Zoom H4essential: I'm Ambivalent... | Curtis Judd
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- In this episode we have a look at and listen to ZOOM’s newest handy recorder, the H4essential. This new iteration of the 4-track handy recorder adds 32-bit float recording capability to the classic user-friendly design so you don’t have to worry about clipping. In this episode we do a quick overview of the H4e’s features and discuss whether or not this is the recorder for you. Let’s take a closer look and listen!
Have a listen to our raw audio samples and unprocessed tests here: drive.google.com/drive/folder...
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. See school.learnlightandsound.com for more info!
Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com: ko-fi.com/curtisjudd
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- ZOOM H4essential 4-Track Handy Recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/Nqcmdr
- ZOOM H1essential Single-Track Handy Recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/Cc6r9dM
- ZOOM H6essential 6-Track Handy Recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/IQuRT
Some of my other studio gear:
- Sennheiser MKH50 microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/iYb065
- Sound Devices MixPre audio recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/O8e0
- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands - B&H, Amazon geni.us/8a8tt
- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/EreRQa
- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox - Aputure, B&H geni.us/AVHU1p
- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light - geni.us/uGkDX
- Amaran Spotlight SE - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/4DuyTz
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender - B&H geni.us/GWKt
- Canon C70 Cinema Camera - B&H geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/qwsEs
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon geni.us/InspOl
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/gr47
The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2024, Curtis Judd
#ZOOM #H4essential #Recorder
Index
00:00 Intro
00:16 Not sponsored by ZOOM!
00:37 Context: product development
01:34 Noisy preamps!
01:53 Target audience
02:45 32-bit float workflow
03:10 Similar products
03:32 Cons
05:31 Use a high-pass filter!
05:50 My take
06:55 Audio samples
07:15 Please buy my courses
07:25 Summary
Important note: Only the XLR/combo inputs have dual analogue to digital converters so they're the only inputs that support wider dynamic range capture.
I suppose the limited max SPL rating on the built-in condensers make this a moot point- they will most likely clip before the converters anyway. But if they're limited to 24-bit, doesn't that make a manual gain/attenuator control even more important when using them?
And since we're talking about limitations anyway, an analog HPF for the condensers located BEFORE the converters would still be helpful.
LOL, that’s exactly the question I had, thank you!🙏
@@steverolfecayes. This is NOT a premium recorder for those with discriminating requirements.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for doing these videos. As someone who's been in the tv business for 17 years now, audio was never my strongest. I understood it and knew alot, but your videos have refined and added clarity to any confusion. So thank you.
I was hoping you can just give me some advice on something I don't think you've ever mentioned in any of your videos. When doing interviews we'll throw the mkh50 on the boom and the cos 11 on a sony mic into a mixpre6 II. Ive been considering changing the boom over to wireless using Sony's plug on tx in order to cut down on wires and to make setup easier. What would be your advice on doing this? RF interference aside, my main concern is does this basically make the mixer's preamps null and void? And therefore would just going into camera yield the similar results? We shoot with 2 FX6s. Any insight or direction to trim down our setup would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi Curtis !
Totally agree with you !
I’m a blind field recordist, who own the H6essential, as it’s the most advanced multi channel portable recorder packing a voice guidance system available on the market. From this point of view, it is a pleasant and easy to use device, and I have to say that the 32bits float is a very handy feature for people who can’t check the levels on a screen.
My only complain might be about the preamps, which are not the best ever, compared to those of my Centrance MixerFace R4R for example.
But honestly, if you pair the H6essential with some hot output microphones like the Rycote OM-08 and CA-08, the results are really decent in most of the cases.
In addition, the built-in mics of the H6E are decent, which doesn’t seem to be the case with the H4E.
Of course, I would have wished that the ZOOM F3,F6, or even M4 and SD MixPre’s may pack a similar accessibility feature, but for lack of anything better, the H6essential is a good starting point for visually impaired field recordists, in my opinion.
Cheers !
Kevin
Yes! 👍
Thank you for this review. I just purchased the H6 essential and I would be very thankful to see a comprehensive review such as this from you.
