A portable 4-track recording device and a 2-channel USB interface in one palm-sized unit, the Zoom H4n Pro 4-Channel Handy Recorder (Black) features a stereo X/Y microphone capable of handling 140 dB SPL, as well as two low-noise preamps with locking combination XLR-1/4" inputs, multiple recording modes, onboard effects, a built-in metronome, a chromatic tuner, and more. Use it for film-audio capture, podcasting, and field interviews, and also for the creation and editing of multitracked audio in conjunction with DAWs.
The H4n Pro can record up to four simultaneous channels of audio at resolutions and sample rates higher than CD-quality, capturing sound sources in WAV and MP3 formats. It utilises an SDHC card for storage and a USB connection for transferring material to your computer. A pair of standard AA batteries powers the device, and can provide up to 12 hours of continuous recording in Stamina mode (using NiMH 2450mAh batteries).
Key Features:
Built-In Stereo Mic in X/Y Configuration
The onboard X/Y stereo microphone is capable of handling sound pressure levels of 140 dB. It can also cover a wide stereo image whilst capturing any sound source in its centre with precision. Both microphones are angle-adjustable: You can change the angle of capture anywhere between 90° (for a focused stereo image) and 120° (for a wider stereo image) simply by twisting each mic's capsule.
Back-Lit LDC Display
This device utilises a backlit LDC display that makes reading its panel onstage more convenient.
Onboard M/S Decoder
Perhaps you'd prefer to capture stereo audio by means of an M/S technique, rather than through the H4n Pro's X/Y-configured capsules. Should you wish to plug external microphones into the unit's preamp for this very purpose, the H4n Pro provides an onboard MS decoder, allowing you to adjust the width of the stereo image within the device itself. This is useful both for sound design and for broadcasting.
Connections
Revamped with the same low-noise preamps as the H5 and H6, the H4n Pro provides combination inputs for XLR-1/4" connections, both balanced and unbalanced. As such, it can handle mic/line and instrument signals. Onboard 24 or 48V phantom power can be applied to both inputs. Additionally, a stereo 3.5mm jack for external devices—lavalier microphones, for example—is included. This jack supplies 2.5V power if you need it.
Portable Pocket Interface
Utilising its mini-USB port, you can use the H4n Pro as a 2-in / 2-out interface for computers, recording straight to your DAW via its preamps and monitoring through the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
Multiple Recording Modes
Record in stereo mode, four-channel mode (utilising the onboard stereo mics in addition to the built-in preamps), or multitrack mode, which makes use of built-in effects, overdub functions, and the ability to work with prerecorded material. Additionally, you can use the Pre-Record function to ensure that you always capture audio starting from two seconds before the moment you press record. Or alternatively, use the Auto-Record function, which allows the H4n Pro to start recording whenever it senses audio and to stop as soon as the signal drops below a preset threshold.
Onboard Effects
The H4n Pro offers a variety of effects, including compression, limiting, reverb, delay, echo, and low-cut filter. You get an onboard metronome and tuner, along with dozens of amp models and effects crafted for guitars and basses. Furthermore, you can loop playback, adjusting the pitch and speed of the audio independently. This makes the H4n Pro a tool suitable for transcriptions, whether you need to get the words of a particularly fast talker down on paper or the notes of a particularly fast guitar solo under your fingers.
Cubase LE and WaveLab LE Included
The H4n Pro includes licences for Steinberg's Cubase LE music production software as well as WaveLab LE audio editing software. This is particularly useful for those who hope to create their own music utilising the Pro's USB audio interface function.
Rubberised and Secure Construction
The H4n Pro sports a rubberised body and revamped locking XLR/TRS connection points to keep your mic cables secure.
Additional Features
- Record up to 140 dB SPL with X/Y microphones.
- Output/headphone jack with dedicated volume control.
- Built-in reference speaker for fast playback.
- Internal mix-down: Four-track to stereo and stereo to dual mono.
- Up to 99 marks per recording.
- Normalise (maximum gain) and Divide (file-splitting) functions.
- Mounts to mic stand or tripod, or directly to DSLR with optional Hot Shoe adapter.