I loved this video, I recently purchased my Zoom h4e and it’s awesome for what I do. Just a quick note, press the stop button to exit from all menus. Have a great day!!
Thank you for doing this. There isn’t a ton of videos explaining this recorder, and me being a new user to all types of recording, and pulling the trigger on purchasing this due to it being on sale for Prime Day, I definitely appreciate you going over every thing like you did.
Hi Curtis. Following my comment during the ‘live’ concerning noise, you pointed out to me that the noise I was getting on the H1e is indeed, mostly due to the mics. When I first got the H1e, ‘me being me’ …. Pushed the poor recorder too hard with tiny sounds and massive boosting in post. Just to test what 32 bit actually does. That’s where 32 bit just can’t rescue it because the noise is there at the start of the chain. 32 bit really isn’t the great audio ‘saviour’ that is sometimes touted around on CZcams. So I played around today with it while making a video, using it more ‘normally’ and noise levels weren’t too bad at all. Great little starter mic. I see now that Amazon are putting out the older H6 cheaper than the H4n. I rather like the H6 and at around £190 it’s quite a bargain; all because of the H6E release! Thanks for such a great ‘live’ broadcast. I watched on a large 4K screen and boy have you got the quality of the stream up to a high level!!
Im glad i saw this. I had the H4e and recorded my band’s rehearsal with it. I normally use a small Roland R-07 on a stand in the middle of the room. With the H4e i thought the quality was nicer, but after a while i started to hear low end rumble. Almost like someone was touching the stand. Non one was near it and it wasn’t always when the full band were playing. I sent it back and got a H4n Pro, but sending that back as it runs out of power too quickly. I was about to get another H4e, but not sure now.
I use the h4e as an Interface on my MacBook to make VoiceOver in Davinci Resolve and Gerry impressed over the Performance if i got. the handling of the 32bit files right.
Hi, I just purchased H4 Essential when I transferred files on pc the audio levels are to low Also, the audio sounds like it is compressed. Am I doing something wrong? What do you recommend?
On the Zoom H4Pro you could Mark an audio file as it was recording, return during editing on the unit and hit Mark again. Can you do the same on the H4e?
On of the down sides to Zoom is the timecode support. I recently did a musical where I recorded stage mics and got a noticeable drift. Looked into the UltraSync but its both expensive and clunky to work with. $750 to add timecode to 2 cameras and a recorder.
And also, timecode does not prevent drift, it just provides a starting sync point. Also note that cameras have a tendency to drift so watch for that as well.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Yes I would need cameras with GenLock. The Canon XF605 has Genlock port but its $4,200 per camera so yeah. I believe you still can do genlock to any camera but you need the external generator to write timecode to one of the audio channels then softwares to change audio track to meta data (Da Vince Resolve). But again the amount of effort isn't worth it and I'm not sure if that is actually Genlock. This isn't a movie set so time stretching the audio is still best solution. Most performance aren't over 1 hr per half so even if cameras are out of sync a few frames it's not visually noticeable.
I'm curious if this has an output limiter similar to what the F3 has (I think the F3 has that?). When recording in 32 bit float on a MixPre the limiter on the headphone output is a really nice and useful feature; it means you won't have to hear horrible distortion if the mic is bumped if you're moving it around or there's something loud that peaks the L/R mix, and it can be used if you're recording something very dynamic and just want to squash the dynamic range a bit for ease of monitoring. It also protects your hearing in highly dynamic situations which is very important.
Hi Curtis. Sorry I missed this. I'd even set the notification. So what say you? Granted this was the 4. The 1 I'd get would be the 6. But well especially if you've used the H4N and newer H4N Pro do you agree with dark corner studios? What say you to the blind even if it is the case it's the same old preamps and what not?
Ah got ya. Good how would you say the pres compair to those of the H8? To me they seemed with my 8022 to sound 2 to 3 times more studio then those of the original 6. I recorded my 18 year old neighbor's friends's car, and it sounded 3 times more correct fuller and what not. So maybe Aden was being nitpicky or maybe he wants the H recorders to get F guts. There are those people. But I guess you seem to have found that they are better. Agai n though if you could just to see compair to the H8. Thanks a lot Kurtis.@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions
I do not have time today… what you think about a Europe adventure travel to the only UNESCO Biosphere Danube Delta in End of April to middle may? We take our sound gears and more with us.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions you can show the pictures in the Sunday Q&A … we have free places still. And for those that have trouble to sleep on a boat because sea sickness. There are Accomodations in normal appartements available. Target is fieldrecordings and to learn how to make nature melodies and rhythmns. Basics you can see each Saturday 9.00pm Berlin time (never announced just there) at the Pluginguru CZcams Channel. You saw a private video I send you. Beware I am a hobby user. Some flight prices I did check from Europe London and Paris from 50.-€ just. At least but not now the Fairlight EVO will be there in 1 or 2 years. If we get it programmed for remotely. This time we bring there Servers Keyboards Controllers microphones tripods etc.