I just spent like 2 hours watching your older videos and just as I closed the last one I saw this
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I know everytime there's a release or something that stand out on the audiovisual scene, I HAVE TO COME BACK TO THIS CHANNEL! Big up for the content and quality!!! Best regards from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
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I had been thinking of the new Zoom recorders. I really appreciate your detailed reviews and your input.
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Thanks for the review! I trust your experience very much!
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Thank you for this Curtis. I’m also a long time user of the H4 range and this time, stepped down to the H1e which I found underwhelming as well. I decided to wait with regards to the H4E because of my experience with preamp noise hasn’t been great with the h4’s and I suspected the same from the H4E as you have found. I guess the H1e is the same in that it is aimed at people starting out in audio. I started with noisy preamps, so I guess it was good ‘training’ to learn tricks to minimise and I think I was hoping for a little bit more from the H4E this time around. Many thanks for going to the trouble of testing it.
Glad to hear it isn’t just me, Ian.
You can avoid post production with this recorder. You can set a post or premix inside the recorder. You can even have it normalize automatically within the recorder and save as a separate file on the memory card in 32, 24, or 16 bit. So when you put the memory card in your computer, you already have a normalized file ready to go.
Thanks.
Glad to see an unsponsered video Curtis! It's something more CZcamsrs should aspire to.
I sponsored this one so it isn’t technically unsponsored. 😉
Someone's gotta pay, videos don't make themselves.
No, CZcamsrs should NOT “aspire” to do unsponsored content. Viewers should aspire to not be so entitled 🙄.
@@JoeCastellon From my perspective, they need to manage their bias in the way that they're comfortable with and be very clear with the audience about any potential bias risks.
As usual a video I enjoyed to watch. And I totally agree with the 'outgrowing' statement. My first recorder was a H4n and not long after that I got me a Zoom F4. Yes, it was quite more money to spend, but I still use it. Other than the H4n it always felt like a swiss army knife of sound recording to me.
I am still only a hobbyist on his way to become an amateur, but having a recorder that suits you can be, as they say, priceless.
If I may add, I personally prefer the summary at the beginnings. But then again, it's your party and I'm only a guest here.
However, please keep up the great work, I will kepp watching wherever the summaries are to be found.
Thanks! We moved the summary to the end because the recent CZcams algorithm seemed to be punishing our videos ruthlessly with the summary at the start. But, we still index the video so you can jump right there if you need it.
Just grabbed the H6 E to replace my H8, still haven’t messed around with it just yet but I love recording live bands and plugging it in to the sound board. It’s nice not having to worry about sound while I’m filming
Thanks for the video. Good unit for people starting off. Your video has made me realise something! I now see the value on my F8nPro/F6 of having the option to adjust/set the record levels for each track input. That way, you can potentially minimize the noise floor of the mics! Yes? It hadn't occurred to me before and I'd wondered about those seemingly redundant level functions in a 32bit machine. Brilliant! Thanks.🙂
There is a rudimentary mixer on the H4e but it is post fader so you’re not getting noise floor benefits. Technically, same with the F6 and F8n Pro when in 32-bit float mode. HOWEVER, the preamps are MUCH cleaner on the F3 - F8n Pro so you don’t have to contend with self noise in most cases.
OK. Thanks! @@curtisjudd
Just one more thing, as Columbo would say. When the F8nPro front faders are set to trim on the main GUI panel (the Trim Fader Pan selectables) it does appear that you can adjust the recorded input levels. This is quite apart from the mix fader function. So perhaps this can indeed help with mic noise??? Sorry to harp on about this. I have a genuine but weird blind spot about this aspect of the recorder. My IQ feels like it drops to single digits! 😅Thanks.@@curtisjudd
@@HeathcliffBlair On the F8n Pro, the trim setting is digital trim and not analogue pre-amp trim. So you are, in fact, boosting the already converted-to-digital audio signal in the digital realm. This means the noise floor IS being raised, but the preamplifier is very clean so this is rarely a practical issue. More details here: czcams.com/video/8MfCY6d3ujk/video.htmlfeature=shared&t=137
@HeathcliffBlair I just watched a Columbo episode yesterday. Lol
I just got my 10 year old H6 replaced under warranty because of the sticky plastic issue, and was hoping for a cross grade, but glad they sent a H6 black so I can still use all of my accessories, plus I have F3 for the more serious stuff. The Fetheads have always been a part of my workflow, so should be good for another 10 easily.
