavalier mics or a boom set up with something like the rode Htn-3 condenser mic. This device drinks batteries and does not come with an adapter so be warned that recording times with 2 AA battery use are about an hour and a half before it dies. Also keep in mind the record button has to be pushed twice. Once for stand by mode to listen to what is being recorded and a second time for live recording.

Amazing amount of features and sound quality, especially for the price point. Not highly intuitive for some of the more advanced features, but overall user-friendly.

I was very impressed on the crystal clear quality the Zoom - H4n Pro Handy Recorder. I even used a cheapo ratty microphone with it and the quality of the audio was phenomenal. The built in mics are so sensitive and can pick up a mouse passing wind in the next room. The first night that I had it, i decided to play around with the device, i plugged in some headphones and was testing the built in mics and somewhere in my neighborhood there was gunfire and the sound that came through the headphones was so loud i jumped out of my seat. This is a great audio recorder, and it is advised to use these in a soundproofed room (or something equivalent) due to the sensitivity of the device. It also has the ability to record four tracks of audio into a single recording, as well as be able to plug in multiple devices (guitar, mics, keyboards, ect) to different channels. The thing even has a tripod thread so you can mount it to a tripod. So glad i purchased this. Def recommend

I like this recorder. but the only issue I have with it was that I use the max 32 GB sd card and it always takes forever to boot. it works well . also it's a three input device. one stereo and two mono. inbuilt stereo counts as 2 of the four channel advertised.

Great quality build and great sound. My only complaint is that it's the buttons and scroll wheel make things a little difficult to navigate. Other than that, it's great. I do recommend you buy the power adapter. This thing goes through batteries pretty quickly.

If you are in video production this is a must have , the BEST in backing up your audio or using it for main time line .. love it . . best investment made this year !!!!!

Best recorder out there. I film weddings and audio can make or break your film. The h4n is a vital part of my kit. It is so versatile with tapping into a soundboard, using as a stand-alone or plugging into your camera. Cant recommend this product enough.

This unit is great for capturing sound from multiple sources. I have used it as a stand alone recorder and system unit to capture sound for projects. I produce online video content for clients and this thing works out awesome. BIG POINT! This unit boots up slow and interacting with the menu is slow. It is not unbearable, it just put me to where tech was 8 years ago. With apps opening instantly and feeds constantly updated, you have to remember to be mindful in turning the H4n on before you need and spend the time dialing in your settings. Do not rush, BE METHODICAL!

for the price point, it is very impressive. I don't like that it doesnt have knobs for for the mixing, but thats not such a big deal.

I thought it would actually do four real tracks or input bit the I built stereo Mic counts as two already. Also mine take almost 2minutes to boot with a 32Gb SD card installed.

The product offers many options, provides high quality audio and is easy to use. It was a little intimidating at first as I am new to this type of technology so I watched a few online videos and was able to start using it within minutes! Please be sure to purchase an SD card with lots of storage space.

The great Zoom-R4N PRO Handy Recorder made my day when I got it.

Great backup audio recorder. Split it off of my mixer to record backup audio. Works perfectly. Ordered a power adapter to save on batteries and it has been great

I'm using this to record my voice on YouTube videos, the quality is phenomenal and it's extremely easy to use. The unit is light weight, uses a single SD card, and 2 AA batteries. I'm very pleased with the device.

Great professional quality recorder At a good price. Easy to use, great sound quality! I am using this recorder with a Senneheiser shotgun mike and quality of sound is superb.

I recorded a live performance of a group playing in my back yard. Good sound! Easy to set up and use.

I had my Tascam DR-60D stolen prior to this purchase. I should have gone with this recorder first. Much more portable and discreet. Recording quality is superior and easy to use!

I travel around the world teaching non-readers through Bible stories. Our methodology is primarily group discussion. This device is amazingly simple to use & does an incredible job.