I'm noticing some line noise with my inputs plugged into the Zoom BEFORE it's plugged into the source. Not sure what this noise could be coming from since it's not plugged into anything. It's set to the 1 and 2 input and the noise level gets louder as I turn up the recording level. When I plug the cable into the source it seems to record as expected but likely with the noise floor. Any ideas what might be going on? Thanks!
Hi, If I connect the H4 as a mic, it's possible obtain online effects (included on H4) in the output connector? In case yes, should we expect some delay? I want to use it as a mic and connect it direct to my Amplifier Thanks
i use a h4n to record the line outputs of my Roland synth all the time. works perfectly without any adapters. I have the volume of the synth at 50% and gain of the Zoom inputs at 20%. I get clean recordings with no distortion. Roland Line Out (x2) => Zoom Mic In (x2), using plain old jack to jack instrument cable.
I'm plugin in my new NTG4+ and only one speaker is working... If I'll plug in to 1slot left side is working and under slot 2 right one is working... Do I need a cable with 2 XLR connection on that Zoom recorder side??
You don't have to use atenuators. Only you have to use 6.36mm jack plug mono in to the zoom recordcer. The Zoom use xlr for mic in signal and 6.36mm jack plug mono for line in signal.
Salut Stefan. Eu ma gandeam sa-mi cumpar un Tascam dr-40 pentru ca are proper Line-In fata de H4N si nu ar distorsiona asa usor. Zici ca ar fi aceeasi treaba daca as trece pe TRS pe H4N ? Ai testat personal cumva ? (precizez ca vreau sa inregistrez set-uri muzica electronica, unde semnalul mai intra in clipping uneori). Ms frumos!
Not quite. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.
There is no balanced line level input, as people are assuming. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n. Another issue with levels that should be addressed is that you should not go below 1 on the inputs (as in the video). This is digital gain reduction, and does nothing to reduce the actual gain.
i really dont get all this.it should be the same answer but its not whats the deal?ive seen trs go in the back of the zoom mic jack to 1/4 trs in to the headphone in the mixer .then these linelevel buffers to reduce it.whats the right way/
If you did exactly the same video, but used a mid-price camcorder with a 3.5mm min input. Perfect. Lots of people are doing camcorder mic in wrong...... and I can't find a CZcams video about it. But as others said, you could have used a XLR to Jack for this particular use.
seems as though the solution to this guys problem was he needed to use a xlr to trs cable which plugs into the line in of the zoom (which is the big hole) i hope got that right i just appreciate every ones feed back, it's so great when we can communicate like this with out tearing each outer down ✌️
Good video, just not correct (or at least too complicated and expensive solution). The combo input of the zoom h4n is not parallel wired. The jack input is actually line level, and the xlr is mic. If you take a simple xlr-to-trs adapter, it'll work as a charm.
you are absolubletly Right! in the oficial Zoom specs website says that the jack inputs are line level. But i had no luck getting clean line level audio thru them... any sugestion? i am going to try again but i remember poor quality recs. even with the pre s all the way down.
Not quite. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.
@phaze Use the unbalanced RCA record outs on the DJM-600 instead, with RCA to 1/4” cables. That may get your levels low enough without adding pads. If you were going full-deflection out of the mixer’s XLR outs, you would need 40 dB pads and XLR to 1/4” adapters to get good levels to the H4n’s inputs. For H4n input levels, 1 is the lowest you should go-going below 1 will do nothing to the input gain but only artificially lowers the recording’s levels.
Hubris, will this work with a DJ speaker out (Only has a XLR) to the H4N? Any suggestions without the use of attenuators? Some Dj's wont allow hook-up to their board, but some will allow a line out from the speaker? Thanks much!
Jeremy Beasley when i plug in two lav mics in the input slots on the bottom, I only hear the left channel through the left side of my headset and the right channel only through the right. can i fix this?
This is not accurate information. The XLR inputs are for microphones only. The TRS or 14" inputs are for instruments. You have to use a 50 DB pad to bring a line level down to mic level or use a re-amp box to get your line level to work with the TSR/ 1/4 " inputs.
DO NOT FOLLOW THE ADVICE IN THIS VIDEO! This tutorial is absurd. Why would you plug a line level source into a mic input and then use inline pads to bring it back down to mic level? Don't do this. Use the line level TRS input on the Zoom instead.