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Thank you Curtis
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I got an h4n pro in 2022, so I wasn’t really planning on upgrading anytime soon, but this is good to know.
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4 minutes in and I've heard enough. Thanks.
Ok, bye
@@curtisjudd LOL! That's not a slight against you, but I heard enough negative to stop watching. I'm not in the market for a device like that anyway.
@@thethirdrailchannelall good 😊
As someone with both a portacapture x8 and a zoom h6 essential, they're definitely meant for different groups, and honestly I like both for what they do.
I find the portacapture is going to give you much cleaner audio and much more control over the output, while the h6 essential is basically designed for "turn it on, maybe change two settings, record." I personally am no recording expert by any stretch of the imagination, but my test recordings so far have been fine, though my use case is wildly different from yours.
Mine is currently being used as a portable recorder for myself and a couple pieces of electronic music gear while I'm out and about. The capsule mic is pointed at me, while my gear is hooked in via TRS connectors set up in stereo. Super simple, and I can just turn it on, record and have fun. I can almost do the same with the portacapture, but I find I regularly have to fiddle with settings and stuff before recording for a few minutes. I'll have to see if I can do a side by side of the same audio sources at the same time onto both recorders to see what the differences is in the final product.
I watched this review and didn't think much of it then I watched another by a prominent wedding videographer reviewing the same unit, I trust this reviewer. He had a lot of positive things to say about this Zoom. I still use my OG H4n a lot in my work as a wedding videographer and I'd love to buy this (if my H4n every dies), I'd be reluctant to use the H4e (or my H4n) for any proper production use but for wedding work it seems perfect. Also it's almost 1/3 the cost of a portacapture and only 2/3 the cost of the F3. It's interesting the different perspectives.
I agree that it can be a useful tool if it fits what you need, and in your case, it sounds like it does! 👍
this is all i needed to hear. F6 all the way!
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The first thing I recorded audio onto for a 45 minute short film was a 1992 Panasonic Super VHS Reporter camera, using a shotgun mic and XLR cable. Then I moved to the H4n. Later I went to the H4n Pro, with slightly better preamps....good enough to be used on the H5 and H6 as well. I used it to record sound on a promo short for funding on a feature film. The editor made the audio sound great. Now I've got a Zoom F4 and better shotgun and SDC mics and I've got to play around with them to get proficient with the new recorder. Some day I'm hoping to have a Sound Devices unit, but I don't know if I will get that deep into recording audio or more into lighting and DP work.
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Thx Curtis!
YW.
Reminds me of my Tascam dr40. Not a great recorder but built very well and super reliable. I am surprised they did not give a method to adjust the levels, which seems like a huge oversight given most beginners will want to learn about sound balancing and monitoring recording using headphones. Perhaps they wanted to establish a new 32 bit float, as a way to eliminate the need to adjust, but with a multi input setup, it will be a pain to balance. Great review format.
It has a rudimentary mixer with faders so you can balance between mics. But there is no control of gain/input amplification which is a separate thing.
@@curtisjudd thanks. I suppose if the mics are of similar output that may work, or an external gain block, but that adds cost and complexity that sort of defeats the target market. It does seem like a strange choice of features, but it might be good as a field recorder, and not for studio use.
Still completely satisfied with my Zoom H6. For any field wotk it gets the job done. If anything more is needed I use my Audient recording gear 👌
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Thank you 🙏🏻
YW.
The H4n was such an easy tool to work with. In stamina mode, its battery lasts for ever.
In my company (public radio broadcaster), there are many authors, that want a recorder, where they don’t need to setup much. So the H4n and its successors are still great for them.
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En-US
Congratulations on the review, ZOOM H4e comes with cool features. I use ZOOM F6 in my solo studio and I really like the results it delivers (but there is always room for improvement)😁
Congratulations on the channel and success always!
Pt-BR
Parabéns pelo review, ZOOM H4e vem com recursos legais. Uso o ZOOM F6 no meu studio solo e gosto bastante do resultado que ele entrega (mas sempre da pra melhorar) 😁
Parabéns pelo canal e sucesso sempre!
Thanks!
thanks for this review. I was thinking about getting the H4e for my clippy mics set-up but more and more people are not to impressed with the Zoom H4ess.