Definitely a contender for the all in one and done no fuss, no muss recorder. Quality of construction and reliability are curious factors. The XLR connectors now locking are nice. Neutrik? Unknown. Looks like a competent performer overall. Buries the 24 bit under the bragging 32 bit float, no so attractive to those adhere to the 48khz 24 bit standard. Will be curious on your review Curtis.
I loved this video, I recently purchased my Zoom h4e and it’s awesome for what I do. Just a quick note, press the stop button to exit from all menus. Have a great day!!
I've been waiting for this video since Zoom announced this "Essential" product line
I totally agree! Can’t wait to hear his thoughts!
Hopefully the full review will be useful for you. 👍
Thank you for doing this. There isn’t a ton of videos explaining this recorder, and me being a new user to all types of recording, and pulling the trigger on purchasing this due to it being on sale for Prime Day, I definitely appreciate you going over every thing like you did.
Hi Curtis. Following my comment during the ‘live’ concerning noise, you pointed out to me that the noise I was getting on the H1e is indeed, mostly due to the mics.
When I first got the H1e, ‘me being me’ …. Pushed the poor recorder too hard with tiny sounds and massive boosting in post. Just to test what 32 bit actually does. That’s where 32 bit just can’t rescue it because the noise is there at the start of the chain.
32 bit really isn’t the great audio ‘saviour’ that is sometimes touted around on CZcams.
So I played around today with it while making a video, using it more ‘normally’ and noise levels weren’t too bad at all. Great little starter mic.
I see now that Amazon are putting out the older H6 cheaper than the H4n. I rather like the H6 and at around £190 it’s quite a bargain; all because of the H6E release!
Thanks for such a great ‘live’ broadcast. I watched on a large 4K screen and boy have you got the quality of the stream up to a high level!!
Thanks for the follow-up, for sharing your experience, Ian. Its a pleasure to hear from you and I hope you're staying well!
Thank you for taking the time to educate me. I hope you have a great day!
Special thanks for showing the boot time. Boot time on H4n Pro is terrible. This one boots in 2 seconds!
I like mine. Works as expected. Only thing I’d change is better preamps.
Im glad i saw this. I had the H4e and recorded my band’s rehearsal with it. I normally use a small Roland R-07 on a stand in the middle of the room. With the H4e i thought the quality was nicer, but after a while i started to hear low end rumble. Almost like someone was touching the stand. Non one was near it and it wasn’t always when the full band were playing. I sent it back and got a H4n Pro, but sending that back as it runs out of power too quickly. I was about to get another H4e, but not sure now.
Yes, these handy recorders have to make sacrifices somewhere...
Hi from Boca Raton Florida
Can you compare it to the Tascam Portacapture series? Especially noise floor for the xlr and capsules. Thanks!
I don't have a Portacapture on hand, but I can run all the regular tests and see where it comes out.
Thanks@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions
What is the noise floor for the H4 essential?
Its the same audio quality how on Zoom h4n pro? Or on Zoom just h4n?
Seems better to both of those to me.
I use the h4e as an Interface on my MacBook to make VoiceOver in Davinci Resolve and Gerry impressed over the Performance if i got. the handling of the 32bit files right.
Hoping they update the H5. I don't need a fancier screen. Just gives us 32 bit, combo jacks, and great battery life.
What would you like to see in an updated H5 that the H4e does not have?
Hi, I just purchased H4 Essential when I transferred files on pc the audio levels are to low
Also, the audio sounds like it is compressed. Am I doing something wrong? What do you recommend?
On the Zoom H4Pro you could Mark an audio file as it was recording, return during editing on the unit and hit Mark again. Can you do the same on the H4e?
