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Recording stereo sound with Samson’s Zoom H4
Recording sound intended for a later broadcast online can be tricky and those who tried it know that the cheap little digital recorders sold around $100 just don’t deliver the minimum quality they expect.
Fortunately, you won’t need to break your piggy bank to get your hands on a handy recording device which will make you sound like a real pro.
Samson’s Zoom H4 Handy Recorder delivers awesome sounding results wether you’re recording live performances, podcasts, classes (or workshops), rehearsals or even songwriting sessions. This little device weighing only 6.7 ounces (190 grams) features more recording tools than any other device of its category, on the market.
Looking beyond its fine exterior looks, the built-in studio effects include compression, limiting and mic modeling. Those who need it can use XLR and 1/4-inch inputs for external mics, guitars, bass and keyboards but onboard, you’ll find Zoom’s remarkable microphone, guitar and bass modeling capabilities, reproducing the tone of the most famous mics and amps ever made.
The audio can be recorded as either .wav or .mp3 files and moved to your computer, through USB, for easy editing, mixing and mastering. The H4 comes with Cubase LE (for both PC and Mac) but you can use any other sound editing software which fits your needs. Lets add that the Zoom H4 runs on either two AA batteries or a DC power supply.
That’s a lot of horsepower for such a small form-factor and a complete package, including headphones, a tripod and an 8GB SD Card memory module can be purchased for around $300.
A special note goes out to the bloggers who need to carry out interviews. The H4‘s capabilities are much better than the older H2 and it’s well worth the upgrade. The H4′s stereo sound recording will amaze your end-users who will be under the impression that you’re a real pro, soundwise.
Tags: samson, h4, h2, h4 handy recorder, h4 portable recorder, stereo recorder, quality recorder, high-quality sound recording, mobile sound recording, device to record pro-quality sound, pro-quality sound device, zoom h4, zoom h2, excellent sound quality, professional, mobile field recording
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2 Responses to “Recording stereo sound with Samson’s Zoom H4”
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Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me ‚Äî I want to buy a Zoom H4 but I’m not sure if it’s what I really need.
I want to know if the H4 allows a musician to record a guitar part of a song, play it back and then record another instrument over that original guitar part, thus making it possible to record full songs with me playing every instrument. Is that possible?
That’s an excellent question, Kenny.
Since I don’t use the Zoom H4 for that specific use, I turned to a good friend of mine who has a rock band and uses the H4 to record their live performances and then, create special “live” compilations for their fans.
Your question, however, really has to do with multi-track music composition and not live performances, per se.
My friend tells me that if you record your individual music tracks in a studio-like environment (perhaps your modified basement), the H4 should render your music perfectly or, “perfectly enough” for an “almost studio level” sound.
So, in his opinion and from my own experience, the H4 should be fine for your line of work but keep in mind that Samson offers even more expensive recorders that’ll deliver “more precise” sound renditions so, if you have the extra money, it might be worth your while.
If you go ahead with your project, tell us if the H4 was up for it.