Yeah. Fine for a first recorder, but I’d spend a bit more for the F3.
I own a Zoom H6 and have been holding out on going forward on the Essential line once I heard about problems related to handling noise. This bothers me, considering how it is after all, a field recorder, right? Are you planning on providing a review of the H6 Essential? Are the preamps you were critical of with the H4 the same in the H6? Is 32 bit float really a deal breaker for H6 owners to upgrade at this point? Would love your thoughts. You are such a fair reviewer, my friend and fully appreciate your time and efforts.
Thanks for your insightful videos Curtis. Normally I work with a MixPre-6 II, but often the situation calls for a device as small as the Zoom F3. Unfortunately the F3 cannot easily be jam-synced to my Tentacle TC workflow. Do you know of a stereo recorder as small as the F3 which is fully TC capable?
And Zoom just lost a ton of sales for making a poor product that doesn't do the one thing it was made to do: record quality audio. Thank you for your honest reviews. I'm hoping that Zoom could have some sort of firmware update to help fix the fixable problems you mention. Most of the reviews I've seen before this was published were all saying similar things, but you're the Internet's expert of audio recording.
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My local pro video shop has the F3 for about half price so I grabbed one of those and even with the cost of a set of Clippies it's still not much more expensive than this.. thing.. and I think will give noticeably better results
Agreed! Nice find!
I just got this one as a replacement for my over 10yr old Tascam DR-05, and although I haven't done much recording with it yet, I do feel some regret. In MY opinion/experience, the DR-05 recorded much better and cleaner. Again, I haven't spent much time with this so it could just be my mind playing tricks on me. I'm a musician (bass) and this Zoom doesn't seem to record it too well. My reason for these is for practices and rehearsals and I definitely want to hear and share them with others as it was recorded, not having to do post production stuff with it. I got this because I wanted to step up to 32-bit float recorders and it seemed to be among the cheaper priced ones, even though I developed a trust with Tascam. But now I'm considering just going with a DR-40X for home/rehearsal and using this to get into more serious stuff that needs post production so I can learn more about sound adjustments. I DO know when I get a chance, I'm going with the big dawg Tascam Portacaptures....
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KNX News Radio on Los Angeles uses the H4n. I do not recall the mic. but think it is one of the Shure mics on a boom or stand. Anyway, I purchased the H6Essential and sent it back. I did not like the plasticky construction for field use. I think the metal like construction in other products is better for field use like in news environment's etc.
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Hey Curtis, wondering if you could quickly cover the Zoom R4 🙏🏻
I'm a long time ZOOM user with 5 different ZOOM recorders. I bought a TASCAM X8 a year ago because I got tired of waiting for a new H6 model from ZOOM. The X8 is everything the new ZOOM models should be. I'm really disappointed that they didn't improve the pre-amps and noise on the new models. I also think they missed something by not offering 24-bit or having volume controls, like the X8 does. I don't find that 32-bit is needed, or works best, for everything. My 8 year old 24-bit H6 still makes great recordings. I just wonder what ZOOM was thinking here?
Good questions. I didn’t specifically cover this, but the H4e does have a rudimentary mixer interface.
The preamp of M4 mictrak’s xlr input is said to be the same of f3. It has sync code generator too. This may be a good compromise for a solo film maker.
Perhaps so.
On the plus side, because the Essential series just came out, I was able to score an open box H1n for $40. A friend of mine needed something extremely simple to record lectures, and it fit the bill perfectly. I took one look at the H1essential and I thought "That looks like it's going to suck" 🤣
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Comparing this recorder to the F8 N pro I also own, is apples and oranges, but it’s the only zoom I had left. Being blind, I was really looking forward to this, because of the voice guidance. Disappointed to find out it’s lacking so many features from the previous H series, you can’t even pan tracks. What’s up with that? I bought all three recorders to test them, and to my ears, the H6 had the cleanest internal mikes. Hopefully zoom is listening, and will add this voice guidance to their next version of the F8.
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I just bought one of these to throw onto a pair of shotgun mics above downstage for live productions that can be very loud and very soft. I’ll just have to plug into the xlrs and hit record 🤞 also, quick note, your jacket made a lot of noise
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Superb review/overview of the h4n essentials! Helped a lot in (not) considering buying this for SFX/ ambiance. 😅
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Can this be turned up to record louder during a live stream?
