Samson Zoom H4 Handy Recorder

The Zoom H4 mobile digital recorder packs a lot of recording punch into its six inch size including features such as four track recording, two XLR/TRS (1/4”) inputs and built in phantom power allowing you to connect phantom-powered microphones directly to the unit. You can also plug guitars or other instruments into the 1/4" inputs for direct recording. It also features a built in limiter, compression, as well as other digital processing effects and four track recording with amp modeling. Its two studio-quality electret condenser microphones are configured in an X/Y pattern for superb stereo sound that rivals much more expensive microphones and recording setups. A 1/8” headphone jack is also included on the unit for easy monitoring.

According to the manufacturer, the H4 is “ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars.” Songwriters and musicians alike will also love the combination XLR-1/4 in. high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. The backlit LCD display is just 128x64 pixels; bigger could be better, however this size is adequate given the size of the H4.

The recording interface allows you to capture a great sonic spectrum when recording in 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as when recording in MP3 format with bit rates up to 320kbps. The H4 records onto Secure Digital (SD) cards and with a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (wav audio), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. Running on just 2 AA batteries, the H4 provides up to 4 hours of continuous recording.

In a pinch the H4 even acts as an audio interface for recording directly to your PC. So far it is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as a USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. Or to transfer your recordings to your Mac or PC, simply plug in the SD card into a high speed card reader, or download the files via the built in USB interface.

It comes complete with a 128MB SD card (which you’ll probably want to upgrade) as well as an AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and a tripod adapter (a handy mounting sled with Velcro straps to mount it to a camera/video type tripod stand). The H4 also comes bundled with Cubase LE, 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation software for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.

This feature packed device that fits in the palm of your hand can be a little difficult to learn at first, but with the included 100 page manual, getting the hand of it should be a snap.

It’s a phenomenal value and represents the “bang-for-the-buck” combinations in home or mobile recording. Its price undercuts its main competitors in the market such as M-Audio, Edirol and Marantz. All in all the Samson Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder represents the best value in portable or home recording that I've ever seen -- and if you’re looking for such a device, I strongly recommend you seriously look into purchasing the H4.

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