On of the down sides to Zoom is the timecode support. I recently did a musical where I recorded stage mics and got a noticeable drift. Looked into the UltraSync but its both expensive and clunky to work with. $750 to add timecode to 2 cameras and a recorder.
And also, timecode does not prevent drift, it just provides a starting sync point. Also note that cameras have a tendency to drift so watch for that as well.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Yes I would need cameras with GenLock. The Canon XF605 has Genlock port but its $4,200 per camera so yeah. I believe you still can do genlock to any camera but you need the external generator to write timecode to one of the audio channels then softwares to change audio track to meta data (Da Vince Resolve). But again the amount of effort isn't worth it and I'm not sure if that is actually Genlock. This isn't a movie set so time stretching the audio is still best solution. Most performance aren't over 1 hr per half so even if cameras are out of sync a few frames it's not visually noticeable.
I'm curious if this has an output limiter similar to what the F3 has (I think the F3 has that?). When recording in 32 bit float on a MixPre the limiter on the headphone output is a really nice and useful feature; it means you won't have to hear horrible distortion if the mic is bumped if you're moving it around or there's something loud that peaks the L/R mix, and it can be used if you're recording something very dynamic and just want to squash the dynamic range a bit for ease of monitoring. It also protects your hearing in highly dynamic situations which is very important.
We'll see!
With the Zoom H4 essential be able to record low frequencies below 20 Hz? what is the minimum it can record?
with battery doors - wonder if people can make a 3d print model for if they broke
Hello Curtis, where does the Zoom R4 MultiTrak recorder fall in between these two? Thanks.
can record a track and listen to another track at the same time ?
Ah what a shame. So it won't play stuff.
What about the F recorders? Could they? I think the only Zoom I've heard of that could was the H2N.
I have H4n Black and it is built like a tank. How does this feel?
so is it the same preamp as the zoom f3?
I'm guessing the tascam x6 is a better buy?
That'd probably be my preference, if it is everything that the X8 is with two fewer XLR inputs.
Is this the best recorder under $500? If not can you pls educate me. Thx.
I'd look at the ZOOM F3 instead: czcams.com/video/THEBOa0UUJo/video.html
Hi Curtis. Sorry I missed this. I'd even set the notification. So what say you? Granted this was the 4. The 1 I'd get would be the 6. But well especially if you've used the H4N and newer H4N Pro do you agree with dark corner studios? What say you to the blind even if it is the case it's the same old preamps and what not?
Seems like better preamps than the previous H series recorders and the accessibility features - seems like a solid option!
Ah got ya. Good how would you say the pres compair to those of the H8? To me they seemed with my 8022 to sound 2 to 3 times more studio then those of the original 6. I recorded my 18 year old neighbor's friends's car, and it sounded 3 times more correct fuller and what not.
So maybe Aden was being nitpicky or maybe he wants the H recorders to get F guts.
There are those people.
But I guess you seem to have found that they are better.
Agai n though if you could just to see compair to the H8. Thanks a lot Kurtis.@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions
@@hamitcampos4989 The preamps are pretty neutral. It is the mic that makes a bigger difference to my ear.
How Do you change the frame rate ?
I do not have time today… what you think about a Europe adventure travel to the only UNESCO Biosphere Danube Delta in End of April to middle may? We take our sound gears and more with us.
Sounds fun!
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions you can show the pictures in the Sunday Q&A … we have free places still. And for those that have trouble to sleep on a boat because sea sickness. There are Accomodations in normal appartements available. Target is fieldrecordings and to learn how to make nature melodies and rhythmns. Basics you can see each Saturday 9.00pm Berlin time (never announced just there) at the Pluginguru CZcams Channel. You saw a private video I send you. Beware I am a hobby user. Some flight prices I did check from Europe London and Paris from 50.-€ just. At least but not now the Fairlight EVO will be there in 1 or 2 years. If we get it programmed for remotely. This time we bring there Servers Keyboards Controllers microphones tripods etc.
Can the 3.5mm input stereo left and right channel be spilt in mono inside the recorder?
Not in the recorder, but in post.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thank you.
Has to be the most boring review ever
Definitely a contender for the all in one and done no fuss, no muss recorder. Quality of construction and reliability are curious factors. The XLR connectors now locking are nice. Neutrik? Unknown. Looks like a competent performer overall. Buries the 24 bit under the bragging 32 bit float, no so attractive to those adhere to the 48khz 24 bit standard. Will be curious on your review Curtis.
Thanks Vincent.