Hi Curtis, If you had to choose between the Zoom H4e and the Zoom H6 (All Black), which would you choose and why?
I don't need more than 2 XLR inputs and I have an AT875R
I’d choose an F3 instead. Far superior preamps.
It would be nice if you did a review of the Zoom R4 !
Send it on over! Happy to review 👍
@@curtisjudd Maybe we, your followers, could contribute to allow you to pay for one?
Hey Curtis, thanks for the heads up. I’ve been thinking about getting a recorder so I can still make content when I’m away from home and this was on the maybe list. Is there a chance of making a video about DAW controllers/surfaces? Their limitations, which one is best with which DAW etc? There’s a surprising lack of information out there. Thank you and all the best, Jason.
As of now, I only have the ridiculously priced Fairlight desktop surface. I’ll probably start there.
@@curtisjudd Do they actually help speed things up and just as importantly, are they more enjoyable to use (being more tactile than pointing a mouse and hitting keys)? I’ll go and check out your one. I’d better have tissues ready for the eye watering price.
@@StarWarsJay The short answer to does it speed things up: In some situations, yes. You can move multiple faders at the same time with a control surface. When using a mouse on a computer, you can only move one fader at a time. So if you do a lot of multi-channel automation, a control surface can absolutely save a lot of time.
Are they more enjoyable to use? That is purely subjective. Some people say yes, others scoff at the concept. Neither are wrong. Totally a personal preference.
@@curtisjudd Thanks mate. Good advice as always. Personally, I think I’d prefer using one. Since I’ve bought a small mixer and mic preamp, I find it easier and less clinical (for want of a better word) to set everything manually. I can imagine a surface having a similar effect. I better start saving haha.
I have the Zoom F3, I've had the Zoom h4n for a million years (and still do) and the F3 definitely feels like the proper successor to the Zoom h4n in my opinion. It's like Zoom realized at a certain point that nobody really uses or needs or cares about the built-in mics on the Zoom h4n, so they chopped them off, added 32-bit float, and came out with the F3. My only gripe with the F3 is that I think it should take 4 AA's-the battery life just isn't up to par on two AA's. But, I just connect it to a $20 power bank and that gives me long-lasting record time. Annoying, but not the end of the world. Anyway, can't see myself getting a Zoom h4e.
The F3 also has MUCH cleaner preamps.
Not too surprised the Essential series from Zoom does not have ground breaking performance. I will stick with my Zoom F8n Pro and Zoom F6.
Good call.
Zoom was hit by an entshittification of their lineup. 12 years ago, the H4n was a champion of the indie filmmakers, but the landscape has changed since then….
Changed, indeed!
Great review as always Curtis, thank you!! 🎉 Dissapointing that Zoom are persisting with sub-par pre-amps. Will you be covering the H6 Essential too?
Thanks. Probably won’t be buying an H6e.
@@curtisjuddI don't blame you to be fair, there really isn't much point.
Leaves room for a potential 'Pro' variant of the H series devices in the not too distant future.....
Hi it’s great to get your advice and tips on sound recording. I was wondering why didn’t you talk about Zoom H8. Is that a good one to compare with these what you were mentioning?
Yes, it is ok, but does not record wide dynamic range, 32-bit float: czcams.com/video/sHPIO7MYvho/video.htmlfeature=shared
Thanks for the review, I was waiting for your opinion.
I'm planning on recording cooking sounds and voice overs (and sometimes outside), would the F3 work with Røde VideoMic NTG via the Røde adapter? It's the one I currently have.
Yes.
Thanks for your very interesting review, as always!
Is it possible to record simultaneously 4 tracks 2 XLR + 2 Plug In Power 3,5mm plug?
I got the m4 (not the assault rifle). 32 bit float, 192KHz, xy mics, 2 xlr combo jacks, 3.5mm in, out, even (rudimentary) timecode.
Not sure I'd consider buying the H4e as the m4 already does all I want. But. I guess there's the added 4 track music things they tend to do... that I don't.
Also. I have the H4n since it was new. I've broken those exposed X/Y capsules. I've broken them twice. I did not bother getting it repaired again. I do not trust myself with handling these things without a cage around the capsules. The M4 has a nice cage. Around the mics. It keeps them safe from my fumbly hands.