Hi Jim, I’ve persevered with the HN4 Zoom + Rode shotgun NGT-2 combo as backup recording of indoor interviews on a DSLR, but poor levels on the Zoom prompted me To buy FetHead to boost the signal which improved the levels out of the HN4. However, I discovered the HN4 Zoom 3.5m external Jack and plugged my Sennheiser radio mics into that and got stronger levels. The HN4 Zoom was a good prototype.
i don't agree , i learned alot from the comment section , i think the idea is to communicate to others interested and sharing thoughts , it does the job .
Thanks,this is the only useful video on CZcams explaining how to use mic levels
Thanks ZPZ. You showed me what I needed to know. (It also helped to put a battery in my Rode Mic lol).
Thank you so much! I’ve been looking for a solution to split the levels on the one in to channel and the link was the issue!
Awesome, thanks for sharing
Very helpful. Thank you sir.
I'm noticing some line noise with my inputs plugged into the Zoom BEFORE it's plugged into the source. Not sure what this noise could be coming from since it's not plugged into anything. It's set to the 1 and 2 input and the noise level gets louder as I turn up the recording level. When I plug the cable into the source it seems to record as expected but likely with the noise floor. Any ideas what might be going on? Thanks!
Great video and it was very helpful.
Hi, If I connect the H4 as a mic, it's possible obtain online effects (included on H4) in the output connector?
In case yes, should we expect some delay?
I want to use it as a mic and connect it direct to my Amplifier
Thanks
Hello, could you tell me why my h4n zoom is recording on the input channels and getting with echo?
i use a h4n to record the line outputs of my Roland synth all the time. works perfectly without any adapters. I have the volume of the synth at 50% and gain of the Zoom inputs at 20%. I get clean recordings with no distortion.
Roland Line Out (x2) => Zoom Mic In (x2), using plain old jack to jack instrument cable.
Would -30db also do the trick or is -50dba really necesarry with the H4n Pro?
how do you get mono output from one xlr mic?
I'm plugin in my new NTG4+ and only one speaker is working... If I'll plug in to 1slot left side is working and under slot 2 right one is working... Do I need a cable with 2 XLR connection on that Zoom recorder side??
Why don't you use the cable to connect directly to The Line Input of H4n? For example, RCA to TS cable. Why do you have to connect to Mic Input?
should i use balanced or unbalanced rca cables?
You don't have to use atenuators. Only you have to use 6.36mm jack plug mono in to the zoom recordcer.
The Zoom use xlr for mic in signal and 6.36mm jack plug mono for line in signal.
Salut Stefan. Eu ma gandeam sa-mi cumpar un Tascam dr-40 pentru ca are proper Line-In fata de H4N si nu ar distorsiona asa usor. Zici ca ar fi aceeasi treaba daca as trece pe TRS pe H4N ? Ai testat personal cumva ? (precizez ca vreau sa inregistrez set-uri muzica electronica, unde semnalul mai intra in clipping uneori).
Ms frumos!
Not quite. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.
I have two devices of this type. Thank you for an interesting and useful explanation
There is no balanced line level input, as people are assuming. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.
Another issue with levels that should be addressed is that you should not go below 1 on the inputs (as in the video). This is digital gain reduction, and does nothing to reduce the actual gain.
czcams.com/video/NuGdVw69lw4/video.html
@@sekim7777 Thanks, but I'm sorry, that video is wrong, as can be seen in the actual video. That is not line level.
i really dont get all this.it should be the same answer but its not whats the deal?ive seen trs go in the back of the zoom mic jack to 1/4 trs in to the headphone in the mixer .then these linelevel buffers to reduce it.whats the right way/
Great product!!!!
Good explanation
If you did exactly the same video, but used a mid-price camcorder with a 3.5mm min input. Perfect. Lots of people are doing camcorder mic in wrong...... and I can't find a CZcams video about it.
But as others said, you could have used a XLR to Jack for this particular use.
seems as though the solution to this guys problem was he needed to use a xlr to trs cable which plugs into the line in of the zoom (which is the big hole) i hope got that right i just appreciate every ones feed back, it's so great when we can communicate like this with out tearing each outer down ✌️
great video! thanks a bunch
I'm not clear on why 1/2 link has to be off?
Thank you Sir!
Thanks, dude.
Is it possible to get a 3.5mm to XLR cable and plug a shotgun mic into the 3.5mm mic input, while also using the other 2 XLR inputs simultaneously?
nope
Good video, just not correct (or at least too complicated and expensive solution).
