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I'm looking for a device to record whilst I'm outdoors. I'll be recording atmospheres and stuff. I've been looking at the Zoom H4. Do any of you guys have an opinion of that model? I'm just a bit concerned because I don't normally associate Zoom with quality.

Ryan wrote:I'm looking for a device to record whilst I'm outdoors. I'll be recording atmospheres and stuff. I've been looking at the Zoom H4. Do any of you guys have an opinion of that model? I'm just a bit concerned because I don't normally associate Zoom with quality.

i've been really curious about these guys too. i've read nothing but positive reviews, and it doesn't really cost much at all, but like you said, it's made by freaking ZOOM!

tascam just recently came out with a similar deal for the same price, and sony's got the pcm d50, which is like a cheapo version of their d1. the sony thing looks pretty nice, and it has the advantage of not being made by a company that specializes in digital distortion.

bandmate uses the zoom it has a 4 Chanal mode it does nice rehersal recordings. Since it has 0 self noise I would think it would work well. I would check out the external mike options on these. I hear lots of good stuff about the more expensive Korg 1 bit recorder.

It's ok, for the price.
If you want something nice get the sound devices.
The new microtrack may be better than the h4/h2 but I haven't tested it yet.

My wife's nonprofit just ordered an H4, which I plan to use to document their interviews for their oral history project.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Kayte R. wrote:It's ok, for the price.
If you want something nice get the sound devices.
The new microtrack may be better than the h4/h2 but I haven't tested it yet.

Are the H4's 4 track and computer interface features any good or is it more for just capturing sounds out and about / podcasting, etc ?
I can't make up my mind whether to buy this or a standard digital 4 track without all the bells and whistles. The in-built mics and fact it can be used with my mac are swinging it for me. I'm just talking relatively good, don't expect amazing results or anything.

I have the H4 and use it at practice/shows to just throw in the corner and record. It's very convenient & with a large memory card & fresh(-ish) batteries you don't have to worry about it crapping out before you finish. I have used the DAW interface aspect of it once to throw vocals on a song I recorded at practice and for throwing together a quickie demo thing I cannot really complain about anything. USB -> computer, open recording app, plug mic into the H4 and go. I enjoy plug & play (actually working).

I have a Marantz PMD660 which has been great for capturing interviews and lectures in high noise environments.

In a way this is a dis-recommendation as an ambient recorder--because it's good at pulling something quiet out of a haze of noise ... (?)

The onboard mic, isn't as PHOTOGENIC as the one on the Zoom, but the thing works very well.

It's just great.

I just bought an Edirol R-09 reconditioned from J&R for $299. I have yet to put it through it's paces but will return with a full report.