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Any chance you could do a review on the zoom m4? I know they have F type preamps but I'm curious about how noisy the built in mics are & its functionality as an audio interface, headphone amp, loopback etc.
Happy to review it if someone sends it to me to borrow.
@@curtisjudd I don't even know anyone who's even tried it out.
Just did a shoot with an audio tech who used her H4 instead of my F8n because she didn’t let me know she didn’t know how to work it (thanx for letting me know before we needed to start the shoot…
I just hope the audio is as good as the shoot I did with the F8n !
Anything I should be looking for to start editing ?
Just use your ears 👍
Hey Curtis!
Quick question: what XLR cables do you recommend? I have used a few different brands but they all eventually fall apart :)
I usually use Mogami or Canare cables.
@@curtisjudd Thank you!
Is there a BIG step up from the Zoom H4 stuff and the Tascam you recommended if you want good preamps, low noise and built-in mics?
A medium step up.
@@curtisjudd Is there a "big step up" option with built-in mics?
@@NonalignedVideos Not that I'm familiar with.
If you want a step up from the Tascam Porta Capture for good portable field recorder?
MixPre or ZOOM F series recorders (but none of them have built-in mics).
Wat program do you use for post production? Is it a free app from zoom for the PC, or android?
DaVinci Resolve. Free for Windows.
Curious if the h6e has better sound
The H4e makes good sound, just doesn't stay very clean if using microphones which need a LOT of gain. Likely the same applies to the H6e.
I need help. I reached out to Zoom but they are not responding. I have a Lav mic I was planning on using with my H4E but it will not fit the line in port. It fit the line in of my H1 without issue. What am I missing?
Not sure. They both have 3.5mm mic inputs.
Just get the old one. 😊
Unfortunate that the critical element of this recorder, the preamps, haven’t been significantly improved. But I very much appreciate the frank review!
Thanks Tom
Curtis, I wonder how the H4essential's sound quality compares to the H6. I have the H6. Any thoughts?
Depends on the mic. Neither do great with dynamic mics, but I don’t have an H6 on hand to do a head-to-head comparison.
I think the name of the device - or the series of devices - is relevant. The "essentials" title may not mean "it's essential, you have to buy it" but it's more "it's just the essentials" - kind of basic - and indeed your short review identifies this as a device for someone needing a startup recorder, rather than an upgrade from something else.
Indeed.
Hey Curtis, thank you for this video! I only own an old Tascam Dr40, I was thinking to upgrade with this one to use it with my Rode NGT4+, do you think it's worth it?
Can’t speak for your use cases but I’d put my money into a ZOOM F3 instead of this.
@@curtisjudd I would use it mainly for documentary filmmaking. Thank you for your advise!
I want one that meets my specs: using small connectors - e.g Lemo, 32bit and backpack friendly. Are there any companies out there that make field recorders that are small and good?
Lectrosonics
I wonder if the H1Essential would be good for run & gun type videos, i have the h4N Pro and it sucks (for my type of videos at least lol) ! What do you think Curtis?
Depends on why it sucks for your videos. If you’re using the built-in stereo mics, the H1essential will sound about the same.
@@curtisjudd The sound is alright, my problem is the handling noise. I have the H4n attached to my rig using a Rycote Portable Recorder Suspension, and even using rubber grips that thing picks up any and all handling noise made anywhere, even if i'm just ninja walking and not moving my hands there's tons of rumble and clicks. Even with 200hz Lcut filter. The sound is unusable without tons of cutting and copy/pasting. When i first started making vids last year this didn't happen though. Idk, maybe it's busted :( I was wondering if this is an issue with the H1, my other rec is the F6 and i can't walk around with it :/
@@madeiraislander the H1 and H1n also had plenty of handling noise issues too. You’ll need a proper shock mounted mic to get around that.
@@curtisjudd Ah dang, I see! I'll have to look into that, thanks a lot for your help Curtis, I really appreciate it! If you have any recommendations please let me know! :)
the h4 essentials vs the zoom f3 : which has better preamps and by how much better ? what makes the f3 better ?
Gotta watch the full video, friend.
Short answer: F3 preamps are way better.
What would you record a jet engine with?