The combo input of the zoom h4n is not parallel wired. The jack input is actually line level, and the xlr is mic. If you take a simple xlr-to-trs adapter, it'll work as a charm.
you are absolubletly Right! in the oficial Zoom specs website says that the jack inputs are line level. But i had no luck getting clean line level audio thru them... any sugestion? i am going to try again but i remember poor quality recs. even with the pre s all the way down.
What jack input. The Ext Mic minijack?
pablo bonnelly would you need one for each channel or would one XLR-to-TRS with mono mix input on work?
Not quite. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.
@phaze Use the unbalanced RCA record outs on the DJM-600 instead, with RCA to 1/4” cables. That may get your levels low enough without adding pads. If you were going full-deflection out of the mixer’s XLR outs, you would need 40 dB pads and XLR to 1/4” adapters to get good levels to the H4n’s inputs. For H4n input levels, 1 is the lowest you should go-going below 1 will do nothing to the input gain but only artificially lowers the recording’s levels.
The video and comments helped, I'm doing live and went 1/4 trs out mixer to XLR in zoom, I'm going to try 1/4 inch in zoom not xlr?
henryssurfshowcase did it work?
Hi I tried to connect my ECM-XM1 from my Sony NXCam to the H4Zoom. Didn't work. Is it possible? It's a XLR mic. Thanks.
czcams.com/video/NuGdVw69lw4/video.html
Can anyone help? I want to use the Zoom h1 with the Novation Circuit headphone what kind of cable to the Zoom do I need? Thanks.
czcams.com/video/NuGdVw69lw4/video.html
What is the line input
What’s the name of the device please?
Please, what is the device the Zoom H4n is linked to ? [Zoom H4n] [??????]. Can it be a video recorder ?
can you use xlr 1 and 2, and stereo built in all together?
addthisto yes
@@jasoncovington1889 yes? with the Help of the 4Ch mode Zoom Provides?
Great Video! How many Db should the attenuator be?
Late I know, but if it helps you out still, I would say -20db.
Do you know if I can plug a TRS into the zoom?
i had the same question
thanks!
? I have used the H4n via xlr for years without problem without using your adaptors
How? I'm planning on using one to record live audio from my bands headline show in a few weeks, taking it right from the mixer.
can anybody really confirm if you need the shure
attenuators
Hubris, will this work with a DJ speaker out (Only has a XLR) to the H4N? Any suggestions without the use of attenuators? Some Dj's wont allow hook-up to their board, but some will allow a line out from the speaker? Thanks much!
czcams.com/video/NuGdVw69lw4/video.html
those 2 attenuators cost more than half price of the zoom.
subbookkeeper Just bought some for $15 on B&H...
What is b&h?
www.bhphotovideo.com/ is the one stop shop for all your audio/video/lighting needs.
How many mics can I plug into the zoom h4n?
Just two. But you can also record from the onboard mic simultaneously, effectively getting 4 signals. A stereo onboard and two mono mics.
Jeremy Beasley when i plug in two lav mics in the input slots on the bottom, I only hear the left channel through the left side of my headset and the right channel only through the right. can i fix this?
No idea. I just duplicate it in post and make sure my headphones on set are extra loud :)
Jeremy Beasley Alright. thanks a lot man
This is not accurate information. The XLR inputs are for microphones only. The TRS or 14" inputs are for instruments. You have to use a 50 DB pad to bring a line level down to mic level or use a re-amp box to get your line level to work with the TSR/ 1/4 " inputs.
HI!
A Tascam DR-40 will be better suite for this ?:)
Thanks!
DO NOT FOLLOW THE ADVICE IN THIS VIDEO! This tutorial is absurd. Why would you plug a line level source into a mic input and then use inline pads to bring it back down to mic level? Don't do this. Use the line level TRS input on the Zoom instead.
You don't need Attenuators, just read your manual properly.
Hi Jim, I’ve persevered with the HN4 Zoom + Rode shotgun NGT-2 combo as backup recording of indoor interviews on a DSLR, but poor levels on the Zoom prompted me To buy FetHead to boost the signal which improved the levels out of the HN4. However, I discovered the HN4 Zoom 3.5m external Jack and plugged my Sennheiser radio mics into that and got stronger levels. The HN4 Zoom was a good prototype.
Remove this video!!! your misleading people
i don't agree , i learned alot from the comment section , i think the idea is to communicate to others interested and sharing thoughts , it does the job .