A mic with a Max SPL spec of 135 dB or higher
If Curtis no like I no like.
🙂
I was going to point out that like the H4n and Pro, the H4essential is intended for musicians on a budget. As attractive as the F3 is in terms of self-noise, it doesn't multi-track, doesn't have 1/4" instrument inputs, built-in effects or multi-track features. But it turns out that they removed most of the musician-friendly features from the H4 & H6 essential as well. IMO, not putting a stereo mic pair on the R4 was a huge mistake... unless Zoom has simply lost interest in offering musicians an inexpensive hand-held recorder for basic, entry-level musical sound capture.
Good points. 👍
does this have a solo for each channel?
Not that I see.
What audio recorder do you recommend ?
If you want a step up in audio quality, I’d look at the ZOOM F3: czcams.com/video/THEBOa0UUJo/video.htmlfeature=shared
Are your thoughts the same on the Zoom H6 essential? @@curtisjudd
@@notoyriousvisuals Haven't used the H6e, so I'm not sure.
Do you know if the H1 Essential suffers from similar issues? Obviously there isn't the option to use an XLR mic, but there is a 3.5mm input so I am assuming an external mic will still suffer from a problematic noise floor. I have one on order to use as a spare/back up recorder. Have I wasted my money?
I haven’t used the H1e, but likely yes. Depends largely on the external mic you use, if I had to guess.
@@curtisjudd I'm using Diety SMic2 into Zoom F6 as my main audio for corporate interviews (it works extremely well and more than good enough for my needs) but I always drop a spare mic in for back up. In this case its a Deity VMic3Pro into the H1e via the 3.5mm jack. I'm hoping it will provide a cost effective level of support should the main mic go down.
@@PaulSaxbyPhotography fingers crossed that it does!
Hi Curtis. Just to follow up, I managed to do quite a bit of testing with the H1e. As hoped, using a Deity D3Pro into the external mic input was a significant improvement over using the built in mics, it’s actually quite good and useable for what I need, but the built in mics are awful. Another downside, the Line Out is terrible. I’m not sure if it’s just my copy, but the noise is simply unbearable and totally unusable as an input into a camera. Thankfully that’s not really why I got it. It was really just as a spare recorder I can place close to the subject to backup my main recorder. In my use case, it works fine when using an external mic, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone considering it as a main recording system. Save up and get the F3.
@@PaulSaxbyPhotography Thanks for the follow-up. That sounds about like what I expected.
In handy recorder category its either zoom or tascam. Where are other brands?
There was also Sony at one time.
Halo friend, need info i buy Zoom F3 , need xlr microphone - best price and quolity ?
Audio Technica AT875r
I feel like Zoom has always geared more for artists and recordings of live music than general corporate videos and films/short films
The ZOOM F3 and above definitely are a better fit for video work. But I think people that are self funding passion projects have smaller budget to work with and are drawn to the lower price and versatility of the handy recorders.
Are the preamps in the he Zoom F3 different / better than this?
Sorry I noticed you sort of answer this in the video, but my question is regarding your comment on the noisy preamps specifically. Thank you
The F3 preamps are much better
@@curtisjudd thank you
Sometimes it seems to me that even my h1n and Godox lavalier microphone for $17 are overkill for a talking head CZcams video😊.
But these new recorders have usb-c and apparently better build quality, so... maybe when/if my h1n dies...
If you’re getting what you need, stick with it!
did they HAVE to make it look like a chunky piece of plastic ready to break instantly?
🤷
It’s interesting that Zoom wouldn’t use this opportunity to create a better baseline product??? The competition is so much fiercer now than say when I got started in podcasting ten years ago when the H4 and H6 were being tossed around like candy. The new one looks nice, but if it’s still an amateur product and you have to do post anyway why not get an old one second hand?
Agreed.
So, when Zoom came out with the "Essential" moniker, I think we all knew that it was nothing but putting lipstick on a pig to sell inferior devices for more money. "32 Bit Float" has become the new marketing buzzword. I've had the F1, H6 and H8. All great devices, no question. When they changed the materials on the H6 (before they came out with the Essentials line), you could see the writing on the wall. The old H6 was quality and you felt like you were holding and using premium gear. The new H6 and H8 are like holding cheaply made kids toys. They just feel.........cheap......and......bad. They work, no doubt, but the quality of the device is infinitely inferior to its predecessor. You never want to think about dropping equipment but this H8 I fear would explode into a million pieces if it were ever dropped. My old H6 would have dropped, dented Earth, altered the axial tilt of the planet as a result, and patiently waited for you to pick it up in all its magnificent glory so it could keep on recording.
neither tascam or this.
f6! (or the f3) NOTHING LESS. or just dont bother lol. make a silent film lol
*edit just saw the end of your vid! 🙌 nice!
yep exactly.
👍
The new Zoom Essential recorders are a huge letdown. Do better Zoom...
Fine for first time recorder on a tight tight budget, but not an upgrade.
I just hope they are working on a new PRO line of recorders, so far the new offerings are a tiny bit underwhelming@@curtisjudd
Bad zoom ..Bad zoom... Now to sit in the corner till you learn your lesson
LOL
،👍👍👍😊😊😊
👍
Sibilance
Sssssssinilance.
i farted into amblivlalent
You fart too much. You should go get that situation checked out by a professional.
Nonsense
?
I'm ambivalent about this review. You start out in a promising way, describing your personal expertise on the subject of product-market fit, then conclude that consumers looking at this device would be better served by buying the Tascam Portacapture X8, a device with basically the same feature set and which, judging by your own uncompressed audio samples, delivers very similar audio, but is more than double the cost of the H4e. I must thank you for the sample audio, I'm just a little confused by your analysis. Maybe you've lost touch with the amateur/semi-pro user you once were.
😂
Perhaps so but I would NOT say that the x8 has the same feature set. It has 4 XLR inputs plus a much larger screen which enables it to work in multiple modes tailored for different use cases. And its preamps produce less self-noise.
Why do they even make this and say things in waht its suposed to do when it does not... Blut tooth support is only for IOS not ANDRIOD.. FAIL>... also its like a toy plastic housing reduction reduction reduction.. dont even bother buy a TASCAM.
Dear Curtis. Thank you for the video, very much appreciated. In the H4 Manual it says: "On the H4essential, only the INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 jacks have dual A/D converter circuits." Do you have a clue what that means? (I thought the dual A/D converters are necesssary to record 32 bit float... Aren't they?
This means that only the XLR combination inputs have dual converters per input. The other inputs can still record to a 32-bit float file, but they don't get the benefit of wider dynamic range.
Does the noise floor issue count in for the H6essential as well?
Not sure, don’t have an H6e on hand to test
Where’s an updated F4 recorder Zoom?
I really dislike using the f6 and would like a 4 channel version of the f8n Pro.
That’d be nice!
Zoom sound quality is actually better than Tascam. the former has smoother sound and is more comfortable for the ears.
Many people in the audio industry have a wrong understanding of sound quality, this is why since the 1990s, music has become less and less pleasant to listen to, and the sound has become more and more uncomfortable.
Interesting.
I was in the market to replace my Zoom H4n as it recently stopped working. I only use it for songwriting ideas and would love something with built in mics and effects. I’m debating between the Tascam X8 and the Zoom H6 essential. Both seem disappointing as in my country they’re about double the price of the US. At that price the X8 seems unacceptable due to flimsy looking pastic mics 😔 I may have to settle for the H6 essential but I wish I had a better option :( This video is helpful though!
Maybe look into the ZOOM R4
@@curtisjudd will do, thank you 🙏
I keep saying it. I'll keep my Tascam DR-100 mk.3. But then there is my used Sound Devices 702 for $295.00. So why would I buy this plastic fantastic ? Zoom is putting in gimmicks of 32 bit float and meh electronics, and meh build. Not sure what Zoom is doing. I think the H5 and H6 were much more honest. If I didn't get the Sound Devices what would I get? Let's see, Tascam. Even as they say, what I know by what I know. The X series is not what I want. I would then look at the F series, and guess what? I would buy them used like the F4 or F8. Even then I am dubious of those. Like I said, "Curtis you have made me a Sound Devices Fanboy. By the way, love my used 442 Mixer from Sound Devices too. I can't swing new anything or want too swing anything new when used is so much nicer. I found a Sennheiser Boom mic used too. All authorized dealers, and saving allot of money. Nice review.
If it works well for you, I’d keep it! 👍